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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4
+by American Anti-Slavery Society
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4
+
+Author: American Anti-Slavery Society
+
+Release Date: February 25, 2004 [EBook #11272]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER, PART 2 OF 4 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stan Goodman, Amy Overmyer and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER PART 2 OF 4
+
+BY The American Anti-Slavery Society
+
+1838
+
+
+    No.  5. THE CHATTEL PRINCIPLE THE ABHORRENCE OF JESUS CHRIST AND
+            THE APOSTLES; OR NO REFUGE FOR AMERICAN SLAVERY IN THE NEW
+            TESTAMENT.
+
+    No.  6. NARRATIVE OF JAMES WILLIAMS, AN AMERICAN SLAVE.
+
+    No.  7. EMANCIPATION IN THE WEST INDIES.
+
+    No.  8. CORRESPONDENCE, BETWEEN THE HON. F.H. ELMORE, ONE OF THE
+            SOUTH CAROLINA DELEGATION IN CONGRESS, AND JAMES G.
+            BIRNEY, ONE OF THE SECRETARIES OF THE AMERICAN
+            ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.
+
+    No.  9. LETTER OF GERRIT SMITH, TO HON. HENRY CLAY.
+
+    No. 10. EMANCIPATION In The WEST INDIES, IN 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NO. 5
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+POWER OF CONGRESS
+
+OVER THE
+
+DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE NEW-YORK EVENING POST, UNDER THE SIGNATURE
+OF "WYTHE."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WITH ADDITIONS BY THE AUTHOR.
+
+FOURTH EDITION.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, No. 143 NASSAU
+STREET. 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This No. contains 3-1/2 sheets.--Postage, under 100 miles, 6 cts. over
+100, 10 cts.
+
+
+
+POWER OF CONGRESS OVER THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
+
+A civilized community presupposes a government of law. If that
+government be a republic, its citizens are the sole _sources_, as well
+as the _subjects_ of its power. Its constitution is their bill of
+directions to their own agents--a grant authorizing the exercise of
+certain powers, and prohibiting that of others. In the Constitution of
+the United States, whatever else may be obscure, the clause granting
+power to Congress over the Federal District may well defy
+misconstruction. Art. 1, Sec. 8, Clause 18: "The Congress shall have
+power to exercise exclusive legislation, _in all cases whatsoever_, over
+such District." Congress may make laws for the District "in all
+_cases_," not of all _kinds_. The grant respects the _subjects_ of
+legislation, _not_ the moral nature of the laws. The law-making power
+every where, is subject to _moral_ restrictions, whether limited by
+constitutions or not. No legislature can authorize murder, nor make
+honesty penal, nor virtue a crime, nor exact impossibilities. In these
+and similar respects, the power of Congress is held in check by
+principles existing in the nature of things, not imposed by the
+Constitution, but presupposed and assumed by it. The power of Congress
+over the District is restricted only by those principles that limit
+ordinary legislation, and, in some respects, it has even wider scope.
+
+In common with the legislatures of the States, Congress cannot
+constitutionally pass ex post facto laws in criminal cases, nor suspend
+the writ of habeas corpus, nor pass a bill of attainder, nor abridge the
+freedom of speech and of the press, nor invade the right of the people
+to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, nor enact
+laws respecting an establishment of religion. These are general
+limitations. Congress cannot do these things _any where_. The exact
+import, therefore, of the clause "in all cases whatsoever," is, _on all
+subjects within the appropriate sphere of legislation_. Some
+legislatures are restrained by constitutions from the exercise of powers
+strictly within the proper sphere of legislation. Congressional power
+over the District has no such restraint. It traverses the whole field of
+legitimate legislation. All the power which any legislature has within
+its own jurisdiction, Congress holds over the District of Columbia.
+
+It has been asserted that the clause in question respects merely police
+regulations, and that its sole design was to enable Congress to protect
+itself against popular tumults. But if the framers of the Constitution
+aimed to provide for a _single_ case only, why did they provide for
+"_all_ cases whatsoever?" Besides, this clause was opposed in many of
+the state conventions, because the grant of power was not restricted to
+police regulations _alone_. In the Virginia Convention, George Mason,
+the father of the Virginia Constitution, said, "This clause gives an
+unlimited authority in every possible case within the District. He would
+willingly give them exclusive power as far as respected the police and
+good government of the place, but he would give them no more." Mr.
+Grayson said, that control over the _police_ was all-sufficient, and
+that the "Continental Congress never had an idea of exclusive
+legislation in all cases." Patrick Henry said. "Is it consistent with
+any principle of prudence or good policy, to grant _unlimited, unbounded
+authority?_" Mr. Madison said in reply: "I did conceive that the clause
+under consideration was one of those parts which would speak its own
+praise. When any power is given, its delegation necessarily involves
+authority to make laws to execute it. * * * * The powers which are found
+necessary to be given, are therefore delegated _generally_, and
+particular and minute specification is left to the legislature. * * * It
+is not within the limits of human capacity to delineate on paper all
+those particular cases and circumstances, in which legislation by the
+general legislature would be necessary." Governor Randolph said:
+"Holland has no ten miles square, but she has the Hague where the
+deputies of the States assemble. But the influence which it has given
+the province of Holland, to have the seat of government within its
+territory, subject in some respects to its control, has been injurious
+to the other provinces. The wisdom of the Convention is therefore
+manifest in granting to Congress exclusive jurisdiction over the place
+of their session." [_Deb. Va. Con._, p. 320.] In the forty-third number
+of the "Federalist," Mr. Madison says: "The indispensable necessity of
+_complete_ authority at the seat of government, carries its own
+evidence with it."
+
+Finally, that the grant in question is to be interpreted according to
+the obvious import of its _terms_, is proved by the fact, that Virginia
+proposed an amendment to the United States' Constitution at the time of
+its adoption, providing that this clause "should be so construed as to
+give power only over the _police and good government_ of said District,"
+_which amendment was rejected_.
+
+The former part of the clause under consideration, "Congress shall have
+power to exercise _exclusive_ legislation," gives _sole_ jurisdiction,
+and the latter part, "in all cases whatsoever," defines the _extent_ of
+it. Since, then, Congress is the _sole_ legislature within the District,
+and since its power is limited only by the checks common to all
+legislatures, it follows that what the law-making power is intrinsically
+competent to do _any_ where, Congress is competent to do in the District
+of Columbia. Having disposed of preliminaries, we proceed to state and
+argue the _real_ question at issue.
+
+IS THE LAW-MAKING POWER COMPETENT TO ABOLISH SLAVERY WHEN NOT RESTRICTED
+IN THAT PARTICULAR BY CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS--or, IS THE ABOLITION OF
+SLAVERY WITHIN THE APPROPRIATE SPHERE OF LEGISLATION?
+
+1. In every government, absolute sovereignty exists _somewhere_. In the
+United States it exists primarily with the _people_, and _ultimate_
+sovereignty _always_ exists with them. In each of the States, the
+legislature possesses a _representative_ sovereignty, delegated by the
+people through the Constitution--the people thus committing to the
+legislature a portion of their sovereignty, and specifying in their
+constitutions the amount of the grant and its conditions. That the
+_people_ in any state where slavery exists, have the power to abolish
+it, none will deny. If the legislature have not the power, it is because
+_the people_ have reserved it to themselves. Had they lodged with the
+legislature "power to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever," they would have parted with their sovereignty over the
+legislation of the State, and so far forth, the legislature would have
+become _the people_, clothed with all their functions, and as such
+competent, _during the continuance of the grant_, to do whatever the
+people might have done before the surrender of their power:
+consequently, they would have the power to abolish slavery. The
+sovereignty of the District of Columbia exists _somewhere_--where is it
+lodged? The citizens of the District have no legislature of their own,
+no representation in Congress, and no political power whatever. Maryland
+and Virginia have surrendered to the United States their "full and
+absolute right and entire sovereignty," and the people of the United
+States have committed to Congress by the Constitution, the power to
+"exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever over such
+District."
+
+Thus, the sovereignty of the District of Columbia, is shown to reside
+solely in the Congress of the United States; and since the power of the
+people of a state to abolish slavery within their own limits, results
+from their entire sovereignty within that state, so the power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District, results from its entire
+sovereignty within the District. If it be objected that Congress can
+have no more power over the District, than was held by the legislatures
+of Maryland and Virginia, we ask what clause of the constitution
+graduates the power of Congress by the standard of those legislatures?
+Was the United States' constitution worked into its present shape under
+the measuring line and square of Virginia and Maryland? and is its power
+to be bevelled down till it can run in the grooves of state legislation?
+There is a deal of prating about constitutional power over the District,
+as though Congress were indebted for it to Maryland and Virginia. The
+powers of those states, whether prodigies or nullities, have nothing to
+do with the question. As well thrust in the powers of the Grand Lama to
+join issue upon, or twist papal bulls into constitutional tether, with
+which to curb congressional action. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED
+STATES gives power to Congress, and takes it away, and _it alone_.
+Maryland and Virginia adopted the Constitution _before_ they ceded to
+the United States the territory of the District. By their acts of
+cession, they abdicated their own sovereignty over the District, and
+thus made room for that provided by the United States' constitution,
+which sovereignty was to commence as soon as a cession of territory by
+states, and its acceptance by Congress, furnished a sphere for its
+exercise. That the abolition of slavery is within the sphere of
+legislation, I argue.
+
+2. FROM THE FACT, THAT SLAVERY, AS A LEGAL SYSTEM, IS THE CREATURE OF
+LEGISLATION. The law, by _creating_ slavery, not only affirmed its
+_existence_ to be within the sphere and under the control of
+legislation, but also, the conditions and terms of its existence, and
+the _question_ whether or not it should exist. Of course legislation
+would not travel _out_ of its sphere, in abolishing what is _within_ it,
+and what had been recognized to be within it, by its own act. Cannot
+legislatures repeal their own laws? If law can take from a man his
+rights, it can give them back again. If it can say, "your body belongs
+to your neighbor," it can say, "it belongs to _yourself_." If it can
+annul a man's right to himself, held by express grant from his Maker,
+and can create for another an _artificial_ title to him, can it not
+annul the artificial title, and leave the original owner to hold himself
+by his original title?
+
+3. THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDERED WITHIN THE
+APPROPRIATE SPHERE OF LEGISLATION. Almost every civilized nation has
+abolished slavery by law. The history of legislation since the revival
+of letters, is a record crowded with testimony to the universally
+admitted competency of the law-making power to abolish slavery. It is so
+manifestly an attribute not merely of absolute sovereignty, but even of
+ordinary legislation, that the competency of a legislature to exercise
+it, may well nigh be reckoned among the legal axioms of the civilized
+world. Even the night of the dark ages was not dark enough to make this
+invisible.
+
+The Abolition decree of the great council of England was passed in 1102.
+The memorable Irish decree, "that all the English slaves in the whole of
+Ireland, be immediately emancipated and restored to their former
+liberty," was issued in 1171. Slavery in England was abolished by a
+general charter of emancipation in 1381. Passing over many instances of
+the abolition of slavery by law, both during the middle ages and since
+the reformation, we find them multiplying as we approach our own times.
+In 1776 slavery was abolished in Prussia by special edict. In St.
+Domingo, Cayenne, Guadaloupe, and Martinique, in 1794, where more than
+600,000 slaves were emancipated by the French government. In Java, 1811;
+in Ceylon, 1815; in Buenos Ayres, 1816; in St. Helena, 1819; in
+Colombia, 1821; by the Congress of Chili in 1821; in Cape Colony, 1823;
+in Malacca, 1825; in the southern provinces of Birmah, 1826; in Bolivia,
+1826; in Peru, Guatemala, and Monte Video, 1828; in Jamaica, Barbados,
+the Bermudas, the Bahamas, Anguilla, Mauritius, St. Christopers, Nevis,
+the Virgin Islands, (British), Antigua, Montserrat, Dominica, St.
+Vincents, Grenada, Berbice, Tobago, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Honduras,
+Demerara, Essequibo and the Cape of Good Hope, on the 1st of August,
+1834. But waving details, suffice it to say, that England, France,
+Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and Germany, have
+all and often given their testimony to the competency of the legislative
+power to abolish slavery. In our own country, the Legislature of
+Pennsylvania passed an act of abolition in 1780, Connecticut in 1784;
+Rhode Island, 1784; New-York, 1799; New-Jersey, in 1804; Vermont, by
+Constitution, in 1777; Massachusetts, in 1780; and New-Hampshire,
+in 1784.
+
+When the competency of the law-making power to abolish slavery has thus
+been recognized every where and for ages, when it has been embodied in
+the highest precedents, and celebrated in the thousand jubilees of
+regenerated liberty, is it an achievement of modern discovery, that such
+a power is a nullity?--that all these acts of abolition are void, and
+that the millions disenthralled by them, are, either themselves or their
+posterity, still legally in bondage?
+
+4. LEGISLATIVE POWER HAS ABOLISHED SLAVERS IN ITS PARTS. The law of
+South Carolina prohibits the working of slaves more than fifteen hours
+in the twenty-four. In other words, it takes from the slaveholder his
+power over nine hours of the slave's time daily; and if it can take nine
+hours it may take twenty-four. The laws of Georgia prohibit the working
+of slaves on the first day of the week; and if they can do it for the
+first, they can for the six following. The law of North Carolina
+prohibits the "immoderate" correction of slaves. If it has power to
+prohibit _immoderate_ correction, it can prohibit _moderate_
+correction--_all_ correction, which would be virtual emancipation; for,
+take from the master the power to inflict pain, and he is master no
+longer. Cease to ply the slave with the stimulus of fear, and he
+is free.
+
+The Constitution of Mississippi gives the General Assembly power to make
+laws "to oblige the owners of slaves to _treat them with humanity_." The
+Constitution of Missouri has the same clause, and an additional one
+making it the DUTY of the legislature to pass such laws as may be
+necessary to secure the _humane_ treatment of the slaves. This grant to
+those legislatures, empowers them to decide what _is_ and what is _not_
+"humane treatment." Otherwise it gives no "power"--the clause is mere
+waste paper, and flouts in the face of a befooled legislature. A clause
+giving power to require "humane treatment" covers all the _particulars_
+of such treatment--gives power to exact it in _all respects--requiring_
+certain acts, and _prohibiting_ others--maiming, branding, chaining
+together, separating families, floggings for learning the alphabet, for
+reading the Bible, for worshiping God according to conscience--the
+legislature has power to specify each of these acts--declare that it is
+not "_humane_ treatment," and PROHIBIT it.--The legislature may also
+believe that driving men and women into the field, and forcing them to
+work without pay, is not "humane treatment," and being constitutionally
+bound "to _oblige_" masters to practise "humane treatment"--they have
+the _power_ to _prohibit such_ treatment, and are bound to do it.
+
+The law of Louisiana makes slaves real estate, prohibiting the holder,
+if he be also a _land_ holder, to separate them from the soil.[A] If it
+has power to prohibit the sale _without_ the soil, it can prohibit the
+sale _with_ it; and if it can prohibit the _sale_ as property, it can
+prohibit the _holding_ as property. Similar laws exist in the French,
+Spanish, and Portuguese colonies. The law of Louisiana requires the
+master to give his slaves a certain amount of food and clothing. If it
+can oblige the master to give the slave _one_ thing, it can oblige him
+to give him another: if food and clothing, then wages, liberty, his own
+body. By the laws of Connecticut, slaves may receive and hold property,
+and prosecute suits in their own name as plaintiffs: [This last was also
+the law of Virginia in 1795. See Tucker's "Dissertation on Slavery," p.
+73.] There were also laws making marriage contracts legal, in certain
+contingencies, and punishing infringements of them, ["_Reeve's Law of
+Baron and Femme_," p. 340-1.]
+
+[Footnote A: Virginia made slaves real estate by a law passed in 1705.
+(_Beverly's Hist. of Va._, p. 98.) I do not find the precise time when
+this law was repealed, probably when Virginia became the chief slave
+breeder for the cotton-growing and sugar-planting country, and made
+young men and women "from fifteen to twenty-five" the main staple
+production of the State.]
+
+Each of the laws enumerated above, does, _in principle_, abolish
+slavery; and all of them together abolish it _in fact_. True, not as a
+_whole_, and at a _stroke_, nor all in one place; but in its _parts_, by
+piecemeal, at divers times and places; thus showing that the abolition
+of slavery is within the boundary of legislation.
+
+In the "Washington (D.C.) City Laws," page 138, is "AN ACT to prevent
+horses from being cruelly beaten or abused." Similar laws have been
+passed by corporations in many of the slave states, and throughout the
+civilized world, such acts are punishable either as violations of common
+law or of legislative enactments. If a legislature can pass laws "to
+prevent _horses_ from being cruelly abused," it can pass laws to prevent
+_men_ from being cruelly abused, and if it can _prevent_ cruel abuse, it
+can define _what it is_. It can declare that to make men _work without
+pay_ is cruel abuse, and can PROHIBIT it.
+
+5. THE COMPETENCY OF THE LAW-MAKING POWER TO ABOLISH SLAVERY, HAS BEEN
+RECOGNIZED BY ALL THE SLAVEHOLDING STATES, EITHER DIRECTLY OR BY
+IMPLICATION. Some States recognize it in their _Constitutions_, by
+giving the legislature power to emancipate such slaves as may "have
+rendered the state some distinguished service," and others by express
+prohibitory restrictions. The Constitution of Mississippi, Arkansas, and
+other States, restrict the power of the legislature in this respect. Why
+this express prohibition, if the law-making power _cannot_ abolish
+slavery? A stately farce indeed, with appropriate rites to induct into
+the Constitution a special clause, for the express purpose of
+restricting a nonentity!--to take from the law-making power what it
+_never had_, and what _cannot_ pertain to it! The legislatures of those
+States have no power to abolish slavery, simply because their
+Constitutions have expressly _taken away_ that power. The people of
+Arkansas, Mississippi, &c. well knew the competency of the law-making
+power to abolish slavery, and hence their zeal to _restrict_ it.
+
+The slaveholding States have recognised this power in their _laws_.
+Virginia passed a law in 1786 to prevent the importation of Slaves, of
+which the following is an extract: "And be it further enacted that every
+slave imported into this commonwealth contrary to the true intent and
+meaning of this act, shall upon such importation become _free_." By a
+law of Virginia, passed Dec. 17, 1792, a slave brought into the state
+and kept _there a year_, was _free_. The Maryland Court of Appeals,
+Dec., 1813 [case of Stewart vs. Oakes,] decided that a slave owned in
+Maryland, and sent by his master into Virginia to work at different
+periods, making one year in the whole, became _free_, being
+_emancipated_ by the above law. North Carolina and Georgia in their acts
+of cession, transferring to the United States the territory now
+constituting the States of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, made it a
+condition of the grant, that the provisions of the ordinance of '87
+should be secured to the inhabitants, _with the exception of the sixth
+article which prohibits slavery_; thus conceding, both the competency of
+law to abolish slavery, and the power of Congress to do it, within its
+jurisdiction. (These acts show the prevalent belief at that time, in the
+slaveholding States, that the general government had adopted a line of
+policy aiming at the exclusion of slavery from the entire territory of
+the United States, not included within the original States, and that
+this policy would be pursued unless prevented by specific and formal
+stipulation.)
+
+Slaveholding States have asserted this power _in their judicial
+decisions_. In numerous cases their highest courts have decided that if
+the legal owner of slaves takes them into those States where slavery has
+been abolished either by law or by the constitution, such removal
+emancipates them, such law or constitution abolishing their slavery.
+This principle is asserted in the decision of the Supreme Court of
+Louisiana, Lunsford vs. Coquillon, 14 Martin's La. Reps. 401. Also by
+the Supreme Court of Virginia, Hunter vs. Fulcher, 1 Leigh's Reps. 172.
+The same doctrine was laid down by Judge Washington, of the U. S. Sup.
+Court, Butler vs. Hopper, Washington's C. C. Reps. 508; also, by the
+Court of Appeals in Kentucky, Rankin vs. Lydia, 2 Marshall's Reps. 407;
+see also, Wilson vs. Isbell, 5 Call's Reps. 425, Spotts vs. Gillespie, 6
+Randolph's Reps. 566. The State vs. Lasselle, 1 Blackford's Reps. 60,
+Marie Louise vs. Mariot, 8 La. Reps. 475. In this case, which was tried
+in 1836, the slave had been taken by her master to France and brought
+back; Judge Matthews, of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, decided that
+"residence for one moment" under the laws of France emancipated her.
+
+6. EMINENT STATESMEN, THEMSELVES SLAVEHOLDERS, HAVE CONCEDED THIS POWER.
+Washington, in a letter to Robert Morris, April 12, 1786, says: "There
+is not a man living, who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan
+adopted for the abolition of slavery; but there is only one proper and
+effectual mode by which it can be accomplished, and that is by
+_legislative_ authority." In a letter to Lafayette, May 10, 1786, he
+says: "It (the abolition of slavery) certainly might, and assuredly
+ought to be effected, and that too by _legislative_ authority." In a
+letter to John Fenton Mercer, Sept. 9, 1786, he says: "It is among my
+first wishes to see some plan adopted by which slavery in this country
+may be abolished by _law_." In a letter to Sir John Sinclair, he says:
+"There are in Pennsylvania, _laws_ for the gradual abolition of slavery,
+which neither Maryland nor Virginia have at present, but which nothing
+is more certain than that they _must have_, and at a period not remote."
+Jefferson, speaking of movements in the Virginia Legislature in 1777,
+for the passage of a law emancipating the slaves, says: "The principles
+of the amendment were agreed on, that is to say, the freedom of all born
+after a certain day; but it was found that the public mind would not
+bear the proposition, yet the day is not far distant when _it must bear
+and adopt it_."--Jefferson's Memoirs, v. i. p. 35. It is well known that
+Jefferson, Pendleton, Mason, Wythe and Lee, while acting as a committee
+of the Virginia House of Delegates to revise the State Laws, prepared a
+plan for the gradual emancipation of the slaves by law. These men were
+the great lights of Virginia. Mason, the author of the Virginia
+Constitution; Pendleton, the President of the memorable Virginia
+Convention in 1787, and President of the Virginia Court of Appeals;
+Wythe was the Blackstone of the Virginia bench, for a quarter of a
+century Chancellor of the State, the professor of law in the University
+of William and Mary, and the preceptor of Jefferson, Madison, and Chief
+Justice Marshall. He was the author of the celebrated remonstrance to
+the English House of Commons on the subject of the stamp act. As to
+Jefferson, his _name_ is his biography.
+
+Every slaveholding member of Congress from the States of Maryland,
+Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia, voted for the
+celebrated ordinance of 1787, which abolished the slavery then existing
+in the Northwest Territory. Patrick Henry, in his well known letter to
+Robert Pleasants, of Virginia, January 18, 1773, says: "I believe a time
+will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable
+evil." William Pinkney, of Maryland, advocated the abolition of slavery
+by law, in the legislature of that State, in 1789. Luther Martin urged
+the same measure both in the Federal Convention, and in his report to
+the Legislature of Maryland. In 1796, St. George Tucker, of Virginia,
+professor of law in the University of William and Mary, and Judge of the
+General Court, published a dissertation on slavery, urging the abolition
+of slavery by _law_.
+
+John Jay, while New-York was yet a slave State, and himself in law a
+slaveholder, said in a letter from Spain, in 1786, "An excellent law
+might be made out of the Pennsylvania one, for the gradual abolition of
+slavery. Were I in your legislature, I would present a bill for the
+purpose, and I would never cease moving it till it became a law, or I
+ceased to be a member."
+
+Governor Tompkins, in a message to the Legislature of New-York, January
+8, 1812, said: "To devise the means for the gradual and ultimate
+_extermination_ from amongst us of slavery, is a work worthy the
+_representatives_ of a polished and enlightened nation."
+
+The Virginia Legislature asserted this power in 1832. At the close of a
+month's debate, the following proceedings were had. I extract from an
+editorial article in the Richmond Whig, Jan. 26, 1832.
+
+"The report of the Select Committee, adverse to legislation on the
+subject of Abolition, was in these words: _Resolved_, as the opinion of
+this Committee, that it is INEXPEDIENT FOR THE PRESENT, to make any
+_legislative enactments for the abolition of slavery_." This Report Mr.
+Preston moved to reverse, and thus to declare that it _was_ expedient,
+_now_ to make legislative enactments for the abolition of slavery. This
+was meeting the question in its strongest form. It demanded action, and
+immediate action. On this proposition the vote was 58 to 73. Many of the
+most decided friends of abolition voted against the amendment, because
+they thought public opinion not sufficiently prepared for it, and that
+it might prejudice the cause to move too rapidly. The vote on Mr.
+Witcher's motion to postpone the whole subject indefinitely, indicates
+the true state of opinion in the House. That was the test question, and
+was so intended and proclaimed by its mover. That motion was
+_negatived_, 71 to 60; showing a majority of 11, who by that vote,
+declared their belief that at the proper time, and in the proper mode,
+Virginia ought to commence a system of gradual abolition.
+
+7. THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES HAVE ASSERTED THIS POWER. The
+ordinance of '87, declaring that there should be "neither slavery nor
+involuntary servitude," in the North Western Territory, abolished the
+slavery then existing there. The Sup. Court of Mississippi, [Harvey vs.
+Decker, Walker's Mi. Reps. 36,] declared that the ordinance of '87
+emancipated the slaves then held there. In this decision the question is
+argued ably and at great length. The Supreme Court of La. made the same
+decision in the case of Forsyth vs. Nash, 4 Martin's La. Reps. 385. The
+same doctrine was laid down by Judge Porter, (late United States Senator
+from La.,) in his decision at the March term of the La. Supreme Court,
+1830, Merry vs. Chexnaider, 20 Martin's Reps. 699.
+
+That the ordinance abolished the slavery then existing there is also
+shown by the fact, that persons holding slaves in the territory
+petitioned for the repeal of the article abolishing slavery, assigning
+_that_ as a reason. "The petition of the citizens of Randolph and St.
+Clair counties in the Illinois country, stating that they were in
+possession of slaves, and praying the repeal of that act (the 6th
+article of the ordinance of '87) and the passage of a law legalizing
+slavery there." [Am. State papers, Public Lands, v. 1. p. 69.] Congress
+passed this ordinance before the United States' Constitution was
+adopted, when it derived all its authority from the articles of
+Confederation, which conferred powers of legislation far more restricted
+than those committed to Congress over the District and Territories by
+the United States' Constitution. Now, we ask, how does the Constitution
+_abridge_ the powers which Congress possessed under the articles of
+confederation?
+
+The abolition of the slave trade by Congress, in 1808, is another
+illustration of the competency of legislative power to abolish slavery.
+The African slave trade has become such a mere _technic_, in common
+parlance, that the fact of its being _proper slavery_ is overlooked. The
+buying and selling, the transportation, and the horrors of the middle
+passage, were mere _incidents_ of the slavery in which the victims were
+held. Let things be called by their own names. When Congress abolished
+the African slave trade, it abolished SLAVERY--supreme slavery--power
+frantic with license, trampling a whole hemisphere scathed with its
+fires, and running down with blood. True, Congress did not, in the
+abolition of the slave trade, abolish all the slavery within its
+jurisdiction, but it did abolish _all_ the slavery _in one_ part of its
+jurisdiction. What has rifled it of power to abolish slavery in
+_another_ part of its jurisdiction, especially in that part where it has
+"exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever?"
+
+8. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES RECOGNIZES THIS POWER BY THE
+MOST CONCLUSIVE IMPLICATION. In Art. 1, sec. 3, clause 1, it prohibits
+the abolition of the slave trade previous to 1808: thus implying the
+power of Congress to do it at once, but for the restriction; and its
+power to do it _unconditionally_, when that restriction ceased. Again;
+In Art. 4, sec. 2, "No person held to service or labor in one state
+under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of
+any law or regulation therein, be discharged from said service or
+labor." This clause was inserted, as all admit, to prevent the runaway
+slave from being emancipated by the _laws_ of the free states. If these
+laws had _no power_ to emancipate, why this constitutional guard to
+prevent it?
+
+The insertion of the clause, was the testimony of the eminent jurists
+that framed the Constitution, to the existence of the _power_, and their
+public proclamation, that the abolition of slavery was within the
+appropriate sphere of legislation. The right of the owner to that which
+is rightfully property, is founded on a principle of _universal law_,
+and is recognized and protected by all civilized nations; property in
+slaves is, by general consent, an _exception_; hence slaveholders
+insisted upon the insertion of this clause in the United States'
+Constitution, that they might secure by an _express provision_, that
+from which protection is withheld, by the acknowledged principles of
+universal law.[A] By demanding this provision, slaveholders consented
+that their slaves should not be recognized as property by the United
+States' Constitution, and hence they found their claim, on the fact of
+their being "_persons_, and _held_ to service."
+
+[Footnote A: The fact, that under the articles of Confederation,
+slaveholders, whose slaves had escaped into free states, had no legal
+power to force them back,--that _now_ they have no power to recover, by
+process of law, their slaves who escape to Canada, the South American
+States, or to Europe--the case already cited, in which the Supreme Court
+of Louisiana decided, that residence "_for one moment_," under the laws
+of France emancipated an American slave--the case of Fulton, _vs._
+Lewis, 3 Har. and John's Reps., 56, where the slave of a St. Domingo
+slaveholder, who brought him to Maryland in '93, was pronounced free by
+the Maryland Court of Appeals--are illustrations of the acknowledged
+truth here asserted, that by the consent of the civilized world, and on
+the principles of universal law, slaves are not "_property_," and that
+whenever held as property under _law_, it is only by _positive
+legislative acts_, forcibly setting aside the law of nature, the common
+law, and the principles of universal justice and right between man and
+man,--principles paramount to all law, and from which alone, law derives
+its intrinsic authoritative sanction.]
+
+9. CONGRESS HAS UNQUESTIONABLE POWER TO ADOPT THE COMMON LAW, AS THE
+LEGAL SYSTEM, WITHIN ITS EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION.--This has been done,
+with certain restrictions, in most of the States, either by legislative
+acts or by constitutional implication. THE COMMON LAW KNOWS NO SLAVES.
+Its principles annihilate slavery wherever they touch it. It is a
+universal, unconditional, abolition act. Wherever slavery is a legal
+system, it is so only by _statute_ law, and in violation of the common
+law. The declaration of Lord Chief Justice Holt, that, "by the common
+law, no man can have property in another," is an acknowledged axiom, and
+based upon the well known common law definition of property. "The
+subjects of dominion or property are _things_, as contra-distinguished
+from _persons_." Let Congress adopt the common law in the District of
+Columbia, and slavery there is abolished. Congress may well be at home
+in common law legislation, for the common law is the grand element of
+the United States' Constitution. All its _fundamental_ provisions are
+instinct with its spirit; and its existence, principles, and paramount
+authority, are presupposed and assumed throughout the whole. The
+preamble of the Constitution plants the standard of the Common Law
+immovably in its foreground. "We, the people of the United States, in
+order to ESTABLISH JUSTICE, &c., do ordain and establish this
+Constitution;" thus proclaiming _devotion_ to JUSTICE, as the
+controlling motive in the organization of the Government, and its secure
+establishment the chief object of its aims. By this most solemn
+recognition, the common law, that grand legal embodyment of "justice"
+and fundamental right--was made the groundwork of the Constitution, and
+intrenched behind its strongest munitions. The second clause of Sec. 9,
+Art. 1; Sec. 4, Art. 2, and the last clause of Sec. 2, Art. 3, with
+Articles 7, 8, 9, and 13 of the Amendments, are also express
+recognitions of the common law as the presiding Genius of the
+Constitution.
+
+By adopting the common law within its exclusive jurisdiction Congress
+would carry out the principles of our glorious Declaration, and follow
+the highest precedents in our national history and jurisprudence. It is
+a political maxim as old as civil legislation, that laws should be
+strictly homogeneous with the principles of the government whose will
+they express, embodying and carrying them out--being indeed the
+_principles themselves_, in preceptive form--representatives alike of
+the nature and power of the Government--standing illustrations of its
+genius and spirit, while they proclaim and enforce its authority. Who
+needs be told that slavery makes war upon the principles of the
+Declaration, and the spirit of the Constitution, and that these and the
+principles of the common law gravitate towards each other with
+irrepressible affinities, and mingle into one? The common law came
+hither with our pilgrim fathers; it was their birthright, their panoply,
+their glory, and their song of rejoicing in the house of their
+pilgrimage. It covered them in the day of their calamity, and their
+trust was under the shadow of its wings. From the first settlement of
+the country, the genius of our institutions and our national spirit have
+claimed it as a common possession, and exulted in it with a common
+pride. A century ago, Governor Pownall, one of the most eminent
+constitutional jurists of colonial times, said of the common law, "In
+all the colonies the common law is received as the foundation and main
+body of their law." In the Declaration of Rights, made by the
+Continental Congress at its first session in '74, there was the
+following resolution: "Resolved, That the respective colonies are
+entitled to the common law of England, and especially to the great and
+inestimable privilege of being tried by their peers of the vicinage
+according to the course of that law." Soon after the organization of the
+general government, Chief Justice Ellsworth, in one of his decisions on
+the bench of the U. S. Sup. Court, said: "The common law of this country
+remains the same as it was before the revolution." Chief Justice
+Marshall, in his decision in the case of Livingston _vs._ Jefferson,
+said: "When our ancestors migrated to America, they brought with them
+the common law of their native country, so far as it was applicable to
+their new situation, and I do not conceive that the revolution in any
+degree changed the relations of man to man, or the law which regulates
+them. In breaking our political connection with the parent state, we did
+not break our connection with each other." [_Hall's Law Journal, new
+series_.] Mr. Duponceau, in his "Dissertation on the Jurisdiction of
+Courts in the United States," says, "I consider the common law of
+England the _jus commune_ of the United States. I think I can lay it
+down as a correct principle, that the common law of England, as it was
+at the time of the Declaration of Independence, still continues to be
+the national law of this country, so far as it is applicable to our
+present state, and subject to the modifications it has received here in
+the course of nearly half a century." Chief Justice Taylor of North
+Carolina, in his decision in the case of the State _vs._ Reed, in 1823,
+Hawkes' N.C. Reps. 454, says, "a law of _paramount, obligation to the
+statute_, was violated by the offence--COMMON LAW, founded upon the law
+of nature, and confirmed by revelation." The legislation of the United
+States abounds in recognitions of the principles of the common law,
+asserting their paramount binding power. Sparing details, of which our
+national state papers are full, we illustrate by a single instance. It
+was made a condition of the admission of Louisiana into the Union, that
+the right of trial by jury should be secured to all her citizens,--the
+United States government thus employing its power to enlarge the
+jurisdiction of the common law in this its great representative.
+
+Having shown that the abolition of slavery is within the competency of
+the law-making power, when unrestricted by constitutional provisions,
+and that the legislation of Congress over the District is thus
+unrestricted, its power to abolish slavery there is established. We
+argue it further, from the fact that,
+
+10. SLAVERY NOW EXISTS IN THE DISTRICT BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS. In the act
+of 16th July, 1790, Congress accepted portions of territory offered by
+the states of Maryland and Virginia, and enacted that the laws, as they
+then were, should continue in force, "until Congress shall otherwise by
+law provide." Under these laws, adopted by Congress, and in effect
+re-enacted and made laws of the District, the slaves there are now held.
+
+Is Congress so impotent in its own "exclusive jurisdiction" that it
+cannot "otherwise by law provide?" If it can say, what _shall_ be
+considered property, it can say what shall _not_ be considered property.
+Suppose a legislature should enact that marriage contracts should be
+mere bills of sale, making a husband the proprietor of his wife, as his
+_bona fide_ property; and suppose husbands should herd their wives in
+droves for the market as beasts of burden, or for the brothel as victims
+of lust, and then prate about their inviolable legal property, and deny
+the power of the legislature, which stamped them "property," to undo its
+own wrong, and secure to wives by law the rights of human beings. Would
+such cant about "legal rights" be heeded where reason and justice held
+sway, and where law, based upon fundamental morality, received homage?
+If a frantic legislature pronounces woman a chattel, has it no power,
+with returning reason, to take back the blasphemy? Is the impious edict
+irrepealable? Be it, that with legal forms it has stamped wives "wares."
+Can no legislation blot out the brand? Must the handwriting of Deity on
+human nature be expunged for ever? Has LAW no power to stay the erasing
+pen, and tear off the scrawled label that covers up the IMAGE OF GOD?
+
+II. THE POWER OF CONGRESS TO ABOLISH SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT HAS BEEN,
+TILL RECENTLY, UNIVERSALLY CONCEDED.
+
+1. It has been assumed by Congress itself. The following record stands
+on the journals of the House of Representatives for 1804, p. 225: "On
+motion made and seconded that the House do come to the following
+resolution: 'Resolved, That from and after the 4th day of July, 1805,
+all blacks and people of color that shall be born within the District of
+Columbia, or whose mothers shall be the property of any person residing
+within the said District, shall be free, the males at the age of ----,
+and the females at the age of ----. The main question being taken that
+the House do agree to said motions as originally proposed, it was
+negatived by a majority of 46.'" Though the motion was lost, it was on
+the ground of its alleged _inexpediency_ alone. In the debate which
+preceded the vote, the power of Congress was conceded. In March, 1816,
+the House of Representatives passed the following resolution: "Resolved,
+That a committee be appointed to inquire into the existence of an
+inhuman and illegal traffic in slaves, carried on in and through the
+District of Columbia, and to report whether any and what measures are
+necessary for _putting a stop to the same_."
+
+On the 9th of January, 1829, the House of Representatives passed the
+following resolution by a vote of 114 to 66: "Resolved, That the
+Committee on the District of Columbia, be instructed to inquire into the
+_expediency_ of providing by _law_ for the gradual abolition of slavery
+within the District, in such a manner that the interests of no
+individual shall be injured thereby." Among those who voted in the
+affirmative were Messrs. Barney of Md., Armstrong of Va., A.H. Shepperd
+of N.C., Blair of Tenn., Chilton and Lyon of Ky., Johns of Del., and
+others from slave states.
+
+2. IT HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS, ON THE DISTRICT OF
+COLUMBIA.--In a report of the committee on the District, Jan. 11, 1837,
+by their chairman, Mr. Powell of Va., there is the following
+declaration: "The Congress of the United States, has by the constitution
+exclusive jurisdiction over the District, and has power upon this
+subject (_slavery_,) as upon all other subjects of legislation, to
+exercise _unlimited discretion_." Reports of Comms. 2d Sess. 19th Cong.
+v. iv. No. 43. In December, 1831, the committee on the District, Mr.
+Doddridge of Va., Chairman, reported, "That until the adjoining states
+act on the subject, (_slavery_) it would be (not _unconstitutional_ but)
+unwise and impolitic, if not unjust, for Congress to interfere." In
+April, 1836, a special committee on abolition memorials reported the
+following resolutions by their Chairman, Mr. Pinckney of South Carolina:
+"Resolved, That Congress possesses no constitutional authority to
+interfere in any way with the institution of slavery in any of the
+states of this confederacy."
+
+"Resolved, That Congress _ought not to interfere_ in any way with
+slavery in the District of Columbia." "Ought not to interfere,"
+carefully avoiding the phraseology of the first resolution, and thus in
+effect conceding the constitutional power. In a widely circulated
+"Address to the electors of the Charleston District," Mr. Pinkney is
+thus denounced by his own constituents: "He has proposed a resolution
+which is received by the plain common sense of the whole country as a
+concession that Congress has authority to abolish slavery in the
+District of Columbia."
+
+3. IT HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY THE CITIZENS OF THE DISTRICT. A petition for
+the gradual abolition of slavery in the District, signed by nearly
+eleven hundred of its citizens, was presented to Congress, March 24,
+1827. Among the signers to this petition, were Chief Justice Cranch,
+Judge Van Ness, Judge Morsel, Prof. J.M. Staughton, and a large number
+of the most influential inhabitants of the District. Mr. Dickson, of New
+York, asserted on the floor of Congress in 1835, that the signers to
+this petition owned more than half the property in the District. The
+accuracy of this statement has never been questioned.
+
+THIS POWER HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY GRAND JURIES OF THE DISTRICT. The grand
+jury of the county of Alexandria, at the March term, 1802, presented the
+domestic slaves trade as a grievance, and said, "We consider these
+grievances demanding _legislative_ redress." Jan. 19, 1829, Mr.
+Alexander, of Virginia, presented a representation of the grand jury in
+the city of Washington, remonstrating against "any measure for the
+abolition of slavery within said District, unless accompanied by
+measures for the removal of the emancipated from the same;" thus, not
+only conceding the power to emancipate slaves, but affirming an
+additional power, that of _excluding them when free_. Journal H. R.
+1828-9, p. 174.
+
+4. THIS POWER HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY STATE LEGISLATURES. In 1828 the
+Legislature of Pennsylvania instructed their Senators in Congress "to
+procure, if practicable, the passage of a law to abolish slavery in the
+District of Columbia." Jan. 28, 1829, the House of Assembly of New York
+passed a resolution, that their "Senators in Congress be instructed to
+make every possible exertion to effect the passage of a law for the
+abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia." In February, 1837,
+the Senate of Massachusetts "Resolved, That Congress having exclusive
+legislation in the District of Columbia, possess the right to abolish
+slavery and the slave trade therein." The House of Representatives
+passed the following resolution at the same session: "Resolved, That
+Congress having exclusive legislation in the District of Columbia,
+possess the right to abolish slavery in said District." November 1,
+1837, the Legislature of Vermont, "Resolved that Congress have the full
+power by the constitution to abolish slavery and the slave trade in the
+District of Columbia, and in the territories."
+
+In May, 1838, the Legislature of Connecticut passed a resolution
+asserting the power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District
+of Columbia.
+
+In January, 1836, the Legislature of South Carolina "Resolved, That we
+should consider the abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia as
+a violation of the rights of the citizens of that District derived from
+the _implied_ conditions on which that territory was ceded to the
+General Government." Instead of denying the constitutional power, they
+virtually admit its existence, by striving to smother it under an
+_implication_. In February, 1836, the Legislature of North Carolina
+"Resolved, That, although by the Constitution _all legislative power_
+over the District of Columbia is vested in the Congress of the United
+States, yet we would deprecate any legislative action on the part of
+that body towards liberating the slaves of that District, as a breach of
+faith towards those States by whom the territory was originally ceded.
+Here is a full concession of the _power_. February 2, 1836, the Virginia
+Legislature passed unanimously the following resolution: "Resolved, by
+the General Assembly of Virginia, that the following article be proposed
+to the several states of this Union, and to Congress, as an amendment of
+the Constitution of the United States:" "The powers of Congress shall not
+be so construed as to authorize the passage of any law for the
+emancipation of slaves in the District of Columbia, without the consent
+of the individual proprietors thereof, unless by the sanction of the
+Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, and under such conditions as they
+shall by law prescribe."
+
+Fifty years after the formation of the United States' constitution the
+states are solemnly called upon by the Virginia Legislature, to amend
+that instrument by a clause asserting that, in the grant to Congress of
+"exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever" over the District, the
+"case" of slavery is not included!! What could have dictated such a
+resolution but the conviction that the power to abolish slavery is an
+irresistible inference from the constitution _as it is?_ The fact that
+the same legislature, passed afterward a resolution, though by no means
+unanimously, that Congress does not possess the power, abates not a
+title of the testimony in the first resolution. March 23d, 1824, "Mr.
+Brown presented the resolutions of the General Assembly of Ohio,
+recommending to Congress the consideration of a system for the gradual
+emancipation of persons of color held in servitude in the United
+States." On the same day, "Mr. Noble, of Indiana, communicated a
+resolution from the legislature of that state, respecting the gradual
+emancipation of slaves within the United States." Journal of the United
+States' Senate, for 1824-5, p.231.
+
+The Ohio and Indiana resolutions, by taking for granted the _general_
+power of Congress over the subject of slavery, do virtually assert its
+_special_ power within its _exclusive_ jurisdiction.
+
+5. THIS POWER HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY BODIES OF CITIZENS IN THE SLAVE
+STATES. The petition of eleven hundred citizens of the District, has
+been already mentioned. "March 5,1830, Mr. Washington presented a
+memorial of inhabitants of the county of Frederick, in the state of
+Maryland, praying that provision be made for the gradual abolition of
+slavery in the District of Columbia." Journal H.R. 1829-30, p. 358.
+
+March 30, 1828. Mr. A.H. Shepperd, of North Carolina, presented a
+memorial of citizens of that state, "praying Congress to take measures
+for the entire abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia."
+Journal H.R. 1829-30, p. 379.
+
+January 14, 1822. Mr. Rhea, of Tennessee, presented a memorial of
+citizens of that state, praying that "provision may be made, whereby all
+slaves that may hereafter be born in the District of Columbia, shall be
+free at a certain period of their lives." Journal H.R. 1821-22, p.142.
+
+December 13, 1824. Mr. Saunders of North Carolina, presented a memorial
+of the citizens of that state, praying "that measures may be taken for
+the gradual abolition of slavery in the United States." Journal H.R.
+1824-25, p.27.
+
+December 16, 1828. "Mr. Barnard presented the memorial of the American
+Convention for promoting the abolition of slavery, held in Baltimore,
+praying that slavery may be abolished in the District of Columbia."
+Journal U.S. Senate, 1828-29, p.24.
+
+6. DISTINGUISHED STATESMEN AND JURISTS IN THE SLAVEHOLDING STATES, HAVE
+CONCEDED THIS POWER. The testimony Of Messrs. Doddridge, and Powell, of
+Virginia, Chief Justice Cranch, and Judges Morsel and Van Ness, of the
+District, has already been given. In the debate in Congress on the
+memorial of the Society of Friends, in 1790, Mr. Madison, in speaking of
+the territories of the United States, explicitly declared, from his own
+knowledge of the views of the members of the convention that framed the
+constitution, as well as from the obvious import of its terms, that in
+the territories, "Congress have certainly the power to regulate the
+subject of slavery." Congress can have no more power over the
+territories than that of "exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever," consequently, according to Mr. Madison, "it has certainly
+the power to regulate the subject of slavery in the" _District_. In
+March, 1816, Mr. Randolph of Virginia, introduced a resolution for
+putting a stop to the domestic slave trade within the District. December
+12, 1827, Mr. Barney, of Maryland, presented a memorial for abolition in
+the District, and moved that it be printed. Mr. McDuffie, of S.C.,
+objected to the printing, but "expressly admitted the right of Congress
+to grant to the people of the District any measure which they might deem
+necessary to free themselves from the deplorable evil."--[See letter of
+Mr. Claiborne of Miss. to his constituents published in the Washington
+Globe, May 9, 1836.] The sentiments of Mr. Clay of Kentucky, on the
+subject are well known. In a speech before the U.S. Senate, in 1836, he
+declared the power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District
+"unquestionable." Messrs. Blair, of Tennessee, and Chilton, Lyon, and
+R.M. Johnson, of Kentucky, A.H. Shepperd, of N.C., Messrs. Armstrong and
+Smyth of Va., Messrs. Dorsey, Archer, and Barney, of Md., and Johns, of
+Del., with numerous others from slave states have asserted the power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District. In the speech of Mr. Smyth,
+of Virginia, on the Missouri question, January 28, 1820, he says on this
+point: "If the future freedom of the blacks is your real object, and not
+a mere pretence, why do you begin _here_? Within the ten miles square,
+you have _undoubted power_ to exercise exclusive legislation. _Produce a
+bill to emancipate the slaves in the District of Columbia_, or, if you
+prefer it, to emancipate those born hereafter."
+
+To this may be added the testimony of the present Vice President of the
+United States, Hon. Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky. In a speech before
+the U.S. Senate, February 1, 1820, (National Intelligencer, April 29,
+1829,) he says: "In the District of Columbia, containing a population of
+30,000 souls, and probably as many slaves as the whole territory of
+Missouri, THE POWER OF PROVIDING FOR THEIR EMANCIPATION RESTS WITH
+CONGRESS ALONE. Why then, this heart-rending sympathy for the slaves of
+Missouri, and this cold insensibility, this eternal apathy, towards the
+slaves in the District of Columbia?"
+
+It is quite unnecessary to add, that the most distinguished northern
+statesmen of both political parties, have always affirmed the power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District. President Van Buren in his
+letter of March 6, 1836, to a committee of Gentlemen in North Carolina,
+says, "I would not, from the light now before me, feel myself safe in
+pronouncing that Congress does not possess the power of abolishing
+slavery in the District of Columbia." This declaration of the President
+is consistent with his avowed sentiments touching the Missouri question,
+on which he coincided with such men as Daniel D. Thompkins, De Witt
+Clinton, and others, whose names are a host.[A] It is consistent, also
+with his recommendation in his last message, in which speaking of the
+District, he strongly urges upon Congress "a thorough and careful
+revision of its local government," speaks of the "entire independence"
+of the people of the District "upon Congress," recommends that a
+"uniform system of local government" be adopted, and adds, that
+"although it was selected as the seat of the General Government, the
+site of its public edifices, the depository of its archives, and the
+residences of officers intrusted with large amounts of public property,
+and the management of public business, yet it never has been subjected
+to, or received, that _special_ and _comprehensive_ legislation which
+these circumstances peculiarly demanded."
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Van Buren, when a member of the Senate of New-York,
+voted for the following preamble and resolutions, which passed
+unanimously:--Jan. 28th, 1820. "Whereas the inhibiting the further
+extension of slavery in the United States, is a subject of deep concern
+to the people of this state: and whereas, we consider slavery as an evil
+much to be deplored, and that _every constitutional barrier should be
+interposed to prevent its further extension_: and that the constitution
+of the United States _clearly gives Congress the right_ to require new
+states, not comprised within the original boundary of the United States,
+to _make the prohibition of slavery_ a condition of their admission into
+the Union: Therefore,
+
+    Resolved, That our Senators be instructed, and our members of
+    Congress be requested, to oppose the admission as a state into the
+    Union, of any territory not comprised as aforesaid, without making
+    _the prohibition of slavery_ therein an indispensible condition of
+    admission."
+]
+
+The tenor of Mr. Tallmadge's speech on the right of petition, and of Mr.
+Webster's on the reception of abolition memorials, may be taken as
+universal exponents of the sentiments of northern statesmen as to the
+power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia.
+
+An explicit declaration, that an "_overwhelming majority_" of the
+_present_ Congress concede the power to abolish slavery in the District
+has just been made by Robert Barnwell Rhett, a member of Congress from
+South Carolina, in a letter published in the Charleston Mercury of Dec.
+27, 1837. The following is an extract:
+
+"The time has arrived when we must have new guaranties under the
+constitution, or the Union must be dissolved. _Our views of the
+constitution are not those of the majority_. AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY
+_think that by the constitution, Congress may abolish slavery in the
+District of Columbia--may abolish the slave trade between the States;
+that is, it may prohibit their being carried out of the State in which
+they are--and prohibit it in all the territories, Florida among them.
+They think_, NOT WITHOUT STRONG REASONS, _that the power of Congress
+extends to all of these subjects_."
+
+_Direct testimony_ to show that the power of Congress to abolish slavery
+in the District, has always till recently been _universally conceded_,
+is perhaps quite superfluous. We subjoin, however, the following:
+
+The Vice-President of the United States in his speech on the Missouri
+question, quoted above, after contending that the restriction of slavery
+in Missouri would be unconstitutional, declares, that the power of
+Congress over slavery in the District "COULD NOT BE QUESTIONED." In the
+speech of Mr. Smyth, of Va., also quoted above, he declares the power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District to be "UNDOUBTED."
+
+Mr. Sutherland, of Penn., in a speech in the House of Representatives,
+on the motion to print Mr. Pinckney's Report, is thus reported in the
+Washington Globe, of May 9th, '36. "He replied to the remark that the
+report conceded that Congress had a right to legislate upon the subject
+in the District of Columbia, and said that SUCH A RIGHT HAD NEVER BEEN,
+TILL RECENTLY, DENIED."
+
+The American Quarterly Review, published at Philadelphia, with a large
+circulation and list of contributors in the slave states, holds the
+following language in the September No. 1833, p. 55: "Under this
+'exclusive jurisdiction,' granted by the constitution, Congress has
+power to abolish slavery and the slave trade in the District of
+Columbia. It would hardly be necessary to state this as a distinct
+proposition, had it not been occasionally questioned. The truth of the
+assertion, however, is too obvious to admit of argument--and we believe
+has NEVER BEEN DISPUTED BY PERSONS WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE
+CONSTITUTION."
+
+OBJECTIONS TO THE FOREGOING CONCLUSIONS CONSIDERED.
+
+We now proceed to notice briefly the main arguments that have been
+employed in Congress and elsewhere against the power of Congress to
+abolish slavery in the District. One of the most plausible is, that "the
+conditions on which Maryland and Virginia ceded the District to the
+United States, would be violated, if Congress should abolish slavery
+there." The reply to this is, that Congress had no power to _accept_ a
+cession coupled with conditions restricting that "power of exclusive
+legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District," which was
+given it by the constitution.
+
+To show the futility of the objection, we insert here the acts of
+cession. The cession of Maryland was made in November, 1788, and is as
+follows: "An act to cede to Congress a district of ten miles square in
+this state for the seat of the government of the United States."
+
+"Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, that the
+representatives of this state in the House of Representatives of the
+Congress of the United States, appointed to assemble at New-York, on the
+first Wednesday of March next, be, and they are; hereby authorized and
+required on the behalf of this state, to cede to the Congress of the
+United States, any district in this state, not exceeding ten miles
+square, which the Congress may fix upon, and accept for the seat of
+government of the United States." Laws of Md., v. 2., c. 46.
+
+The cession of Virginia was made on the 3d of December, 1788, in the
+following words:
+
+"Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That a tract of country, not
+exceeding ten miles square, or any lesser quantity, to be located within
+the limits of the State, and in any part thereof; as Congress may, by
+law, direct, shall be, and the same is hereby forever ceded and
+relinquished to the Congress and Government of the United States, in
+full and absolute right, and exclusive jurisdiction, as well of soil, as
+of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the tenor and
+effect of the eighth section of the first article of the government of
+the constitution of the United States."
+
+But were there no provisos to these acts? The Maryland act had _none_.
+The Virginia act had this proviso: "Sect. 2. Provided, that nothing
+herein contained, shall be construed to vest in the United States any
+right of property in the soil, or to affect the rights of individuals
+_therein_, otherwise than the same shall or may be transferred by such
+individuals to the United States."
+
+This specification touching the soil was merely definitive and
+explanatory of that clause in the act of cession, "_full and absolute
+right_." Instead of restraining the power of Congress on _slavery_ and
+other subjects, it even gives it freer course; for exceptions to _parts_
+of a rule, give double confirmation to those parts not embraced in the
+exceptions. If it was the _design_ of the proviso to restrict
+congressional action on the subject of _slavery_, why is the _soil
+alone_ specified? As legal instruments are not paragons of economy in
+words, might not "John Doe," out of his abundance, and without spoiling
+his style, have afforded an additional word--at least a hint--that
+slavery was _meant_, though nothing was said about it?
+
+But again, Maryland and Virginia, in their acts of cession, declare them
+to be made "in pursuance of" that clause of the constitution which gives
+to Congress "exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever" over the ten
+miles square--thus, instead of _restricting_ that clause, both States
+_confirm_ it. Now, their acts of cession either accorded with that
+clause of the constitution, or they conflicted with it. If they
+conflicted with it, _accepting_ the cessions was a violation of the
+constitution. The fact that Congress accepted the cessions, proves that
+in its views their _terms_ did not conflict with its constitutional
+grant of power. The inquiry whether these acts of cession were
+consistent or inconsistent with the United Status' constitution, is
+totally irrelevant to the question at issue. What with the CONSTITUTION?
+That is the question. Not, what with Virginia, or Maryland, or--equally
+to the point--John Bull! If Maryland and Virginia had been the
+authorized interpreters of the constitution for the Union, these acts of
+cession could hardly have been more magnified than they have been
+recently by the southern delegation in Congress. A true understanding of
+the constitution can be had, forsooth, only by holding it up in the
+light of Maryland and Virginia legislation!
+
+We are told, again, that those States would not have ceded the District
+if they had supposed the constitution gave Congress power to abolish
+slavery in it.
+
+This comes with an ill grace from Maryland and Virginia. They _knew_ the
+constitution. They were parties to it. They had sifted it, clause by
+clause, in their State conventions. They had weighed its words in the
+balance--they had tested them as by fire; and, finally, after long
+pondering, they adopted the constitution. And _afterward_, self-moved,
+they ceded the ten miles square, and declared the cession made "in
+pursuance of" that oft-cited clause, "Congress shall have power to
+exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever over such
+District." And now verily "they would not have ceded if they had
+_supposed_!" &c. Cede it they _did_, and in "full and absolute right
+both of soil and persons." Congress accepted the cession--state power
+over the District ceased, and congressional power over it
+commenced,--and now, the sole question to be settled is, the _amount of
+power over the District lodged in Congress by the constitution_. The
+constitution--THE CONSTITUTION--that is the point. Maryland and Virginia
+"suppositions" must be potent suppositions to abrogate a clause of the
+United States' Constitution! That clause either gives Congress power to
+abolish slavery in the District, or it does _not_--and that point is to
+be settled, not by state "suppositions," nor state usages, nor state
+legislation, but _by the terms of the clause themselves_.
+
+Southern members of Congress, in the recent discussions, have conceded
+the power of a contingent abolition in the District, by suspending it
+upon the _consent_ of the people. Such a doctrine from _declaimers_ like
+Messrs. Alford, of Georgia, and Walker, of Mississippi, would excite no
+surprise; but that it should be honored with the endorsement of such men
+as Mr. Rives and Mr. Calhoun, is quite unaccountable. Are attributes of
+sovereignty mere creatures of contingency? Is delegated authority mere
+conditional permission? Is a constitutional power to be exercised by
+those who hold it, only by popular sufferance? Must it lie helpless at
+the pool of public sentiment, waiting the gracious troubling of its
+waters? Is it a lifeless corpse, save only when popular "consent" deigns
+to puff breath into its nostrils? Besides, if the consent of the people
+of the District be necessary, the consent of the _whole_ people must be
+had--not that of a majority, however large. Majorities, to be
+authoritative, must be _legal_--and a legal majority without legislative
+power, or right of representation, or even the electoral franchise,
+would be truly an anomaly! In the District of Columbia, such a thing as
+a majority in a legal sense is unknown to law. To talk of the power of a
+majority, or the will of a majority there, is mere mouthing. A majority?
+Then it has an authoritative will, and an organ to make it known, and an
+executive to carry it into effect--Where are they? We repeat it--if the
+consent of the people of the District be necessary, the consent of
+_every one_ is necessary--and _universal_ consent will come only with
+the Greek Kalends and a "perpetual motion." A single individual might
+thus perpetuate slavery in defiance of the expressed will of a whole
+people. The most common form of this fallacy is given by Mr. Wise, of
+Virginia, in his speech, February 16, 1835, in which he denied the power
+of Congress to abolish slavery in the District, unless the inhabitants
+owning slaves petitioned for it!! Southern members of Congress at the
+present session (1837-8) ring changes almost daily upon the same
+fallacy. What! pray Congress _to use_ a power which it _has not_? "It is
+required of a man according to what he _hath_," saith the Scripture. I
+commend Mr. Wise to Paul for his ethics. Would that he had got his
+_logic_ of him! If Congress does not possess the power, why taunt it
+with its weakness, by asking its exercise? Petitioning, according to Mr.
+Wise, is, in matters of legislation, omnipotence itself; the very
+_source_ of all constitutional power; for, _asking_ Congress to do what
+it _cannot_ do, gives it the power!--to pray the exercise of a power
+that is _not, creates_ it! A beautiful theory! Let us work it both ways.
+If to petition for the exercise of a power that is _not_, creates it--to
+petition against the exercise of a power that _is_, annihilates it. As
+southern gentlemen are partial to summary processes, pray, sirs, try the
+virtue of your own recipe on "exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever;" a better subject for experiment and test of the
+prescription could not be had. But if the petitions of the citizens of
+the District give Congress the _right_ to abolish slavery, they impose
+the _duty_; if they confer constitutional _authority_, they create
+constitutional _obligation_. If Congress _may_ abolish because of an
+expression of their will, it _must_ abolish at the bidding of that will.
+If the people of the District are a _source of power_ to Congress, their
+_expressed will_ has the force of a constitutional provision, and has
+the same binding power upon the National Legislature. To make Congress
+dependent on the District for authority, is to make it a _subject_ of
+its authority, restraining the exercise of its own discretion, and
+sinking it into a mere organ of the District's will. We proceed to
+another objection.
+
+"_The southern states would not have ratified the constitution, if they
+had supposed that it gave this power_." It is a sufficient answer to
+this objection, that the northern states would not have ratified it, if
+they had supposed that it _withheld_ the power. If "suppositions" are to
+take the place of the constitution--coming from both sides, they
+neutralize each other. To argue a constitutional question by _guessing_
+at the "suppositions" that might have been made by the parties to it
+would find small favor in a court of law. But even a desperate shift is
+some easement when sorely pushed. If this question is to be settled by
+"suppositions," suppositions shall be forthcoming, and that
+without stint.
+
+First, then, I affirm that the North ratified the constitution,
+"supposing" that slavery had begun to wax old, and would speedily vanish
+away, and especially that the abolition of the slave trade, which by the
+constitution was to be surrendered to Congress after twenty years, would
+plunge it headlong.
+
+Would the North have adopted the constitution, giving three-fifths of
+the "slave property" a representation, if it had "supposed" that the
+slaves would have increased from half a million to two millions and a
+half by 1838--and that the census of 1840 would give to the slave states
+thirty representatives of "slave property?"
+
+If they had "supposed" that this representation would have controlled
+the legislation of the government, and carried against the North every
+question vital to its interests, would Hamilton, Franklin, Sherman,
+Gerry, Livingston, Langdon, and Rufus King have been such madmen, as to
+sign the constitution, and the Northern States such suicides as to
+ratify it? Every self-preserving instinct would have shrieked at such an
+infatuate immolation. At the adoption of the United States constitution,
+slavery was regarded as a fast waning system. This conviction was
+universal. Washington, Jefferson, Henry, Grayson, Tucker, Madison,
+Wythe, Pendleton, Lee, Blair, Mason, Page, Parker, Randolph, Iredell,
+Spaight, Ramsey, Pinkney, Martin, McHenry, Chase, and nearly all the
+illustrious names south of the Potomac, proclaimed it before the sun. A
+reason urged in the convention that formed the United States'
+constitution, why the word slave should not be used in it, was, _that
+when slavery should cease_ there might remain upon the National Charter
+no record that it had ever been. (See speech of Mr. Burrill, of R.I., on
+the Missouri question.)
+
+I now proceed to show by testimony, that at the date of the United
+States' constitution, and for several years before and after that
+period, slavery was rapidly on the wane; that the American Revolution
+with the great events preceding, accompanying, and following it, had
+wrought an immense and almost universal change in the public sentiment
+of the nation on the subject, powerfully impelling it toward the entire
+abolition of the system--and that it was the _general belief_ that
+measures for its abolition throughout the Union, would be commenced by
+the States generally before the lapse of many years. A great mass of
+testimony establishing this position might be presented, but narrow
+space, and the importance of speedy publication, counsel brevity. Let
+the following proofs suffice. First, a few dates as points of
+observation.
+
+In 1757, Commissioners from seven colonies met at Albany, resolved upon
+a Union and proposed a plan of general government. In 1765, delegates
+from nine colonies met at New York and sent forth a bill of rights. The
+first _general_ Congress met in 1774. The first Congress of the
+_thirteen_ colonies met in 1775. The revolutionary war commenced in '75.
+Independence was declared in '76. The articles of confederation were
+adopted by the thirteen states in '77 and '78. Independence acknowledged
+in '83. The convention for forming the U.S. constitution was held in
+'87, the state conventions for considering it in '87 and '88. The first
+Congress under the constitution in '89.
+
+Dr. Rush, of Pennsylvania, one of the signers of the Declaration of
+Independence, in a letter to Granville Sharpe, May 1, 1773, says: "A
+spirit of humanity and religion begins to awaken in several of the
+colonies in favor of the poor negroes. Great events have been brought
+about by small beginnings. _Anthony Bènèzet stood alone a few years_
+_ago in opposing negro slavery in Philadelphia_, and NOW THREE-FOURTHS
+OF THE PROVINCE AS WELL AS OF THE CITY CRY OUT AGAINST IT."--[Stuart's
+Life of Granville Sharpe, p. 21.]
+
+In the preamble to the act prohibiting the importation of slaves into
+Rhode Island, June, 1774, is the following: "Whereas the inhabitants of
+America are generally engaged in the preservation of their own rights
+and liberties, among which that of personal freedom must be considered
+the greatest, and as those who are desirous of enjoying all the
+advantages of liberty themselves, _should be willing to extend personal
+liberty to others_, therefore," &c.
+
+October 20, 1774, the Continental Congress passed the following: "We,
+for ourselves and the inhabitants of the several colonies whom we
+represent, _firmly agree and associate under the sacred ties of virtue,
+honor, and love of our country_, as follows:"
+
+"2d Article. _We will neither import nor purchase any slaves imported_
+after the first day of December next, after which time we will _wholly
+discontinue_ the slave trade, and we will neither be concerned in it
+ourselves, nor will we hire our vessels nor _sell our commodities or
+manufactures_ to those who are concerned in it."
+
+The Continental Congress, in 1775, setting forth the causes and the
+necessity for taking up arms, say: "_If it were possible_ for men who
+exercise their reason to believe that the divine Author of our existence
+intended a part of the human race _to hold an absolute property in_, and
+_unbounded power over others_," &c.
+
+In 1776, Dr. Hopkins, then at the head of New England divines,
+in "An Address to the owners of negro slaves in the American colonies,"
+says: "The conviction of the unjustifiableness of this practice (slavery)
+has been _increasing_, and _greatly spreading of late_, and _many_
+who have had slaves, have found themselves so unable to justify their
+own conduct in holding them in bondage, as to be induced to _set them
+at liberty_.       *       *       *       *       *      Slavery is _in
+every instance_, wrong, unrighteous, and oppressive--a very great and
+crying sin--_there being nothing of the kind equal to it on the face of
+the earth_."
+
+The same year the American Congress issued a solemn MANIFESTO to the
+world. These were its first words: "We hold these truths to be
+self-evident, that _all_ men are created equal, that they are endowed by
+their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are
+life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." _Once_, these were words
+of power; _now_, "a rhetorical flourish."
+
+The Virginia Gazette of March 19, 1767, in an essay on slavery says:
+"_There cannot be in nature, there is not in all history, an instance in
+which every right of man is more flagrantly violated_. Enough I hope has
+been effected to prove that slavery is a violation of justice and
+religion."
+
+The celebrated Patrick Henry of Virginia, in a letter, Jan. 18, 1773, to
+Robert Pleasants, afterwards president of the Virginia Abolition
+Society, says: "Believe me, I shall honor the Quakers for their noble
+efforts to abolish slavery. It is a debt we owe to the purity of our
+religion to show that it is at variance with that law that warrants
+slavery. I exhort you to persevere in so worthy a resolution."
+
+The Pennsylvania Chronicle of Nov. 21, 1768, says: "Let every black that
+shall henceforth be born amongst us be deemed free. One step farther
+would be to emancipate the whole race, restoring that liberty we have so
+long unjustly detained from them. Till some step of this kind be taken
+we shall justly be the derision of the whole world."
+
+In 1779, the Continental Congress ordered a pamphlet to be published,
+entitled, "Observations on the American Revolution," from which the
+following is an extract: "The great principle (of government) is and
+ever will remain in force, _that men are by Nature free_; and so long as
+we have any idea of divine _justice_, we must associate that of _human
+freedom_. It is _conceded on all hands, that the right to be free_ CAN
+NEVER BE ALIENATED."
+
+Extract from the Pennsylvania act for the abolition of slavery, passed
+March 1, 1780: * * * "We conceive that it is our duty, and we rejoice
+that it is in our power, to extend a portion of that freedom to others
+which has been extended to us. Weaned by a long course of experience
+from those narrow prejudices and partialities we had imbibed, we find
+our hearts enlarged with kindness and benevolence towards men of all
+conditions and nations: * * * Therefore be it enacted, that no child
+born hereafter be a slave," &c.
+
+Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, written just before the close of
+the Revolutionary War, says: "I think a change already perceptible since
+the origin of the present revolution. The spirit of the master is
+abating, that of the slave is rising from the dust, his condition
+mollifying, _and the way I hope preparing, under the auspices of
+heaven_, FOR A TOTAL EMANCIPATION."
+
+In a letter to Dr. Price, of London, who had just published a pamphlet
+in favor of the abolition of slavery, Mr. Jefferson, then minister at
+Paris, (August 7, 1785,) says: "From the mouth to the head of the
+Chesapeake, _the bulk of the people will approve of your pamphlet in
+theory_, and it will find a respectable minority ready to _adopt it in
+practice_--a minority which, for weight and worth of character,
+_preponderates against the greater number_." Speaking of Virginia, he
+says: "This is the next state to which we may turn our eyes for the
+interesting spectacle of justice in conflict with avarice and
+oppression,--a conflict in which the SACRED SIDE IS GAINING DAILY
+RECRUITS. Be not, therefore, discouraged--what you have written will do
+a _great deal of good_; and could you still trouble yourself with our
+welfare, no man is more able to give aid to the laboring side. The
+College of William and Mary, since the remodelling of its plan, is the
+place where are collected together all the young men of Virginia, under
+preparation for public life. They are there under the direction (most of
+them) of a Mr. Wythe, one of the most virtuous of characters, and _whose
+sentiments on the subject of slavery are unequivocal_. I am satisfied,
+if you could resolve to address an exhortation to those young men with
+all that eloquence of which you are master, that _its influence on the
+future decision of this important question would be great, perhaps
+decisive_. Thus. you see, that so far from thinking you have cause to
+repent of what you have done, _I wish you to do more, and I wish it on
+an assurance of its effect_."--Jefferson's Posthumous Works, vol. 1,
+p. 268.
+
+In 1786, John Jay drafted and signed a petition to the Legislature of
+New York, on the subject of slavery, beginning with these words: "Your
+memorialists being deeply affected by the situation of those, who,
+although, FREE BY THE LAWS OF GOD, are held in slavery by the laws of
+the State," &c. This memorial bore also the signatures of the celebrated
+Alexander Hamilton; Robert R. Livingston, afterwards Secretary of
+Foreign Affairs of the United States, and Chancellor of the State of New
+York; James Duane, Mayor of the City of New York, and many others of the
+most eminent individuals in the State.
+
+In the preamble of an instrument, by which Mr. Jay emancipated a slave
+in 1784, is the following passage:
+
+"Whereas, the children of men are by nature equally free, and cannot,
+without injustice, be either reduced to or HELD in slavery."
+
+In his letter while Minister at Spain, in 1786, he says, speaking of the
+abolition of slavery: "Till America comes into this measure, her prayers
+to heaven will be IMPIOUS. I believe God governs the world; and I
+believe it to be a maxim in his, as in our court, that those who ask for
+equity _ought to do it_."
+
+In 1785, the New York Manumission Society was formed. John Jay was
+chosen its first President, and held the office five years. Alexander
+Hamilton was its second President, and after holding the office one
+year, resigned upon his removal to Philadelphia as Secretary of the
+United States' Treasury. In 1787, the Pennsylvania Abolition Society was
+formed. Benjamin Franklin, warm from the discussions of the convention
+that formed the U.S. constitution, was chosen President, and Benjamin
+Rush Secretary--both signers of the Declaration of Independence. In
+1789, the Maryland Abolition Society was formed. Among its officers were
+Samuel Chase, Judge of the U.S. Supreme Court, and Luther Martin, a
+member of the convention that formed the U.S. constitution. In 1790, the
+Connecticut Abolition Society was formed. The first President was Rev.
+Dr. Stiles, President of Yale College, and the Secretary, Simeon
+Baldwin, (late Judge Baldwin of New Haven.) In 1791, this Society sent a
+memorial to Congress, from which the following is an extract:
+
+"From a sober conviction of the unrighteousness of slavery, your
+petitioners have long beheld, with grief, our fellow men doomed to
+perpetual bondage, in a country which boasts of her freedom. Your
+petitioners were led, by motives, we conceive, of general philanthropy,
+to associate ourselves for the protection and assistance of this
+unfortunate part of our fellow men; and, though this Society has been
+_lately_ established, it has now become _generally extensive_ through
+this state, and, we fully believe, _embraces, on this subject, the
+sentiments of a large majority of its citizens_."
+
+The same year the Virginia Abolition Society was formed. This Society,
+and the Maryland Society, had auxiliaries in different parts of those
+States. Both societies sent up memorials to Congress. The memorial of
+the Virginia Society is headed--"The memorial of the _Virginia Society_,
+for promoting the Abolition of Slavery," &c. The following is
+an extract:
+
+"Your memorialists, fully believing that slavery is not only an odious
+degradation, but an _outrageous violation of one of the most essential
+rights of human nature, and utterly repugnant to the precepts of the
+gospel_," &c.
+
+About the same time a Society was formed in New-Jersey. It had an acting
+committee of five members in each county in the State. The following is
+an extract from the preamble to its constitution:
+
+"It is our boast, that we live under a government, wherein _life,
+liberty_, and the _pursuit of happiness_, are recognized as the
+universal rights of men. We _abhor that inconsistent, illiberal, and
+interested policy, which withholds those rights from an unfortunate and
+degraded class of our fellow creatures_."
+
+Among other distinguished individuals who were efficient officers of
+these Abolition Societies, and delegates from their respective state
+societies, at the annual meetings of the American convention for
+promoting the abolition of slavery, were Hon. Uriah Tracy, United
+States' Senator, from Connecticut; Hon. Zephaniah Swift, Chief Justice
+of the same State; Hon. Cesar A. Rodney, Attorney General of the United
+States; Hon. James A. Bayard, United States' Senator, from Delaware;
+Governor Bloomfield, of New-Jersey; Hon. Wm. Rawle, the late venerable
+head of the Philadelphia bar; Dr. Caspar Wistar, of Philadelphia;
+Messrs. Foster and Tillinghast, of Rhode Island; Messrs. Ridgely,
+Buchanan, and Wilkinson, of Maryland; and Messrs. Pleasants, McLean, and
+Anthony, of Virginia.
+
+In July, 1787, the old Congress passed the celebrated ordinance
+abolishing slavery in the northwestern territory, and declaring that it
+should never thereafter exist there. This ordinance was passed while the
+convention that formed the United States' constitution was in session.
+At the first session of Congress under the constitution, this ordinance
+was ratified by a special act. Washington, fresh from the discussions of
+the convention, in which _more than forty days had been spent in
+adjusting the question of slavery, gave it his approval_. The act passed
+with only one dissenting voice, (that of Mr. Yates, of New York,) _the
+South equally with the North avowing the fitness and expediency of the
+measure on general considerations, and indicating thus early the line of
+national policy, to be pursued by the United States' Government on the
+subject of slavery_.
+
+In the debates in the North Carolina Convention, Mr. Iredell, afterward
+a Judge of the United States' Supreme Court, said, "_When the entire
+abolition of slavery takes place_, it will be an event which must be
+pleasing to every generous mind and every friend of human nature." Mr.
+Galloway said, "I wish to see this abominable trade put an end to. I
+apprehend the clause (touching the slave trade) means _to bring forward
+manumission_." Luther Martin, of Maryland, a member of the convention
+that formed the United States' Constitution, said, "We ought to
+authorize the General Government to make such regulations as shall be
+thought most advantageous for _the gradual abolition of slavery_, and
+the _emancipation of the slaves_ which are already in the States." Judge
+Wilson, of Pennsylvania, one of the framers of the constitution, said,
+in the Pennsylvania convention of '87, [Deb. Pa. Con. p. 303, 156:] "I
+consider this (the clause relative to the slave trade) as laying the
+foundation for _banishing slavery out of this country_. It will produce
+the same kind of gradual change which was produced in Pennsylvania; the
+new States which are to be formed will be under the control of Congress
+in this particular, and _slaves will never be introduced_ among them. It
+presents us with the pleasing prospect that the rights of mankind will
+be acknowledged and established _throughout the Union_. Yet the lapse of
+a few years, and Congress will have power to _exterminate slavery_
+within our borders." In the Virginia convention of '87, Mr. Mason,
+author of the Virginia constitution, said, "The augmentation of slaves
+weakens the States, and such a trade is _diabolical_ in itself, and
+disgraceful to mankind. As much as I value a union of all the States, I
+would not admit the Southern States, (i.e., South Carolina and Georgia,)
+into the union, _unless they agree to a discontinuance of this
+disgraceful trade_." Mr. Tyler opposed with great power the clause
+prohibiting the abolition of the slave trade till 1808, and said, "My
+earnest desire is, that it shall be handed down to posterity that I
+oppose this wicked clause." Mr. Johnson said, "The principle of
+emancipation _has begun since the revolution. Let us do what we will, it
+will come round_."--[Deb. Va. Con. p. 463.] Patrick Henry, arguing the
+power of Congress under the United States' constitution to abolish
+slavery in the States, said, in the same convention, "Another thing will
+contribute to bring this event (the abolition of slavery) about. Slavery
+is _detested_. We feel its fatal effects; we deplore it with all the
+pity of humanity." Governor Randolph said: "They insist that the
+_abolition of slavery will result from this Constitution_. I hope that
+there is no one here, who will advance _an objection so dishonorable_ to
+Virginia--I hope that at the moment they are securing the rights of
+their citizens, an objection will not be started, that those unfortunate
+men now held in bondage, _by the operation of the general government_
+may be made free!" [_Deb. Va. Con._ p. 421.] In the Mass. Con. of '88,
+Judge Dawes said, "Although slavery is not smitten by an apoplexy, yet
+_it has received a mortal wound_, and will die of consumption."--[_Deb.
+Mass. Con._ p. 60.] General Heath said that, "Slavery was confined to
+the States _now existing_, it _could not be extended_. By their
+ordinance, Congress had declared that the new States should be
+republican States, _and have no slavery_."--p. 147.
+
+In the debate, in the first Congress, February 11th and 12th, 1789, on
+the petitions of the Society of Friends, and the Pennsylvania Abolition
+Society, Mr. Parker, of Virginia, said, "I cannot help expressing the
+pleasure I feel in finding _so considerable a part_ of the community
+attending to matters of such a momentous concern to the _future
+prosperity_ and happiness of the people of America. I think it my duty,
+as a citizen of the Union, to _espouse their cause_."
+
+Mr. Page, of Virginia, (afterwards Governor)--"Was _in favor_ of the
+commitment: he hoped that the designs of the respectable memorialists
+would not be stopped at the threshold, in order to preclude a fair
+discussion of the prayer of the memorial. He placed himself in the case
+of a slave, and said, that on hearing that Congress had refused to
+listen to the decent suggestions of the respectable part of the
+community, he should infer, that the general government, _from which was
+expected great good would result to_ EVERY CLASS _of citizens_, had shut
+their ears against the voice of humanity, and he should despair of any
+alleviation of the miseries he and his posterity had in prospect; if any
+thing could induce him to rebel, it must be a stroke like this,
+impressing on his mind all the horrors of despair. But if he was told,
+that application was made in his behalf, and that Congress were willing
+to hear what could be urged in favor of discouraging the practice of
+importing his fellow-wretches, he would trust in their justice and
+humanity, and _wait the decision patiently_."
+
+Mr. Scott of Pennsylvania: "I cannot, for my part, conceive how any
+person _can be said to acquire a property in another. I do not know how
+far I might go, if I was one of the judges of the United States, and
+those people were to come before me and claim their emancipation, but I
+am sure I would go as far as I could_."
+
+Mr. Burke, of South Carolina, said, "He _saw the disposition of the
+House_, and he feared it would be referred to a committee, maugre all
+their opposition."
+
+Mr. Baldwin of Georgia said that the clause in the U.S. Constitution
+relating to direct taxes "was intended to prevent Congress from laying
+any special tax upon negro slaves, _as they might, in this way, so
+burthen the possessors of them, as to induce a_ GENERAL EMANCIPATION."
+
+Mr. Smith of South Carolina, said, "That on entering into this
+government, they (South Carolina and Georgia) apprehended that the other
+states, * * * _would, from motives of humanity and benevolence, be led
+to vote for a general emancipation_."
+
+In the debate, at the same session, May 13th, 1789, on the petition of
+the society of Friends respecting the slave trade, Mr. Parker, of
+Virginia, said, "He hoped Congress would do all that lay in their power
+_to restore to human nature its inherent privileges_. The inconsistency
+in our principles, with which we are justly charged _should be
+done away_."
+
+Mr. Jackson, of Georgia, said, "IT WAS THE FASHION OF THE DAY
+TO FAVOR THE LIBERTY OF THE SLAVES. * * * * * Will Virginia
+set her negroes free? _When this practice comes to be tried, then
+the sound of liberty will lose those charms which make it grateful to the
+ravished ear_."
+
+Mr. Madison of Virginia,--"The dictates of humanity, the principles
+of the people, the national safety and happiness, and prudent policy,
+require it of us. * * * * * * * I conceive the constitution
+in this particular was formed in order that the Government, whilst it
+was restrained from laying a total prohibition, might be able to _give
+some testimony of the sense of America_, with respect to the African
+trade. * * * * * * It is to be hoped, that by expressing a
+national disapprobation of this trade, we may destroy it, and save
+ourselves from reproaches, AND OUR PROSPERITY THE IMBECILITY EVER
+ATTENDANT ON A COUNTRY FILLED WITH SLAVES."
+
+Mr. Gerry, of Massachusetts, said, "he highly commended the part the
+Society of Friends had taken; it was the cause of humanity they had
+interested themselves in."--Cong. Reg. v. 1, p. 308-12.
+
+A writer in the "Gazette of the Unites States," Feb. 20th, 1790, (then
+the government paper,) who opposes the abolition of slavery, and avows
+himself a _slaveholder_, says, "I have seen in the papers accounts of
+_large associations_, and applications to Government for _the abolition
+of slavery_. Religion, humanity, and the generosity natural to a free
+people, are the _noble principles which dictate those measures_. SUCH
+MOTIVES COMMAND RESPECT, AND ARE ABOVE ANY EULOGIUM WORDS CAN BESTOW."
+
+In the convention that formed the constitution of Kentucky in 1790, the
+effort to prohibit slavery was nearly successful. A decided majority of
+that body would undoubtedly have voted for its exclusion, but for the
+great efforts and influence of two large slaveholders--men of commanding
+talents and sway--Messrs. Breckenridge and Nicholas. The following
+extract from a speech made in that convention by a member of it, Mr.
+Rice a native Virginian, is a specimen of the _free discussion_ that
+prevailed on that "delicate subject." Said Mr. Rice: "I do a man greater
+injury, when I deprive him of his liberty, than when I deprive him of
+his property. It is vain for me to plead that I have the sanction of
+law; for this makes the injury the greater--it arms the community
+against him, and makes his case desperate. The owners of such slaves
+then are _licensed robbers_, and not the just proprietors of what they
+claim. Freeing them is not depriving them of property, but _restoring it
+to the right owner_. The master is the enemy of the slave; he _has made
+open war upon him_, AND IS DAILY CARRYING IT ON in unremitted efforts.
+Can any one imagine, then, that the slave is indebted to his master, and
+_bound to serve him?_ Whence can the obligation arise? What is it
+founded upon? What is my duty to an enemy that is carrying on war
+against me? I do not deny, but in some circumstances, it is the duty of
+the slave to serve; but it is a duty he owes himself, and not
+his master."
+
+President Edwards, the younger, said, in a sermon preached before the
+Connecticut Abolition Society, Sept. 15, 1791: "Thirty years ago,
+scarcely a man in this country thought either the slave trade or the
+slavery of negroes to be wrong; but now how many and able advocates in
+private life, in our legislatures, in Congress, have appeared, and have
+openly and irrefragably pleaded the rights of humanity in this as well
+as other instances? And if we judge of the future by the past, _within
+fifty years from this time, it will be as shameful for a man to hold a
+negro slave, as to be guilty of common robbery or theft_."
+
+In 1794, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church adopted its
+"Scripture proofs," notes, and comments. Among these was the following:
+
+"1 Tim. i. 10. The law is made for manstealers. This crime among the
+Jews exposed the perpetrators of it to capital punishment. Exodus xxi.
+16. And the apostle here classes them with _sinners of the first rank_.
+The word he uses, in its original import comprehends all who are
+concerned in bringing any of the human race into slavery, or in
+_retaining_ them in it. _Stealers of men_ are all those who bring off
+slaves or freemen, and _keep_, sell, or buy them."
+
+In 1794, Dr. Rush declared: "Domestic slavery is repugnant to the
+principles of Christianity. It prostrates every benevolent and just
+principle of action in the human heart. It is rebellion against the
+authority of a common Father. It is a practical denial of the extent and
+efficacy of the death of a common Saviour. It is an usurpation of the
+prerogative of the great Sovereign of the universe, who has solemnly
+claimed an exclusive property in the souls of men."
+
+In 1795, Mr. Fiske, then an officer of Dartmouth College, afterward a
+Judge in Tennessee, said, in an oration published that year, speaking of
+slaves: "I steadfastly maintain, that we must bring them to _an equal
+standing, in point of privileges, with the whites!_ They must enjoy all
+the rights belonging to human nature."
+
+When the petition on the abolition of the slave trade was under
+discussion in the Congress of '89, Mr. Brown, of North Carolina, said,
+"The emancipation of the slaves _will be effected_ in time; it ought to
+be a gradual business, but he hoped that Congress would not
+_precipitate_ it to the great injury of the southern States." Mr.
+Hartley, of Pennsylvania, said, in the same debate, "_He was not a
+little surprised to hear the cause of slavery advocated in that house_."
+WASHINGTON, in a letter to Sir John Sinclair, says, "There are, in
+Pennsylvania, laws for the gradual abolition of slavery which neither
+Maryland nor Virginia have at present, but which _nothing is more
+certain_ than that they _must have_, and at a period NOT REMOTE." In
+1782, Virginia passed her celebrated manumission act. Within nine years
+from that time nearly eleven thousand slaves were voluntarily
+emancipated by their masters. [Judge Tucker's "Dissertation on Slavery,"
+p. 72.] In 1787, Maryland passed an act legalizing manumission. Mr.
+Dorsey, of Maryland, in a speech in Congress, December 27th, 1826,
+speaking of manumissions under that act, said, that "_The progress of
+emancipation was astonishing_, the State became crowded with a free
+black population."
+
+The celebrated William Pinkney, in a speech before the Maryland House of
+Delegates, in 1789, on the emancipation of slaves, said, "Sir, by the
+eternal principles of natural justice, _no master in the state has a
+right to hold his slave in bandage for a single hour_... Are we
+apprehensive that these men will become more dangerous by becoming
+freemen? Are we alarmed, lest by being admitted into the enjoyment of
+civil rights, they will be inspired with a deadly enmity against the
+rights of others? Strange, unaccountable paradox! How much more rational
+would it be, to argue that the natural enemy of the privileges of a
+freeman, is he who is robbed of them himself!"
+
+Hon. James Campbell, in an address before the Pennsylvania Society of
+Cincinnati, July 4, 1787, said, "Our separation from Great Britain has
+extended the empire of _humanity_. The time _is not far distant_ when
+our sister states, in imitation of our example, _shall turn their
+vassals into freemen_." The Convention that formed the United States'
+constitution being then in session, attended on the delivery of this
+oration with General Washington at their head.
+
+A Baltimore paper of September 8th, 1780, contains the following notice
+of Major General Gates: "A few days ago passed through this town the
+Hon. General Gates and lady. The General, previous to leaving Virginia,
+summoned his numerous family of slaves about him, and amidst their tears
+of affection and gratitude, gave them their FREEDOM."
+
+In 1791, the university of William and Mary, in Virginia, conferred upon
+Granville Sharpe the degree of Doctor of Laws. Sharpe was at that time
+the acknowledged head of British abolitionists. His indefatigable
+exertions, prosecuted for years in the case of Somerset, procured that
+memorable decision in the Court of King's Bench, which settled the
+principle that no slave could be held in England. He was most
+uncompromising in his opposition to slavery, and for twenty years
+previous he had spoken, written, and accomplished more against it than
+any man living.
+
+In the "Memoirs of the Revolutionary War in the Southern Department," by
+Gen. Lee, of Va., Commandant of the Partizan Legion, is the following:
+"The Constitution of the United States, adopted lately with so much
+difficulty, has effectually provided against this evil (by importation)
+after a few years. It is much to be lamented that having done so much in
+this way, _a provision had not been made for the gradual abolition of
+slavery_."--pp. 233, 4.
+
+Mr. Tucker, of Virginia, Judge of the Supreme Court of that state, and
+professor of law in the University of William and Mary, addressed a
+letter to the General Assembly of that state, in 1796, urging the
+abolition of slavery, from which the following is an extract. Speaking
+of the slaves in Virginia, he says: "Should we not, at the time of the
+revolution, have broken their fetters? Is it not our duty _to embrace
+the first moment_ of constitutional health and vigor to effectuate so
+desirable an object, and to remove from us a stigma with which our
+enemies will never fail to upbraid us, nor our consciences to
+reproach us?"
+
+Mr. Faulkner, in a speech before the Virginia House of Delegates, Jan.
+20, 1832, said: "The idea of a gradual emancipation and removal of the
+slaves from this commonwealth, is coeval with the declaration of our
+independence from the British yoke. When Virginia stood sustained in her
+legislation by the pure and philosophic intellect of Pendleton, by the
+patriotism of Mason and Lee, by the searching vigor and sagacity of
+Wythe, and by the all-embracing, all-comprehensive genius of Thomas
+Jefferson! Sir, it was a committee composed of those five illustrious
+men, who, in 1777, submitted to the general assembly of this state, then
+in session, _a plan for the gradual emancipation of the slaves of this
+commonwealth_."
+
+Hon. Benjamin Watkins Leigh, late United States' senator from Virginia,
+in his letters to the people of Virginia, in 1832, signed Appomattox, p.
+43, says: "I thought, till very lately, that it was known to every body
+that during the revolution, _and for many years after, the abolition of
+slavery was a favorite topic with many of our ablest statesmen_, who
+entertained, with respect, all the schemes which wisdom or ingenuity
+could suggest for accomplishing the object. Mr. Wythe, to the day of his
+death, _was for a simple abolition, considering the objection to color
+as founded in prejudice_. By degrees, all projects of the kind were
+abandoned. Mr. Jefferson _retained_ his opinion, and now we have these
+projects revived."
+
+Governor Barbour, of Virginia, in his speech in the U.S. Senate, on the
+Missouri question, Jan. 1820, said: "We are asked why has Virginia
+changed her policy in reference to slavery? That the sentiments of our
+most distinguished men, for thirty years _entirely corresponded_ with
+the course which the friends of the restriction (of slavery in Missouri)
+now advocated; and that the Virginia delegation, one of whom was the
+late President of the United States, voted for the restriction (of
+slavery) in the northwestern territory, and that Mr. Jefferson has
+delineated a gloomy picture of the baneful effects of slavery. When it
+is recollected that the Notes of Mr. Jefferson were written during the
+progress of the revolution, it is no matter of surprise that the writer
+should have imbibed a large portion of that enthusiasm which such an
+occasion was so well calculated to produce. As to the consent of the
+Virginia delegation to the restriction in question, whether the result
+of a disposition to restrain the slave-trade indirectly, or the
+influence of that enthusiasm to which I have just alluded, * * * * it is
+not now important to decide. We have witnessed its effects. The
+liberality of Virginia, or, as the result may prove, her folly, which
+submitted to, or, if you will, PROPOSED _this measure_ (abolition of
+slavery in the N.W. territory) has eventuated in effects which speak a
+monitory lesson. _How is the representation from this quarter on the
+present question_?"
+
+Mr. Imlay, in his early history of Kentucky, p. 185, says: "We have
+disgraced the fair face of humanity, and trampled upon the sacred
+privileges of man, at the very moment that we were exclaiming against
+the tyranny of your (the English) ministry. But in contending for the
+birthright of freedom, we have learned to feel _for the bondage of
+others_, and in the libations we offer to the goddess of liberty, we
+contemplate an _emancipation of the slaves of this country_, as
+honorable to themselves as it will be glorious to us."
+
+In the debate in Congress, Jan. 20, 1806, on Mr. Sloan's motion to lay a
+tax on the importation of slaves, Mr. Clark of Va. said: "He was no
+advocate for a system of slavery." Mr. Marion, of S. Carolina, said: "He
+never had purchased, nor should he ever purchase a slave." Mr. Southard
+said: "Not revenue, but an expression of the _national sentiment_ is the
+principal object." Mr. Smilie--"I rejoice that the word (slave) is not
+in the constitution; its not being there does honor to the worthies who
+would not suffer it to become a _part_ of it." Mr. Alston, of N.
+Carolina--"In two years we shall have the power to prohibit the trade
+altogether. Then this House will be unanimous. No one will object to our
+exercising our full constitutional powers." National Intelligencer,
+Jan. 24, 1806.
+
+These witnesses need no vouchers to entitle them to credit; nor their
+testimony comments to make it intelligible--their _names_ are their
+_endorsers_, and their strong words their own interpreters. We waive all
+comments. Our readers are of age. Whosoever hath ears to _hear_, let him
+HEAR. And whosoever will not hear the fathers of the revolution, the
+founders of the government, its chief magistrates, judges, legislators
+and sages, who dared and perilled all under the burdens, and in the heat
+of the day that tried men's souls--then "neither will he be persuaded
+though THEY rose from the dead."
+
+Some of the points established by this testimony are--The universal
+expectation that Congress, state legislatures, seminaries of learning,
+churches, ministers of religion, and public sentiment widely embodied in
+abolition societies, would act against slavery, calling forth the moral
+sense of the nation, and creating a power of opinion that would abolish
+the system throughout the Union. In a word, that free speech and a free
+press would be wielded against it without ceasing and without
+restriction. Full well did the South know, not only that the national
+government would probably legislate against slavery wherever the
+constitution placed it within its reach, but she knew also that Congress
+had already marked out the line of national policy to be pursued on the
+subject--had committed itself before the world to a course of action
+against slavery, wherever she could move upon it without encountering a
+conflicting jurisdiction--that the nation had established by solemn
+ordinance a memorable precedent for subsequent action, by abolishing
+slavery in the northwest territory, and by declaring that it should
+never thenceforward exist there; and this too, as soon as by cession of
+Virginia and other states, the territory came under congressional
+control. The South knew also that the sixth article in the ordinance
+prohibiting slavery, was first proposed by the largest slaveholding
+state in the confederacy--that in the Congress of '84, Mr. Jefferson, as
+chairman of the committee on the N.W. territory, reported a resolution
+abolishing slavery there--that the chairman of the committee that
+reported the ordinance of '87 was also a slaveholder--that the ordinance
+was enacted by Congress during the session of the convention that formed
+the United States' Constitution--that the provisions of the ordinance
+were, both while in prospect and when under discussion, matters of
+universal notoriety and _approval_ with all parties, and when finally
+passed, received the vote of _every member of Congress from each of the
+slaveholding states_. The South also had every reason for believing that
+the first Congress under the constitution would _ratify_ that
+ordinance--as it did unanimously.
+
+A crowd of reflections, suggested by the preceding testimony, presses
+for utterance. The right of petition ravished and trampled by its
+constitutional guardians, and insult and defiance hurled in the faces of
+the SOVEREIGN PEOPLE while calmly remonstrating _with their_ SERVANTS
+for violence committed on the nation's charter and their own dearest
+rights! Added to this "the right of peaceably assembling" violently
+wrested--the rights of minorities, _rights_ no longer--free speech
+struck dumb--free _men_ outlawed and murdered--free presses cast into
+the streets and their fragments strewed with shoutings, or flourished in
+triumph before the gaze of approving crowds as proud mementos of
+prostrate law! The spirit and power of our fathers, where are they?
+Their deep homage always and every where rendered to FREE THOUGHT, with
+its _inseparable signs--free speech and a free press_--their reverence
+for justice, liberty, _rights_ and all-pervading law, where are they?
+
+But we turn from these considerations--though the times on which we have
+fallen, and those toward which we are borne with headlong haste, call
+for their discussion as with the voices of departing life--and proceed
+to topics relevant to the argument before us.
+
+The seventh article of the amendments to the constitution is alleged to
+withhold from Congress the power to abolish slavery in the District. "No
+person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due
+process of law." All the slaves in the District have been "deprived of
+liberty" by legislative acts. Now, these legislative acts "depriving"
+them "of liberty," were either "due process of law," or they were _not_.
+If they _were_, then a legislative act, taking from the master that
+"property" which is the identical "liberty" previously taken from the
+slave, would be "due process of law" _also_, and of course a
+_constitutional_ act; but if the legislative acts "depriving" them of
+"liberty" were _not_ "due process of law," then the slaves were deprived
+of liberty _unconstitutionally_, and these acts are _void_. In that case
+the _constitution emancipates them_.
+
+If the objector reply, by saying that the import of the phrase "due
+process of law," is _judicial_ process solely, it is granted, and that
+fact is our rejoinder; for no slave in the District _has_ been deprived
+of his liberty by "a judicial process," or, in other words, by "due
+process of law;" consequently, upon the objector's own admission, every
+slave in the District has been deprived of liberty _unconstitutionally_,
+and is therefore _free by the constitution_. This is asserted only of
+the slaves under the "exclusive legislation" of Congress.
+
+The last clause of the article under consideration is quoted for the
+same purpose: "Nor shall private property he taken for public use
+without just compensation." Each of the state constitutions has a clause
+of similar purport. The abolition of slavery in the District by
+Congress, would not, as we shall presently show; violate this clause
+either directly or by implication. Granting for argument's sake, that
+slaves are "private property," and that to emancipate them, would be to
+"take private property" for "public use," the objector admits the power
+of Congress to do _this_, provided it will do something _else_, that is,
+_pay_ for them. Thus, instead of denying the _power_, the objector not
+only admits, but _affirms_ it, as the ground of the inference that
+compensation must accompany it. So far from disproving the existence of
+_one_ power, he asserts the existence of _two_--one, the power to take
+the slaves from their masters, the other, the power to take the property
+of the United States to pay for them.
+
+If Congress cannot constitutionally impair the right of private
+property, or take it without compensation, it cannot constitutionally,
+_legalize_ the perpetration of such acts, by _others_, nor _protect_
+those who commit them. Does the power to rob a man of his earnings, rob
+the earner of his _right_ to them? Who has a better right to the
+_product_ than the producer?--to the _interest_, than the owner of the
+_principal_?--to the hands and arms, than he from whose shoulders they
+swing?--to the body and soul, than he whose they are? Congress not only
+impairs but annihilates the right of private property, while it
+withholds from the slaves of the District their title to _themselves_.
+What! Congress powerless to protect a man's right to _himself_, when it
+can make inviolable the right to a _dog_! But, waiving this, I deny that
+the abolition of slavery in the District would violate this clause. What
+does the clause prohibit? The "taking" of "private property" for "public
+use." Suppose Congress should emancipate the slaves in the District,
+what would it "_take_?" Nothing. What would it _hold_? Nothing. What
+would it put to "public use?" Nothing. Instead of _taking_ "private
+property," Congress, by abolishing slavery, would say "_private
+property_ shall not be taken; and those who have been robbed of it
+already, shall be kept out of it no longer; and every man's right to his
+own body shall be protected." True, Congress may not arbitrarily take
+property, _as_ property, from one man and give it to another--and in the
+abolition of slavery no such thing is done. A legislative act changes
+the _condition_ of the slave--makes him his own _proprietor_, instead of
+the property of another. It determines a question of _original right_
+between two classes of persons--doing an act of justice to one, and
+restraining the other from acts of injustice; or, in other words,
+preventing one from robbing the other, by granting to the injured party
+the protection of just and equitable laws.
+
+Congress, by an act of abolition, would change the condition of seven
+thousand "persons" in the District, but would "take" nothing. To
+construe this provision so as to enable the citizens of the District to
+hold as property, and in perpetuity, whatever they please, or to hold it
+as property in all circumstances--all necessity, public welfare, and the
+will and power of the government to the contrary notwithstanding--is a
+total perversion of its whole _intent_. The _design_ of the provision,
+was to throw up a barrier against Governmental aggrandizement. The right
+to "take property" for _State uses_ is one thing;--the right so to
+adjust the _tenures_ by which property is held, that _each may have his
+own secured to him_, is another thing, and clearly within the scope of
+legislation. Besides, if Congress were to "take" the slaves in the
+District, it would be _adopting_, not abolishing slavery--becoming a
+slaveholder itself, instead of requiring others to be such no longer.
+The clause in question, prohibits the "taking" of individual property
+for public use, to be employed or disposed of _as_ property for
+governmental purposes. Congress, by abolishing slavery in the District,
+would do no such thing. It would merely change the _condition_ of that
+which has been recognized as a qualified property by congressional acts,
+though previously declared "persons" by the constitution. More than this
+is done continually by Congress and every other Legislature. Property
+the most absolute and unqualified, is annihilated by legislative acts.
+The embargo and non-intercourse act, levelled at a stroke a forest of
+shipping, and sunk millions of capital. To say nothing of the power of
+Congress to take hundreds of millions from the people by direct
+taxation, who doubts its power to abolish at once the whole tariff
+system, change the seat of Government, arrest the progress of national
+works, prohibit any branch of commerce with the Indian tribes or with
+foreign nations, change the locality of forts, arsenals, magazines and
+dock yards; abolish the Post Office system, and the privilege of patents
+and copyrights? By such acts Congress might, in the exercise of its
+acknowledged powers, annihilate property to an incalculable amount, and
+that without becoming liable to claims for compensation.
+
+Finally, this clause prohibits the taking for public use of
+"_property_." The constitution of the United States does not recognize
+slaves as "PROPERTY" any where, and it does not recognize them in _any
+sense_ in the District of Columbia. All allusions to them in the
+constitution recognize them as "persons." Every reference to them points
+_solely_ to the element of _personality_; and thus, by the strongest
+implication, declares that the constitution _knows_ them only as
+"persons," and _will_ not recognize them in any other light. If they
+escape into free States, the constitution authorizes their being taken
+back. But how? Not as the property of an "owner," but as "persons;" and
+the peculiarity of the expression is a marked recognition of their
+_personality_--a refusal to recognize them as chattels--"persons _held_
+to service." Are _oxen "held_ to service?" That can be affirmed only of
+_persons_. Again, slaves give political power as "persons." The
+constitution, in settling the principle of representation, requires
+their enumeration in the census. How? As property? Then why not include
+race horses and game cocks? Slaves, like other inhabitants, are
+enumerated as "persons." So by the constitution, the government was
+pledged to non-interference with "the migration or importation of such
+_persons_" as the States might think proper to admit until 1808, and
+authorized the laying of a tax on each "person" so admitted. Further,
+slaves are recognized as _persons_ by the exaction of their _allegiance_
+to the government. For offences against the government slaves are tried
+as _persons_; as persons they are entitled to counsel for their defence,
+to the rules of evidence, and to "due process of law," and as _persons_
+they are punished. True, they are loaded with cruel disabilities in
+courts of law, such as greatly obstruct and often inevitably defeat the
+ends of justice, yet they are still recognized as _persons_. Even in the
+legislation of Congress, and in the diplomacy of the general government,
+notwithstanding the frequent and wide departures from the integrity of
+the constitution on this subject, slaves are not recognized as
+_property_ without qualification. Congress has always refused to grant
+compensation for slaves killed or taken by the enemy, even when these
+slaves had been impressed into the United States' service. In half a
+score of cases since the last war, Congress has rejected such
+applications for compensation. Besides, both in Congressional acts, and
+in our national diplomacy, slaves and property are not used as
+convertible terms. When mentioned in treaties and state papers it is in
+such a way as to distinguish them from mere property, and generally by a
+recognition of their _personality_. In the invariable recognition of
+slaves as _persons_, the United States' constitution caught the mantle
+of the glorious Declaration, and most worthily wears it. It recognizes
+all human beings as "men," "persons," and thus as "equals." In the
+original draft of the Declaration, as it came from the hand of
+Jefferson, it is alleged that Great Britain had "waged a cruel war
+against _human_ nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life
+and liberty in the persons of a distant people, carrying them into
+slavery, * * determined to keep up a market where MEN should be bought
+and sold,"--thus disdaining to make the charter of freedom a warrant for
+the arrest of _men_, that they might be shorn both of liberty
+and humanity.
+
+The celebrated Roger Sherman, one of the committee of five appointed to
+draft the Declaration of Independence, and a member of the convention
+that formed the United States' constitution, said, in the first Congress
+after its adoption: "The constitution _does not consider these persons,
+(slaves,) as a species of property_."--[Lloyd's Cong. Reg. v. 1, p.
+313.] That the United States' Constitution does not make slaves
+"property," is shown in the fact, that no person, either as a citizen of
+the United States, or by having his domicile within the United States'
+government, can hold slaves. He can hold them only by deriving his power
+from _state_ laws, or from the laws of Congress, if he hold slaves
+within the District. But no person resident within the United States'
+jurisdiction, and _not_ within the District, nor within a state whose
+laws support slavery, nor "held to service" under the laws of such a
+state or district, having escaped therefrom, _can be held as a slave_.
+
+Men can hold _property_ under the United States' government though
+residing beyond the bounds of any state, district, or territory. An
+inhabitant of the Iowa Territory can hold property there under the laws
+of the United States, but he cannot hold _slaves_ there under the United
+States' laws, nor by virtue of the United States' Constitution, nor upon
+the ground of his United States' citizenship, nor by having his domicile
+within the United States' jurisdiction. The constitution no where
+recognizes the right to "slave property," _but merely the fact that the
+states have jurisdiction each in its own limits, and that there are
+certain "persons" within their jurisdictions "held to service" by their
+own laws_.
+
+Finally, in the clause under consideration "private property" is not to
+be taken "without just compensation." "JUST!" If justice is to be
+appealed to in determining the _amount_ of compensation, let her
+determine the _grounds_ also. If it be her province to say _how much_
+compensation is "just," it is hers to say whether _any_ is
+"just,"--whether the slave is "just" property _at all_, rather than a
+"_person_". Then, if justice adjudges the slave to be "private
+property," it adjudges him to be _his own_ property, since the right to
+one's self is the first right--the source of all others--the original
+stock by which they are accumulated--the principal, of which they are
+the interest. And since the slave's "private property" has been "taken,"
+and since "compensation" is impossible--there being no _equivalent_ for
+one's self--the least that can be done is to restore to him his original
+private property.
+
+Having shown that in abolishing slavery, "property" would not be "taken
+for public use," it may be added that, in those states where slavery has
+been abolished by law, no claim for compensation has been allowed.
+Indeed the manifest absurdity of demanding it seems to have quite
+forestalled the _setting up_ of such a claim.
+
+The abolition of slavery in the District instead of being a legislative
+anomaly, would proceed upon the principles of every day legislation. It
+has been shown already, that the United States' Constitution does not
+recognize slaves as "property." Yet ordinary legislation is full of
+precedents, showing that even _absolute_ property is in many respects
+wholly subject to legislation. The repeal of the law of entailments--all
+those acts that control the alienation of property, its disposal by
+will, its passing to heirs by descent, with the question, who shall be
+heirs, and what shall be the rule of distribution among them, or whether
+property shall be transmitted at all by descent, rather than escheat to
+the estate--these, with statutes of limitation, and various other
+classes of legislative acts, serve to illustrate the acknowledged scope
+of the law-making power, even where property _is in every sense
+absolute_. Persons whose property is thus affected by public laws,
+receive from the government no compensation for their losses; unless the
+state has been put in possession of the property taken from them.
+
+The preamble of the United States' Constitution declares it to be a
+fundamental object of the organization of the government "to ESTABLISH
+JUSTICE." Has Congress _no power_ to do that for which it was made the
+depository of power? CANNOT the United States' Government fulfil the
+purpose for which it was brought into being?
+
+To abolish slavery, is to take from no rightful owner his property; but
+to "establish justice" between two parties. To emancipate the slave, is
+to "establish justice" between him and his master--to throw around the
+person, character, conscience; liberty, and domestic relations of the
+one, _the same law_ that secures and blesses the other. In other words,
+to prevent by legal restraints one class of men from seizing upon
+another class, and robbing them at pleasure of their earnings, their
+time, their liberty, their kindred, and the very use and ownership of
+their own persons. Finally, to abolish slavery is to proclaim and
+_enact_ that innocence and helplessness--now _free plunder_--are
+entitled to _legal protection_; and that power, avarice, and lust, shall
+no longer revel upon their spoils under the license, and by the
+ministration of _law_! Congress, by possessing "exclusive legislation in
+all cases whatsoever," has a _general protective power for_ ALL the
+inhabitants of the District. If it has no power to protect _one_ man in
+the District it has none to protect another--none to protect _any_--and
+if it _can_ protect one man and is _bound_ to do it, it _can_ protect
+_every_ man--and is _bound_ to do it. All admit the power of Congress to
+protect the masters in the District against their slaves. What part of
+the constitution gives the power? The clause so often quoted,--"power of
+legislation in all cases whatsoever," equally in the "_case_" of
+defending blacks against whites, as in that of defending whites against
+blacks. The power is also conferred by Art. 1, Sec. 8, clause
+15--"Congress shall have power to suppress insurrections"--a power to
+protect, as well blacks against whites, as whites against blacks. If the
+constitution gives power to protect _one_ class against the other, it
+gives power to protect _either_ against the other. Suppose the blacks in
+the District should seize the whites, drive them into the fields and
+kitchens, force them to work without pay, flog them, imprison them, and
+sell them at their pleasure, where would Congress find power to restrain
+such acts? Answer; a _general_ power in the clause so often cited, and
+an _express_ one in that cited above--"Congress shall have power to
+suppress insurrections." So much for a supposed case. Here follows a
+real one. The whites in the District are _perpetrating these identical
+acts_ upon seven thousand blacks daily. That Congress has power to
+restrain these acts in _one_ case, all assert, and in so doing they
+assert the power "in _all_ cases whatsoever." For the grant of power to
+suppress insurrections, is an _unconditional_ grant, not hampered by
+provisos as to the color, shape, size, sex, language, creed, or
+condition of the insurgents. Congress derives its power to suppress this
+_actual_ insurrection, from the same source whence it derived its power
+to suppress the _same_ acts in the case supposed. If one case is an
+insurrection, the other is. The _acts_ in both are the same; the
+_actors_ only are different. In the one case, ignorant and
+degraded--goaded by the memory of the past, stung by the present, and
+driven to desperation by the fearful looking for of wrongs for ever to
+come. In the other, enlightened into the nature of _rights_, the
+principles of justice, and the dictates of the law of love, unprovoked
+by wrongs, with cool deliberation, and by system, they perpetrate these
+acts upon those to whom they owe unnumbered obligations for _whole
+lives_ of unrequited service. On which side may palliation be pleaded,
+and which party may most reasonably claim an abatement of the rigors of
+law? If Congress has power to suppress such acts _at all_, it has power
+to suppress them _in_ all.
+
+It has been shown already that _allegiance_ is exacted of the slave. Is
+the government of the United States unable to grant _protection_ where
+it exacts _allegiance_? It is an axiom of the civilized world, and a
+maxim even with savages, that allegiance and protection are reciprocal
+and correlative. Are principles powerless with us which exact homage of
+barbarians? _Protection is the_ CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT _of every human.
+being under the exclusive legislation of Congress who has not forfeited
+it by crime_.
+
+In conclusion, I argue the power of Congress to abolish slavery in the
+District, from Art. 1, sec. 8, clause 1, of the constitution; "Congress
+shall have power to provide for the common defence and the general
+welfare of the United States." Has the government of the United States
+no power under this grant to legislate within its own exclusive
+jurisdiction on subjects that vitally affect its interest? Suppose the
+slaves in the district should rise upon their masters, and the United
+States' government, in quelling the insurrection, should kill any number
+of them. Could their masters claim compensation of the government?
+Manifestly not; even though no proof existed that the particular slaves
+killed were insurgents. This was precisely the point at issue between
+those masters, whose slaves were killed by the State troops at the time
+of the Southampton insurrection, and the Virginia Legislature: no
+evidence was brought to show that the slaves killed by the troops were
+insurgents; yet the Virginia Legislature decided that their masters were
+_not entitled to compensation._ They proceeded on the sound principle,
+that the government may in self-protection destroy the claim of its
+subjects even to that which has been recognized as property by its own
+acts. If in providing for the common defence, the United States'
+government, in the case supposed, would have power to destroy slaves
+both as _property_ and _persons_, it surely might stop _half-way_,
+destroy them _as property_ while it legalized their existence as
+_persons_, and thus provided for the common defence by giving them a
+personal and powerful interest in the government, and securing their
+strength for its defence.
+
+Like other Legislatures, Congress has power to abate nuisances--to
+remove or tear down unsafe buildings--to destroy infected cargoes--to
+lay injunctions upon manufactories injurious to the public health--and
+thus to "provide for the common defence and general welfare" by
+destroying individual property, when such property puts in jeopardy the
+public weal.
+
+Granting, for argument's sake, that slaves are "property" in the
+District of Columbia--if Congress has a right to annihilate property
+there when the public safety requires it, it may annihilate its
+existence _as_ property when the public safety requires it, especially
+if it transform into a _protection_ and _defence_ that which as
+_property_ perilled the public interests. In the District of Columbia
+there are, besides the United States' Capitol, the President's house,
+the national offices, and archives of the Departments of State,
+Treasury, War, and Navy, the General Post-office, and Patent office. It
+is also the residence of the President, of all the highest officers of
+the government, of both houses of Congress, and of all the foreign
+ambassadors. In this same District there are also seven thousand slaves.
+Jefferson, in his Notes on Va. p. 241, says of slavery, that "the State
+permitting one half of its citizens to trample on the rights of the
+other, transforms them into _enemies_;" and Richard Henry Lee, in the
+Va. House of Burgesses in 1758, declared that to those who held them,
+"_slaves must be natural enemies_." Is Congress so impotent that it
+_cannot_ exercise that right pronounced both by municipal and national
+law, the most sacred and universal--the right of self-preservation and
+defence? Is it shut up to the _necessity_ of keeping seven thousand
+"enemies" in the heart of the nation's citadel? Does the iron fiat of
+the constitution doom it to such imbecility that it _cannot_ arrest the
+process that _made_ them "enemies," and still goads to deadlier hate by
+fiery trials, and day by day adds others to their number? Is _this_
+providing for the common defence and general welfare? If to rob men of
+rights excites their hate, freely to restore them and make amends, will
+win their love.
+
+By emancipating the slaves in the District, the government of the United
+States would disband an army of "enemies," and enlist "for the common
+defence and general welfare," a body guard of _friends_ seven thousand
+strong. In the last war, a handful of British soldiers sacked Washington
+city, burned the capitol, the President's house, and the national
+offices and archives; and no marvel, for thousands of the inhabitants of
+the District had been "TRANSFORMED INTO ENEMIES." Would _they_ beat back
+invasion? If the national government had exercised its constitutional
+"power to provide for the common defence and to promote the general
+welfare," by turning those "enemies" into friends, then, instead of a
+hostile ambush lurking in every thicket inviting assault, and secret
+foes in every house paralyzing defence, an army of allies would have
+rallied in the hour of her calamity, and shouted defiance from their
+munitions of rocks; whilst the banner of the republic, then trampled in
+dust, would have floated securely over FREEMEN exulting amidst bulwarks
+of strength.
+
+To show that Congress can abolish slavery in the District, under the
+grant of power "to provide for the common defence and to promote the
+general welfare," I quote an extract from a speech of Mr. Madison, of
+Va., in the first Congress under the constitution, May 13, 1789.
+Speaking of the abolition of the slave trade, Mr. Madison says: "I
+should venture to say it is as much for the interests of Georgia and
+South Carolina, as of any state in the union. Every addition they
+receive to their number of slaves tends to _weaken_ them, and renders
+them less capable of self-defence. In case of hostilities with foreign
+nations, they will be the means of _inviting_ attack instead of
+repelling invasion. It is a necessary duty of the general government to
+protect every part of the empire against danger, as well _internal_ as
+external. _Every thing, therefore, which tends to increase this danger,
+though it may be a local affair, yet if it involves national expense or
+safety, it becomes of concern to every part of the union, and is a
+proper subject for the consideration of those charged with the general
+administration of the government._" Cong. Reg. vol. 1, p. 310, 11.
+
+WYTHE.
+
+POSTSCRIPT
+
+My apology for adding a _postscript_, to a discussion already perhaps
+too protracted, is the fact that the preceding sheets were in the hands
+of the printer, and all but the concluding pages had gone through the
+press, before the passage of Mr. Calhoun's late resolutions in the
+Senate of the United States. A proceeding so extraordinary,--if indeed
+henceforward _any_ act of Congress in derogation of freedom and in
+deference to slavery, can be deemed extraordinary,--should not be passed
+in silence at such a crisis as the present; especially as the passage of
+one of the resolutions by a vote of 36 to 9, exhibits a shift of
+position on the part of the South, as sudden as it is unaccountable,
+being nothing less than the surrender of a fortress which until then,
+they had defended with the pertinacity of a blind and almost infuriated
+fatuity. Upon the discussions during the pendency of the resolutions,
+and upon the vote, by which they were carried, I make no comment, save
+only to record my exultation in the fact there exhibited, that great
+emergencies are _true touchstones_, and that henceforward, until this
+question is settled, whoever holds a seat in Congress will find upon,
+and around him, a pressure strong enough to test him--a focal blaze that
+will find its way through the carefully adjusted cloak of fair
+pretension, and the sevenfold brass of two faced political intrigue, and
+_no_-faced _non-committalism_, piercing to the dividing asunder of
+joints and marrow. Be it known to every northern man who aspires to a
+seat in our national councils, that hereafter congressional action on
+this subject will be a MIGHTY REVELATOR--making secret thoughts public
+property, and proclaiming on the house-tops what is whispered in the
+ear--smiting off masks, and bursting open sepulchres beautiful
+outwardly, and up-heaving to the sun their dead men's bones. To such we
+say,--_Remember the Missouri Question, and the fate of those who then
+sold the free states and their own birthright!_
+
+Passing by the resolutions generally without remark--the attention of
+the reader is specially solicited to Mr. Clay's substitute for Mr.
+Calhoun's fifth resolution.
+
+"Resolved, That when the District of Columbia was ceded by the states of
+Virginia and Maryland to the United States, domestic slavery existed in
+both of these states, including the ceded territory, and that, as it
+still continues in both of them, it could not be abolished within the
+District without a violation of that good faith, which was implied in
+the cession and in the acceptance of the territory; nor, unless
+compensation were made to the proprietors of slaves, without a manifest
+infringement of an amendment to the constitution of the United States;
+nor without exciting a degree of just alarm and apprehension in the
+states recognizing slavery, far transcending in mischievous tendency,
+any possible benefit which could be accomplished by the abolition."
+
+By advocating this resolution, the south shifted its mode of defence,
+not by taking a position entirely new, but by attempting to refortify an
+old one--abandoned mainly long ago, as being unable to hold out against
+assault however unskillfully directed. In the debate on this resolution,
+the southern members of Congress silently drew off from the ground
+hitherto maintained by them, viz.--that Congress has no power by the
+constitution to abolish slavery in the District.
+
+The passage of this resolution--with the vote of every southern senator,
+forms a new era in the discussion of this question. We cannot join in
+the lamentations of those who bewail it. We hail it, and rejoice in it.
+It was as we would have had it--offered by a southern senator, advocated
+by southern senators, and on the ground that it "was no
+compromise"--that it embodied the true southern principle--that "this
+resolution stood on as high ground as Mr. Calhoun's."--(Mr.
+Preston)--"that Mr. Clay's resolution was as strong as Mr.
+Calhoun's"--(Mr. Rives)--that "the resolution he (Mr. Calhoun) now
+refused to support, was as strong as his own, and that in supporting it,
+there was no abandonment of principle by the south."--(Mr. Walker, of
+Mi.)--further, that it was advocated by the southern senators generally
+as an expression of their views, and as setting the question of slavery
+in the District on its _true_ ground--that finally, when the question
+was taken, every slaveholding senator, including Mr. Calhoun himself,
+voted for the resolution.
+
+By passing this resolution, and with such avowals, the south has
+unwittingly but explicitly, conceded the main point argued in the
+preceding pages, and surrendered the whole question at issue between
+them and the petitioners for abolition in the District.
+
+The _only_ ground taken against the right of Congress to abolish slavery
+in the District is, that it existed in Maryland and Virginia when the
+cession was made, and "_as it still continues in both of them_, it could
+not be abolished without a violation of that good faith which was
+implied in the cession," &c. The argument is not that exclusive
+_sovereignty_ has no power to abolish slavery within its jurisdiction,
+nor that the powers of even ordinary legislation cannot do it, nor that
+the clause granting Congress "exclusive legislation in all cases what
+soever over such District," gives no power to do it; but that the
+_unexpressed expectation_ of one of the parties that the other would not
+"in all cases" use the power which said party had consented might be
+used "_in all cases," prohibits_ the use of it. The only cardinal point
+in the discussion, is here not only yielded, but formally laid down by
+the South as the leading article in their creed on the question of
+Congressional jurisdiction over slavery in the District. The reason
+given why Congress should not abolish, and the sole evidence that if it
+did, such abolition would be a violation of "good faith," is that
+"_slavery still continues in those states_,"--thus admitting, that if
+slavery did _not_ "still continue" in those States, Congress could
+abolish it in the District. The same admission is made also in the
+_premises_, which state that slavery existed in those states _at the
+time of the cession_, &c. Admitting that if it had not existed there
+then, but had grown up in the District under United States' laws,
+Congress might constitutionally abolish it. Or that if the ceded parts
+of those states had been the _only_ parts in which slaves were held
+under their laws, Congress might have abolished in such a contingency
+also. The cession in that case leaving no slaves in those states,--no
+"good faith" would be "implied" in it, nor any "violated" by an act of
+abolition. The resolution makes virtually this further admission, that
+if Maryland and Virginia should at once abolish their slavery, Congress
+might at once abolish it in the District. The principle goes even
+further than this, and _requires_ Congress in such case to abolish
+slavery in the District "by the _good faith implied_ in the cession and
+acceptance of the territory." Since, according to the spirit and scope
+of the resolution, this "implied good faith" of Maryland and Virginia
+in making the cession, was, that Congress would do nothing within the
+District which should counteract the policy, or discredit the
+"institutions," or call in question the usages, or even in any way
+ruffle the prejudices of those states, or do what _they_ might think
+would unfavorably bear upon their interests; _themselves_ of course
+being the judges.
+
+But let us dissect another limb of the resolution. What is to be
+understood by "that good faith which was IMPLIED?" It is of course an
+admission that such a condition was not _expressed_ in the acts of
+cession--that in their terms there is nothing restricting the power of
+Congress on the subject of slavery in the District. This "implied
+faith," then, rests on no clause or word in the United States'
+Constitution, or in the acts of cession, or in the acts of Congress
+accepting the cession, nor on any declarations of the legislatures of
+Maryland and Virginia, nor on any _act_ of theirs, nor on any
+declaration of the _people_ of those states, nor on the testimony of the
+Washingtons, Jeffersons, Madisons, Chases, Martins, and Jennifers, of
+those states and times. The assertion rests _on itself alone!_ Mr. Clay
+_guesses_ that Maryland and Virginia _supposed_ that Congress would by
+no means _use_ the power given them by the Constitution, except in such
+ways as would be well pleasing in the eyes of those states; especially
+as one of them was the "Ancient Dominion!" And now after half a century,
+this _assumed expectation_ of Maryland and Virginia, the existence of
+which is mere matter of conjecture with the 36 senators, is conjured up
+and duly installed upon the judgment-seat of final appeal, before whose
+nod constitutions are to flee away, and with whom, solemn grants of
+power and explicit guaranties are, when weighed in the balance,
+altogether lighter than vanity!
+
+But survey it in another light. Why did Maryland and Virginia leave so
+much to be "_implied?_?" Why did they not in some way _express_ what lay
+so near their hearts? Had their vocabulary run so low that a single word
+could not be eked out for the occasion? Or were those states so bashful
+of a sudden that they dare not speak out and tell what they wanted? Or
+did they take it for granted that Congress would always know their
+wishes by intuition, and always take them for law? If, as honorable
+senators tell us, Maryland and Virginia did verily travail with such
+abounding _faith_, why brought they forth no _works_?
+
+It is as true in legislation as in religion, that the only evidence of
+"faith" is works, and that "faith" _without_ works is _dead_, i.e. has
+no _power_. But here, forsooth, a blind implication with nothing
+_expressed_, an "implied" faith without works, is omnipotent! Mr. Clay
+is lawyer enough to know that Maryland and Virginia notions of
+constitutional power, _abrogate no grant_, and that to plead them in a
+court of law, would be of small service, except to jostle "their
+Honors'" gravity! He need not be told that the Constitution gives
+Congress "power to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever over such District;" nor that Maryland and Virginia
+constructed their acts of cession with this clause _before their eyes_,
+and declared those acts made "in _pursuance_" of it. Those states knew
+that the U.S. Constitution had left nothing to be "_implied_" as to the
+power of Congress over the District; an admonition quite sufficient, one
+would think, to put them on their guard, and lead them to eschew vague
+implications, and to resort to _stipulations_. They knew, moreover, that
+those were times when, in matters of high import, _nothing_ was left to
+be "implied." The colonies were then panting from a twenty years'
+conflict with the mother country, about bills of rights, charters,
+treaties, constitutions, grants, limitations, and _acts of cession_. The
+severities of a long and terrible discipline had taught them to guard at
+all points _legislative grants_, that their exact import and limit might
+be self-evident--leaving no scope for a blind "faith" that _somehow_ in
+the lottery of chances, every ticket would turn up a prize. Toil,
+suffering, blood, and treasure outpoured like water over a whole
+generation, counselled them to make all sure by the use of explicit
+terms, and well chosen words, and just enough of them. The Constitution
+of the United States, with its amendments, those of the individual
+states, the national treaties, and the public documents of the general
+and state governments at that period, show the universal conviction of
+legislative bodies, that nothing should be left to be "implied," when
+great public interests were at stake.
+
+Further: suppose Maryland and Virginia had expressed their "implied
+faith" in _words_, and embodied it in their acts of cession as a
+proviso, declaring that Congress should not "exercise exclusive
+legislation in _all_ cases whatsoever over the District," but that the
+"case" of _slavery_ should be an exception: who does not know that
+Congress, if it had accepted the cession on those terms, would have
+violated the Constitution; and who that has studied the free mood of
+those times in its bearings on slavery--proofs of which are given in
+scores on the preceding pages--[See pp. 25-37.] can be made to believe
+that the people of the United States would have re-modelled their
+Constitution for the purpose of providing for slavery an inviolable
+sanctuary; that when driven in from its outposts, and everywhere
+retreating discomfited before the march of freedom, it might be received
+into everlasting habitations on the common homestead and hearth-stone of
+the republic? Who can believe that Virginia made such a condition, or
+cherished such a purpose, when Washington, Jefferson, Wythe, Patrick
+Henry, St. George Tucker, and all her most illustrious men, were at that
+moment advocating the abolition of slavery by law; when Washington had
+said, two years before, that Maryland and Virginia "must have laws for
+the gradual abolition of slavery, and at a period _not remote_;" and when
+Jefferson in his letter to Dr. Price, three years before the cession,
+had said, speaking of Virginia, "This is the next state to which we may
+turn our eyes for the interesting spectacle of justice in conflict with
+avarice and oppression--a conflict in which THE SACRED SIDE IS GAINING
+DAILY RECRUITS;" when voluntary emancipations on the soil were then
+progressing at the rate of between one and two thousand annually, (See
+Judge Tucker's "Dissertation on Slavery," p. 73;) when the public
+sentiment of Virginia had undergone, so mighty a revolution that the
+idea of the continuance of slavery as a permanent system could not be
+tolerated, though she then contained about half the slaves in the Union.
+Was this the time to stipulate for the _perpetuity_ of slavery under the
+exclusive legislation of Congress? and that too when at the _same_
+session _every one_ of her delegation voted for the abolition of slavery
+in the North West Territory; a territory which she herself had ceded to
+the Union, and surrendered along with it her jurisdiction over her
+citizens, inhabitants of that territory, who held slaves there--and
+whose slaves were emancipated by that act of Congress, in which all her
+delegation with one accord participated?
+
+Now in view of the universal belief then prevalent, that slavery in this
+country was doomed to short life, and especially that in Maryland and
+Virginia it would be _speedily_ abolished--must we adopt the monstrous
+conclusion that those states _designed_ to bind Congress _never_ to
+terminate it?--that it was the _intent_ of the Ancient Dominion thus to
+_bind_ the United States by an "implied faith," and that when the
+national government _accepted_ the cession, she did solemnly thus plight
+her troth, and that Virginia did then so _understand_ it? Verily,
+honorable senators must suppose themselves deputed to do our _thinking_
+for us as well as our legislation, or rather, that they are themselves
+absolved from such drudgery by virtue of their office!
+
+Another absurdity of this "implied faith" dogma is, that where there was
+no power to exact an _express_ pledge, there was none to demand an
+_implied_ one, and where there was no power to give the one, there was
+none to give the other. We have shown already that Congress could not
+have accepted the cession with such a condition. To have signed away a
+part of its constitutional grant of power would have been a _breach_ of
+the Constitution. The Congress which accepted the cession was competent
+to pass a resolution pledging itself not to _use all_ the power over the
+District committed to it by the Constitution. But here its power ended.
+Its resolution could only bind _itself_. It had no authority to bind a
+subsequent Congress. Could the members of one Congress say to those of
+another, because we do not choose to exercise all the authority vested
+in us by the Constitution, therefore you _shall_ not? This would, have
+been a prohibition to do what the Constitution gives power to do. Each
+successive Congress would still have gone to THE CONSTITUTION for its
+power, brushing away in its course the cobwebs stretched across its path
+by the officiousness of an impertinent predecessor. Again, the
+legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, had no power to bind Congress,
+either by an express or an implied pledge, never to abolish slavery in
+the District. Those legislatures had no power to bind _themselves_ never
+to abolish slavery within their own territories--the ceded parts
+included. Where then would they get power to bind _another_ not to do
+what they had no power to bind _themselves_ not to do? If a legislature
+could not in this respect control the successive legislatures of its own
+State, could it control the successive Congresses of the United States?
+
+But perhaps we shall be told, that the "implied faith" of Maryland and
+Virginia was _not_ that Congress should _never_ abolish slavery in the
+District, but that it should not do it until _they_ had done it within
+their bounds! Verily this "faith" comes little short of the faith of
+miracles! Maryland and Virginia have "good faith" that Congress will not
+abolish until _they_ do; and then just as "good faith" that Congress
+_will_ abolish _when_ they do! Excellently accommodated! Did those
+states suppose that Congress would legislate over the national domain,
+for Maryland and Virginia alone? And who, did they suppose, would be
+judges in the matter?--themselves merely? or the whole Union?
+
+This "good faith implied in the cession" is no longer of doubtful
+interpretation. The principle at the bottom of it, when fairly stated,
+is this:--That the Government of the United States are bound in "good
+faith" to do in the District of Columbia, without demurring, just what
+and when, Maryland and Virginia do within their own bounds. In short,
+that the general government is eased of all the burdens of legislation
+within its exclusive jurisdiction, save that of hiring a scrivener to
+copy off the acts of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures as fast as
+they are passed, and engross them, under the title of "Laws of the
+United States for the District of Columbia!" A slight additional expense
+would also be incurred in keeping up an express between the capitols of
+those States and Washington city, bringing Congress from time to time
+its "_instructions_" from head quarters!
+
+What a "glorious Union" this doctrine of Mr. Clay bequeaths to the
+people of the United States! We have been permitted to set up at our own
+expense, and on our own territory, two great _sounding-boards_ called
+"Senate Chamber" and "Representatives' Hall," for the purpose of sending
+abroad "by authority" _national_ echoes of _state_ legislation!
+--permitted also to keep in our pay a corps of pliant _national_
+musicians, with peremptory instructions to sound on any line of the
+staff according as Virginia and Maryland may give the sovereign
+key note!
+
+A careful analysis of Mr. Clay's resolution and of the discussions upon
+it, will convince every fair mind that this is but the legitimate
+carrying out of the _principle_ pervading both. They proceed virtually
+upon the hypothesis that the will and pleasure of Virginia and Maryland
+are paramount to those of the Union. If the original design of setting
+apart a federal district had been for the sole accommodation of the
+south, there could hardly have been higher assumption or louder
+vaunting. The only object of _having_ such a District was in effect
+totally perverted in the resolution of Mr. Clay, and in the discussions
+of the entire southern delegation, upon its passage. Instead of taking
+the ground, that the benefit of the whole Union was the sole _object_ of
+a federal district, and that it was to be legislated over _for this
+end_--the resolution proceeds upon an hypothesis totally the reverse. It
+takes a single point of _state_ policy, and exalts it above NATIONAL
+interests, utterly overshadowing them; abrogating national rights;
+making void a clause of the Constitution; humbling the general
+government into a subject crouching for favors to a superior, and that
+too within its own exclusive jurisdiction. All the attributes of
+sovereignty vested in Congress by the Constitution, it impales upon the
+point of an alleged _implication_. And this is Mr. Clay's
+peace-offering, to the lust of power and the ravenings of state
+encroachment! A "compromise," forsooth! that sinks the general
+government on _its own territory_, into a mere colony, with Virginia and
+Maryland for its "mother country!" It is refreshing to turn from these
+shallow, distorted constructions and servile cringings, to the high
+bearing of other southern men in other times; men, who as legislators
+and lawyers, scorned to accommodate their interpretations of
+constitutions and charters to geographical lines, or to bend them to the
+purposes of a political canvass. In the celebrated case of Cohens _vs._
+the State of Virginia, Hon. William Pinkney, late of Baltimore, and Hon.
+Walter Jones, of Washington city, with other eminent constitutional
+lawyers, prepared an elaborate opinion, from which the following is an
+extract: "Nor is there any danger to be apprehended from allowing to
+Congressional legislation with regard to the District of Columbia, its
+FULLEST EFFECT. Congress is responsible to the States, and to the people
+for that legislation. It is in truth the legislation of the states over
+a district placed under their control FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT, not for
+that of the District, except as the prosperity of the District is
+involved, and _necessary to the general advantage_."--[Life of
+Pinkney, p. 612.]
+
+This profound legal opinion asserts, 1st, that Congressional legislation
+over the District, is "the legislation of the _states_ and the
+_people_." (not of _two_ states, and a mere _fraction_ of the people;)
+2d. "Over a District placed under _their_ control," i.e. under the
+control of _all_ the States, not of _two twenty-sixths_ of them. 3d.
+That it was thus put under their control "_for_ THEIR OWN _benefit_."
+4th. It asserts that the design of this exclusive control of Congress
+over the District was "not for the benefit of the _District_," except as
+that is _connected_ with, and _a means of promoting_ the _general_
+advantage. If this is the case with the _District_, which is _directly_
+concerned, it is pre-eminently so with Maryland and Virginia, which are
+but _indirectly_ interested. The argument of Mr. Madison in the Congress
+of '89, an extract from which has been given on a preceding page, lays
+down the same principle; that though any matter "_may be a local affair,
+yet if it involves national_ EXPENSE or SAFETY, _it becomes of concern
+to every part of the union, and is a proper subject for the
+consideration of those charged with the general administration of the
+government_."--Cong. Reg. vol. 1. p. 310.
+
+But these are only the initiatory absurdities of this "good faith
+_implied_." Mr. Clay's resolution aptly illustrates the principle, that
+error not only conflicts with truth, but is generally at issue with
+itself: For if it would be a violation of "good faith" to Maryland and
+Virginia, for Congress to abolish slavery in the District, it would be
+_equally_ a violation for Congress to do it _with the consent_, or even
+at the unanimous petition of the people of the District: yet for years
+it has been the southern doctrine, that if the people of the District
+demand of Congress relief in this respect, it has power, as their local
+legislature, to grant it, and by abolishing slavery there, carry out the
+will of the citizens. But now new light has broken in! The optics of Mr.
+Clay have pierced the millstone with a deeper insight, and discoveries
+thicken faster than they can be telegraphed! Congress has no power, O
+no, not a modicum! to help the slaveholders of the District, however
+loudly they may clamor for it. The southern doctrine, that Congress is
+to the District a mere local Legislature to do its pleasure, is tumbled
+from the genitive into the vocative! Hard fate--and that too at the
+hands of those who begat it! The reasonings of Messrs. Pinckney and
+Wise, are now found to be wholly at fault, and the chanticleer rhetoric
+of Messrs. Glascock and Garland stalks featherless and crest-fallen. For
+the resolution sweeps by the board all those stereotyped common-places,
+such as "Congress a local Legislature," "consent of the District,"
+"bound to consult the wishes of the District," with other catch phrases,
+which for the last two sessions of Congress have served to eke out
+scanty supplies. It declares, that as slavery existed in _Maryland and
+Virginia at the time of the cession, and as_ it still continues _in both
+those states_, it could not be abolished in the District without a
+violation of "that good faith," &c.
+
+But let us see where this principle will lead us. If "implied faith" to
+Maryland and Virginia _restrains_ Congress from the abolition of slavery
+in the District, because those states have not abolished _their_
+slavery, it _requires_ Congress to do in the District what those states
+have done within their own limits, i.e., restrain _others_ from
+abolishing it. Upon the same principle Congress is _bound_ to _prohibit
+emancipation_ within the District. There is no _stopping place_ for this
+plighted "faith." Congress must not only refrain from laying violent
+hands on slavery, and see to it that the slaveholders themselves do not,
+but it is bound to keep the system up to the Maryland and Virginia
+standard of vigor!
+
+Again, if the good faith of Congress to Virginia and Maryland requires
+that slavery should exist in the District, while it exists in those
+states, it requires that it should exist there as it exists in those
+states. If to abolish _every_ form of slavery in the District would
+violate good faith, to abolish _the_ form existing in those states, and
+to substitute a different one, would also violate it. The Congressional
+"good faith" is to be kept not only with _slavery_, but with the
+_Maryland and Virginia systems_ of slavery. The faith of those states
+being not that Congress would maintain a system, but _their_ system;
+otherwise instead of _sustaining_, Congress would counteract their
+policy--principles would be brought into action there conflicting with
+their system, and thus the true sprit of the "implied" pledge would be
+violated. On this principle, so long as slaves are "chattels personal"
+in Virginia and Maryland, Congress could not make them _real estate_ in
+the District, as they are in Louisiana; nor could it permit slaves to
+read, nor to worship God according to conscience; nor could it grant
+them trial by jury, nor legalize marriage; nor require the master to
+give sufficient food and clothing; nor prohibit the violent sundering of
+families--because such provisions would conflict with the existing
+slave laws of Virginia and Maryland, and thus violate the "good faith
+implied," &c. So the principle of the resolution binds Congress in all
+these particulars: 1st. Not to abolish slavery in the District _until_
+Virginia and Maryland abolish. 2d. Not to abolish any _part_ of it that
+exists in those states. 3d. Not to abolish any _form_ or _appendage_ of
+it still existing in those states. 4th. To _abolish_ when they do. 5th.
+To increase or abate its rigors _when, how,_ and _as_ the same are
+modified by those states. In a word, Congressional action in the
+District is to float passively in the wake of legislative action on the
+subject in those states.
+
+But here comes a dilemma. Suppose the legislation of those states should
+steer different courses--then there would be _two_ wakes! Can Congress
+float in both? Yea, verily! Nothing is too hard for it! Its
+obsequiousness equals its "power of legislation in _all_ cases
+whatsoever." It can float _up_ on the Virginia tide, and ebb down on the
+Maryland. What Maryland does, Congress will do in the Maryland part.
+What Virginia does, Congress will do in the Virginia part. Though it
+might not always be able to run at the bidding of both _at once_,
+especially in different directions, yet if it obeyed orders cheerfully,
+and "kept in its place," according to its "good faith implied,"
+impossibilities might not be rigidly exacted. True, we have the highest
+sanction for the maxim that no _man_ can serve two masters--but if
+"corporations have no souls," analogy would absolve Congress on that
+score, or at most give it only a _very small soul_--not large enough to
+be at all in the way, as an exception to the universal rule laid down in
+the maxim!
+
+In following out the absurdities of this "implied good faith," it will
+be seen at once that the doctrine of Mr. Clay's Resolution extends to
+_all the subjects of legislation_ existing in Maryland and Virginia,
+which exist also within the District. Every system, "institution," law,
+and established usage there, is placed beyond Congressional control
+equally with slavery, and by the same "implied faith." The abolition of
+the lottery system in the District as an immorality, was a flagrant
+breach of this "good faith" to Maryland and Virginia, as the system
+"still continued in those states." So to abolish imprisonment for debt,
+or capital punishment, to remodel the bank system, the power of
+corporations, the militia law, laws of limitation, &c., in the District,
+_unless Virginia and Maryland took the lead,_ would violate the "good
+faith implied in the cession."
+
+That in the acts of cession no such "good faith" was "implied" by
+Virginia and Maryland as is claimed in the Resolution, we argue from the
+fact, that in 1784 Virginia ceded to the United States all her
+north-west territory, with the special proviso that her citizens
+inhabiting that territory should "have their _possessions_ and _titles_
+confirmed to them, and be _protected_ in the enjoyment of their _rights_
+and liberties." (See Journals of Congress, vol. 9, p. 63.) The cession
+was made in the form of a deed, and signed by Thomas Jefferson, Samuel
+Hardy, Arthur Lee, and James Munroe. Many of these inhabitants _held
+slaves._ Three years after the cession, the Virginia delegation in
+Congress _proposed_ the passage of an ordinance which should abolish
+slavery, in that territory, and declare that it should never thereafter
+exist there. All the members of Congress from Virginia and Maryland
+voted for this ordinance. Suppose some member of Congress had during the
+passage of the ordinance introduced the following resolution: "Resolved,
+that when the northwest territory was ceded by Virginia to the United
+States, domestic slavery existed in that State, including the ceded
+territory, and as it still continues in that State, it could not be
+abolished within the territory without a violation of that good faith,
+which was implied in the cession and in the acceptance of the
+territory." What would have been the indignant response of Grayson,
+Griffin, Madison, and the Lees, in the Congress of '87, to such a
+resolution, and of Carrington, Chairman of the Committee, who reported
+the ratification of the ordinance in the Congress of '89, and of Page
+and Parker, who with every other member of the Virginia delegation
+supported it?
+
+But to enumerate all the absurdities into which those interested for
+this resolution have plunged themselves, would be to make a quarto
+inventory. We decline the task; and in conclusion merely add, that Mr.
+Clay, in presenting it, and each of the thirty-six Senators who voted
+for it, entered on the records of the Senate, and proclaimed to the
+world, a most unworthy accusation against the millions of American
+citizens who have during nearly half a century petitioned the national
+legislature to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia,--charging
+them either with the ignorance or the impiety of praying the nation to
+violate its "Plighted Faith." The resolution virtually indicts at the
+bar of public opinion, and brands with odium, all the early Manumission
+Societies, the _first_ petitioners for the abolition of slavery in the
+District, and for a long time the only ones, petitioning from year to
+year through evil report and good report, still petitioning, by
+individual societies and in their national conventions.
+
+But as if it were not enough to table the charge against such men as
+Benjamin Rush, William Rawle, John Sergeant, Roberts Vaux, Cadwallader
+Colden, and Peter A. Jay,--to whom we may add Rufus King, James
+Hillhouse, William Pinkney, Thomas Addis Emmett, Daniel D. Tompkins, De
+Witt Clinton, James Kent, and Daniel Webster, besides eleven hundred
+citizens of the District itself, headed by their Chief Justice and
+Judges--even the sovereign States of Pennsylvania, New-York,
+Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut, whose legislatures have either
+memorialized Congress to abolish slavery in the District, or instructed
+their Senators to move such a measure, must be gravely informed by
+Messrs. Clay, Norvell, Niles, Smith, Pierce, Benton, Black, Tipton, and
+other honorable Senators, either that their perception is so dull, they
+know not whereof they affirm, or that their moral sense is so blunted
+they can demand without compunction a violation of the nation's faith!
+
+We have spoken already of the concessions unwittingly made in this
+resolution to the true doctrine of Congressional power over the
+District. For that concession, important as it is; we have small thanks
+to render. That such a resolution, passed with such an _intent_, and
+pressing at a thousand points on relations and interests vital to the
+free states, should be hailed, as it has been, by a portion of the
+northern press as a "compromise" originating in deference to northern
+interests, and to be received by us as a free-will offering of
+disinterested benevolence, demanding our gratitude to the mover,--may
+well cover us with shame. We deserve the humiliation and have well
+earned the mockery. Let it come!
+
+If, after having been set up at auction in the public sales-room of the
+nation, and for thirty years, and by each of a score of "compromises,"
+treacherously knocked off to the lowest bidder, and that without money
+and without price, the North, plundered and betrayed, _will not_, in
+this her accepted time, consider the things that belong to her peace
+before they are hidden from her eyes, then let her eat of the fruit of
+her own way, and be filled with her own devices! Let the shorn and
+blinded giant grind in the prison-house of the Philistines, till taught
+by weariness and pain the folly of entrusting to Delilahs the secret and
+the custody of his strength.
+
+Have the free States bound themselves by an oath never to profit by the
+lessons of experience? If lost to reason, are they dead to _instinct_
+also? Can nothing rouse them to cast about for self preservation? And
+shall a life of tame surrenders be terminated by suicidal sacrifice?
+
+A "COMPROMISE!" Bitter irony! Is the plucked and hoodwinked North to be
+wheedled by the sorcery of another Missouri compromise? A compromise in
+which the South gained all, and the North lost all, and lost it forever.
+A compromise which embargoed the free laborer of the North and West,
+and, clutched at the staff he leaned upon, to turn it into a bludgeon
+and fell him with its stroke. A compromise which wrested from liberty
+her boundless birthright domain, stretching westward to the sunset,
+while it gave to slavery loose reins and a free coarse, from the
+Mississippi to the Pacific.
+
+The resolution, as it finally passed, is here inserted.
+
+"Resolved, That the interference by the citizens of any of the states,
+with the view to the abolition of slavery in the District, is
+endangering the rights and security of the people of the District; and
+that any act or measure of Congress designed to abolish slavery in the
+District, would be a violation of the faith implied in the cessions by
+the states of Virginia and Maryland, a just cause of alarm to the people
+of the slaveholding states, and have a direct and inevitable tendency to
+disturb and endanger the Union."
+
+The vote upon the resolution stood as follows:
+
+_Yeas_.--Messrs. Allen, Bayard, Benton, Black, Buchanan, Brown, Calhoun,
+Clay of Alabama, Clay of Kentucky, Clayton, Crittenden, Cuthbert,
+Fulton, Grundy, Hubbard, King, Lumpkin, Lyon, Nicholas. Niles, Norvell,
+Pierce, Preston, Rives, Roane, Robinson, Sevier, Smith, of Connecticut,
+Strange, Tallmadge, Tipton, Walker, White, Williams, Wright, Young--36.
+
+_Nays_.--Messrs. DAVIS, KNIGHT, McKEAN, MORRIS, PRENTISS, RUGGLES,
+SMITH, of Indiana, SWIFT, WEBSTER--9.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER. NO. 6.
+
+NARRATIVE OF JAMES WILLIAMS, AN AMERICAN SLAVE.
+
+ONE DOLLAR PER 100] [143 NASSAU ST. N.Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+"American Slavery," said the celebrated John Wesley, "is the _vilest_
+beneath the sun!" Of the truth of this emphatic remark, no other proof
+is required, than an examination of the statute books of the American
+slave states. Tested by its own laws, in all that facilitates and
+protects the hateful process of converting a man into a "_chattel
+personal_;" in all that stamps the law-maker, and law-upholder with
+meanness and hypocrisy, it certainly has no present rival of its "bad
+eminence," and we may search in vain the history of a world's despotism
+for a parallel. The civil code of Justinian never acknowledged, with
+that of our democratic despotisms, the essential equality of man. The
+dreamer in the gardens of Epicurus recognized neither in himself, nor in
+the slave who ministered to his luxury, the immortality of the spiritual
+nature. Neither Solon nor Lycurgus taught the inalienability of human
+rights. The Barons of the Feudal System, whose maxim was emphatically
+that of Wordsworth's robber,
+
+   "That he should take who had the power,
+   And he should keep who can."
+
+while trampling on the necks of their vassals, and counting the life of
+a man as of less value than that of a wild beast, never appealed to God
+for the sincerity of their belief, that all men were created equal. It
+was reserved for American slave-holders to present to the world the
+hideous anomaly of a code of laws, beginning with the emphatic
+declaration of the inalienable rights of all men to life, liberty, and
+the pursuit of happiness, and closing with a deliberate and systematic
+denial of those rights, in respect to a large portion of their
+countrymen; engrossing on the same parchment the antagonist laws of
+liberty and tyranny. The very nature of this unnatural combination has
+rendered it necessary that American slavery, in law and in practice,
+should exceed every other in severity and cool atrocity. The masters of
+Greece and Rome permitted their slaves to read and write and worship the
+gods of paganism in peace and security, for there was nothing in the
+laws, literature, or religion of the age to awaken in the soul of the
+bondman a just sense of his rights as a man. But the American
+slaveholder cannot be thus lenient. In the excess of his benevolence, as
+a political propagandist, he has kindled a fire for the oppressed of the
+old world to gaze at with hope, and for crowned heads and dynasties to
+tremble at; but a due regard to the safety of his "peculiar
+institution," compels him to put out the eyes of his own people, lest
+they too should see it. Calling on all the world to shake off the
+fetters of oppression, and wade through the blood of tyrants to freedom,
+he has been compelled to smother, in darkness and silence, the minds of
+his own bondmen, lest they too should hear and obey the summons, by
+putting the knife to his own throat.--Proclaiming the truths of Divine
+Revelation, and sending the Scriptures to the four quarters of the
+earth, he has found it necessary to maintain heathenism at home by
+special enactments; and to make the second offence of teaching his
+slaves the message of salvation punishable with _death_!
+
+What marvel then that American slavery even on the _statute book_
+assumes the right to transform moral beings into brutes:[A] that it
+legalizes man's usurpation of Divine authority; the substitution of the
+will of the master, for the moral government of God: that it annihilates
+the rights of conscience; debars from the enjoyment of religious rights
+and privileges by specific enactments; and enjoins disobedience to the
+Divine lawgiver: that it discourages purity and chastity, encourages
+crime, legalizes concubinage; and, while it places the slave entirely in
+the hands of his master, provides no real protection for his life or
+his person.
+
+[Footnote A: The _cardinal principle_ of slavery, that a slave is not to
+be ranked among sentient beings, but among things, as an article of
+property, a chattel personal, obtains as undoubted law, in all the slave
+states. (Judge Stroud's Sketch of Slave Laws, p. 22.)]
+
+But it may be said, that these laws afford no certain evidence of the
+actual condition of the slaves: that, in judging the system by its code,
+no allowance is made for the humanity of individual masters. It was a
+just remark of the celebrated Priestley, that "_no people ever were
+found to be better than their laws, though many have been known to be
+worse._" All history and common experience confirm this. Besides,
+admitting that the legal severity of a system may be softened in the
+practice of the humane, may it not also be aggravated by that of the
+avaricious and cruel?
+
+But what are the testimony and admissions of slaveholders themselves on
+this point? In an Essay published in Charleston, S.C., in 1822, and
+entitled "A Refutation of the Calumnies circulated against the Southern
+and Western States," by the late Edwin C. Holland, Esq., it is stated,
+that "all slaveholders have laid down non-resistance, and perfect and
+uniform _obedience_ to their orders as fundamental principles in the
+government of their slaves:" that this is "a _necessary_ result of the
+relation," and "_unavoidable_." Robert J. Turnbull, Esq., of South
+Carolina, in remarking upon the management of slaves, says, "The only
+principle upon which may authority over them, (the slaves,) can be
+maintained is _fear_, and he who denies this has little knowledge of
+them." To this may be added the testimony of Judge Ruffin, of North
+Carolina, as quoted in Wheeler's Law of Slavery, p. 217. "The slave, to
+remain a slave, must feel that there is _no appeal from his master_. No
+man can anticipate the provocations which the slave would give, nor the
+consequent wrath of the master, prompting him to BLOODY VENGEANCE on the
+turbulent traitor, a vengeance _generally_ practised with impunity by
+reason of its _privacy_."
+
+In an Essay on the "improvement of negroes on plantations," by Rev.
+Thomas S. Clay, a slaveholder of Bryan county, Georgia, and Printed at
+the request of the Georgia Presbytery, in 1833, we are told "that the
+present economy of the slave system is _to get all you can_ from the
+slave, and give him in return _as little as will barely support him in a
+working condition_!" Here, in a few words, the whole enormity of slavery
+is exposed to view: "to _get all you can_ from the slave"--by means of
+whips and forks and irons--by every device for torturing the body,
+without destroying its capability of labor; and in return give him as
+little of his coarse fare as will keep him, like a mere beast of burden,
+in a "_working condition_;" this is slavery, as explained by the
+slaveholder himself. Mr. Clay further says: "_Offences against the
+master_ are more severely punished than violations of the law of God, a
+fault which affects the slave's personal character a good deal. As
+examples we may notice, that _running away_ is more severely punished
+than adultery." "He (the slave) only knows his master as lawgiver and
+executioner, and the _sole object of punishment_ held up to his view, is
+to make him _a more obedient and profitable slave_."
+
+Hon. W.B. Seabrook, in an address before the Agricultural Society of St.
+John's, Colleton, published by order of the Society, at Charleston, in
+1834, after stating that "as Slavery exists in South Carolina, the
+action of the citizens should rigidly conform to that state of things:"
+and, that "no _abstract opinions of the rights of man_ should be allowed
+in any instance to modify the _police system of a plantation_," proceeds
+as follows. "_He_ (the slave) _should be practically treated as a
+slave_; and thoroughly taught the true cardinal principle on which our
+peculiar institutions are founded, viz.; that to his owner he is bound
+by the law of God and man; and that no human authority can sever the
+link which unites them. The great aim of the slaveholder, then, should
+be to keep his people in strict _subordination_. In this, it may in
+truth be said, lies his _entire duty_." Again, in speaking of the
+punishments of slaves, he remarks: "If to our army the disuse of THE
+LASH has been prejudicial, to the slaveholder it would operate to
+deprive him of the MAIN SUPPORT of his authority. For the first class of
+offences, I consider imprisonment in THE STOCKS[A] at night, with or
+without hard labor by day, as a powerful auxiliary in the cause of
+_good_ government." "_Experience_ has convinced me that there is no
+punishment to which the slave looks with more horror, than that upon
+which I am commenting, (the stocks,) and none which has been attended
+with happier results."
+
+[Footnote A: Of the nature of this punishment in the stocks, something
+may be learned by the following extract of a letter from a gentleman in
+Tallahassee, Florida, to the editor of the Ohio Atlas, dated June 9,
+1835: "A planter, a professer of religion, in conversing upon the
+universality of whipping, remarked, that a planter in G____, who had
+whipped a great deal, at length got tired of it, and invented the
+following _excellent_ method of punishment, which I saw practised while
+I was paying him a visit. The negro was placed in a sitting position,
+with his hands made fast above his head, and his feet in the stocks, so
+that he could not move any part of the body. The master retired,
+intending to leave him till morning, but we were awakened in the night
+by the groans of the negro, which were so doleful that we feared he was
+dying. We went to him, and found him covered with a cold sweat, and
+almost gone. He could not have lived an hour longer. Mr. ---- found the
+'stocks' such an effective punishment, that it almost superseded
+the whip."]
+
+There is yet another class of testimony quite as pertinent as the
+foregoing, which may at any time be gleaned from the newspapers of the
+slave states--the advertisements of masters for their runaway slaves,
+and casual paragraphs coldly relating cruelties, which would disgrace a
+land of Heathenism. Let the following suffice for a specimen:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To the Editors of the Constitutionalist.
+
+_Aiken, S.C., Dec._ 20, 1836.
+
+I have just returned from an inquest I held over the dead body of a
+negro man, a runaway, that was shot near the South Edisto, in this
+district, (Barnwell,) on Saturday morning last. He came to his death by
+his own recklessness. He refused to be taken alive; and said that other
+attempts to take him had been made, and he was determined that he would
+not be taken. When taken he was nearly naked--had a large dirk or knife
+and a heavy club. He was at first, (when those who were in pursuit of
+him found it absolutely necessary,) shot at with small shot, with the
+intention of merely crippling him. He was shot at several times, and at
+last he was so disabled as to be compelled to surrender. He kept in the
+run of a creek in a very dense swamp all the time that the neighbors
+were in pursuit of him. As soon as the negro was taken, the best medical
+aid was procured, but he died on the same evening. One of the witnesses
+at the inquisition stated that the negro boy said that he was from
+Mississippi, and belonged to so many persons he did not know who his
+master was; but again he said his master's name was _Brown_. He said his
+own name was Sam; and when asked by another witness who his master was,
+he muttered something like Augusta or Augustine. The boy was apparently
+above 35 or 40 years of age--about six feet high--slightly yellow in the
+face--very long beard or whiskers--and very stout built, and a stern
+countenance; and appeared to have been run away a long time.
+
+WILLIAM H. PRITCHARD,
+
+_Coroner, (ex officio,) Barnwell Dist., S.C._
+
+The Mississippi and other papers will please copy the above.--_Georgia
+Constitutionalist_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+$100 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, living on Herring Bay, Ann
+Arundel county, Md., on Saturday, 28th January, negro man Elijah, who
+calls himself Elijah Cook, is about 21 years of age, well made, of a
+very dark complexion has an impediment in his speech, and _a scar on his
+left cheek bone, apparently occasioned by a shot_.
+
+J. SCRIVENER. Annapolis (Md.) Rep., Feb., 1837.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+$40 REWARD.--Ran away from my residence near Mobile, two negro men,
+Isaac and Tim. Isaac is from 25 to 30 years old, dark complexion, scar
+on the right side of the head, and also one on the right side of the
+body, occasioned by BUCK SHOT. Tim is 22 years old, dark complexion,
+scar on the right cheek, as also another on the back of the neck.
+Captains and owners of steamboats, vessels, and water crafts of every
+description, are cautioned against taking them on board under the
+penalty of the law; and all other persons against harboring or in any
+manner favoring the escape of said negroes under like penalty.
+
+_Mobile, Sept_. 1. SARAH WALSH. Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser, Sept. 29,
+1837.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+$200 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, about three years ago, a
+certain negro man named Ben, (commonly known by the name of Ben Fox.) He
+is about five feet five or six inches high, chunky made, yellow
+complexion, and has but one eye. Also, one other negro, by the name of
+Rigdon, who ran away on the 8th of this month. He is stout made, tall,
+and very black, with large lips.
+
+I will give the reward of one hundred dollars for each of the above
+negroes, to be delivered to me or confined in the jail of Lenoir or
+Jones county, or _for the killing of them so that I can see them_.
+Masters of vessels and all others are cautioned against harboring,
+employing, or carrying them away, under the penalty of the law.
+
+W.D. COBB. _Lenoir county, N.C., Nov_. 12, 1836.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"A negro who had absconded from his master, and for who a reward was
+offered of $100, has been apprehended and committed to prison in
+Savannah, Georgia. The Editor who states the fact, adds, with as much
+coolness as though there was no barbarity in the matter, that he did not
+surrender until he was considerably _maimed by the dogs_[A] that had
+been set on him,--desperately fighting them, one of which he cut badly
+with a sword."
+
+_New-York Commercial Advertiser, June_, 8, 1827.
+
+[Footnote A: In regard to the use of bloodhounds, for the recapture of
+runaway slaves, we insert the following from the New-York Evangelist,
+being an extract of a letter from Natchez (Miss.) under date of January
+31, 1835: "An instance was related to me in Claiborne County, in
+Mississippi. A runaway was heard about the house in the night. The hound
+was put upon his track, and in the morning was found watching the dead
+body of the negro. The dogs are trained to this service when young. A
+negro is directed to go into the woods and secure himself upon a tree.
+When sufficient time has elapsed for doing this, the hound is put upon
+his track. The blacks are compelled to worry them until they make them
+their implacable enemies: and it is common to meet with dogs which will
+take no notice of whites, though entire strangers, but will suffer no
+blacks beside the house servants to enter the yard."]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+From the foregoing evidence on the part of slaveholders themselves, we
+gather the following facts:
+
+1. That perfect obedience is required of the slave--that he is made to
+feel that there is no appeal from his master.
+
+2. That the authority of the master is only maintained by fear--a
+"_reign of terror_."
+
+3. That "the economy of slavery is to _get all you can_ from the slave,
+and give him in return as little as will barely support him in a working
+condition."
+
+4. That runaway slaves may be shot down with impunity by any white
+person.
+
+5. That masters offer rewards for "_killing_" their slaves, "_so that
+they may see them_!"
+
+6. That slaves are branded with hot irons, and very much scarred with
+the whip.
+
+7. That _iron collars_, with projecting prongs, rendering it almost
+impossible for the wearer to lie down, are fastened upon the _necks
+of women_.
+
+8. That the LASH is the MAIN SUPPORT of the slaveholder's authority:
+but, that the _stocks_ are "a powerful auxiliary" to his government.
+
+9. That runaway slaves are chased with dogs--men hunted like beasts of
+prey.
+
+Such is American Slavery in practice.
+
+The testimony thus far adduced is only that of the slaveholder and
+wrong-doer himself: the admission of men who have a direct interest in
+keeping out of sight the horrors of their system. It is besides no
+voluntary admission. Having "framed iniquity by law," it is out of their
+power to hide it. For the recovery of their runaway property, they are
+compelled to advertise in the public journals, and that it may be
+identified, they are under the necessity of describing the marks of the
+whip on the backs of women, the iron collars about the neck--the
+gun-shot wounds, and the traces of the branding-iron. Such testimony
+must, in the nature of things, be partial and incomplete. But for a full
+revelation of the secrets of the prison-house, we must look to the slave
+himself. The Inquisitors of Goa and Madrid never disclosed the peculiar
+atrocities of their "hall of horrors." It was the escaping heretic, with
+his swollen and disjointed limbs, and bearing about him the scars of
+rack and fire, who exposed them to the gaze and abhorrence of
+Christendom.
+
+The following pages contain the simple and unvarnished story of an
+AMERICAN SLAVE,--of one, whose situation, in the first place, as a
+favorite servant in an aristocratic family in Virginia; and afterwards
+as the sole and confidential driver on a large plantation in Alabama,
+afforded him rare and peculiar advantages for accurate observation of
+the practical workings of the system. His intelligence, evident candor,
+and grateful remembrance of those kindnesses, which in a land of
+Slavery, made his cup of suffering less bitter; the perfect accordance
+of his statements, (made at different times, and to different
+individuals),[B] one with another, as well as those statements
+themselves, all afford strong confirmation of the truth and accuracy of
+his story. There seems to have been no effort, on his part to make his
+picture of Slavery one of entire darkness--he details every thing of a
+mitigating character which fell under his observation; and even the
+cruel deception of his master has not rendered him unmindful of his
+early kindness.
+
+[Footnote B: The reader is referred to JOHN G. WHITTIER, of
+Philadelphia, or to the following gentlemen, who have heard the whole,
+or a part of his story, from his own lips: Emmor Kimber, of Kimberton,
+Pa., Lindley Coates, of Lancaster Co., do.; James Mott, of Philadelphia,
+Lewis Tappan, Elizur Wright Jun., Rev. Dr. Follen, and James G. Birney,
+of New York. The latter gentleman, who was a few years ago, a citizen of
+Alabama, assures us that the statements made to him by James Williams,
+were such as he had every reason to believe, from his own knowledge of
+slavery in that State.]
+
+The editor is fully aware that he has not been able to present this
+affecting narrative in the simplicity and vivid freshness with which it
+fell from the lips of the narrator. He has, however, as closely as
+possible, copied his manner, and in many instances his precise language.
+THE SLAVE HAS SPOKEN FOR HIMSELF. Acting merely as his amanuensis, he
+has carefully abstained from comments of his own.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: As the narrator was unable to read or write, it is quite
+possible that the orthography of some of the names of individuals
+mentioned in his story may not be entirely correct. For instance, the
+name of his master may have been either Larrimer, or Larrrimore.]
+
+The picture here presented to the people of the free states, is, in many
+respects, a novel one. We all know something of Virginia and Kentucky
+Slavery. We have heard of the internal slave trade--the pangs of
+separation--the slave ship with its "cargo of despair" bound for the
+New-Orleans market--the weary journey of the chained Coffle to the
+cotton country. But here, in a great measure, we have lost sight of the
+victims of avarice and lust. We have not studied the dreadful economy of
+the cotton plantation, and know but little of the secrets of its
+unlimited despotism.
+
+But in this narrative the scenes of the plantation rise before us, with
+a distinctness which approaches reality. We hear the sound of the horn
+at daybreak, calling the sick and the weary to toil unrequited. Woman,
+in her appealing delicacy and suffering, about to become a mother, is
+fainting under the lash, or sinking exhausted beside her cotton row. We
+hear the prayer for mercy answered with sneers and curses. We look on
+the instruments of torture, and the corpses of murdered men. We see the
+dogs, reeking hot from the chase, with their jaws foul with human blood.
+We see the meek and aged Christian scarred with the lash, and bowed down
+with toil, offering the supplication of a broken heart to his Father in
+Heaven, for the forgiveness of his brutal enemy. We hear, and from our
+inmost hearts repeat the affecting interrogatory of the aged slave,
+_"How long, Oh Lord! how long!"_
+
+The editor has written out the details of this painful narrative with
+feelings of sorrow. If there be any who feel a morbid satisfaction in
+dwelling upon the history of outrage and cruelty, he at least is not one
+of them. His taste and habits incline him rather to look to the pure and
+beautiful in our nature--the sunniest side of humanity--its kindly
+sympathies--its holy affections--its charities and its love. But, it is
+because he has seen that all which is thus beautiful and excellent in
+mind and heart, perishes in the atmosphere of slavery: it is because
+humanity in the slave sinks down to a level with the brute and in the
+master gives place to the attributes of a fiend--that he has not felt at
+liberty to decline the task. He cannot sympathize with that abstract and
+delicate philanthropy, which hesitates to bring itself in contact with
+the sufferer, and which shrinks from the effort of searching out the
+extent of his afflictions. The emblem of Practical Philanthropy is the
+Samaritan stooping over the wounded Jew. It must be no fastidious hand
+which administers the oil and the wine, and binds up the
+unsightly gashes.
+
+Believing, as he does, that this narrative is one of truth; that it
+presents an unexaggerated picture of Slavery as it exists on the cotton
+plantations of the South and West, he would particularly invite to its
+perusal, those individuals, and especially those professing Christians
+at the North, who have ventured to claim for such a system, the sanction
+and approval of the Religion of Jesus Christ. In view of the facts here
+presented, let these men seriously inquire of themselves, whether in
+advancing such a claim, they are not uttering a higher and more
+audacious blasphemy than any which ever fell from the pens of Voltaire
+and Paine. As if to cover them with confusion, and leave them utterly
+without excuse for thus libelling the character of a just God, these
+developments are making, and the veil rising, which for long years of
+sinful apathy has rested upon the abominations of American Slavery.
+Light is breaking into it's dungeons, disclosing the wreck of buried
+intellect--of hearts broken--of human affections outraged--of souls
+ruined. The world will see it as God has always seen it; and when He
+shall at length make inquisition for blood, and His vengeance kindle
+over the habitations of cruelty, with a destruction more terrible than
+that of Sodom and Gomorrah, His righteous dealing will be justified of
+man, and His name glorified among the nations, and there will be a voice
+of rejoicing in Earth and in Heaven. ALLELUIA!--THE PROMISE IS
+FULFILLED!--FOR THE SIGHING OF THE POOR AND THE OPPRESSION OF THE NEEDY,
+GOD HATH RISEN!
+
+It is the earnest desire of the Editor, that this narrative may be the
+means, under God, of awakening in the hearts of all who read it, a
+sympathy for the oppressed which shall manifest itself in immediate,
+active, self-sacrificing exertion for their deliverance; and, while it
+excites abhorrence of his crimes, call forth pity for the oppressor. May
+it have the effect to prevent the avowed and associated friends of the
+slave, from giving such an undue importance to their own trials and
+grievances, as to forget in a great measure the sorrows of the slave.
+Let its cry of wo, coming up from the plantations of the South, suppress
+every feeling of selfishness in our hearts. Let our regret and
+indignation at the denial of the right of petition, be felt only because
+we are thereby prevented from pleading in the Halls of Congress for the
+"suffering and the dumb." And let the fact, that we are shut out from
+half the territory of our country, be lamented only because it prevents
+us from bearing personally to the land of Slavery, the messages of hope
+for the slave, and of rebuke and warning for the oppressor.
+
+_New-York, 24th 1st mo._, 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+NARRATIVE
+
+I was born in Powhatan County, Virginia, on the plantation of George
+Larrimore. Sen., at a place called Mount Pleasant, on the 16th of May
+1805. May father was the slave of an orphan family whose name I have
+forgotten, and was under the care of a Mr. Brooks, guardian of the
+family. He was a native of Africa, and was brought over when a mere
+child, with his mother. My mother was the slave of George Larrimore,
+Sen. She was nearly white, and is well known to have been the daughter
+of Mr. Larrimore himself. She died when myself and my twin brother
+Meshech were five years of age--I can scarcely remember her. She had in
+all eight children, of whom only five are now living. One, a brother,
+belongs to the heirs of the late Mr. Brockenbrough of Charlottesville;
+of whom he hires his time, and pays annually $120 for it. He is a member
+of the Baptist church, and used to preach occasionally. His wife is a
+free woman from Philadelphia, and being able to read and write, taught
+her husband. The whites do not know that he can write, and have often
+wondered that he could preach so well without learning. It is the
+practice when a church is crowded, to turn the blacks out of their
+seats. My brother did not like this, and on one occasion preached a
+sermon from a text, showing that all are of one blood. Some of the
+whites who heard it, said that such preaching would raise an
+insurrection among the negroes. Two of them told him that if he would
+prove his doctrine by Scripture, they would let him go, but if he did
+not, he should have nine and thirty lashes. He accordingly preached
+another sermon and spoke with a great deal of boldness. The two men who
+were in favor of having him whipped, left before the sermon was over;
+those who remained, acknowledged that he had proved his doctrine, and
+preached a good sermon, and many of them came up and shook hands with
+him. The two opposers, Scott and Brockley, forbid my brother, after
+this, to come upon their estates. They were both Baptists, and my
+brother had before preached to their people. During the cholera at
+Richmond, my brother preached a sermon, in which he compared the
+pestilence to the plagues, which afflicted the Egyptian slaveholders,
+because they would not let the people go. After the sermon some of the
+whites threatened to whip him. Mr. Valentine, a merchant on Shocko Hill
+prevented them; and a young lawyer named Brooks said it was wrong to
+threaten a man for preaching the truth. Since the insurrection of Nat.
+Turner he has not been allowed to preach much.
+
+My twin brother was for some time the property of Mr. John Griggs, of
+Richmond, who sold him about three years since, to an Alabama Cotton
+Planter, with whom he staid one year, and then ran away and in all
+probability escaped into the free states or Canada, as he was seen near
+the Maryland line. My other brother lives in Fredericksburg, and belongs
+to a Mr. Scott, a merchant formerly of Richmond. He was sold from Mr.
+Larrimore's plantation because his wife was a slave of Mr. Scott. My
+only sister is the slave of John Smith, of King William. Her husband was
+the slave of Mr. Smith, when the latter lived in Powhatan county, and
+when he removed to King William, she was taken with her husband.
+
+My old master, George Larrimore, married Jane Roane, the sister of a
+gentleman named John Roane, one of the most distinguished men in
+Virginia, who in turn married a sister of my master. One of his sisters
+married a Judge Scott, and another married Mr. Brockenbrough of
+Charlottesville. Mr. Larrimore had three children; George, Jane, and
+Elizabeth. The former was just ten days older than myself; and I was his
+playmate and constant associate in childhood. I used to go with him to
+his school, and carry his books for him as far as the door, and meet him
+there when the school was dismissed. We were very fond of each other,
+and frequently slept together. He taught me the letters of the alphabet,
+and I should soon have acquired a knowledge of reading, had not George's
+mother discovered her son in the act of teaching me. She took him aside
+and severely reprimanded him. When I asked him, not long after, to tell
+me more of what he had learned at school, he said that his mother had
+forbidden him to do so any more, as her father had a slave, who was
+instructed in reading and writing, and on that account proved very
+troublesome. He could, they said, imitate the hand-writing of the
+neighboring planters, and used to write passes and certificates of
+freedom for the slaves, and finally wrote one for himself, and went off
+to Philadelphia, from whence her father received from him a saucy
+letter, thanking him for his education.
+
+The early years of my life went by pleasantly. The bitterness of my lot
+I had not yet realized. Comfortably clothed and fed, kindly treated by
+my old master and mistress and the young ladies, and the playmate and
+confidant of my young master, I did not dream of the dark reality of
+evil before me.
+
+When he was fourteen years of age, master George went to his uncle
+Brockenbrough's at Charlottesville, as a student of the University.
+After his return from College, he went to Paris and other parts of
+Europe, and spent three or four years in study and travelling. In the
+mean time I was a waiter in the house, dining-room servant, &c. My old
+master visited and received visits from a great number of the principal
+families in Virginia. Each summer, with his family, he visited the
+Sulphur Springs and the mountains. While George was absent, I went with
+him to New-Orleans, in the winter season, on account of his failing
+health. We spent three days in Charleston, at Mr. McDuffie's, with whom
+my master was on intimate terms. Mr. McDuffie spent several days on one
+occasion at Mt. Pleasant. He took a fancy to me, and offered my master
+the servant whom he brought with him and $500 beside, for me. My master
+considered it almost an insult, and said after he was gone, that Mr.
+McDuffie needed money to say the least, as much as he did.
+
+He had a fine house in Richmond, and used to spend his winters there
+with his family, taking me with him. He was not there much at other
+times, except when the Convention of 1829 for amending the State
+Constitution, was held in that city. He had a quarrel with Mr. Neal of
+Richmond Co., in consequence of some remarks upon the subject of
+Slavery. It came near terminating in a duel. I recollect that during the
+sitting of the Convention, my master asked me before several other
+gentlemen, if I wished to be free and go back to my own country. I
+looked at him with surprise, and inquired what country?
+
+"Africa, to be sure," said he, laughing.
+
+I told him that was not my country--that I was born in Virginia.
+
+"Oh yes," said he, "but your father was born in Africa." He then said
+that there was a place on the African coast called Liberia where a great
+many free blacks were going; and asked me to tell him honestly, whether
+I would prefer to be set free on condition of going to Africa, or live
+with him and remain a slave. I replied that I had rather be as I was.
+
+I have frequently heard him speak against slavery to his visitors. I
+heard him say on one occasion, when some gentlemen were arguing in favor
+of sending the free colored people to Africa, that this was as really
+the black man's country as the white's, and that it would be as humane
+to knock the free negroes, at once, on the head, as to send them to
+Liberia. He was a kind man to his slaves. He was proud of them, and of
+the reputation he enjoyed of feeding and clothing them well. They were
+as near as I can judge about 300 in number. He never to my knowledge
+sold a slave, unless to go with a wife or husband, and at the slave's
+own request. But all except the very wealthiest planters in his
+neighborhood sold them frequently. John Smoot of Powhatan Co. has sold a
+great number. Bacon Tait[A] used to be one of the principal purchasers.
+He had a jail at Richmond where he kept them. There were many others who
+made a business of buying and selling slaves. I saw on one occasion
+while travelling with my master, a gang of nearly two hundred men
+fastened with chains. The women followed unchained and the children in
+wagons. It was a sorrowful sight. Some were praying, some crying, and
+they all had a look of extreme wretchedness. It is an awful thing to a
+Virginia slave to be sold for the Alabama and Mississippi country. I
+have known some of them to die of grief, and others to commit suicide,
+on account of it.
+
+[Footnote A: Bacon Tait's advertisement of "new and commodious
+buildings" for the keeping of negroes, situated at the corner of 15th
+and Carey streets, appears in the Richmond Whig of Sept. 1896.--EDITOR.]
+
+In my seventeenth year, I was married to a girl named Harriet, belonging
+to John Gatewood, a planter living about four miles from Mr. Pleasant.
+She was about a year younger than myself--was a tailoress, and used to
+cut out clothes for the hands.
+
+We were married by a white clergyman named Jones; and were allowed to or
+three weeks to ourselves, which we spent in visiting and other
+amusements.
+
+The field hands are seldom married by a clergyman. They simply invite
+their friends together, and have a wedding party.
+
+Our two eldest children died in their infancy: two are now living. The
+youngest was only two months old when I saw him for the last time. I
+used to visit my wife on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
+
+My young master came back from Europe in delicate health. He was advised
+by his physicians to spend the winter in New-Orleans, whither he
+accordingly went, taking me with him. Here he became acquainted with a
+French lady of one of the first families in the city. The next winter he
+also spent in New-Orleans, and on his third visit, three years after his
+return from Europe, he was married to the lady above mentioned. In May
+he returned to Mt. Pleasant, and found the elder Larrimore on his sick
+bed, from which he never rose again. He died on the 14th of July. There
+was a great and splendid funeral, as his relatives and friends
+were numerous.
+
+His large property was left principally in the hands of his widow until
+her decease, after which it was to be divided among the three children.
+In February Mrs. Larrimore also died. The administrators upon the estate
+were John Green, Esq., and Benjamin Temple. My young master came back
+from Europe in delicate health. He way advised by his physicians to
+spend the winter in New-Orleans, whither he accordingly went, taking me
+with him. Here he became acquainted with a French lady of one of the
+first families in the city. The next winter he also spent in
+New-Orleans, and on his third visit, three years after his return from
+Europe, he was married to the lady above mentioned. In May he returned
+to Mt. Pleasant, and found the elder Larrimore on his sick bed, from
+which he never rose again. He died on the 14th of July. There was a
+great and splendid funeral, as his relatives and friends were numerous.
+
+His large property was left principally in the hands of his widow until
+her decease, after which it was to be divided among the three children.
+In February Mrs. Larrimore also died. The administrators upon the estate
+were John Green, Esq., and Benjamin Temple.
+
+My young mistresses, Jane and Elizabeth, were very kind to the servants.
+They seemed to feel under obligations to afford them every comfort and
+gratification, consistent with the dreadful relation of ownership which
+they sustained towards them. Whipping was scarcely known on the estate;
+and, whenever it did take place, it was invariably against the wishes of
+the young ladies.
+
+But the wife of master George was of a disposition entirely the reverse.
+Feeble, languid, and inert, sitting motionless for hours at her window,
+or moving her small fingers over the strings of her guitar, to some soft
+and languishing air, she would have seemed to a stranger incapable of
+rousing herself from that indolent repose, in which mind as well as body
+participated. But, the slightest disregard of her commands--and
+sometimes even the neglect to anticipate her wishes, on the part of the
+servants; was sufficient to awake her. The inanimate and delicate beauty
+then changed into a stormy virago. Her black eyes flawed and sparkled
+with a snaky fierceness, her full lips compressed, and her brows bent
+and darkened. Her very voice, soft and sweet when speaking to her
+husband, and exquisitely fine and melodious, when accompanying her
+guitar, was at such times, shrill, keen, and loud. She would order the
+servants of my young mistresses upon her errands, and if they pleaded
+their prior duty to obey the calls of another, would demand that they
+should be forthwith whipped for their insolence. If the young ladies
+remonstrated with her, she met them with a perfect torrent of invective
+and abuse. In these paroxysms of fury she always spoke in French, with a
+vehemence and volubility, which strongly contrasted with the calmness
+and firmness of the young ladies. She would boast of what she had done
+in New-Orleans, and of the excellent discipline of her father's slaves.
+She said she had gone down in the night to the cell under her father's
+house, and whipped the slaves confined there with her own hands. I had
+heard the same thing from her father's servants at New-Orleans, when I
+was there with my master. She brought with her from New-Orleans a girl
+named Frances. I have seen her take her by the ear, lead her up to the
+side of the room, and beat her head against it. At other times she would
+snatch off her slipper and strike the girl on her face and head with it.
+
+She seldom manifested her evil temper before master George. When she
+did, he was greatly troubled, and he used to speak to his sisters about
+it. Her manner towards him was almost invariably that of extreme
+fondness. She was dark complexioned, but very beautiful; and the smile
+of welcome with which she used to meet him was peculiarly fascinating. I
+did not marvel that _he_ loved her; while at the same time, in common
+with all the house servants, I regarded her as a being possessed with an
+evil spirit,--half woman, and half fiend.
+
+Soon after the settlement of the estate, I heard my master speak of
+going out to Alabama. His wife had 1500 acres of wild land in Greene
+County in that State: and he had been negociating for 500 more. Early in
+the summer of 1833, he commenced making preparations for removing to
+that place a sufficient number of hands to cultivate it. He took great
+pains to buy up the wives and husbands of those of his own slaves who
+had married out of the estate, in order, as he said, that his hands
+might be contented in Alabama, and not need chaining together while on
+their journey. It is always found necessary by the regular
+slave-traders, in travelling with their slaves to the far South, to
+handcuff and chain their wretched victims, who have been bought up as
+the interest of the trader, and the luxury or necessities of the planter
+may chance to require, without regard to the ties sundered or the
+affections made desolate, by these infernal bargains. About the 1st of
+September, after the slaves destined for Alabama had taken a final
+farewell of their old home, and of the friends they were leaving behind,
+our party started on their long journey. There were in all 214 slaves,
+men, women and children. The men and women travelled on foot--the small
+children in the wagons, containing the baggage, &c. Previous to my
+departure, I visited my wife and children at Mr. Gatewood's. I took
+leave of them with the belief that I should return with my master, as
+soon as he had seen his hands established on his new plantation. I took
+my children in my arms and embraced them; my wife, who was a member of
+the Methodist church, implored the blessing of God upon me, during my
+absence, and I turned away to follow my master.
+
+Our journey was a long and tedious one, especially to those who were
+compelled to walk the whole distance. My master rode in a sulky, and I,
+as his body servant, on horseback: When we crossed over the Roanoke, and
+were entering upon North Carolina, I remember with what sorrowful
+countenances and language the poor slaves looked back for the last time
+upon the land of their nativity. It was their last farewell to Old
+Virginia. We passed through Georgia, and crossing the Chattahoochee,
+entered Alabama. Our way for many days was through a sandy tract of
+country, covered with pine woods, with here and there the plantation of
+an Indian or a half-breed. After crossing what is called Line Creek, we
+found large plantations along the road, at intervals of four or five
+miles. The aspect of the whole country was wild and forbidding, save to
+the eye of a cotton-planter. The clearings were all new, and the houses
+rudely constructed of logs. The cotton fields, were skirted with an
+enormous growth of oak, pine, and other wood. Charred stumps stood
+thickly in the clearings, with here and there a large tree girdled by
+the axe and left to decay. We reached at last the place of our
+destination. It was a fine tract of land with a deep rich soil. We
+halted on a small knoll, where the tents were pitched, and the wagons
+unladen. I spent the night with my master at a neighboring plantation,
+which was under the care of an overseer named Flincher.
+
+The next morning my master received a visit from a man named Huckstep,
+who had undertaken the management of his plantation as an overseer. He
+had been an overseer on cotton plantations many years in Georgia and
+North Carolina. He was apparently about forty years of age, with a
+sunburnt and sallow countenance. His thick shock of black hair was
+marked in several places with streaks of white, occasioned as he
+afterwards told me by blows received from slaves whom he was chastising.
+
+After remaining in the vicinity for about a week, my master took me
+aside one morning--told me he was going to Selma in Dallas County, and
+wished me to be in readiness on his return the next day, to start for
+Virginia. This was to me cheering news. I spent that day and the next
+among my old fellow servants who had lived with me in Virginia. Some of
+them had messages to send by me to their friends and acquaintances. In
+the afternoon of the second day after my master's departure, I
+distributed, among them all the money which I had about me, viz.,
+fifteen dollars. I noticed that the overseer Huckstep laughed at this
+and called me a fool: and that whenever I spoke of going home with my
+master, his countenance indicated something between a smile and a sneer.
+
+Night came; but contrary to his promise, my master did not come. I still
+however expected him the next day. But another night came, and he had
+not returned. I grew uneasy, and inquired of Huckstep where be thought
+my master was.
+
+"On his way to Old Virginia," said he, with a malicious laugh.
+
+"But," said I. "Master George told me that he should come back and take
+me with him to Virginia."
+
+"Well, boy," said the overseer, "I'll now tell ye what master George, as
+you call him, told me. You are to stay here and act as driver of the
+field hands. That was the order. So you may as well submit to it
+at once."
+
+I stood silent and horror-struck. Could it be that the man whom I had
+served faithfully from our mutual boyhood, whose slightest wish had been
+my law, to serve whom I would have laid down my life, while I had
+confidence in his integrity--could it be that he had so cruelly and
+wickedly deceived me? I looked at the overseer. He stood laughing at me
+in my agony.
+
+"Master George gave you no such orders," I exclaimed, maddened by the
+overseer's look and manner.
+
+The overseer looked at me with a fiendish grin. "None of your
+insolence," said he, with a dreadful oath. "I never saw a Virginia
+nigger that I couldn't manage, proud as they are. Your master has left
+you in my hands, and you must obey my orders. If you don't, why I shall
+have to make you '_hug the widow there_,'" pointing to a tree, to which I
+afterwards found the slaves were tied when they were whipped.
+
+That night was one of sleepless agony. Virginia--the hills and the
+streams of my birth-place; the kind and hospitable home; the
+gentle-hearted sisters, sweetening with their sympathy the sorrows of
+the slave--my wife--my children--all that had thus far made up my
+happiness, rose in contrast with my present condition. Deeply as he has
+wronged me, may my master himself never endure such a night of misery!
+
+At daybreak, Huckstep told me to dress myself, and attend to his
+directions. I rose, subdued and wretched, and at his orders handed the
+horn to the headmen of the gang, who summoned the hands to the field.
+They were employed in clearing land for cultivation, cutting trees and
+burning. I was with them through the day, and at night returned once
+more to my lodgings to be laughed at by the overseer. He told me that I
+should do well, he did not doubt, by and by, but that a Virginia driver
+generally had to be whipped a few times himself before he could be
+taught to do justice to the slaves under his charge. They were not equal
+to those raised in North Carolina, for keeping the lazy hell-hounds, as
+he called the slaves, at work.
+
+And this was my condition!--a driver set over more than one hundred and
+sixty of my kindred and friends, wish orders to apply the whip
+unsparingly to every one, whether man or woman, who faltered in the
+task, or was careless in the execution of it, myself subject at any
+moment to feel the accursed lash upon my own back, if feelings of
+humanity should perchance overcome the selfishness of misery, and induce
+me to spare and pity.
+
+I lived in the same house with Huckstep,--a large log house, roughly
+finished; where we were waited upon by an old woman, whom we used to
+call aunt Polly. Huckstep was, I soon found, inordinately fond of peach
+brandy; and once or twice in the course of a month he had a drunken
+debauch, which usually lasted from two to four days. He was then full of
+talk, laughed immoderately at his own nonsense and would keep me up
+until late at night listening to him. He was at these periods terribly
+severe to his hands, and would order me to use up the cracker of my whip
+every day upon the poor creatures, who were toiling in the field, and in
+order to satisfy him, I used to tear it off when returning home at
+night. He would then praise me for a good fellow, and invite me to
+drink with him.
+
+He used to tell me at such times, that if I would only drink as he did,
+I should be worth a thousand dollars more for it. He would sit hours
+with his peach brandy, cursing and swearing, laughing and telling
+stories full of obscenity and blasphemy. He would sometimes start up,
+take my whip, and rush out to the slave quarters, flourish it about and
+frighten the inmates and often cruelly beat them. He would order the
+women to pull up their clothes, in Alabama style, as he called it, and
+then whip them for not complying. He would then come back roaring and
+shouting to the house, and tell me what he had done; if I did not laugh
+with him, he would get angry and demand what the matter was. Oh! how
+often I have laughed, at such times, when my heart ached within me; and
+how often, when permitted to retire to my bed, have I found relief
+in tears!
+
+He had no wife, but kept a colored mistress in a house situated on a
+gore of land between the plantation and that of Mr. Goldsby. He brought
+her with him from North Carolina, and had three children by her.
+
+Sometimes in his fits of intoxication, he would come riding into the
+field, swinging his whip, and crying out to the hands to strip off their
+shirts, and be ready to take a whipping: and this too when they were all
+busily at work. At another time, he would gather the hands around him
+and fall to cursing and swearing about the neighboring overseers. They
+were, he said, cruel to their hands, whipped them unmercifully, and in
+addition starved them. As for himself, he was the kindest and best
+fellow within forty miles; and the hands ought to be thankful that they
+had such a good man for their overseer.
+
+He would frequently be very familiar with me, and call me his child; he
+would tell me that our people were going to get Texas, a fine cotton
+country, and that he meant to go out there and have a plantation of his
+own, and I should go with him and be his overseer.
+
+The houses in the "_negro quarters_" were constructed of logs, and from
+twelve to fifteen feet square; they had no glass, but there were holes
+to let in the light and air. The furniture consisted of a table, a few
+stools, and dishes made of wood, and an iron pot, and some other cooking
+utensils. The houses were placed about three or four rods apart, with a
+piece of ground attached to each of them for a garden, where the
+occupant could raise a few vegetables. The "quarters" were about three
+hundred yards from the dwelling of the overseer.
+
+The hands were occupied in clearing land and burning brush, and in
+constructing their houses, through the winter. In March we commenced
+ploughing: and on the first of April began planting seed for cotton. The
+hoeing season commenced about the last of May. At the earliest dawn of
+day, and frequently before that time, the laborers were roused from
+their sleep by the blowing of the horn. It was blown by the headman of
+the gang who led the rest in the work and acted under my direction, as
+my assistant.
+
+Previous to the blowing of the horn the hands generally rose and eat
+what was called the "morning's bit," consisting of ham and bread. If
+exhaustion and fatigue prevented their rising before the dreaded sound
+of the horn broke upon their slumbers, they had no time to snatch a
+mouthful, but were harried out at once.
+
+It was my business to give over to each of the hands his or her
+appropriate implement of labor, from the toolhouse where they were
+deposited at night. After all had been supplied, they were taken to the
+field, and set at work as soon as it was sufficiently light to
+distinguish the plants from the grass and weeds. I was employed in
+passing from row to row, in order to see that the work was well done,
+and to urge forward the laborers. At 12 o'clock, the horn was blown from
+the overseer's house, calling the hands to dinner, each to his own
+cabin. The intermission of labor was one hour and a half to hoers and
+pickers, and two hours to the ploughmen. At the expiration of this
+interval, the horn again summoned them to thus labor. They were kept in
+the field until dark, when they were called home to supper.
+
+There was little leisure for any of the hands on the plantation. In the
+evenings, after it was too dark for work in the field, the men were
+frequently employed in burning brush and in other labors until late at
+night. The women after toiling in the field by day, were compelled to
+card, spin, and weave cotton for their clothing, in the evening. Even on
+Sundays there was little or no respite from toil. Those who had not been
+able to work out all their tasks during the week were allowed by the
+overseer to finish it on the Sabbath, and thus save themselves from a
+whipping on Monday morning. Those whose tasks were finished frequently
+employed most of that day in cultivating their gardens.
+
+Many of the female hands were delicate young women, who in Virginia had
+never been accustomed to field labor. They suffered greatly from the
+extreme heat and the severity of the toil. Oh! how often have I seen
+them dragging their weary limbs from the cotton field at nightfall,
+faint and exhausted. The overseer used to laugh at their sufferings.
+They were, he said, Virginia ladies, and altogether too delicate for
+Alabama use: but they must be made to do their tasks notwithstanding.
+The recollection of these things even now is dreadful. I used to tell
+the poor creatures, when compelled by the overseer to urge them forward
+with the whip, that I would much rather take their places, and endure
+the stripes than inflict them.
+
+When but three months old, the children born on the estate were given up
+to the care of the old women who were not able to work out of doors.
+Their mothers were kept at work in the field.
+
+It was the object of the overseer to separate me in feeling and interest
+as widely as possible from my suffering brethren and sisters. I had
+relations among the field hands, and used to call them my cousins. He
+forbid my doing so; and told me if I acknowledged relationship with any
+of the hands I should be flogged for it. He used to speak of them as
+devils and hell-hounds, and ridicule them in every possible way; and
+endeavoured to make me speak of them and regard them in the same manner.
+He would tell long stories about hunting and shooting "runaway niggers,"
+and detail with great apparent satisfaction the cruel and horrid
+punishments which he had inflicted. One thing he said troubled him. He
+had once whipped a slave so severely that he died in consequence of it,
+and it was soon after ascertained that he was wholly innocent of the
+offence charged against him. That slave, he said, had haunted him
+ever since.
+
+Soon after we commenced weeding our cotton, some of the hands who were
+threatened with a whipping for not finishing their tasks, ran away. The
+overseer and myself went out after them, taking with us five
+bloodhounds, which were kept on the Estate for the sole purpose of
+catching runaways. There were no other hounds in the vicinity, and the
+overseers of the neighboring plantations used to borrow them to hunt
+their runaways. A Mr. Crop, who lived about ten miles distant, had two
+packs, and made it his sole business to catch slaves with them. We used
+to set the dogs upon the track of the fugitives, and they would follow
+them until, to save themselves from being torn in pieces, they would
+climb into a tree, where the dogs kept them until we came up and
+secured them.
+
+These hounds, when young, are taught to run after the negro boys; and
+being always kept confined except when let out in pursuit of runaways,
+they seldom fail of overtaking the fugitive, and seem to enjoy the sport
+of hunting men as much as other dogs do that of chasing a fox or a deer.
+My master gave a large sum for his five dogs,--a slut and her
+four puppies.
+
+While going over our cotton picking for the last time, one of our hands
+named Little John, ran away. The next evening the dogs were started on
+his track. We followed them awhile, until we knew by their ceasing to
+bark that they had found him. We soon met the dogs returning. Their
+jaws, heads, and feet, were bloody. The overseer looked at them and
+said, "he was afraid the dogs had killed the nigger." It being dark, we
+could not find him that night. Early the next morning, we started off
+with our neighbors, Sturtivant and Flincher; and after searching about
+for some time, we found the body of Little John lying in the midst of a
+thicket of cane. It was nearly naked, and dreadfully mangled and gashed
+by the teeth of the dogs. They had evidently dragged it some yards
+through the thicket: blood, tatters of clothes, and even the entrails of
+the unfortunate man, were clinging to the stubs of the old and broken
+cane. Huckstep stooped over his saddle, looked at the body, and muttered
+an oath. Sturtivant swore it was no more than the fellow deserved. We
+dug a hole in the cane-brake, where he lay, buried him, and
+returned home.
+
+The murdered young man had a mother and two sisters on the plantation,
+by whom he was dearly loved. When I told the old woman of what had
+befallen her son, she only said that it was better for poor John than to
+live in slavery.
+
+Late in the fall of this year, a young man, who had already run away
+several times, was missing from his task. It was four days before we
+found him. The dogs drove him at last up a tree, where he was caught,
+and brought home. He was then fastened down to the ground by means of
+forked sticks of wood selected for the purpose, the longest fork being
+driven into the ground until the other closed down upon the neck,
+ancles, and wrists. The overseer then sent for two large cats belonging
+to the house. These he placed upon the naked shoulders of his victim,
+and dragged them suddenly by their tails downward. At first they did not
+scratch deeply. He then ordered me to strike them with a small stick
+after he had placed them once more upon the back of the sufferer. I did
+so; and the enraged animals extended their claws, and tore his back
+deeply and cruelly as they were dragged along it. He was then whipped
+and placed in the stocks, where he was kept for three days. On the third
+morning as I passed the stocks, I stopped to look at him. His head hung
+down over the chain which supported his neck. I spoke, but he did not
+answer. _He was dead in the stocks_! The overseer on seeing him seemed
+surprised, and, I thought, manifested some remorse. Four of the field
+hands took him out of the stocks and buried him: and every thing went
+on as usual.
+
+It is not in my power to give a narrative of the daily occurrences on
+the plantation. The history of one day was that of all. The gloomy
+monotony of our slavery, was only broken by the overseer's periodical
+fits of drunkenness, at which times neither life nor limb on the estate
+were secure from his caprice or violence.
+
+In the spring of 1835, the overseer brought me a letter from my wife,
+written for her by her young mistress, Mr. Gateweed's daughter. He read
+it to me: it stated that herself and children were well--spoke of her
+sad and heavy disappointment in consequence of my not returning with my
+master; and of her having been told by him that I should come back the
+next fall.
+
+Hope for a moment lightened my heart; and I indulged the idea of once
+more returning to the bosom of my family. But I recollected that my
+master had already cruelly deceived me; and despair again took hold
+on me.
+
+Among our hands was one whom we used to call Big Harry. He was a stout,
+athletic man--very intelligent, and an excellent workman; but he was of
+a high and proud spirit, which the weary and crushing weight of a life
+of slavery had not been able to subdue. On almost every plantation at
+the South you may find one or more individuals, whose look and air show
+that they have preserved their self-respect as _men_;--that with them
+the power of the tyrant ends with the coercion of the body--that the
+soul is free, and the inner man retaining the original uprightness of
+the image of God. You may know them by the stern sobriety of their
+countenances, and the contempt with which they regard the jests and
+pastimes of their miserable and degraded companions, who, like Samson,
+make sport for the keepers of their prison-house. These men are always
+feared as well as hated by their task-masters. Harry had never been
+whipped, and had always said that he would die rather than submit to it.
+He made no secret of his detestation of the overseer. While most of the
+slaves took off their hats, with cowering submission, in his presence,
+Harry always refused to do so. He never spoke to him except in a brief
+answer to his questions. Master George, who knew, and dreaded the
+indomitable spirit of the man, told the overseer, before he left the
+plantation, to beware how he attempted to punish him. But, the habits of
+tyranny in which Huckstep had so long indulged, had accustomed him to
+abject submission, on the part of his subjects; and he could not endure
+this upright and unbroken manliness. He used frequently to curse and
+swear about him, and devise plans for punishing him on account of his
+impudence as he called it.
+
+A pretext was at last afforded him. Sometime in August of this year,
+there was a large quantity of yellow unpicked cotton lying in the gin
+house. Harry was employed at night in removing the cotton see, which has
+been thrown out by the gin. The rest of the male hands were engaged
+during the day in weeding the cotton for the last time, and in the nigh,
+in burning brush on the new lands clearing for the next year's crop.
+Harry was told one evening to go with the others and assist in burning
+the brush. He accordingly went and the next night a double quantity of
+seed had accumulated in the gin house: and although he worked until
+nearly 2 o'clock in the morning, he could not remove it all.
+
+The next morning the overseer came into the field, and demanded of me
+why I had not whipped Harry for not removing all the cotton seed. He
+then called aloud to Harry to come forward and be whipped. Harry
+answered somewhat sternly that he would neither be struck by overseer
+nor driver; that he had worked nearly all night, and had scarcely fallen
+asleep when the horn blew to summon him to his toil in the field. The
+overseer raved and threatened, but Harry paid no farther attention to
+him. He then turned to me and asked me for my pistols, with a pair of
+which he had furnished me. I told him they were not with me. He growled
+an oath, threw himself on his horse and left us. In the evening I found
+him half drunk and raving like a madman. He said he would no longer bear
+with that nigger's insolence; but would whip him if it cost him his
+life. He at length fixed upon a plan for seizing him; and told me that
+he would go out in the morning, ride along by the side of Harry and talk
+pleasantly to him, and then, while Harry was attending to him, I was to
+steal upon him and knock him down, by a blow on the head, from the
+loaded and heavy handle of my whip. I was compelled to promise to obey
+his directions.
+
+The next morning when we got to the field I told Harry of the overseer's
+plan, and advised him by all means to be on his guard and watch my
+motions. His eye glistened with gratitude. "Thank you James", said he,
+"I'll take care that you don't touch me."
+
+Huckstep came into the field about 10 o'clock. He rode along by the side
+of Harry talking and laughing. I was walking on the other side. When I
+saw that Harry's eye was upon me I aimed a blow at him intending however
+to miss him. He evaded the blow and turned fiercely round with his hoe
+uplifted, threatening to cut down any one who again attempted to strike
+him. Huckstep cursed my awkwardness, and told Harry to put down his hoe
+and came to him. He refused to do so and swore he would kill the first
+man who tried to lay hands on him. The cowardly tyrant shrank away from
+his enraged bondman, and for two weeks Harry was not again molested.
+
+About the first of September, the overseer had one of his drunken fits.
+He made the house literally an earthly hell. He urged me to drink,
+quarrelled and swore at me for declining, and chased the old woman round
+the house, with his bottle of peach brandy. He then told me that Harry
+had forgotten the attempt to seize him, and that is the morning we must
+try our old game over again.
+
+On the following morning, as I was handing to each of the hands their
+hoes from the tool house, I caught Harry's eye. "Look out," said I to
+him. "Huckstep will be after you again to day." He uttered a deep curse
+against the overseer and passed on to his work. After breakfast Huckstep
+came riding out to the cotton field. He tied his horse to a tree, and
+came towards us. His sallow and haggard countenance was flushed, and his
+step unsteady. He came up by the side of Harry and began talking about
+the crops and the weather; I came at the same time on the other side,
+and in striking at him, beat off his hat. He sprang aside and stepped
+backwards. Huckstep with a dreadful oath commanded him to stop, saying
+that he had determined to whip him, and neither earth nor hell should
+prevent him. Harry defied him: and said he had always done the work
+allotted to him and that was enough: he would sooner die than have the
+accursed lash touch him. The overseer staggered to his horse, mounted
+him and rode furiously to the house, and soon made his appearance,
+returning, with his gun in his hand.
+
+"Yonder comes the devil!" said one of the women whose row was near
+Harry's.
+
+"Yes," said another, "He's trying to scare Harry with his gun."
+
+"Let him try as he pleases," said Harry, in his low, deep, determined
+tones, "He may shoot me, but he can't whip me."
+
+Huckstep came swearing on: when within a few yards of Harry he stopped,
+looked at him with a stare of mingled rage and drunken imbecility; and
+bid him throw down his hoe and come forward. The undaunted slave refused
+to comply, and continuing his work told the drunken demon to shoot if he
+pleased. Huckstep advanced within a few steps of him when Harry raised
+his hoe and told him to stand back. He stepped back a few paces, leveled
+his gun and fired. Harry received the charge in his breast, and fell
+instantly across a cotton row. He threw up his hands wildly, and
+groaned, "Oh, Lord!"
+
+The hands instantly dropped their hoes. The women shrieked aloud. For my
+own part I stood silent with horror. The cries of the women enraged the
+overseer, he dropped his gun, and snatching the whip from my hand, with
+horrid oaths, and imprecations fell to whipping them, laying about him
+like a maniac. Upon Harry's sister he bestowed his blows without mercy,
+commanding her to quit her screaming and go to work. The poor girl,
+whose brother had thus been murdered before her eyes, could not wrestle
+down the awful agony of her feelings, and the brutal tormentor left her
+without effecting his object. He then, without going to look of his
+victim, told four of the hands to carry him to the house, and taking up
+his gun left the field. When we got to the poor fellow, he was alive,
+and groaning faintly. The hands took him up, but before they reached the
+house he was dead. Huckstep came out, and looked at him, and finding him
+dead, ordered the hands to bury him. The burial of a slave in Alabama is
+that of a brute. No coffin--no decent shroud--no prayer. A hole is dug,
+and the body (sometimes enclosed in a rude box,) is thrown in without
+further ceremony.
+
+From this time the overseer was regarded by the whole gang with
+detestation and fear--as a being to whose rage and cruelty there were no
+limits. Yet he was constantly telling us that he was the kindest of
+overseers--that he was formerly somewhat severe in managing his hands,
+but that now he was, if any thing, too indulgent. Indeed he had the
+reputation of being a good overseer, and an excellent manager, when
+sober. The slaves on some of the neighboring plantations were certainly
+worse clothed and fed, and more frequently and cruelly whipped than
+ours. Whenever the saw them they complained of over working and short
+feeding. One of Flincher's, and one of Sturtivant's hands ran away,
+while I was in Alabama: and after remaining in the woods awhile, and
+despairing of being able to effect their escape, resolved to put an end
+to their existence and their slavery together. Each twisted himself a
+vine of the muscadine grape, and fastened one end around the limb of an
+oak, and made a noose in the other. Jacob, Flincher's man, swung himself
+off first, and expired after a long struggle. The other, horrified by
+the contortions and agony of his comrade, dropped his noose, and was
+retaken. When discovered, two or three days afterwards, the body of
+Jacob was dreadfully torn and mangled, by the buzzards, those winged
+hyenas and goules of the Southwest.
+
+Among the slaves who were brought from Virginia, were two young and
+bright mulatto women, who were always understood throughout the
+plantation to have been the daughters of the elder Larrimore, by one of
+his slaves. One was named Sarah and the other Hannah. Sarah, being in a
+state of pregnancy, failed of executing her daily allotted task of
+hoeing cotton. I was ordered to whip her, and on my remonstrating with
+the overseer, and representing the condition of the woman, I was told
+that my business was to obey orders, and that if I was told "to whip a
+dead nigger I must do it." I accordingly gave her fifty lashes. This was
+on Thursday evening. On Friday she also failed through weakness, and was
+compelled to lie down in the field. That night the overseer himself
+whipped her. On Saturday the wretched woman dragged herself once more to
+the cotton field. In the burning sun, and in a situation which would
+have called forth pity in the bosom of any one save a cotton-growing
+overseer, she struggled to finish her task. She failed--nature could do
+no more--and sick and despairing, she sought her cabin. There the
+overseer met her and inflicted fifty more lashes upon her already
+lacerated back.
+
+The next morning was the Sabbath. It brought no joy to that suffering
+woman. Instead of the tones of the church bell summoning to the house of
+prayer, she heard the dreadful sound of the lash falling upon the backs
+of her brethren and sisters in bondage. For the voice of prayer she
+heard curses. For the songs of Zion obscene and hateful blasphemies. No
+bible was there with its consolations for the sick of heart. Faint and
+fevered, scarred and smarting from the effects of her cruel punishment,
+she lay upon her pallet of moss--dreading the coming of her relentless
+persecutor,--who, in the madness of one of his periodical fits of
+drunkenness, was now swearing and cursing through the quarters.
+
+Some of the poor woman's friends on the evening before, had attempted to
+relieve her of the task which had been assigned her, but exhausted
+nature, and the selfishness induced by their own miserable situation,
+did not permit them to finish it and the overseer, on examination, found
+that the week's work of the woman, was still deficient. After breakfast,
+he ordered her to be tied up to the limb of a tree, by means of a rope
+fastened round her wrists, so as to leave her feet about six inches from
+the ground. She begged him to let her down for she was very sick.
+
+"Very well!" he exclaimed with a sneer and a laugh,--"I shall bleed you
+then, and take out some of your Virginia blood. You are too proud a miss
+for Alabama."
+
+He struck her a few blows. Swinging thus by her arms, she succeeded in
+placing one of her feet against the body of the tree, and thus partly
+supported herself, and relieved in some degree the painful weight upon
+her wrists. He threw down his whip--took a rail from the garden fence,
+ordered her feet to be tied together, and thrust the rail between them.
+He then ordered one of the hands to sit upon it. Her back at this time
+was bare, but the strings of the only garment which she wore passed over
+her shoulders and prevented the full force of the whip from acting on
+her flesh. These he cut off with his pen-knife, and thus left her
+entirely naked. He struck her only two blows, for the second one cut
+open her side and abdomen with a frightful gash. Unable to look on any
+longer in silence, I entreated him to stop, as I feared he had killed
+her. The overseer looked at the wound--dropped his whip, and ordered her
+to be untied. She was carried into the house in a state of
+insensibility, and died in three days after.
+
+During the whole season of picking cotton, the whip was frequently and
+severely plied. In his seasons of intoxication, the overseer made no
+distinction between the stout man and the feeble and delicate woman--the
+sick and the well. Women in a far advanced state of pregnancy were
+driven out to the cotton field. At other times he seemed to have some
+consideration; and to manifest something like humanity. Our hands did
+not suffer for food--they had a good supply of ham and corn-meal, while
+on Flincher's plantation the slaves had meat but once a year, at
+Christmas.
+
+Near the commencement of the weeding season of 1835, I was ordered to
+whip a young woman, a light mustee, for not performing her task. I told
+the overseer that she was sick. He said he did not care for that, she
+should be made to work. A day or two afterwards, I found him in the
+house half intoxicated. He demanded of me why I had not whipped the
+girl; and I gave the same reason as before. He flew into a dreadful
+rage, but his miserable situation made him an object of contempt rather
+than fear. He sat shaking his fist at me, and swearing for nearly half
+an hour. He said he would teach the Virginia lady to sham sickness; and
+that the only reason I did not whip her was, that she was a white woman,
+and I did not like to cut up her delicate skin. Some time after I was
+ordered to give two of our women, named Hannah and big Sarah, 150 lashes
+each, for not performing their tasks. The overseer stood by until he saw
+Hannah whipped, and until Sarah had been tied up to the tree. As soon as
+his back was turned I struck the tree instead of the woman, who
+understanding my object, shrieked as if the whip at every blow was
+cutting into her flesh. The overseer heard the blows and the woman's
+cries, and supposing that all was going on according to his mind, left
+the field. Unfortunately the husband of Hannah stood looking on; and
+indignant that his wife should be whipped and Sarah spared, determined
+to revenge himself by informing against me.
+
+Next morning Huckstep demanded of me whether I had whipped Sarah the day
+before; I replied in the affirmative. Upon this he called Sarah forward
+and made her show her back, which bore no traces of recent whipping. He
+then turned upon me and told me that the blows intended for Sarah should
+be laid on my back. That night the overseer, with the help of three of
+the hands, tied me up to a large tree--my arms and legs being clasped
+round it, and my body drawn up hard against it by two men pulling at my
+arms and one pushing against my back. The agony occasioned by this alone
+was almost intolerable. I felt a sense of painful suffocation, and could
+scarcely catch my breath.
+
+A moment after I felt the first blow of the overseer's whip across my
+shoulders. It seemed to cut into my very heart. I felt the blood gush,
+and run down my back. I fainted at length under the torture, and on
+being taken down, my shoes contained blood which ran from the gashes in
+my back. The skin was worn off from by breast, arms, and thighs, against
+the rough bark of the tree. I was sick and feverish, and in great pain
+for three weeks afterwards; most of which time I was obliged to lie with
+my face downwards, in consequence of the extreme soreness of my sides
+and back, Huckstep himself seemed concerned about me, and would come
+frequently to see me, and tell me that he should not have touched me had
+it not been for "the cursed peach brandy."
+
+Almost the first person that I was compelled to whip after I recovered,
+was the man who pushed at my back when I was tied up to the tree. The
+hands who were looking on at that time, all thought he pushed me much
+harder than was necessary: and they expected that I would retaliate upon
+him the injury I had received. After he was tied up, the overseer told
+me to give him a severe flogging, and left me. I struck the tree instead
+of the man. His wife, who was looking on, almost overwhelmed me with her
+gratitude.
+
+At length one morning, late in the fall of 1835, I saw Huckstep, and a
+gentleman ride out to the field. As they approached, I saw the latter
+was my master. The hands all ceased their labor, and crowded around him,
+inquiring about old Virginia. For my own part, I could not hasten to
+greet him. He had too cruelly deceived me. He at length came towards me,
+and seemed somewhat embarrassed. "Well James," said he, "how do you
+stand it here?" "Badly enough," I replied. "I had no thought that you
+could be so cruel as to go away and leave me as you did." "Well, well,
+it was too bad, but it could not be helped--you must blame Huckstep for
+it." "But," said I, "I was not his servant; I belonged to you, and you
+could do as you pleased." "Well," said he, "we will talk about that by
+and by." He then inquired of Huckstep where big Sarah was. "She was sick
+and died," was the answer. He looked round amoung the slaves again, and
+inquired for Harry. The overseer told him that Harry undertook to kill
+him, and that, to save his life, he was obliged to fire upon him, and
+that he died of the wound. After some further inquiries, he requested me
+to go into the house with him. He then asked me to tell him how things
+had been managed during his absence. I gave him a full account of the
+overseer's cruelty. When he heard of the manner of Harry's death, he
+seemed much affected and shed tears. He was a favorite servant of his
+father's. I showed him the deep scars on my back occasioned by the
+whipping I had received. He was, or professed to be, highly indignant
+with Huckstep; and said he would see to it that he did not lay hands on
+me again. He told me he should be glad to take me with him to Virginia,
+but he did not know where he should find a driver who would be so kind
+to the hands as I was. If I would stay ten years, he would give me a
+thousand dollars, and a piece of land to plant on my own account. "But,"
+said I, "my wife and children." "Well," said he, "I will do my best to
+purchase them, and send them on to you." I now saw that my destiny was
+fixed: and that I was to spend my days in Alabama, and I retired to my
+bed that evening with a heavy heart.
+
+My master staid only three or four days on the plantation. Before he
+left, he cautioned Huckstep to be careful and not strike me again, as he
+would on no account permit it. He told him to give the hands food
+enough, and not over-work them, and, having thus satisfied his
+conscience, left us to our fate.
+
+Out of the two hundred and fourteen slaves who were brought out from
+Virginia, at least one-third of them were members of the Methodist and
+Baptist churches in that State. Of this number five or six could read.
+Then had been torn away from the care and discipline of their respective
+churches, and from the means of instruction, but they retained their
+love for the exercises of religion; and felt a mournful pleasure in
+speaking of the privileges and spiritual blessings which they enjoyed in
+Old Virginia. Three of them had been preachers, or exhorters, viz.
+Solomon, usually called Uncle Solomon, Richard and David. Uncle Solomon
+was a grave, elderly man, mild and forgiving in his temper, and greatly
+esteemed among the more serious portion of our hands. He used to snatch
+every occasion to talk to the lewd and vicious about the concerns of
+their souls, and to advise them to fix their minds upon the Savior, as
+their only helper. Some I have heard curse and swear in answer, and
+others would say that they could not keep their minds upon God and the
+devil (meaning Huckstep) at the same time: that it was of no use to try
+to be religious--they had no time--that the overseer wouldn't let them
+meet to pray--and that even Uncle Solomon, when he prayed, had to keep
+one eye open all the time, to see if Huckstep was coming. Uncle Solomon
+could both read and write, and had brought out with him from Virginia a
+Bible, a hymn-book, and some other religious books, which he carefully
+concealed from the overseer, Huckstep was himself an open infidel as
+well as blasphemer. He used to tell the hands that there was no hell
+hereafter for white people, but that they had their punishment on earth
+in being obliged to take care of the negroes. As for the blacks, he was
+sure there was a hell for them. He used frequently to sit with his
+bottle by his side, and a Bible in his hand; and read passages and
+comment on them, and pronounce them lies. Any thing like religious
+feeling among the slaves irritated him. He said that so much praying and
+singing prevented the people from doing their tasks, as it kept them up
+nights, when they should be asleep. He used to mock, and in every
+possible way interrupt the poor slaves, who after the toil of the day,
+knelt in their lowly cabins to offer their prayers and supplications to
+Him whose ear is open to the sorrowful sighing of the prisoner, and who
+hath promised in His own time to come down and deliver. In his drunken
+seasons he would make excursions at night through the slave-quarters,
+enter the cabins, and frighten the inmates, especially if engaged in
+prayer or singing. On one of these occasions he came back rubbing his
+hands and laughing. He said he had found Uncle Solomon in his garden,
+down on his knees, praying like an old owl, and had tipped him over, and
+frightened him half out of his wits. At another time he found Uncle
+David sitting on his stool with his face thrust up the chimney, in order
+that his voice might not be heard by his brutal persecutor. He was
+praying, giving utterance to these words, probably in reference to his
+bondage:--"_How long, oh, Lord, how long_?" "As long as my whip!" cried
+the overseer, who had stolen behind him, giving him a blow. It was the
+sport of a demon.
+
+Not long after my master had left us, the overseer ascertained for the
+first time that some of the hands could read, and that they had brought
+books with them from Virginia. He compelled them to give up the keys of
+their chests, and on searching found several Bibles and hymn-books.
+Uncle Solomon's chest contained quite a library, which he could read at
+night by the light of knots of the pitchpine. These books he collected
+together, and in the evening called Uncle Solomon into the house. After
+jeering him for some time, he gave him one of the Bibles and told him to
+name his text and preach him a sermon. The old man was silent. He then
+made him get up on the table, and ordered him to pray. Uncle Solomon
+meekly replied, that "forced prayer was not good for soul or body." The
+overseer then knelt down himself, and in a blasphemous manner, prayed
+that the Lord would send his spirit into Uncle Solomon; or else let the
+old man fall from the table and break his neck, and so have an end of
+"nigger preaching." On getting up from his knees he went to the
+cupboard, poured out a glass of brandy for himself, and brought another
+to the table. "James," said he, addressing me, "Uncle Solomon stands
+there, for all the world, like a Hickory Quaker. His spirit don't move.
+I'll see if another spirit wont move it." He compelled the old preacher
+to swallow the brandy; and then told him to preach and exhort, for the
+spirit was in him. He set one of the Bibles on fire, and after it was
+consumed, mixed up the ashes of it in a glass of water, and compelled
+the old man to drink it, telling him that as the spirit and the word
+were now both in him, there was no longer any excuse for not preaching.
+After tormenting the wearied old man in this way until nearly midnight
+he permitted him to go to his quarters.
+
+The next day I saw Uncle Solomon, and talked with him about his
+treatment. He said it would not always be so--that slavery was to come
+to an end, for the Bible said so--that there would then be no more
+whippings and fightings, but the lion the lamb would lie down together,
+and all would be love. He said he prayed for Huckstep--that it was not
+he but the devil in him who behaved so. At his request, I found means to
+get him a Bible and a hymn-book from the overseer's room; and the old
+man ever afterwards kept them concealed in the hen-house.
+
+The weeding season of 1836, was marked by repeated acts of cruelty on
+the part of Huckstep. One of the hands, Priscilla, was, owing to her
+delicate situation, unable to perform her daily task. He ordered her to
+be tied up against a tree, in the same manner that I had been. In this
+situation she was whipped until _she was delivered of a dead infant, at
+the foot of the tree_! Our men took her upon a sheet, and carried her to
+the house, where she lay sick for several months, but finally recovered.
+I have heard him repeatedly laugh at the circumstance.
+
+Not long after this, we were surprised, one morning about ten o'clock,
+by hearing the horn blown at the house. Presently Aunt Polly came
+screaming into the field. "What is the matter, Aunty?" I inquired. "Oh
+Lor!" said she, "Old Huckstep's pitched off his horse and broke his
+head, and is e'en about dead."
+
+"Thank God!" said little Simon, "The devil will have him at last."
+
+"God-a-mighty be praised!" exclaimed half a dozen others.
+
+The hands, with one accord dropped their hoes; and crowded round the old
+woman, asking questions. "Is he dead?"--"Will he die?" "Did you feel of
+him--was he cold?"
+
+Aunt Polly explained as well as she could, that Huckstep, in a state of
+partial intoxication, had attempted to leap his horse over a fence, had
+fallen and cut a deep gash in his head, and that he was now lying
+insensible.
+
+It is impossible to describe the effect produced by this news among the
+hands. Men, women and children shouted, clapped their hands, and laughed
+aloud. Some cursed the overseer, and others thanked the Lord for taking
+him away. Little Simon got down on his knees, and called loudly upon God
+to finish his work, and never let the overseer again enter a cotton
+field. "Let him die, Lord," said he, "let him. He's killed enough of us:
+Oh, good Lord, let him die and not live."
+
+"Peace, peace! it is a bad spirit," said Uncle Solomon, "God himself
+willeth not the death of a sinner."
+
+I followed the old woman to the house; and found Huckstep at the foot of
+one of those trees, so common at the South, called the Pride of China.
+His face was black, and there was a frightful contusion on the side of
+his head. He was carried into the house, where, on my bleeding him, he
+revived. He lay in great pain for several days, and it was nearly three
+weeks before he was able to come out to the cotton fields.
+
+On returning to the field after Huckstep had revived, I found the hands
+sadly disappointed to hear that he was still living. Some of them fell
+to cursing and swearing, and were enraged with me for trying to save his
+life. Little Simon said I was a fool; if he had bled him he would have
+done it to some purpose. He would at least, have so disable his arm that
+he would never again try to swing a whip. Uncle Solomon remonstrated
+with Simon, and told that I had done right.
+
+The neighbouring overseers used frequently to visit Huckstep, and he, in
+turn, visited them. I was sometimes present during their interviews, and
+heard them tell each other stories of horse-racing, negro-huntings, &c.
+Some time during this season, Ludlow, who was overseer of a plantation
+about eight miles from ours, told of a slave of his named Thornton, who
+had twice attempted to escape with his wife and one child. The first
+time he was caught without much difficulty, chained to the overseer's
+horse, and in that way brought back. The poor man, to save his wife from
+a beating, laid all the blame upon himself; and said that his wife had
+no wish to escape, and tried to prevent him from attempting it. He was
+severely whipped; but soon ran away again, and was again arrested. The
+overseer, Ludlow, said he was determined to put a stop to the runaway,
+and accordingly had resort to a somewhat unusual method of punishment.
+
+There is a great scarcity of good water in that section of Alabama; and
+you will generally see a large cistern attached to the corners of the
+houses to catch water for washing &c. Underneath this cistern is
+frequently a tank from eight to ten feet deep, into which, when the
+former is full the water is permitted to run. From this tank the water
+is pumped out for use. Into one of these tanks the unfortunate slave was
+placed, and confined by one of his ancles to the bottom of it; and the
+water was suffered to flow in from above. He was compelled to pump out
+the water as fast as it came in, by means of a long rod or handle
+connected with the pump above ground. He was not allowed to begin until
+the water had risen to his middle. Any pause or delay after this, from
+weakness and exhaustion, would have been fatal, as the water would have
+risen above his head. In this horrible dungeon, toiling for his life, he
+was kept for twenty-four hours without any sustenance. Even Huckstep
+said that this was too bad--that he had himself formerly punished
+runaways in that way--but should not do it again.
+
+I rejoice to be able to say that this sufferer has at last escaped with
+his wife and child, into a free state. He was assisted by some white
+men, but I do not know all the particulars of his escape.
+
+Our overseer had not been long able to ride about the plantation after
+his accident, before his life was again endangered. He found two of the
+hands, Little Jarret and Simon, fighting with each other, and attempted
+to chastise both of them. Jarret bore it patiently, but Simon turned
+upon him, seized a stake or pin from a cart near by, and felled him to
+the ground. The overseer got up--went to the house, and told aunt Polly
+that he had nearly been killed by the 'niggers,' and requested her to
+tie up his head, from which the blood was streaming. As soon as this was
+done, he took down his gun, and went out in pursuit of Simon, who had
+fled to his cabin, to get some things which he supposed necessary
+previous to attempting his escape from the plantation. He was just
+stepping out of the door when he met the enraged overseer with his gun
+in his hand. Not a word was spoken by either. Huckstep raised his gun
+and fired. The man fell without a groan across the door-sill. He rose up
+twice on his hands and knees, but died in a few minutes. He was dragged
+off and buried. The overseer told me that there was no other way to deal
+with such a fellow. It was Alabama law, if a slave resisted to shoot him
+at once. He told me of a case which occurred in 1834, on a plantation
+about ten miles distant, and adjoining that where Crop, the negro
+hunter, boarded with his hounds. The overseer had bought some slaves at
+Selma, from a drove or coffle passing through the place. They proved
+very refractory. He whipped three of them, and undertook to whip a
+fourth who was from Maryland. The man raised his hoe in a threatening
+manner, and the overseer fired upon him. The slave fell, but instantly
+rose up on his hands and knees, and was beaten down again by the stock
+of the overseer's gun. The wounded wretch raised himself once more, drew
+a knife from the waistband of his pantaloons, and catching hold of the
+overseer's coat, raised himself high enough to inflict a fatal wound
+upon the latter. Both fell together, and died immediately after.
+
+Nothing more of special importance occurred until July, of last year,
+when one of our men named John, was whipped three times for not
+performing his task. On the last day of the month, after his third
+whipping, he ran away. On the following morning, I found that he was
+missing at his row. The overseer said we must hunt him up; and he blew
+the "nigger horn," as it is called, for the dogs. This horn was only
+used when we went out in pursuit of fugitives. It is a cow's horn, and
+makes a short, loud sound. We crossed Flincher's and Goldsby's
+plantations, as the dogs had got upon John's track, and went of barking
+in that direction, and the two overseers joined us in the chase. The
+dogs soon caught sight of the runaway, and compelled him to climb a
+tree. We came up; Huckstep ordered him down, and secured him upon my
+horse by tying him to my back. On reaching home he was stripped entirely
+naked and lashed up to a tree. Flincher then volunteered to whip him on
+one side of his legs, and Goldsby on the other. I had, in the meantime,
+been ordered to prepare a wash of salt and pepper, and wash his wounds
+with it. The poor fellow groaned, and his flesh shrunk and quivered as
+the burning solution was applied to it. This wash, while it adds to the
+immediate torment of the sufferer, facilitates the cure of the wounded
+parts. Huckstep then whipped him from his neck down to his thighs,
+making the cuts lengthwise of his back. He was very expert with the
+whip, and could strike, at any time, within an inch of his mark. He then
+gave the whip to me and told me to strike directly across his back. When
+I had finished, the miserable sufferer, from his neck to his heel, was
+covered with blood and bruises. Goldsby and Flincher now turned to
+Huckstep, and told him, that I deserved a whipping as much as John did:
+that they had known me frequently disobey his orders, and that I was
+partial to the "Virginia ladies," and didn't whip them as I did the men.
+They said if I was a driver of theirs they would know what to do with
+me. Huckstep agreed with them; and after directing me to go to the house
+and prepare more of the wash for John's back, he called after me with an
+oath, to see to it that I had some for myself, for he meant to give me,
+at least, two hundred and fifty lashes. I returned to the house, and
+scarcely conscious of what I was doing, filled an iron vessel with
+water, put in the salt and pepper; and placed it over the embers.
+
+As I stood by the fire watching the boiling of the mixture, and
+reflecting upon the dreadful torture to which I was about to he
+subjected, the thought of _escape_ flashed upon my mind. The chance was
+a desperate one; but I resolved to attempt it. I ran up stairs, tied my
+shirt in a handkerchief, and stepped out of the back door of the house,
+telling Aunt Polly to take care of the wash at the fire until I
+returned. The sun was about one hour high, but luckily for me the hands
+as well as the three overseers, were on the other side of the house. I
+kept the house between them and myself, and ran as fast as I could for
+the woods. On reaching them I found myself obliged to proceed slowly as
+there was a thick undergrowth of cane and reeds. Night came on. I
+straggled forward by a dim star-light, amidst vines and reed beds. About
+midnight the horizon began to be overcast; and the darkness increased
+until in the thick forest, I could scarcely see a yard before me.
+Fearing that I might lose my way and wander towards the plantation,
+instead of from it, I resolved to wait until day. I laid down upon a
+little hillock, and fell asleep.
+
+When I awoke it was broad day. The clouds had vanished, and the hot
+sunshine fell through the trees upon my face. I started up, realizing my
+situation, and darted onward. My object was to reach the great road by
+which we had travelled when we came out from Virginia. I had, however,
+very little hope of escape. I knew that a hot pursuit would be made
+after me, and what I most dreaded was, that the overseer would procure
+Crop's bloodhounds to follow my track. If only the hounds of our
+plantation were sent after me, I had hopes of being able to make friends
+of them, as they were always good-natured and obedient to me. I
+travelled until, as near as I could judge, about ten o'clock, when a
+distant sound startled me. I stopped and listened. It was the deep bay
+of the bloodhound, apparently at a great distance. I hurried on until I
+came to a creek about fifteen yards wide, skirted by an almost
+impenetrable growth of reeds and cane. Plunging into it, I swam across
+and ran down by the side of it a short distance, and, in order to baffle
+the dogs, swam back to the other side again. I stopped in the reed-bed
+and listened. The dogs seemed close at hand, and by the loud barking I
+felt persuaded that Crop's hounds were with them. I thought of the fate
+of Little John, who had been torn in pieces by the hounds, and of the
+scarcely less dreadful condition of those who had escaped the dogs only
+to fall into the hands of the overseer. The yell of the dogs grew
+louder. Escape seemed impossible. I ran down to the creek with a
+determination to drown myself. I plunged into the water and went down to
+the bottom; but the dreadful strangling sensation compelled me to
+struggle up to the surface. Again I heard the yell of the bloodhounds;
+and again desperately plunged down into the water. As I went down I
+opened my mouth, and, choked and gasping, I found myself once more
+struggling upward. As I rose to the top of the water and caught a
+glimpse of the sunshine and the trees, the love of life revived in me. I
+swam to the other side of the creek, and forced my way through the reeds
+to a large tree, and stood under one of its lowest limbs, ready in case
+of necessity, to spring up into it. Here panting and exhausted, I stood
+waiting for the dogs. The woods seemed full of them. I heard a bell
+tinkle, and, a moment after, our old hound Venus came bounding through
+the cane, dripping wet from the creek. As the old hound came towards me,
+I called to her as I used to do when out hunting with her. She stopped
+suddenly, looked up at me, and then came wagging her tail and fawning
+around me. A moment after the other dog came up hot in the chase, and
+with their noses to the ground. I called to them, but they did not look
+up, but came yelling on. I was just about to spring into the tree to
+avoid them when Venus the old hound met them, and stopped them. They
+then all came fawning and playing and jumping about me. The very
+creatures whom a moment before I had feared would tear me limb from
+limb, were now leaping and licking my hands, and rolling on the leaves
+around me. I listened awhile in the fear of hearing the voices of men
+following the dogs, but there was no sound in the forest save the
+gurgling of the sluggish waters of the creek, and the chirp of black
+squirrels in the trees. I took courage and started onward once more,
+taking the dogs with me. The bell on the neck of the old dog, I feared
+might betray me, and, unable to get it off her neck, I twisted some of
+the long moss of the trees around it, so as to prevent its ringing. At
+night I halted once more with the dogs by my side. Harassed with fear,
+and tormented with hunger, I laid down and tried to sleep. But the dogs
+were uneasy, and would start up and bark at the cries or the footsteps
+of wild animals, and I was obliged, to use my utmost exertions to keep
+them quiet, fearing that their barking would draw my pursuers upon me. I
+slept but little; and as soon as daylight, started forward again. The
+next day towards evening, I reached a great road which, I rejoiced to
+find, was the same which my master and myself had travelled on our way
+to Greene county. I now thought it best to get rid of the dogs, and
+accordingly started them in pursuit of a deer. They went off, yelling on
+the track, and I never saw them again. I remembered that my master told
+me, near this place, that we were in the Creek country, and that there
+were some Indian settlements not far distant. In the course of the
+evening I crossed the road, and striking into a path through the woods,
+soon came to a number of Indian cabins. I went into one of them and
+begged for some food. The Indian women received me with a great deal of
+kindness, and gave me a good supper of venison, corn bread, and stewed
+pumpkin. I remained with them till the evening of the next day, when I
+started afresh on my journey. I kept on the road leading to Georgia. In
+the latter part of the night I entered into a long low bottom, heavily
+timbered--sometimes called Wolf Valley. It was a dreary and frightful
+place. As I walked on, I heard on all sides the howling of the wolves,
+and the quick patter of their feet on the leaves and sticks, as they ran
+through the woods. At daylight I laid down, but had scarcely closed my
+eyes when I was roused up by the wolves snarling and howling around me.
+I started on my feet, and saw several of them running by me. I did not
+again close my eyes during the whole day. In the afternoon, a bear with
+her two cubs came to a large chestnut tree near where I lay. She crept
+up the tree, went out on one of the limbs, and broke off several twigs
+in trying to shake down the nuts. They were not ripe enough to fall,
+and, after several vain attempts to procure some of them, she crawled
+down the tree again and went off with her young.
+
+The day was long and tedious. As soon as it was dark, I once more
+resumed my journey. But fatigue and the want of food and sleep rendered
+me almost incapable of further effort. It was not long before I fell
+asleep, while walking, and wandered out of the road. I was awakened by a
+bunch of moss which hung down from the limb of a tree and met my face. I
+looked up and saw, as I thought, a large man standing just before me. My
+first idea was that some one had struck me over the face, and that I had
+been at last overtaken by Huckstep. Rubbing my eyes once more, I saw the
+figure before me sink down upon its hands and knees. Another glance
+assured me that it was a bear and not a man. He passed across the road
+and disappeared. This adventure kept me awake for the remainder of the
+night. Towards morning I passed by a plantation, on which was a fine
+growth of peach trees, full of ripe fruit. I took as many of them as I
+could conveniently carry in my hands and pockets, and retiring a little
+distance into the woods, laid down and slept till evening, when I again
+went forward.
+
+Sleeping thus by day and travelling by night, in a direction towards the
+North Star, I entered Georgia. As I only travelled in the night time, I
+was unable to recognize rivers and places which I had seen before until
+I reached Columbus, where I recollected I had been with my master. From
+this place I took the road leading to Washington, and passed directly
+through that village. On leaving the village, I found myself contrary to
+my expectation, in an open country with no woods in view. I walked on
+until day broke in the east. At a considerable distance ahead, I saw a
+group of trees, and hurried on towards it. Large and beautiful
+plantations were on each side of me, from which I could hear dogs bark,
+and the driver's horn sounding. On reaching the trees, I found that they
+afforded but a poor place of concealment. On either hand, through its
+openings, I could see the men turning out to the cotton fields. I found
+a place to lie down between two oak stumps, around which the new shoots
+had sprung up thickly, forming a comparatively close shelter. After
+eating some peaches, which since leaving the Indian settlement had
+constituted my sole food, I fell asleep. I was waked by the barking of a
+dog. Raising my head and looking through the bushes, I found that the
+dog was barking at a black squirrel who was chattering on a limb almost
+directly above me. A moment after, I heard a voice speaking to the dog,
+and soon saw a man with a gun in his hand, stealing through the wood. He
+passed close to the stumps, where I lay trembling with terror lest he
+should discover me. He kept his eye however upon the tree, and raising
+his gun, fired. The squirrel dropped dead close by my side. I saw that
+any further attempt at concealment would be in vain, and sprang upon my
+feet. The man started forward on seeing me, struck at me with his gun
+and beat my hat off. I leaped into the road; and he followed after,
+swearing he would shoot me if I didn't stop. Knowing that his gun was
+not loaded, I paid no attention to him, but ran across the road into a
+cotton field where there was a great gang of slaves working. The man
+with the gun followed, and called to the two colored drivers who were on
+horseback, to ride after me and stop me. I saw a large piece of woodland
+at some distance ahead, and directed my course towards it. Just as I
+reached it, I looked back, and saw my pursuer far behind me; and found,
+to my great joy, that the two drivers had not followed me. I got behind
+a tree, and soon heard the man enter the woods and pass me. After all
+had been still for more than an hour, I crept into a low place in the
+depth of the woods and laid down amidst a bed of reeds, where I again
+fell asleep. Towards evening, on awaking, I found the sky beginning to
+be cloudy, and before night set in it was completely overcast. Having
+lost my hat, I tied an old handkerchief over my head, and prepared to
+resume my journey. It was foggy and very dark, and involved as I was in
+the mazes of the forest, I did not know in what direction I was going. I
+wandered on until I reached a road, which I supposed to be the same one
+which I had left. The next day the weather was still dark and rainy, and
+continued so for several days. During this time I slept only by leaning
+against the body of a tree, as the ground was soaked with rain. On the
+fifth night after my adventure near Washington, the clouds broke away,
+and the clear moonlight and the stars shone down upon me.
+
+I looked up to see the North Star, which I supposed still before me. But
+I sought it in vain in all that quarter of the heavens. A dreadful
+thought came over me that I had been travelling out of my way. I turned
+round and saw the North Star, which had been shining directly upon my
+back. I then knew that I had been travelling away from freedom, and
+towards the place of my captivity ever since I left the woods into which
+I had been pursued on the 21st, five days before. Oh, the keen and
+bitter agony of that moment! I sat down on the decaying trunk of a
+fallen tree, and wept like a child. Exhausted in mind and body, nature
+came at last to my relief, and I fell asleep upon the log. When I awoke
+it was still dark. I rose and nerved myself for another effort for
+freedom. Taking the North Star for my guide, I turned upon my track, and
+left once more the dreaded frontiers of Alabama behind me. The next
+night, after crossing the one on which I travelled, and which seemed to
+lead more directly towards the North. I took this road, and the next
+night after, I came to a large village. Passing through the main street,
+I saw a large hotel which I at once recollected. I was in Augusta, and
+this was the hotel at which my master had spent several days when I was
+with him, on one of his southern visits. I heard the guards patrolling
+the town cry the hour of twelve; and fearful of being taken up, I turned
+out of the main street, and got upon the road leading to Petersburg. On
+reaching the latter place, I swam over the Savannah river into South
+Carolina, and from thence passed into North Carolina.
+
+Hitherto I had lived mainly upon peaches, which were plenty on almost
+all the plantations in Alabama and Georgia; but the season was now too
+far advanced for them, and I was obliged to resort to apples. These I
+obtained without much difficulty until within two or three days journey
+of the Virginia line. At this time I had had nothing to eat but two or
+three small and sour apples for twenty-four hours, and I waited
+impatiently for night, in the hope of obtaining fruit from the orchards
+along the road. I passed by several plantations, but found no apples.
+After midnight, I passed near a large house, with fruit trees around it.
+I searched under, and climbed up and shook several of them to no
+purpose. At last I found a tree on which there were a few apples. On
+shaking it, half a dozen fell. I got down, and went groping and feeling
+about for them in the grass, but could find only two, the rest were
+devoured by several hogs who were there on the same errand with myself.
+I pursued my way until day was about breaking, when I passed another
+house. The feeling of extreme hunger was here so intense, that it
+required all the resolution I was master of to keep myself from going,
+up to the house and breaking into it in search of food. But the thought
+of being again made a slave, and of suffering the horrible punishment of
+a runaway restrained me. I lay in the worlds all that day without food.
+The next evening, I soon found a large pile of excellent apples, from
+which I supplied myself.
+
+The next evening I reached Halifax Court House, and I then knew that I
+was near Virginia. On the 7th of October, I came to the Roanoke, and
+crossed it in the midst of a violent storm of rain and thunder. The
+current ran so furiously that I was carried down with it, and with great
+difficulty, and in a state of complete exhaustion, reached the
+opposite shore.
+
+At about 2 o'clock, on the night of the 15th, I approached Richmond, but
+not daring to go into the city at that hour, on account of the patrols,
+I lay in the woods near Manchester, until the next evening, when I
+started in the twilight, in order to enter before the setting of the
+watch. I passed over the bridge unmolested, although in great fear, as
+my tattered clothes and naked head were well calculated to excite
+suspicion; and being well acquainted with the localities of the city,
+made my way to the house of a friend. I was received with the utmost
+kindness, and welcomed as one risen from the dead. Oh, how inexpressibly
+sweet were the tones of human sympathy, after the dreadful trials to
+which I had been subjected--the wrongs and outrages which I witnessed
+and suffered! For between two and three months I had not spoken with a
+human being, and the sound even of my own voice now seemed strange to my
+ears. During this time, save in two or three instances I had tasted of
+no food except peaches and apples. I was supplied with some dried meat
+and coffee, but the first mouthful occasioned nausea and faintness. I
+was compelled to take my bed, and lay sick for several days. By the
+assiduous attention and kindness of my friends, I was supplied with
+every thing which was necessary during my sickness. I was detained in
+Richmond nearly a month. As soon as I had sufficiently recovered to be
+able to proceed on my journey, I bade my kind host and his wife an
+affectionate farewell, and set forward once more towards a land of
+freedom. I longed to visit my wife and children in Powhatan county, but
+the dread of being discovered prevented me from attempting it. I had
+learned from my friends in Richmond that they were living and in good
+health, but greatly distressed on my account.
+
+My friends had provided me with a fur cap, and with as much lean ham,
+cake and biscuit, as I could conveniently carry. I proceeded in the same
+way as before, travelling by night and lying close and sleeping by day.
+About the last of November I reached the Shenandoah river. It was very
+cold; ice had already formed along the margin, and in swimming the river
+I was chilled through; and my clothes froze about me soon after I had
+reached the opposite side. I passed into Maryland, and on the 5th of
+December, stepped across the line which divided the free state of
+Pennsylvania from the land of slavery.
+
+I had a few shillings in money which were given me at Richmond, and
+after travelling nearly twenty-four hours from the time I crossed the
+line, I ventured to call at a tavern, and buy a dinner. On reaching
+Carlisle, I enquired of the ostler in a stable if he knew of any one who
+wished to hire a house servant or coachman. He said he did not. Some
+more colored people came in, and taking me aside told me that they knew
+that I was from Virginia, by my pronunciation of certain words--that I
+was probably a runaway slave--but that I need not be alarmed, as they
+were friends, and would do all in their power to protect me. I was taken
+home by one of them, and treated with the utmost kindness; and at night
+he took me in a wagon, and carried me some distance on my way to
+Harrisburg, where he said I should meet with friends.
+
+He told me that I had better go directly to Philadelphia, as there would
+be less danger of my being discovered and retaken there than in the
+country, and there were a great many persons there who would exert
+themselves to secure me from the slaveholders. In parting he cautioned
+me against conversing or stopping with any man on the road, unless he
+wore a plain, straight collar on a round coat, and said, "thee," and
+"thou." By following his directions I arrived safely in Philadelphia,
+having been kindly entertained and assisted on my journey, by several
+benevolent gentlemen and ladies, whose compassion for the wayworn and
+hunted stranger I shall never forget, and whose names will always be
+dear to me. On reaching Philadelphia, I was visited by a large number of
+the Abolitionists, and friends of the colored people, who, after hearing
+my story, thought it would not be safe for me to remain in any part of
+the United States. I remained in Philadelphia a few days; and then a
+gentleman came on to New-York with me, I being considered on board the
+steam-boat, and in the cars, as his servant. I arrived at New-York, on
+the 1st of January. The sympathy and kindness which I have every where
+met with since leaving the slave states, has been the more grateful to
+me because it was in a great measure unexpected. The slaves are always
+told that if they escape into a free state, they will be seized and put
+in prison, until their masters send for them. I had heard Huckstep and
+the other overseers occasionally speak of the Abolitionists, but I did
+not know or dream that they were the friends of the slave. Oh, if the
+miserable men and women, now toiling on the plantations of Alabama,
+could know that thousands in the free states are praying and striving
+for their deliverance, how would the glad tidings be whispered from
+cabin to cabin, and how would the slave-mother as she watches over her
+infant, bless God, on her knees, for the hope that this child of her day
+of sorrow, might never realize in stripes, and toil, and grief
+unspeakable, what it is to be a slave?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This Narrative can he had at the Depository of the American Anti-Slavery
+Society, No 143 Nassau Street, New York, in a neat volume, 108 pp.
+12mo., embellished with an elegant and accurate steel engraved likeness
+of James Williams, price 25 cts. single copy, $17 per hundred.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NO. 7
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER.
+
+
+
+EMANCIPATION IN THE WEST INDIES.
+
+A SIX MONTHS' TOUR IN ANTIGUA, BARBADOES, AND JAMAICA IN THE YEAR 1837.
+
+BY JAS. A. THOME, AND J. HORACE KIMBALL.
+
+NEW YORK:
+
+PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, No. 143 NASSAU-STREET.
+1838.
+
+This periodical contains 4 sheets.--Postage under 100 miles, 6 cents;
+over 100 miles, 10 cents.
+
+
+   ENTERED,
+   according to the act of Congress, in the year 1838, by
+   JOHN RANKIN,
+   Treasurer, of the American, Anti-Slavery Society,
+   in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States,
+   for the Southern District of New York.
+
+Price $12 50 per hundred copies, 18-3/4 cents single copy, _in sheets_:
+$13 25 per hundred, and 20 cents single, _if stitched_.
+
+NOTE.--This work is published in this cheap form, to give it a wide
+circulation. Please, _after perusal_, to send it to some friend.
+
+This work, as originally published, can be had at the Depository of the
+American Anti-Slavery Society, No. 143, Nassau Street, New York, on fine
+paper, handsomely bound, in a volume of 489 pages, price one dollar per
+copy, $75 per hundred.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ANTIGUA.--CHAPTER I.
+
+    Geography and Statistics of the Island,--Reflections on
+    arrival,--Interview with Clergymen,--with the Governor,--with a
+    member of Assembly,--Sabbath,--Service at the Moravian
+    Chapel,--Sabbath School,--Service at the Episcopal Church,--Service
+    at the Wesleyan Chapel,--Millar's Estate,--Cane-holing,--Colored
+    planter,--Fitch's Creek Estate,--Free Villages,--Dinner at the
+    Governor's,--Donovan's Estate,--Breakfast at Mr. Watkins,--Dr.
+    Ferguson,--Market,--Lockup house,--Christmas Holidays,--Colored
+    Population,--Thibou Jarvis's Estate,--Testimony of the
+    Manager,--Anniversary of the Friendly Society,--A negro
+    patriarch,--Green Castle Estate,--Testimony of the
+    Manager,--Anniversary of the Juvenile Association,--Wetherill
+    Estate,--Testimony of the Manager,--Conversation with a
+    boatman,--Moravian station at Newfield,--Testimony of the
+    Missionaries,--School for Adults,--Interview with the Speaker of the
+    Assembly,--Moravian "Speaking,"--Conversation with Emancipated
+    Slaves,--The Rector of St. Philip's,--Frey's Estate,--Interview with
+    the American Consul,--Sabbath at Millar's,--Breakfast at the Villa
+    Estate,--A Fair,--Breakfast at Mr. Cranstoun's,--His
+    Testimony,--Moravian Station at Cedar Hall,--Conversation with
+    Emancipated Slaves,--Moravian Station at Grace Bay,--Testimony of
+    the Missionaries,--Grandfather Jacob,--Mr. Scotland's Estate.--A day
+    at Fitch's Creek,--Views of the Manager,--A call from the
+    Archdeacon,--from Rev. Edward Fraser,--Wesleyan District
+    Meeting,--Social interviews with the Missionaries,--Their Views and
+    Testimony,--Religious Anniversaries,--Temperance Society,--Bible
+    Society,--Wesleyan Missionary Society.--Resolution of the
+    Meeting,--Laying the Corner Stone of a Wesleyan Chapel,--Resolutions
+    of the Missionaries.
+
+
+ANTIGUA.--CHAPTER II.
+
+GENERAL RESULTS.
+
+    Religion,--Statistics of Denominations,--Morality,--Reverence for
+    the Lord's Day,--Marriage,--Conjugal faithfulness,--Concubinage
+    decreasing,--Temperance,--Profane Language rare,--Statistics of the
+    Bible Society,--Missionary Associations,--Temperance
+    Societies,--Friendly Societies,--Daily Meal Society,--Distressed
+    Females' Friend Society,--Education,--Annual Examination of the
+    Parochial School,--Infant Schools in the Country,--Examination at
+    Parham,--at Willoughby Bay,--Mr. Thwaite's Replies to Queries on
+    Education,--Great Ignorance before Emancipation,--Aptness of the
+    Negroes to learn,--Civil and Political Condition of the Emancipated.
+
+
+ANTIGUA.--CHAPTER III.
+
+FACTS AND TESTIMONY.
+
+    IMMEDIATE ABOLITION--an immense change to the condition of the
+    Slave,--Adopted from Political and Pecuniary Considerations,--Went
+    into operation peaceably,--gave additional security to Persons and
+    Property,--Is regarded by all as a great blessing to the
+    Island,--Free, cheaper than Slave labor,--More work done, and better
+    done, since Emancipation,--Freemen more easily managed than
+    Slaves,--The Emancipated more Trustworthy than when Slaves,--They
+    appreciate and reverence Law,--They stay at home and mind their own
+    business,--Are less "insolent" than when Slaves,--Gratitude a strong
+    trait of their character,--Emancipation has elevated them,--It has
+    raised the price of Real Estate, given new life to Trade, and to all
+    kinds of business,--Wrought a total change in the views of the
+    Planters,--Weakened Prejudice against Color,--The Discussions
+    preceding Emancipation restrained Masters from
+    Cruelties,--Concluding Remarks.
+
+
+BARBADOES.
+
+    Passage to Barbadoes,--Bridgetown,--Visit to the Governor,--To the
+    Archdeacon,--Lear's Estate,--Testimony of the Manager,--Dinner Party
+    at Lear's,--Ride to Scotland,--The Red Shanks,--Sabbath at Lear's;
+    Religious Service,--Tour to the Windward,--Breakfast Party at the
+    Colliton Estate,--Testimony to the Working of the
+    Apprenticeship,--The Working of it in Demerara,--The Codrington
+    Estate,--Codrington College,--The "Horse,"--An Estate on Fire,--The
+    Ridge Estate; Dinner with a Company of Planters,--A Day at Colonel
+    Ashby's; his Testimony to the Working of the
+    Apprenticeship,--Interviews with Planters; their Testimony,--The
+    Belle Estate,--Edgecombe Estate; Colonel Barrow,--Horton
+    Estate,--Drax Hall Estate,--Dinner Party at the
+    Governor's,--Testimony concerning the Apprenticeship,--Market
+    People,--Interview with Special Justice Hamilton; his
+    Testimony,--Station House, District A; Trials of Apprentices before
+    Special Magistrate Colthurst,--Testimony of the Superintendent of
+    the Rural Police,--Communication from Special Justice
+    Colthurst,--Communication from Special Justice Hamilton,--Testimony
+    of Clergymen and Missionaries,--Curate of St. Paul's,--A FREE
+    Church,--A Sabbath School Annual Examination,--Interview with
+    Episcopal Clergymen; their Testimony,--Visit to Schools,--Interview
+    with the Superintendent of the Wesleyan Mission,--Persecution of the
+    Methodists by Slaveholders,--The Moravian Mission,--Colored
+    Population,--Dinner Party at Mr. Harris's,--Testimony concerning the
+    objects of our Mission,--A New Englander,--History of an Emancipated
+    Slave,--Breakfast Party at Mr. Thorne's,--Facts and Testimony
+    concerning Slavery and the Apprenticeship,--History of an
+    Emancipated Slave,--Breakfast Party at Mr. Prescod's,--Character and
+    History of the late Editor of the New Times,--Breakfast Party at Mr.
+    Bourne's,--Prejudice,--History and Character of an Emancipated
+    Slave,--Prejudice, vincible,--Concubinage,--Barbadoes as it was;
+    "Reign of Terror;"--Testimony; Cruelties,--Insurrection of
+    1816,--Licentiousness,--Prejudice--Indolence and Inefficiency of the
+    Whites,--Hostility to Emancipation,--Barbadoes as it is,--The
+    Apprenticeship System; Provisions respecting the Special
+    Magistrates,--Provisions respecting the Master,--Provisions
+    respecting the Apprentice,--The Design of the
+    Apprenticeship,--Practical Operation of the
+    Apprenticeship,--Sympathy of the Special Magistrates with the
+    Masters,--Apprenticeship, modified Slavery,--Vexatious to the
+    Master,--No Preparation for Freedom,--Begets hostility between
+    Master and Apprentice,--Has illustrated the Forbearance of the
+    Negroes,--Its tendency to exasperate them,--Testimony to the Working
+    of the Apprenticeship in the Windward Islands generally.
+
+
+JAMAICA.
+
+    Sketch of its Scenery,--Interview with the Attorney General,--The
+    Solicitor General; his Testimony,--The American Consul; his
+    Testimony,--The Superintendent of the Wesleyan Missions,--The
+    Baptist Missionaries; Sabbath; Service in a Baptist
+    Chapel,--Moravians; Episcopalians; Scotch Presbyterians,--Schools in
+    Kingston,--Communication from the Teacher of the Wolmer Free School;
+    Education; Statistics,--The Union School,--"Prejudice
+    Vincible,"--Disabilities and Persecutions of Colored People,--Edward
+    Jordan, Esq.,--Colored Members of Assembly,--Richard Hill,
+    Esq.,--Colored Artisans and Merchants in Kingston,--Police Court of
+    Kingston,--American Prejudice in the "limbos,"--"Amalgamation!"--St.
+    Andrew's House of Correction; Tread-mill,--Tour through "St. Thomas
+    in the East,"--Morant Bay; Local Magistrate; his lachrymal
+    forebodings,--Proprietor of Green Wall Estate; his
+    Testimony,--Testimony of a Wesleyan Missionary,--Belvidere Estate;
+    Testimony of the Manager,--Chapel built by Apprentices,--House of
+    Correction,--Chain-Gang,--A call from Special Justice Baines; his
+    Testimony,--Bath,--Special Justice's Office; his
+    Testimony,--"Alarming Rebellion,"--Testimony of a Wesleyan
+    Missionary,--Principal of the Mico Charity School; his
+    Testimony,--Noble instance of Filial Affection in a Negro
+    Girl,--Plantain Garden River Valley; Alexander Barclay,
+    Esq.,--Golden Grove Estate; Testimony of the Manager,--The Custos of
+    the Parish; his Testimony,--Amity Hall Estate; Testimony of the
+    Manager,--Lord Belmore's Prophecy,--Manchioneal; Special Magistrate
+    Chamberlain; his Testimony,--his Weekly Court,--Pro slavery
+    gnashings,--Visit with the Special Magistrate to the Williamsfield
+    Estate; Testimony of the Manager,--Oppression of
+    Book-keepers,--Sabbath; Service at a Baptist Chapel,--Interview with
+    Apprentices; their Testimony,--Tour through St. Andrew's and Port
+    Royal,--Visit to Estates in company with Special Justice
+    Bourne,--White Emigrants to Jamaica,--Dublin Castle Estate; Special
+    Justice Court,--A Despot in convulsions; arbitrary power dies
+    hard,--Encounter with Mules in a mountain pass,--Silver Hill Estate;
+    cases tried; Appraisement of an Apprentice,--Peter's Rock
+    Estate,--Hall's Prospect Estate,--Female Traveling Merchant,--Negro
+    Provision Grounds,--Apprentices eager to work for Money,--Jury of
+    Inquest,--Character of Overseers,--Conversation with Special Justice
+    Hamilton,--With a Proprietor of Estates and Local Magistrate;
+    Testimony,--Spanishtown,--Richard Hill, Esq., Secretary of the
+    Special Magistracy,--Testimony of Lord Sligo concerning him,--Lord
+    Sligo's Administration; its independence and
+    impartiality,--Statements of Mr. Hill,--Statements of Special
+    Justice Ramsey,--Special Justice's Court,--Baptist Missionary at
+    Spanishtown; his Testimony,--Actual Working of the Apprenticeship;
+    no Insurrection; no fear of it; no Increase of Crime; Negroes
+    improving; Marriage increased; Sabbath better kept; Religious
+    Worship better attended; Law obeyed,--Apprenticeship vexatious to
+    both parties,--Atrocities perpetrated by Masters and
+    Magistrates,--Causes of the ill-working of the
+    Apprenticeship--Provisions of the Emancipation Act defeated by
+    Planters and Magistrates,--The present Governor a favorite with the
+    Planters,--Special Justice Palmer suspended by him,--Persecution of
+    Special Justice Bourne,--Character of the Special
+    Magistrates,--Official Cruelty; Correspondence between a Missionary
+    and Special Magistrate,--Sir Lionel Smith's Message to the House of
+    Assembly,--Causes of the Diminished Crops since
+    Emancipation,--Anticipated Consequences of full Emancipation in
+    1840,--Examination of the grounds of such anticipations,--Views of
+    Missionaries and Colored People, Magistrates and
+    Planters;--Concluding Remarks.
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+    Official Communication from Special Justice Lyon,--Communication
+    from the Solicitor General of Jamaica,--Communication from Special
+    Justice Colthurst,--Official Returns of the Imports and Exports of
+    Barbadoes,--Valuations of Apprentices in Jamaica,--Tabular View of
+    the Crops in Jamaica for fifty-three years preceding 1836; Comments
+    of the Jamaica Watchman on the foregoing Table,--Comments of the
+    Spanishtown Telegraph,--Brougham's Speech in Parliament.
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+It is hardly possible that the success of British West India
+Emancipation should be more conclusively proved, than it has been by the
+absence among us of the exultation which awaited its failure. So many
+thousands of the citizens of the United States, without counting
+slaveholders, would not have suffered their prophesyings to be
+falsified, if they could have found whereof to manufacture fulfilment.
+But it is remarkable that, even since the first of August, 1834, the
+evils of West India emancipation on the lips of the advocates of
+slavery, or, as the most of them nicely prefer to be termed, the
+opponents of abolition, have remained in the future tense. The bad
+reports of the newspapers, spiritless as they have been compared with
+the predictions, have been traceable, on the slightest inspection, not
+to emancipation, but to the illegal continuance of slavery, under the
+cover of its legal substitute. Not the slightest reference to the rash
+act, whereby the thirty thousand slaves of Antigua were immediately
+"turned loose," now mingles with the croaking which strives to defend
+our republican slavery against argument and common sense.
+
+The Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society, deemed it
+important that the silence which the pro-slavery press of the United
+States has seemed so desirous to maintain in regard to what is strangely
+enough termed the "great experiment of freedom," should be thoroughly
+broken up by a publication of facts and testimony collected on the spot.
+To this end, REV. JAMES A. THOME, and JOSEPH H. KIMBALL, ESQ., were
+deputed to the West Indies to make the proper investigations. Of their
+qualifications for the task, the subsequent pages will furnish the best
+evidence: it is proper, however, to remark, that Mr. Thome is thoroughly
+acquainted with our own system of slavery, being a native and still a
+resident of Kentucky, and the son of a slaveholder, (happily no longer
+so,) and that Mr. Kimball is well known as the able editor of the Herald
+of Freedom, published at Concord, New Hampshire.
+
+They sailed from New York, the last of November, 1836, and returned
+early in June, 1837. They improved a short stay at the Danish island of
+St. Thomas, to give a description of slavery as it exists there, which,
+as it appeared for the most part in the anti-slavery papers, and as it
+is not directly connected with the great question at issue, has not been
+inserted in the present volume. Hastily touching at some of the other
+British islands, they made Antigua, Barbadoes, and Jamaica, successively
+the objects of their deliberate and laborious study--as fairly
+presenting the three grand phases of the "experiment"--Antigua,
+exemplifying immediate unrestricted abolition; Barbadoes, the best
+working of the apprenticeship, and Jamaica the worst. Nine weeks were
+spent in Antigua, and the remainder of their time was divided between
+the other two islands.
+
+The reception of the delegates was in the highest degree favorable to
+the promotion of their object, and their work will show how well they
+have used the extraordinary facilities afforded them. The committee
+have, in some instances, restored testimonials which their modesty led
+them to suppress, showing in what estimation they themselves, as well as
+the object of their mission, were held by some of the most distinguished
+persons in the islands which they visited.
+
+So wide was the field before them, and so rich and various the fruit to
+be gathered, that they were tempted to go far beyond the strength
+supplied by the failing health they carried with them. Most nobly did
+they postpone every personal consideration to the interests of the
+cause, and the reader will, we think, agree with us, that they have
+achieved a result which undiminished energies could not have been
+expected to exceed--a result sufficient, if any thing could be, to
+justify the sacrifice it cost them. We regret to add that the labors and
+exposures of Mr. Kimball, so far prevented his recovery from the
+disease[A] which obliged him to resort to a milder climate, or perhaps
+we should say aggravated it, that he has been compelled to leave to his
+colleague, aided by a friend, nearly the whole burden of preparing for
+the press--which, together with the great labor of condensing from the
+immense amount of collected materials, accounts for the delay of the
+publication. As neither Mr. Thome nor Mr. Kimball were here while the
+work was in the press, it is not improbable that trivial errors have
+occurred, especially in the names of individuals.
+
+[Footnote A: We learn that Mr. Kimball closed his mortal career at
+Pembroke, N.H. April 12th, in the 25th year of his age. Very few men in
+the Anti-Slavery cause have been more distinguished, than this lamented
+brother, for the zeal, discretion and ability with which he has
+advocated the cause of the oppressed. "Peace to the memory of a man
+of worth!"]
+
+It will be perceived that the delegates rest nothing of importance on
+their own unattested observation. At every point they are fortified by
+the statements of a multitude of responsible persons in the islands,
+whose names, when not forbidden, they leave taken the liberty to use in
+behalf of humanity. Many of these statements were given in the
+handwriting of the parties, and are in the possession of the Executive
+Committee. Most of these island authorities are as unchallengeable on
+the score of previous leaning towards abolitionism, as Mr. McDuffie of
+Mr. Calhoun would be two years hence, if slavery were to be abolished
+throughout the United States tomorrow.
+
+Among the points established in this work, beyond the power of dispute
+or cavil, are the following:
+
+1. That the act of IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION in Antigua, was not attended
+with any disorder whatever.
+
+2. That the emancipated slaves have readily, faithfully, and efficiently
+worked for wages from the first.
+
+3. That wherever there has been any disturbance in the working of the
+apprenticeship, it has been invariably by the fault of the masters, or
+of the officers charged with the execution of the "Abolition Act."
+
+4. That the prejudice of caste is fast disappearing in the emancipated
+islands.
+
+5. That the apprenticeship was not sought for by the planters as a
+_preparation for freedom_.
+
+6. That no such preparation was needed.
+
+7. That the planters who have fairly made the "experiment," now greatly
+prefer the new system to the old.
+
+8. That the emancipated people are perceptibly rising in the scale of
+civilization, morals, and religion.
+
+From these established facts, reason cannot fail to make its inferences
+in favor of the two and a half millions of slaves in our republic. We
+present the work to our countrymen who yet hold slaves, with the utmost
+confidence that its perusal will not leave in their minds a doubt,
+either of the duty or perfect safety of _immediate emancipation_,
+however it may fail to persuade their hearts--which God grant it
+may not!
+
+By order of the Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery
+Society.
+
+New York, April 28th, 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED IN THE NARRATIVE.
+
+1. The words 'Clergy' and 'Missionary' are used to distinguish between
+the ministers of the English or Scotch church, and those of all other
+denominations.
+
+2. The terms 'church' and 'chapel' denote a corresponding distinction in
+the places of worship, though the English Church have what are
+technically called 'chapels of ease!'
+
+3. 'Manager' and 'overseer' are terms designating in different islands
+the same station. In Antigua and Barbadoes, _manager_ is the word in
+general use, in Jamaica it is _overseer_--both meaning the practical
+conductor or immediate superintendent of an estate. In our own country,
+a peculiar odium is attached to the latter term. In the West Indies, the
+station of manager or overseer is an honorable one; proprietors of
+estates, and even men of rank, do not hesitate to occupy it.
+
+4. The terms 'colored' and 'black' or 'negro' indicate a distinction
+long kept up in the West Indies between the mixed blood and the pure
+negro. The former as a body were few previous to the abolition act; and
+for this reason chiefly we presume the term of distinction was
+originally applied to them. To have used these terms interchangeably in
+accordance with the usage in the United States, would have occasioned
+endless confusion in the narrative.
+
+5. 'Praedial' and 'non-praedial' are terms used in the apprenticeship
+colonies to mark the difference between the agricultural class and the
+domestic; the former are called _praedials_, the latter _non-praedials_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+POPULATION OF THE BRITISH (FORMERLY SLAVE) COLONIES.
+
+(_Compiled from recent authentic documents._)
+
+British Colonies.          White.   Slave.   F. Col'd.   Total.
+Anguilla                     365    2,388       357      3,110
+Antigua[A]                 1,980   29,839     3,895     35,714
+Bahamas                    4,240    9,268     2,991     16,499
+Barbadoes                 15,000   82,000     5,100    102,100
+Berbicel                     550   21,300     1,150     23,000
+Bermuda[A]                 3,900    4,600       740      9,240
+Cape of Good Hope[B]      43,000   35,500    29,000    107,500
+Demerara[B]                3,000   70,000     6,400     79,400
+Dominica                     850   15,400     3,600     19,850
+Grenada                      800   24,000     2,800     27,600
+Honduras[B]                  250    2,100     2,300      4,650
+Jamaica                   37,000  323,000    55,000    415,000
+Mauritius[B]               8,000   76,000    15,000     99,000
+Montserrat                   330    6,200       800      7,330
+Nevis                        700    6,600     2,000      9,300
+St. Christophers,St. Kitts 1,612   19,310     3,000     23,922
+St. Lucia[B]                 980   13,600     3,700     18,280
+St. Vincent                1,300   23,500     2,800     27,600
+Tobago                       320   12,500     1,200     14,020
+Tortola                      480    5,400     1,300      7,180
+Trinidad[B]                4,200   24,000    16,000     44,200
+Virgin Isles                 800    5,400       600      6,800
+
+Total                    131,257  831,105   162,733  1,125,095
+
+[Footnote A: These islands adopted immediate emancipation, Aug 1, 1834.]
+
+[Footnote B: These are crown colonies, and have no local legislature.]
+
+
+
+ANTIGUA.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Antigua is about eighteen miles long and fifteen broad; the interior is
+low and undulating, the coast mountainous. From the heights on the coast
+the whole island may be taken in at one view, and in a clear day the
+ocean can be seen entirely around the land, with the exception of a few
+miles of cliff in one quarter. The population of Antigua is about
+37,000, of whom 30,000 are negroes--lately slaves--4500 are free people
+of color, and 2500 are whites.
+
+The cultivation of the island is principally in sugar, of which the
+average annual crop is 15,000 hogsheads. Antigua is one of the oldest of
+the British West India colonies, and ranks high in importance and
+influence. Owing to the proportion of proprietors resident in the
+Island, there is an accumulation of talent, intelligence and refinement,
+greater, perhaps, than in any English colony, excepting Jamaica.
+
+Our solicitude on entering the Island of Antigua was intense. Charged
+with a mission so nearly concerning the political and domestic
+institutions of the colony, we might well be doubtful as to the manner
+of our reception. We knew indeed that slavery was abolished, that
+Antigua had rejected the apprenticeship, and adopted entire
+emancipation. We knew also, that the free system had surpassed the hopes
+of its advocates. But we were in the midst of those whose habits and
+sentiments had been formed under the influences of slavery, whose
+prejudices still clinging to it might lead them to regard our visit with
+indifference at least, if not with jealousy. We dared not hope for aid
+from men who, not three years before, were slaveholders, and who, as a
+body, strenuously resisted the abolition measure, finally yielding to it
+only because they found resistance vain.
+
+Mingled with the depressing anxieties already referred to, were emotions
+of pleasure and exultation, when we stepped upon the shores of an
+unfettered isle. We trod a soil from which the last vestige of slavery
+had been swept away! To us, accustomed as we were to infer the existence
+of slavery from the presence of a particular hue, the numbers of negroes
+passing to and fro, engaged in their several employments, denoted a land
+of oppression; but the erect forms, the active movements, and the
+sprightly countenances, bespoke that spirit of disinthrallment which had
+gone abroad through Antigua.
+
+On the day of our arrival we had an interview with the Rev. James Cox,
+the superintendent of the Wesleyan mission in the island. He assured us
+that we need apprehend no difficulty in procuring information, adding,
+"We are all free here now; every man can speak his sentiments unawed. We
+have nothing to conceal in our present system; had you come here as the
+_advocates of slavery_ you might have met with a very different
+reception."
+
+At the same time we met the Rev. N. Gilbert, a clergyman of the English
+Church, and proprietor of an estate. Mr. G. expressed the hope that we
+might gather such facts during our stay in the island, as would tend
+effectually to remove the curse of slavery from the United States. He
+said that the failure of the crops, from the extraordinary drought which
+was still prevailing, would, he feared, be charged by persons abroad to
+the new system. "The enemies of freedom," said he, "will not ascribe the
+failure to the proper cause. It will be in vain that we solemnly
+declare, that for more than thirty years the island has not experienced
+such a drought. Our enemies will persist in laying all to the charge of
+our free system; men will look only at the amount of sugar exported,
+which will be less than half the average. They will run away with this
+fact, and triumph over it as the disastrous consequence of abolition."
+
+On the same day we were introduced to the Rev. Bennet Harvey, the
+principal of the Moravian mission, to a merchant, an agent for several
+estates, and to an intelligent manager. Each of these gentlemen gave us
+the most cordial welcome, and expressed a warm sympathy in the objects
+of our visit. On the following day we dined, by invitation, with the
+superintendent of the Wesleyan mission, in company with several
+missionaries. _Freedom in Antigua_ was the engrossing and delightful
+topic. They rejoiced in the change, not merely from sympathy with the
+disinthralled negroes, but because it had emancipated them from a
+disheartening surveillance, and opened new fields of usefulness. They
+hailed the star of freedom "with exceeding great joy," because it
+heralded the speedy dawning of the Sun of Righteousness.
+
+We took an early opportunity to call on the Governor, whom we found
+affable and courteous. On learning that we were from the United States,
+he remarked, that he entertained a high respect for our country, but its
+slavery was a stain upon the whole nation. He expressed his conviction
+that the instigators of northern mobs must be implicated in some way,
+pecuniary or otherwise, with slavery. The Governor stated various
+particulars in which Antigua had been greatly improved by the abolition
+of slavery. He said, the planters all conceded that emancipation had
+been a great blessing to the island, and he did not know of a single
+individual who wished to return to the old system.
+
+His excellency proffered us every assistance in his power, and requested
+his secretary--_a colored gentleman_--to furnish us with certain
+documents which he thought would be of service to us. When we rose to
+leave, the Governor followed us to the door, repeating the advice that
+we should "see with our own eyes, and hear with our own ears." The
+interest which his Excellency manifested in our enterprise, satisfied us
+that the prevalent feeling in the island was opposed to slavery, since
+it was a matter well understood that the Governor's partialities, if he
+had any, were on the side of the planters rather than the people.
+
+On the same day we were introduced to a barrister, a member of the
+assembly and proprietor of an estate. He was in the assembly at the time
+the abolition act was under discussion. He said that it was violently
+opposed, until it was seen to be inevitable. Many were the predictions
+made respecting the ruin which would be brought upon the colony; but
+these predictions had failed, and abolition was now regarded as the
+salvation of the island.
+
+SABBATH.
+
+The morning of our first Sabbath in Antigua came with that hushed
+stillness which marks the Sabbath dawn in the retired villages of New
+England. The arrangements of the family were conducted with a studied
+silence that indicated habitual respect for the Lord's day. At 10
+o'clock the streets were filled with the church-going throng. The rich
+rolled along in their splendid vehicles with liveried outriders and
+postillions. The poor moved in lowlier procession, yet in neat attire,
+and with the serious air of Christian worshippers. We attended the
+Moravian service. In going to the chapel, which is situated on the
+border of the town, we passed through and across the most frequented
+streets. No persons were to be seen, excepting those whose course was
+toward some place of worship. The shops were all shut, and the voices of
+business and amusement were hushed. The market place, which yesterday
+was full of swarming life, and sent forth a confused uproar, was
+deserted and dumb--not a straggler was to be seen of all the multitude.
+
+On approaching the Moravian chapel we observed the negroes, wending
+their way churchward, from the surrounding estates, along the roads
+leading into town.
+
+When we entered the chapel the service had begun, and the people were
+standing, and repeating their liturgy. The house, which was capable of
+holding about a thousand persons, was filled. The audience were all
+black and colored, mostly of the deepest Ethiopian hue, and had come up
+thither from the estates, where once they toiled as slaves, but now as
+freemen, to present their thank-offerings unto Him whose truth and
+Spirit had made them free. In the simplicity and tidiness of their
+attire, in its uniformity and freedom from ornament, it resembled the
+dress of the Friends. The females were clad in plain white gowns, with
+neat turbans of cambric or muslin on their heads. The males were dressed
+in spencers, vests, and pantaloons, all of white. All were serious in
+their demeanor, and although the services continued more than two hours,
+they gave a wakeful attention to the end. Their responses in the litany
+were solemn and regular.
+
+Great respect was paid to the aged and infirm. A poor blind man came
+groping his way, and was kindly conducted to a seat in an airy place. A
+lame man came wearily up to the door, when one within the house rose and
+led him to the seat he himself had just occupied. As we sat facing the
+congregation, we looked around upon the multitude to find the marks of
+those demoniac passions which are to strew carnage through our own
+country when its bondmen shall be made free. The countenances gathered
+there, bore the traces of benevolence, of humility, of meekness, of
+docility, and reverence; and we felt, while looking on them, that the
+doers of justice to a wronged people "shall surely dwell in safety and
+be quiet from fear of evil."
+
+After the service, we visited the Sabbath school. The superintendent was
+an interesting young colored man. We attended the recitation of a
+Testament class of children of both sexes from eight to twelve. They
+read, and answered numerous questions with great sprightliness.
+
+In the afternoon we attended the Episcopal church, of which the Rev.
+Robert Holberton is rector. We here saw a specimen of the aristocracy of
+the island. A considerable number present were whites,--rich proprietors
+with their families, managers of estates, officers of government, and
+merchants. The greater proportion of the auditory, however, were colored
+people and blacks. It might be expected that distinctions of color would
+be found here, if any where;--however, the actual distinction, even in
+this the most fashionable church in Antigua, amounted only to this, that
+the body pews on each side of the broad aisle were occupied by the
+whites, the side pews by the colored people, and the broad aisle in the
+middle by the negroes. The gallery, on one side, was also appropriated
+to the colored people, and on the other to the blacks. The finery of the
+negroes was in sad contrast with the simplicity we had just seen at the
+Moravian chapel. Their dresses were of every color and style; their hats
+were of all shapes and sizes, and fillagreed with the most tawdry
+superfluity of ribbons. Beneath these gaudy bonnets were glossy
+ringlets, false and real, clustering in tropical luxuriance. This
+fantastic display was evidently a rude attempt to follow the example set
+them by the white aristocracy.
+
+The choir was composed chiefly of colored boys, who were placed on the
+right side of the organ, and about an equal number of colored girls on
+the left. In front of the organ were eight or ten white children. The
+music of this colored, or rather "amalgamated" choir, directed by a
+colored chorister, and accompanied by a colored organist, was in
+good taste.
+
+In the evening, we accompanied a friend to the Wesleyan chapel, of which
+the Rev. James Cox is pastor. The minister invited us to a seat within
+the altar, where we could have a full view of the congregation. The
+chapel was crowded. Nearly twelve hundred persons were present. All sat
+promiscuously in respect of color. In one pew was a family of whites,
+next a family of colored persons, and behind that perhaps might be seen,
+side by side, the ebon hue of the negro, the mixed tint of the mulatto,
+and the unblended whiteness of the European. Thus they sat in crowded
+contact, seemingly unconscious that they were outraging good taste,
+violating natural laws, and "confounding distinctions of divine
+appointment!" In whatever direction we turned, there was the same
+commixture of colors. What to one of our own countrymen whose contempt
+for the oppressed has defended itself with the plea of _prejudice
+against color_, would have been a combination absolutely shocking, was
+to us a scene as gratifying as it was new.
+
+On both sides, the gallery presented the same unconscious blending of
+colors. The choir was composed of a large number, mostly colored, of all
+ages. The front seats were filled by children of various ages--the rear,
+of adults, rising above these tiny choristers, and softening the
+shrillness of their notes by the deeper tones of mature age.
+
+The style of the preaching which we heard on the different occasions
+above described, so far as it is any index to the intelligence of the
+several congregations, is certainly a high commendation. The language
+used, would not offend the taste of any congregation, however refined.
+
+On the other hand, the fixed attention of the people showed that the
+truths delivered were understood and appreciated.
+
+We observed, that in the last two services the subject of the present
+drought was particularly noticed in prayer.
+
+The account here given is but a fair specimen of the solemnity and
+decorum of an Antigua sabbath.
+
+VISIT TO MILLAR'S ESTATE.
+
+Early in the week after our arrival, by the special invitation of the
+manager, we visited this estate. It is situated about four miles from
+the town of St. John's.
+
+The smooth MacAdamized road extending across the rolling plains and
+gently sloping hill sides, covered with waving cane, and interspersed
+with provision grounds, contributed with the fresh bracing air of the
+morning to make the drive pleasant and animating.
+
+At short intervals were seen the buildings of the different estates
+thrown together in small groups, consisting of the manager's mansion and
+out-houses, negro huts, boiling house, cooling houses, distillery, and
+windmill. The mansion is generally on an elevated spot, commanding a
+view of the estate and surrounding country. The cane fields presented a
+novel appearance--being without fences of any description. Even those
+fields which lie bordering on the highways, are wholly unprotected by
+hedge, ditch, or rails. This is from necessity. Wooden fences they
+cannot have, for lack of timber. Hedges are not used, because they are
+found to withdraw the moisture from the canes. To prevent depredations,
+there are watchmen on every estate employed both day and night. There
+are also stock keepers employed by day in keeping the cattle within
+proper grazing limits. As each estate guards its own stock by day and
+folds them by night, the fields are in little danger.
+
+We passed great numbers of negroes on the road, loaded with every kind
+of commodity for the town market. _The head is the beast of burthen_
+among the negroes throughout the West Indies. Whatever the load, whether
+it be trifling or valuable, strong or frail, it is consigned to the
+head, both for safe keeping and for transportation. While the head is
+thus taxed, the hands hang useless by the side, or are busied in
+gesticulating, as the people chat together along the way. The negroes we
+passed were all decently clad. They uniformly stopped as they came
+opposite to us, to pay the usual civilities. This the men did by
+touching their hats and bowing, and the women, by making a low courtesy,
+and adding, sometimes, "howdy, massa," or "mornin', massa." We passed
+several loaded wagons, drawn by three, four, or five yoke of oxen, and
+in every instance the driver, so far from manifesting any disposition
+"insolently" to crowd us off the road, or to contend for his part of it,
+turned his team aside, leaving us double room to go by, and sometimes
+stopping until we had passed.
+
+We were kindly received at Millar's by Mr. Bourne, the manager. Millar's
+is one of the first estates in Antigua. The last year it made the
+largest sugar crop on the island. Mr. B. took us before breakfast to
+view the estate. On the way, he remarked that we had visited the island
+at a very unfavorable time for seeing the cultivation of it, as every
+thing was suffering greatly from the drought. There had not been a
+single copious rain, such as would "make the water run," since the first
+of March previous. As we approached the laborers, the manager pointed
+out one company of ten, who were at work with their hoes by the side of
+the road, while a larger one of thirty were in the middle of the field.
+They greeted us in the most friendly manner. The manager spoke kindly to
+them, encouraging them to be industrious He stopped a moment to explain
+to us the process of cane-holing. The field is first ploughed[A] in one
+direction, and the ground thrown up in ridges of about a foot high. Then
+similar ridges are formed crosswise, with the hoe, making regular
+squares of two-feet-sides over the field. By raising the soil, a clear
+space of six inches square is left at the bottom. In this space the
+_plant_ is placed horizontally, and slightly covered with earth. The
+ridges are left about it, for the purpose of conducting the rain to the
+roots, and also to retain the moisture. When we came up to the large
+company, they paused a moment, and with a hearty salutation, which ran
+all along the line, bade us "good mornin'," and immediately resumed
+their labor. The men and women were intermingled; the latter kept pace
+with the former, wielding their hoes with energy and effect. The manager
+addressed them for a few moments, telling them who we were, and the
+object of our visit. He told them of the great number of slaves in
+America, and appealed to them to know whether they would not be sober,
+industrious, and diligent, so as to prove to American slaveholders the
+benefit of freeing all their slaves. At the close of each sentence, they
+all responded, "Yes, massa," or "God bless de massas," and at the
+conclusion, they answered the appeal, with much feeling, "Yes, massa;
+please God massa, we will all do so." When we turned to leave, they
+wished to know what we thought of their industry. We assured them that
+we were much pleased, for which they returned their "thankee, massa."
+They were working at a _job_. The manager had given them a piece of
+ground "to hole," engaging to pay them sixteen dollars when they had
+finished it. He remarked that he had found it a good plan to give
+_jobs_. He obtained more work in this way than he did by giving the
+ordinary wages, which is about eleven cents per day. It looked very much
+like slavery to see the females working in the field; but the manager
+said they chose it generally "_for the sake of the wages_." Mr. B.
+returned with us to the house, leaving the gangs in the field, with only
+an aged negro in charge of the work, as _superintendent._ Such now is
+the name of the overseer. The very _terms_, _driver_ and _overseer_, are
+banished from Antigua; and the _whip_ is buried beneath the soil
+of freedom.
+
+[Footnote A: In those cases where the plough is used at all. It is not
+yet generally introduced throughout the West Indies. Where the plough is
+not used, the whole process of holing is done with the hoe, and is
+extremely laborious]
+
+When we reached the house we were introduced to Mr. Watkins, a _colored_
+planter, whom Mr. B. had invited to breakfast with us. Mr. Watkins was
+very communicative, and from him and Mr. B., who was equally free, we
+obtained information on a great variety of points, which we reserve for
+the different heads to which they appropriately belong.
+
+FITCH'S CREEK ESTATE.
+
+From Millar's we proceeded to Fitch's Creek Estate, where we had been
+invited to dine by the intelligent manager, Mr. H. Armstrong. We three
+met several Wesleyan missionaries. Mr. A. is himself a local preacher in
+the Wesleyan connection. When a stranger visits an estate in the West
+Indies, almost the first thing is an offer from the manager to accompany
+him through the sugar works. Mr. A. conducted us first to a new boiling
+house, which he was building after a plan of his own devising. The house
+is of brick, on a very extensive scale. It has been built entirely by
+negroes--chiefly those belonging to the estate who were emancipated in
+1834. Fitch's Creek Estate is one of the largest on the Island,
+consisting of 500 acres, of which 300 are under cultivation. The number
+of people employed and living on the property is 260. This estate
+indicates any thing else than an apprehension of approaching ruin. It
+presents the appearance, far more, of a _resurrection_, from the grave.
+In addition to his improved sugar and boiling establishment, he has
+projected a plan for a new village, (as the collection of negro houses
+is called,) and has already selected the ground and begun to build. The
+houses are to be larger than those at present in use, they are to be
+built of stone instead of mud and sticks, and to be neatly roofed.
+Instead of being huddled together in a bye place, as has mostly been the
+case, they are to be built on an elevated site, and ranged at regular
+intervals around three sides of a large square, in the centre of which a
+building for a chapel and school house is to be erected. Each house is
+to have a garden. This and similar improvements are now in progress,
+with the view of adding to the comforts of the laborers, and attaching
+them to the estate. It has become the interest of the planter to make it
+for the _interest of the people_ to remain on his estate. This _mutual
+interest_ is the only sure basis of prosperity on the one hand and of
+industry on the other.
+
+The whole company heartily joined in assuring us that a knowledge of the
+actual working of abolition in Antigua, would be altogether favorable to
+the cause of freedom, _and that the more thorough our knowledge of the
+facts in the case, the more perfect would be our confidence in the
+safety of_ IMMEDIATE _emancipation_.
+
+Mr. A. said that the spirit of enterprise, before dormant, had been
+roused since emancipation, and planters were now beginning to inquire as
+to the best modes of cultivation, and to propose measures of general
+improvement. One of these measures was the establishing of _free
+villages_, in which the laborers might dwell by paying a small rent.
+When the adjacent planters needed help they could here find a supply for
+the occasion. This plan would relieve the laborers from some of that
+dependence which they must feel so long as they live on the estate and
+in the houses of the planters. Many advantages of such a system were
+specified. We allude to it here only as an illustration of that spirit
+of inquiry, which freedom has kindled in the minds of the planters.
+
+No little desire was manifested by the company to know the state of the
+slavery question in this country. They all, planters and missionaries,
+spoke in terms of abhorrence of our slavery, our snobs, our prejudice,
+and our Christianity. One of the missionaries said it would never do for
+him to go to America, for he should certainly be excommunicated by his
+Methodist brethren, and Lynched by the advocates of slaver. He insisted
+that slaveholding professors and ministers should be cut off from the
+communion of the Church.
+
+As we were about to take leave, the _proprietor_ of the estate rode up,
+accompanied by the governor, who he had brought to see the new
+boiling-house, and the other improvements which were in progress. The
+proprietor reside in St. John's, is a gentleman of large fortune, and a
+member of the assembly. He said he would be happy to aid us in any
+way--but added, that in all details of a practical kind, and in all
+matters of fact, the planters were the best witnesses, for they were the
+conductors of the present system. We were glad to obtain the endorsement
+of an influential proprietor to the testimony of practical planters.
+
+DINNER AT THE GOVERNOR'S.
+
+On the following day having received a very courteous invitation[A] from
+the governor, to dine at the government house, we made our arrangements
+to do so. The Hon. Paul Horsford, a member of the council, called during
+the day, to say, that he expected to dine with us at the government
+house and that he would be happy to call for us at the appointed hour,
+and conduct us thither. At six o'clock Mr. H.'s carriage drove up to our
+door, and we accompanied him to the governor's, where we were introduced
+to Col. Jarvis, a member of the privy council, and proprietor of several
+estates in the island, Col. Edwards, a member of the assembly and a
+barrister, Dr. Musgrave, a member of the assembly, and Mr. Shiel,
+attorney general. A dinner of state, at a Governor's house, attended by
+a company of high-toned politicians, professional gentlemen, and
+proprietors, could hardly be expected to furnish large accessions to our
+stock of information, relating to the object of our visit. Dinner being
+announced, we were hardly seated at the table when his excellency
+politely offered to drink a glass of Madeira with us. We begged leave to
+decline the honor. In a short time he proposed a glass of
+Champaign--again we declined. "Why, surely, gentlemen," exclaimed the
+Governor, "you must belong to the temperance society." "Yes, sir, we
+do." "Is it possible? but you will surely take a glass of liqueur?"
+"Your excellency must pardon us if we again decline the honor; we drink
+no wines." This announcement of ultra temperance principles excited no
+little surprise. Finding that our allegiance to cold water was not to be
+shaken, the governor condescended at last to meet us on middle ground,
+and drink his wine to our water.
+
+[Footnote A: We venture to publish the note in which the governor
+conveyed his invitation, simply because, though a trifle in itself, it
+will serve to show the estimation in which our mission was held.
+
+    "If Messrs. Kimball and Thome are not engaged Tuesday next, the
+    Lieut. Governor will be happy to see them at dinner, at six o'clock,
+    when he will endeavor to facilitate their philanthropic inquiries,
+    by inviting two or three proprietors to met them."
+
+    "_Government House, St. John's, Dec. 18th_, 1836."
+]
+
+The conversation on the subject of emancipation served to show that the
+prevailing sentiment was decidedly favorable to the free system. Col.
+Jarvis, who is the proprietor of three estates, said that he was in
+England at the time the bill for immediate emancipation passed the
+legislature. Had he been in the island he should have opposed it; but
+_now_ he was glad it had prevailed. The evil consequences which he
+apprehended had not been realized, and he was now confident that they
+never would be.
+
+As to prejudice against the black and colored people, all thought it was
+rapidly decreasing--indeed, they could scarcely say there was now any
+such thing. To be sure, there was an aversion among the higher classes
+of the whites, and especially among _females_, to associating in parties
+with colored people; but it was not on account of their _color_, but
+chiefly because of their _illegitimacy_. This was to us a new _source_
+of prejudice: but subsequent information fully explained its bearings.
+The whites of the West Indies are themselves the authors of that
+_illegitimacy_, out of which their aversion springs. It is not to be
+wondered at that they should be unwilling to invite the colored people
+to their social parties, seeing they might not unfrequently be subjected
+to the embarrassment of introducing to their white wives a colored
+mistress or an _illegitimate_ daughter. This also explains the special
+prejudice which the _ladies_ of the higher classes feel toward those
+among whom are their guilty rivals in a husband's affections, and those
+whose every feature tells the story of a husband's unfaithfulness!
+
+A few days after our dinner with the governor and his friends, we took
+breakfast, by invitation, with Mr. Watkins, the _colored_ planter whom
+we had the pleasure of meeting at Millar's, on a previous occasion. Mr.
+W. politely sent in his chaise for us, a distance of five miles, At an
+early hour we reached Donovan's, the estate of which he is manager. We
+found the sugar works in active operation: the broad wings of the
+windmill were wheeling their stately revolutions, and the smoke was
+issuing in dense volumes from the chimney of the boiling house. Some of
+the negroes were employed in carrying cane to the mill, others in
+carrying away the _trash_ or _megass_, as the cane is called after the
+juice is expressed from it. Others, chiefly the old men and women, were
+tearing the megass apart, and strewing it on the ground to dry. It is
+the only fuel used for boiling the sugar.
+
+On entering the house we found three planters whom Mr. W. had invited to
+breakfast with us. The meeting of a number of intelligent practical
+planters afforded a good opportunity for comparing their views. On all
+the main points, touching the working of freedom, there was a strong
+coincidence.
+
+When breakfast was ready, Mrs. W. entered the room, and after our
+introduction to her, took her place at the head of the table. Her
+conversation was intelligent, her manners highly polished, and she
+presided at the table with admirable grace and dignity.
+
+On the following day, Dr. Ferguson, of St. John's, called on us. Dr.
+Ferguson is a member of the assembly, and one of the first physicians in
+the island. The Doctor said that freedom had wrought like a magician,
+and had it not been for the unprecedented drought, the island would now
+be in a state of prosperity unequalled in any period of its history. Dr.
+F. remarked that a general spirit of improvement was pervading the
+island. The moral condition of the whites was rapidly brightening;
+formerly concubinage was _respectable_; it had been customary for
+married men--those of the highest standing--to keep one or two colored
+mistresses. This practice was now becoming disreputable. There had been
+a great alteration as to the observance of the Sabbath; formerly more
+business was done in St. John's on Sunday, by the merchants, than on all
+the other days of the week together. The mercantile business of the town
+had increased astonishingly; he thought that the stores and shops had
+multiplied in a _ratio of ten to one_. Mechanical pursuits were likewise
+in a flourishing condition. Dr. F. said that a greater number of
+buildings had been erected since emancipation, than had been put up for
+twenty years before. Great improvements had also been made in the
+streets and roads in town and country.
+
+MARKET.
+
+SATURDAY.--This is the regular market-day here. The negroes come from all
+parts of the island; walking sometimes ten or fifteen miles to attend
+the St. John's market. We pressed our way through the dense mass of all
+hues, which crowded the market. The ground was covered with wooden trays
+filled with all kinds of fruits, grain, vegetables, fowls, fish, and
+flesh. Each one, as we passed, called attention to his or her little
+stock. We passed up to the head of the avenue, where men and women were
+employed in cutting up the light fire-wood which they had brought from
+the country on their heads, and in binding it into small bundles for
+sale. Here we paused a moment and looked down upon the busy multitude
+below. The whole street was a moving mass. There were broad Panama hats,
+and gaudy turbans, and uncovered heads, and heads laden with water pots,
+and boxes, and baskets, and trays--all moving and mingling in seemingly
+inextricable confusion. There could not have been less than fifteen
+hundred people congregated in that street--all, or nearly all,
+emancipated slaves. Yet, amidst all the excitements and competitions of
+trade, their conduct toward each other was polite and kind. Not a word,
+or look, or gesture of insolence or indecency did we observe. Smiling
+countenances and friendly voices greeted us on every side, and we felt
+no fears either of having our pockets picked or our throats cut!
+
+At the other end of the market-place stood the _Lock-up House_, the
+_Cage_, and the _Whipping Post_, with stocks for feet and wrists. These
+are almost the sole relics of slavery which still linger in the town.
+The Lock-up House is a sort of jail, built of stone--about fifteen feet
+square, and originally designed as a place of confinement for slaves
+taken up by the patrol. The Cage is a smaller building, adjoining the
+former, the sides of which are composed of strong iron bars--fitly
+called a _cage!_ The prisoner was exposed to the gaze and insult of
+every passer by, without the possibility of concealment. The Whipping
+Post is hard by, but its occupation is gone. Indeed, all these
+appendages of slavery have gone into entire disuse, and Time is doing
+his work of dilapidation upon them. We fancied we could see in the
+marketers, as they walked in and out at the doorless entrance of the
+Lock-up House, or leaned against the Whipping Post, in careless chat,
+that harmless defiance which would prompt one to beard the dead lion.
+
+Returning from the market we observed a negro woman passing through the
+street, with several large hat boxes strung on her arm. She accidentally
+let one of them fall. The box had hardly reached the ground, when a
+little boy sprang from the back of a carriage rolling by, handed the
+woman the box, and hastened to remount the carriage.
+
+CHRISTMAS.
+
+During the reign of slavery, the Christmas holidays brought with them
+general alarm. To prevent insurrections, the militia was uniformly
+called out, and an array made of all that was formidable in military
+enginery. This custom was dispensed with at once, after emancipation. As
+Christmas came on the Sabbath, it tested the respect for that day. The
+morning was similar, in all respects, to the morning of the Sabbath
+described above; the same serenity reigning everywhere--the same quiet
+in the household movements, and the same tranquillity prevailing through
+the streets. We attended morning service at the Moravian chapel.
+Notwithstanding the descriptions we had heard of the great change which
+emancipation had wrought in the observance of Christmas, we were quite
+unprepared for the delightful reality around us. Though thirty thousand
+slaves had but lately been "turned loose" upon a white population of
+less than three thousand! instead of meeting with scenes of disorder,
+what were the sights which greeted our eyes? The neat attire, the
+serious demeanor, and the thronged procession to the place of worship.
+In every direction the roads leading into town were lined with happy
+beings--attired for the house of God. When groups coming from different
+quarters met at the corners, they stopped a moment to exchange
+salutations and shake hands, and then proceeded on together.
+
+The Moravian chapel was slightly decorated with green branches. They
+were the only adorning which marked the plain sanctuary of a plain
+people. It was crowded with black and colored people, and very many
+stood without, who could not get in. After the close of the service in
+the chapel, the minister proceeded to the adjacent school room, and
+preached to another crowded audience. In the evening the Wesleyan chapel
+was crowded to overflowing. The aisles and communion place were full. On
+all festivals and holidays, which occur on the Sabbath, the churches and
+chapels are more thronged than on any other Lord's day.
+
+It is hardly necessary to state that there was no instance of a dance or
+drunken riot, nor wild shouts of mirth during the day. The Christmas,
+instead of breaking in upon the repose of the Sabbath, seemed only to
+enhance the usual solemnity of the day.
+
+The holidays continued until the next Wednesday morning, and the same
+order prevailed to the close of them. On Monday there were religious
+services in most of the churches and chapels, where sabbath-school
+addresses, discourses on the relative duties of husband and wife, and on
+kindred subjects, were delivered.
+
+An intelligent gentleman informed us that the negroes, while slaves,
+used to spend during the Christmas holidays, the extra money which they
+got during the year. Now they save it--_to buy small tracts of land for
+their own cultivation_.
+
+The Governor informed us that the police returns did not report a single
+case of arrest during the holidays. He said he had been well acquainted
+with the country districts of England, he had also travelled extensively
+in Europe, yet he had never found such a _peaceable, orderly, and
+law-abiding people as those of Antigua_.
+
+An acquaintance of nine weeks with the colored population of St. John's,
+meeting them by the wayside, in their shops, in their parlors, and
+elsewhere, enables us to pronounce them a people of general
+intelligence, refinement of manners, personal accomplishments, and true
+politeness. As to their style of dress and mode of living, were we
+disposed to make any criticism, we should say that they were
+extravagant. In refined and elevated conversation, they would certainly
+bear a comparison with the white families of the island.
+
+VISIT TO THIBOU JARVIS'S ESTATE.
+
+After the Christmas holidays were over, we resumed our visits to the
+country. Being provided with a letter to the manager of Thibou Jarvis's
+estate, Mr. James Howell, we embraced the earliest opportunity to call
+on him. Mr. H. has been in Antigua for thirty-six years, and has been a
+practical planter during the whole of that time. He has the management
+of two estates, on which there are more than five hundred people. The
+principal items of Mr. Howell's testimony will be found in another
+place. In this connection we shall record only miscellaneous statements
+of a local nature.
+
+1. The severity of the drought. He had been in Antigua since the year
+1800, and he had never known so long a continuance of dry weather,
+although the island is subject to severe droughts. He stated that a
+field of yams, which in ordinary seasons yielded ten cart-loads to the
+acre, would not produce this year more than _three_. The failure in the
+crops was not in the least degree chargeable upon the laborers, for in
+the first place, the cane plants for the present crop were put in
+earlier and in greater quantities than usual, and _until_ the drought
+commenced, the fields promised a large return.
+
+2. _The religious condition_ of the negroes, during slavery, was
+extremely low. It seemed almost impossible to teach them any higher
+_religion_ than _obedience to their masters_. Their highest notion of
+God was that he was a _little above_ their owner. He mentioned, by way
+of illustration, that the slaves of a certain large proprietor used to
+have this saying, "Massa only want he little finger to touch God!" that
+is, _their master was lower than God only by the length of his little
+finger_. But now the religious and moral condition of the people was
+fast improving.
+
+3. A great change in the use of _rum_ had been effected on the estates
+under his management since emancipation. He formerly, in accordance with
+the prevalent custom, gave his people a weekly allowance of rum, and
+this was regarded as essential to their health and effectiveness. But he
+has lately discontinued this altogether, and his people had not suffered
+any inconvenience from it. He gave them in lieu of the rum, an allowance
+of molasses, with which they appeared to be entirely satisfied. When Mr.
+H. informed the people of his intention to discontinue the spirits, he
+told them that he should _set them the example_ of total abstinence, by
+abandoning wine and malt liquor also, which he accordingly did.
+
+4. There had been much less _pretended sickness_ among the negroes since
+freedom. They had now a strong aversion to going to the sick house[A],
+so much so that on many estates it had been put to some other use.
+
+[Footnote A: The _estate hospital_, in which, during slavery, all sick
+persons were placed for medical attendance and nursing. There was one on
+every estate.]
+
+We were taken through the negro village, and shown the interior of
+several houses. One of the finest looking huts was decorated with
+pictures, printed cards, and booksellers' advertisements in large
+letters. Amongst many ornaments of this kind, was an advertisement not
+unfamiliar to our eyes--"THE GIRL'S OWN BOOK. BY MRS. CHILD."
+
+We generally found the women at home. Some of them had been informed of
+our intention to visit them, and took pains to have every thing in the
+best order for our reception. The negro village on this estate contains
+one hundred houses, each of which is occupied by a separate family. Mr.
+H. next conducted us to a neighboring field, where the _great gang_[B]
+were at work. There were about fifty persons in the gang--the majority
+females--under two inspectors or superintendents, men who take the place
+of the _quondam drivers_, though their province is totally different.
+They merely direct the laborers in their work, employing with the
+loiterers the stimulus of persuasion, or at farthest, no more than the
+violence of the tongue.
+
+[Footnote B: The people on most estates are divided into three gangs;
+first, the great gang, composed of the principal effective men and
+women; second, the weeding gang, consisting of younger and weekly
+persons; and third, the grass gang, which embraces all the children
+able to work.]
+
+Mr. H. requested them to stop their work, and told them who we were, and
+as we bowed, the men took off their hats and the women made a low
+courtesy. Mr. Howell then informed them that we had come from America,
+where there were a great many slaves: that we had visited Antigua to see
+how freedom was working, and whether the people who were made free on
+the first of August were doing well--and added, that he "hoped these
+gentlemen might be able to carry back such a report as would induce the
+masters in America to set their slaves free." They unanimously replied,
+"Yes, massa, we hope dem will gib um free." We spoke a few words: told
+them of the condition of the slaves in America, urged them to pray for
+them that they might be patient under their sufferings, and that they
+might soon be made free. They repeatedly promised to pray for the poor
+slaves in America. We then received their hearty "Good bye, massa," and
+returned to the house, while they resumed their work.
+
+We took leave of Mr. Howell, grateful for his kind offices in
+furtherance of the objects of our mission.
+
+We had not been long in Antigua before we perceived the distress of the
+poor from the scarcity of water. As there are but few springs in the
+island, the sole reliance is upon rain water. Wealthy families have
+cisterns or tanks in their yards, to receive the rain from the roofs.
+There are also a few public cisterns in St. John's. These ordinarily
+supply the whole population. During the present season many of these
+cisterns have been dry, and the supply of water has been entirely
+inadequate to the wants of the people. There are several large open
+ponds in the vicinity of St. John's, which are commonly used to water
+"stock." There are one or more on every estate, for the same purpose.
+The poor people were obliged to use the water from these ponds both for
+drinking and cooking while we were in Antigua. In taking our morning
+walks, we uniformly met the negroes either going to, or returning from
+the ponds, with their large pails balanced on their heads, happy
+apparently in being able to get even such foul water.
+
+Attended the anniversary of the "Friendly Society," connected with the
+church in St. John's. Many of the most respectable citizens, including
+the Governor, were present. After the services in the church, the
+society moved in procession to the Rectory school-room. We counted one
+hundred males and two hundred and sixty females in the procession.
+Having been kindly invited by the Rector to attend at the school-room,
+we followed the procession. We found the house crowded with women, many
+others, besides those in the procession, having convened. The men were
+seated without under a canvass, extended along one side of the house.
+The whole number present was supposed to be nine hundred. Short
+addresses were made by the Rector, the Archdeacon, and the Governor.
+
+The Seventh Annual Report of the Society, drawn up by the secretary, a
+colored man, was read. It was creditable to the author. The Rector in
+his address affectionally warned the society, especially the female
+members, against extravagance in dress.
+
+The Archdeacon exhorted them to domestic and conjugal faithfulness. He
+alluded to the prevalence of inconstancy during past years, and to the
+great improvement in this particular lately; and concluded by wishing
+them all "a happy new-year and _many_ of them, and a blessed immortality
+in the end." For this kind wish they returned a loud and general
+"thankee, massa."
+
+The Governor then said, that he rose merely to remark, that this society
+might aid in the emancipation of millions of slaves, now in bondage in
+other countries. A people who are capable of forming such societies as
+this among themselves, deserve to be free, and ought no longer to be
+held in bondage. You, said he, are showing to the world what the negro
+race are capable of doing. The Governor's remarks were received with
+applause. After the addresses the audience were served with
+refreshments, previous to which the Rector read the following lines,
+which were sung to the tune of Old Hundred, the whole congregation
+standing.
+
+   "Lord at our table now appear
+     And bless us here, as every where;
+   Let manna to our souls be given,
+     The bread of life sent down from heaven."
+
+The simple refreshment was then handed round. It consisted merely of
+buns and lemonade. The Governor and the Rector, each drank to the health
+and happiness of the members. The loud response came up from all within
+and all around the house--"thankee--thankee--thankee--massa--thankee
+_good_ massa." A scene of animation ensued. The whole concourse of
+black, colored and white, from the humblest to the highest, from the
+unlettered apprentice to the Archdeacon and the Governor of the island,
+joined in a common festivity.
+
+After the repast was concluded, thanks were returned in the following
+verse, also sung to Old Hundred.
+
+   "We thank thee, Lord, for this our food,
+     But bless thee more for Jesus' blood;
+   Let manna to our souls be given,
+     The bread of life sent down from heaven."
+
+The benediction was pronounced, and the assembly retired.
+
+There was an aged negro man present, who was noticed with marked
+attention by the Archdeacon, the Rector and other clergymen. He is
+sometimes called the African Bishop. He was evidently used to
+familiarity with the clergy, and laid his hand on their shoulders as he
+spoke to them. The old patriarch was highly delighted with the scene. He
+said, when he was young he "never saw nothing, but sin and Satan. _Now I
+just begin to live_."
+
+On the same occasion the Governor remarked to us that the first thing to
+be done in our country, toward the removal of slavery, was to discard
+the absurd notion that _color_ made any difference, intellectually or
+morally, among men. "All distinctions," said he, "founded in color, must
+be abolished everywhere. We should learn to talk of men not as _colored_
+men, but as MEN _as fellow citizens and fellow subjects_." His
+Excellency certainly showed on this occasion a disposition to put in
+practice his doctrine. He spoke affectionately to the children, and
+conversed freely with the adults.
+
+VISIT TO GREEN CASTLE.
+
+According to a previous engagement, a member of the assembly called and
+took us in his carriage to Green Castle estate.
+
+Green Castle lies about three miles south-east from St. John's, and
+contains 940 acres. The mansion stands on a rocky cliff; overlooking the
+estate, and commanding a wide view of the island. In one direction
+spreads a valley, interspersed with fields of sugar-cane and provisions.
+In another stretches a range of hills, with their sides clad in culture,
+and their tops covered with clouds. At the base of the rock are the
+sugar Houses. On a neighboring upland lies the negro village, in the
+rear of which are the provision grounds. Samuel Bernard, Esq., the
+manager, received us kindly. He said, he had been on the island
+forty-four years, most of the time engaged in the management of estates.
+He is now the manager of two estates, and the attorney for six, and has
+lately purchased an estate himself. Mr. B. is now an aged man, grown old
+in the practice of slave holding. He has survived the wreck of slavery,
+and now stripped of a tyrant's power, he still lives among the people,
+who were lately his slaves, and manages an estate which was once his
+empire. The testimony of such a man is invaluable. Hear him.
+
+1. Mr. B. said, that the negroes throughout the island were very
+peaceable when they received their freedom.
+
+2. He said he had found no difficulty in getting his people to work
+after they had received their freedom. Some estates had suffered for a
+short time; there was a pretty general fluctuation for a month or two,
+the people leaving one estate and going to another. But this, said Mr.
+B., was chargeable to the _folly_ of the planters, who _overbid_ each
+other in order to secure the best hands and enough of them. The negroes
+had a _strong attachment to their homes_, and they would rarely abandon
+them unless harshly treated.
+
+3. He thought that the assembly acted very wisely in rejecting the
+apprenticeship. He considered it absurd. It took the chains partly from
+off the slave, and fastened them on the master, _and enslaved them
+both_. It withdrew from the latter the power of compelling labor, and it
+supplied to the former no incentive to industry.
+
+He was opposed to the measures which many had adopted for further
+securing the benefits of emancipation.--He referred particularly to the
+system of education which now prevailed. He thought that the education
+of the emancipated negroes should combine industry with study even in
+childhood, so as not to disqualify the taught for cultivating the
+ground. It will be readily seen that this prejudice against education,
+evidently the remains of his attachment to slavery, gives additional
+weight to his testimony.
+
+The Mansion on the Rock (which from its elevated and almost inaccessible
+position, and from the rich shrubbery in perpetual foliage surrounding
+it, very fitly takes the name of Green Castle) is memorable as the scene
+of the murder of the present proprietor's grandfather. He refused to
+give his slaves holiday on a particular occasion. They came several
+times in a body and asked for the holiday, but he obstinately refused to
+grant it. They rushed into his bedroom, fell upon him with their hoes,
+and killed him.
+
+On our return to St. John's, we received a polite note from a colored
+lady, inviting us to attend the anniversary of the "Juvenile
+Association," at eleven o'clock. We found about forty children
+assembled, the greater part of them colored girls, but some were white.
+The ages of these juvenile philanthropists varied from four to fourteen.
+After singing and prayer, the object of the association was stated,
+which was to raise money by sewing, soliciting contributions, and
+otherwise, for charitable purposes.
+
+From the annual report it appeared that this was the _twenty-first
+anniversary_ of the society. The treasurer reported nearly £60 currency
+(or about $150) received and disbursed during the year. More than one
+hundred dollars had been given towards the erection of the new Wesleyan
+chapel in St. John's. Several resolutions were presented by little
+misses, expressive of gratitude to God for continued blessings, which
+were adopted unanimously--every child holding up its right hand in token
+of assent.
+
+After the resolutions and other business were despatched, the children
+listened to several addresses from the gentlemen present. The last
+speaker was a member of the assembly. He said that his presence there
+was quite accidental; but that he had been amply repaid for coming by
+witnessing the goodly work to which this juvenile society was engaged.
+As there was a male branch association about to be organized, he begged
+the privilege of enrolling his name as an honorary member, and promised
+to be a constant contributor to its funds. He concluded by saying, that
+though he had not before enjoyed the happiness of attending their
+anniversaries, he should never again fail to be present (with the
+permission of their worthy patroness) at the future meetings of this
+most interesting society. We give the substance of this address, as one
+of the signs of the times. The speaker was a wealthy merchant of
+St. John's.
+
+This society was organized in 1815. The _first proposal_ came from a few
+_little colored girls_, who, after hearing a sermon on the blessedness
+of doing good, wanted to know whether they might not have a society for
+raising money to give to the poor.
+
+This Juvenile Association has, since its organization, raised the sum of
+_fourteen hundred dollars_! Even this little association has experienced
+a great impulse from the free system. From a table of the annual
+receipts since 1815, we found that the amount raised the two last years,
+is nearly equal to that received during any three years before.
+
+DR. DANIELL--WEATHERILL ESTATE.
+
+On our return from Thibou Jarvis's estate, we called at Weatherill's;
+but the manager, Dr. Daniell, not being at home, we left our names, with
+an intimation of the object of our visit. Dr. D. called soon after at
+our lodgings. As authority, he is unquestionable. Before retiring from
+the practice of medicine, he stood at the head of his profession in the
+island. He is now a member of the council, is proprietor of an estate,
+manager of another, and attorney for six.
+
+The fact that such men as Dr. D., but yesterday large slaveholders, and
+still holding high civil and political stations, should most cheerfully
+facilitate our anti-slavery investigations, manifesting a solicitude to
+furnish us with all the information in their power, is of itself the
+highest eulogy of the new system. The testimony of Dr. D. will be found
+mainly in a subsequent part of the work. We state, in passing, a few
+incidentals. He was satisfied that immediate emancipation was better
+policy than a temporary apprenticeship. The apprenticeship was a middle
+state--kept the negroes in suspense--vexed and harrassed them--_fed them
+on a starved hope_; and therefore they would not be so likely, when they
+ultimately obtained freedom, to feel grateful, and conduct themselves
+properly. The reflection that they had been cheated out of their liberty
+for six years would _sour their minds_. The planters in Antigua, by
+giving immediate freedom, had secured the attachment of their people.
+
+The Doctor said he did not expect to make more than two thirds of his
+average crop; but he assured us that this was owing solely to the want
+of rain. There had been no deficiency of labor. The crops were _in_, in
+season, throughout the island, and the estates were never under better
+cultivation than at the present time. Nothing was wanting but
+RAIN--RAIN.
+
+He said that the West India planters were very anxious to _retain_ the
+services of the negro population.
+
+Dr. D. made some inquiries as to the extent of slavery in the United
+States, and what was doing for its abolition. He thought that
+emancipation in our country would not be the result of a slow process.
+The anti-slavery feeling of the civilized world had become too strong to
+wait for a long course of "preparations" and "ameliorations." And
+besides, continued he, "the arbitrary control of a master can never be a
+preparation for freedom;--_sound and wholesome legal restraints are the
+only preparative_."
+
+The Doctor also spoke of the absurdity and wickedness of the caste of
+color which prevailed in the United States. It was the offspring of
+slavery, and it must disappear when slavery is abolished.
+
+CONVERSATION WITH A NEGRO.
+
+We had a conversation one morning with a boatman, while he was rowing us
+across the harbor of St. John's. He was a young negro man. Said he was a
+slave until emancipation. We inquired whether he heard any thing about
+emancipation before it took place. He said, yes--the slaves heard of it,
+but it was talked about so long that many of them lost all _believement_
+in it, got tired waiting, and bought their freedom; but he had more
+patience, and got his for nothing. We inquired of him, what the negroes
+did on the first of August, 1834. He said they all went to church and
+chapel. "Dare was more _religious_ on dat day dan you could tire of."
+Speaking of the _law_, he said it was his _friend_. If there was no law
+to take his part, a man, who was stronger than he, might step up and
+knock him down. But now no one dare do so; all were afraid of the
+_law_,--the law would never hurt any body who behaved well; but a master
+would _slash a fellow, let him do his best_.
+
+VISIT TO NEWFIELD.
+
+Drove out to Newfield, a Moravian station, about eight miles from St.
+John's. The Rev. Mr. Morrish, the missionary at that station, has under
+his charge two thousand people. Connected with the station is a day
+school for children, and a night school for adults twice in each week.
+
+We looked in upon the day school, and found one hundred and fifteen
+children. The teacher and assistant were colored persons. Mr. M.
+superintends. He was just dismissing the school, by singing and prayer,
+and the children marched out to the music of one of their little songs.
+During the afternoon, Mr. Favey, manager of a neighboring estate,
+(Lavicount's,) called on us.
+
+He spoke of the tranquillity of the late Christmas holidays. They ended
+Tuesday evening, and his people were all in the field at work on
+Wednesday morning--there were no stragglers. Being asked to specify the
+chief advantages of the new system over slavery, he stated at once the
+following things: 1st. It (free labor) is less _expensive_. 2d. It costs
+a planter far less _trouble_ to manage free laborers, than it did to
+manage slaves. 3d. It had _removed all danger of insurrection,
+conflagration, and conspiracies_.
+
+ADULT SCHOOL.
+
+In the evening, Mr. Morrish's adult school for women was held. About
+thirty women assembled from different estates--some walking several
+miles. Most of them were just beginning to read. They had just begun to
+learn something about figures, and it was no small effort to add 4 and 2
+together. They were incredibly ignorant about the simplest matters. When
+they first came to the school, they could not tell which was their right
+arm or their right side, and they had scarcely mastered that secret,
+after repeated showing. We were astonished to observe that when Mr. M.
+asked them to point to their cheeks, they laid their finger upon their
+chins. They were much pleased with the evolutions of a dumb clock, which
+Mr. M. exhibited, but none of them could tell the time of day by it.
+Such is a specimen of the intelligence of the Antigua negroes. Mr. M.
+told us that they were a pretty fair sample of the country negroes
+generally. It surely cannot be said that they were uncommonly well
+prepared for freedom; yet with all their ignorance, and with the merest
+infantile state of intellect, they prove the peaceable subjects of law.
+That they have a great desire to learn, is manifest from their coming
+such distances, after working in the field all day. The school which
+they attend has been established since the abolition of slavery.
+
+The next morning, we visited the day school. It was opened with singing
+and prayer. The children knelt and repeated the Lord's Prayer after Mr.
+M. They then formed into a line and marched around the room, singing and
+keeping the step. A tiny little one, just beginning to walk,
+occasionally straggled out of the line. The next child, not a little
+displeased with such disorderly movements, repeatedly seized the
+straggler by the frock, and pulled her into the ranks; but finally
+despaired of reducing her to subordination. When the children had taken
+their seats, Mr. M., at our request, asked all those who were free
+before August, 1834, to rise. Only one girl arose, and she was in no way
+distinguishable from a white child. The first exercise, was an
+examination of a passage of scripture. The children were then questioned
+on the simple rules of addition and subtraction, and their answers were
+prompt and accurate.
+
+DR. NUGENT.
+
+The hour having arrived when we were to visit a neighboring estate, Mr.
+M. kindly accompanied us to Lyon's, the estate upon which Dr. Nugent
+resides. In respect to general intelligence, scientific acquirements,
+and agricultural knowledge, no man in Antigua stands higher than Dr.
+Nugent. He has long been speaker of the house of assembly, and is
+favorably known in Europe as a geologist and man of science. He is
+manager of the estate on which he resides, and proprietor of another.
+
+The Doctor informed us that the crop on his estate had almost totally
+failed, on account of the drought--being reduced from one hundred and
+fifty hogsheads, the average crop, to _fifteen_! His provision grounds
+had yielded almost nothing. The same soil which ordinarily produced ten
+cart-loads of yams to the acre--the present season barely averaged _one
+load to ten acres_! Yams were reduced from the dimensions of a man's
+head, to the size of a radish. The _cattle were dying_ from want of
+water and grass. He had himself lost _five oxen_ within the past week.
+
+Previous to emancipation, said the Doctor, no man in the island dared to
+avow anti-slavery sentiments, if he wished to maintain a respectable
+standing. Planters might have their hopes and aspirations; but they
+could not make them public without incurring general odium, and being
+denounced as the enemies of their country.
+
+In allusion to the motives which prompted the legislature to reject the
+apprenticeship and adopt immediate emancipation, Dr. N. said, "When we
+saw that abolition was _inevitable_, we began, to inquire what would be
+the safest course for getting rid of slavery. _We wished to let
+ourselves down in the easiest manner possible_--THEREFORE WE CHOSE
+IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION!" These were his words.
+
+On returning to the hospitable mansion of Mr. Morrish, we had an
+opportunity of witnessing a custom peculiar to the Moravians. It is
+called 'speaking.' All the members of the church are required to call on
+the missionary once a month, and particular days are appropriated to it.
+They come singly or in small companies, and the minister converses with
+each individual.
+
+Mr. M. manifested great faithfulness in this duty. He was affectionate
+in manner--entered into all the minutiae of individual and family
+affairs, and advised with them as a father with his children. We had an
+opportunity of conversing with some of those who came. We asked one old
+man what he did on the "First of August?"[A] His reply was, "Massa, we
+went to church, and tank de Lord for make a we all free."
+
+[Footnote A: By this phrase the freed people always understand the 1st
+of August, 1834, when slavery was abolished.]
+
+An aged infirm woman said to us, among other things, "Since de _free_
+come de massa give me no--no, nothing to eat--gets all from my
+cousins." We next conversed with two men, who were masons on an estate.
+Being asked how they liked liberty, they replied, "O, it very
+comfortable, Sir--very comfortable indeed." They said, "that on the day
+when freedom came, they were as happy, as though they had just been
+going to heaven." They said, now they had got free, they never would be
+slaves again. They were asked if they would not be willing to sell
+themselves to a man who would treat them well. They replied immediately
+that they would be very willing to _serve_ such a man, but they would
+not _sell themselves_ to the best person in the world! What fine
+logicians a slave's experience had made these men! Without any effort
+they struck out a distinction, which has puzzled learned men in church
+and state, the difference between _serving_ a man and _being his
+property_.
+
+Being asked how they conducted themselves on the 1st of August they said
+they had no frolicking, but they all went to church to "_tank God for
+make a we free_." They said, they were very desirous to have their
+children learn all they could while they were young. We asked them if
+they did not fear that their children would become lazy if they went to
+school all the time. One said, shrewdly, "Eh! nebber mind--dey _come to_
+by'm by--_belly 'blige 'em_ to work."
+
+In the evening Mr. M. held a religious meeting in the chapel; the weekly
+meeting for exhortation. He stated to the people the object of our
+visit, and requested one of us to say a few words. Accordingly, a short
+time was occupied in stating the number of slaves in America, and in
+explaining their condition, physical, moral, and spiritual; and the
+congregation were urged to pray for the deliverance of the millions of
+our bondmen. They manifested much sympathy, and promised repeatedly to
+pray that they might be "free like we." At the close of the meeting they
+pressed around us to say "howdy, massa;" and when we left the chapel,
+they showered a thousand blessings upon us. Several of them, men and
+women, gathered about Mr. M.'s door after we went in, and wished to talk
+with us. The men were mechanics, foremen, and watchmen; the women were
+nurses. During our interview, which lasted nearly an hour, these persons
+remained standing.
+
+When we asked them how they liked freedom, and whether it was better
+than slavery, they answered with a significant _umph_ and a shrug of the
+shoulders, as though they would say, "Why you ask dat question, massa?"
+
+They said, "all the people went to chapel on the first of August, to
+tank God for make such poor undeserving sinners as we free; we no nebber
+expect to hab it. But it please de Lord to gib we free, and we tank him
+good Lord for it."
+
+We asked them if they thought the wages they got (a shilling per day, or
+about eleven cents,) was enough for them. They said it seemed to be very
+small, and it was as much as they could do to get along with it; but
+they could not get any more, and they had to be "satify and conten."
+
+As it grew late and the good people had far to walk, we shook hands with
+them, and bade them good bye, telling them we hoped to meet them again
+in a world where all would be free. The next morning Mr. M. accompanied
+us to the residence of the Rev. Mr. Jones, the rector of St. Phillip's.
+
+Mr. J. informed us that the planters in that part of the island were
+gratified with the working of the new system. He alluded to the
+prejudices of some against having the children educated, lest it should
+foster indolence. But, said Mr. J., the planters have always been
+opposed to improvements, until they were effected, and their good
+results began to be manifest. They first insisted that the abolition of
+the slave-trade would ruin the colonies--next the _abolition of slavery_
+was to be the certain destruction of the islands--and now the education
+of children is deprecated as fraught with disastrous consequences.
+
+FREY'S ESTATE--MR. HATLEY.
+
+Mr. Morrish accompanied us to a neighboring estate called Frey's, which
+lies on the road from Newfield to English Harbor. Mr. Hatley, the
+manager, showed an enthusiastic admiration of the new system. Most of
+his testimony will be found in Chapter III. He said, that owing to the
+dry weather he should not make one third of his average crop. Yet his
+people had acted their part well. He had been encouraged by their
+improved industry and efficiency, to bring into cultivation lands that
+had never before been tilled.
+
+It was delightful to witness the change which had been wrought in this
+planter by the abolition of slavery. Although accustomed for years to
+command a hundred human beings with absolute authority, he could rejoice
+in the fact that his power was wrested from him, and when asked to
+specify the advantages of freedom over slavery, he named emphatically
+and above all others _the abolition of flogging_. Formerly, he said, it
+was "_whip--whip--whip--incessantly_, but now we are relieved from this
+disagreeable task."
+
+THE AMERICAN CONSUL
+
+We called on the American Consul, Mr. Higginbotham, at his country
+residence, about four miles from St. John's. Shortly after we reached
+his elevated and picturesque seat, we were joined by Mr. Cranstoun, a
+planter, who had been invited to dine with us. Mr. C. is a _colored
+gentleman_. The Consul received him in such a manner as plainly showed
+that they were on terms of intimacy. Mr. C. is a gentleman of
+intelligence and respectability, and occupies a station of trust and
+honor in the island. On taking leave of us, he politely requested our
+company at breakfast on a following morning, saying, he would send his
+gig for us.
+
+At the urgent request of Mr. Bourne, of Miller's, we consented to
+address the people of his estate, on Sabbath evening. He sent in his gig
+for us in the afternoon, and we drove out.
+
+At the appointed hour we went to the place of meeting. The chapel was
+crowded with attentive listeners. Whenever allusions were made to the
+grout blessings which God had conferred upon them in delivering them
+from bondage, the audience heartily responded in their rough but earnest
+way to the sentiments expressed. At the conclusion of the meeting, they
+gradually withdrew, bowing or courtesying as they passed us, and
+dropping upon our ear their gentle "good bye, massa." During slavery
+every estate had its _dungeon_ for refractory slaves. Just as we were
+leaving Miller's, me asked Mr. B. what had become of these dungeons. He
+instantly replied, "I'll show you one," In a few moments we stood at the
+door of the old prison, a small stone building, strongly built, with two
+cells. It was a dismal looking den, surrounded by stables, pig-styes,
+and cattlepens. The door was off its hinges, and the entrance partly
+filled up with mason work. The sheep and goats went in and out
+at pleasure.
+
+We breakfasted one morning at the Villa estate, which lies within half a
+mile of St. John's. The manager was less sanguine in his views of
+emancipation than the planters generally. We were disposed to think
+that, were it not for the force of public sentiment, he might declare
+himself against it. His feelings are easily accounted for. The estate is
+situated so near the town; that his people are assailed by a variety of
+temptations to leave their work; from which those on other estates are
+exempt. The manager admitted that the danger of insurrection was
+removed--crime was lessened--and the moral condition of society was
+rapidly improving.
+
+A few days after, we went by invitation to a bazaar, or fair, which was
+held in the court-house in St. John's. The avails were to be
+appropriated to the building of a new Wesleyan chapel in the town. The
+council chamber and the assembly's call were given for the purpose. The
+former spacious room was crowded with people of every class and
+complexion. The fair was got up by the _colored_ members of the Wesleyan
+church; nevertheless, some of the first ladies and gentlemen in town
+attended it, and mingled promiscuously in the throng. Wealthy
+proprietors, lawyers legislators, military officers in their uniform,
+merchants, etc. swelled the crowd. We recognised a number of ladies whom
+we had previously met at a fashionable dinner in St. John's. Colored
+ladies presided at the tables, and before them was spread a profusion of
+rich fancy articles. Among a small number of books exhibited for sale
+were several copies of a work entitled "COMMEMORATIVE WREATH," being a
+collection of poetical pieces relating to the abolition of slavery in
+the West Indies.
+
+VISIT TO MR. CRANSTOUN'S.
+
+On the following morning Mr. C.'s gig came for us, and we drove out to
+his residence. We were met at the door by the American Consul, who
+breakfasted with us. When he had taken leave, Mr. C. proposed that we
+should go over his grounds. To reach the estate, which lies in a
+beautiful valley far below Mr. C.'s mountainous residence, we were
+obliged to go on foot by a narrow path that wound along the sides of the
+precipitous hills. This estate is the property of Mr. Athill, a colored
+gentleman now residing in England. Mr. A. is post-master general of
+Antigua, one of the first merchants in St. John's, and was a member of
+the assembly until the close of 1836, when, on account of his continued
+absence, he resigned his seat. A high-born white man, the Attorney
+General, now occupies the same chair which this colored member vacated.
+Mr. C. was formerly attorney for several estates, is now agent for a
+number of them, and also a magistrate.
+
+He remarked, that since emancipation the nocturnal disorders and
+quarrels in the negro villages, which were incessant during slavery, had
+nearly ceased. The people were ready and willing to work. He had
+frequently given his gang jobs, instead of paying them by the day. This
+had proved a gear stimulant to industry, and the work of the estate was
+performed so much quicker by this plan that it was less expensive than
+daily wages. When they had jobs given them, they would sometimes go to
+work by three o'clock in the morning, and work by moonlight. When the
+moon was not shining, he had known them to kindle fires among the trash
+or dry cane leaves to work by. They would then continue working all day
+until four o clock, stopping only for breakfast, and dispensing with the
+usual intermission from twelve to two.
+
+We requested him to state briefly what were in his estimation the
+advantages of the free system over slavery. He replied thus: 1st. The
+diminished expense of free labor. 2d. _The absence of coercion_. 3d. The
+greater facility in managing an estate. Managers had not half the
+perplexity and trouble in watching, driving, &c. They could leave the
+affairs of the estate in the hands of the people with safety. 4th. _The
+freedom from danger_. They had now put away all fears of insurrections,
+robbery, and incendiarism.
+
+There are two reflections which the perusal of these items will probably
+suggest to most minds: 1st. The coincidence in the replies of different
+planters to the question--What are the advantages of freedom over
+slavery? These replies are almost identically the same in every case,
+though given by men who reside in different parts of the island, and
+have little communication with each other. 2d. They all speak
+exclusively of the advantages to the _master_, and say nothing of the
+benefit accruing to the emancipated. We are at some loss to decide
+whether this arose from indifference to the interests of the
+emancipated, or from a conviction that the blessings of freedom to them
+were self-evident and needed no specification.
+
+While we were in the boiling-house we witnessed a scene which
+illustrated one of the benefits of freedom to the slave; it came quite
+opportunely, and supplied the deficiency in the manager's enumeration of
+advantages. The head boiler was performing the work of 'striking off;'
+i.e. of removing the liquor, after it had been sufficiently boiled, from
+the copper to the coolers. The liquor had been taken out of the boiler
+by the skipper, and thence was being conducted to the coolers by a long
+open spout. By some means the spout became choaked, and the liquor began
+to run over. Mr. C. ordered the man to let down the valve, but he became
+confused, and instead of letting go the string which lifted the valve,
+he pulled on it the more. The consequence was that the liquor poured
+over the sides of the spout in a torrent. The manager screamed at the
+top of his voice--"_let down the valve, let it down_!" But the poor man,
+more and more frightened, hoisted it still higher,--and the precious
+liquid--pure sugar--spread in a thick sheet over the earthen floor. The
+manager at last sprang forward, thrust aside the man, and stopped the
+mischief, but not until many gallons of sugar were lost. Such an
+accident as this, occurring during slavery, would have cost the negro a
+severe flogging. As it was, however, in the present case, although Mr.
+C. 'looked daggers,' and exclaimed by the workings of his countenance,
+'a kingdom for a _cat_,'[A] yet the severest thing which he could say
+was, "You bungling fellow--if you can't manage better than this, I shall
+put some other person in your place--that's all." '_That_'s ALL' indeed,
+but it would not have been all, three years ago. The negro replied to
+his chidings in a humble way, saying 'I couldn't help it, sir, I
+couldn't help it' Mr. C. finally turned to us, and said in a calmer
+tone, "The poor fellow got confused, and was frightened half to death."
+
+[Footnote A: A species of whip, well know in the West Indies.]
+
+VISIT TO GRACE BAY.
+
+We made a visit to the Moravian settlement at Grace Bay, which is on the
+opposite side of the island. We called, in passing, at Cedar Hall, a
+Moravian establishment four miles from town. Mr. Newby, one of the
+missionaries stationed at this place, is the oldest preacher of the
+Gospel in the island. He has been in Antigua for twenty-seven years. He
+is quite of the _old way of thinking_ on all subjects, especially the
+divine right of kings, and the scriptural sanction of slavery.
+Nevertheless, he was persuaded that emancipation had been a great
+blessing to the island and to all parties concerned. When he first came
+to Antigua in 1809, he was not suffered to teach the slaves. After some
+time he ventured to keep an evening school _in a secret way_. Now there
+is a day school of one hundred and twenty children connected with the
+station. It has been formed since emancipation.
+
+From Cedar Hail we proceeded to Grace Bay. On the way we met some negro
+men at work on the road, and stopped our chaise to chat with them. They
+told us that they lived on Harvey's estate, which they pointed out to
+us. Before emancipation that estate had four hundred slaves on it, but a
+great number had since left because of ill usage during slavery. They
+would not live on the estate, because the same manager remained, and
+they could not trust him.
+
+They told us they were Moravians, and that on the first of August they
+all went to the Moravian chapel at Grace Bay, 'to tank and praise de
+good Savior for make a we free.' We asked them if they still liked
+liberty; they said, "Yes, massa, we all quite _proud_ to be free." The
+negroes use the word _proud_ to express a strong feeling of delight. One
+man said, "One morning as I was walking along the road all alone, I
+prayed that the Savior would make me free, for then I could be so happy.
+I don't know what made me pray so, for I wasn't looking for de free; but
+please massa, _in one month de free come_."
+
+They declared that they worked a great deal better since emancipation,
+because they were _paid for it_. To be sure, said they, we get very
+little wages, but it is better than none. They repeated it again and
+again, that men could not be made to work well by _flogging_ them, "_it
+was no use to try it_."
+
+We asked one of the men, whether he would not be willing to be a slave
+again provided he was _sure_ of having a kind master. "Heigh! me massa,"
+said he, "me neber slave no more. A good massa a very good ting, _but
+freedom till better_." They said that it was a great blessing to them to
+have their children go to school. After getting them to show us the way
+to Grace Bay, we bade them good bye.
+
+We were welcomed at Grace Bay by the missionary, and his wife, Mr. and
+Mrs. Möhne.[B] The place where these missionaries reside is a beautiful
+spot. Their dwelling-house and the chapel are situated on a high
+promontory, almost surrounded by the sea. A range of tall hills in the
+rear cuts off the view of the island, giving to the missionary station
+an air of loneliness and seclusion truly impressive. In this sequestered
+spot, the found Mr. and Mrs. M. living alone. They informed us that they
+rarely have white visiters, but their house is the constant resort of
+the negroes, who gather there after the toil of the day to 'speak' about
+their souls. Mr. and Mrs. M. are wholly engrossed in their labors of
+love. They find their happiness in leading their numerous flock "by the
+still waters and the green pastures" of salvation. Occupied in this
+delightful work, they covet not other employments, nor other company,
+and desire no other earthly abode than their own little hill-embosomed,
+sea-girt missionary home.
+
+[Footnote B: Pronounced Maynuh.]
+
+There are a thousand people belonging to the church at this station,
+each of whom, the missionaries see once every month. A day school has
+been lately established, and one hundred children are already in
+attendance. After dinner we walked out accompanied by the missionaries
+to enjoy the beautiful sunset. It is one of the few _harmless_ luxuries
+of a West India climate, to go forth after the heat of the day is spent
+and the sun is sinking in the sea, and enjoy the refreshing coolness of
+the air. The ocean stretched before us, motionless after the turmoil of
+the day, like a child which has rocked itself asleep, yet indicating by
+its mighty breathings as it heaved along the beach, that it only
+slumbered. As the sun went down, the full moon arose, only less
+luminous, and gradually the stars began to light up their beaming fires.
+The work of the day now being over, the weary laborers were seen coming
+from different directions to have a 'speak' with the missionaries. Mr.
+M. stated a fact illustrative of the influence of the missionaries over
+the negroes. Some time ago, the laborers on a certain estate became
+dissatisfied with the wages they were receiving, and refused to work
+unless they were increased. The manager tried in vain to reconcile his
+people to the grievance of which they complained, and then sent to Mr.
+M., requesting him to visit the estate, and use his influence to
+persuade the negroes, most of whom belonged to his church, to work at
+the usual terms. Mr. M. sent word to the manager that it was not his
+province, as minister, to interfere with the affairs of any estate; but
+he would talk with the people about it individually, when they came to
+'speak.' Accordingly he spoke to each one, as he came, in a kind manner,
+advising him to return to his work, and live as formerly. In a short
+time peace and confidence were restored, and the whole gang to a man
+were in the field.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. M. stated that notwithstanding the very low rate of wages,
+which was scarcely sufficient to support life, they had never seen a
+single individual who desired to return to the condition of a slave.
+Even the old and infirm, who were sometimes really in a suffering state
+from neglect of the planters and from inability of their relatives
+adequately to provide for them, expressed the liveliest gratitude for
+the great blessing which the Savior had given them. They would often say
+to Mrs. M. "Why, Missus, old sinner just sinkin in de grave, but God let
+me old eyes see dis blessed sun."
+
+The missionaries affirmed that the negroes were an affectionate
+people--remarkably so. Any kindness shown them by a white person, was
+treasured up and never forgotten. On the other hand, the slightest
+neglect or contempt from a white person, was keenly felt. They are very
+fond of saying '_howdy_' to white people; but if the salutation is not
+returned, or noticed kindly, they are not likely to repeat it to the
+same individual. To shake hands with a white person is a gratification
+which they highly prize. Mrs. M. pleasantly remarked, that after service
+on Sabbath, she was usually wearied out with saying _howdy_, and
+_shaking hands_.
+
+During the evening we had some conversation with two men who came to
+'speak.' They spoke about the blessings of liberty, and their gratitude
+to God for making them free. They spoke also, with deep feeling, of the
+still greater importance of being free from _sin_. That, they said, was
+better. _Heaven was the first best, and freedom was the next best_.
+
+They gave us some account, in the course of the evening, of an aged
+saint called Grandfather Jacob, who lived on a neighboring estate. He
+had been a _helper_[A] in the Moravian church, until he became too
+infirm to discharge the duties connected with that station. Being for
+the same reason discharged from labor on the estate, he now occupied
+himself in giving religious instruction to the other superannuated
+people on the estate.
+
+[Footnote A: An office somewhat similar to that of deacon]
+
+Mrs. M. said it would constitute an era in the life of the old man, if
+he could have an interview with two strangers from a distant land;
+accordingly, she sent a servant to ask him to come to the mission-house
+early the next morning. The old man was prompt to obey the call. He left
+home, as he said, 'before the gun fire'--about five o'clock--and came
+nearly three miles on foot. He was of a slender form, and had been tall,
+but age and slavery had bowed him down. He shook us by the hand very
+warmly, exclaiming, "God bless you, God bless you--me bery glad to see
+you." He immediately commenced giving us an account of his conversion.
+Said he, putting his hand on his breast, "You see old Jacob? de old
+_sinner_ use to go on _drinkin', swearin', dancin', fightin'!_ No God--
+no Savior--no soul! _When old England and de Merica fall out de first
+time_, old Jacob was a man--a wicked sinner!--drink rum, fight--love to
+fight! Carry coffin to de grabe on me head; put dead body under
+ground--dance over it--den fight and knock man down--go 'way, drink rum,
+den take de fiddle. And so me went on, just so, till me get sick and
+going to die--thought when me die, dat be de end of me;--_den de Savior
+come to me!_ Jacob love de Savior, and been followin' de good Savior
+ever since." He continued his story, describing the opposition he had to
+contend with, and the sacrifices he made to go to church. After working
+on the estate till six o'clock at night, he and several others would
+each take a large stone on his head and start for St. John's; nine miles
+over the hills. They carried the stones to aid is building the Moravian
+chapel at Spring Garden, St. John's. After he had finished this account,
+he read to us, in a highly animated style, some of the hymns which he
+taught to the old people, and then sung one of them. These exercises
+caused the old man's heart to burn within him, and again he ran over his
+past life, his early wickedness, and the grace that snatched him from
+ruin, while the mingled tides of gratitude burst forth from heart, and
+eyes, and tongue.
+
+When we turned his attention to the temporal freedom he had received, he
+instantly caught the word FREE, and exclaimed vehemently, "O yes, me
+Massa--dat is anoder kind blessin from de Savior! Him make we all
+_free_. Can never praise him too much for dat." We inquired whether he
+was now provided for by the manager. He said he was not--never received
+any thing from him--his _children_ supported him. We then asked him
+whether it was not better to be a slave if he could get food and
+clothing, than to be free and not have enough. He darted his quick eye
+at us and said 'rader be free _still_.' He had been severely flogged
+twice since his conversion, for leaving his post as watchman to bury the
+dead. The minister was sick, and he was applied to, in his capacity of
+_helper_, to perform funeral rites, and he left his watch to do it. He
+said, his heavenly Master called him, and he _would_ go though he
+expected a flogging. He must serve his Savior whatever come. "Can't put
+we in dungeon _now_," said Grandfather Jacob with a triumphant look.
+
+When told that there were slaves in America, and that they were not yet
+emancipated, he exclaimed, "Ah, de Savior make we free, and he will make
+dem free too. He come to Antigo first--he'll be in Merica soon."
+
+When the time had come for him to leave, he came and pressed our hands,
+and fervently gave us his patriarchal blessing. Our interview with
+Grandfather Jacob can never be forgotten. Our hearts, we trust, will
+long cherish his heavenly savor--well assured that if allowed a part in
+the resurrection of the just, we shall behold his tall form, erect in
+the vigor of immortal youth, amidst the patriarchs of past generations.
+
+After breakfast we took leave of the kind-hearted missionaries, whose
+singular devotedness and delightful spirit won greatly upon our
+affections, and bent our way homeward by another route.
+
+MR. SCOTLAND'S ESTATE.
+
+We called at the estate of Mr. J. Scotland, Jr., barrister, and member
+of the assembly. We expected to meet with the proprietor, but the
+manager informed us that pressing business at court had called him to
+St. John's on the preceding day. The testimony of the manager concerning
+the dry weather, the consequent failure in the crop, the industry of the
+laborers, and so forth, was similar to that which we had heard before.
+He remarked that he had not been able to introduce job-work among his
+people. It was a new thing with them, and they did not understand it. He
+had lately made a proposal to give the gang four dollars per acre for
+holding a certain field. They asked a little time to consider upon so
+novel a proposition. He gave them half a day, and at the end of that
+time asked them what their conclusion was. One, acting as spokesman for
+the rest, said, "We rada hab de shilling wages." That was _certain_; the
+job might yield them more, and it might fall short--quite a common sense
+transaction!
+
+At the pressing request of Mr. Armstrong we spent a day with him at
+Fitch's Creek. Mr. A. received us with the most cordial hospitality,
+remarking that he was glad to have another opportunity to state some
+things which he regarded as obstacles to the complete success of the
+experiment in Antigua. One was the entire want of concert among the
+planters. There was no disposition to meet and compare views respecting
+different modes of agriculture, treatment of laborers, and employment of
+machinery. Another evil was, allowing people to live on the estates who
+took no part in the regular labor of cultivation. Some planters had
+adapted the foolish policy of encouraging such persons to remain on the
+estates, in order that they might have help at hand in cases of
+emergency. Mr. A. strongly condemned this policy. It withheld laborers
+from the estates which needed them; it was calculated to make the
+regular field hands discontented, and it offered a direct encouragement
+to the negroes to follow irregular modes of living. A third obstacle to
+the successful operation of free labor, was the absence of the most
+influential proprietors. The consequences of absenteeism were very
+serious. The proprietors were of all men the most deeply interested in
+the soil; and no attorneys, agents, or managers, whom they could employ,
+would feel an equal interest in it, nor make the same efforts to secure
+the prosperous workings of the new system.
+
+In the year 1833, when the abolition excitement was at its height in
+England, and the people were thundering at the doors of parliament for
+emancipation, Mr. A. visited that country for his health. To use his own
+expressive words, he "got a terrible scraping wherever he went." He said
+he could not travel in a stage-coach, or go into a party, or attend a
+religious meeting, without being attacked. No one the most remotely
+connected with the system could have peace there. He said it was
+astonishing to see what a feeling was abroad, how mightily the mind of
+the whole country, peer and priest and peasant, was wrought up. The
+national heart seemed on fire.
+
+Mr. A. said, he became a religious man whilst the manager of a slave
+estate, and when he became a Christian, he became an abolitionist. Yet
+this man, while his conscience was accusing him--while he was longing
+and praying for abolition--did not dare open his mouth in public to
+urge it on! How many such men are there in our southern states--men who
+are inwardly cheering on the abolitionist in his devoted work, and yet
+send up no voice to encourage him, but perhaps are traducing and
+denouncing him!
+
+We received a call at our lodgings in St. John's from the Archdeacon. He
+made interesting statements respecting the improvement of the negroes in
+dress, morals, education and religion, since emancipation. He had
+resided in the island some years previous to the abolition of slavery,
+and spoke from personal observation.
+
+Among many other gentlemen who honored us with a call about the same
+time, was the Rev. Edward Fraser, Wesleyan missionary, and a colored
+gentleman. He is a native of Bermuda, and ten years ago was a _slave_.
+He received a mercantile education, and was for several years the
+confidential clerk of his master. He was treated with much regard and
+general kindness. He said he was another Joseph--every thing which his
+master had was in his hands. The account books and money were all
+committed to him. He had servants under him, and did almost as he
+pleased--except becoming free. Yet he must say, as respected himself,
+kindly as he was treated, that slavery was a _grievous wrong, most
+unjust and sinful_. The very thought--and it often came over him--that
+he was a slave, brought with it a terrible sense of degradation. It came
+over the soul like a frost. His sense of degradation grew more intense
+in proportion as his mind became more cultivated. He said, _education
+was a disagreeable companion for a slave_. But while he said this, Mr.
+F. spoke very respectfully and tenderly of his master. He would not
+willingly utter a word which would savor of unkindness towards him. Such
+was the spirit of one whose best days had been spent under the exactions
+of slavery. He was a local preacher in the Wesleyan connection while he
+was a slave, and was liberated by his master, without remuneration, at
+the request of the British Conference, who wished to employ him as an
+itinerant. He is highly esteemed both for his natural talents and
+general literary acquisitions and moral worth. The Conference have
+recently called him to England to act as an agent in that country, to
+procure funds for educational and religious purposes in these islands.
+
+MEETING OF WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES.
+
+As we were present at the annual meeting of the Wesleyan missionaries
+for this district, we gained much information concerning the object of
+our mission, as there were about twenty missionaries, mostly from
+Dominica, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Christophers, Anguilla, and Tortola.
+
+Not a few of them were men of superior acquirements, who had sacrificed
+ease and popular applause at home, to minister to the outcast and
+oppressed. They are the devoted friends of the black man. It was
+soul-cheering to hear them rejoice over the abolition of slavery. It was
+as though their own limbs had been of a sudden unshackled, and a high
+wall had fallen from around them. Liberty had broken upon them like the
+bursting forth of the sun to the watchman on his midnight tower.
+
+During the session, the mission-house was thrown open to us, and we
+frequently dined with the numerous company of missionaries, who there
+ate at a common table. Mrs. F., wife of the colored clergyman mentioned
+above, presided at the social board. The missionaries and their wives
+associated with Mr. and Mrs. F. as unreservedly as though they wore the
+most delicate European tint. The first time we took supper with them, at
+one side of a large table, around which were about twenty missionaries
+with their wives, sat Mrs. F., with the furniture of a tea table before
+her. On the other side, with the coffee urn and its accompaniments, sat
+the wife of a missionary, with a skin as lily-hued as the fairest
+Caucasian. Nearly opposite to her, between two white preachers, sat a
+colored missionary. Farther down, with the chairman of the district on
+his right, sat another colored gentleman, a merchant and local preacher
+in Antigua. Such was the uniform appearance of the table, excepting that
+the numbers were occasionally swelled by the addition of several other
+colored gentlemen and ladies. On another occasion, at dinner, we had an
+interesting conversation, in which the whole company of missionaries
+participated. The Rev. M. Banks, of St. Bartholomews, remarked, that one
+of the grossest of all absurdities was that of _preparing men for
+freedom_. Some, said he, pretend that immediate emancipation is unsafe,
+but it was evident to him that if men _are peaceable while they are
+slaves_, they might be trusted in any other condition, for they could
+not possibly be placed in one more aggravating. If _slavery_ is a safe
+system, _freedom_ surely will be. There can be no better evidence that a
+people are prepared for liberty, _than their patient endurance of
+slavery_. He expressed the greatest regret at the conduct of the
+American churches, particularly that of the Methodist church. "Tell
+them," said he, "on your return, that the missionaries in these islands
+are cast down and grieved when they think of their brethren in America.
+We feel persuaded that they are holding back the car of freedom; they
+are holding up the gospel." Rev. Mr. Cheesbrough, of St. Christopher's,
+said, "Tell them that much as we desire to visit the United States, we
+cannot go so long as we are prohibited from speaking against slavery, or
+while that _abominable prejudice_ is encouraged in the churches. _We
+could not administer the sacrament to a church in which the distinction
+of colors was maintained._" "Tell our brethren of the Wesleyan
+connection," said Mr. B. again, "that slavery must be abolished by
+_Christians_, and the church ought to take her stand at once against
+it." We told him that a large number of Methodists and other Christians
+had engaged already in the work, and that the number was daily
+increasing. "That's right," he exclaimed, "agitate, _agitate_, AGITATE!
+_You must succeed_: the Lord is with you." He dwelt particularly on the
+obligations resting upon Christians in the free states. He said, "Men
+must be at a distance from slavery to judge of its real character.
+Persons living in the midst of it, gradually become familiarized with
+its horrors and woes, so that they can view calmly, exhibitions from
+which they would once have shrunk in dismay."
+
+We had some conversation with Rev. Mr. Walton, of Montserrat. After
+making a number of statements in reference to the apprenticeship there,
+Mr. W. stated that there had been repeated instances of planters
+_emancipating all their apprentices_. He thought there had been a case
+of this kind every month for a year past. The planters were becoming
+tired of the apprenticeship, and from mere considerations of interest
+and comfort, were adopting free labor.
+
+A new impulse had been given to education in Montserrat, and schools
+were springing up in all parts of the island. Mr. W. thought there was
+no island in which education was so extensive. Religious influences were
+spreading among the people of all classes. Marriages were occurring
+every week.
+
+We had an interview with the Rev. Mr. H., an aged colored minister. He
+has a high standing among his brethren, for talents, piety, and
+usefulness. There are few ministers in the West Indies who have
+accomplished more _for the cause of Christ_ than has Mr. H.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: It is a fact well known in Antigua and Barbadoes, that this
+colored missionary has been instrumental in the conversion of several
+clergymen of the Episcopal Church in those islands, who are now
+currently devoted men.]
+
+He said he had at different periods been stationed in Antigua, Anguilla,
+Tortola, and some other islands. He said that the negroes in the other
+islands in which he had preached, were as intelligent as those in
+Antigua, and in every respect as well prepared for freedom. He was in
+Anguilla when emancipation took place. The negroes there were kept at
+work on the very _day that freedom came!_ They worked as orderly as on
+any other day. The Sabbath following, he preached to them on their new
+state, explaining the apprenticeship to them. He said the whole
+congregation were in a state of high excitement, weeping and shouting.
+One man sprang to his feet, and exclaimed, 'Me never forget God and King
+William.' This same man was so full that he went out of the chapel, and
+burst into loud weeping.
+
+The preaching of the missionaries, during their stay in Antigua, was
+full of allusions to the abolition of slavery in the West Indies, and
+especially to the entire emancipation in Antigua. Indeed, we rarely
+attended a meeting in Antigua, of any kind, in which the late
+emancipation was not in some way alluded to with feelings of gratitude
+and exultation. In the ordinary services of the Sabbath, this subject
+was almost uniformly introduced, either in the prayer or sermon.
+Whenever thanksgiving was rendered to God for favors, _freedom_ was
+among the number.
+
+The meeting of the district afforded an opportunity for holding a number
+of anniversary meetings. We notice them here, believing that they will
+present the most accurate view that can be given of the religious and
+moral condition of Antigua.
+
+On the evening of the 1st of February, the first anniversary of the
+Antigua Temperance Society was held in the Wesleyan chapel. We had been
+invited to attend and take a part in the exercises. The chapel was
+crowded with a congregation of all grades and complexions. Colored and
+white gentlemen appeared together on the platform. We intimated to a
+member of the committee, that we could not conscientiously speak without
+advocating _total abstinence_, which doctrine, we concluded from the
+nature of the pledge, (which only included ardent spirits,) would not be
+well received. We were assured that we might use the most perfect
+freedom in avowing our sentiments.
+
+The speakers on this occasion were two planters, a Wesleyan missionary,
+and ourselves. All advocated the doctrine of total abstinence. The first
+speaker, a planter, concluded by saying, that it was commonly believed
+that wine and malt were rendered absolutely indispensable in the West
+Indies, by the exhausting nature of the climate. But facts disprove the
+truth of this notion. "I am happy to say that I can now present this
+large assembly with ocular demonstration of the fallacy of the popular
+opinion. I need only point you to the worthy occupants of this platform.
+Who are the healthiest among them? _The cold water drinkers--the
+teetotallers_! We can assure you that we have not lost a pound of flesh,
+by abandoning our cups. We have tried the cold water experiment
+faithfully, and we can testify that since we became cold water men, _we
+work better, we eat better, we sleep better, and we do every thing
+better than before_." The next speaker, a planter also, dwelt on the
+inconsistency of using wine and malt, and at the same time calling upon
+the poor to give up ardent spirits. He said this inconsistency had been
+cast in his teeth by his negroes. He never could prevail upon them to
+stop drinking rum, until he threw away his wine and porter. Now he and
+all his people were teetotallists. There were two other planters who had
+taken the same course. He stated, as the result of a careful calculation
+which he had made, that he and the two planters referred to, had been in
+the habit of giving to their people not less than _one thousand gallons
+of rum annually_. The whole of this was now withheld, and molasses and
+sugar were given instead. The missionary who followed them was not a
+whit behind in boldness and zeal, and between them, they left us little
+to say in our turn on the subject of total abstinence.
+
+On the following evening the anniversary of the Bible Society was held
+in the Moravian school-room. During the day we received a note from the
+Secretary of the Society, politely requesting us to be present. The
+spacious school-room was filled, and the broad platform crowded with
+church clergymen, Moravian ministers, and Wesleyan missionaries, colored
+and white. The Secretary, a Moravian minister, read the twenty-first
+annual report. It spoke emphatically of 'the joyful event of
+emancipation', and in allusion to an individual in England, of whom it
+spoke in terms of high commendation, it designated him, as one "who was
+distinguished for his efforts in the abolition of slavery." The adoption
+of the report was moved by one of the Wesleyan missionaries, who spoke
+at some length. He commenced by speaking of "the peculiar emotions with
+which he always arose to address an assembly of the free people of
+Antigua." It had been his lot for a year past to labor in a colony[A]
+where slavery still reigned, and he could not but thank God for the
+happiness of setting his foot once more on the free soil of an
+emancipated island.
+
+[Footnote A: St. Martin's]
+
+Perhaps the most interesting meeting in the series, was the anniversary
+of the Wesleyan Missionary Society of Antigua. Both parts of the day
+were devoted to this anniversary. The meetings were held in the Wesleyan
+chapel, which was filled above and below, with the usual commixture of
+white, colored, and black. We saw, as on former occasions, several
+colored gentlemen seated among the ministers. After the usual
+introductory exercises of singing and prayer, the annual report was read
+by the Secretary, Rev. E. Fraser, the colored minister already
+mentioned. It was terse, direct, and business like. The meeting was then
+addressed by a Moravian missionary. He dwelt upon the decrease of the
+sectarian spirit, and hailed the coming of Christian charity and
+brotherly communion. He opened his Bible, and read about the middle wall
+of partition being broken down. "Yes, brother," said Mr. Horne, "and
+every other wall." "The rest are but paper walls," responded the
+speaker, "and when once the middle wall is removed, these will soon be
+burned up by the fire of Christian love."
+
+The next speaker was a Wesleyan missionary of Nevis. He spoke of the
+various instrumentalities which were now employed for the conversion of
+the world. "We welcome," said he, "the co-operation of America, and with
+all our hearts do we rejoice that she is now beginning to put away from
+her that vile system of oppression which has hitherto crippled her moral
+energy and her religious enterprise." Then turning and addressing
+himself to us, he said, "We hail you, dear brethren, as co-workers with
+us. Go forward in your blessed undertaking. Be not dismayed with the
+huge dimensions of that vice which you are laboring to overthrow! Be not
+disheartened by the violence and menaces of your enemies! Go forward.
+Proclaim to the church and to your countrymen the sinfulness of slavery,
+and be assured that soon the fire of truth will melt down the massy
+chains of oppression." He then urged upon the people of Antigua _their_
+peculiar obligations to extend the gospel to other lands. It was the
+_Bible_ that made them free, and he begged them to bear in mind that
+there were millions of their countrymen _still in the chains of
+slavery_. This appeal was received with great enthusiasm.
+
+We then spoke on a resolution which had been handed us by the Secretary,
+and which affirmed "that the increasing and acknowledged usefulness of
+Christian missions was a subject of congratulation." We spoke of the
+increase of missionary operations in our own country, and of the spirit
+of self-denial which was widely spreading, particularly among young
+Christians. We spoke of that accursed thing in our midst, which not only
+tended greatly to kill the spirit of missions in the church, but which
+directly withheld _many_ young men from foreign missionary fields. It
+had made more than two millions of heathen in our country; and so long
+as the cries of these _heathen at home_ entered the ears of our young
+men and young women, they could not, dare not, go abroad. How could they
+go to Ceylon, to Burmah, or to Hindostan, with the cry of their
+_country's heathen_ ringing their ears! How could they tear themselves
+away from famished millions kneeling at their feet in chains and begging
+for the bread of life, and roam afar to China or the South Sea Islands!
+Increasing numbers filed with a missionary spirit felt that their
+obligations were at home, and they were resolved that if they could not
+carry the gospel _forthwith_ to the slaves, they would labor for the
+overthrow of that system which made it a crime punishable with death to
+preach salvation to the poor. In conclusion, the hope was expressed that
+the people of Antigua--so highly favored with freedom, education, and
+religion, would never forget that in the nation whence we came, there
+were _two millions and a half of heathen_, who, instead of bread,
+received stones and scorpions; instead of the Bible, bolts and bars;
+instead of the gospel, chains and scourgings; instead of the hope of
+salvation thick darkness and despair. They were entreated to remember
+that in the gloomy dungeon, from which they had lately escaped there
+were deeper and more dismal cells, _yet filled_ with millions of their
+countrymen. The state of feeling produced by this reference to slavery,
+was such as might be anticipated in an audience, a portion of which were
+once slaves, and still remembered freshly the horrors of their late
+condition.
+
+The meeting was concluded after a sitting of more than four hours. The
+attendance in the evening was larger than on any former occasion. Many
+were unable to get within the chapel. We were again favored with an
+opportunity of urging a variety of considerations touching the general
+cause, as well as those drawn from the condition of our own country, and
+the special objects of our mission.
+
+The Rev. Mr. Horne spoke very pointedly on the subject of slavery. He
+began by saying that he had been _so long accustomed_ to speak
+cautiously about slavery that he was even now almost afraid of his own
+voice when he alluded to it. [General laughter.] But he would remember
+that he was in a _free island_, and that he spoke to _freemen_, and
+therefore he had nothing to fear.
+
+He said the peace and prosperity of these colonies is a matter of great
+moment in itself considered, but it was only when viewed as an example
+to the rest of the slaveholding world that its real magnitude and
+importance was perceived. The influence of abolition, and especially of
+entire emancipation in Antigua, must be very great. The eyes of the
+world were fixed upon her. The great nation of America must now soon
+_toll the knell_ of slavery, and this event will be hastened by the
+happy operation of freedom here.
+
+Mr. H. proceeded to say, that during the agitation of the slavery
+question at home, he had been suspected of not being a friend to
+emancipation; and it would probably be remembered by some present that
+his name appeared in the report of the committee of the House of
+Commons, where it stood in _no enviable society_. But whatever might be
+thought of his course at that time, he felt assumed that the day was not
+far distant when he should be able to clear up every thing connected
+with it. It was not a little gratifying to us to see that the time had
+come in the West Indies, when the suspicion of having been opposed to
+emancipation is a stain upon the memory from which a public man is glad
+to vindicate himself.
+
+RESOLUTION OF THE MEETING.
+
+After a few other addresses were delivered, and just previous to the
+dismission of the assembly, Rev. Mr. Cox, Chairman of the District,
+arose and said, that as this was the last of the anniversary meetings,
+he begged to move a resolution which he had no doubt would meet with the
+hearty and unanimous approval of that large assembly. He then read the
+following resolution, which we insert here as an illustration of the
+universal sympathy in the objects of our mission. As the resolution is
+not easily divisible, we insert the whole of it, making no ado on the
+score of modesty.
+
+"Resolved, that this meeting is deeply impressed with the importance of
+the services rendered this day to the cause of missions by the
+acceptable addresses of Mr. ----, from America, and begs especially to
+express to him and his friend Mr. ----, the assurance of their sincere
+sympathy in the object of their visit to Antigua."
+
+Mr. C. said he would make no remarks in support of the resolution he had
+just read for he did not deem them necessary. He would therefore propose
+at once that the vote be taken by rising. The Chairman read the
+resolution accordingly, and requested those who were in favor of
+adopting it, to rise. Not an individual in the crowded congregation kept
+his seat. The masters and the slaves of yesterday--all rose together--a
+phalanx of freemen, to testify "their sincere sympathy" in the efforts
+and objects of American abolitionists.
+
+After the congregation had resumed their seats, the worthy Chairman
+addressed us briefly in behalf of the congregation, saying, that it was
+incumbent on him to convey to us the unanimous expression of sympathy on
+the part of this numerous assembly in the object of our visit to the
+island. We might regard it as an unfeigned assurance that we were
+welcomed among them, and that the cause which we were laboring to
+promote was dear to the hearts of the people of Antigua.
+
+This was the testimonial of an assembly, many of whom, only three years
+before, were themselves slaveholders. It was not given at a meeting
+specially concerted and called for the purpose, but grew up unexpectedly
+and spontaneously out of the feelings of the occasion, a free-will
+offering, the cheerful impulsive gush of _free_ sympathies. We returned
+our acknowledgments in the best manner that our excited emotions
+permitted.
+
+LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A WESLEYAN CHAPEL.
+
+The corner stone of a new Wesleyan Chapel was laid in St. John's, during
+the district meeting. The concourse of spectators was immense. At eleven
+o'clock religious exercises were held in the old chapel. At the close of
+the service a procession was formed, composed of Wesleyan missionaries,
+Moravian ministers, clergymen of the church, members of the council and
+of the assembly, planters, merchants, and other gentlemen, and the
+children of the Sunday and infant schools, connected with the
+Wesleyan Chapel.
+
+As the procession moved to the new site, a hymn was sung, in which the
+whole procession united. Our position in the procession, to which we
+were assigned by the marshal, and much to our satisfaction, was at
+either side of two colored gentlemen, with whom we walked, four abreast.
+
+On one side of the foundation a gallery had been raised, which was
+covered with an awning, and was occupied by a dense mass of white and
+colored ladies. On another side the gentlemen of the procession stood.
+The other sides were thronged with a promiscuous multitude of all
+colors. After singing and prayer, the Hon. Nicholas Nugent, speaker of
+the house of assembly, descended from the platform by a flight of stairs
+into the cellar, escorted by two missionaries. The sealed phial was then
+placed in his hand, and Mr. P., a Wesleyan missionary, read from a paper
+the inscription written on the parchment within the phial. The closing
+words of the inscription alluded to the present condition of the island,
+thus: "The demand for a new and larger place of worship was pressing,
+and the progress of public liberality advancing on a scale highly
+creditable to this FREE, enlightened, and evangelized colony." The
+Speaker then placed the phial in the cavity of the rock. When it was
+properly secured, and the corner stone lowered down by pullies to its
+place, he struck three blows upon it with a mallet, and then returned to
+the platform. The most eager curiosity was exhibited on every side to
+witness the ceremony.
+
+At the conclusion of it, several addresses were delivered. The speakers
+were, Rev. Messrs. Horne and Harvey, and D.B. Garling, Esq. Mr. Horne,
+after enumerating several things which were deserving of praise, and
+worthy of imitation, exclaimed, "The grand crowning glory of all--that
+which places Antigua above all her sister colonies--was the magnanimous
+measure of the legislature in entirely abolishing slavery." It was
+estimated that there were more than two thousand persons assembled on
+this occasion. The _order_ which prevailed among such a concourse was
+highly creditable to the island. It was pleasing to see the perfect
+intermixture of colors and conditions; not less so to observe the kindly
+bearing of the high toward the low.[A] After the exercises were
+finished, the numerous assembly dispersed quietly. Not an instance of
+drunkenness, quarrelling, or anger, fell under our notice during
+the day.
+
+[Footnote A: During Mr. Home's address, we observed Mr. A., a planter,
+send his umbrella to a negro man who stood at the corner-stone, exposed
+to the sun.]
+
+RESOLUTIONS OF THE MISSIONARIES.
+
+Toward the close of the district meeting, we received a kind note from
+the chairman, inviting us to attend the meeting, and receive in person,
+a set of resolutions which had been drawn up at our request, and signed
+by all the missionaries. At the hour appointed, we repaired to the
+chapel. The missionaries all arose as we entered, and gave us a
+brotherly salutation. We were invited to take our seats at the right
+hand of the chairman. He then, in the presence of the meeting, read to
+us the subjoined resolutions; we briefly expressed, in behalf of
+ourselves and our cause, the high sense we had of the value of the
+testimony, which the meeting had been pleased to give us. The venerable
+father Horne then prayed with us, commending our cause to the blessing
+of the Head of the church, and ourselves to the protection and guidance
+of our heavenly Father. After which we shook hands with the brethren,
+severally, receiving their warmest assurances of affectionate regard,
+and withdrew.
+
+_"Resolutions passed at the meeting of the Wesleyan Missionaries of the
+Antigua District, assembled at St. John's, Antigua, February 7th, 1837._
+
+    1. That the emancipation of the slaves of the West Indies, while it
+    was an act of undoubted justice to that oppressed people, has
+    operated most favorably in furthering the triumphs of the gospel, by
+    removing one prolific source of unmerited suspicion of religious
+    teachers, and thus opening a door to their more extensive labors and
+    usefulness--by furnishing a greater portion of time for the service
+    of the negro, and thus preventing the continuance of unavoidable
+    Sabbath desecrations, in labor and neglect of the means of
+    grace--and in its operation as a stimulus to proprietors and other
+    influential gentlemen, to encourage religious education, and the
+    wide dissemination of the Scriptures, as an incentive to industry
+    and good order.
+
+    2. That while the above statements are true with reference to all
+    the islands, even where the system of apprenticeship prevails, they
+    are especially applicable to Antigua, where the results of the great
+    measure, of entire freedom, so humanely and judiciously granted by
+    the legislature, cannot be contemplated without the most devout
+    thanks givings to Almighty God.
+
+    3. That we regard with much gratification, the great diminution
+    among all classes in these islands, of the most unchristian
+    prejudice of color the total absence of it in the government and
+    ordinances of the churches of God, with which we are connected, and
+    the prospect of its complete removal, by the abolition of slavery,
+    by the increased diffusion of general knowledge, and of that
+    religion which teaches to "honor _all_ men," and to love our
+    neighbor as ourselves.
+
+    4. That we cannot but contemplate with much humiliation and
+    distress, the existence, among professing Christians in America, of
+    this partial, unseemly, and unchristian system of _caste_, so
+    distinctly prohibited in the word of God, and so utterly
+    irreconcileable with Christian charity.
+
+    5. That regarding slavery as a most unjustifiable infringement of
+    the rational and inalienable rights of men, and in its moral
+    consequences, (from our own personal observation as well as other
+    sources,) as one of the greatest curses with which the great
+    Governor of the nations ever suffered this world to be blighted: we
+    cannot but deeply regret the connection which so intimately exists
+    between the various churches of Christ in the United States of
+    America, and this unchristian system. With much sorrow do we learn
+    that the _principle_ of the lawfulness of slavery has been defended
+    by some who are ministers of Christ, that so large a proportion of
+    that body in America, are exerting their influence in favor of the
+    continuance of so indefensible and monstrous a system--and that
+    these emotions of sorrow are especially occasioned with reference to
+    our own denomination.
+
+    6. That while we should deprecate and condemn any recourse on the
+    part of the slaves, to measures of rebellion, as an unjustifiable
+    mode of obtaining their freedom, we would most solemnly, and
+    affectionately, and imploringly, adjure our respected fathers and
+    brethren in America, to endeavor, in every legitimate way, to wipe
+    away this reproach from their body, and thus act in perfect
+    accordance with the deliberate and recorded sentiments of our
+    venerated founder on this subject, and in harmony with the feelings
+    and proceedings of their brethren in the United Kingdom, who have
+    had the honor to take a distinguished part in awakening such a
+    determined and resistless public feeling in that country, as issued
+    in the abolition of slavery among 800,000 of our fellow subjects.
+
+    7. That we hail with the most lively satisfaction the progress in
+    America of anti-slavery principles, the multiplication of
+    anti-slavery societies, and the diffusion of correct views on this
+    subject. We offer to the noble band of truly patriotic, and
+    enlightened, and philanthropic men, who are combating in that
+    country with such a fearful evil, the assurance of our most cordial
+    and fraternal sympathy, and our earnest prayers for their complete
+    success. We view with pity and sorrow the vile calumnies with which
+    they have been assailed. We welcome with Christian joyfulness, in
+    the success which has already attended their efforts, the dawn of a
+    cloudless day of light and glory, which shall presently shine upon
+    that vast continent, when the song of universal freedom shall sound
+    in its length and breadth.
+
+    8. That these sentiments have been increased and confirmed by the
+    intercourse, which some of our body Have enjoyed with our beloved
+    brethren, the Rev. James A. Thome, and Joseph Horace Kimball, Esq.,
+    the deputation to these islands, front the Anti-Slavery Society in
+    America. We regard this appointment, and the nomination of such men
+    to fulfil it, as most judicious. We trust we can appreciate the
+    spirit of entire devotedness to this cause, which animates our
+    respected brethren, and breathes throughout their whole deportment,
+    and rejoice in such a manifestation of the fruits of that divine
+    charity, which flow from the constraining love of Christ, and which
+    many waters cannot quench.
+
+    9. That the assurance of the affectionate sympathy of the
+    twenty-five brethren who compose this district meeting, and our
+    devout wishes for their success in the objects of their mission, are
+    hereby presented, in our collective and individual capacity, to our
+    endeared and Christian friends from America.
+
+    (Signed) JAMES COX, chairman of the district, and resident in
+    Antigua.
+
+    Jonathan Cadman, St. Martin's. James Horne, St. Kitts. Matthew
+    Banks, St. Bartholomew's. E. Frazer, Antigua. Charles Bates, do.
+    John Keightley, do. Jesse Pilcher, do. Benjamin Tregaskiss, do.
+    Thomas Edwards, St. Kitts. Robert Hawkins, Tortola. Thomas Pearson,
+    Nevis. George Craft, do. W.S. Wamouth, St. Kitts. John Hodge,
+    Tortola. William Satchel, Dominica. John Cullingford, Dominica. J.
+    Cameron, Nevis. B. Gartside, St. Kitts. John Parker, do. Hilton
+    Cheeseborough, do. Thomas Jeffery, do. William Rigglesworth,
+    Tortola. Daniel Stepney, Nevis. James Walton, Montserrat."
+
+      *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+GENERAL RESULTS.
+
+Having given a general outline of our sojourn in Antigua, we proceed to
+a mere minute account of the results of our investigations. We arrange
+the testimony in two general divisions, placing that which relates to
+the past and present condition of the colony in one, and that which
+bears directly upon the question of slavery in America in another.
+
+RELIGION.
+
+There are three denominations of Christians in Antigua: the Established
+Church; the Moravians, and Wesleyans. The Moravians number fifteen
+thousand--almost exclusively negroes. The Wesleyans embrace three
+thousand members, and about as many more attendants. Of the three
+thousand members, says a Wesleyan missionary, "not fifty are whites--a
+larger number are colored; but the greater part black." "The attendance
+of the negro population at the churches and chapels," (of the
+established order,) says the Rector of St. John's, "amounts to four
+thousand six hundred and thirty-six." The whole number of blacks
+receiving religious instruction from these Christian bodies, making
+allowance for the proportion of white and colored included in the three
+thousand Wesleyans, is about twenty-two thousand--leaving a population
+of eight thousand negroes in Antigua who are unsupplied with religious
+instruction.
+
+The Established Church has six parish churches, as many "chapels of
+ease," and nine clergymen. The Moravians have five settlements and
+thirteen missionaries. The Wesleyans have seven chapels, with as many
+more small preaching places on estates, and twelve ministers; half of
+whom are itinerant missionaries, and the other half, local preachers,
+employed as planters, or in mercantile, and other pursuits, and
+preaching only occasionally. From the limited number of chapels and
+missionaries, it may be inferred that only a portion of the twenty-two
+thousand can enjoy stated weekly instruction. The superintendent of the
+Moravian mission stated that their chapels could not accommodate more
+than _one third_ of their members.
+
+Each of the denominations complains of the lack of men and houses. The
+Wesleyans are now building a large chapel in St. John's. It will
+accommodate two thousand persons. "Besides free sittings, there will be
+nearly two hundred pews, every one of which is now in demand."
+
+However much disposed the churches of different denominations might have
+been during slavery to maintain a strict discipline, they found it
+exceedingly difficult to do so. It seems impossible to elevate a body of
+slaves, _remaining such,_ to honesty and purity. The reekings of slavery
+will almost inevitably taint the institutions of religion, and degrade
+the standard of piety. Accordingly the ministers of every denomination
+in Antigua, feel that in the abolition of slavery their greatest enemy
+has been vanquished, and they now evince a determination to assume
+higher ground than they ever aspired to during the reign of slavery. The
+motto of all creeds is, "_We expect great things of freemen_." A report
+which we obtained from the Wesleyan brethren, states, "Our own brethren
+preach almost daily." "We think the negroes are uncommonly punctual and
+regular in their attendance upon divine worship, particularly on the
+Sabbath." "They always show a readiness to contribute to the support of
+the gospel. With the present low wages, and the entire charge of
+self-maintenance, they have little to spare." Parham and Sion Hill (taken
+as specimens) have societies almost entirely composed of rural
+blacks--about thirteen hundred and fifty in number. These have
+contributed this year above £330 sterling, or sixteen hundred and fifty
+dollars, in little weekly subscriptions; besides giving to special
+objects occasionally, and contributing for the support of schools.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: The superintendent of the Wesleyan mission informed us that
+the collection in the several Wesleyan chapels last year, independent of
+occasional contributions to Sunday schools, Missionary objects, &c.,
+amounted to £850 sterling, or more than $4000!]
+
+In a letter dated December 2d, 1834, but four months after emancipation,
+and addressed to the missionary board in England, the Rev. B. Harvey
+thus speaks of the Moravian missions: "With respect to our people, I
+believe; I may say that in all our places here, they attend the meetings
+of the church more numerously than ever, and that many are now in
+frequent attendance who _could very seldom appear amongst us during
+slavery_." The same statements substantially were made to us by Mr. H.,
+showing that instead of any falling off the attendance was still on
+the increase.
+
+In a statement drawn up at our request by the Rector of St. John's, is
+the following: "Cases of discipline are more frequent than is usual in
+English congregations, but at the same time it should be observed, that
+a _closer oversight_ is maintained by the ministers, and a _greater
+readiness to submit themselves_ (to discipline) is manifested by the
+late slaves here than by those who have always been a free people." "I
+am able to speak very favorably of the attendance at church--it is
+regular and crowded." "The negroes on some estates have been known to
+contribute willingly to the Bible Society, since 1832. They are now
+beginning to pay a penny and a half currency per week for their
+children's instruction."
+
+MORALITY.
+
+The condition of Antigua, but a very few years previous to emancipation,
+is represented to have been truly revolting. It has already been stated
+that the Sabbath was the market day up to 1832, and this is evidence
+enough that the Lord's day was utterly desecrated by the mass of the
+population. Now there are few parts of our own country, equal in
+population, which can vie with Antigua in the solemn and respectful
+observance of the Sabbath. Christians in St. John's spoke with joy and
+gratitude of the tranquillity of the Sabbath. They had long been shocked
+with its open and abounding profanation--until they had well-nigh forgot
+the aspect of a Christian Sabbath. At length the full-orbed blessing
+beamed upon them, and they rejoiced in its brightness, and thanked God
+for its holy repose.
+
+All persons of all professions testify to the fact that _marriages_ are
+rapidly increasing. In truth, there was scarcely such a thing as
+marriage before the abolition of slavery. Promiscuous intercourse of the
+sexes was almost universal. In a report of the Antigua Branch
+Association of the Society for advancing the Christian Faith in the
+British West Indies, (for 1836,) the following statements are made:
+
+"The number of marriages in the six parishes of the island, in the year
+1835, the first entire year of freedom, was 476; all of which, excepting
+about 50, were between persons formerly slaves. The total number of
+marriages between slaves solemnized in the Church during the nine years
+ending December 31, 1832, was 157; in 1833, the last entire year of
+slavery, it was 61."
+
+Thus it appears that the whole number of marriages during _ten years_
+previous to emancipation (by far the most favorable ten years that could
+have been selected) was but _half_ as great as the number for a single
+year following emancipation!
+
+The Governor, in one of our earliest interviews with him, said, "the
+great crime of this island, as indeed of all the West India Colonies,
+has been licentiousness, but we are certainly fast improving in this
+particular." An aged Christian, who has spent many years in the island,
+and is now actively engaged in superintending several day schools for
+the negro children, informed us that there was not _one third_ as much
+concubinage as formerly. This he said was owing mainly to the greater
+frequency of marriages, and the cessation of late night work on the
+estates, and in the boiling houses, by which the females were constantly
+exposed during slavery. Now they may all be in their houses by dark.
+Formerly the mothers were the betrayers of their daughters, encouraging
+them to form unhallowed connections, and even _selling_ them to
+licentious white and colored men, for their own gain. Now they were
+using great strictness to preserve the chastity of their daughters.
+
+A worthy planter, who has been in the island since 1800, stated, that it
+used to be a common practice for mothers to _sell their daughters_ to
+the highest bidder!--generally a manager or overseer. "But now;" said he,
+"the mothers _hold their daughters up for marriage_, and take pains to
+let every body know that their virtue is not to be bought and sold any
+longer." He also stated that those who live unmarried now are uniformly
+neglected and suffer great deprivations. Faithfulness after marriage,
+exists also to a greater extent than could have been expected from the
+utter looseness to which they had been previously accustomed, and with
+their ignorance of the nature and obligations of the marriage relation.
+We were informed both by the missionaries and the planters, that every
+year and month they are becoming more constant, as husband and wife,
+more faithful as parents, and more dutiful as children. One planter said
+that out of a number who left his employ after 1834, nearly all had
+companions on other estates, and left for the purpose of being with
+them. He was also of the opinion that the greater proportion of changes
+of residence among the emancipated which took place at that time, were
+owing to the same cause.[A] In an address before the Friendly Society in
+St. John's, the Archdeacon stated that during the previous year (1835)
+several individuals had been expelled from that society for domestic
+unfaithfulness; but he was happy to say that he had not heard of a
+single instance of expulsion for this cause during the year then ended.
+Much inconvenience is felt on account of the Moravian and Wesleyan
+missionaries being prohibited from performing the marriage service, even
+for their own people. Efforts are now making to obtain the repeal of the
+law which makes marriages performed by sectarians (as all save the
+established church are called) void.
+
+[Footnote A: What a resurrection to domestic life was that, when long
+severed families flocked from the four corners of the island to meet
+their kindred members! And what a glorious resurrection will that be in
+our own country, when the millions of emancipated beings scattered over
+the west and south, shall seek the embraces of parental and fraternal
+and conjugal love.]
+
+That form of licentiousness which appears among the higher classes in
+every slaveholding country, abounded in Antigua during the reign of
+slavery. It has yielded its redundant fruits in a population of four
+thousand colored people; double the number of whites. The planters, with
+but few exceptions, were unmarried and licentious. Nor was this vice
+confined to the unmarried. Men with large families, kept one or more
+mistresses without any effort at concealment. We were told of an
+"Honorable" gentleman, who had his English wife and two concubines, a
+colored and a black one. The governor himself stated as an apology for
+the prevalence of licentiousness among the slaves, that the example was
+set them constantly by their masters, and it was not to be wondered at
+if they copied after their superiors. But it is now plain that
+concubinage among the whites is nearly at an end. An unguarded statement
+of a public man revealed the conviction which exists among his class
+that concubinage must soon cease. He said that the present race of
+colored people could not be received into the society of the whites,
+_because of illegitimacy_; but the next generation would be fit
+associates for the whites, _because they would be chiefly born
+in wedlock_.
+
+The uniform testimony respecting _intemperance_ was, that it _never had
+been one of the vices of the negroes_. Several planters declared that
+they had rarely seen a black person intoxicated. The report of the
+Wesleyan missionaries already referred to, says, "Intemperance is most
+uncommon among the rural negroes. Many have joined the Temperance
+Society, and many act on tee-total principles." The only _colored_
+person (either black or brown) whom we saw drunk during a residence of
+nine weeks in Antigua, was a carpenter in St. John's, who as he reeled
+by, stared in our faces and mumbled out his sentence of condemnation
+against wine bibbers, "--Gemmen--you sees I'se a little bit drunk, but
+'pon honor I only took th--th-ree bottles of wine--that's all." It was
+"Christmas times," and doubtless the poor man thought he would venture
+for once in the year to copy the example of the whites.
+
+In conclusion, on the subject of morals in Antigua, we are warranted in
+stating, 1st., That during the continuance of slavery, immoralities
+were rife.
+
+2d. That the repeated efforts of the home Government and the local
+Legislature, for several successive years previous to 1834, to
+_ameliorate_ the system of slavery, seconded by the labors of clergymen
+and missionaries, teachers and catechists, to improve the character of
+the slaves, failed to arrest the current of vice and profligacy. What
+few reformations were effected were very partial, leaving the more
+enormous immoralities as shameless and defiant as ever, up to the very
+day of abolition; demonstrating the utter impotence of all attempts to
+purify the _streams_ while the _fountain_ is poison.
+
+3d. That the abolition of slavery gave the death blow to open vice,
+overgrown and emboldened as it had become. Immediate emancipation,
+instead of lifting the flood-gates, was the only power strong enough to
+shut them down! It restored the proper restraints upon vice, and
+supplied the incentives to virtue. Those great controllers of moral
+action, _self-respect, attachment to law, and veneration for God_, which
+slavery annihilated, _freedom has resuscitated_, and now they stand
+round about the emancipated with flaming swords deterring from evil, and
+with cheering voices exhorting to good. It is explicitly affirmed that
+the grosser forms of immorality, which in every country attend upon
+slavery, have in Antigua either shrunk into concealment or
+become extinct.
+
+BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.
+
+We insert here a brief account of the benevolent institutions of
+Antigua. Our design in giving it, is to show the effect of freedom in
+bringing into play those charities of social life, which slavery
+uniformly stifles. Antigua abounds in benevolent societies, all of which
+have been _materially revived_ since emancipation, and some of them have
+been formed since that event.
+
+THE BIBLE SOCIETY.
+
+This is the oldest society in the island. It was organized in 1815. All
+denominations in the island cordially unite in this cause. The principal
+design of this society is to promote the Circulation of the Scriptures
+among the laboring population of the island. To secure this object
+numerous branch associations--amounting to nearly fifty--have been
+organized throughout the island _among the negroes themselves._ The
+society has been enabled not only to circulate the Scriptures among the
+people of Antigua, but to send them extensively to the neighboring
+islands.
+
+The following table, drawn up at our request by the Secretary of the
+Society, will show the extent of foreign operations:
+
+Years.     Colonies Supplied. Bibles. Test's.
+1822       Anguilla             94      156
+  23       Demerara             18       18
+  24       Dominica             89      204
+  25       Montserrat           57      149
+  27       Nevis                79      117
+  32       Saba                  6       12
+  33       St. Bart's          111       65
+  34       St. Eustatius        97      148
+  35       St. Kitts           227      487
+           St. Martins          48       37
+  36       Tortola              69      136
+To
+1837       Trinidad             25       67
+                              ____     ____
+                   Total       920     1596
+
+From the last annual report we quote the following cheering account,
+touching the events of 1834:
+
+"The next event of importance in or annals is the magnificent grant of
+the parent society, on occasion of the emancipation of the slaves, and
+the perpetual banishment of slavery from the shores of Antigua, on the
+first of August, 1834; by which a choice portion of the Holy Scriptures
+was gratuitously circulated to about one third of the inhabitants of
+this colony. Nine thousand seven hundred copies of the New Testament,
+bound together with the book of Psalms, were thus placed at the disposal
+of your committee."
+
+* * * "Following hard upon this joyful event another gratifying
+circumstance occurred among us. The attention of the people was roused,
+and their gratitude excited towards the Bible Society, and they who had
+freely received, now freely gave, and thus a considerable sum of money
+was presented to the parent society in acknowledgment of its
+beneficent grant."
+
+We here add an extract from the annual report for 1826. Its sentiments
+contrast strongly with the congratulations of the last report upon 'the
+joyful event' of emancipation.
+
+"Another question of considerable delicacy and importance still remains
+to be discussed. Is it advisable, under all the circumstances of the
+case, to circulate the Holy Scriptures, without note of comment, among
+the slave population of these islands? Your Committee can feel no
+hesitation in affirming that such a measure is not merely expedient, but
+one of almost indispensable necessity. The Sacred Volume is in many
+respects peculiarly adapted to the slave. It enjoins upon him precepts
+so plain, that the most ignorant cannot fail to understand them:
+'Slaves, obey in all things your masters, not with eye service, as men
+pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.' It furnishes him
+with motives the most impressive and consoling: 'Ye serve,' says the
+Apostle, 'the Lord Christ.' It promises him rewards sufficient to
+stimulate the most indolent to exertion: 'Whatsoever good thing any man
+doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or
+free.' And it holds forth to him an example so glorious, that it would
+ennoble even angels to imitate it: 'Let this mind be in you which was
+also in Christ Jesus, who made himself of no reputation, and took upon
+him the form of a _slave_!'"
+
+"It may here be proper to observe, that the precise import of the word,
+which in general throughout the English Bible is translated _servant_,
+is strictly that which has been assigned it in the foregoing quotations;
+(!) and so understood, the Sacred Volume will be found to hold out to
+our slaves, both by precept and example the most persuasive and the most
+compelling motives to industry, obedience, and submission."
+
+Nothing could more plainly show the corrupting influences of slavery,
+upon all within its reach, than this spectacle of a noble, religious
+institution, prostituted to the vile work of defending oppression, and,
+in the zeal of its advocacy, blasphemously degrading the Savior into a
+self-made slave!
+
+The receipts of the Antigua Branch Society have greatly increased since
+emancipation. From receipts for the year 1836, in each of the British
+islands, it appears that the contributions from Antigua and Bermuda, the
+only two islands which adopted entire emancipation, are about _double_
+those from any other two islands.
+
+MISSIONARY ASSOCIATIONS.
+
+These associations are connected with the Wesleyan mission, and have
+been in existence since 1820. Their object is to raise funds for the
+parent society in England. Although it has been in existence for several
+years, yet it was mostly confined to the whites and free people of
+color, during slavery. The calling together assemblies of rural negroes,
+and addressing them on the subject of missions, and soliciting
+contributions in aid of the cause, is a new feature in the missionary
+operations to which nothing but freedom could give birth.
+
+TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
+
+The first temperance society in Antigua was formed at the beginning of
+1836. We give an extract from the first annual report: "Temperance
+societies have been formed in each town, and on many of the estates. A
+large number of persons who once used spirituous liquors moderately,
+have entirely relinquished the use. Some who were once intemperate have
+been reclaimed, and in some instances an adoption of the principles of
+the temperance society, has been followed by the pursuit and enjoyment
+of vital religion. Domestic peace and quietness have superseded discord
+and strife, and a very general sense of astonishment at the gross
+delusion which these drinks have long produced on the human species
+is manifest."
+
+"The numbers on the various books of the society amount to about 1700.
+One pleasing feature in their history, is the very small number of those
+who have violated their pledge."
+
+"On several estates, the usual allowance of spirits has been
+discontinued, and sugar or molasses substituted."
+
+The temperance society in Antigua may be specially regarded as a result
+of emancipation. It is one of the guardian angels which hastened to the
+island as soon as the demon of slavery was cast out.
+
+FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.
+
+The friendly societies are designed exclusively for the benefit of the
+negro population. The general object is thus stated in the constitution
+of one of these societies: "The object of this society is to assist in
+the purchase of articles of mourning for the dead; to give relief in
+cases of unlooked for distress; to help those who through age or
+infirmities are incapable of helping themselves by marketing, or working
+their grounds; _to encourage sobriety and industry, and to check
+disorderly and immoral conduct."_
+
+These societies obtain their funds by laying a tax of one shilling per
+month on every member above eighteen years of age, and of six pence per
+month on all members under that age and above twelve, which is the
+minimum of membership. The aged members are required to pay no more than
+the sum last mentioned.
+
+The first society of this kind was established in St. John's by the
+present rector, in 1829. Subsequently the Moravians and Wesleyans formed
+similar societies among their own people. Independent of the pecuniary
+assistance which these societies bestow, they encourage in a variety of
+ways the good order of the community. For example, no one is allowed to
+receive assistance who is "disabled by drunkenness, debauchery, or
+disorderly living;" also, "if any member of the society, male or female,
+is guilty of adultery or fornication, the offending member shall be
+suspended for so long a time as the members shall see fit, and shall
+lose all claim on the society for any benefit during the suspension, and
+shall not be readmitted until clear and satisfactory evidence is given
+of penitence." Furthermore, "If any member of the society shall be
+expelled from the church to which he or she belongs, or shall commit any
+offence punishable by a magistrate, that member forfeits his membership
+in the society." Again, the society directly encourages marriage, by
+"making a present of a young pig to every child born in wedlock, and
+according as their funds will admit of it, giving rewards to those
+married persons living faithfully, or single persons living virtuously,
+who take a pride in keeping their houses neat and tidy, and their
+gardens flourishing."
+
+These societies have been more than doubled, both in the number of
+members and in the annual receipts, since emancipation.
+
+Of the societies connected with the established church, the rector of
+St. John's thus speaks: "At the beginning of 1834 there were eleven
+societies, embracing 1602 members. At the beginning of 1835 they
+numbered 4197; and in 1836 there were 4560 members," _almost quadrupled
+in two years!_
+
+The societies connected with the Moravian church, have more than
+doubled, both in members and funds, since emancipation. The funds now
+amount to $10,000 per year.
+
+The Wesleyans have four Friendly societies. The largest society, which
+contained six hundred and fifty members, was organized in the _month of
+August_, 1834. The last year it had expended £700 currency, and had then
+in its treasury £600 currency.
+
+Now, be it remembered that the Friendly societies exist solely among the
+freed negroes, _and that the moneys are raised exclusively among them._
+Among whom? A people who are said to be so proverbially improvident,
+that to emancipate them, would be to abandon them to beggary, nakedness,
+and starvation;--a people who "cannot take care of themselves;" who
+"will not work when freed from the fear of the lash;" who "would
+squander the earnings of the day in debaucheries at night;" who "would
+never provide for to-morrow for the wants of a family, or for the
+infirmities of old age." Yea, among _negroes_ these things are done; and
+that, too, where the wages are but one shilling per day--less than
+sufficient, one would reasonably suppose, to provide daily food.
+
+DAILY MEAL SOCIETY.
+
+The main object of this society is denoted by its name. It supplies a
+daily meal to those who are otherwise unprovided for. A commodious house
+had just been completed in the suburbs of the town, capable of lodging a
+considerable number of beneficiaries. It is designed to shelter those
+who are diseased, and cannot walk to and fro for their meals. The number
+now fed at this house is from eighty to a hundred. The diseased, who
+live at the dispensary, are mostly those who are afflicted with the
+elephantiasis, by which they are rendered entirely helpless. Medical aid
+is supplied free of expense. It is worthy of remark, that there is no
+_public poor-house_ in Antigua,--a proof of the industry and prosperity
+of the emancipated people.
+
+DISTRESSED FEMALES' FRIEND SOCIETY.
+
+This is a society in St. John's: there is also a similar one, called the
+Female Refuge Society, at English Harbor. Both these societies were
+established and are conducted by colored ladies. They are designed to
+promote two objects: the support of destitute aged females of color, and
+the rescue of poor young colored females from vice. The necessity for
+special efforts for the first object, arose out of the fact, that the
+colored people were allowed no parochial aid whatever, though they were
+required to pay their parochial taxes; hence, the support of their own
+poor devolved upon themselves. The demand for vigorous action in behalf
+of the young, grew out of the prevailing licentiousness of slave-holding
+times. The society in St. John's has been in existence since 1815. It
+has a large and commodious asylum, and an annual income, by
+subscriptions, of £350, currency. This society, and the Female Refuge
+Society established at English Harbor, have been instrumental in
+effecting a great reform in the morals of females, and particularly in
+exciting reprobation against that horrid traffic--the sale of girls by
+their mothers for purposes of lust. We were told of a number of cases in
+which the society in St. John's had rescued young females from impending
+ruin. Many members of the society itself, look to it as the guardian of
+their orphanage. Among other cases related to us, was that of a lovely
+girl of fifteen, who was bartered away to a planter by her mother, a
+dissolute woman. The planter was to give her a quantity of cloth to the
+value of £80 currency, and two young slaves; he was also to give the
+grandmother, for her interest in the girl, _one gallon of rum_! The
+night was appointed, and a gig in waiting to take away the victim, when
+a female friend was made acquainted with the plot, just in time to save
+the girl by removing her to her own house. The mother was infuriated,
+and endeavored to get her back, but the girl had occasionally attended a
+Sabbath school, where she imbibed principles which forbade her to yield
+even to her mother for such an unhallowed purpose. She was taken before
+a magistrate, and indentured herself to a milliner for two years. The
+mother made an attempt to regain her, and was assisted by some whites
+with money to commence a suit for that purpose. The lady who defended
+her was accordingly prosecuted, and the whole case became notorious. The
+prosecutors were foiled. At the close of her apprenticeship, the young
+woman was married to a highly respectable colored gentleman, now
+resident in St. John's. The notoriety which was given to the above case
+had a happy effect. It brought the society and its object more fully
+before the public, and the contributions for its support greatly
+increased. Those for whose benefit the asylum was opened, heard of it,
+and came begging to be received.
+
+This society is a signal evidence that the colored people neither lack
+the ability to devise, nor the hearts to cherish, nor the zeal to
+execute plans of enlarged benevolence and mercy.
+
+The Juvenile Association, too, of which we gave some account in
+describing its anniversary, originated with the colored people, and
+furnishes additional evidence of the talents and charities of that class
+of the community. Besides the societies already enumerated, there are
+two associations connected with the Established Church, called the
+"Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge," and the "Branch
+Association of the Society for Advancing the Christian Faith in the
+British West Indies, &c." These societies are also designed chiefly for
+the benefit of the negro population.
+
+EDUCATION.
+
+Our inquiries under this head were directed to three principal
+points--first, The extent to which education prevailed previous to
+emancipation; second, The improvements introduced since; and third, The
+comparative capacity of negroes for receiving instruction.
+
+Being providentially in the island at the season of the year when all
+the schools have their annual examinations, we enjoyed the most
+favorable opportunities for procuring intelligence on the subject of
+education. From various quarters we received invitations to attend
+school examinations. We visited the schools at Parham, Willoughby Bay,
+Newfield; Cedar Hall, Grace Bay, Fitch's Creek, and others: besides
+visiting the parochial school, the rectory school, the Moravian and
+Wesleyan schools, in St. John's. All the schools, save those in St.
+John's, were almost exclusively composed of emancipated children from
+the estates.
+
+VISIT TO THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.
+
+At the invitation of the Governor, we accompanied him to the annual
+examination of the parochial school, in St. John's, under the
+superintendance of the Episcopal church. It has increased greatly, both
+in scholars and efficiency, since emancipation, and contributions are
+made to its support by the parents whose children receive its benefits.
+We found one hundred and fifty children, of both sexes, assembled in the
+society's rooms. There was every color present, from the deepest hue of
+the Ethiopian, to the faintest shadowing of brown.
+
+The boys constituting the first class, to the number of fifty, were
+called up. They read with much fluency and distinctness, equalling white
+boys of the same age anywhere. After reading, various questions were put
+to them by the Archdeacon, which they answered with promptness and
+accuracy. Words were promiscuously selected from the chapter they had
+read, and every one was promptly spelled. The catechism was the next
+exercise, and they manifested a thorough acquaintance with its contents.
+
+Our attention was particularly called to the examination in arithmetic.
+Many of the children solved questions readily in the compound rules, and
+several of them in Practice, giving the different parts of the pound,
+shilling, and penny, used in that rule, and all the whys and wherefores
+of the thing, with great promptness. One lad, only ten years of age,
+whose attendance had been very irregular on account of being employed in
+learning a trade, performed intricate examples in Practice, with a
+facility worthy the counting-house desk. We put several inquiries on
+different parts of the process, in order to test their real knowledge,
+to which we always received clear answers.
+
+The girls were then examined in the same studies and exercises, except
+arithmetic, and displayed the same gratifying proficiency. They also
+presented specimens of needlework and strawbraiding, which the ladies,
+on whose better judgment we depend, pronounced very creditable. We
+noticed several girls much older than the others, who had made much less
+advance in their studies, and on inquiry learned, that they had been
+members of the school but a short time, having formerly been employed to
+wield the heavy hoe in the cane field. The parents are very desirous to
+give their children education, and make many sacrifices for that
+purpose. Many who are field-laborers in the country, receiving their
+shilling a day, have sent their children to reside with some relations
+or friends in town, for the purpose of giving them the benefits of this
+school. Several such children were pointed out to us. The increase of
+female scholars during the first year of emancipation, was in this
+school alone, about eighty.
+
+For our gratification, the Governor requested that all the children
+emancipated on the _first of August_, might be called up and placed on
+our side of the room. Nearly one hundred children, of both sexes, who
+two years ago were _slaves_, now stood up before us FREE. We noticed one
+little girl among the rest, about ten years old, who bore not the least
+tinge of color. Her hair was straight and light, and her face had that
+mingling of vermilion and white, which Americans seem to consider, not
+only the nonpareil standard of beauty, but the immaculate test of human
+rights. At her side was another with the deepest hue of the native
+African. There were high emotions on the countenances of those redeemed
+ones, when we spoke to them of emancipation. The undying principle of
+freedom living and burning in the soul of the most degraded slave, like
+lamps amid the darkness of eastern sepulchres, was kindling up
+brilliantly within them, young as they were, and flashing in smiles upon
+their ebon faces.
+
+The Governor made a few remarks, in which he gave some good advice, and
+expressed himself highly pleased with the appearance and proficiency of
+the school.
+
+His excellency remarked to us in a tone of pleasantry, "You see,
+gentlemen, these children have _souls_."
+
+During the progress of the examination; he said to us, "You perceive
+that it is our policy to give these children every chance to make _men_
+of themselves. We look upon them as our _future citizens_." He had no
+doubt that the rising generation would assume a position in society
+above the contempt or opposition of the whites.
+
+INFANT SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY.
+
+We had the pleasure of attending one of the infant schools in the
+vicinity of Parham, on the east side of the island. Having been invited
+by a planter, who kindly sent his horse and carriage for our conveyance,
+to call and take breakfast with him on our way, we drove out early in
+the morning.
+
+While we were walking about the estate, our attention was arrested by
+distant singing. As we cast our eyes up a road crossing the estate, we
+discovered a party of children! They were about twenty in number, and
+were marching hand in hand to the music of their infant voices. They
+were children from a neighboring estate, on their way to the examination
+at Parham, and were singing the hymns which they had learned at school.
+All had their Testaments in their hands, and seemed right merry-hearted.
+
+We were received at the gate of the chapel by the Wesleyan missionary
+located in this distinct, a highly respectable and intelligent colored
+man, who was ten years since a _slave_. He gave us a cordial welcome,
+and conducted us to the chapel, where we found the children, to the
+number of _four hundred_, assembled, and the examination already
+commenced. There were six schools present, representing about twenty
+estates, and arranged under their respective teachers. The ages of the
+pupils were from three to ten or twelve. They were all, with the
+exception of two or three, the children of emancipated slaves.
+
+They came up by classes to the superintendent's desk, where they read
+and were examined. They read correctly; some of them too, who had been
+in school only a few mouths, in any portion of the New Testament
+selected for them. By request of the superintendent, we put several
+inquiries to them, which they answered in a way which showed that they
+_thought_. They manifested an acquaintance with the Bible and the use of
+language which was truly surprising. It was delightful to see so many
+tiny beings stand around you, dressed in their tidy gowns and frocks,
+with their bright morning faces, and read with the self-composure of
+manhood, any passage chosen for them. They all, large and small, bore in
+their hands the charter of their freedom, the book by the influence of
+which they received all the privileges they were enjoying. On the cover
+of each was stamped in large capitals--"PRESENTED BY THE BRITISH AND
+FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY, IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST OF AUGUST, 1834."
+
+At the close of the examination, the rewards, consisting of books,
+work-bags, &c. &c., chiefly sent by a society of females in England,
+were distributed. It was impossible to repress the effervescence of the
+little expectants. As a little one four years old came up for her
+reward, the superintendent said to her--"Well, little Becky, what do you
+want?" "Me wants a bag," said Becky, "and me wants a pin-cushion, and me
+wants a little book." Becky's desires were large, but being a good girl,
+she was gratified. Occasionally the girls were left to choose between a
+book and a work-bag, and although the bag might be gaudy and tempting,
+they invariably took the book.
+
+The teachers were all but one blacks, and were formerly slaves. They are
+very devoted and faithful, but are ill-qualified for their duties,
+having obtained all the learning they possess in the Sabbath school.
+They are all pious, and exert a harpy influence on the morals of
+their pupils.
+
+The number of scholars has very greatly increased since emancipation,
+and their morals have essentially improved. Instances of falsehood and
+theft, which at first were fearfully frequent and bold, have much
+lessened. They begin to have a regard for _character_. Their sense of
+right and wrong is enlightened, and their power of resisting temptation,
+and adhering to right, manifestly increased.
+
+On the whole, we know not where we have looked on a more delightful
+scene. To stand in front of the pulpit and look around on a multitude of
+negro children, gathered from the sordid huts into which slavery had
+carried ignorance and misery--to see them coming up, with their teachers
+of the same proscribed hue, to hear them read the Bible, answer with
+readiness the questions of their superintendent, and lift up together
+their songs of infant praise, and then to remember that two years ago
+these four hundred children were _slaves_, and still more to remember
+that in our own country, boasting its republicanism and Christian
+institutions, there are thousands of just such children under the yoke
+and scourge, in utter heathenism, the victims of tyrannic _law_ or of
+more tyrannic public opinion--caused the heart to swell with emotions
+unutterable. There were as many intelligent countenances, and as much
+activity and sprightliness, as we ever saw among an equal number of
+children anywhere. The correctness of their reading, the pertinence of
+their replies, the general proofs of talent which they showed through
+all the exercises, evinced that they are none inferior to the children
+of their white oppressors.
+
+After singing a hymn they all kneeled down, and the school closed with a
+prayer and benediction. They continued singing as they retired from the
+house, and long after they had parted on their different ways home,
+their voices swelled on the breeze at a distance as the little parties
+from the estates chanted on their way the songs of the school room.
+
+WILLOUGHBY BAY EXAMINATION.
+
+When we entered the school house at Willoughby Bay, which is capable of
+containing a thousand persons, a low murmur, like the notes of
+preparation, ran over the multitude. One school came in after we
+arrived, marching in regular file, with their teacher, a negro man, at
+their head, and their _standard bearer_ following; next, a sable girl
+with a box of Testaments on her head. The whole number of children was
+three hundred and fifty. The male division was first called out, and
+marched several times around the room, singing and keeping a regular
+step. After several rounds, they came to a halt, filing off and forming
+into ranks four rows deep--in quarter-circle shape. The music still
+continuing, the girls sallied forth, went through the same evolutions,
+and finally formed in rows corresponding with those of the boys, so as
+to compose with the latter a semicircle.
+
+The schools were successively examined in spelling, reading, writing,
+cyphering, &c., after the manner already detailed. In most respects they
+showed equal proficiency with the children of Parham; and in reading the
+Testament, their accuracy was even greater. In looking over the writing,
+several "incendiary" copies caught our eyes. One was, "_Masters, give
+unto your servants that which is just and equal_." Another, "_If I
+neglect the cause of my servant, what shall I do when I appear before my
+Master_!" A few years ago, _had children been permitted to write at
+all_, one such copy as the above would have exploded the school, and
+perchance sent the teacher to jail for sedition. But now, thanks to God!
+the Negro children of Antigua are taught liberty from their Bibles, from
+their song books, and from their _copy books_ too; they read of liberty,
+they sing of it, and they write of it; they chant to liberty in their
+school rooms, and they resume the strains on their homeward way, till
+every rustling lime-grove, and waving cane-field, is alive with their
+notes, and every hillock and dell rings with "free" echoes.
+
+The girls, in their turn, pressed around us with the liveliest eagerness
+to display their little pieces of needle-work. Some had samplers marked
+with letters and devices in vari-colored silk. Others showed specimens
+of stitching; while the little ones held up their rude attempts at
+hemming handkerchiefs, aprons, and so on.
+
+During the exercises we spoke to several elderly women, who were present
+to witness the scene. They were laborers on the estates, but having
+children in the school, they had put on their Sunday dresses, and "come
+to see." We spoke to one, of the privileges which the children were
+enjoying, since freedom. Her eyes filled, and she exclaimed, "Yes,
+massa, we do tank de good Lord for bring de free--never can be too
+tankful." She said she had seven children present, and it made her feel
+happy to know that they were learning to read. Another woman said, when
+she heard the children reading so finely, she wanted to "take de word's
+out of da mouts and put em in her own." In the morning, when she first
+entered the school house, she felt quite sick, but all the pleasant
+things she saw and heard, had made her well, and she added, "I tell you,
+me massa, it do my old heart good to come here." Another aged woman, who
+had grand-children in the school, said, when she saw what advantages the
+children enjoyed, she almost cried to think she was not a child too.
+Besides these there were a number of adult men and women, whom curiosity
+or parental solicitude had brought together, and they were thronging
+about the windows and doors witnessing the various exercises with the
+deepest interest. Among the rest was one old patriarch, who, anxious to
+bear some part however humble in the exercises of the occasion, walked
+to and fro among the children, with a six feet pole in his hand, to
+keep order.
+
+These schools, and those examined at Parham, are under the general
+supervision of Mr. Charles Thwaites, an indefatigable and long tried
+friend of the negroes.
+
+We here insert a valuable communication which we received from Mr. T. in
+reply to several queries addressed to him. It will give further
+information relative to the schools.
+
+_Mr. Charles Thwaites' Replies to Queries on Education in Antigua._
+
+1. What has been your business for some years past in Antigua?
+
+A superintendent of schools, and catechist to the negroes.
+
+2. How long have you been engaged in this business?
+
+Twenty-four years. The first four years engaged gratuitously, ten years
+employed by the Church Missionary Society, and since, by the Wesleyan
+Missionary Society.
+
+3. How many schools have you under your charge?
+
+Sunday schools, (including all belonging to the Wesleyan Missionary
+Society,) eight, with 1850 scholars; day schools, seventeen with 1250
+scholars; night schools on twenty-six estates, 336 scholars. The total
+number of scholars under instruction is about 3500.
+
+4. Are the scholars principally the children who were emancipated in
+August, 1834?
+
+Yes, except the children in St. John's, most of whom were free before.
+
+5. Are the teachers negroes, colored, or white?
+
+One white, four colored, and sixteen black.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: This number includes only salaried teachers, and not the
+gratuitous.]
+
+6. How many of the teachers were slaves prior to the first of August,
+1834?
+
+Thirteen.
+
+7. What were their opportunities for learning?
+
+The Sunday and night schools; and they have much improved themselves
+since they have been in their present employment.
+
+8. What are their qualifications for teaching, as to education,
+religion, zeal, perseverance, &c.?
+
+The white and two of the colored teachers, I presume, are well
+calculated, in all respects, to carry on a school in the ablest manner.
+The others are deficient in education, but are zealous, and very
+persevering.
+
+9. What are the wages of these teachers?
+
+The teachers' pay is, some four, and some three dollars per month. This
+sum is far too small, and would be greater if the funds were sufficient.
+
+10. How and by whom are the expenses of superintendent, teachers, and
+schools defrayed?
+
+The superintendent's salary, &c., is paid by the Wesleyan Missionary
+Society. The expenses of teachers and schools are defrayed by charitable
+societies and friends in England, particularly the Negro Education
+Society, which grants 50l. sterling per annum towards this object, and
+pays the rent of the Church Missionary Society's premises in Willoughby
+Bay for use of the schools. About 46l. sterling per annum is also raised
+from the children; each child taught writing and needle-work, pays
+1-1/2d. sterling per week.
+
+11. Is it your opinion that the negro children are as ready to receive
+instruction as white children?
+
+Yes, perfectly so.
+
+12. Do parents manifest interest in the education of their children?
+
+They do. Some of the parents are, however, still very ignorant, and are
+not aware how much their children lose by irregular attendance at
+the schools.
+
+13. Have there been many instances of _theft_ among the scholars?
+
+Not more than among any other class of children.
+
+RESULTS.
+
+Besides an attendance upon the various schools, we procured specific
+information from teachers, missionaries, planters, and others, with
+regard to the past and present state of education, and the weight of
+testimony was to the following effect:
+
+First, That education was by no means extensive previous to
+emancipation. The testimony of one planter was, that not a _tenth part_
+of the present adult population knew the letters of the alphabet. Other
+planters, and some missionaries, thought the proportion might be
+somewhat larger; but all agreed that it was very small. The testimony of
+the venerable Mr. Newby, the oldest Moravian missionary in the island,
+was, that such was the opposition among the planters, it was impossible
+to teach the slaves, excepting by night, secretly. Mr. Thwaites informed
+us that the children were not allowed to attend day school after they
+were six years old. All the instruction they obtained after that age,
+was got at night--a very unsuitable time to study, for those who worked
+all day under an exhausting sun. It is manifest that the instruction
+received under six years of age, would soon be effaced by the incessant
+toil of subsequent life. The account given in a former connection of the
+adult school under the charge of Mr. Morrish, at Newfield, shows most
+clearly the past inattention to education. And yet Mr. M. stated that
+his school was a _fair specimen of the intelligence of the negroes
+generally_. One more evidence in point is the acknowledged ignorance of
+Mr. Thwaites' teachers. After searching through the whole freed
+population for a dozen suitable teachers of children. Mr. T. could not
+find even that number who could _read well_. Many children in the
+schools of six years old read better than their teachers.
+
+We must not be understood to intimate that up to the period of the
+Emancipation, the planters utterly prohibited the education of their
+slaves. Public sentiment had undergone some change previous to that
+event. When the public opinion of England began to be awakened against
+slavery, the planters were indured, for peace sake, to _tolerate_
+education to some extent; though they cannot be said to have
+_encouraged_ it until after Emancipation. This is the substance of the
+statements made to us. Hence it appears that when the active opposition
+of the planters to education ceased, it was succeeded by a general
+indifference, but little less discouraging. We of course speak of the
+planters as a body; there were some honorable exceptions.
+
+Second, Education has become very extensive _since_ emancipation. There
+are probably not less than _six thousand_ children who now enjoy daily
+instruction. These are of all ages under twelve. All classes feel an
+interest in _knowledge_. While the schools previously established are
+flourishing in newness of life, additional ones are springing up in
+every quarter. Sabbath schools, adult and infant schools, day and
+evening schools, are all crowded. A teacher in a Sabbath school in St.
+John's informed us, that the increase in that school immediately after
+emancipation was so sudden and great, that he could compare it to
+nothing but the rising of the mercury when the thermometer is removed
+_out of the shade into the sun_.
+
+We learned that the Bible was the principal book taught in all the
+schools throughout the island. As soon as the children have learned to
+read, the Bible is put into their hands. They not only read it, but
+commit to memory portions of it every day:--the first lesson in the
+morning is an examination on some passage of scripture. We have never
+seen, even among Sabbath school children, a better acquaintance with the
+characters and events recorded in the Old and New Testaments, than among
+the negro children in Antigua. Those passages which inculcate _obedience
+to law_ are strongly enforced; and the prohibitions against stealing,
+lying, cheating, idleness, &c., are reiterated day and night.
+
+Great attention is paid to _singing_ in all the schools.
+
+The songs which they usually sung, embraced such topics as Love to
+God--the presence of God--obedience to parents--friendship for brothers
+and sisters and schoolmates--love of school--the sinfulness of sloth, of
+lying, and of stealing. We quote the following hymn as a specimen of the
+subjects which are introduced into their songs: often were we greeted
+with this sweet hymn, while visiting the different schools throughout
+the island.
+
+BROTHERLY LOVE.
+
+   CHORUS.
+
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers,
+   We're sisters and brothers,
+
+   And heaven is our home.
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers,
+   We're sisters and brothers,
+   And heaven is our home.
+
+   The God of heaven is pleased to see
+   That little children all agree;
+   And will not slight the praise they bring,
+   When loving children join to sing:
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &c.
+
+   For love and kindness please him more
+   Than if we gave him all our store;
+   And children here, who dwell in love,
+   Are like his happy ones above.
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &c.
+
+   The gentle child that tries to please,
+   That hates to quarrel, fret, and teaze,
+   And would not say an angry word--
+   That child is pleasing to the Lord.
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &c.
+
+   O God! forgive, whenever we
+   Forget thy will, and disagree;
+   And grant that each of us, may find
+   The sweet delight of being kind.
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &c.
+
+We were convinced that the negroes were as capable of receiving
+instruction as any people in the world. The testimony of teachers,
+missionaries, clergymen, and planters, was uniform on this point.
+
+Said one planter of age and long experience on the island, "The negroes
+are as capable of culture as any people on earth. _Color makes no
+difference in minds_. It is slavery alone that has degraded the negro."
+
+Another planter, by way of replying to our inquiry on this subject, sent
+for a negro child of five years, who read with great fluency in any part
+of the Testament to which we turned her. "Now," said the gentleman, "I
+should be ashamed to let you hear my own son, of the same age with that
+little girl, read after her." We put the following questions to the
+Wesleyan missionaries: "Are the negroes as _apt to learn_, as other
+people in similar circumstances?" Their written reply was this: "We
+think they are; the same diversified qualities of intellect appear among
+them, as among other people." We put the same question to the Moravian
+missionaries, to the clergymen, and to the teachers of each
+denomination, some of whom, having taught schools in England, were well
+qualified to judge between the European children and the negro children;
+and we uniformly received substantially the same answer. Such, however,
+was the air of surprise with which our question was often received, that
+it required some courage to repeat it. Sometimes it excited a smile, as
+though we could not be serious in the inquiry. And indeed we seldom got
+a direct and explicit answer, without previously stating by way of
+explanation that we had no doubts of our own, but wished to remove those
+extensively entertained among our countrymen. After all, we were
+scarcely credited in Antigua. Such cases as the following were common in
+every school: children of four and five years old reading the Bible;
+children beginning in their A, B, C's, and learning to read in four
+months; children of five and six, answering a variety of questions on
+the historical parts of the Old Testament; children but a little older,
+displaying fine specimens of penmanship, performing sums in the compound
+rules, and running over the multiplication table, and the pound,
+shilling, and pence table, without mistake.
+
+We were grieved to find that most of the teachers employed in the
+instruction of the children, were exceedingly unfit for the work. They
+are very ignorant themselves, and have but little skill in the
+management of children. This however is a necessary evil. The
+emancipated negroes feel a great anxiety for the education of their
+children. They encourage them to go to school, and they labor to support
+them, while they have strong temptation to detain them at home to work.
+They also pay a small sum every week for the maintenance of the schools.
+
+In conclusion, we would observe, that one of the prominent features of
+_regenerated_ Antigua, is its _education_. An intelligent religion, and
+a religious education, are the twin glories of this emancipated colony.
+It is comment enough upon the difference between slavery and freedom,
+that the same agents which are deprecated as the destroyers of the one,
+are cherished as the defenders of the other.
+
+Before entering upon a detail of the testimony which bears more directly
+upon slavery in America, we deem it proper to consider the inquiry.
+
+"What is the amount of freedom in Antigua, as regulated by law?"
+
+1st. The people are entirely free from the whip, and from all compulsory
+control of the master.
+
+2d. They can change employers whenever they become dissatisfied with
+their situation, by previously giving a month's notice.
+
+3d. They have the right of trial by jury in all cases of a serious
+nature, while for small offences, the magistrate's court is open. They
+may have legal redress for any wrong or violence inflicted by their
+employers.
+
+4th. Parents have the entire control of their children. The planter
+cannot in any way interfere with them. The parents have the whole charge
+of their support.
+
+5th. By an express provision of the legislature, it was made obligatory
+upon every planter to support all the superannuated, infirm, or diseased
+on the estate, _who were such at this time of emancipation_. Those who
+have become so since 1834, fall upon the hands of their relatives for
+maintenance.
+
+6th. The amount of wages is not determined by law. By a general
+understanding among the planters, the rate is at present fixed at a
+shilling per day, or a little more than fifty cents per week, counting
+five working days. This matter is wisely left to be regulated by the
+character of the seasons, and the mutual agreement of the parties
+concerned. As the island is suffering rather from a paucity of laborers,
+than otherwise, labor must in good seasons command good wages. The
+present rate of wages is extremely low, though it is made barely
+tolerable by the additional perquisites which the people enjoy. They
+have them houses rent free, and in connection with them small premises
+forty feet square, suitable for gardens, and for raising poultry, and
+pigs, &c.; for which they always find a ready market. Moreover, they are
+burthened with no taxes whatever; and added to this, they are supplied
+with medical attendance at the expense of the estates.
+
+7th. The master is authorized in case of neglect of work, or turning out
+late in the morning, or entire absence from labor, to reduce the wages,
+or withhold them for a time, not exceeding a week.
+
+8th. The agricultural laborers may leave the field whenever they choose,
+(provided they give a month's previous notice,) and engage in any other
+business; or they may purchase land and become cultivators themselves,
+though in either case they are of course liable to forfeit their houses
+on the estates.
+
+9th. They may leave the island, if they choose, and seek their fortunes
+in any other part of the world, by making provision for their near
+relatives left behind. This privilege has been lately tested by the
+emigration of some of the negroes to Demerara. The authorities of the
+island became alarmed lest they should lose too many of the laboring
+population, and the question was under discussion, at the time we were
+in Antigua, whether it would not be lawful to prohibit the emigration.
+It was settled, however, that such a measure would be illegal, and the
+planters were left to the alternative of either being abandoned by their
+negroes, or of securing their continuance by adding to their comforts
+and treating them kindly.
+
+10. The right of suffrage, and eligibility to office are subject to no
+restrictions, save the single one of property, which is the same with
+all colors. The property qualification, however, is so great, as
+effectually to exclude the whole agricultural negro population for
+many years.
+
+11th. _The main constabulary force is composed of emancipated negroes,
+living on the estates_. One or two trust-worthy men on each estate are
+empowered with the authority of constables in relation to the people on
+the same estate, and much reliance is placed upon these men, to preserve
+order and to bring offenders to trial.
+
+12th. A body of police has been established, whose duty it is to arrest
+all disorderly or riotous persons, to repair to the estates in case of
+trouble, and co-operate with the constables, in arraigning all persons
+charged with the violation of law.
+
+13th. The punishment for slight offences, such as stealing sugar-canes
+from the field, is confinement in the house of correction, or being
+sentenced to the tread-mill, for any period from three days to three
+months. The punishment for burglary, and other high offences, is
+solitary confinement in chains, or transportation for life to
+Botany Bay.
+
+Such are the main features in the statutes, regulating the freedom of
+the emancipated population of Antigua. It will be seen that there is no
+enactment which materially modifies, or unduly restrains, the liberty of
+the subject. There are no secret reservations or postscript provisoes,
+which nullify the boon of freedom. Not only is slavery utterly
+abolished, but all its appendages are scattered to the winds; and a
+system of impartial laws secures justice to all, of every color and
+condition.
+
+The measure of success which has crowned the experiment of emancipation
+in Antigua--an experiment tried under so many adverse circumstances, and
+with comparatively few local advantages--is highly encouraging to
+slaveholders in our country. It must be evident that the balance of
+advantages between the situation of Antigua and that of the South, _is
+decidedly in favor of the latter_. The South has her resident
+proprietors, her resources of wealth, talent, and enterprise, and her
+preponderance of white population; she also enjoys a regularity of
+seasons, but rarely disturbed by desolating droughts, a bracing climate,
+which imparts energy and activity to her laboring population, and
+comparatively numerous wants to stimulate and press the laborer up to
+the _working mark_; she has close by her side the example of a free
+country, whose superior progress in internal improvements, wealth, the
+arts and sciences, morals and religion, all ocular demonstration to her
+of her own wretched policy, and a moving appeal in favor of abolition;
+and above all, site has the opportunity of choosing her own mode, and of
+ensuring all the blessings of a _voluntary and peaceable manumission_,
+while the energies, the resources, the sympathies, and the prayers of
+the North, stand pledged to her assistance.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+FACTS AND TESTIMONY.
+
+We have reserved the mass of facts and testimony, bearing immediately
+upon slavery in America, in order that we might present them together in
+a condensed furor, under distinct heads. These heads, it will be
+perceived, consist chiefly of propositions which are warmly contested in
+our country. Will the reader examine these principles in the light of
+facts? Will the candid of our countrymen--whatever opinions they may
+hitherto hate entertained on this subject--hear the concurrent testimony
+of numerous planters, legislators, lawyers, physicians, and merchants,
+who have until three years past been wedded to slavery by birth,
+education, prejudice, associations, and supposed interest, but who have
+since been divorced from all connection with the system?
+
+In most cases we shall give the names, the stations, and business of our
+witnesses; in a few instances, in which we were requested to withhold
+the name, we shall state such circumstances as will serve to show the
+standing and competency of the individuals. If the reader should find in
+what follows, very little testimony unfavorable to emancipation, he may
+know the reason to be, that little was to be gleaned from any part of
+Antigua. Indeed, we may say that, with very few exceptions, the
+sentiments here recorded as coming from individuals, are really the
+sentiments of the whole community. There is no such thing known in
+Antigua as an _opposing, disaffected party_. So complete and thorough
+has been the change in public opinion, that it would be now
+_disreputable_ to speak against emancipation.
+
+FIRST PROPOSITION.--The transition from slavery to freedom is
+represented as a greet revolution, by which a prodigious change was
+effected in _the condition of the negroes_.
+
+In conversation with us, the planters often spoke of the greatness and
+suddenness of the change. Said Mr. Barnard, of Green Castle estate, "The
+transition from slavery to freedom, was like passing suddenly out of a
+dark dungeon into the light of the sun."
+
+R.B. Eldridge, Esq., a member of the assembly, remarked, that, "There
+never had been in the history of the world so great and instantaneous a
+change in the condition of so large a body of people."
+
+The Honorable Nicholas Nugent, speaker of the house of assembly, and
+proprietor, said, "There never was so sudden a transition from one state
+to another, by so large a body of people. When the clock began to strike
+the hour of twelve on the last night of July, 1834, the negroes of
+Antigua were _slaves_--when it ceased they were all _freemen!_ It was a
+stupendous change," he said, "and it was one of the sublimest spectacles
+ever witnessed, to see the subjects of the change engaged at the very
+moment it occurred, in worshipping God."
+
+These, and very many similar ones, were the spontaneous expressions of
+men _who had long contended against the change_ of which they spoke.
+
+It is exceedingly difficult to make slaveholders see that there is any
+material difference between slavery and freedom; but when they have once
+renounced slavery, they _will magnify this distinction_ more than any
+other class of men.
+
+SECOND PROPOSITION.--Emancipation in Antigua was the result of political
+and pecuniary considerations merely.
+
+Abolition was seen to be inevitable, and there were but two courses left
+to the colonists--to adopt the apprenticeship system, or immediate
+emancipation. Motives of convenience led them to choose the latter.
+Considerations of general philanthropy, of human rights, and of the
+sinfulness of slavery, were scarcely so much as thought of.
+
+Some time previous to the abolition of slavery, a meeting of the
+influential men of the island was called in St. John's, to memorialize
+parliament against the measure of abolition. When the meeting convened,
+the Hon. Samuel O. Baijer, who had been the champion of the opposition,
+was called upon to propose a plan of procedure. To the consternation of
+the pro-slavery meeting, their leader arose and spoke to the following
+effect:--"Gentlemen, my previous sentiments on this subject are well
+known to you all; be not surprised to learn that they have undergone an
+entire change, I have not altered my views without mature deliberation.
+I have been making calculations with regard to the probable results of
+emancipation, and _I have ascertained beyond a doubt, that I can
+cultivate my estate at least one third cheaper by free labor than by
+slave labor_." After Mr. B. had finished his remarks, Mr. S. Shands,
+member of assembly, and a wealthy proprietor, observed that he
+entertained precisely the same views with those just expressed; but he
+thought that the honorable gentleman had been unwise in uttering them in
+so public a manner; "for," said he, "should these sentiments reach the
+ear of parliament, as coming from us, _it might induce them to withhold
+the compensation_."
+
+Col. Edwards, member of the assembly, then arose and said, that he had
+long been opposed to slavery, but he had not _dared to avow his
+sentiments_.
+
+As might be supposed, the meeting adjourned without effecting the object
+for which it was convened.
+
+When the question came before the colonial assembly, similar discussions
+ensued, and finally the bill for immediate emancipation passed both
+bodies _unanimously_. It was an evidence of the spirit of selfish
+expediency, which prompted the whole procedure, that they clogged the
+emancipation bill with the proviso that a certain governmental tax on
+exports, called the four and a half per cent tax[A], should be repealed.
+Thus clogged, the bill was sent home for sanction, but it was rejected
+by parliament, and sent back with instructions, that before it could
+receive his majesty's seal, it must appear wholly unencumbered with
+extraneous provisoes. This was a great disappointment to the
+legislature, and it so chagrined them that very many actually withdrew
+their support from the bill for emancipation, which passed finally in
+the assembly only by the casting vote of the speaker.
+
+[Footnote A: We subjoin the following brief history of the four and a
+half per cent. tax, which we procured from the speaker of the assembly.
+In the rein of Charles II., Antigua was conquered by the French, and the
+inhabitants were forced to swear allegiance to the French government. In
+a very short time the French were driven off the island and the English
+again took possession of it. It was then declared, by order of the king,
+that as the people had, by swearing allegiance to another government,
+forfeited the protection of the British government, and all title to
+their lands, they should not again receive either, except on condition
+of paying to the king a duty of four and a half per cent on every
+article exported from the island--and that they were to do in
+_perpetuity_. To this hard condition they were obliged to submit, and
+they have groaned under the onerous duty ever since. On every occasion,
+which offered any hope, they have sought the repeal of the tax, but have
+uniformly been defeated. When they saw that the abolition question was
+coming to a crisis, they resolved to make a last effort for the repeal
+of the four and a half percent duty. They therefore adopted immediate
+emancipation, and then, covered as they were, with the laurels of so
+magnanimous an act, they presented to parliament their cherished object.
+The defeat was a humiliating one, and it produced such a reaction in the
+island, as well nigh led to the rescinding of the abolition bill.]
+
+The verbal and written statements of numerous planters also confirm the
+declaration that emancipation was a measure solely of selfish policy.
+
+Said Mr. Bernard, of Green Castle estate "Emancipation was preferred to
+apprenticeship, because it was attended with less trouble, and left the
+planters independent, instead of being saddled with a legion of
+stipendiary magistrates."
+
+Said Dr. Daniell, member of the council, and proprietor--"The
+apprenticeship was rejected by us solely from motives of policy. We did
+not wish to be annoyed with stipendiary magistrates."
+
+Said Hon. N. Nugent--"We wished to let ourselves down in the easiest
+manner possible; _therefore_ we chose immediate freedom in preference to
+the apprenticeship."
+
+"Emancipation was preferred to apprenticeship, because of the inevitable
+and endless perplexities connected with the latter system."--_David
+Cranstoun, Esq., colonial magistrate and planter_.
+
+"It is not pretended that emancipation was produced by the influence of
+religious considerations. It was a measure of mere convenience and
+interest."--_A Moravian Missionary_.
+
+The following testimony is extracted from a letter addressed to us by a
+highly respectable merchant of St. John's--a gentleman of long
+experience on the island, and now agent for several estates.
+"Emancipation was an act of mere policy, adopted as _the safest and most
+economic_ measure."
+
+Our last item of testimony under this head is from a written statement
+by the Hon. N. Nugent, speaker of the assembly, at the time of
+emancipation. His remarks on this subject, although long, we are sure
+will be read with interest. Alluding to the adoption of immediate
+emancipation in preference to the apprenticeship, he observes:--
+
+"The reasons and considerations which led to this step were various, of
+course impressing the minds of different individuals in different
+degrees. As slave emancipation could not be averted, and must inevitably
+take place very shortly, it was better to meet the crisis at once, than
+to have it hanging over our heads for six years, with all its harassing
+doubts and anxieties; better to give an air of grace to that which would
+be ultimately unavoidable; the slaves should rather have a motive of
+gratitude and kind reciprocation, than to feel, on being declared free,
+that their emancipation could neither be withheld nor retarded by their
+owners. The projected apprenticeship, while it destroyed the means of an
+instant coercion in a state of involuntary labor, equally withdrew or
+neutralized all those urgent motives which constrain to industrious
+exertion in the case of freemen. It abstracted from the master, in a
+state of things then barely remunerative, one fourth of the time and
+labor required in cultivation, and gave it to the servant, while it
+compelled the master to supply the same allowances as before. With many
+irksome restraints, conditions, and responsibilities imposed on the
+master, it had no equivalent advantages. There appeared no reason, in
+short, why general emancipation would not do as well in 1834 as in 1840.
+Finally, a strong conviction existed that from peculiarity of climate
+and soil, the physical wants and necessities of the peasantry would
+compel them to labor for their subsistence, to seek employment and wages
+from the proprietors of the soil; and if the _transformation_ could be
+safely and quietly brought about, that the _free_ system might be
+cheaper and more profitable than the other."
+
+The general testimony of planters, missionaries, clergymen, merchants,
+and others, was in confirmation of the same truth.
+
+There is little reason to believe that the views of the colonists on
+this subject have subsequently undergone much change. We did not hear,
+excepting occasionally among the missionaries and clergy, the slightest
+insinuation thrown out that _slavery was sinful_; that the slaves had a
+right to freedom, or that it would have been wrong to have continued
+them in bondage. The _politics_ of anti-slavery the Antiguans are
+exceedingly well versed in, but of its _religion_, they seem to feel but
+little. They seem never to have examined slavery in its moral relations;
+never to have perceived its monstrous violations of right and its
+impious tramplings upon God and man. The Antigua planters, it would
+appear, have _yet_ to repent of the sin of slaveholding.
+
+If the results of an emancipation so destitute of _principle_, so purely
+selfish, could produce such general satisfaction, and be followed by
+such happy results, it warrants us in anticipating still more decided
+and unmingled blessings in the train of a voluntary, conscientious, and
+religious abolition.
+
+THIRD PROPOSITION.--The _event_ of emancipation passed PEACEFULLY. The
+first of August, 1834, is universally regarded in Antigua, as having
+presented a most imposing and sublime moral spectacle. It is almost
+impossible to be in the company of a missionary, a planter, or an
+emancipated negro, for ten minutes, without hearing some allusion to
+that occasion. Even at the time of our visit to Antigua, after the lapse
+of nearly three years, they spoke of the event with an admiration
+apparently unabated.
+
+For some time previous to the first of August, forebodings of disaster
+lowered over the island. The day was fixed! Thirty thousand degraded
+human beings were to be brought forth from the dungeon of slavery and
+"turned loose on the community!" and this was to be done "in a moment,
+in the twinkling of an eye."
+
+Gloomy apprehensions were entertained by many of the planters. Some
+timorous families did not go to bed on the night of the 31st of July;
+fear drove sleep from their eyes, and they awaited with fluttering pulse
+the hour of midnight, fearing lest the same bell which sounded the
+jubilee of the slaves might toll the death knell of the masters.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: We were informed by a merchant of St. John's, that several
+American vessels which had lain for weeks in the harbor, weighed anchor
+on the 31st of July, and made their escape, through actual fear, that
+the island would be destroyed on the following day. Ere they set sail
+they earnestly besought our informant to escape from the island, as he
+valued his life.]
+
+The more intelligent, who understood the disposition of the negroes, and
+contemplated the natural tendencies of emancipation, through
+philosophical principles, and to the light of human nature and history,
+were free from alarm.
+
+To convey to the reader some idea of the manner in which the great
+crisis passed, we give the substance of several accounts which were
+related to us in different parts of the island, by those who
+witnessed them.
+
+The Wesleyans kept "watch-night" in all their chapels on the night of
+the 31st July. One of the Wesleyan missionaries gave us an account of
+the watch meeting at the chapel in St. John's. The spacious house was
+filled with the candidates for liberty. All was animation and eagerness.
+A mighty chorus of voices swelled the song of expectation and joy, and
+as they united in prayer, the voice of the leader was drowned in the
+universal acclamations of thanksgiving and praise, and blessing, and
+honor, and glory, to God, who had come down for their deliverance. In
+such exercises the evening was spent until the hour of twelve
+approached. The missionary then proposed that when the clock on the
+cathedral should begin to strike, the whole congregation should fall
+upon their knees and receive the boon of freedom in silence.
+Accordingly, as the loud bell tolled its first note, the immense
+assembly fell prostrate on their knees. All was silence, save the
+quivering half-stifled breath of the struggling spirit. The slow notes
+of the clock fell upon the multitude; peal on peal, peal on peal, rolled
+over the prostrate throng, in tones of angels' voices, thrilling among
+the desolate chords and weary heart strings. Scarce had the clock
+sounded its last note, when the lightning flashed vividly around, and a
+loud peal of thunder roared along the sky--God's pillar of fire, and
+trump of jubilee! A moment of profoundest silence passed--then came the
+_burst_--they broke forth in prayer; they shouted, they sung, "Glory,"
+"alleluia;" they clapped their hands, leaped up, fell down, clasped each
+other in their free arms, cried, laughed, and went to and fro, tossing
+upward their unfettered hands; but high above the whole there was a
+mighty sound which ever and anon swelled up; it was the utterings in
+broken negro dialect of gratitude to God.
+
+After this gush of excitement had spent itself; and the congregation
+became calm, the religious exercises were resumed, and the remainder of
+the night was occupied in singing and prayer, in reading the Bible, and
+in addresses from the missionaries explaining the nature of the freedom
+just received, and exhorting the freed people to be industrious, steady,
+obedient to the laws, and to show themselves in all things worthy of the
+high boon which God had conferred upon them.
+
+The first of August came on Friday, and a release was proclaimed from
+all work until the next Monday. The day was chiefly spent by the great
+mass of the negroes in the churches and chapels. Thither they flocked
+"as clouds, and as doves to their windows." The clergy and missionaries
+throughout the island were actively engaged, seizing the opportunity in
+order to enlighten the people on all the duties and responsibilities of
+their new relation, and above all, urging them to the attainment of that
+higher liberty with which Christ maketh his children free. In every
+quarter we were assured that the day was like a Sabbath. Work had
+ceased; the hum of business was still, and noise and tumult were unheard
+on the streets. Tranquillity pervaded the towns and country. A Sabbath
+indeed! when the wicked ceased from troubling, and the weary were at
+rest, and the slave was free from his master! The planters informed us
+that they went to the chapels where their own people were assembled,
+greeted them, shook hands with them, and exchanged the most hearty
+good wishes.
+
+The churches and chapels were thronged all over the island. At Cedar
+Hall, a Moravian station, the crowd was so great that the minister was
+obliged to remove the meeting from the chapel to a neighboring grove.
+
+At Grace Hill, another Moravian station, the negroes went to the
+Missionary on the day before the first of August, and begged that they
+might be allowed to have a meeting in the chapel at sunrise. It is the
+usual practice among the Moravians to hold but one sunrise meeting
+during the year, and that is on the morning of Easter: but as the people
+besought very earnestly for this special favor on the Easter morning of
+their freedom, it was granted to them.
+
+Early in the morning they assembled at the chapel. For some time they
+sat in perfect silence. The missionary then proposed that they should
+kneel down and sing. The whole audience fell upon their knees, and sung
+a hymn commencing with the following verse:
+
+   "Now let us praise the Lord,
+   With body, soul and spirit,
+   Who doth such wondrous things,
+   Beyond our sense and merit."
+
+The singing was frequently interrupted with the tears and sobbings of
+the melted people, until finally it was wholly arrested, and a tumult of
+emotion overwhelmed the congregation.
+
+During the day, repeated meetings were held. At eleven o'clock, the
+people assembled in vast numbers. There were at least a _thousand_
+persons around the chapel, who could not get in. For once the house of
+God suffered violence, and the violent took it by force. After all the
+services of the day, the people went again to the missionaries in a
+body, and petitioned to have a meeting in the evening.
+
+At Grace Bay, the people, all dressed in white, assembled in a spacious
+court in front of the Moravian chapel. They formed a procession and
+walked arm in arm into the chapel. Similar scenes occurred at all the
+chapels and at the churches also. We were told by the missionaries that
+the dress of the negroes on that occasion was uncommonly simple and
+modest. There was not the least disposition of gaiety.
+
+We were also informed by planters and missionaries in every part of the
+island, that there was not a single dance known of, either day or night,
+nor so much as a fiddle played. There were no riotous assemblies, no
+drunken carousals. It was not in such channels that the excitement of
+the emancipated flowed. They were as far from dissipation and
+debauchery, as they were from violence and carnage. GRATITUDE was the
+absorbing emotion. From the hill-tops, and the valleys, the cry of a
+disenthralled people went upward like the sound of many waters, "Glory
+to God, glory to God."
+
+The testimony of the planters corresponds fully with that of the
+missionaries.
+
+Said R.B. Eldridge, Esq., after speaking of the number emancipated, "Yet
+this vast body, (30,000,) _glided_ out of slavery into freedom with the
+utmost tranquillity."
+
+Dr. Daniell observed, that after so prodigious a revolution in the
+condition of the negroes, he expected that some irregularities would
+ensue; but he had been entirely disappointed. He also said that he
+anticipated some relaxation from labour during the week following
+emancipation. But he found his hands in the field early on Monday
+morning, and not one missing. The same day he received word from another
+estate, of which he was proprietor,[A] that the negroes had to a man
+refused to go to the field. He immediately rode to the estate and found
+the people standing with their hoes in their hands doing nothing. He
+accosted them in a friendly manner: "What does this mean, my fellows,
+that you are not at work this morning?" They immediately replied, "It's
+not because we don't want to work, massa, but we wanted to see you first
+and foremost to _know what the bargain would be_." As soon as that
+matter was settled, the whole body of negroes turned out cheerfully,
+without a moment's cavil.
+
+[Footnote A: It is not unusual in the West Indies for proprietors to
+commit their own estates into the hands of managers; and be themselves,
+the managers of other men's estates.]
+
+Mr. Bourne, of Millar's, informed us that the largest gang he had ever
+seen in the field on his property, turned out the _week after
+emancipation_.
+
+Said Hon. N. Nugent, "Nothing could surpass the universal propriety of
+the negroes' conduct on the first of August, 1834! Never was there a
+more beautiful and interesting spectacle exhibited, than on that
+occasion."
+
+FOURTH PROPOSITION.--There has been _since_ emancipation, not only _no
+rebellion in fact_, but NO FEAR OF IT in Antigua.
+
+Proof 1st. The militia were not called out during Christmas holidays.
+_Before_ emancipation, martial law invariably prevailed on the holidays,
+but the very first Christmas after emancipation, the Governor made a
+proclamation stating that _in consequence of the abolition of slavery_
+it was no longer necessary to resort to such a precaution. There has not
+been a parade of soldiery on any subsequent Christmas.[B]
+
+[Footnote B: This has been followed by a measure on the part of the
+Legislature, which is further proof of the same thing. It is "an Act for
+amending and further continuing the several Acts at present in force for
+better organizing and ordering the militia."
+
+The preamble reads thus:
+
+    "WHEREAS the abolition of slavery in this island renders it
+    expedient to provide against an unnecessary augmentation of the
+    militia, and the existing laws for better organizing and ordering
+    that local force require amendment."
+
+The following military advertisement also shows the increasing
+confidence which is felt in the freed men:
+
+    "RECRUITS WANTED.--The free men of Antigua are now called on to show
+    their gratitude and loyalty to King WILLIAM, for the benefits he has
+    conferred on them and their families, by volunteering their services
+    as soldiers in his First West India Regiment; in doing which they
+    will acquire a still higher rank in society, by being placed on a
+    footing of perfect equality with the other troops in his Majesty's
+    service, and receive the same bounty, pay, clothing, rations and
+    allowances.
+
+    None but young men of good character can be received, and all such
+    will meet with every encouragement by applying at St. John's
+    Barracks, to
+
+    H. DOWNIE, _Capt. 1st W.I. Regt_. _September 15th_, 1836."
+]
+
+2d. The uniform declaration of planters and others:
+
+"Previous to emancipation, many persons apprehended violence and
+bloodshed as the consequence of turning the slaves all loose. But when
+emancipation took place, all these apprehensions vanished. The sense of
+personal security is universal. We know not of a single instance in
+which the negroes have exhibited a _revengeful spirit_."
+
+_S. Bourne, Esq., of Millar's.--Watkins, Esq., of Donovan's._
+
+"It has always appeared to me self-evident, that if a man is peaceable
+while a _slave_, he will be so when a _free man_."
+
+_Dr. Ferguson._
+
+"There is no possible danger of personal violence from the slaves;
+should a foreign power invade our island, I have no doubt that the
+negroes would, to a man, fight for the planters. I have the utmost
+confidence in all the people who are under my management; they are my
+friends, and they consider me their friend."
+
+_H. Armstrong, Esq., of Fitch's Creek._
+
+The same gentleman informed us that during slavery, he used frequently
+to lie sleepless on his bed, thinking about his dangerous situation--a
+lone white person far away from help, and surrounded by hundreds of
+savage slaves; and he had spent hours thus, in devising plans of
+self-defence in case the house should be attacked by the negroes. "If
+they come," he would say to himself, "and break down the door, and fill
+my bedroom, what shall I do? It will be useless to fire at them; my only
+hope is to frighten the superstitious fellows by covering myself with a
+white sheet, and rushing into the midst of them, crying,
+'ghost, ghost.'"
+
+Now Mr. A. sleeps in peace and safety, without conjuring up a ghost to
+keep guard at his bedside. His bodyguard is a battalion of substantial
+flesh and blood, made up of those who were once the objects of his
+nightly terror!
+
+"There has been no instance of personal violence since freedom. Some
+persons pretended, prior to emancipation, to apprehend disastrous
+results; but for my part I cannot say that I ever entertained such
+fears. I could not see any thing which was to instigate negroes to
+rebellion, _after_ they had obtained their liberty. I have not heard of
+a single case of even _meditated_ revenge."
+
+_Dr. Daniell, Proprietor, Member of Council, Attorney of six estates,
+and Manager of Weatherill's._
+
+"One of the blessings of emancipation has been, that it has banished the
+_fear_ of insurrections, incendiarism, &c."
+
+_Mr. Favey, Manager of Lavicount's._
+
+"In my extensive intercourse with the people, as missionary, I have
+never heard of an instance of violence or revenge on the part of the
+negroes, even where they had been ill-treated during slavery."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Morrish, Moravian Missionary._
+
+"Insurrection or revenge is in no case dreaded, not even by those
+planters who were most cruel in the time of slavery. My family go to
+sleep every night with the doors unlocked, and we fear neither violence
+nor robbery."
+
+_Hon. N. Nugent._
+
+Again, in a written communication, the same gentleman remarks:--"There
+is not the slightest feeling of insecurity--quite the contrary. Property
+is more secure, _for all idea of insurrection is abolished forever_."
+
+"We have no cause now to fear insurrections; emancipation has freed us
+from all danger on this score."
+
+_David Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+Extract of a letter from a merchant of St. John's who has resided in
+Antigua more than thirty years:
+
+"There is no sense of personal danger arising from insurrections or
+conspiracies among the blacks. Serious apprehensions of this nature were
+formerly entertained; but they gradually died away _during the first
+year of freedom_."
+
+We quote the following from a communication addressed to us by a
+gentleman of long experience in Antigua--now a merchant in St.
+John's--_James Scotland, Sen., Esq._
+
+"Disturbances, insubordinations, and revelry, have greatly decreased
+since emancipation; and it is a remarkable fact, that on the day of
+abolition, which was observed with the solemnity and services of the
+Sabbath, not an instance of common insolence was experienced from any
+freed man."
+
+"There is no feeling of insecurity. A stronger proof of this cannot be
+given than the dispensing, within five months after emancipation, with
+the Christmas guards, which had been regularly and uninterruptedly kept,
+for nearly one hundred years--during the whole time of slavery."
+
+"The military has never been called out, but on one occasion, since the
+abolition, and that was when a certain planter, the most violent enemy
+of freedom, reported to the Governor that there were strong symptoms of
+insurrection among his negroes. The story was generally laughed at, and
+the reporter of it was quite ashamed of his weakness and fears."
+
+"My former occupation, as editor of a newspaper, rendered it necessary
+for me to make incessant inquiries into the conduct as well as the
+treatment of the emancipated, and I have _never heard any instance of
+revenge_ for former injuries. The negroes have _quitted_ managers who
+were _harsh or cruel_ to them in their bondage, but they removed in a
+peaceable and orderly manner."
+
+"Our negroes, and I presume other negroes too, are very little less
+sensible to the force of those motives which lead to the peace, order,
+and welfare of society, than any other set of people."
+
+"The general conduct of the negroes has been worthy of much praise,
+especially considering the sudden transition from slavery to
+unrestricted freedom. Their demeanor is peaceable and orderly."
+
+_Ralph Higinbothom, U. S. Consul._
+
+As we mingled with the missionaries, both in town and country, they all
+bore witness to the security of their persons and families. They,
+equally with the planters, were surprised that we should make any
+inquiries about insurrections. A question on this subject generally
+excited a smile, a look of astonishment, or some exclamation, such as
+"_Insurrection_! my dear sirs, we do not think of such a thing;" or,
+"Rebellion indeed! why, what should they rebel for _now_, since they
+have got their liberty!"
+
+Physicians informed us that they were in the habit of riding into the
+country at all hours of the night, and though they were constantly
+passing negroes, both singly and in companies, they never had
+experienced any rudeness, nor even so much as an insolent word. They
+could go by night or day, into any part of the island where their
+professional duties called them, without the slightest sense of danger.
+
+A residence of nine weeks in the island gave us no small opportunity of
+testing the reality of its boasted security. The hospitality of planters
+and missionaries, of which we have recorded so many instances in a
+previous part of this work, gave us free access to their houses in every
+part of the island. In many cases we were constrained to spend the night
+with them, and thus enjoyed, in the intimacies of the domestic circle,
+and in the unguarded moments of social intercourse, every opportunity of
+detecting any lurking fears of violence, if such there had been; but we
+saw no evidence of it, either in the arrangements of the houses or in
+the conduct of the inmates[A].
+
+[Footnote A: In addition to the evidence derived from Antigua, we
+would mention the following fact:
+
+A planter, who is also an attorney, informed us that on the neighboring
+little island of Barbuda, (which is leased from the English government
+by Sir Christopher Coddrington,) there are five hundred negroes and only
+_three white men_. The negroes are entirely free, yet the whites
+continue to live among them without any fear of having their throats
+cut. The island is cultivated in sugar.--Barbuda is under the
+government of Antigua, and accordingly the act of entire emancipation
+extended to that island.]
+
+FIFTH PROPOSITION.--There has been no fear of house breaking, highway
+robberies, and like misdemeanors, since emancipation. Statements,
+similar to those adduced under the last head, from planters, and other
+gentlemen, might be introduced here; but as this proposition is so
+intimately involved in the foregoing, separate proof is not necessary.
+The same causes which excite apprehensions of insurrection, produce
+fears of robberies and other acts of violence; so also the same state of
+society which establishes security of person, insures the safety of
+property. Both in town and country we heard gentlemen repeatedly speak
+of the slight fastenings to their houses. A mere lock, or bolt, was all
+that secured the outside doors, and they might be burst open with ease,
+by a single man. In some cases, as has already been intimated, the
+planters habitually neglect to fasten their doors--so strong is their
+confidence of safety. We were not a little struck with the remark of a
+gentleman in St. John's. He said he had long been desirous to remove to
+England, his native country, and had slavery continued much longer in
+Antigua, he certainly should have gone; but _now_ the _security of
+property was so much greater in Antigua than it was in England_, that he
+thought it doubtful whether he should ever _venture_ to take his
+family thither.
+
+SIXTH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation is regarded by all classes as a great
+blessing to the island.
+
+There is not a class, or party, or sect, who do not esteem the abolition
+of slavery as a _special blessing to them_. The rich, because it
+relieved them of "property" which was fast becoming a disgrace, as it
+had always been a vexation and a tax, and because it has emancipated
+them from the terrors of insurrection, which kept them all their life
+time subject to bondage. The poor whites--because it lifted from off
+them the yoke of civil oppression. The free colored population--because
+it gave the death blow to the prejudice that crushed them, and opened
+the prospect of social, civil, and political equality with the whites.
+The _slaves_--because it broke open their dungeon, led them out to
+liberty, and gave them, in one munificent donation, their wives, their
+children, their bodies, their souls--every thing!
+
+The following extracts from the journals of the legislature, show the
+state of feeling existing shortly after emancipation. The first is dated
+October 30, 1834:
+
+"The Speaker said, that he looked with exultation at the prospect before
+us. The hand of the Most High was evidently working for us. Could we
+regard the universal tranquillity, the respectful demeanor of the lower
+classes, as less than an interposition of Providence? The agricultural
+and commercial prosperity of the island were absolutely on the advance;
+and for his part he would not hesitate to purchase estates to-morrow."
+
+The following remark was made in the course of a speech by a member of
+the council, November 12, 1834:
+
+"Colonel Brown stated, that since emancipation he had never been without
+a sufficient number of laborers, and he was certain he could obtain as
+many more to-morrow as he should wish."
+
+The general confidence in the beneficial results of emancipation, has
+grown stronger with every succeeding year and month. It has been seen
+that freedom will bear trial; that it will endure, and continue to bring
+forth fruits of increasing value.
+
+The Governor informed us that "it was _universally admitted_, that
+emancipation had been a great blessing to the island."
+
+In a company of proprietors and planters, who met us on a certain
+occasion, among whom were lawyers, magistrates, and members of the
+council, and of the assembly, the sentiment was distinctly avowed, that
+emancipation was highly beneficial to the island, and there was not a
+dissenting opinion.
+
+"Emancipation is working most admirably, especially for the planters. It
+is infinitely better policy than slavery or the apprenticeship either."
+--_Dr. Ferguson_.
+
+"Our planters find that freedom answers a far better purpose than
+slavery ever did. A gentleman, who is attorney for eight estates,
+assured me that there was no comparison between the benefits and
+advantages of the two systems."--_Archdeacon Parry_.
+
+"All the planters in my neighborhood (St. Philip's parish) are highly
+pleased with the operation of the new system."--_Rev. Mr. Jones, Rector
+of St. Philip's_.
+
+"I do not know of more than one or two planters in the whole island, who
+do not consider emancipation as a decided advantage to all parties."
+--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+That emancipation should be universally regarded as a blessing, is
+remarkable, when we consider that combination of untoward circumstances
+which it has been called to encounter--a combination wholly
+unprecedented in the history of the island. In 1835, the first year of
+the new system, the colony was visited by one of the most desolating
+hurricanes which has occurred for many years. In the same year,
+cultivation was arrested, and the crops greatly reduced, by drought.
+About the same time, the yellow fever prevailed with fearful mortality.
+The next year the drought returned, and brooded in terror from March
+until January, and from January until June: not only blasting the
+harvest of '36, but extending its blight over the crops of '37.
+
+Nothing could be better calculated to try the confidence in the new
+system. Yet we find all classes zealously exonerating emancipation, and
+in despite of tornado, plague, and wasting, still affirming the
+blessings and advantages of freedom!
+
+SEVENTH PROPOSITION.--_Free labor_ is decidedly LESS EXPENSIVE than
+_slave labor_. It costs the planter actually less to pay his free
+laborers daily wages, than it did to maintain his slaves. It will be
+observed in the testimony which follows, that there is some difference
+of opinion as to the _precise amount_ of reduction in the expenses,
+which is owing to the various modes of management on different estates,
+and more particularly, to the fact that some estates raise all their
+provisions, while others raise none. But as to the fact itself, there
+can scarcely be said to be any dispute among the planters. There was one
+class of planters whose expenses seemed to be somewhat increased, viz.
+those who raised all their provisions before emancipation, and ceased to
+raise any _after_ that event. But in the opinion of the most intelligent
+planters, even these did not really sustain any loss, for originally it
+was bad policy to raise provisions, since it engrossed that labor which
+would have been more profitably directed to the cultivation of sugar;
+and hence they would ultimately be gainers by the change.
+
+S. Bourne, Esq. stated that the expenses on Millar's estate, of which he
+is manager, had diminished about _one third_.
+
+Mr. Barnard, of Green Castle, thought his expenses were about the same
+that they were formerly.
+
+Mr. Favey, of Lavicount's estate, enumerated, among the advantages of
+freedom over slavery, "the diminished expense."
+
+Dr. Nugent also stated, that "the expenses of cultivation were greatly
+diminished."
+
+Mr. Hatley, manager of Fry's estate, said that the expenses on his
+estate had been greatly reduced since emancipation. He showed us the
+account of his expenditures for the last year of slavery, and the first
+full year of freedom, 1835. The expenses during the last year of slavery
+were 1371_l._ 2_s._ 4-1/2_d._; the expenses for 1835 were 821_l._ 16_s._
+7-1/2_d._: showing a reduction of more than one third.
+
+D. Cranstoun, Esq., informed us that his weekly expenses during slavery,
+on the estate which he managed, were, on an average, 45_l._; the average
+expenses now do not exceed 20_l._
+
+Extract of a letter from Hon. N. Nugent:
+
+"The expenses of cultivating sugar estates have in no instance, I
+believe, been found _greater_ than before. As far as my experience goes,
+they are certainly less, particularly as regards those properties which
+were overhanded before, when proprietors were compelled to support more
+dependents than they required. In some cases, the present cost is less
+by _one third_. I have not time to furnish you with any detailed
+statements, but the elements of the calculation are simple enough."
+
+It is not difficult to account for the diminution in the cost of
+cultivation. In the first place, for those estates that bought their
+provision previous to emancipation, it cost more money to purchase their
+stores than they now pay out in wages. This was especially true in dry
+seasons, when home provisions failed, and the island was mainly
+dependent upon foreign supplies.
+
+But the chief source of the diminution lies in the reduced number of
+people to be supported by the planter. During slavery, the planter was
+required by law to maintain _all_ the slaves belonging to the estate;
+the superannuated, the infirm, the pregnant, the nurses, the young
+children, and the infants, as well as the working slaves. Now it is only
+the latter class, the effective laborers, (with the addition of such as
+were superannuated or infirm at the period of emancipation,) who are
+dependent upon the planter. These are generally not more than one half,
+frequently less than a third, of the whole number of negroes resident on
+the estate; consequently a very considerable burthen has been removed
+from the planter.
+
+The reader may form some estimate of the reduced expense to the planter,
+resulting from these causes combined, by considering the statement made
+to us by Hon. N. Nugent, and repeatedly by proprietors and managers,
+that had slavery been in existence during the present drought, many of
+the smaller estates _must have been inevitably ruined_; on account of
+the high price of imported provisions, (home provisions having fallen
+short) and the number of slaves to be fed.
+
+EIGHTH PROPOSITION.--The negroes work _more cheerfully_, and _do their
+work better_ than they did during slavery. Wages are found to be an
+ample substitute for the lash--they never fail to secure the amount of
+labor desired. This is particularly true where task work is tried, which
+is done occasionally in cases of a pressing nature, when considerable
+effort is required. We heard of no complaints on the score of idleness,
+but on the contrary, the negroes were highly commended for the
+punctuality and cheerfulness with which they performed the work
+assigned them.
+
+The Governor stated, that "he was assured by planters, from every part
+of the island, that the negroes were very industriously disposed."
+
+"My people have become much more industrious since they were
+emancipated. I have been induced to extend the sugar cultivation over a
+number of acres more than have ever been cultivated before."--_Mr.
+Watkins, of Donovan's_.
+
+"Fearing the consequences of emancipation, I reduced my cultivation in
+the year '34; but soon finding that my people would work as well as
+ever, I brought up the cultivation the next year to the customary
+extent, and this year ('36) I have added fifteen acres of new
+land."--_S. Bourne, of Millar's_.
+
+"Throughout the island the estates were never in a more advanced state
+than they now are. The failure in the crops is not in the slightest
+degree chargeable to a deficiency of labor. I have frequently adopted
+the job system for short periods; the results have always been
+gratifying--the negroes accomplished twice as much as when they worked
+for daily wages, because they made more money. On some days they would
+make three shillings--three times the ordinary wages."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"They are as a body _more_ industrious than when slaves, for the obvious
+reason that they are _working for themselves_."--_Ralph Higinbothom,
+U.S. Consul_.
+
+"I have no hesitation in saying that on my estate cultivation is more
+forward than ever it has been at the same season. The failure of the
+crops is not in the least degree the fault of the laborers. They have
+done well."--_Mr. Favey, of Lavicount's estate_.
+
+"The most general apprehension prior to emancipation was, that the
+negroes would not work after they were made free--that they would be
+indolent, buy small parcels of land, and '_squat_' on them to the
+neglect of sugar cultivation. Time, however, has proved that there was
+no foundation for this apprehension. The estates were never in better
+order than they are at present. If you are interrogated on your return
+home concerning the cultivation of Antigua, you can say that every thing
+depends upon the _weather_. If we have _sufficient rain_, you may be
+certain that we shall realize abundant crops. If we have no rain, the
+crops _must inevitably_ fail. _But we always depend upon the laborers_.
+On account of the stimulus to industry which wages afford, there is far
+less feigned sickness than there was during slavery. When slaves, the
+negroes were glad to find any excuse for deserting their labor, and they
+were incessantly feigning sickness. The sick-house was thronged with
+real and pretended invalids. After '34, it was wholly deserted. The
+negroes would not go near it; and, in truth, I have lately used it for a
+stable."--_Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+"Though the laborers on both the estates under my management have been
+considerably reduced since freedom, yet the grounds have never been in a
+finer state of cultivation, than they are at present. When my work is
+backward, I give it out in jobs, and it is always done in half the
+usual time."
+
+"Emancipation has almost wholly put an end to the practice of
+_skulking_, or pretending to be sick. That was a thing which caused the
+planter a vast deal of trouble during slavery. Every Monday morning
+regularly, when I awoke, I found ten or a dozen, or perhaps twenty men
+and women, standing around my door, waiting for me to make my first
+appearance, and begging that I would let them off from work that day on
+account of sickness. It was seldom the case that one fourth of the
+applicants were really unwell; but every one would maintain that he was
+very sick, and as it was hard to contend with them about it, they were
+all sent off to the sick-house. Now this is entirely done away, and my
+sick-house is converted into a chapel for religious worship."--_James
+Howell, Esq._
+
+"I find my people much more disposed to work than they formerly were.
+The habit of feigning sickness to get rid of going to the field, is
+completely broken up. This practice was very common during slavery. It
+was often amusing to hear their complaints. One would come carrying an
+arm in one hand, and declaring that it had a mighty pain in it, and he
+could not use the hoe no way; another would make his appearance with
+both hands on his breast, and with a rueful look complain of a great
+pain in the stomach; a third came limping along, with a _dreadful
+rheumatiz_ in his knees; and so on for a dozen or more. It was vain to
+dispute with them, although it was often manifest that nothing earthly
+was ailing them. They would say, 'Ah! me massa, you no tink how bad me
+feel--it's _deep in_, massa.' But all this trouble is passed. We have no
+sick-house now; no feigned sickness, and really much less actual illness
+than formerly. My people say, '_they have not time to be sick now_.' My
+cultivation has never been so far advanced at the same season, or in
+finer order than it is at the present time. I have been encouraged by
+the increasing industry of my people to bring several additional acres
+under cultivation."--_Mr. Hatley, Fry's estate_.
+
+"I get my work done better than formerly, and with incomparably more
+cheerfulness. My estate was never in a finer state of cultivation than
+it is now, though I employ _fewer_ laborers than during slavery. I have
+occasionally used job, or task work, and with great success. When I give
+out a job, it is accomplished in about half the time that it would have
+required by giving the customary wages. The people will do as much in
+one week at job work, as they will in two, working for a shilling a day.
+I have known them, when they had a job to do, turn out before three
+o'clock in the morning, and work by moonlight."--_D. Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+"My people work very well for the ordinary wages; I have no fault to
+find with them in this respect."--_Manager of Scotland's estate_.
+
+_Extract from the Superintendent's Report to the Commander in Chief_.
+
+SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, _June 6th_. 1836.
+
+    "During the last month I have visited the country in almost every
+    direction, with the express object of paying a strict attention to
+    all branches of agricultural operations at that period progressing.
+
+    The result of my observations is decidedly favorable, as regards
+    proprietors and laborers. The manufacture of sugar has advanced as
+    far as the long and continued want of rain will admit; the lands,
+    generally, appear to be in a forward state of preparation for the
+    ensuing crop, and the laborers seem to work with more steadiness and
+    satisfaction to themselves and their employers, than they have
+    manifested for some length of time past, and their work is much more
+    correctly performed.
+
+    Complaints are, for the most part, adduced by the employers against
+    the laborers, and principally consist, (as hitherto,) of breaches of
+    contract; but I am happy to observe, that a diminution of
+    dissatisfaction on this head even, has taken place, as will be seen
+    by the accompanying general return of offences reported.
+
+    Your honor's most obedient, humble servant,
+
+    _Richard S. Wickham, Superintendent of police_."
+
+NINTH PROPOSITION.--The negroes are _more easily managed_ as freemen
+than they were when slaves.
+
+On this point as well as on every other connected with the system of
+slavery, public opinion in Antigua has undergone an entire revolution,
+since 1834. It was then a common maxim that the peculiar characteristics
+of the negro absolutely required a government of terror and brute force.
+
+The Governor said, "The negroes are as a race remarkable for _docility_;
+they are very easily controlled by kind influence. It is only necessary
+to gain their confidence, and you can sway them as you please."
+
+"Before emancipation took place, I dreaded the consequence of abolishing
+the power of compelling labor, but I have since found by experience that
+forbearance and kindness are sufficient for all purposes of authority. I
+have seldom had any trouble in managing my people. They consider me
+their friend, and the expression of my wish is enough for them. Those
+planters who have retained their _harsh manner_ do not succeed under the
+new system. The people will not bear it."--_Mr. J. Howell_.
+
+"I find it remarkably easy to manage my people. I govern them entirely
+by mildness. In every instance in which managers have persisted in their
+habits of arbitrary command, they have failed. I have lately been
+obliged to discharge a manager from one of the estates under my
+direction, on account of his overbearing disposition. If I had not
+dismissed him, the people would have abandoned the estate _en
+masse_."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"The management of an estate under the free system is a much lighter
+business than it used to be. We do not have the trouble to get the
+people to work, or to keep them in order."--_Mr. Favey_.
+
+"Before the abolition of slavery, I thought it would be utterly
+impossible to manage my people without tyrannizing over them as usual,
+and that it would be giving up the reins of government entirely, to
+abandon the whip; but I am now satisfied that I was mistaken. I have
+lost all desire to exercise arbitrary power. I have known of several
+instances in which unpleasant disturbances have been occasioned by
+managers giving way to their anger, and domineering over the laborers.
+The people became disobedient and disorderly, and remained so until the
+estates went into other hands, and a good management immediately
+restored confidence and peace."--_Mr. Watkins_.
+
+"Among the advantages belonging to the free system, may he enumerated
+the greater facility in managing estates. We are freed from a world of
+trouble and perplexity."--_David Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+"I have no hesitation in saying, that if I have a supply of cash, I can
+take off any crop it may please God to send. Having already, since
+emancipation, taken off one fully sixty hogsheads above the average of
+the last twenty years. I can speak with confidence."--_Letter from S.
+Bourne, Esq._
+
+Mr. Bourne stated a fact which illustrates the ease with which the
+negroes are governed by gentle means. He said that it was a prevailing
+practice during slavery for the slaves to have a dance soon after they
+had finished gathering in the crop. At the completion of his crop in
+'35, the people made arrangements for having the customary dance. They
+were particularly elated because the crop which they had first taken off
+was the largest one that had ever been produced by the estate, and it
+was also the largest crop on the island for that year. With these
+extraordinary stimulants and excitements, operating in connection with
+the influence of habit, the people were strongly inclined to have a
+dance. Mr. B. told them that dancing was a bad practice--and a very
+childish, barbarous amusement, and he thought it was wholly unbecoming
+_freemen_. He hoped therefore that they would dispense with it. The
+negroes could not exactly agree with their manager--and said they did
+not like to be disappointed in their expected sport. Mr. B. finally
+proposed to them that he would get the Moravian minister, Rev. Mr.
+Harvey, to ride out and preach to them on the appointed evening. The
+people all agreed to this. Accordingly, Mr. Harvey preached, and they
+said no more about the dance--nor have they ever attempted to get up a
+dance since.
+
+We had repeated opportunities of witnessing the management of the
+laborers on the estates, and were always struck with the absence of
+every thing like coercion.
+
+By the kind invitation of Mr. Bourne, we accompanied him once on a
+morning circuit around his estate. After riding some distance, we came
+to the 'great gang' cutting canes. Mr. B. saluted the people in a
+friendly manner, and they all responded with a hearty 'good mornin,
+massa.' There were more than fifty persons, male and female, on the
+spot. The most of them were employed in cutting canes[A], which they did
+with a heavy knife called a _bill_. Mr. B. beckoned to the
+superintendent, a black man, to come to him, and gave him some
+directions for the forenoon's work, and then, after saying a few
+encouraging words to the people, took us to another part of the estate,
+remarking as we rode off, "I have entire confidence that those laborers
+will do their work just as I want to have it done." We next came upon
+some men, who were hoeing in a field of corn. We found that there had
+been a slight altercation between two of the men. Peter, who was a
+foreman, came to Mr. B., and complained that George would not leave the
+cornfield and go to another kind of work as he had bid him. Mr. B.
+called George, and asked for an explanation. George had a long story to
+tell, and he made an earnest defence, accompanied with impassioned
+gesticulation; but his dialect was of such outlandish description, that
+we could not understand him. Mr. B. told us that the main ground of his
+defence was that Peter's direction was _altogether unreasonable_. Peter
+was then called upon to sustain his complaint; he spoke with equal
+earnestness and equal unintelligibility. Mr. B. then gave his decision,
+with great kindness of manner, which quite pacified both parties.
+
+[Footnote A: The process of cutting canes is this:--The leafy part, at
+top is first cut off down as low as the saccharine matter A few of the
+lowest joints of the part thus cut off, are then stripped of the leaves,
+and cut off for _plants_, for the next crop. The stalk is then cut off
+close to the ground--and it is that which furnishes the juice for
+sugar. It is from three to twelve feet long, and from one to two inches
+in diameter, according to the quality of the soil, the seasonableness of
+the weather, &c. The cutters are followed by _gatherers_, who bind up
+the plants and stalks, as the cutters cast them behind them, in
+different bundles. The carts follow in the train, and take up the
+bundles--carrying the stalks to the mill to be ground, and the plants in
+another direction.]
+
+As we rode on, Mr. B. informed us that George was himself the foreman of
+a small weeding gang, and felt it derogatory to his dignity to be
+ordered by Peter.
+
+We observed on all the estates which we visited, that the planters, when
+they wish to influence their people, are in the habit of appealing to
+them as _freemen_, and that now better things are expected of them. This
+appeal to their self-respect seldom fails of carrying the point.
+
+It is evident from the foregoing testimony, that if the negroes do not
+work well on any estate, it is generally speaking the _fault of the
+manager_. We were informed of many instances in which arbitrary men were
+discharged from the management of estates, and the result has been the
+restoration of order and industry among the people.
+
+On this point we quote the testimony of James Scotland, Sen., Esq., an
+intelligent and aged merchant of St. John's:
+
+"In this colony, the evils and troubles attending emancipation have
+resulted almost entirely from the perseverance of the planters in their
+old habits of domination. The planters very frequently, indeed, _in the
+early stage of freedom_, used their power as employers to the annoyance
+and injury of their laborers. For the slightest misconduct, and
+sometimes without any reason whatever, the poor negroes were dragged
+before the magistrates, (planters or their friends,) and mulcted in
+their wages, fined otherwise, and committed to jail or the house of
+correction. And yet those harassed people remained patient, orderly and
+submissive. _Their treatment now is much improved. The planters have
+happily discovered, that as long as they kept the cultivators of their
+lands in agitations and sufferings, their own interests were
+sacrificed._"
+
+TENTH PROPOSITION.--The negroes are _more trust-worthy, and take a
+deeper interest in their employers' affairs_, since emancipation.
+
+"My laborers manifest an increasing attachment to the estate. In all
+their habits they are becoming more settled, and they begin to feel that
+they have a personal interest in the success of the property on which
+they live."--_Mr. Favey_.
+
+"As long as the negroes felt uncertain whether they would remain in one
+place, or be dismissed and compelled to seek a home elsewhere, they
+manifested very little concern for the advancement of their employers'
+interest; but in proportion as they become permanently established on an
+estate, they seem to identify themselves with its prosperity. The
+confidence between master and servant is mutually increasing."--_Mr.
+James Howell_.
+
+The Hon. Mr. Nugent, Dr. Daniell, D. Cranstoun, Esq., and other
+planters, enumerated among the advantages of freedom, the planters being
+released from the perplexities growing out of want of confidence in the
+sympathy and honesty of the slaves.
+
+S. Bourne, Esq., of Millar's, remarked as we were going towards his mill
+and boiling-house, which had been in operation about a week, "I have not
+been near my works for several days; yet I have no fears but that I
+shall find every thing going on properly."
+
+The planters have been too deeply experienced in the nature of slavery,
+not to know that mutual jealousy, distrust, and alienation of feeling
+and interest, are its legitimate offspring; and they have already seen
+enough of the operation of freedom, to entertain the confident
+expectation, that fair wages, kind treatment, and comfortable homes,
+will attach the laborers to the estates, and identify the interests of
+the employer and the employed.
+
+ELEVENTH PROPOSITION.--The experiment in Antigua proves that emancipated
+slaves can _appreciate law_. It is a prevailing opinion that those who
+have long been slaves, cannot at once be safely subjected to the
+control of law.
+
+It will now be seen how far this theory is supported by facts. Let it be
+remembered that the negroes of Antigua passed, "by a single _jump_, from
+absolute slavery to unqualified freedom."[A] In proof of _their
+subordination to law_, we give the testimony of planters, and quote also
+from the police reports sent in monthly to the Governor, with copies of
+which we were kindly furnished by order of His Excellency.
+
+[Footnote A: Dr. Daniell.]
+
+"I have found that the negroes are readily controlled by law; more so
+perhaps than the laboring classes in other countries."--_David
+Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+"The conduct of the negro population generally, has surpassed all
+expectation. They are as pliant to the hand of legislation, as any
+people; perhaps more so than some." _Wesleyan Missionary_.
+
+Similar sentiments were expressed by the Governor, the Hon. N. Nugent,
+R.B. Eldridge, Esq., Dr. Ferguson, Dr. Daniell, and James Scotland, Jr.,
+Esq., and numerous other planters, managers, &c. This testimony is
+corroborated by the police reports, exhibiting, as they do,
+comparatively few crimes, and those for the most part minor ones. We
+have in our possession the police reports for every month from
+September, 1835, to January, 1837. We give such specimens as will serve
+to show the general tenor of the reports.
+
+    _Police-Office, St. John's, Sept_. 3, 1835.
+
+    "From the information which I have been able to collect by my own
+    personal exertions, and from the reports of the assistant
+    inspectors, at the out stations, I am induced to believe that, in
+    general, a far better feeling and good understanding at present
+    prevails between the laborers and their employers, than hitherto.
+
+    Capital offences have much decreased in number, as well as all minor
+    ones, and the principal crimes lately submitted for the
+    investigation of the magistrates, seem to consist chiefly in
+    trifling offences and breaches of contract.
+
+    _Signed, Richard S. Wickham,
+
+    Superintendent of Police_."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "To his excellency,
+
+    _Sir C.I. Murray McGregor, Governor, &c_.
+
+    _St. John's, Antigua, Oct_. 2, 1835.
+
+    Sir--The general state of regularity and tranquillity which prevails
+    throughout the island, admits of my making but a concise report to
+    your Excellency, for the last month.
+
+    The autumnal agricultural labors continue to progress favorably, and
+    I have every reason to believe, that the agriculturalists,
+    generally, are far more satisfied with the internal state of the
+    island affairs, than could possibly have been anticipated a short
+    period since.
+
+    From conversations which I have had with several gentlemen of
+    extensive interest and practical experience, united with my own
+    observations, I do not hesitate in making a favorable report of the
+    general easy and quietly progressing state of contentedness,
+    evidently showing itself among the laboring class; and I may add,
+    that with few exceptions, a reciprocity of kind and friendly feeling
+    at present is maintained between the planters and their laborers.
+
+    Although instances do occur of breach of contract, they are not very
+    frequent, and in many cases I have been induced to believe, that the
+    crime has originated more from the want of a proper understanding of
+    the time, intent, and meaning of the contract into which the
+    laborers have entered, than from the actual existence of any
+    dissatisfaction on their part."
+
+    _Signed, &c._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _St. John's, Antigua, Dec. 2d_, 1835.
+
+    "Sir--I have the honor to report that a continued uninterrupted
+    state of peace and good order has happily prevailed throughout the
+    island, during the last month.
+
+    The calendar of offences for trial at the ensuing sessions, bears
+    little comparison with those of former periods, and I am happy to
+    state, that the crimes generally, are of a trifling nature, and
+    principally petty thefts.
+
+    By a comparison of the two last lists of offences submitted for
+    investigation, it will be found that a decrease has taken place in
+    that for November."
+
+    _Signed, &c_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    St. John's, January 2d, 1836.
+
+    "Sir--I have great satisfaction in reporting to your Honor the
+    peaceable termination of the last year, and of the
+    Christmas vacation.
+
+    At this period of the year, which has for ages been celebrated for
+    scenes of gaiety and amusement among the laboring, as well as all
+    other classes of society, and when several successive days of
+    idleness occur, I cannot but congratulate your Honor, on the quiet
+    demeanor and general good order, which has happily been maintained
+    throughout the island.
+
+    It may not be improper here to remark, that during the holidays, I
+    had only one prisoner committed to my charge, and that even his
+    offence was of a minor nature."
+
+    _Signed, &c_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Extract of Report for February, 1836._
+
+    "The operation of the late Contract Acts, caused some trifling
+    inconvenience at the commencement, but now that they are clearly
+    understood, even by the young and ignorant, I am of opinion, that
+    the most beneficial effects have resulted from these salutary Acts,
+    equally to master and servant, and that a permanent understanding is
+    fully established.
+
+    A return of crimes reported during the month of January, I beg leave
+    to enclose, and at the same time, to congratulate your Honor on the
+    vast diminution of all minor misdemeanors, and of the continued
+    total absence of capital offences."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _Superintendent's office_, _Antigua, April 4th_, 1836.
+
+    "SIR--I am happy to remark, for the information of your Honor, that
+    the Easter holidays have passed off, without the occurrence of any
+    violation of the existing laws sufficiently serious to merit
+    particular observation."[A]
+
+    _Signed, &c_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Footnote A: This and the other reports concern, not St. John's merely,
+but the entire population of the island.]
+
+_Extract from the Report for May, 1836._
+
+    "It affords me great satisfaction in being able to report that the
+    continued tranquillity prevailing throughout the island, prevents
+    the necessity of my calling the particular attention of your Honor
+    to the existence of any serious or flagrant offence.
+
+    The crop season having far advanced, I have much pleasure in
+    remarking the continued steady and settled disposition, which on
+    most properties appear to be reciprocally established between the
+    proprietors and their agricultural laborers; and I do also venture
+    to offer as my opinion, that a considerable improvement has taken
+    place, in the behavior of domestic, as well as other laborers, not
+    immediately employed in husbandry."
+
+We quote the following table of offences as a specimen of the monthly
+reports:
+
+_Police Office, St. John's, 1836._
+
+RETURN OF OFFENCES REPORTED AT THE POLICE STATIONS FROM 1ST TO 31ST MAY.
+
+NATURE OF   St.      E.     Par-  John-    Total.  More    Less
+OFFENSES.  John's.  Har-    ham.  ston's           than    than
+                    bour.         Point.           last    last
+                                                  month.  month.
+
+Assaults.    2       2                       4               5
+  Do. and
+  Batteries. 2       3       5              10               8
+
+Breach of
+Contract.    4      11      59              74              16
+
+Burglaries.  2               3               5       2
+
+Commitments
+  under
+  Vagrant
+  Act.       4       1                       5              10
+  Do. for
+  Fines.     5                               5       2
+  Do under
+  amended
+  Porter's
+  and
+  Jobber's
+  Act.                                                       7
+
+Felonies.    2                               2       2
+
+Injury to
+property.    4       9       7              20               5
+
+Larcenies.   4                               4       4
+
+Misdemeanors.3      12                      15      15
+
+Murders.
+
+Petty
+Thefts.              1                       1              10
+
+Trespasses.  1       2       2               5
+
+Riding
+improperly
+thro' the
+streets.
+
+Total       33      41      76             150      25      61
+
+_Signed_,     Richard S. Wickham,
+_Superintendent of Police_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     _Superintendent's office_,
+     _Antigua, July 6th_, 1836.
+
+    "SIR,--I have the honor to submit for your information, a general
+    return of all offences reported during the last month, by which your
+    Honor will perceive, that no increase of 'breach of contract' has
+    been recorded.
+
+    While I congratulate your Honor on the successful maintenance of
+    general peace, and a reciprocal good feeling among all classes of
+    society, I beg to assure you, that the opinion which I have been
+    able to form in relation to the behavior of the laboring population,
+    differs but little from my late observations.
+
+    At a crisis like this, when all hopes of the ultimate success of so
+    grand and bold an experiment, depends, almost entirely, on a cordial
+    co-operation of the community, I sincerely hope, that no obstacles
+    or interruptions will now present themselves, to disturb that
+    general good understanding so happily established, since the
+    adoption of unrestricted freedom."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _Superintendent's office_,
+    _St. John's, Sept. 4th_, 1836.
+
+    "SIR--I have the honor to enclose, for the information of your
+    Excellency, the usual monthly return of offences reported for
+    punishment.
+
+    It affords me very great satisfaction to report, that the internal
+    peace and tranquillity of the island has remained uninterrupted
+    during the last month; the conduct of all classes of the community
+    has been orderly and peaceable, and strictly obedient to the laws of
+    their country.
+
+    The agricultural laborers continue a steady and uniform line of
+    conduct, and with some few exceptions, afford a general satisfaction
+    to their several employers.
+
+    Every friend to this country, and to the liberties of the world,
+    must view with satisfaction the gradual improvement in the character
+    and behavior of this class of the community, under the constant
+    operation of the local enactments.
+
+    The change must naturally be slow, but I feel sure that, in due
+    time, a general amelioration in the habits and industry of the
+    laborers will be sensibly experienced by all grades of society in
+    this island, and will prove the benign effects and propitious
+    results of the co-operated exertions of all, for their general
+    benefit and future advancement.
+
+    Complaints have been made in the public prints of the robberies
+    committed in this town, as well as the neglect of duty of the police
+    force, and as these statements must eventually come under the
+    observation of your Excellency, I deem it my duty to make a few
+    observations on this point.
+
+    The town of St. John's occupies a space of one hundred and sixty
+    acres of land, divided into fourteen main, and nine cross streets,
+    exclusive of lanes and alleys--with a population of about three
+    thousand four hundred persons.
+
+    The numerical strength of the police force in this district, is
+    eleven sergeants and two officers; five of these sergeants are on
+    duty every twenty-four hours. One remains in charge of the premises,
+    arms, and stores; the other four patrole by day and night, and have
+    also to attend to the daily duties of the magistrates, and the
+    eleventh is employed by me (being an old one) in general patrole
+    duties, pointing out nuisances and irregularities.
+
+    One burglary and one felony alone were reported throughout the
+    island population of 37,000 souls in the month of July; and no
+    burglary, and three felonies, were last month reported.
+
+    The cases of robbery complained of, have been effected without any
+    violence or noise, and have principally been by concealment in
+    stores, which, added to the great want of a single lamp, or other
+    light, in any one street at night, must reasonably facilitate the
+    design of the robber, and defy the detection of the most active and
+    vigilant body of police."
+
+    _Signed, &c._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _Superintendent's office,_
+    _Antigua, January 4th, 1837._
+
+    "SIR--It is with feelings of the most lively gratification that I
+    report, for your notice the quiet and peaceable termination of
+    Christmas vacation, and the last year, which were concluded without
+    a single serious violation of the governing laws.
+
+    I cannot refrain from cordially congratulating your Excellency on
+    the regular and steady behavior, maintained by all ranks of society,
+    at this particular period of the year.
+
+    Not one species of crime which can be considered of an heinous
+    nature, has yet been discovered; and I proudly venture to declare my
+    opinion, that in no part of his Majesty's dominions, has a
+    population of thirty thousand conducted themselves with more strict
+    propriety, at this annual festivity, or been more peaceably obedient
+    to the laws of their country."
+
+    _Signed, &c._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In connection with the above quotation from the monthly reports, we
+present an extract of a letter from the superintendent of the police,
+addressed to us.
+
+    _St. John's, 9th February, 1837._
+
+    "MY DEAR SIRS--In compliance with your request, I have not any
+    hesitation in affording you any information on the subject of the
+    free system adopted in this island, which my public situation has
+    naturally provided me with.
+
+    The opinion which I have formed has been, and yet remains, in favor
+    of the emancipation; and I feel very confident that the system has
+    and continues to work well, in almost all instances. The laborers
+    have conducted themselves generally in a highly satisfactory manner
+    to all the authorities, and strikingly so when we reflect that the
+    greater portion of the population of the island were at once removed
+    from a state of long existing slavery, to one of unrestricted
+    freedom. Unacquainted as they are with the laws newly enacted for
+    their future government and guidance, and having been led in their
+    ignorance to expect incalculable wonders and benefits arising from
+    freedom, I cannot but reflect with amazement on the peace and good
+    order which have been so fortunately maintained throughout the
+    island population of thirty thousand subjects.
+
+    Some trifling difficulties sprang up on the commencement of the new
+    system among the laborers, but even these, on strict investigation,
+    proved to originate more from _an ignorance of their actual
+    position_, than from any bad feeling, or improper motives, and
+    consequently _were of short duration_. In general the laborers are
+    peaceable orderly, and civil, not only to those who move in higher
+    spheres of life than themselves, but also to each other.
+
+    The crimes they are generally guilty of, are petty thefts, and other
+    minor offences against the local acts; but crimes of an heinous
+    nature are very rare among them; and I may venture to say, that
+    petty thefts, _breaking sugar-canes to eat_, and offences of the
+    like description, _principally_ swell the calendars of our quarterly
+    courts of sessions. _Murder_ has been a stranger to this island for
+    many years; no execution has occurred among the island population
+    for a very long period; the only two instances were two
+    _Irish_ soldiers.
+
+    The lower class having become more acquainted with their governing
+    laws, have also become infinitely more obedient to them, and I have
+    observed _that particular care is taken among most of them to
+    explain to each other the nature of the laws_, and to point out in
+    their usual style the ill consequences attending any violation of
+    them. ==> _A due fear of, and a prompt obedience to, the
+    authority of the magistrates, is a prominent feature of the lower
+    orders_, and to this I mainly attribute the successful maintenance
+    of rural tranquillity.
+
+    Since emancipation, the agricultural laborer has had to contend with
+    two of the most obstinate droughts experienced for many years in the
+    island, which has decreased the supply of his accustomed vegetables
+    and ground provisions, and consequently subjected him and family to
+    very great privations; but this even, I think, has been submitted to
+    with becoming resignation.
+
+    To judge of the past and present state of society throughout the
+    island, I presume that _the lives and properties of all classes are
+    as secure in this, as in any other portion of his Majesty's
+    dominions_; and I sincerely hope that the future behavior of all,
+    will more clearly manifest the correctness of my views of this
+    highly important subject.
+
+    I remain, dear sirs, yours faithfully, RICHARD S. WICKHAM,
+    _Superintendent of police_."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This testimony is pointed and emphatic; and it comes from one whose
+_official business it is to know_ the things whereof he here affirms. We
+have presented not merely the opinions of Mr. W., relative to the
+subordination of the emancipated negroes in Antigua, but likewise the
+_facts_ upon which be founded his opinion.
+
+On a point of such paramount importance we cannot be too explicit. We
+therefore add the testimony of planters as to the actual state of crime
+compared with that previous to emancipation.
+
+Said J. Howell, Esq., of T. Jarvis's estate, "I do not think that
+aggressions on property, and crime in general, have increased since
+emancipation, but rather decreased. They _appear_ to be more frequent,
+because they are made _more public_. During slavery, all petty thefts,
+insubordination, insolence, neglect of work, and so forth, were punished
+summarily on the estate, by order of the manager, and not even so much
+as the rumor of them ever reached beyond the confines of the property.
+Now all offences, whether great or trifling, are to be taken cognizance
+of by the magistrate or jury, and hence they become notorious. Formerly
+each planter knew only of those crimes which occurred on his own
+property; now every one knows something about the crimes committed on
+every other estate, as well as his own."
+
+It will be remembered that Mr. H. is a man of thorough and long
+experience in the condition of the island, having lived in it since the
+year 1800, and being most of that time engaged directly is the
+management of estates.
+
+"Aggression on private property, such as breaking into houses, cutting
+canes, &c., are decidedly fewer than formerly. It is true that crime is
+made more _public_ now, than during slavery, when the master was his own
+magistrate."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"I am of the opinion that crime in the island has diminished rather than
+increased since the abolition of slavery. There is an _apparent_
+increase of crime, because every misdemeanor, however petty, floats to
+the surface."--_Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+We might multiply testimony on this point; but suffice it to say that
+with very few exceptions, the planters, many of whom are also civil
+magistrates, concur in these two statements; that the amount of crime is
+actually less than it was during slavery; and that it _appears_ to _be
+greater_ because of the publicity which is necessarily given by legal
+processes to offences which were formerly punished and forgotten on the
+spot where they occurred.
+
+Some of the prominent points established by the foregoing evidence are,
+
+1st. That most of the crimes committed are petty misdemeanors such as
+turning out to work late in the morning, cutting canes to eat, &c. _High
+penal offences_ are exceedingly rare.
+
+2d. That where offences of a serious nature do occur, or any open
+insubordination takes place, they are founded in ignorance or
+misapprehension of the law, and are seldom repeated a second time, if
+the law be properly explained and fully understood.
+
+3d. That the above statements apply to no particular part of the island,
+where the negroes are peculiarly favored with intelligence and religion,
+but are made with reference to tire island generally. Now it happens
+that in one quarter of the island the negro population are remarkably
+ignorant and degraded. We were credibly informed by various
+missionaries, who had labored in Antigua and in a number of the other
+English islands, that they had not found in any colony so much
+debasement among the people, as prevailed in the part of Antigua just
+alluded to. Yet they testified that the negroes in that quarter were as
+peaceable, orderly, and obedient to law, as in any other part of the
+colony. We make this statement here particularly for the purpose of
+remarking that in the testimony of the planters, and in the police
+reports; there is not a single allusion to this portion of the island as
+forming an exception to the prevailing state of order and subordination.
+
+After the foregoing facts and evidences, we ask, what becomes of the
+dogma, that slaves cannot be immediately placed under the government of
+_equitable laws_ with safety to themselves and the community?
+
+Twelfth proposition.--The emancipated negroes have shown _no disposition
+to roam from place to place._ A tendency to rove about, is thought by
+many to be a characteristic of the negro; he is not allowed even an
+ordinary share of local attachment, but must leave the chain and staple
+of slavery to hold him amidst the graves of his fathers and the society
+of his children. The experiment in Antigua shows that such sentiments
+are groundless prejudices. There a large body of slaves were "_turned
+loose_;" they had full liberty to leave their old homes and settle on
+other properties--or if they preferred a continuous course of roving,
+they might change employers every six weeks, and pass from one estate to
+another until they had accomplished the circuit of the island. But, what
+are the facts? "The negroes are not disposed to leave the estates on
+which they have formerly lived, unless they are forced away by bad
+treatment. I have witnessed many facts which illustrate this remark. Not
+unfrequently one of the laborers will get dissatisfied about something,
+and in the excitement of the moment will notify me that he intends to
+leave my employ at the end of a month. But in nine cases out of ten such
+persons, before the month has expired, beg to be allowed to remain on
+the estate. The strength of their _local attachment_ soon overcomes
+their resentment and even drives them to make the most humiliating
+confessions in order to be restored to the favor of their employer, and
+thus be permitted to remain in their old homes."--_H. Armstrong, Esq._
+
+"Nothing but bad treatment on the part of the planters has ever caused
+the negroes to leave the estates on which they were accustomed to live,
+and in such cases a _change of management_ has almost uniformly been
+sufficient to induce them to return. We have known several instances of
+this kind."--_S. Bourne, Esq., of Millar's, and Mr. Watkins, of
+Donavan's_.
+
+"The negroes are remarkably attached to their homes. In the year 1828,
+forty-three slaves were sold from the estate under my management, and
+removed to another estate ten miles distant. After emancipation, the
+whole of these came back, and plead with me to employ them, that they
+might live in their former houses."--_James Howell, Esq._
+
+"Very few of my people have left me. The negroes are peculiar for their
+attachment to their homes."--_Samuel Barnard, Esq., of Green Castle_.
+
+"Love of home is very remarkable in the negroes. It is a passion with
+them. On one of the estates of which I am attorney, a part of the
+laborers were hired from other proprietors. They had been for a great
+many years living on the estate, and they became so strongly attached to
+it, that they all continued to work on it after emancipation, and they
+still remain on the same property. The negroes are loth to leave their
+homes, and they very seldom do so unless forced away by ill
+treatment."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+On a certain occasion we were in the company of four planters, and among
+other topics this subject was much spoken of. They all accorded
+perfectly in the sentiment that the negroes were peculiarly sensible to
+the influence of local attachments. One of the gentlemen observed that
+it was a very common saying with them--"_Me nebber leave my bornin'
+ground_,"--i.e., birth-place.
+
+An aged gentleman in St. John's, who was formerly a planter, remarked,
+"The negroes have very strong local attachments. They love their little
+hut, where the calabash tree, planted at the birth of a son, waves over
+the bones of their parents. They will endure almost any hardship and
+suffer repeated wrongs before they will desert that spot."
+
+Such are the sentiments of West India planters; expressed, in the
+majority of cases, spontaneously, and mostly in illustration of other
+statements. We did not hear a word that implied an opposite sentiment.
+It is true, much was said about the emigration to Demerara, but the
+facts in this case only serve to confirm the testimony already quoted.
+In the first place, nothing but the inducement of very high wages[A]
+could influence any to go, and in the next place, after they got there
+they sighed to return, (but were not permitted,) and sent back word to
+their relatives and friends not to leave Antigua.
+
+[Footnote A: From fifty cents to a dollar per day.]
+
+Facts clearly prove, that the negroes, instead of being indifferent to
+local attachments, are peculiarly alive to them. That nothing short of
+cruelty can drive them from their homes--that they will endure even
+that, as long as it can be borne, rather than leave; and that as soon as
+the instrument of cruelty is removed, they will hasten back to their
+"_bornin' ground._"
+
+THIRTEENTH PROPOSITION.--"The gift of unrestricted freedom, though so
+suddenly bestowed, has not made the negroes more insolent than they were
+while slaves, but has rendered them _less so_."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+Said James Howell, Esq.--"A short time after emancipation, the negroes
+showed some disposition to assume airs and affect a degree of
+independence; but this soon disappeared, and they are now respectful and
+civil. There has been a mutual improvement in this particular. The
+planters treat the laborers more like fellow men, and this leads the
+latter to be respectful in their turn."
+
+R.B. Eldridge, Esq., asked us if we had not observed the civility of the
+lower classes as we passed them on the streets, both in town and in the
+country. He said it was their uniform custom to bow or touch their hat
+when they passed a white person. They did so during slavery, and he had
+not discovered any change in this respect since emancipation.
+
+Said Mr. Bourne--"The negroes are decidedly less insolent now than they
+were during slavery."
+
+Said Mr. Watkins, of Donovan's--"The negroes are now all _cap in hand_;
+as they know that it is for their interest to be respectful to their
+employers."
+
+Said Dr. Nugent--"Emancipation has not produced insolence among the
+negroes."
+
+During our stay in Antigua, we saw no indications whatsoever of
+insolence. We spoke in a former part of this work of the uncommon
+civility manifested in a variety of ways on the road-sides.
+
+A trifling incident occurred one day in St. John's, which at first
+seemed to be no small rudeness. As one of us was standing in the
+verandah of our lodging house, in the dusk of the evening, a brawny
+negro man who was walking down the middle of the street, stopped
+opposite us, and squaring himself, called out. "Heigh! What for you
+stand dare wid your arms so?" placing his arms akimbo, in imitation of
+ours. Seeing we made no answer, he repeated the question, still standing
+in the same posture. We took no notice of him, seeing that his supposed
+insolence was at most good-humored and innocent. Our hostess, a colored
+lady, happened to step out at the moment, and told us that the man had
+mistaken us for her son, with whom he was well acquainted, at the same
+time calling to the man, and telling him of his mistake. The negro
+instantly dropped his arms, took off his hat, begged pardon, and walked
+away apparently quite ashamed.
+
+FOURTEENTH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation in Antigua has demonstrated that
+GRATITUDE _is a prominent trait of the negro character_. The conduct of
+the negroes on the first of August, 1834, is ample proof of this; and
+their uniform conduct since that event manifests an _habitual_ feeling
+of gratitude. Said one, "The liberty we received from the king, we can
+never sufficiently thank God for; whenever we think of it, our hearts go
+out in gratitude to God." Similar expressions we heard repeatedly from
+the negroes.--We observed that the slightest allusion to the first of
+August in a company of freed persons, would awaken powerful emotions,
+accompanied with exclamations of "tank de good Lord," "bless de Savior,"
+"praise de blessed Savior," and such like.
+
+It was the remark of Mr. James Howell, manager of Thibou Jarvis's--"That
+the negroes evinced very little gratitude to their _masters_ for
+freedom. Their gratitude all flowed toward God and the king, whom they
+regarded as the sole authors of their liberty."
+
+Mr. Watkins observed that "the negroes' motto was God and the king. This
+feeling existed particularly at the time of emancipation, and shortly
+after it. They have since become more attached to their former masters."
+
+It is by no means strange that the negroes should feel little gratitude
+toward their late masters, since they knew their opposition to the
+benevolent intentions of the English government. We were informed by Dr.
+Daniell and many others, that for several months before emancipation
+took place, the negroes had an idea that the king had sent them 'their
+free papers,' and that _their masters were keeping them back._ Besides,
+it was but two years before that period, that they had come into fierce
+and open hostility with the planters for abolishing the Sunday market,
+and giving them no market-day instead thereof. In this thing their
+masters had shown themselves to be their enemies.
+
+That any good thing could come from such persons the slaves were
+doubtless slow to believe. However, it is an undeniable fact, that since
+emancipation, kind treatment on the part of the masters, has never
+failed to excite gratitude in the negroes. The planters understand fully
+how they may secure the attachment and confidence of their people. A
+_grateful_ and _contented_ spirit certainly characterizes the negroes of
+Antigua. They do not lightly esteem what they have got, and murmur
+because they have no more. They do not complain of small wages, and
+strike for higher. They do not grumble about their simple food and their
+coarse clothes, and flaunt about, saying '_freemen ought to live
+better_.' They do not become dissatisfied with their lowly,
+cane-thatched huts, and say we ought to have as good houses as massa.
+They do not look with an evil eye upon the political privileges of the
+whites, and say we have the majority, and we'll rule. It is the common
+saying with them, when speaking of the inconveniences which they
+sometimes suffer, "Well, we must be satify and conten."
+
+FIFTEENTH PROPOSITION.--The freed negroes of Antigua have proved that
+_they are able to take care of themselves_. It is affirmed by the
+opponents of emancipation in the United States, that if the slaves were
+liberated, they could not take care of themselves. Some of the reasons
+assigned for entertaining this view are--1st, "The negro is naturally
+improvident." 2d, "He is constitutionally indolent." 3d, "Being of an
+inferior race, he is deficient in that shrewdness and management
+necessary to prevent his being imposed upon, and which are indispensable
+to enable him to conduct any business with success." 4th, "All these
+natural defects have been aggravated by slavery. The slave never
+provides for himself, but looks to his master for everything he needs.
+So likewise he becomes increasingly averse to labor, by being driven to
+it daily, and flogged for neglecting it. Furthermore, whatever of mind
+he had originally has been extinguished by slavery." Thus by nature and
+by habit the negro is utterly unqualified to take care of himself. So
+much for theory; now for testimony. First, what is the evidence with
+regard to the _improvidence_ of the negroes?
+
+"During slavery, the negroes squandered every cent of money they got,
+because they were sure of food and clothing. Since their freedom, they
+have begun to cultivate habits of carefulness and economy".--_Mr.
+James Howell_.
+
+Facts--1st. The low wages of the laborers is proof of their providence.
+Did they not observe the strictest economy, they could not live on fifty
+cents per week.
+
+2d. That they buy small parcels of land to cultivate, is proof of
+economy and foresight. The planters have to resort to every means in
+their power to induce their laborers not to purchase land.
+
+3d. The Friendly Societies are an evidence of the same thing. How can we
+account for the number of these societies, and for the large sums of
+money annually contributed in them? And how is it that these societies
+have trebled, both in members and means since emancipation, if it be
+true that the negroes are thus improvident, and that freedom brings
+starvation?
+
+4th. The weekly and monthly contributions to the churches, to benevolent
+societies, and to the schools, demonstrate the economy of the negroes;
+and the _great increase_ of these contributions since August, 1834,
+proves that emancipation has not made them less economical.
+
+5th. The increasing attention paid to the cultivation of their private
+provision grounds is further proof of their foresight. For some time
+subsequent to emancipation, as long as the people were in an unsettled
+state, they partially neglected their grounds. The reason was, they did
+not know whether they should remain on the same estate long enough to
+reap their provisions, should they plant any. This state of uncertainty
+very naturally paralyzed all industry and enterprise; and their
+neglecting the cultivation of their provision grounds, _under such
+circumstances_, evinced foresight rather than improvidence. Since they
+have become more permanently established on the estates, they are
+resuming the cultivation of their grounds with renewed vigor.
+
+Said Dr. Daniell--"There is an increasing attention paid by the negroes
+to cultivating their private lands, since they have become more
+permanently settled."
+
+6th. The fact that the parents take care of the wages which their
+children earn, shows their provident disposition. We were informed that
+the mothers usually take charge of the money paid to their children,
+especially their daughters, and this, in order to teach them proper
+subordination, and to provide against casualties, sickness, and the
+infirmities of age.
+
+7th. The fact that the negroes are able to support their aged parents,
+is further proof.
+
+As it regards the second specification, viz., _constitutional
+indolence_, we may refer generally to the evidence on this subject under
+a former proposition. We will merely state here two facts.
+
+1st. Although the negroes are not obliged to work on Saturday, yet they
+are in the habit of going to estates that are weak-handed, and hiring
+themselves out on that day.
+
+2d. It is customary throughout the island to give two hours (from 12 to
+2) recess from labor. We were told that in many cases this time is spent
+in working on their private provision grounds, or in some active
+employment by which a pittance may be added to their scanty earnings.
+
+What are the facts respecting the natural _inferiority_ of the negro
+race, and their incompetency to manage their own affairs?
+
+Said Mr. Armstrong--"The negroes are exceedingly quick _to turn a
+thought_. They show a great deal of shrewdness in every thing which
+concerns their own interests. To a stranger it must be utterly
+incredible how they can manage to live on such small wages. They are
+very exact in keeping their accounts with the manager."
+
+"The negroes are very acute in making bargains. A difficulty once arose
+on an estate under my charge, between the manager and the people, in
+settling for a job which the laborers had done. The latter complained
+that the manager did not give them as much as was stipulated in the
+original agreement. The manager contended that he had paid the whole
+amount. The people brought their complaint before me, as attorney, and
+maintained that there was one shilling and six-pence (about nineteen
+cents) due each of them. I examined the accounts and found that they
+were right, and that the manager had really made a mistake to the very
+amount specified."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"The emancipated people manifest as much cunning and address in
+business, as any class of persons."--_Mr. J. Howell_.
+
+"The capabilities of the blacks for education are conspicuous; so also
+as to mental acquirements and trades."--_Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+It is a little remarkable that while Americans fear that the negroes, if
+emancipated, could not take care of themselves, the West Indians fear
+lest they _should_ take care of themselves; hence they discourage them
+from buying lands, from learning trades, and from all employments which
+might render them independent of sugar cultivation.
+
+SIXTEENTH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation has operated at once to elevate and
+improve the negroes. It introduced them into the midst of all relations,
+human and divine. It was the first formal acknowledgment that they were
+MEN--personally interested in the operations of law, and the
+requirements of God. It laid the corner-stone in the fabric of their
+moral and intellectual improvement.
+
+"The negroes have a growing self-respect and regard for character. This
+was a feeling which was scarcely known by them during slavery."--_Mr.
+J. Howell_.
+
+"The negroes pay a great deal more attention to their personal
+appearance, than they were accustomed to while slaves. The _women_ in
+particular have improved astonishingly in their dress and
+manners."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+Abundant proof of this proposition may be found in the statements
+already made respecting the decrease of licentiousness, the increased
+attention paid to marriage, the abandonment by the mothers of the
+horrible practice of selling their daughters to vile white men, the
+reverence for the Sabbath, the attendance upon divine worship, the
+exemplary subordination to law, the avoidance of riotous conduct,
+insolence, and intemperance.
+
+SEVENTEENTH PROPOSITION--Emancipation promises a vast improvement in the
+condition of woman. What could more effectually force woman from her
+sphere, than slavery has done by dragging her to the field, subjecting
+her to the obscene remarks, and to the vile abominations of licentious
+drivers and overseers; by compelling her to wield the heavy hoe, until
+advancing pregnancy rendered her useless then at the earliest possible
+period driving her back to the field with her infant swung at her back,
+or torn from her and committed to a stranger. Some of these evils still
+exist in Antigua, but there has already been a great abatement of them,
+and the humane planters look forward to their complete removal, and to
+the ultimate restoration of woman to the quiet and purity of
+domestic life.
+
+Samuel Bourne, Esq., stated, that there had been a great improvement in
+the treatment of mothers on his estate. "Under the old system, mothers
+were required to work half the time after their children were six weeks
+old; but now we do not call them out for _nine months_ after their
+confinement, until their children are entirely weaned."
+
+"In those cases where women have husbands in the field, they do not turn
+out while they are nursing their children. In many instances the
+husbands prefer to have their wives engaged in other work, and I do not
+require them to go to the field."--_Mr. J Howell_.
+
+Much is already beginning to be said of the probability that the women
+will withdraw from agricultural labor. A conviction of the impropriety
+of females engaging in such employments is gradually forming in the
+minds of enlightened and influential planters.
+
+A short time previous to emancipation, the Hon. N. Nugent, speaker of
+the assembly, made the following remarks before the house:--"At the
+close of the debate, he uttered his fervent hope, that the day would
+come when the principal part of the agriculture of the island would be
+performed by males, and that the women would be occupied in keeping
+their cottages in order, and in increasing their domestic comforts. The
+desire of improvement is strong among them; they are looking anxiously
+forward to the instruction and advancement of their children, and even
+of themselves."--_Antigua Herald, of March_, 1834.
+
+In a written communication to us, dated January 17, 1837, the Speaker
+says: "Emancipation will, I doubt not, improve the condition of the
+females. There can be no doubt that they will ultimately leave the
+field, (except in times of emergency,) and confine themselves to their
+appropriate domestic employments."
+
+EIGHTEENTH PROPOSITION.--Real estate has risen in value since
+emancipation; mercantile and mechanical occupations have received a
+fresh impulse; and the general condition of the colony is decidedly more
+flourishing than at any former period.
+
+"The credit of the island has decidedly improved. The internal
+prosperity of the island is advancing in an increased ratio. More
+buildings have been erected since emancipation, than for twenty years
+before. Stores and shops have multiplied astonishingly; I can safely say
+that their number has more than quintupled since the abolition of
+slavery."--_Dr. Ferguson_.
+
+"Emancipation has very greatly increased the value of, and consequently
+the demand for, real estate. That which three years ago was a drug
+altogether unsaleable by private bargain; has now many inquirers after
+it, and ready purchasers at good prices. The importation of British
+manufactured goods has been considerably augmented, probably one fourth."
+
+"The credit of the planters who have been chiefly affected by the
+change, has been much improved. And _the great reduction of expense in
+managing the estates_, has made them men of more real wealth, and
+consequently raised their credit both with the English merchants and our
+own."--_James Scotland, Sen., Esq._
+
+"The effect of emancipation upon the commerce of the island _must needs_
+have been beneficial, as the laborers indulge in more wheaten flour,
+rice, mackerel, dry fish, and salt-pork, than formerly. More lumber is
+used in the superior cottages now built for their habitations. More dry
+goods--manufactures of wool, cotton, linen, silk, leather, &c., are also
+used, now that the laborers can better afford to indulge their
+propensity for gay clothing."--_Statement of a merchant and agent
+for estates_.
+
+"Real estate has risen in value, and mercantile business has greatly
+improved."--_H. Armstrong, Esq._
+
+A merchant of St. John's informed us, that real estate had increased in
+value at least fifty per cent. He mentioned the fact, that an estate
+which previous to emancipation could not be sold for £600 current,
+lately brought £2000 current.
+
+NINETEENTH PROPOSITION--Emancipation has been followed by the
+introduction of labor-saving machinery.
+
+"Various expedients for saving manual labor have already been
+introduced, and we anticipate still greater improvements. Very little
+was thought of this subject previous to emancipation."--_S.
+Bourne, Esq._
+
+"Planters are beginning to cast about for improvements in labor. My own
+mind has been greatly turned to this subject since emancipation."--_H.
+Armstrong, Esq._
+
+"The plough is beginning to be very extensively used."--_Mr. Hatley_.
+
+"There has been considerable simplification in agricultural labor
+already, which would have been more conspicuous, had it not been for
+the excessive drought which has prevailed since 1834. The plough is
+more used, and the expedients for manuring land are less
+laborious."--_Extract of a letter from Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+
+
+TWENTIETH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation has produced the most decided
+change in the views of the _planters_.
+
+"Before emancipation took place, there was the bitterest opposition to
+it among the planters. But after freedom came, they were delighted with
+the change. I felt strong opposition myself, being exceedingly unwilling
+to give up my power of command. But I shall never forget how differently
+I felt when freedom took place I arose from my bed on the first of
+August, exclaiming with joy, 'I am free, I am free; I _was the greatest
+slave on the estate_, but now I am free.'"--_Mr. J. Howell_.
+
+"We all resisted violently the measure of abolition, when it first began
+to be agitated in England. We regarded it as an outrageous interference
+with our rights, with our property. But we are now rejoiced that slavery
+is abolished."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"I have already seen such decided benefits growing out of the free labor
+system, that for my part I wish never to see the face of slavery again."
+--_Mr. Hatley_.
+
+"I do not know of a single planter who would be willing to return to
+slavery. We all feel that it was a great curse."--_D. Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+The speaker of the assembly was requested to state especially the
+advantages of freedom both to the master and the slave; and he kindly
+communicated the following reply:
+
+    "The benefits to the master are conspicuous--he has got rid of the
+    cark and care, the anxiety and incessant worry of managing slaves;
+    all the trouble and responsibility of rearing them from infancy, of
+    their proper maintenance in health, and sickness, and decrepitude,
+    of coercing them to labor, restraining, correcting, and punishing
+    their faults and crimes--settling all their grievances and disputes.
+    He is now entirely free from all apprehension of injury, revenge, or
+    insurrection, however transient and momentary such impression may
+    have formerly been. He has no longer the reproach of being a
+    _slaveholder_; his property has lost all the _taint_ of slavery, and
+    is placed on as secure a footing, in a moral and political point of
+    view, as that in any other part of the British dominions.
+
+    As regards the _other_ party, it seems almost unnecessary to point
+    out the advantages of being a free man rather than a slave. He is no
+    longer liable to personal trespass of any sort; he has a right of
+    self-control, and all the immunities enjoyed by other classes of his
+    fellow subjects--he is enabled to better his condition as he thinks
+    proper--he can make what arrangements he likes best, as regards his
+    kindred, and all his domestic relations--he takes to his _own_ use
+    and behoof, all the wages and profits of his own labor; he receives
+    money wages instead of weekly allowances, and can purchase such
+    particular food and necessaries as he prefers--_and so on_! IT WOULD
+    BE ENDLESS TO ATTEMPT TO ENUMERATE ALL THE SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES OF A
+    STATE OF FREEDOM TO ONE OF SLAVERY!"
+
+The writer says, at the close of his invaluable letter, "I was born in
+Antigua, and have resided here with little interruption since 1809.
+Since 1814, I have taken an active concern in plantation affairs." He
+was born heir to a large slave property, and retained it up to the hour
+of emancipation. He is now the proprietor of an estate.
+
+We have, another witness to introduce to the reader, Ralph Higinbothom,
+Esq., the UNITED STATES CONSUL!--_Hear him_!--
+
+"Whatever may have been the dissatisfaction as regards emancipation
+among the planters at its commencement, there are few, indeed, if any,
+who are not _now_ well satisfied that under the present system, their
+properties are better worked, and their laborers more contented and
+cheerful, than in the time of slavery."
+
+In order that the reader may see the _revolution_ that has taken place
+since emancipation in the views of the highest class of society in
+Antigua, we make a few extracts.
+
+"There was the most violent opposition in the legislature, and
+throughout the island, to the anti-slavery proceedings in Parliament.
+The anti-slavery party in England were detested here for their
+_fanatical and reckless course_. Such was the state of feeling previous
+to emancipation, that it would have been certain disgrace for any
+planter to have avowed the least sympathy with anti-slavery sentiments.
+The humane might have their hopes and aspirations, and they might
+secretly long to see slavery ultimately terminated; but they did not
+dare to make such feelings public. _They would at once have been branded
+as the enemies of their country!"--Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+"There cannot be said to have been any _anti-slavery party_ in the
+island before emancipation. There were some individuals in St. John's,
+and a very few planters, who favored the anti-slavery views, but they
+dared not open their mouths, because of the bitter hostility which
+prevailed."--_S. Bourne, Esq._
+
+"The opinions of the clergymen and missionaries, with the exception of,
+I believe, a few clergymen, were favorable to emancipation; but neither
+in their conduct, preaching, or prayers, did they declare themselves
+openly, until the measure of abolition was determined on. The
+missionaries felt restrained by their instructions from home, and the
+clergymen thought that it did not comport with their order 'to take part
+in politics!' I never heard of a single _planter_ who was favorable,
+until about three months before the emancipation took place; when some
+few of them began to perceive that it would be advantageous to their
+_interests_. Whoever was known or suspected of being an advocate for
+freedom, became the object of vengeance, and was sure to suffer, if in
+no other way, by a loss of part of his business. My son-in-law[A], my
+son[B], and myself, were perhaps the chief marks for calumny and
+resentment. The first was twice elected a member of the Assembly, and as
+often put out by scrutinies conducted by the House, in the most
+flagrantly dishonest manner. Every attempt was made to deprive the
+second of his business, as a lawyer. With regard to myself, I was thrown
+into prison, without any semblance of justice, without any form of
+trial, but in the most summary manner, simply upon the complaint of one
+of the justices, and without any opportunity being allowed me of saying
+one word in my defence. I remained in jail until discharged by a
+peremptory order from the Colonial Secretary, to whom I
+appealed."--_James Scotland, Sen., Esq._
+
+[Footnote A: Dr. Ferguson, physician in St. John's.]
+
+[Footnote B: James Scotland, Jun., Esq., barrister, proprietor, and
+member of Assembly.]
+
+Another gentleman, a white man, was arrested on the charge of being in
+the interest of the English Anti-Slavery party, and in a manner equally
+summary and illegal, was cast into prison, and confined there for
+one year.
+
+From the foregoing statements we obtain the following comparative view
+of the past and present state of sentiment in Antigua.
+
+Views and conduct of the planters previous to emancipation:
+
+1st. They regarded the negroes as an inferior race, fit only for slaves.
+
+2d. They regarded them as their rightful property.
+
+3d. They took it for granted that negroes could never be made to work
+without the use of the whip; hence,
+
+4th. They supposed that emancipation would annihilate sugar cultivation;
+and,
+
+5th. That it would lead to bloodshed and general rebellion.
+
+6th. Those therefore who favored it, were considered the "_enemies of
+their country_"--"TRAITORS"--and were accordingly persecuted in various
+ways, not excepting imprisonment in the common jail.
+
+7th. So popular was slavery among the higher classes, that its morality
+or justice could not be questioned by a missionary--an editor--or a
+_planter_ even, without endangering the safety of the individual.
+
+8th. The anti-slavery people in England were considered detestable men,
+intermeddling with matters which they did not understand, and which at
+any rate did not concern them. They were accused of being influenced by
+selfish motives, and of designing to further their own interests by the
+ruin of the planters. They were denounced as _fanatics, incendiaries,
+knaves, religious enthusiasts_.
+
+9th The abolition measures of the English Government were considered a
+gross outrage on the rights of private property, a violation their
+multiplied pledges of countenance and support, and a flagrant usurpation
+of power over the weak.
+
+Views and conduct of the planters subsequent to emancipation:
+
+1st. The negroes are retarded as _men_--equals standing on the same
+footing as fellow-citizens.
+
+2d. Slavery is considered a foolish, impolitic, and wicked system.
+
+3d. Slaves are regarded as an _unsafe_ species of property, and to hold
+them disgraceful.
+
+4th. The planters have become the _decided enemies_ of slavery. The
+worst thing they could say against the apprenticeship, was, that "it was
+only another name for _slavery_."
+
+5th. The abolition of slavery is applauded by the planters as one of the
+most noble and magnanimous triumphs ever achieved by the British
+government.
+
+6th. Distinguished abolitionists are spoken of in terms of respect and
+admiration. The English Anti-slavery Delegation[A] spent a fortnight in
+the island, and left it the same day we arrived. Wherever we went we
+heard of them as "the respectable gentlemen from England," "the worthy
+and intelligent members of the Society of Friends," &c. A distinguished
+agent of the English anti-slavery society now resides in St. John's, and
+keeps a bookstore, well stocked with anti-slavery books and pamphlets.
+The bust of GEORGE THOMPSON stands conspicuously upon the counter of the
+bookstore, looking forth upon the public street.
+
+[Footnote A: Messrs. Sturge and Harvey.]
+
+7th. The planters affirm that the abolition of slavery put an end to all
+danger from insurrection, rebellion, privy conspiracy, and sedition, on
+the part of the slaves.
+
+8th. Emancipation is deemed an incalculable blessing, because it
+released the planters from an endless complication of responsibilities,
+perplexities, temptations and anxieties, and because it _emancipated
+them from the bondage of the whip_.
+
+9th. _Slavery--emancipation--freedom_--are the universal topics of
+conversation in Antigua. Anti-slavery is the popular doctrine among all
+classes. He is considered an enemy to his country who opposes the
+principles of liberty. The planters look with astonishment on the
+continuance of slavery in the United States, and express their strong
+belief that it must soon terminate here and throughout the world. They
+hailed the arrival of French and American visitors on tours of inquiry
+as a bright omen. In publishing our arrival, one of the St. John's
+papers remarks, "We regard this as a pleasing indication that the
+American public have their eyes turned upon our experiment, with a view,
+we may hope, of ultimately following our excellent example." (!) All
+classes showed the same readiness to aid us in what the Governor was
+pleased to call "the objects of our philanthropic mission."
+
+Such are the views now entertained among the planters of Antigua. What a
+complete change[B]--and all in less than three years, and effected by
+the abolition of slavery and a trial of freedom! Most certainly, if the
+former views of the Antigua planters resemble those held by pro-slavery
+men in this country, their present sentiments are a _fac simile_ of
+those entertained by the immediate abolitionists.
+
+[Footnote B: The following little story will further illustrate the
+wonderful revolution which has taken place in the public sentiment of
+this colony. The facts here stated all occurred while we were in
+Antigua, and we procured them from a variety of authentic sources. They
+were indeed publicly known and talked of, and produced no little
+excitement throughout the island. Mr. Corbett was a respectable and
+intelligent planter residing on an estate near Johnson's Point. Several
+months previous to the time of which we now speak, a few colored
+families (emancipated negroes) bought of a white man some small parcels
+of land lying adjacent to Mr. C.'s estate. They planted their lands in
+provisions, and also built them houses thereon, and moved into them.
+After they had become actively engaged in cultivating their provisions,
+Mr. Corbett laid claim to the lands, and ordered the negroes to leave
+them forthwith.
+
+They of course refused to do so. Mr. C. then flew into a violent rage,
+and stormed and swore, and threatened to burn their houses down over
+their heads. The terrified negroes forsook their property and fled. Mr.
+C. then ordered his negroes to tear down their huts and burn up the
+materials--which was accordingly done. He also turned in his cattle upon
+the provision grounds, and destroyed them. The negroes made a complaint
+against Mr. C., and he was arrested and committed to jail in St. John's
+for trial on the charge of _arson_.
+
+We heard of this circumstance on the day of Mr. C.'s commitment, and we
+were told that it would probably go very hard with him on his trial, and
+that he would be very fortunate if he escaped the _gallows_ or
+_transportation_. A few days after this we were surprised to hear that
+Mr. C. had died in prison. Upon inquiry, we learned that he died
+literally from _rage and mortification_. His case defied the, skill and
+power of the physicians. They could detect the presence of no disease
+whatever, even on a minute post-mortem examination. They pronounced it
+as their opinion that he had died from the violence of his
+passions--excited by being imprisoned, together with his apprehensions
+of the fatal issue of the trial.
+
+Not long before emancipation, Mr. Scotland was imprisoned for
+_befriending_ the negroes. After emancipation, Mr. Corbett was
+imprisoned for wronging them.
+
+Mr. Corbett was a respectable planter, of good family and moved in the
+first circles in the island]
+
+TWENTY-FIRST PROPOSITION.--Emancipation has been followed by a manifest
+diminution of "_prejudice against color_," and has opened the prospect
+off its speedy extirpation.
+
+Some thirty years ago, the president of the island, Sir Edward Byam,
+issued an order forbidding the great bell in the cathedral of St. John's
+being tolled at the funeral of a colored person; and directing a
+_smaller_ bell to be hung up in the same belfry, and used on such
+occasions. For twenty years this distinction was strictly maintained.
+When a white person, however _vile_, was buried, the great bell was
+tolled; when a colored person, whatever his moral worth, intelligence,
+or station, was carried to his grave, the little bell was tinkled. It
+was not until the arrival of the present excellent Rector, that this
+"prejudice bell" was silenced. The Rev. Mr. Cox informed us that
+prejudice had greatly decreased since emancipation. It was very common
+for white and colored gentlemen to be seen walking arm in arm an the
+streets of St. John's.
+
+"Prejudice against color is fast disappearing. The colored people have
+themselves contributed to prolong this feeling, _by keeping aloof from
+the society of the whites_."--_James Howell, of T. Jarvis's_.
+
+How utterly at variance is this with the commonly received opinion, that
+the colored people are disposed to _thrust_ themselves into the society
+of the whites!
+
+"_Prejudice against color_ exists in this community only to a limited
+extent, and that chiefly among those who could never bring themselves to
+believe that emancipation would really take place. Policy dictates to
+them the propriety of confining any expression of their feelings to
+those of the same opinions. Nothing is shown of this prejudice in their
+intercourse with the colored class--it is '_kept behind the
+scenes_.'"--_Ralph Higginbotham, U. S. Consul._
+
+Mr. H. was not the only individual standing in "high places" who
+insinuated that the whites that still entertained prejudice were ashamed
+of it. His excellency the Governor intimated as much, by his repeated
+assurances for himself and his compeers of the first circles, that there
+was no such feeling in the island as prejudice against _color_. The
+reasons for excluding the colored people from their society, he said,
+were wholly different from that. It was chiefly because of their
+_illegitimacy_, and also because they were not sufficiently refined, and
+because their _occupations_ were of an inferior kind, such as mechanical
+trades, small shop keeping, &c. Said he, "You would not wish to ask your
+tailor, or your shoemaker, to dine with you?" However, we were too
+unsophisticated to coincide in his Excellency's notions of social
+propriety.
+
+TWENTY-SECOND PROPOSITION.--The progress of the anti-slavery discussions
+in England did not cause the masters to treat their slaves worse, but on
+the contrary restrained them from outrage.
+
+"The treatment of the slaves during the discussions in England, was
+manifestly milder than before."--_Dr. Daniell._
+
+"The effect of the proceedings in parliament was to make the planters
+treat their slaves better. Milder laws were passed by the assembly, and
+the general condition of the slave was greatly ameliorated."--_H.
+Armstrong, Esq._
+
+"The planters did not increase the rigor of their discipline because of
+the anti-slavery discussions; but as a general thing, were more lenient
+than formerly."--_S. Bourne. Esq._
+
+"We pursued a much milder policy toward our slaves after the agitation
+began in England."--_Mr. Jas. Hawoil_.
+
+"The planters did not treat their slaves worse on account of the
+discussions; but were more lenient and circumspect."--_Letter of Hon.
+N. Nugent._
+
+"There was far less cruelty exercised by the planters during the
+anti-slavery excitement in gland. They were always on their guard to
+escape the notice of the abolitionists. _They did not wish to have their
+names published abroad, and to be exposed as monsters of
+cruelty!_"--_David Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+We have now completed our observations upon Antigua. It has been our
+single object in the foregoing account to give an accurate statement of
+the results of IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION. We have not taken a single step
+beyond the limits of testimony, and we are persuaded that testimony
+materially conflicting with this, cannot be procured from respectable
+sources in Antigua. We now leave it to our readers to decide, whether
+emancipation in Antigua has been to all classes in that island a
+_blessing_ or a _curse_.
+
+We cannot pass from this part of our report without recording the
+kindness and hospitality which we everywhere experienced during our
+sojourn in Antigua. Whatever may have been our apprehensions of a cool
+reception from a community of ex-slaveholders, none of our forebodings
+were realized. It rarely Falls to the lot of strangers visiting a
+distant land, with none of the contingencies of birth, fortune, or fame,
+to herald their arrival, and without the imposing circumstance of a
+popular mission to recommend them, to meet with a warmer reception, or
+to enjoy a more hearty confidence, than that with which we were honored
+in the interesting island of Antigua. The very _object_ of our visit,
+humble, and even odious as it may appear in the eyes of many of our own
+countrymen, was our passport to the consideration and attention of the
+higher classes in that free colony. We hold in grateful remembrance the
+interest which all--not excepting those most deeply implicated in the
+late system of slavery--manifested in our investigations. To his
+excellency the Governor, to officers both civil and military, to
+legislators and judges, to proprietors and planters, to physicians,
+barristers, and merchants, to clergymen, missionaries, and teachers, we
+are indebted for their uniform readiness in furthering our objects, and
+for the mass of information with which they were pleased to furnish us.
+To the free colored population, also, we are lasting debtors for their
+hearty co-operation and assistance. To the emancipated, we recognise our
+obligations as the friends of the slave, for their simple-hearted and
+reiterated assurances that they should remember the oppressed of our
+land in their prayers to God. In the name of the multiplying hosts of
+freedom's friends, and in behalf of the millions of speechless but
+grateful-hearted slaves, we render to our acquaintances of every class
+in Antigua our warmest thanks for their cordial sympathy with the cause
+of emancipation in America. We left Antigua with regret. The natural
+advantages of that lovely island; its climate, situation, and scenery;
+the intelligence and hospitality of the higher orders, and the
+simplicity and sobriety of the poor; the prevalence of education,
+morality, and religion; its solemn Sabbaths and thronged sanctuaries;
+and above _all_, its rising institutions of liberty--flourishing so
+vigorously,--conspire to make Antigua one of the fairest portions of the
+earth. Formerly it was in our eyes but a speck on the world's map, and
+little had we checked if an earthquake had sunk, or the ocean had
+overwhelmed it; but now, the minute circumstances in its condition, or
+little incidents in its history, are to our minds invested with
+grave interest.
+
+None, who are alive to the cause of religious freedom in the world, can
+be indifferent to the movements and destiny of this little colony.
+Henceforth, Antigua is the morning star of our nation, and though it
+glimmers faintly through a lurid sky, yet we hail it, and catch at every
+ray as the token of a bright sun which may yet burst gloriously upon us.
+
+
+
+BARBADOES
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+PASSAGE
+
+Barbadoes was the next island which we visited. Having failed of a
+passage in the steamer,[A] (on account of her leaving Antigua on the
+Sabbath,) we were reduced to the necessity of sailing in a small
+schooner, a vessel of only seventeen tons burthen, with no cabin but a
+mere _hole_, scarcely large enough to receive our baggage. The berths,
+for there were two, had but one mattress between them; however, a
+foresail folded made up the complement.
+
+[Footnote A: There are several English steamers which ply between
+Barbadoes and Jamaica, touching at several of the intermediate and
+surrounding islands, and carrying the mails.]
+
+The being for the most part directly against us, we were seven days in
+reaching Barbadoes. Our aversion to the sepulchre-like cabin obliged us
+to spend, not the days only, but the nights mostly on the open deck.
+Wrapping our cloaks about us, and drawing our fur caps over our faces,
+we slept securely in the soft air of a tropical clime, undisturbed save
+by the hoarse voice of the black captain crying "ready, bout" and the
+flapping of the sails, and the creaking of the cordage, in the frequent
+tackings of our staunch little sea-boat. On our way we passed under the
+lee of Guadaloupe and to the windward of Dominica, Martinique and St.
+Lucia. In passing Guadaloupe, we were obliged to keep at a league's
+distance from the land, in obedience to an express regulation of that
+colony prohibiting small English vessels from approaching any nearer.
+This is a precautionary measure against the escape of slaves to the
+English islands. Numerous small vessels, called _guarda costas_, are
+stationed around the coast to warn off vessels and seize upon all slaves
+attempting to make their escape. We were informed that the eagerness of
+the French negroes to taste the sweets of liberty, which they hear to
+exist in the surrounding English islands, is so great, that
+notwithstanding all the vigilance by land and sea, they are escaping in
+vast numbers. They steal to the shores by night, and seizing upon any
+sort of vessel within their reach, launch forth and make for Dominica,
+Montserrat, or Antigua. They have been known to venture out in skiffs,
+canoes, and such like hazardous conveyances, and make a voyage of fifty
+or sixty miles; and it is not without reason supposed, that very many
+have been lost in these eager darings for freedom.
+
+Such is their defiance of dangers when liberty is to be won, that old
+ocean, with its wild storms, and fierce monsters, and its yawning deep,
+and even the superadded terrors of armed vessels ever hovering around
+the island, are barriers altogether ineffectual to prevent escape. The
+western side of Guadaloupe, along which we passed, is hilly and little
+cultivated. It is mostly occupied in pasturage. The sugar estates are on
+the opposite side of the island, which stretches out eastward in a low
+sloping country, beautifully situated for sugar cultivation. The hills
+were covered with trees, with here and there small patches of cultivated
+grounds where the negroes raise provisions. A deep rich verdure covered
+all that portion of the island which we saw. We were a day and night in
+passing the long island of Guadaloupe. Another day and night were spent
+in beating through the channel between Gaudaloupe and Dominica: another
+day in passing the latter island, and then we stood or Martinique. This
+is the queen island of the French West Indies. It is fertile and
+healthful, and though not so large as Guadaloupe, produces a larger
+revenue. It has large streams of water, and many of the sugar mills are
+worked by them. Martinique and Dominica are both very mountainous. Their
+highest peaks are constantly covered with clouds, which in their varied
+siftings, now wheeling around, then rising or falling, give the hills
+the appearance of smoking volcanoes. It was not until the eighth day of
+the voyage, that we landed at Barbadoes. The passage from Barbadoes to
+Antigua seldom occupies more than three days, the wind being mostly in
+that direction.
+
+In approaching Barbadoes, it presented an entirely difference appearance
+from that of the islands we had passed on the way. It is low and level,
+almost wholly destitute of trees. As we drew nearer we discovered in
+every direction the marks of its extraordinary cultivation. The cane
+fields and provision grounds in alternate patches cover the island with
+one continuous mantle of green. The mansions of the planters, and the
+clusters of negro houses, appear at shore intervals dotting the face of
+the island, and giving to it the appearance of a vast village
+interspersed with verdant gardens.
+
+We "rounded up" in the bay, off Bridgetown, the principal place in
+Barbadoes, where we underwent a searching examination by the health
+officer; who, after some demurring, concluded that we might pass muster.
+We took lodgings in Bridgetown with Mrs. M., a colored lady.
+
+The houses are mostly built of brick or stone, or wood plastered. They
+are seldom more than two stories high, with flat roofs, and huge window
+shutters and doors--the structures of a hurricane country. The streets
+are narrow and crooked, and formed of white marle, which reflects the
+sun with a brilliancy half blinding to the eyes. Most of the buildings
+are occupied as stores below and dwelling houses above, with piazzas to
+the upper story, which jut over the narrow streets, and afford a shade
+for the side walks. The population of Bridgetown is about 30,000. The
+population of the island is about 140,000, of whom nearly 90,000 are
+apprentices, the remainder are free colored and white in the proportion
+of 30,000 free colored and 20,000 whites. The large population exists on
+an island not more than twenty miles long, by fifteen broad. The whole
+island is under the most vigorous and systematic culture. There is
+scarcely a foot of productive land that is not brought into requisition.
+There is no such thing as a forest of any extent in the island. It is
+thus that, notwithstanding the insignificance of its size, Barbadoes
+ranks among the British islands next to Jamaica in value and importance.
+It was on account of its conspicuous standing among the English
+colonies, that we were induced to visit it, and there investigate the
+operations of the apprenticeship system.
+
+Our principal object in the following tales is to give an account of the
+working of the apprenticeship system, and to present it in contrast with
+that of entire freedom, which has been described minutely in our account
+of Antigua. The apprenticeship was designed as a sort of preparation for
+freedom. A statement of its results will, therefore, afford no small
+data for deciding upon the general principle of _gradualism_!
+
+We shall pursue a plan less labored and prolix than that which it seemed
+necessary to adopt in treating of Antigua. As that part of the testimony
+which respects the abolition of slavery, and the sentiments of the
+planters is substantially the same with what is recorded in the
+foregoing pages, we shall be content with presenting it in the sketch of
+our travels throughout the island, and our interviews with various
+classes of men. The testimony respecting the nature and operations of
+the apprenticeship system, will be embodied in a more regular form.
+
+VISIT TO THE GOVERNOR.
+
+At an early day after our arrival we called on the Governor, in
+pursuance of the etiquette of the island, and in order to obtain the
+assistance of his Excellency in our inquiries. The present Governor is
+Sir Evan John Murray McGregor, a Scotchman of Irish reputation. He is
+the present chieftain of the McGregor clan, which figures so
+illustriously in the history of Scotland. Sir Evan has been
+distinguished for his victory in war, and he now bears the title of
+Knight, for his achievements in the British service. He is
+Governor-General of the windward islands, which include Barbadoes,
+Grenada, St. Vincent's, and Tobago. The government house, at which he
+resides, is about two miles from town. The road leading to it is a
+delightful one, lined with cane fields, and pasture grounds, all verdant
+with the luxuriance of midsummer. It passes by the cathedral, the king's
+house, the noble residence of the Archdeacon, and many other fine
+mansions. The government house is situated in a pleasant eminence, and
+surrounded with a large garden, park, and entrance yard. At the large
+outer gate, which gives admittance to the avenue leading to the house,
+stood a _black_ sentinel in his military dress, and with a gun on his
+shoulder, pacing to and fro. At the door of the house we found another
+black soldier on guard. We were ushered into the dining hall, which
+seems to serve as ante-chamber when not otherwise used. It is a spacious
+airy room, overhung with chandeliers and lamps in profusion, and bears
+the marks of many scenes of mirth and wassail. The eastern windows,
+which extend from the ceiling to the floor, look out upon a garden
+filled with shrubs and flowers, among which we recognised a rare variety
+of the floral family in full bloom. Every thing around--the extent of
+the buildings, the garden, the park, with deer browsing amid the tangled
+shrubbery--all bespoke the old English style and dignity.
+
+After waiting a few minutes, we were introduced to his Excellency, who
+received us very kindly. He conversed freely on the subject of
+emancipation, and gave his opinion decidedly in favor of unconditional
+freedom. He has been in the West Indies five years, and resided at
+Antigua and Dominica before he received his present appointment; he has
+visited several other islands besides. In no island that he has visited
+have affairs gone on so quietly and satisfactorily to all parties as in
+Antigua. He remarked that he was ignorant of the character of the black
+population of the United States, but from what he knew of their
+character in the West Indies, he could not avoid the conclusion that
+immediate emancipation was entirely safe. He expressed his views of the
+apprenticeship system with great freedom. He said it was vexatious to
+all parties.
+
+He remarked that he was so well satisfied that emancipation was safe and
+proper, and that unconditional freedom was better than apprenticeship,
+that had he the power, he would emancipate every apprentice to-morrow.
+It would be better both for the planter and the laborer.
+
+_He thought the negroes in Barbadoes, and in the windward islands
+generally, now as well prepared for freedom as the slaves of Antigua._
+
+The Governor is a dignified but plain man, of sound sense and judgement,
+and of remarkable liberality. He promised to give us every assistance,
+and said, as we arose to leave him, that he would mention the object of
+our visit to a number of influential gentlemen, and that we should
+shortly hear from him again.
+
+A few days after our visit to the Governor's, we called on the Rev.
+Edward Elliott, the Archdeacon at Barbadoes, to whom we had been
+previously introduced at the house of a friend in Bridgetown. He is a
+liberal-minded man. In 1812, he delivered a series of lectures in the
+cathedral on the subject of slavery. The planters became
+alarmed--declared that such discourses would lead to insurrection, and
+demanded that they should lie abandoned. He received anonymous letters
+threatening him with violence unless he discontinued them. Nothing
+daunted, however, he went through the course, and afterwards published
+the lectures in a volume.
+
+The Archdeacon informed us that the number of churches and clergymen had
+increased since emancipation; religious meetings were more fully
+attended, and the instructions given had manifestly a greater influence.
+Increased attention was paid to _education_ also. Before emancipation
+the planters opposed education, and as far as possible, prevented the
+teachers from coming to the estates. Now they encouraged it in many
+instances, and where they do not directly encourage, they make no
+opposition. He said that the number of marriages had very much increased
+since the abolition of slavery. He had resided in Barbados for twelve
+years, during which time he had repeatedly visited many of the
+neighboring islands. He thought the negroes of Barbadoes _were as well
+prepared for freedom in 1834, as those of Antigua_, and that there would
+have been no bad results had entire emancipation been granted at that
+time. He did not think there was the least danger of insurrection. On
+this subject he spoke the sentiments of the inhabitants generally. He
+did not suppose there were five planters on the island, who entertained
+any fears on this score _now_.
+
+On one other point the Archdeacon expressed himself substantially thus:
+The planters undoubtedly treated their slaves better during the
+anti-slavery discussions in England.
+
+The condition of the slaves was very much mitigated by the efforts which
+were made for their entire freedom. The planters softened down, the
+system of slavery as much as possible. _They were exceedingly anxious to
+put a stop to discussion and investigation._
+
+Having obtained a letter of introduction from an American merchant here
+to a planter residing about four miles from town, we drove out to his
+estate. His mansion is pleasantly situated on a small eminence, in one
+of the coolest and most inviting retreats which is to be seen in this
+clime, and we were received by its master with all the cordiality and
+frankness for which Barbados is famed. He introduced us to his family,
+consisting of three daughters and two sons, and invited us to stop to
+dinner. One of his daughters, now here on a visit, is married to an
+American, a native of New York, but now a merchant in one of the
+southern states, and our connection as fellow countrymen with one dear
+to them, was an additional claim to their kindness and hospitality.
+
+He conducted us through all the works and out-buildings, the mill,
+boiling-house, caring-house, hospital, store-houses, &c. The people were
+at work in the mill and boiling-house, and as we passed, bowed and bade
+us "good mornin', massa," with the utmost respect and cheerfulness. A
+white overseer was regulating the work, but wanted the insignia of
+slaveholding authority, which he had borne for many years, the _whip_.
+As we came out, we saw in a neighboring field a gang of seventy
+apprentices, of both sexes, engaged in cutting up the cane, while others
+were throwing it into carts to be carried to the mill. They were all as
+quietly and industriously at work as any body of our own farmers or
+mechanics. As we were looking at them, Mr. C., the planter, remarked,
+"those people give me more work than when slaves. This estate was never
+under so good cultivation as at the present time."
+
+He took us to the building used as the mechanics' shop. Several of the
+apprentices were at work in it, some setting up the casks for sugar,
+others repairing utensils. Mr. C. says all the work of the estate is
+done by the apprentices. His carts are made, his mill kept in order, his
+coopering and blacksmithing are all done by them. "All these buildings,"
+said he, "even to the dwelling-house, were built after the great storm
+of 1831, by the slaves."
+
+As we were passing through the hospital, or sick-house, as it is called
+by the blacks, Mr. C. told us he had very little use for it now. There
+is no skulking to it as there was under the old system.
+
+Just as we were entering the door of the house, on our return, there was
+an outcry among a small party of the apprentices who were working near
+by. Mr. C. went to them and inquired the cause. It appeared that the
+overseer had struck one of the lads with a stick. Mr. C. reproved him
+severely for the act, and assured him if he did such a thing again he
+would take him before a magistrate.
+
+During the day we gathered the following information:--
+
+Mr. C. had been a planter for thirty-six years. He has had charge of the
+estate on which he now resides ten years. He is the attorney for two
+other large estates a few miles from this, and has under his
+superintendence, in all, more than a thousand apprenticed laborers. This
+estate consists of six hundred and sixty-six acres of land, most of
+which is under cultivation either in cane or provisions, and has on it
+three hundred apprentices and ninety-two free children. The average
+amount of sugar raised on it is two hundred hogsheads of a ton each, but
+this year it will amount to at least two hundred and fifty
+hogsheads--the largest crop ever taken off since he has been connected
+with it. He has planted thirty acres additional this year. The island
+has never been under so good cultivation, and is becoming better
+every year.
+
+During our walk round the works, and during the day, he spoke several
+times in general terms of the great blessings of emancipation.
+
+Emancipation is as great a blessing to the master as to the slave.
+"Why," exclaimed Mr. C., "it was emancipation to me. I assure you the
+first of August brought a great, _great_ relief to me. I felt myself,
+for the first time, a freeman on that day. You cannot imagine the
+responsibilities and anxieties which were swept away with the extinction
+of slavery."
+
+There were many unpleasant and annoying circumstances attending slavery,
+which had a most pernicious effect on the master. There was continual
+jealousy and suspicion between him and those under him. They looked on
+each other as sworn enemies, and there was kept up a continual system of
+plotting and counterplotting. Then there was the flogging, which was a
+matter of course through the island. To strike a slave was as common as
+to strike a horse--then the punishments were inflicted so unjustly, in
+innumerable instances, that the poor victims knew no more why they were
+punished than the dead in their graves. The master would be a little
+ill--he had taken a cold, perhaps, and felt irritable--something were
+wrong--his passion was up, and away went some poor fellow to the
+whipping post. The slightest offence at such a moment, though it might
+have passed unnoticed at another time, would meet with the severest
+punishment. He said he himself had more than once ordered his slaves to
+be flogged in a passion, and after he became cool he would have given
+guineas not to have done it. Many a night had he been kept awake in
+thinking of some poor fellow whom he had shut up in the dungeon, and had
+rejoiced when daylight came. He feared lest the slave might die before
+morning; either cut his throat or dash his head against the wall in his
+desperation. He has known such cases to occur.
+
+The apprenticeship will not have so beneficial an effect as he hoped it
+would, on account of an indisposition on the part of many of the
+planters to abide by its regulations. The planters generally are doing
+very little to prepare the apprentices for freedom; but some are doing
+very much to unprepare them. They are driving the people from them by
+their conduct.
+
+Mr. C. said he often wished for emancipation. There were several other
+planters among his acquaintance who had the same feelings, but did not
+dare express them. Most of the planters, however, were violently
+opposed. Many of them declared that emancipation could not and should
+not take place. So obstinate were they, that they would have sworn on
+the 31st of July, 1831, that emancipation could not happen. _These very
+men now see and acknowledge the benefits which have resulted from the
+new system_.
+
+The first of August passed off very quietly. The people labored on that
+day as usual, and had a stranger gone over the island, he would not have
+suspected any change had taken place. Mr. C. did not expect his people
+would go to work that day. He told them what the conditions of the new
+system were, and that after the first of August, they would be required
+to turn out to work at six o'clock instead of five o'clock as before. At
+the appointed hour every man was at his post in the field. Not one
+individual was missing.
+
+The apprentices do more work in the nine hours required by law, than in
+twelve hours during slavery.
+
+His apprentices are perfectly willing to work for him during their own
+time. He pays them at the rate of twenty-five cents a day. The people
+are less quarrelsome than when they were slaves.
+
+About eight o'clock in the evening, Mr. C. invited us to step out into
+the piazza. Pointing to the houses of the laborers, which were crowded
+thickly together, and almost concealed by the cocoa-nut and calabash
+trees around them, he said, "there are probably more than four hundred
+people in that village. All my own laborers, with their free children,
+are retired for the night, and with them are many from the neighboring
+estates." We listened, but all was still, save here and there a low
+whistle from some of the watchmen. He said that night was a specimen of
+every night now. But it had not always been so. During slavery these
+villages were oftentimes a scene of bickering, revelry, and contention.
+One might hear the inmates reveling and shouting till midnight.
+Sometimes it would be kept up till morning. Such scenes have much
+decreased, and instead of the obscene and heathen songs which they used
+to sing, they are learning hymns from the lips of their children.
+
+The apprentices are more trusty. They are more faithful in work which is
+given them to do. They take more interest in the prosperity of the
+estate generally, in seeing that things are kept in order, and that the
+property is not destroyed.
+
+They are more open-hearted. Formerly they used to shrink before the eyes
+of the master, and appear afraid to meet him. They would go out of their
+way to avoid him, and never were willing to talk with him. They never
+liked to have him visit their houses; they looked on him as a spy, and
+always expected a reprimand, or perhaps a flogging. Now they look up
+cheerfully when they meet him, and a visit to their homes is esteemed a
+favor. Mr. C. has more confidence in his people than he ever had before.
+
+There is less theft than during slavery. This is caused by greater
+respect for character, and the protection afforded to property by law.
+For a slave to steal from his master was never considered wrong, but
+rather a meritorious act. He who could rob the most without being
+detected was the best fellow. The blacks in several of the islands have
+a proverb, that for a thief to steal from a thief makes God laugh.
+
+The blacks have a great respect for, and even fear of law. Mr. C.
+believes no people on earth are more influenced by it. They regard the
+same punishment, inflicted by a magistrate, much more than when
+inflicted by their master. Law is a kind of deity to them, and they
+regard it with great reverence and awe.
+
+There is no insecurity now. Before emancipation there was a continual
+fear of insurrection. Mr. C. said he had lain down in bed many a night
+fearing that his throat would be cut before morning. He has started up
+often from a dream in which he thought his room was filled with armed
+slaves. But when the abolition bill passed, his fears all passed away.
+He felt assured there would be no trouble then. The motive to
+insurrection was taken away. As for the cutting of throats, or insult
+and violence in any way, he never suspects it. He never thinks of
+fastening his door at night now. As we were retiring to bed he looked
+round the room in which we had been sitting, where every thing spoke of
+serenity and confidence--doors and windows open, and books and plate
+scattered about on the tables and sideboards. "You see things now," he
+said, "just as we leave them every night, but you would have seen quite
+a different scene had you come here a few years ago."
+
+_Mr. C. thinks the slaves of Barbadoes might have been entirely and
+immediately emancipated as well as those of Antigua._ The results, he
+doubts not, would have been the same.
+
+He has no fear of disturbance or insubordination in 1840. He has no
+doubt that the people will work. That there may be a little unsettled,
+excited, _experimenting_ feeling for a short time, he thinks
+probable--but feels confident that things generally will move on
+peaceably and prosperously. He looks with much more anxiety to the
+emancipation of the non-praedials in 1838.
+
+There is no disposition among the apprentices to revenge their wrongs.
+Mr. C. feels the utmost security both of person and property.
+
+The slaves were very much excited by the discussions in England. They
+were well acquainted, with them, and looked and longed for the result.
+They watched every arrival of the packet with great anxiety. The people
+on his estate often knew its arrival before he did. One of his daughters
+remarked, that she could see their hopes flashing from their eyes. They
+manifested, however, no disposition to rebel, waiting in anxious but
+quiet hope for their release. Yet Mr. C. had no doubt, that if
+parliament had thrown out the emancipation bill, and all measures had
+ceased for their relief, there would have been a general
+insurrection.--While there was hope they remained peaceable, but had
+hope been destroyed it would have been buried in blood.
+
+There was some dissatisfaction among the blacks with the apprenticeship.
+They thought they ought to be entirely free, and that their masters were
+deceiving them. They could not at first understand the conditions of the
+new system--there was some murmuring among them, but they thought it
+better, however, to wait six years for the boon, than to run the risk of
+losing it altogether by revolt.
+
+The expenses of the apprenticeship are about the same as during slavery.
+But under the free system, Mr. C. has no doubt they will be much less.
+He has made a calculation of the expenses of cultivating the estate on
+which he resides for one year during slavery, and what they will
+probably be for one year under the free system. He finds the latter are
+less by about $3,000.
+
+Real estate has increased in value more than thirty per rent. There is
+greater confidence in the security of property. Instances were related
+to us of estates that could not be sold at any price before
+emancipation, that within the last two years have been disposed of at
+great prices.
+
+The complaints to the magistrates, on the part of the planters, were
+very numerous at first, but have greatly diminished. They are of the
+most trivial and even ludicrous character. One of the magistrates says
+the greater part of the cases that come before him are from old women
+who cannot get their coffee early enough in the morning! and for
+offences of equal importance.
+
+Prejudice has much diminished since emancipation. The discussions in
+England prior to that period had done much to soften it down, but the
+abolition of slavery has given it its death blow.
+
+Such is a rapid sketch of the various topics touched upon during our
+interview with Mr. C. and his family.
+
+Before we left the hospitable mansion of Lear's, we had the pleasure of
+meeting a company of gentlemen at dinner. With the exception of one, who
+was provost-marshal, they were merchants of Bridgetown. These gentlemen
+expressed their full concurrence in the statements of Mr. C., and gave
+additional testimony equally valuable.
+
+Mr. W., the provost-marshal, stated that he had the supervision of the
+public jail, and enjoyed the best opportunity of knowing the state of
+crime, and he was confident that there was a less amount of crime since
+emancipation than before. He also spoke of the increasing attention
+which the negroes paid to neatness of dress and personal appearance.
+
+The company broke up about nine o'clock, but not until we had seen ample
+evidence of the friendly feelings of all the gentlemen toward our
+object. There was not a single dissenting voice to any of the statements
+made, or any of the sentiments expressed. This fact shows that the
+prevailing feeling is in favor of freedom, and that too on the score of
+policy and self-interest.
+
+Dinner parties are in one sense a very safe pulse in all matters of
+general interest. They rarely beat faster than the heart of the
+community. No subject is likely to be introduced amid the festivities of
+a fashionable circle, until it is fully endorsed by public sentiment.
+
+Through the urgency of Mr. C., we were induced to remain all night.
+Early the next morning, he proposed a ride before breakfast to Scotland.
+Scotland is the name given to an abrupt, hilly section, in the north of
+the island. It is about five miles from Mr. C.'s, and nine from
+Bridgetown. In approaching, the prospect bursts suddenly upon the eye,
+extorting an involuntary exclamation of surprise. After riding for
+miles, through a country which gradually swells into slight elevations,
+or sweeps away in rolling plains, covered with cane, yams, potatoes,
+eddoes, corn, and grass, alternately, and laid out with the regularity
+of a garden; after admiring the cultivation, beauty, and skill exhibited
+on every hand, until almost wearied with viewing the creations of art;
+the eye at once falls upon a scene in which is crowded all the wildness
+and abruptness of nature in one of her most freakish moods--a scene
+which seems to defy the hand of cultivation and the graces of art. We
+ascended a hill on the border of this section, which afforded us a
+complete view. To describe it in one sentence, it is an immense basin,
+from two to three miles in diameter at the top, the edges of which are
+composed of ragged hills, and the sides and bottom of which are
+diversified with myriads of little hillocks and corresponding
+indentations. Here and there is a small sugar estate in the bottom, and
+cultivation extends some distance up the sides, though this is at
+considerable risk, for not infrequently, large tracts of soil, covered
+with cane or provisions, slide down, over-spreading the crops below, and
+destroying those which they carry with them.
+
+Mr. C. pointed to the opposite side of the basin to a small group of
+stunted trees, which he said were the last remains of the Barbadoes
+forests. In the midst of them there is a boiling spring of considerable
+notoriety.
+
+In another direction, amid the rugged precipices, Mr. C. pointed out the
+residences of a number of poor white families, whom he described as the
+most degraded, vicious, and abandoned people in the island--"very far
+below the negroes." They live promiscuously, are drunken, licentious,
+and poverty-stricken,--a body of most squalid and miserable
+human beings.
+
+From the height on which we stood, we could see the ocean nearly around
+the island, and on our right and left, overlooking the basin below us,
+rose the two highest points of land of which Barbadoes can boast. The
+white marl about their naked tops gives them a bleak and desolate
+appearance, which contrasts gloomily with the verdure of the surrounding
+cultivation.
+
+After we had fully gratified ourselves with viewing the miniature
+representation of old Scotia, we descended again into the road, and
+returned to Lear's. We passed numbers of men and women going towards
+town with loads of various kinds of provisions on their heads. Some were
+black, and others were white--of the same class whose huts had just been
+shown us amid the hills and ravines of Scotland. We observed that the
+latter were barefoot, and carried their loads on their heads precisely
+like the former. As we passed these busy pedestrians, the blacks almost
+uniformly courtesied or spoke; but the whites did not appear to notice
+us. Mr. C inquired whether we were not struck with this difference in
+the conduct of the two people, remarking that he had always observed it.
+It is very seldom, said he, that I meet a negro who does not speak to me
+politely; but this class of whites either pass along without looking up,
+or cast a half-vacant, rude stare into one's face, without opening their
+mouths. Yet this people, he added, veriest raggamuffins that they are,
+despise the negroes, and consider it quite degrading to put themselves
+on term of equity with them. They will beg of blacks more provident and
+industrious than themselves, or they will steal their poultry and rob
+their provision grounds at night; but they would disdain to associate
+with them. Doubtless these _sans culottes_ swell in their dangling rags
+with the haughty consciousness that they possess _white skins_. What
+proud reflections they must have, as they pursue their barefoot way,
+thinking on their high lineage, and running back through the long list
+of their illustrious ancestry whose notable badge was a _white skin_! No
+wonder they cannot stop to bow to the passing stranger. These sprouts of
+the Caucasian race are known among the Barbadians by the rather
+ungracious name of _Red Shanks_. They are considered the pest of the
+island, and are far more troublesome to the police, in proportion to
+their members, than the apprentices. They are estimated at about
+eight thousand.
+
+The origin of this population we learned was the following: It has long
+been a law in Barbadoes, that each proprietor should provide a white man
+for every sixty slaves in his possession, and give him an acre of land,
+a house, and arms requisite for defence of the island in case of
+insurrection. This caused an importation of poor whites from Ireland and
+England, and their number has been gradually increasing until the
+present time.
+
+During our stay of nearly two days with Mr. C., there was nothing to
+which he so often alluded as to the security from danger which was now
+enjoyed by the planters. As he sat in his parlor, surrounded by his
+affectionate family, the sense of personal and domestic security
+appeared to be a luxury to him. He repeatedly expressed himself
+substantially thus: "During the existence of slavery, how often have I
+retired to bed _fearing_ _that I should have my throat cut before
+morning_, but _now_ the danger is all over."
+
+We took leave of Lear's, after a protracted visit, not without a
+pressing invitation from Mr. C. to call again.
+
+SECOND VISIT TO LEAR'S.
+
+The following week, on Saturday afternoon, we received a note from Mr.
+C., inviting us to spend the Sabbath at Lear's, where we might attend
+service at a neighboring chapel, and see a congregation composed chiefly
+of apprentices. On our arrival, we received a welcome from the
+residents, which reassured us of their sympathy in our object. We joined
+the family circle around the centre table, and spent the evening in free
+conversation on the subject of slavery.
+
+During the evening Mr. C. stated, that he had lately met with a planter
+who, for some years previous to emancipation, and indeed up to the very
+event, maintained that it was utterly impossible for such a thing ever
+to take place. The mother country, he said, could not be so mad as to
+take a step which must inevitably ruin the colonies. _Now_, said Mr. C.,
+this planter would be one of the last in the island to vote for a
+restoration of slavery; nay, he even wishes to have the apprenticeship
+terminated at once, and entire freedom given to the people. Such changes
+as this were very common.
+
+Mr. C. remarked that during slavery, if the negro ventured to express an
+opinion about any point of management, he was met at once with a
+reprimand. If one should say, "I think such a course would he best," or,
+"Such a field of cane is fit for cutting," the reply would be, "_Think_!
+you have no right to think any thing about it. _Do as I bid you_." Mr.
+C. confessed frankly, that he had often used such language himself. Yet
+at the same time that he affected such contempt for the opinions of the
+slaves, he used to go around secretly among the negro houses at night to
+overhear their conversation, and ascertain their views. Sometimes he
+received very valuable suggestions from them, which he was glad to avail
+himself of, though he was careful not to acknowledge their origin.
+
+Soon after supper, Miss E., one of Mr. C.'s daughters, retired for the
+purpose of teaching a class of colored children which came to her on
+Wednesday and Saturday nights. A sister of Miss E. has a class on the
+same days at noon.
+
+During the evening we requested the favor of seeing Miss E.'s school. We
+were conducted by a flight of stairs into the basement story, where we
+found her sitting in a small recess, and surrounded by a dozen negro
+girls; from the ages of eight to fifteen. She was instructing them from
+the Testament, which most of them could read fluently. She afterwards
+heard them recite some passages which they had committed to memory, and
+interspersed the recitations with appropriate remarks of advice and
+exhortation.
+
+It is to be remarked that Miss E. commenced instructing after the
+abolition; before that event the idea of such an employment would have
+been rejected as degrading.
+
+At ten o'clock on Sabbath morning, we drove to the chapel of the parish,
+which is a mile and a half from Lear's. It contains seats for five
+hundred persons. The body of the house is appropriated to the
+apprentices. There were upwards of four hundred persons, mostly
+apprentices, present, and a more quiet and attentive congregation we
+have seldom seen. The people were neatly dressed. A great number of the
+men wore black or blue cloth. The females were generally dressed in
+white. The choir was composed entirely of blacks, and sung with
+characteristic excellence.
+
+There was so much intelligence in the countenances of the people, that
+we could scarcely believe we were looking on a congregation of lately
+emancipated slaves.
+
+We returned to Lear's. Mr. C. noticed the change which has taken place
+in the observance of the Sabbath since emancipation. Formerly the smoke
+would be often seen at this time of day pouring from the chimneys of the
+boiling-houses; but such a sight has not been seen since slavery
+disappeared.
+
+Sunday used to be the day for the negroes to work on their grounds; now
+it is a rare thing for them to do so. Sunday markets also prevailed
+throughout the island, until the abolition of slavery.
+
+Mr. C. continued to speak of slavery. "I sometimes wonder," said he, "at
+myself, when I think how long I was connected with slavery; but
+self-interest and custom blinded me to its enormities." Taking a short
+walk towards sunset, we found ourselves on the margin of a beautiful
+pond, in which myriads of small gold fishes were disporting--now
+circling about in rapid evolutions, and anon leaping above the surface,
+and displaying their brilliant sides in the rays of the setting sun.
+When we had watched for some moments their happy gambols, Mr. C. turned
+around and broke a twig from a bush that stood behind us; "_there is a
+bush_," said he, "_which has committed many a murder_." On requesting
+him to explain, he said, that the root of it was a most deadly poison,
+and that the slave women used to make a decoction of it and give to
+their infants to destroy them; many a child had been murdered in this
+way. Mothers would kill their children, rather than see them _grow up to
+be slaves_. "Ah," he continued, in a solemn tone, pausing a moment and
+looking at us in a most earnest manner, "I could write a book about the
+evils of slavery. I could write a book about these things."
+
+What a volume of blackness and blood![A]
+
+[Footnote A: We are here reminded of a fact stated by Mr. C. on another
+occasion. He said, that he once attended at the death of a planter who
+had been noted for his severity to his slaves. It was the most horrid
+scene he ever witnessed. For hours before his death he was in the
+extremest agony, and the only words which he uttered were, "Africa. O
+Africa!" These words he repeated every few minutes, till he died. And
+such a ghastly countenance, such distortions of the muscles, such a
+hellish glare of the eye, and such convulsions of the body--it made him
+shudder to think of them.]
+
+When we arose on Monday morning, the daylight has scarcely broken. On
+looking out of the window, we saw the mill slowly moving in the wind,
+and the field gang were going out to their daily work. Surely, we
+thought, this does not look much like the laziness and insubordination
+of freed negroes. After dressing, we walked down to the mill, to have
+some conversation with the people. They all bade us a cordial "good
+mornin'." The _tender_ of the mill was an old man, whose despised locks
+were gray and thin, and on whose brow the hands of time and sorrow had
+written many effaceless lines. He appeared hale and cheerful, and
+answered our questions in distinct intelligible language. We asked him
+how they were all getting along under the new system. "Very well,
+massa," said he, "very well, thank God. All peaceable and good." "Do you
+like the apprenticeship better then slavery?" "Great deal better, massa;
+we is doing well now." "You like the apprenticeship as well as freedom,
+don't you?" "O _no_ me massa, freedom _till better_."
+
+"What will you do when you are entirely free?"
+
+"We must work; all have to work when de free come, white and black."
+"You are old, and will not enjoy freedom long; why do you wish for
+freedom, then?" "Me want to _die_ free, massa--good ting to die free,
+and me want to see _children_ free too."
+
+We continued at Lear's during Monday, to be in readiness for a tour to
+the windward of the island, which Mr. C. had projected for us, and on
+which we were to set out early the next morning. In the course of the
+day we had opportunities of seeing the apprentices in almost every
+situation--in the field, at the mill, in the boiling-house, moving to
+and from work, and at rest. In every aspect in which we viewed them,
+they appeared cheerful, amiable, and easy of control. It was admirable
+to see with what ease and regularity every thing moved. An estate of
+nearly seven hundred acres, with extensive agriculture, and a large
+manufactory and distillery, employing three hundred apprentices, and
+supporting twenty-five horses, one hundred and thirty head of horned
+cattle, and hogs, sheep; and poultry in proportion, is manifestly a most
+complicated machinery. No wonder it should have been difficult to manage
+during slavery, when the main spring was absent, and every wheel out
+of gear.
+
+We saw the apprentices assemble after twelve o'clock, to receive their
+allowances of yams. These provisions are distributed to them twice every
+week--on Monday and Thursday. They were strewed along the yard in heaps
+of fifteen pounds each. The apprentices came with baskets to get their
+allowances. It resembled a market scene, much chattering and talking,
+but no anger. Each man, woman, and child, as they got their baskets
+filled, placed them of their heads, and marched off to their
+several huts.
+
+On Tuesday morning, at an early hour, Mr. C. took us in his phaeton on
+our projected excursion. It was a beautiful morning. There was a full
+breeze from the east, which had already started the ponderous wings of
+the wind-mills, in every direction. The sun was shaded by light clouds,
+which rendered the air quite cool. Crossing the rich valley in which the
+Bell estate and other noble properties are situated, we ascended the
+cliffs of St. John's--a ridge extending through the parish of that name
+and as we rode along its top, eastward, we had a delightful view of sea
+and land. Below us on either hand lay vast estates glowing in the,
+verdure of summer, and on three sides in the distance stretched the
+ocean. Rich swells of land, cultivated and blooming like a vast garden,
+extended to the north as far as the eye could reach, and on every other
+side down to the water's edge. One who has been accustomed to the
+wildness of American scenery, and to the imperfect cultivation,
+intercepted with woodland, which yet characterizes the even the oldest
+portions of the United States, might revel for a time amid the sunny
+meadows. The waving cane fields, the verdant provision grounds, the
+acres of rich black soil without a blade of grass, and divided into beds
+two feet square for the cane plants with the precision almost of the
+cells of a honey comb; and withal he might be charmed with the luxurious
+mansions--more luxurious than superb--surrounded with the white cedar,
+the cocoa-nut tree, and the tall, rich mountain cabbage--the most
+beautiful of all tropical trees; but perchance it would not require a
+very long excursion to weary him with the artificiality of the scenery,
+and cause him to sigh for the "woods and wilds," the "banks and braes,"
+of his own majestic country.
+
+After an hour and a half's drive, we reached Colliton estate, where we
+were engaged to breakfast. We met a hearty welcome from the manager,
+Samuel Hinkston, Esq. we were soon joined by several gentlemen whom Mr.
+H. had invited to take breakfast with us; these were the Rev. Mr.
+Gittens, rector of St. Philip's parish, (in which Colliton estate is
+situated,) and member of the colonial council; Mr. Thomas, an extensive
+attorney of Barbadoes; and Dr. Bell, a planter of Demerara--then on a
+visit to the island. We conversed with each of the gentlemen separately,
+and obtained their individual views respecting emancipation.
+
+Mr. Hinkston has been a planter for thirty-six years, and is highly
+esteemed throughout the island. The estate which he manages, ranks among
+the first in the island. It comprises six hundred acres of superior
+land, has a population of two hundred apprentices, and yields an average
+crop of one hundred and eighty hogsheads. Together with his long
+experience and standing as a planter, Mr. H. has been for many years
+local magistrate for the parish in which he resides. From these
+circumstances combined, we are induced to give his opinions on a variety
+of points.
+
+1. He remarked that the planters were getting along _infinitely_ better
+under the new system than they ever did under the old. Instead of
+regretting that the change had taken place, he is looking forward with
+pleasure to a better change in 1840, and he only regrets that it is not
+to come sooner.
+
+2. Mr. H. said it was generally conceded that the island was never under
+better cultivation than at the present time. The crops for this year
+will exceed the average by several thousand hogsheads. The canes were
+planted in good season, and well attended to afterwards.
+
+3. Real estate has risen very much since emancipation. Mr. H. stated
+that he had lately purchased a small sugar estate, for which he was
+obliged to give several hundred pounds more than it would have cost him
+before 1834.
+
+4. There is not the least sense of insecurity now. Before emancipation
+there was much fear of insurrection, but that fear passed away
+with slavery.
+
+5. The prospect for 1840 is good. That people have no fear of ruin after
+emancipation, is proved by the building of sugar works on estates which
+never had any before, and which were obliged to cart their canes to
+neighbouring estates to have them ground and manufactured. There are
+also numerous improvements making on the larger estates. Mr. H. is
+preparing to make a new mill and boiling-house on Colliton, and other
+planters are doing the same. Arrangements are making too in various
+directions to build new negro villages on a more commodious plan.
+
+6. Mr. H. says he finds his apprentices perfectly ready to work for
+wages during their own time. Whenever he needs their labor on Saturday,
+he has only to ask them, and they are ready to go to the mill, or field
+at once. There has not been an instance on Colliton estate in which the
+apprentices have refused to work, either during the hours required by
+law, or during their own time. When he does not need their services on
+Saturday, they either hire themselves to other estates or work on their
+own grounds.
+
+7. Mr. H. was ready to say, both as a planter and a magistrate, that
+vice and crime generally had decreased, and were still on the decrease.
+Petty thefts are the principal offences. He has not had occasion to send
+a single apprentice to the court of sessions for the last six months.
+
+8. He has no difficulty in managing his people--far less than he did
+when they were slaves. It is very seldom that he finds it necessary to
+call in the aid of the special magistrate. Conciliatory treatment is
+generally sufficient to maintain order and industry among the
+apprentices.
+
+9. He affirms that the negroes have no disposition to be revengeful. He
+has never seen any thing like revenge.
+
+10. His people are as far removed from insolence as from vindictiveness.
+They have been uniformly civil.
+
+11. His apprentices have more interest in the affairs of the estate, and
+he puts more confidence in them than he ever did before.
+
+12. He declares that the working of the apprenticeship, as also that of
+entire freedom, depends entirely on the _planters_. If they act with
+common humanity and reason, there is no fear but that the apprentices
+will be peaceable.
+
+Mr. Thomas is attorney for fifteen estates, on which there are upwards
+of two thousand five hundred apprentices. We were informed that he had
+been distinguished as a _severe disciplinarian_ under the old reign, or
+in plain terms, had been a _cruel man and a hard driver_; but he was one
+of those who, since emancipation, have turned about and conformed their
+mode of treatment to the new system. In reply to our inquiry how the
+present system was working, he said, "infinitely better (such was his
+language) than slavery. I succeed better on all the estates under my
+charge than I did formerly. I have far less difficulty with the people.
+I have no reason to complain of their conduct. However, I think they
+will do still better after 1840."
+
+We made some inquiries of Dr. Bell concerning the results of abolition
+in Demerara. He gave a decidedly flattering account of the working of
+the apprenticeship system. No fears are entertained that Demerara will
+be ruined after 1840. On the contrary it will be greatly benefited by
+emancipation. It is now suffering from a want of laborers, and after
+1840 there will be an increased emigration to that colony from the older
+and less productive colonies. The planters of Demerara are making
+arrangements for cultivating sugar on a larger scale than ever before.
+Estates are selling at very high prices. Every thing indicates the
+fullest confidence on the part of the planters that the prosperity of
+the colony will not only be permanent, but progressive.
+
+After breakfast we proceeded to the Society's estate. We were glad to
+see this estate, as its history is peculiar. In 1726 it was bequeathed
+by General Coddington to a society in England, called "The Society for
+the promotion of Christian Knowledge." The proceeds of the estate were
+to be applied to the support of an institution in Barbadoes, for
+educating missionaries of the established order. Some of the provisions
+of the will were that the estate should always have three hundred slaves
+upon it; that it should support a school for the education of the negro
+children who were to be taught a portion of every day until they were
+twelve years old, when they were to go into the field; and that there
+should be a chapel built upon it. The negroes belonging to the estate
+have for upwards of a hundred years been under this kind of instruction.
+They have all been taught to read, though in many instances they have
+forgotten all they learned, having no opportunity to improve after they
+left school. They enjoy some other comforts peculiar to the Society's
+estate. They have neat cottages built apart--each on a half-acre lot,
+which belongs to the apprentice and for the cultivation of which he is a
+allowed one day out of the five working days. Another peculiarity is,
+that the men and women work in separate gangs.
+
+At this estate we procured horses to ride to the College. We rode by the
+chapel and school-house belonging to the Society's estate which are
+situated on the row of a high hill. From the same hill we caught a view
+of Coddrington college, which is situated on a low bottom extending from
+the foot of the rocky cliff on which we stood to the sea shore, a space
+of quarter of a mile. It is a long, narrow, ill-constructed edifice.
+
+We called on the principal, Rev. Mr. Jones, who received us very
+cordially, and conducted us over the buildings and the grounds connected
+with them. The college is large enough to accommodate a hundred
+students. It is fitted out with lodging rooms, various professors'
+departments, dining hall, chapel, library, and all the appurtenances of
+a university. The number of student at the close of the last term was
+_fifteen_.
+
+The professors, two in number, are supported by a fund, consisting of
+£40,000 sterling, which has in part accumulated from the revenue of
+the estate.
+
+The principal spoke favorably of the operation of the apprenticeship in
+Barbadoes, and gave the negroes a decided superiority over the lower
+class of whites. He had seen only one colored beggar since he came to
+the island, but he was infested with multitudes of white ones.
+
+It is intended to improve the college buildings as soon as the toil of
+apprentices on the Society's estate furnishes the requisite means. This
+robbing of God's image to promote education is horrible enough, taking
+the wages of slavery to spread the kingdom of Christ!
+
+On re-ascending the hill, we called at the Society's school. There are
+usually in attendance about one hundred children, since the abolition of
+slavery. Near the school-house is the chapel of the estate, a neat
+building, capable of holding three or four hundred people. Adjacent to
+the chapel is the burial ground for the negroes belonging to the
+Society's estate. We noticed several neat tombs, which appeared to have
+been erected only a short time previous. They were built of brick, and
+covered over with lime, so as to resemble white marble slabs. On being
+told that these were erected by the negroes themselves over the bodies
+of their friends, we could not fail to note so beautiful an evidence of
+their civilization and humanity. We returned to the Society's estate,
+where we exchanged our saddles for the phaeton, and proceeded on our
+eastward tour.
+
+Mr. C. took us out of the way a few miles to show us one of the few
+curiosities of which Barbadoes can boast. It is called the "Horse." The
+shore for some distance is a high and precipitous ledge of rocks, which
+overhangs the sea in broken cliffs. In one place a huge mass has been
+riven from the main body of rock and fallen into the sea. Other huge
+fragments have been broken off in the same manner. In the midst of
+these, a number of steps have been cut in the rock for the purpose of
+descending to the sea. At the bottom of these steps, there is a broad
+platform of solid rock, where one may stand securely, and hear the waves
+breaking around him like heavy thunders. Through the fissures we could
+see the foam and spray mingling with the blue of the ocean, and flashing
+in the sunshine. To the right, between the largest rock and the main
+land, there is a chamber of about ten feet wide, and twenty feet long.
+The fragment, which forms one of its sides, leans towards the main rock,
+and touches it at top, forming a roof, with here and there a fissure,
+through which the light enters. At the bottom of the room there is a
+clear bed of water, which communicates with the sea by a small aperture
+under the rock. It is as placid as a summer pond, and is fitted with
+steps for a bathing place. Bathe, truly! with the sea ever dashing
+against the side, and roaring and reverberating with deafening echo.
+
+On a granite slab, fixed in the side of the rock at the bottom of the
+first descent is an inscription. Time has very much effaced the letters,
+but by the aid of Mr. C.'s memory, we succeeded in deciphering them.
+They will serve as the hundred and first exemplification of the
+Bonapartean maxim--"There is but one step from the sublime to the
+ridiculous."
+
+  "In this remote, and hoarse resounding place,
+   Which billows clash, and craggy cliffs embrace,
+   These babbling springs amid such horrors rise,
+   But armed with virtue, horrors we despise.
+   Bathe undismayed, nor dread the impending rock,
+   'Tis virtue shields us from each adverse shock.
+
+   GENIO LOCI SACRUM POSUIT
+   J.R.
+   MARTIS MENSE
+   1769"
+
+From the "Crane," which is the name given to that section of the country
+in which the "Horse" is situated, we bent our way in a southerly
+direction to the Ridge estate, which was about eight miles distant,
+where we had engaged to dine. On the way we passed an estate which had
+just been on fire. The apprentices, fearing lest their houses should be
+burnt, had carried away all the moveables from them, and deposited them
+in separate heaps, on a newly ploughed field. The very doors and window
+shutters had been torn off and carried into the field, several acres of
+which were strewed over with piles of such furniture. Mr. C. was
+scarcely less struck with this scene than we were, and he assured us
+that he had never known such providence manifested on a similar occasion
+during slavery.
+
+At the Ridge estate we met Mr. Clarke, manager at Staple Grove estate,
+Mr. Applewhitte of Carton, and a brother of Mr. C. The manager, Mr.
+Cecil, received us with the customary cordiality.
+
+Mr. Clarke is the manager of an estate on which there are two hundred
+apprentices. His testimony was, that the estate was better cultivated
+since abolition than before, and that it is far easier to control the
+laborers, and secure uniformity of labor under the present system. He
+qualified this remark, by saying, that if harsh or violent measures were
+used, there would be more difficulty now than during slavery; but kind
+treatment and a conciliatory spirit never failed to secure peace and
+industry. At the time of abolition, Mr. C. owned ten slaves, whom he
+entirely emancipated. Some of these still remain with him as domestics;
+others are hired on an adjoining estate. One of those who left him to
+work on another estate, said to him, "Massa, whenever you want anybody
+to help you, send to me, and I'll come. It makes no odds when it
+is--I'll be ready at any time--day or night." Mr. C. declared himself
+thoroughly convinced of the propriety of immediate emancipation; though
+he was once a violent opposer of abolition. He said, that if he had the
+power, be would emancipate every apprentice on his estate to-morrow. As
+we were in the sugar-house examining the quality of the sugar, Mr. C.
+turned to one of us, and putting his hand on a hogshead, said, "You do
+not raise this article in your state, (Kentucky,) I believe." On being
+answered in the negative, he continued, "Well, we will excuse you, then,
+somewhat in your state--you can't treat your slaves so cruelly there.
+_This, this_ is the dreadful thing! Wherever sugar is cultivated by
+slaves, there is extreme suffering."
+
+Mr. Applewhitte said emphatically, that there was no danger in entire
+emancipation. He was the proprietor of more than a hundred apprentices
+and he would like to see them all free at once.
+
+During a long sitting at the dinner table, emancipation was the topic,
+and we were gratified with the perfect unanimity of sentiment among
+these planters. After the cloth was removed, and we were about leaving
+the table, Mr. Clarke begged leave to propose a toast. Accordingly, the
+glasses of the planters were once more filled, and Mr. C., bowing to us,
+gave our health, and "success to our laudable undertaking,"--"_most_
+laudable undertaking," added Mr. Applewhitte, and the glasses were
+emptied. Had the glasses contained water instead of wine, our
+gratification would have been complete. It was a thing altogether beyond
+our most sanguine expectations, that a company of planters, all of whom
+were but three years previous the actual oppressors of the slave, should
+be found wishing success to the cause of emancipation.
+
+At half past eight o'clock, we resumed our seats in Mr. C.'s phaeton,
+and by the nearest route across the country, returned to Lear's. Mr. C.
+entertained us by the way with eulogies upon the industry and
+faithfulness of his apprentices. It was, he said, one of the greatest
+pleasures he experienced, to visit the different estates under his
+charge, and witness the respect and affection which the apprentices
+entertained towards him. Their joyful welcome, their kind attentions
+during his stay with them, and their hearty 'good-bye, massa,' when he
+left, delighted him.
+
+VISIT TO COLONEL ASHBY'S.
+
+We were kindly invited to spend a day at the mansion of Colonel Ashby,
+an aged and experienced planter, who is the proprietor of the estate on
+which he resides. Colonel A.'s estate is situated in the parish of
+Christ Church, and is almost on the extreme point of a promontory, which
+forms the southernmost part of the island. An early and pleasant drive
+of nine miles from Bridgetown, along the southeastern coast of the
+island, brought us to his residence. Colonel A. is a native of
+Barbadoes, has been a practical planter since 1795, and for a long time
+a colonial magistrate, and commander of the parish troops. His present
+estate contains three hundred and fifty acres, and has upon it two
+hundred and thirty apprentices, with a large number of free children.
+His average crop is eighty large hogsheads. Colonel A. remarked to us,
+that he had witnessed many cruelties and enormities under "the reign of
+terror." He said, that the abolition of slavery had been an incalculable
+blessing, but added, that he had not always entertained the same views
+respecting emancipation. Before it took place, he was a violent opposer
+of any measure tending to abolition. He regarded the English
+abolitionists, and the anti-slavery members in parliament, with
+unmingled hatred. He had often cursed Wilberforce most bitterly, and
+thought that no doom either in this life, or in the life to come, was
+too bad for him. "But," he exclaimed, "how mistaken I was about that
+man--I am convinced of it now--O he was a good man--_a noble
+philanthropist_!--_if there is a chair in heaven, Wilberforce is in
+it_!" Colonel A. is somewhat sceptical, which will account for his
+hypothetical manner of speaking about heaven.
+
+He said that he found no trouble in managing his apprentices. As local
+or colonial magistrate, in which capacity he still continued to act he
+had no cases of serious crime to adjudicate, and very few cases of petty
+misdemeanor. Colonel A. stated emphatically, that the negroes were not
+disposed to leave their employment, unless the master was intolerably
+passionate and hard with them; as for himself, he did not fear losing a
+single laborer after 1840.
+
+He dwelt much on the trustiness and strong attachment of the negroes,
+where they are well treated. There were no people in the world that he
+would trust his property or life with sooner than negroes, provided he
+had the previous management of them long enough to secure their
+confidence. He stated the following fact in confirmation of this
+sentiment. During the memorable insurrection of 1816, by which the
+neighboring parishes were dreadfully ravaged, he was suddenly called
+from home on military duty. After he had proceeded some distance, he
+recollected that he had left five thousand dollars in an open desk at
+home. He immediately told the fact to his slave who was with him, and
+sent him back to take care of it. He knew nothing more of his money
+until the rebellion was quelled, and peace restored. On returning home,
+the slave led him to a cocoa-nut tree near by the house, and dug up the
+money, which he had buried under its roots. He found the whole sum
+secure. The negro, he said, might have taken the money, and he would
+never have suspected him, but would have concluded that it had been, in
+common with other larger sums, seized upon by the insurgents. Colonel A.
+said that it was impossible for him to mistrust the negroes as a body.
+He spoke in terms of praise also of the _conjugal attachment_ of the
+negroes. His son, a merchant, stated a fact on this subject. The wife of
+a negro man whom he knew, became afflicted with that loathsome disease,
+the leprosy. The man continued to live with her, notwithstanding the
+disease was universally considered contagious and was peculiarly dreaded
+by the negroes. The man on being asked why he lived with his wife under
+such circumstances, said, that he had lived with her when she was well,
+and he could not bear to forsake her when she was in distress.
+
+Colonel A. made numerous inquiries respecting slavery in America. He
+said there certainly be insurrections in the slaveholding states, unless
+slavery was abolished. Nothing but abolition could put an end to
+insurrections.
+
+Mr. Thomas, a neighboring planter, dined with us. He had not carried a
+complaint to the special magistrate against his apprentices for six
+months. He remarked particularly that emancipation had been a great
+blessing to the master; it brought freedom to him as well as to
+the slave.
+
+A few days subsequent to our visit to Colonel A.'s, the Reverend Mr.
+Packer, of the Established Church, called at our lodgings, and
+introduced a planter from the parish of St. Thomas. The planter is
+proprietor of an estate, and has eighty apprentices. His apprentices
+conduct themselves very satisfactorily, and he had not carried a half
+dozen complaints to the special magistrate since 1831. He said that
+cases of crime were very rare, as he had opportunity of knowing, being
+local magistrate. There were almost no penal offences brought before
+him. Many of the apprentices of St. Thomas parish were buying their
+freedom, and there were several cases of appraisement[A] every week. The
+Monday previous, six cases came before him, in four of which the
+apprentices paid the money on the spot.
+
+[Footnote A: When an apprentice signifies his wish to purchase his
+freedom, he applies to the magistrate for an appraisement. The
+appraisement is made by one special and two local magistrates.]
+
+Before this gentleman left, the Rev. Mr. C. called in with Mr. Pigeot,
+another planter, with whom we had a long conversation. Mr. P. has been a
+manager for many years. We had heard of him previously as the only
+planter in the island who had made an experiment in task work prior to
+abolition. He tried it for twenty months before that period on an estate
+of four hundred acres and two hundred people. His plan was simply to
+give each slave an ordinary day's work for a task; and after that was
+performed, the remainder of the time, if any, belonged to the slave. _No
+wages were allowed_. The gang were expected to accomplish just as much
+as they did before, and to do it as well, however long a time it might
+require; and if they could finish in half a day, the other half was
+their own, and they might employ it as they saw fit. Mr. P. said, he was
+very soon convinced of the good policy of the system; though he had one
+of the most unruly gangs of negroes to manage in the whole island. The
+results of the experiment he stated to be these:
+
+1. The usual day's work was done generally before the middle of the
+afternoon. Sometimes it was completed in five hours.
+
+2. The work was done as well as it was ever done under the old system.
+Indeed, the estate continued to improve in cultivation, and presented a
+far better appearance at the close of the twenty months than when he
+took the charge of it.
+
+3. The trouble of management was greatly diminished. Mr. P. was almost
+entirely released from the care of overseeing the work: he could trust
+it to the slaves.
+
+4. The whip was entirely laid aside. The idea of having a part of the
+day which they could call their own and employ for their own interests,
+was stimulus enough for the slaves without resorting to the whip.
+
+5. The time gained was not spent (as many feared and prophecied it would
+be) either in mischief or indolence. It was diligently improved in
+cultivating their provision grounds, or working for wages on neighboring
+estates. Frequently a man and his wife would commence early and work
+together until they got the work of both so far advanced that the man
+could finish it alone before night; and then the woman would gather on a
+load of yams and start for the market.
+
+6. The condition of the people improved astonishingly. They became one
+of the most industrious and orderly gangs in the parish. Under the
+former system they were considered inadequate to do the work of the
+estate, and the manager was obliged to hire additional hands every year,
+to take off the crop; but Mr. P. never hired any, though he made as
+large crops as were made formerly.
+
+7. After the abolition of slavery, his people chose to continue on the
+same system of task work.
+
+Mr. P. stated that the planters were universally opposed to his
+experiment. They laughed at the idea of making negroes work without
+using the whip; and they all prophesied that it would prove an utter
+failure. After some months' successful trial, he asked some of his
+neighbor planters what they thought of it then, and he appealed to than
+to say whether he did not get his work done as thoroughly and seasonably
+as they did theirs. They were compelled to admit it; but still they were
+opposed to his system, even more than ever. They called it an
+_innovation_--it was setting a bad example; and they honestly declared
+that they did not wish the slaves to _have any time of their own_. Mr.
+P. said, he was first induced to try the system of task work from a
+consideration that the negroes were men as well as himself, and deserved
+to he dealt with as liberally as their relation would allow. He soon
+found that what was intended as a favor to the slaves was really a
+benefit to the master. Mr. P. was persuaded that entire freedom would be
+better for all parties than apprenticeship. He had heard some fears
+expressed concerning the fate of the island after 1840; but he
+considered them very absurd.
+
+Although this planter looked forward with sanguine hopes to 1840, yet he
+would freely say that he did not think the apprenticeship would be any
+preparation for entire freedom. The single object with the great
+majority of the planters seemed to be to _get as much out_ of the
+apprentices as they possibly could during the term. No attention had
+been paid to preparing the apprentices for freedom.
+
+We were introduced to a planter who was notorious during the reign of
+slavery for the _strictness of his discipline_, to use the Barbadian
+phrase, or, in plain English, for his rigorous treatment and
+his cruelty.
+
+He is the proprietor of three sugar estates and one cotton plantation in
+Barbadoes, on all of which there are seven hundred apprentices. He was a
+luxurious looking personage, bottle-cheeked and huge i' the midst, and
+had grown fat on slaveholding indulgences. He mingled with every
+sentence he uttered some profane expression, or solemn appeal to his
+"honor," and seemed to be greatly delighted with hearing himself talk.
+He displayed all those prejudices which might naturally be looked for in
+a mind educated and trained as his had been. As to the conduct of the
+apprentices, he said they were peaceable and industrious, and mostly
+well disposed. But after all, the negroes were a perverse race of
+people. It was a singular fact, he said, that the severer the master,
+the better the apprentices. When the master was mild and indulgent, they
+were sure to be lazy, insolent, and unfaithful. _He knew this by
+experience; this was the case with_ his _apprentices_. His house-servants
+especially were very bad. But there was one complaint he had against
+them all, domestics and praedials--they always hold him to the letter of
+the law, and are ready to arraign him before the special magistrate for
+every infraction of it on his part, however trifling. How ungrateful,
+truly! After being provided for with parental care from earliest
+infancy, and supplied yearly with two suits of clothes, and as many yams
+is they could eat and only having to work thirteen or fifteen hours per
+day in return; and now when they are no longer slaves, and new
+privileges are conferred to exact them to the full extent of the law
+which secures them--what ingratitude! How soon are the kindnesses of the
+past, and the hand that bestowed them, forgotten! Had these people
+possessed the sentiments of human beings, they would have been willing
+to take the boon of freedom and lay it at their master's feet,
+dedicating the remainder of their days to his discretionary service!
+
+But with all his violent prejudices, this planter stated some facts
+which are highly favorable to the apprentices.
+
+1. He frankly acknowledged that his estates were never under better
+cultivation than at the present time: and he could say the same of the
+estates throughout the island. The largest crops that have ever been
+made, will he realized this year.
+
+2. The apprentices are generally willing to work on the estates on
+Saturday whenever their labor is needed.
+
+3. The females are very much disposed to abandon field labor. He has
+great difficulty sometimes in inducing them to take their hoes and go
+out to the field along with the men; it was the case particularly _with
+the mothers!_ This he regarded as a sore evil!
+
+4. The free children he represented as being in a wretched condition.
+Their parents have the entire management of them, an they are utterly
+opposed to having them employed on the estates. He condemned severely
+the course taken in a particular instance by the late Governor, Sir
+Lionel Smith. He took it upon himself to go around the island and advise
+the parents never to bind their children in any kind of apprenticeship
+to the planters. He told them that sooner than involve their free
+children in any way, they ought to "work their own fingers to the
+stubs." The consequence of this imprudent measure, said our informant,
+is that the planters have no control over the children born on their
+estates; and in many instances their parents have sent them away lest
+their _residence_ on the property should, by some chance, give the
+planter a claim upon their services. Under the good old system the young
+children were placed together under the charge of some superannuated
+women, who were fit for nothing else, and the mothers went into the
+field to work; now the nursery is broken up, and the mothers spend half
+of their time "_in taking care of their brats_."
+
+5. As to the management of the working people, there need not he any
+more difficulty now then during slavery. If the magistrates, instead of
+encouraging the apprentices to complain and be insolent, would join
+their influence to support the authority of the planters, things might
+go on nearly as smoothly as before.
+
+In company with Rev. Mr. Packer, late Rector of St. Thomas, we rode out
+to the Belle estate, which is considered one of the finest in the
+island. Mr. Marshall, the manager, received us cordially. He was
+selected, with two others, by Sir Lionel Smith, to draw up a scale of
+labor for general use in the island. There are five hundred acres in the
+estate, and two hundred and thirty-five apprenticed laborers. The
+manager stated that every thing was working well on his property. He
+corroborated the statements made by other planters with retard to the
+conduct of the apprentices. On one point he said the planters had found
+themselves greatly disappointed. It was feared that after emancipation
+the negroes would be very much verse to cultivating cane, as it was
+supposed that nothing but the whip could induce them to perform that
+species of labor. But the truth is, they now not only cultivate the
+estate lands better than they did when under the lash, but also
+cultivate a third of their half-acre allotments in cane on their own
+accounts. They would plant the whole in cane if they were not
+discouraged by the planter, whose principal objection to their doing so
+is that it would lead to the entire neglect of _provision cultivation_.
+The apprentices on Belle estate will make little short of one thousand
+dollars the present season by their sugar.
+
+Mr. M. stated that he was extensively acquainted with the cultivation of
+the island, and he knew that it was in a better condition than it had
+been for many years. There were twenty-four estates under the same
+attorneyship with the Belle, and they were all in the same prosperous
+condition.
+
+A short time before we left Barbadoes we received an invitation from
+Col. Barrow, to breakfast with him at his residence on Edgecome
+estate--about eight miles from town. Mr. Cummins, a colored gentleman, a
+merchant of Bridgetown, and agent of Col. B., accompanied us.
+
+The proprietor of Edgecome is a native of Barbadoes, of polished manners
+and very liberal views. He has travelled extensively, has held many
+important offices, and is generally considered the _cleverest_ man in
+the island. He is now a member of the council, and acting attorney for
+about twenty estates. He remarked that he had always desired
+emancipation, and had prepared himself for it; but that it had proved a
+greater blessing than he had expected. His apprentices did as much work
+as before, and it was done without the application of the whip. He had
+not had any cases of insubordination, and it was very seldom that he
+had any complaints to make to the special magistrate. "The apprentices."
+said he, "understand the meaning of law, and they regard its authority."
+He thought there was no such thing in the island as a _sense of
+insecurity_, either as respected person or property. Real estate had
+risen in value.
+
+Col. B. alluded to the expensiveness of slavery, remarking that after
+all that was expended in purchasing the slaves, it cost the proprietor
+as much to maintain them, as it would to hire free men. He spoke of the
+habit of exercising arbitrary power, which being in continual play up to
+the time of abolition, had become so strong that managers even yet gave
+way to it, and frequently punished their apprentices, in spite of all
+penalties. The fines inflicted throughout the island in 1836, upon
+planters, overseers, and others, for punishing apprentices, amounted to
+one thousand two hundred dollars. Col. B. said that he found the legal
+penalty so inadequate, that in his own practice he was obliged to resort
+to other means to deter his book-keepers and overseers from violence;
+hence he discharged every man under his control who was known to strike
+an apprentice. He does not think that the apprenticeship will be a means
+of preparing the negroes for freedom, nor does he believe that they
+_need_ any preparation. He should have apprehended no danger, had
+emancipation taken place in 1834.
+
+At nine o'clock we sat down to breakfast. Our places were assigned at
+opposite sides of the table, between Col. B. and Mr. C. To an American
+eye, we presented a singular spectacle. A wealthy planter, a member of
+the legislative council, sitting at the breakfast table with a colored
+man, whose mother was a negress of the most unmitigated hue, and who
+himself showed a head of hair as curly as his mother's! But this colored
+guest was treated with all that courtesy and attention to which his
+intelligence, worth and accomplished manners so justly entitle him.
+
+About noon, we left Edgecome, and drove two miles farther, to Horton--an
+estate owned by Foster Clarke, Esq., an attorney for twenty-two estates,
+who is now temporarily residing in England. The intelligent manager of
+Horton received us and our colored companion, with characteristic
+hospitality. Like every one else, he told us that the apprenticeship was
+far better than slavery, though he was looking forward to the still
+better system, entire freedom.
+
+After we had taken a lunch, Mr. Cummins invited our host to take a seat,
+with us in his carriage, and we drove across the country to Drax Hall.
+Drax Hall is the largest estate in the island--consisting of eight
+hundred acres. The manager of this estate confirmed the testimony of the
+Barbadian planters in every important particular.
+
+From Drax Hall we returned to Bridgetown, accompanied by our friend
+Cummins.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+TESTIMONY OF SPECIAL MAGISTRATES, POLICE OFFICERS, CLERGYMEN, AND
+MISSIONARIES.
+
+Next in weight to the testimony of the planters is that of the special
+magistrates. Being officially connected with the administration of the
+apprenticeship system, and tire adjudicators in all difficulties between
+master and servant, their views of the system and of the conduct of the
+different parties are entitled to special consideration. Our interviews
+with this class of men were frequent during our stay in the island. We
+found them uniformly ready to communicate information, and free to
+express their sentiments.
+
+In Barbadoes there are seven special magistrates, presiding over as many
+districts, marked A, B, C, &c., which include the whole of the
+apprentice population, praedial and non-praedial. These districts
+embrace an average of twelve thousand apprentices--some more and some
+less. All the complaints and difficulties which arise among that number
+of apprentices and their masters, overseers and book-keepers, are
+brought before the single magistrate presiding in the district in which
+they occur. From the statement of this fact it will appear in the outset
+either that the special magistrates have an incalculable amount of
+business to transact, or that the conduct of the apprentices is
+wonderfully peaceable. But more of this again.
+
+About a week following our first interview with his excellency, Sir Evan
+McCregor, we received an invitation to dine at Government House with a
+company of gentlemen. On our arrival at six o'clock, we were conducted
+into a large antechamber above the dining hall, where we were soon
+joined by the Solicitor-General, Hon. R.B. Clarke. Dr. Clarke, a
+physician, Maj. Colthurst, Capt. Hamilton, and Mr. Galloway, special
+magistrates. The appearance of the Governor about an hour afterwards,
+was the signal for an adjournment to dinner.
+
+Slavery and emancipation were the engrossing topics during the evening.
+As our conversation was for the most part general, we were enabled to
+gather at the same time the opinions of all the persons present. There
+was, for aught we heard or could see to the contrary, an entire
+unanimity of sentiment. In the course of the evening we gathered the
+following facts and testimony:
+
+1. All the company testified to the benefits of abolition. It was
+affirmed that the island was never in so prosperous a condition as
+at present.
+
+2. The estates generally are better cultivated than they were during
+slavery. Said one of the magistrates:
+
+"If, gentlemen, you would see for yourselves the evidences of our
+successful cultivation, you need but to travel in any part of the
+country, and view the superabundant crops which are now being taken off;
+and if you would satisfy yourselves that emancipation has not been
+ruinous to Barbadoes, only cast your eyes over the land in any
+direction, and see the flourishing condition both of houses and fields:
+every thing is starting into new life."
+
+It as also stated that more work was done during the nine hours required
+by law, than was done during slavery in twelve or fifteen hours, with
+all the driving and goading which were then practised.
+
+3. Offences have not increased, but rather lessened. The
+Solicitor-General remarked, that the comparative state of crime could
+not be ascertained by a mere reference to statistical records, since
+previous to emancipation all offences were summarily punished by the
+planter. Each estate was a little despotism, and the manager took
+cognizance of all the misdemeanors committed among his slaves
+--inflicting such punishment as he thought proper. The public knew
+nothing about the offences of the slaves, unless something very
+atrocious was committed. But since emancipation has taken place, all
+offences, however trivial, come to the light and are recorded. He could
+only give a judgment founded on observation. It was his opinion, that
+there were fewer petty offences, such as thefts, larcenies, &c., than
+during slavery. As for serious crime, it was hardly known in the island.
+The whites enjoy far greater safety of person and property than they
+did formerly.
+
+Maj. Colthurst, who is an Irishman, remarked, that he had long been a
+magistrate or justice of the peace in Ireland, and he was certain that
+at the present ratio of crime in Barbadoes, there would not be as much
+perpetrated in six years to come, as there is in Ireland among an equal
+population in six months. For his part, he had never found in any part
+of the world so peaceable and inoffensive a community.
+
+4. It was the unanimous testimony that there was no disposition among
+the apprentices to revenge injuries committed against them. _They are
+not a revengeful people_, but on the contrary are remarkable for
+forgetting wrongs, particularly when the are succeeded by kindness.
+
+5. The apprentices were described as being generally civil and
+respectful toward their employers. They were said to manifest more
+independence of feeling and action than they did when slaves; but were
+seldom known to be insolent unless grossly insulted or very
+harshly used.
+
+6. Ample testimony was given to the law-abiding character of the
+negroes. When the apprenticeship system was first introduced, they did
+not fully comprehend its provisions, and as they had anticipated entire
+freedom, they were disappointed and dissatisfied. But in a little while
+they became reconciled to the operations of the new system, and have
+since manifested a due subordination to the laws and authorities.
+
+7. There is great desire manifested among them to purchase their
+freedom. Not a week passes without a number of appraisements. Those who
+have purchased their freedom have generally conducted well, and in many
+instances are laboring on the same estates on which they were slaves.
+
+8. There is no difficulty in inducing the apprentices to work on
+Saturday. They are usually willing to work if proper wages are given
+them. If they are not needed on the estates, they either work on their
+own grounds, or on some neighboring estate.
+
+9. The special magistrates were all of the opinion that it would have
+been entirely safe to have emancipated the slaves of Barbadoes in 1834.
+They did not believe that any preparation was needed; but that entire
+emancipation would have been decidedly better than the apprenticeship.
+
+10. The magistrates also stated that the number of complaints brought
+before them was comparatively small, and it was gradually diminishing.
+The offences were of a very trivial nature, mostly cases of slight
+insubordination, such as impertinent replies and disobedience of orders.
+
+11. They stated that they had more trouble with petty overseers and
+managers and small proprietors than with the entire black population.
+
+12. The special magistrates further testified that wherever the planters
+have exercised common kindness and humanity, the apprentices have
+generally conducted peaceably. Whenever there are many complaints from
+one estate, it is presumable that the manager is a bad man.
+
+13. Real estate is much higher throughout the island than it has been
+for many years. A magistrate said that he had heard of an estate which
+had been in market for ten years before abolition and could not find a
+purchaser. In 1835, the year following abolition, it was sold for one
+third more than was asked for it two years before.
+
+14. It was stated that there was not a proprietor in the island, whose
+opinion was of any worth, who would wish to have slavery restored. Those
+who were mostly bitterly opposed to abolition, have become reconciled,
+and are satisfied that the change has been beneficial. The
+Solicitor-General was candid enough to own that he himself was openly
+opposed to emancipation. He had declared publicly and repeatedly while
+the measure was pending in Parliament, that abolition would ruin the
+colonies. But the results had proved so different that he was ashamed of
+his former forebodings. He had no desire ever to see slavery
+re-established.
+
+15. The first of August, 1834, was described as a day of remarkable
+quiet and tranquillity. The Solicitor-General remarked, that there were
+many fears for the results of that first day of abolition. He said he
+arose early that morning, and before eight o'clock rode through the most
+populous part of the island, over an extent of twelve miles. The negroes
+were all engaged in their work as on other days. A stranger riding
+through the island, and ignorant of the event which had taken place that
+morning, would have observed no indications of so extraordinary a
+change. He returned home satisfied that all would work well.
+
+16. The change in 1840 was spoken of as being associated with the most
+sanguine expectations. It was thought that there was more danger to be
+apprehended from the change in 1834. It was stated that there were about
+fifteen thousand non-praedials, who would then be emancipated in
+Barbadoes. This will most likely prove the occasion of much excitement
+and uneasiness, though it is not supposed that any thing serious will
+arise. The hope was expressed that the legislature would effect the
+emancipation of the whole population at that time. One of the
+magistrates informed us that he knew quite a number of planters in his
+district who were willing to liberate their apprentices immediately, but
+they were waiting for a general movement. It was thought that this state
+of feeling was somewhat extensive.
+
+17. The magistrates represented the negroes as naturally confiding and
+docile, yielding readily to the authority of those who are placed over
+them. Maj. Colthurst presides over a district of 9,000 apprentices;
+Capt. Hamilton over a district of 13,000, and Mr. Galloway over the same
+number. There are but three days in the week devoted to hearing and
+settling complaints. It is very evident that in so short a time it would
+be utterly impossible for one man to control and keep in order such a
+number, unless the subjects were of themselves disposed to be peaceable
+and submissive. The magistrates informed us that, notwithstanding the
+extent of their districts, they often did not have more than from a
+dozen to fifteen complaints in a week.
+
+We were highly gratified with the liberal spirit and the intelligence of
+the special magistrates. Major Colthurst is a gentleman of far more than
+ordinary pretensions to refinement and general information. He was in
+early life a justice of the peace in Ireland, he was afterwards a juror
+in his Majesty's service, and withal, has been an extensive traveller.
+Fifteen years ago he travelled in the United States, and passed through
+several of the slaveholding states, where he was shocked with the
+abominations of slavery. He was persuaded that slavery was worse in our
+country, than it has been for many years in the West Indies. Captain
+Hamilton was formerly an officer in the British navy. He seems quite
+devoted to his business, and attached to the interests of the
+apprentices. Mr. Galloway is a _colored_ gentleman, highly respected for
+his talents. Mr. G. informed us that _prejudice_ against color was
+rapidly diminishing--and that the present Governor was doing all in his
+power to discountenance it.
+
+The company spoke repeatedly of the _noble act of abolition, by which
+Great Britain had immortalized her name more than by all the
+achievements of her armies and navies._
+
+The warmest wishes were expressed for the abolition of slavery in the
+United States. All said they should rejoice when the descendants of
+Great Britain should adopt the noble example of their mother country.
+They hailed the present anti-slavery movements. Said the
+Solicitor-General, "We were once strangely opposed to the English
+anti-slavery party, but now we sympathize with you. Since slavery is
+abolished to our own colonies, and we see the good which results from
+the measure, we go for abolition throughout the world. Go on, gentlemen,
+we are with you; _we are all sailing in the same vessel._"
+
+Being kindly invited by Captain Hamilton, during our interview with him
+at the government house, to call on him and attend his court, we availed
+ourselves of his invitation a few days afterwards. We left Bridgetown
+after breakfast, and as it chanced to be Saturday, we had a fine
+opportunity of seeing the people coming into market. They were strung
+all along the road for six miles, so closely, that there was scarcely a
+minute at any time in which we did not pass them. As far as the eye
+could reach there were files of men and women, moving peaceably forward.
+From the cross paths leading through the estates, the busy marketers
+were pouring into the highway. To their heads as usual was committed the
+safe conveyance of the various commodities. It was amusing to observe
+the almost infinite diversity of products which loaded them. There were
+sweet potatoes, yams, eddoes, Guinea and Indian corn, various fruits and
+berries, vegetables, nuts, cakes, bottled beer and empty bottles,
+bundles of sugar cane, bundles of fire wood, &c. &c. Here was one woman
+(the majority were females, as usual with the marketers in these
+islands) with a small black pig doubled up under her arm. Another girl
+had a brood of young chickens, with nest, coop, and all, on her head.
+Further along the road we were specially attracted by a woman who was
+trudging with an immense turkey elevated on her head. He quite filled
+the tray; head and tail projecting beyond its bounds. He advanced, as
+was very proper, head foremost, and it was irresistibly laughable to see
+him ever and anon stretch out his neck and peep under the tray, as
+though he would discover by what manner of locomotive it was that he got
+along so fast while his own legs were tied together.
+
+Of the hundreds whom we past, there were very few who were not well
+dressed, healthy, and apparently in good spirits. We saw nothing
+indecorous, heard no vile language, and witnessed no violence.
+
+About four miles from town, we observed on the side of the road a small
+grove of shade trees. Numbers of the marketers were seated there, or
+lying in the cool shade with their trays beside them. It seemed to be a
+sort of rendezvous place, where those going to, and those returning from
+town, occasionally halt for a time for the purpose of resting, and to
+tell and hear news concerning the state of the market. And why should
+not these travelling merchants have an exchange as well as the
+stationary ones of Bridgetown?
+
+On reaching the station-house, which is about six miles from town, we
+learned that Saturday was not one of the court days. We accordingly
+drove to Captain Hamilton's residence. _He stated that during the week
+he had only six cases of complaint among the thirteen thousand
+apprentices embraced in his district._ Saturday is the day set apart for
+the apprentices to visit him at his house for advice on any points
+connected with their duties. He had several calls while we were with
+him. One was from the mother of an apprentice girl who had been
+committed for injuring the master's son. She came to inform Captain H.
+that the girl had been whipped twice contrary to law, before her
+commitment. Captain H. stated that the girl had said nothing about this
+at the time of her trial; if she had, she would in all probability have
+been _set free_, instead of being _committed to prison_. He remarked
+that he had no question but there were numerous cases of flogging on the
+estates which never came to light. The sufferers were afraid to inform
+against their masters, lest they should be treated still worse. The
+opportunity which he gave them of coming, to him one day in the week for
+private advice, was the means of exposing many outrages which would
+otherwise he unheard of: He observed that there were not a few whom he
+had liberated on account of the cruelty of their masters.
+
+Captain H. stated that the apprentices were much disposed to purchase
+their freedom. To obtain money to pay for themselves they practice the
+most severe economy and self-denial in the very few indulgences which
+the law grants them. They sometimes resort to deception to depreciate
+their value with the appraisers. He mentioned an instance of a man who
+lead for many years been an overseer on a large estate. Wishing to
+purchase himself, and knowing that his master valued him very highly, he
+permitted his beard to grow; gave his face a wrinkled and haggard
+appearance, and bound a handkerchief about his head. His clothes were
+suffered to become ragged and dirty, and he began to feign great
+weakness in his limbs, and to complain of a "misery all down his back."
+He soon appeared marked with all the signs of old age and decrepitude.
+In this plight, and leaning on a stick, he hobbled up to the
+station-house one day, and requested to be appraised. He was appraised
+at £10, which he immediately paid. A short time afterwards, he engaged
+himself to a proprietor to manage a small estate for £30 per year in
+cash and his own maintenance, all at once grew vigorous again; and is
+prospering finely. Many of the masters in turn practice deception to
+prevent the apprentices from buying themselves, or to make them pay the
+very highest sum for their freedom. They extol their virtues--they are
+every thing that is excellent and valuable--their services on the estate
+are indispensable no one can fill their places. By such
+misrepresentations they often get an exorbitant price for the remainder
+of the term--more, sometimes, than they could have obtained for them for
+life while they were slaves.
+
+From Captain H.'s we returned to the station-house, the keeper of which
+conducted us over the buildings, and showed us the cells of the prison.
+The house contains the office and private room of the magistrate, and
+the guard-room, below, and chambers for the police men above. There are
+sixteen solitary cells, and two large rooms for those condemned to hard
+labour--one for females and the other for males. There were at that time
+seven in the solitary cells, and twenty-four employed in labor on the
+roads. This is more than usual. The average number is twenty in all.
+When it is considered that most of the commitments are for trivial
+offences, and that the district contains thirteen thousand apprentices,
+certainly we have grounds to conclude that the state of morals in
+Barbadoes is decidedly superior to that in our own country.
+
+The whole police force for this district is composed of seventeen
+horsemen, four footmen, a sergeant, and the keeper. It was formerly
+greater but has been reduced within the past year.
+
+The keeper informed us that he found the apprentices, placed under his
+care, very easily controlled. They sometimes attempt to escape; but
+there has been no instance of revolt or insubordination. The island, he
+said, was peaceable, and were it not for the petty complaints of the
+overseers, nearly the whole police force might be disbanded. As for
+insurrection, he laughed at the idea of it. It was feared before
+abolition, but now no one thought of it. All but two or three of the
+policemen at this station are black and colored men.
+
+
+
+STATION-HOUSE AT DISTRICT A.
+
+Being disappointed in our expectations of witnessing some trials at the
+station-house in Captain Hamilton's district (B,) we visited the court
+in district A, where Major Colthurst presides. Major C. was in the midst
+of a trial when we entered, and we did not learn fully the nature of the
+case then pending. We were immediately invited within the bar, whence we
+had a fair view of all that passed.
+
+There were several complaints made and tried, during our stay. We give a
+brief account of them, as they will serve as specimens of the cases
+usually brought before the special magistrates.
+
+I. The first was a complaint made by a colored lady, apparently not more
+than twenty, against a colored girl--her domestic apprentice. The charge
+was insolence, and disobedience of orders. The complainant said that the
+girl was exceedingly insolent--no one could imagine how insolent she had
+been--it was beyond endurance. She seemed wholly unable to find words
+enough to express the superlative insolence of her servant. The justice
+requested her to particularize. Upon this, she brought out several
+specific charges such as, first, That the girl brought a candle to her
+one evening, and wiped her greasy fingers on her (the girl's) gown:
+second, That one morning she refused to bring some warm water, as
+commanded, to pour on a piece of flannel, until she had finished some
+other work that she was doing at the time; third, That the same morning
+she delayed coming into her chamber as usual to dress her, and when she
+did come, she sung, and on being told to shut her mouth, she replied
+that her mouth was her own, and that she would sing when she pleased;
+and fourth, That she had said in her mistress's hearing that she would
+be glad when she was freed. These several charges being sworn to, the
+girl was sentenced to four days' solitary confinement, but at the
+request of her mistress, she was discharged on promise of amendment.
+
+II. The second complaint was against an apprentice-man by his master,
+for absence from work. He had leave to go to the funeral of his mother,
+and he did not return until after the time allowed him by his master.
+The man was sentence to imprisonment.
+
+III. The third complaint was against a woman for singing and making a
+disturbance in the field. Sentenced to six days' solitary confinement.
+
+IV. An apprentice was brought up for not doing his work well. He was a
+mason, and was employed in erecting an arch on one of the public roads.
+This case excited considerable interest. The apprentice was represented
+by his master to be a praedial--the master testified on oath that he was
+registered as a praedial; but in the course of the examination it was
+proved that he had always been a mason; that he had labored at that
+trade from his boyhood, and that he knew 'nothing about the hoe,' having
+never worked an hour in the field. This was sufficient to prove that he
+was a non-praedial, and of course entitled to liberty two years sooner
+than he would have been as a praedial. As this matter came up
+incidentally, it enraged the master exceedingly. He fiercely reiterated
+his charge against the apprentice, who, on his part, averred that he did
+his work as well as he could. The master manifested the greatest
+excitement and fury during the trial. At one time, because the
+apprentice disputed one of his assertions, he raised his clenched fist
+over him, and threatened, with an oath, to knock him down. The
+magistrate was obliged to threaten him severely before he would
+keep quiet.
+
+The defendant was ordered to prison to be tried the next day, time being
+given to make further inquiries about his being a praedial.
+
+V. The next case was a complaint against an apprentice, for leaving his
+place in the boiling house without asking permission. It appeared that
+he had been unwell during the evening, _and at half past ten o'clock at
+night_, being attacked more severely, he left for a few moments,
+expecting to return. He, however, was soon taken so ill that the could
+not go back, but was obliged to lie down on the ground, where he
+remained until twelve o'clock, when he recovered sufficiently to creep
+home. His sickness was proved by a fellow apprentice, and indeed his
+appearance at the bar clearly evinced it. He was punished by several
+days imprisonment. With no little astonishment in view of such a
+decision, we inquired of Maj. C. whether the planters had the power to
+require their people to work as late as half past ten at night. He
+replied, "Certainly, _the crops must be secured at any rate, and if they
+are suffering, the people must be pressed the harder_."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: We learned subsequently from various authentic sources,
+that the master has _not_ the power to compel his apprentices to labor
+more than nine hours per day on any condition, except in case of a fire,
+or some similar emergency. If the call for labor in crop-time was to be
+set down as an emergency similar to a "fire," and if in official
+decisions he took equal latitude, alas for the poor apprentices!]
+
+VI. The last case was a complaint against a man for not keeping up good
+fires under the boilers. He stoutly denied the charge; said he built as
+good fires as he could. He kept stuffing in the trash, and if it would
+not burn he could not help it. He was sentenced to imprisonment.
+
+Maj. C. said that these complaints were a fair specimen of the cases
+that came up daily, save that there were many more frivolous and
+ridiculous. By the trials which we witnessed we were painfully impressed
+with two things:
+
+1st. That the magistrate, with all his regard for the rights and welfare
+of the apprentices, showed a great and inexcusable partiality for the
+masters. The patience and consideration with which he heard the
+complaints of the latter, the levity with which he regarded the defence
+of the former, the summary manner in which he despatched the cases, and
+the character of some of his decisions, manifested no small degree of
+favoritism.
+
+2d That the whole proceedings of the special magistrates' courts are
+eminently calculated to perpetuate bad feeling between the masters and
+apprentices. The court-room is a constant scene of angry dispute between
+these parties. The master exhausts his store of abuse and violence upon
+the apprentice, and the apprentice, emboldened by the place, and
+provoked by the abuse, retorts in language which he would never think of
+using on the estate, and thus, whatever may be the decision of the
+magistrate, the parties return home with feelings more embittered
+than ever.
+
+There were twenty-six persons imprisoned at the station-house,
+twenty-four were at hard labor, and two were in solitary confinement.
+The keeper of the prison said, he had no difficulty in managing the
+prisoners. The keeper is a colored man, and so also is the sergeant and
+most of the policemen.
+
+We visited one other station-house, in a distant part of the island,
+situated in the district over which Captain Cuppage presides. We
+witnessed several trials there which were similar in frivolity and
+meanness to those detailed above. We were shocked with the mockery of
+justice, and the indifference to the interests of the negro apparent in
+the course of the magistrate. It seemed that little more was necessary
+than for the manager or overseer to make his complaint and swear to it,
+and the apprentice was forthwith condemned to punishment.
+
+We never saw a set of men in whose countenances fierce passions of every
+name were so strongly marked as in the overseers and managers who were
+assembled at the station-houses. Trained up to use the whip and to
+tyrannize over the slaves, their grim and evil expression accorded with
+their hateful occupation.
+
+Through the kindness of a friend in Bridgetown we were favored with an
+interview with Mr. Jones, the superintendent of the rural police--the
+whole body of police excepting those stationed in the town. Mr. J. has
+been connected with the police since its first establishment in 1834. He
+assured us that there was nothing in the local peculiarities of the
+island, nor in the character of its population, which forbade immediate
+emancipation in August, 1834. He had no doubt it would be perfectly safe
+and decidedly profitable to the colony.
+
+2. The good or bad working of the apprenticeship depends mainly on the
+conduct of the masters. He was well acquainted with the character and
+disposition of the negroes throughout the island, and he was ready to
+say, that if disturbances should arise either before or after 1840, it
+would be because the people were goaded on to desperation by the
+planters, and not because they sought disturbance themselves.
+
+3. Mr. J. declared unhesitatingly that crime had not increased since
+abolition, but rather the contrary.
+
+4. He represented the special magistrates as the friends of the
+planters. They loved the _dinners_ which they got at the planters'
+houses. The apprentices had no sumptuous dinners to give them. The
+magistrates felt under very little obligation of any kind to assert the
+cause of the apprentice and secure him justice, while they were under
+very strong temptations to favor the master.
+
+5. Real estate had increased in value nearly fifty per cent since
+abolition. There is such entire security of property, and the crops
+since 1834 have been so flattering, that capitalists from abroad are
+desirous of investing their funds in estates or merchandise. All are
+making high calculations for the future.
+
+6. Mr. J. testified that marriages had greatly increased since
+abolition. He had seen a dozen couples standing at one time on the
+church floor. There had, he believed, been more marriages within the
+last three years among the negro population, than have occurred before
+since the settlement of the island.
+
+We conclude this chapter by subjoining two highly interesting documents
+from special magistrates. They were kindly furnished us by the authors
+in pursuance of an order from his excellency the Governor, authorizing
+the special magistrates to give us any official statements which we
+might desire. Being made acquainted with these instructions from the
+Governor, we addressed written queries to Major Colthurst and Captain
+Hamilton. We insert their replies at length.
+
+COMMUNICATION FROM MAJOR COLTHURST, SPECIAL MAGISTRATE.
+
+The following fourteen questions on the working of the apprenticeship
+system in this colony were submitted to me on the 30th of March, 1837,
+requesting answers thereto.
+
+1. What is the number of apprenticed laborers in your district, and what
+is their character compared with other districts?
+
+The number of apprenticed laborers, of all ages, in my district, in nine
+thousand four hundred and eighty, spread over two hundred and
+ninety-seven estates of various descriptions--some very large, and
+others again very small--much the greater number consisting of small
+lots in the near neighborhood of Bridgetown. Perhaps my district, in
+consequence of this minute subdivision of property, and its contact with
+the town, is the most troublesome district in the island; and the
+character of the apprentices differs consequently from that in the more
+rural districts, where not above half the complaints are made. I
+attribute this to their almost daily intercourse with Bridgetown.
+
+2. What is the state of agriculture in the island?
+
+When the _planters themselves_ admit that general cultivation was
+_never_ in a better state, and the plantations extremely clean, _it is
+more than presumptive_ proof that agriculture generally is in a most
+prosperous condition. The vast crop of canes grown this year proves this
+fact. Other crops are also luxuriant.
+
+3. Is there any difficulty occasioned by the apprentices refusing to
+work?
+
+No difficulty whatever has been experienced by the refusal of the
+apprentices to work. This is done manfully and cheerfully, when they are
+treated with humanity and consideration by the masters or managers. I
+have never known an instance to the contrary.
+
+4. Are the apprentices willing to work in their own time?
+
+The apprentices are most willing to work in their own time.
+
+5. What is the number and character of the complaints brought before
+you--are they increasing or otherwise?
+
+The number of complaints brought before me, during the last quarter, are
+much fewer than during the corresponding quarter of the last year. Their
+character is also greatly improved. Nine complaints out of ten made
+lately to me are for small impertinences or saucy answers, which,
+considering the former and present position of the parties, is naturally
+to be expected. The number of such complaints is much diminished.
+
+6. What is the state of crime among the apprentices?
+
+What is usually denominated crime in the old countries, is by no means
+frequent among the blacks or colored persons. It is amazing how few
+material breaches of the law occur in so extraordinary a community. Some
+few cases of crime do occasionally arise;--but when it is considered
+that the population of this island is nearly as dense as that of any
+part of China, and wholly uneducated, either by precept or example, this
+absence of frequent crime excites our wonder, and is highly creditable
+to the negroes. I sincerely believe there is no such person, of that
+class called at home an accomplished villain, to be found in the whole
+island.--Having discharged the duties of a general justice of the peace
+in Ireland, for above twenty-four years, where crimes of a very
+aggravated nature were perpetrated almost daily. I cannot help
+contrasting the situation of that country with this colony, where I do
+not hesitate to say perfect tranquillity exists.
+
+7. Have the apprentices much respect for law?
+
+It is perhaps, difficult to answer this question satisfactorily, as it
+has been so short a time since they enjoyed the blessing of equal laws.
+To appreciate just laws, time, and the experience of the benefit arising
+from them must be felt. That the apprentices do not, to any material
+extent, _outrage_ the law, is certain; and hence it may be inferred that
+they respect it.
+
+8. Do you find a spirit of revenge among the negroes?
+
+From my general knowledge of the negro character in other countries, as
+well as the study of it here, I do not consider them by any means a
+revengeful people. Petty dislikes are frequent, but any thing like a
+deep spirit of revenge for former injuries does not exist, nor is it for
+one moment to be dreaded.
+
+9. Is there any sense of insecurity arising from emancipation?
+
+Not the most remote feeling of insecurity exists arising from
+emancipation; far the contrary. All sensible and reasonable men think
+the prospects before them most cheering, and would not go back to the
+old system on any account whatever. There are some, however, who croak
+and forebode evil; but they are few in number, and of no
+intelligence,--such as are to be found in every community.
+
+10. What is the prospect for 1840?--for 1838?
+
+This question is answered I hope satisfactorily above. On the
+termination of the two periods no evil is to be reasonably anticipated,
+with the exception of a few days' idleness.
+
+11. Are the planters generally satisfied with the apprenticeship, or
+would they return back to the old system?
+
+The whole body of respectable planters are fully satisfied with the
+apprenticeship, and would not go back to the old system on any account
+whatever. A few young managers, whose opinions are utterly worthless,
+would perhaps have no objection to be put again into their puny
+authority.
+
+12. Do you think it would have been dangerous for the slaves in this
+island to have been entirely emancipated in 1834?
+
+I do not think it would have been productive of danger, had the slaves
+of this island been fully emancipated in 1834; which is proved by what
+has taken place in another colony.
+
+13. Has emancipation been a decided blessing to this island, or has it
+been otherwise?
+
+Emancipation has been, under God, the greatest blessing ever conferred
+upon this island. All good and respectable men fully admit it. This is
+manifest throughout the whole progress of this mighty change. Whatever
+may be said of the vast benefit conferred upon the slaves, in right
+judgment the slave owner was the greatest gainer after all.
+
+14. Are the apprentices disposed to purchase their freedom? How have
+those conducted themselves who have purchased it?
+
+The apprentices are inclined to purchase their discharge, particularly
+when misunderstandings occur with their masters. When they obtain their
+discharge they generally labor in the trades and occupations they were
+previously accustomed to, and conduct themselves well. The discharged
+apprentices seldom take to drinking. Indeed the negro and colored
+population are the most temperate persons I ever knew of their class.
+The experience of nearly forty years in various public situations,
+confirms me in this very important fact.
+
+The answers I have had the honor to give to the questions submitted to
+me, have been given most conscientiously, and to the best of my judgment
+are a faithful picture of the working of the apprenticeship in this
+island, as far as relates to the inquiries made.--_John B. Colthurst,
+Special Justice of the Peace, District A. Rural Division_.
+
+COMMUNICATION FROM CAPT. HAMILTON.
+
+Barbadoes, April 4th, 1837.
+
+Gentlemen,
+
+Presuming that you have kept a copy of the questions[A] you sent me, I
+shall therefore only send the answers.
+
+[Footnote A: The same interrogatories were propounded to Capt. Hamilton
+which have been already inserted in Major Colthurst's communication.]
+
+1. There are at present five thousand nine hundred and thirty male, and
+six thousand six hundred and eighty-nine female apprentices in my
+district, (B,) which comprises a part of the parishes of Christ Church
+and St. George. Their conduct, compared with the neighboring
+districts, is good.
+
+2. The state of agriculture is very flourishing. Experienced planters
+acknowledge that it is generally far superior to what it was
+during slavery.
+
+3. Where the managers are kind and temperate, they have not any trouble
+with the laborers.
+
+4. The apprentices are generally willing to work for wages in their own
+time.
+
+5. The average number of complaints tried by me, last year, ending
+December, was one thousand nine hundred and thirty-two. The average
+number of apprentices in the district during that time was twelve
+thousand seven hundred. Offences, generally speaking, are not of any
+magnitude. They do not increase, but fluctuate according to the season
+of the year.
+
+6. The state of crime is not so bad by any means as we might have
+expected among the negroes--just released from such a degrading bondage.
+Considering the state of ignorance in which they have been kept, and the
+immoral examples set them by the lower class of whites, it is matter of
+astonishment that they should behave so well.
+
+7. The apprentices would have a great respect for law, were it not for
+the erroneous proceedings of the managers, overseers, &c., in taking
+them before the magistrates for every petty offence, and often abusing
+the magistrate in the presence of the apprentices, when his decision
+does not please them. The consequence is, that the apprentices too often
+get indifferent to law, and have been known to say that they cared not
+about going to prison, and that they would do just as they did before as
+soon as they were released.
+
+8. The apprentices in this colony are generally considered a peaceable
+race. All acts of revenge committed by them originate in jealousy, as,
+for instance, between husband and wife.
+
+9. Not the slightest sense of insecurity. As a proof of this, property
+has, since the commencement of the apprenticeship, increased in value
+considerably--at least one third.
+
+10. The change which will take place in 1838, in my opinion, will
+occasion a great deal of discontent among those called praedials--which
+will not subside for some months. They ought to have been all
+emancipated at the same period. I cannot foresee any bad effects that
+will ensue from the change in 1840, except those mentioned hereafter.
+
+11. The most prejudiced planters would not return to the old system if
+they possibly could. They admit that they get more work from the
+laborers than they formerly did, and they are relieved from a great
+responsibility.
+
+12. It is my opinion that if entire emancipation had taken place in
+1834, no more difficulty would have followed beyond what we may
+naturally expect in 1810. It will then take two or three months before
+the emancipated people finally settle themselves. I do not consider the
+apprentice more fit or better prepared for entire freedom now than he
+was in 1834.
+
+13. I consider, most undoubtedly, that emancipation has been a decided
+blessing to the colony.
+
+14. They are much disposed to purchase the remainder of the
+apprenticeship term. Their conduct after they become free is good.
+
+I hope the foregoing answers and information may be of service to you in
+your laudable pursuits, for which I wish you every success.
+
+I am, gentlemen, your ob't serv't,
+
+_Jos. Hamilton, Special Justice_.
+
+TESTIMONY OF CLERGYMEN AND MISSIONARIES.
+
+There are three religious denominations at the present time in
+Barbadoes--Episcopalians, Wesleyans, and Moravians. The former have
+about twenty clergymen, including the bishop and archdeacon. The bishop
+was absent during our visit, and we did not see him; but as far as we
+could learn, while in some of his political measures, as a member of the
+council, he has benefited the colored population, his general influence
+has been unfavorable to their moral and spiritual welfare. He has
+discountenanced and defeated several attempts made by his rectors and
+curates to abolish the odious distinctions of color in their churches.
+
+We were led to form an unfavorable opinion of the Bishop's course, from
+observing among the intelligent and well-disposed classes of colored
+people, the current use of the phrase, "bishop's man," and "no bishop's
+man," applied to different rectors and curates. Those that they were
+averse to, either as pro-slavery or pro-prejudice characters, they
+usually branded as "bishop's men," while those whom they esteemed their
+friends, they designated as "no bishop's men."
+
+The archdeacon has already been introduced to the reader. We enjoyed
+several interviews with him, and were constrained to admire him for his
+integrity, independence and piety. He spoke in terms of strong
+condemnation of slavery, and of the apprenticeship system. He was a
+determined advocate of entire and immediate emancipation, both from
+principle and policy. He also discountenanced prejudice, both in the
+church and in the social circle. The first time we had the pleasure of
+meeting him was at the house of a colored gentleman in Bridgetown where
+we were breakfasting. He called in incidentally, while we were sitting
+at table, and exhibited all the familiarity of a frequent visitant.
+
+One of the most worthy and devoted men whom we met in Barbadoes was the
+Rev. Mr. Cummins, curate of St. Paul's church, in Bridgetown. The first
+Sabbath after our arrival at the island we attended his church. It is
+emphatically a free church. Distinctions of color are nowhere
+recognized. There is the most complete intermingling of colors
+throughout the house. In one pew were seen a family of whites, in the
+next a family of colored people, and in the next perhaps a family of
+blacks. In the same pews white and colored persons sat side by side. The
+floor and gallery presented the same promiscuous blending of hues and
+shades. We sat in a pew with white and colored people. In the pew before
+and in that behind us the sitting was equally indiscriminate. The
+audience was kneeling in their morning devotions when we entered, and we
+were struck with the different colors bowing side by side as we passed
+down the aisles. There is probably no clergyman in the island who has
+secured so perfectly the affections of his people as Mr. C. He is of
+course "no bishop's man." He is constantly employed in promoting the
+spiritual and moral good of his people, of whatever complexion. The
+annual examination of the Sabbath school connected with St. Paul's
+occurred while we were in the island, and we were favored with the
+privilege of attending it. There were about three hundred pupils
+present, of all ages, from fifty down to three years. There were all
+colors--white, tawny, and ebon black. The white children were classed
+with the colored and black, in utter violation of those principles of
+classification in vogue throughout the Sabbath schools of our own
+country. The examination was chiefly conducted by Mr. Cummins. At the
+close of the examination about fifty of the girls, and among them the
+daughter of Mr. Cummins, were arranged in front of the altar, with the
+female teachers in the rear of them, and all united in singing a hymn
+written for the occasion. Part of the teachers were colored and part
+white, as were also the scholars, and they stood side by side, mingled
+promiscuously together. This is altogether the best Sabbath school in
+the island.
+
+After the exercises were closed, we were introduced, by a colored
+gentleman who accompanied us to the examination, to Mr. Cummins, the
+Rev. Mr. Packer, and the Rev. Mr. Rowe, master of the public school in
+Bridgetown. By request of Mr. C., we accompanied him to his house, where
+we enjoyed an interview with him and the other gentlemen, just
+mentioned. Mr. C. informed us that his Sabbath school was commenced in
+1833; but was quite small and inefficient until after 1834. It now
+numbers more than four hundred scholars. Mr. C. spoke of prejudice. It
+had wonderfully decreased within the last three years. He said he could
+scarcely credit the testimony of his own senses, when he looked around
+on the change which had taken place. Many now associate with colored
+persons, and sit with them in the church, who once would have scorned to
+be found near them. Mr. C. and the other clergymen stated, that there
+had been an increase of places of worship and of clergymen since
+abolition. All the churches are now crowded, and there is a growing
+demand for more. The negroes manifest an increasing desire for religious
+instruction. In respect to morals, they represent the people as being
+greatly improved. They spoke of the general respect which was now paid
+to the institution of marriage among the negroes, Mr. C. said, he was
+convinced that the blacks had as much natural talent and capacity for
+learning as the whites. He does not know any difference. Mr. Pocker, who
+was formerly rector of St. Thomas' parish, and has been a public teacher
+of children of all colors, expressed the same opinion. Mr. Rowe said,
+that before he took charge of the white school, he was the teacher of
+one of the free schools for blacks, and he testified that the latter has
+just as much capacity for acquiring any kind of knowledge, as much
+inquisitiveness, and ingenuity, as the former.
+
+Accompanied by an intelligent gentleman of Bridgetown, we visited two
+flourishing schools for colored children, connected with the Episcopal
+church, and under the care of the Bishop. In the male school, there were
+one hundred and ninety-five scholars, under the superintendence of one
+master, who is himself a black man, and was educated and trained up in
+the same school. He is assisted by several of his scholars, as monitors
+and teachers. It was, altogether, the best specimen of a well-regulated
+school which we saw in the West Indies.
+
+The present instructor has had charge of the school two years. It has
+increased considerably since abolition. Before the first of August,
+1834, the whole number of names on the catalogue was a little above one
+hundred, and the average attendance was seventy-five. The number
+immediately increased, and new the average attendance is above two
+hundred. Of this number at least sixty are the children of apprentices.
+
+We visited also the infant school, established but two weeks previous.
+Mr. S. the teacher, who has been for many years an instructor, says he
+finds them as apt to learn as any children he ever taught. He said he
+was surprised to see how soon the instructions of the school-room were
+carried to the homes of the children, and caught up by their parents.
+
+The very first night after the school closed, in passing through the
+streets, he heard the children repeating what they had been taught, and
+the parents learning the songs from their children's lips Mr. S. has a
+hundred children already in his school, and additions were making daily.
+He found among the negro parents much interest in the school.
+
+WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES.
+
+We called on the Rev. Mr. Fidler, the superintendent of the Wesleyan
+missions in Barbadoes. Mr. F. resides in Bridgetown, and preaches mostly
+in the chapel in town. He has been in the West Indies twelve years, and
+in Barbadoes about two years. Mr. F. informed us that there were three
+Wesleyan missionaries in the island, besides four or five local
+preachers, one of whom is a black man. There are about one thousand
+members belonging to their body, the greater part of whom live in town.
+Two hundred and thirty-five were added during the year 1836, being by
+far the largest number added in any one year since they began their
+operations in the island.
+
+A brief review of the history of the Wesleyan Methodists in Barbadoes,
+will serve to show the great change which has been taking place in
+public sentiment respecting the labors of missionaries. In the year
+1823, not long after the establishment of the Wesleyan church in the
+island, the chapel in Bridgetown was destroyed by a mob. Not one stone
+was left upon another. They carried the fragments for miles away from
+the site, and scattered them about in every direction, so that the
+chapel might never be rebuilt. Some of the instigators and chief actors
+in this outrage, were "gentlemen of property and standing," residents of
+Bridgetown. The first morning after the outrage began, the mob sought
+for the Rev. Mr. Shrewsbury, the missionary, threatening his life, and
+he was obliged to flee precipitately from the island, with his wife. He
+was hunted like a wild beast, and it is thought that he would have been
+torn in pieces if he had been found. Not an effort or a movement was
+made to quell the mob, during their assault upon the chapel. The first
+men of the island connived at the violence--secretly rejoicing in what
+they supposed would be the extermination of Methodism from the country.
+The governor, Sir Henry Ward, utterly refused to interfere, and would
+not suffer the militia to repair to the spot, though a mere handful of
+soldiers could have instantaneously routed the whole assemblage.
+
+The occasion of this riot was partly the efforts made by the Wesleyans
+to instruct the negroes, and still more the circumstance of a letter
+being written by Mr. Shrewsbury, and published in an English paper,
+which contained some severe strictures on the morals of the Barbadians.
+A planter informed us that the riot grew out of a suspicion that Mr. S.
+was "leagued with the Wilberforce party in England."
+
+Since the re-establishment of Wesleyanism in this island, it has
+continued to struggle against the opposition of the Bishop, and most of
+the clergy, and against the inveterate prejudices of nearly the whole of
+the white community. The missionaries have been discouraged, and in many
+instances absolutely prohibited from preaching on the estates. These
+circumstances have greatly retarded the progress of religious
+instruction through their means. But this state of things had been very
+much altered since the abolition of slavery. There are several estates
+now open to the missionaries. Mr. F. mentioned several places in the
+country, where he was then purchasing land, and erecting chapels. He
+also stated, that one man, who aided in pulling down the chapel in 1823,
+had offered ground for a new chapel, and proffered the free use of a
+building near by, for religious meetings and a school, till it could
+be erected.
+
+The Wesleyan chapel in Bridgetown is a spacious building, well filled
+with worshippers every Sabbath. We attended service there frequently,
+and observed the same indiscriminate sitting of the various colors,
+which is described in the account of St. Paul's church.
+
+The Wesleyan missionaries have stimulated the clergy to greater
+diligence and faithfulness, and have especially induced them to turn
+their attention to the negro population more than they did formerly.
+
+There are several local preachers connected with the Wesleyan mission in
+Barbadoes, who have been actively laboring to promote religion among the
+apprentices. Two of these are converted soldiers in his Majesty's
+service--acting sergeants of the troops stationed in the island. While
+we were in Barbadoes, these pious men applied for a discharge from the
+army, intending to devote themselves exclusively to the work of teaching
+and preaching. Another of the local preachers is a negro man, of
+considerable talent and exalted piety, highly esteemed among his
+missionary brethren for his labors of love.
+
+THE MORAVIAN MISSION.
+
+Of the Moravians, we learned but little. Circumstances unavoidably
+prevented us from visiting any of the stations, and also from calling on
+any of the missionaries. We were informed that there were three stations
+in the island, one in Bridgetown, and two in the country, and we learned
+in general terms, that the few missionaries there were laboring with
+their characteristic devotedness, assiduity, and self-denial, for the
+spiritual welfare of the negro population.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+COLORED POPULATION.
+
+The colored, or as they were termed previous to abolition, by way of
+distinction, the free colored population, amount in Barbadoes to nearly
+thirty thousand. They are composed chiefly of the mixed race, whose
+paternal connection, though illegitimate, secured to them freedom at
+their birth, and subsequently the advantages of an education more or
+less extensive. There are some blacks among them, however, who were free
+born, or obtained their freedom at an early period, and have since, by
+great assiduity, attained an honorable standing.
+
+During our stay in Barbadoes, we had many invitations to the houses of
+colored gentlemen, of which we were glad to avail ourselves whenever it
+was possible. At an early period after our arrival, we were invited to
+dine with Thomas Harris, Esq. He politely sent his chaise for us, as he
+resided about a mile from our residence. At his table, we met two other
+colored gentlemen, Mr. Thorne of Bridgetown, and Mr. Prescod, a young
+gentleman of much intelligence and ability. There was also at the table
+a niece of Mr. Harris, a modest and highly interesting young lady. All
+the luxuries and delicacies of a tropical clime loaded the board--an
+epicurean variety of meats, flesh, fowl, and fish--of vegetables,
+pastries, fruits, and nuts, and that invariable accompaniment of a West
+India dinner, wine.
+
+The dinner was enlivened by an interesting and well sustained
+conversation respecting the abolition of slavery, the present state of
+the colony, and its prospects for the future. Lively discussions were
+maintained on points where there chanced to be a difference of opinion,
+and we admired the liberality of the views which were thus elicited. We
+are certainly prepared to say, and that too without feeling that we draw
+any invidious distinctions, that in style of conversation, in ingenuity
+and ability of argument, this company would compare with any company of
+white gentlemen that we met in the island. In that circle of colored
+gentlemen, were the keen sallies of wit, the admirable repartee, the
+satire now severe, now playful, upon the measures of the colonial
+government, the able exposure of aristocratic intolerance, of
+plantership chicanery, of plottings and counterplottings in high
+places--the strictures on the intrigues of the special magistrates and
+managers, and withal, the just and indignant reprobation of the uniform
+oppressions which have disabled and crushed the colored people.
+
+The views of these gentlemen with regard to the present state of the
+island, we found to differ in some respects from those of the planters
+and special magistrates. They seemed to regard both those classes of men
+with suspicion. The planters they represented as being still, at least
+the mass of them, under the influence of the strong habits of
+tyrannizing and cruelty which they formed during slavery. The
+prohibitions and penalties of the law are not sufficient to prevent
+occasional and even frequent outbreakings of violence, so that the
+negroes even yet suffer much of the rigor of slavery. In regard to the
+special magistrates, they allege that they are greatly controlled by the
+planters. They associate with the planters, dine with the planters,
+lounge on the planters' sofas, and marry the planters daughters. Such
+intimacies as these, the gentlemen very plausibly argued, could not
+exist without strongly biasing the magistrate towards the planters, and
+rendering it almost impossible for them to administer equal justice to
+the poor apprentice, who, unfortunately, had no sumptuous dinners to
+give them, no luxurious sofas to offer them, nor dowered daughters to
+present in marriage.
+
+The gentlemen testified to the industry and subordination of the
+apprentices. They had improved the general cultivation of the island,
+and they were reaping for their masters greater crops than they did
+while slaves. The whole company united in saying that many blessings had
+already resulted from the abolition of slavery--imperfect as that
+abolition was. Real estate had advanced in value at least one third. The
+fear of insurrection had been removed; invasions of property, such as
+occurred during slavery, the firing of cane-fields, the demolition of
+houses, &c., were no longer apprehended. Marriage was spreading among
+the apprentices, and the general morals of the whole community, high and
+low, white, colored, and black, were rapidly improving.
+
+At ten o'clock we took leave of Mr. Harris and his interesting friends.
+We retired with feelings of pride and gratification that we had been
+privileged to join a company which, though wearing the badge of a
+proscribed race, displayed in happy combination, the treasures of
+genuine intelligence, and the graces of accomplished manners. We were
+happy to meet in that social circle a son of New England, and a graduate
+of one of her universities. Mr. H. went to the West Indies a few months
+after the abolition of slavery. He took with him all the prejudices
+common to our country, as well as a determined hostility to abolition
+principles and measures. A brief observation of the astonishing results
+of abolition in those islands, effectually disarmed him of the latter,
+and made him the decided and zealous advocate of immediate emancipation.
+He established himself in business in Barbados, where he has been living
+the greater part of the time since he left his native country. His
+_prejudices_ did not long survive his abandonment of anti-abolition
+sentiments. We rejoiced to find him on the occasion above referred to,
+moving in the circle of colored society, with all the freedom of a
+familiar guest, and prepared most cordially to unite with us in the wish
+that all our prejudiced countrymen could witness similar exhibitions.
+The gentleman at whose table we had the pleasure to dine, was _born a
+slave_, and remained such until he was seventeen years of age. After
+obtaining his freedom, he engaged as a clerk in a mercantile
+establishment, and soon attracted attention by his business talents.
+About the same period he warmly espoused the cause of the free colored
+people, who were doubly crushed under a load of civil and political
+impositions, and a still heavier one of prejudice. He soon made himself
+conspicuous by his manly defence of the rights of his brethren against
+the encroachments of the public authorities, and incurred the marked
+displeasure of several influential characters. After a protracted
+struggle for the civil immunities of the colored people, during which he
+repeatedly came into collision with public men, and was often arraigned
+before the public tribunals; finding his labors ineffectual, he left the
+island and went to England. He spent some time there and in France,
+moving on a footing of honorable equality among the distinguished
+abolitionists of those countries. There, amid the free influences and
+the generous sympathies which welcomed and surrounded him,--his whole
+character ripened in those manly graces and accomplishments which now so
+eminently distinguish him.
+
+Since his return to Barbadoes, Mr. H. has not taken so public a part in
+political controversies as he did formerly, but is by no means
+indifferent to passing events. There is not, we venture to say, within
+the colony, a keener or more sagacious observer of its institutions, its
+public men and their measures.
+
+When witnessing the exhibitions of his manly spirit, and listening to
+his eloquent and glowing narratives of his struggles against the
+political oppressions which ground to the dust himself and his brethren,
+we could scarcely credit the fact that he was himself born and reared to
+manhood--A SLAVE.
+
+BREAKFAST AT MR. THORNE'S.
+
+By invitation we took breakfast with Mr. Joseph Thorne, whom we met at
+Mr. Harris's. Mr. T. resides in Bridgetown. In the parlor, we met two
+colored gentlemen--the Rev. Mr. Hamilton, a local Wesleyan preacher, and
+Mr. Cummins, a merchant of Bridgetown, mentioned in a previous chapter.
+We were struck with the scientific appearance of Mr. Thorne's parlor. On
+one side was a large library of religious, historical and literary
+works, the selection of which displayed no small taste and judgment. On
+the opposite side of the room was a fine cabinet of minerals and shells.
+In one corner stood a number of curious relics of the aboriginal Caribs,
+such as bows and arrows, etc., together with interesting fossil remains.
+On the tops of the book-cases and mineral stand, were birds of rare
+species, procured from the South American Continent. The centre table
+was ornamented with shells, specimens of petrifactions, and elegantly
+bound books. The remainder of the furniture of the room was costly and
+elegant. Before breakfast two of Mr. Thorne's children, little boys of
+six and four, stepped in to salute the company. They were of a bright
+yellow, with slightly curled hair. When they had shaken hands with each
+of the company, they withdrew from the parlor and were seen no more.
+Their manners and demeanor indicated the teachings of an admirable
+mother, and we were not a little curious to see the lady of whose taste
+and delicate sense of propriety we had witnessed so attractive a
+specimen in her children. At the breakfast table we were introduced to
+Mrs. Thorne, and we soon discovered from her dignified air, from the
+chaste and elevated style of her conversation, from her intelligence,
+modesty and refinement, that we were in the presence of a highly
+accomplished lady. The conversation was chiefly on subjects connected
+with our mission. All spoke with great gratitude of the downfall of
+slavery. It was not the slaves alone that were interested in that event.
+Political oppression, prejudice, and licentiousness had combined greatly
+to degrade the colored community, but these evils were now gradually
+lessening, and would soon wholly disappear after the final extinction of
+slavery--the parent of them all.
+
+Several facts were stated to show the great rise in the value of real
+estate since 1834. In one instance a gentleman bought a sugar estate for
+nineteen thousand pounds sterling, and the very next year, after taking
+off a crop from which he realized a profit of three thousand pounds
+sterling, he sold the estate for thirty thousand pounds sterling. It has
+frequently happened within two years that persons wishing to purchase
+estates would inquire the price of particular properties, and would
+hesitate to give what was demanded. Probably soon after they would
+return to close the bargain, and find that the price was increased by
+several hundreds of pounds; they would go away again, reluctant to
+purchase, and return a third time, when they would find the price again
+raised, and would finally be glad to buy at almost any price. It was
+very difficult to purchase sugar estates now, whereas previous to the
+abolition of slavery, they were, like the slaves, a drug in the market.
+
+Mr. Joseph Thorne is a gentleman of forty-five, of a dark mulatto
+complexion, with the negro features and hair. _He was born a slave_, and
+remained so until about twenty years of age. This fact we learned from
+the manager of the Belle estate, on which Mr. T. was born and raised a
+slave. It was an interesting coincidence, that on the occasion of our
+visit to the Belle estate we were indebted to Mr. Thorne, the former
+_property_ of that estate, for his horse and chaise, which he politely
+proffered to us. Mr. T. employs much of his time in laboring among the
+colored people in town, and among the apprentices on the estates, in the
+capacity of _lay-preacher_. In this way he renders himself very useful.
+Being very competent, both by piety and talents, for the work, and
+possessing more perhaps than any missionary, the confidence of the
+planters, he is admitted to many estates, to lecture the apprentices on
+religious and moral duties. Mr. T. is a member of the Episcopal church.
+
+BREAKFAST AT MR. PRESCOD'S
+
+We next had the pleasure of breakfasting with Mr. Prescod. Our esteemed
+friend, Mr. Harris, was of the company. Mr. P. is a young man, but
+lately married. His wife and himself were both liberally educated in
+England. He was the late editor of the New Times, a weekly paper
+established since the abolition of slavery and devoted chiefly to the
+interests of the colored community. It was the first periodical and the
+only one which advocated the rights of the colored people, and this it
+did with the utmost fearlessness and independence. It boldly exposed
+oppression, whether emanating from the government house or originating
+in the colonial assembly. The measures of all parties, and the conduct
+of every public man, were subject to its scrutiny, and when occasion
+required, to its stern rebuke. Mr. P. exhibits a thorough acquaintance
+with the politics of the country, and with the position of the various
+parties. He is familiar with the spirit and operations of the white
+gentry--far more so, it would seem; than many of his brethren who have
+been repeatedly deceived by their professions of increasing liberality,
+and their show of extending civil immunities, which after all proved to
+be practical nullities, and as such were denounced by Mr. P. at the
+outset. A few years ago the colored people mildly petitioned the
+legislature for a removal of their disabilities. Their remonstrance was
+too reasonable to be wholly disregarded. Something must he done which
+would at least bear the semblance of favoring the object of the
+petitioners. Accordingly the obnoxious clauses were repealed, and the
+colored people were admitted to the polls. But the qualification was
+made three times greater than that required of white citizens. This
+virtually nullified the extension of privilege, and actually confirmed
+the disabilities of which it was a pretended abrogation. The colored
+people, in their credulity, hailed the apparent enfranchisement, and had
+a public rejoicing in the occasion. But the delusion could not escape
+the discrimination of Mr. P. He detected it at once, and exposed it, and
+incurred the displeasure of the credulous people of color by refusing to
+participate in their premature rejoicings. He soon succeeded however in
+convincing his brethren that the new provision was a mockery of their
+wrongs, and that the assembly had only added insult to past injuries.
+Mr. P. now urged the colored people to be patient, as the great changes
+which were working in the colony must bring to them all the rights of
+which they had been so cruelly deprived. On the subject of prejudice he
+spoke just as a man of keen sensibilities and manly spirit might be
+expected to speak, who had himself been its victim. He was accustomed to
+being flouted, scorned and condemned by those whom he could not but
+regard as his interiors both in native talents and education. He had
+submitted to be forever debarred from offices which were filled by men
+far less worthy except in the single qualification of a _white skin_,
+which however was paramount to all other virtues and acquirements! He
+had seen himself and his accomplished wife excluded from the society of
+whites, though keenly conscious of their capacity to move and shine in
+the most elevated social circles. After all this, it may readily be
+conceived how Mr. P. would speak of prejudice. But while he spoke
+bitterly of the past, he was inspired with buoyancy of hope as he cast
+his eye to the future. He was confident that prejudice would disappear.
+It had already diminished very much, and it would ere long be wholly
+exterminated.
+
+Mr. P. gave a sprightly picture of the industry of the negroes. It was
+common, he said, to hear them called lazy, but this was not true. That
+they often appeared to be indolent, especially those about the town, was
+true; but it was either because they had no work to do, or were asked to
+work without reasonable wages. He had often been amused at their
+conduct, when solicited to do small jobs--such as carrying baggage,
+loading of unloading a vessel, or the like. If offered a very small
+compensation, as was generally the case at first, they would stretch
+themselves on the ground, and with a sleepy look, and lazy tone, would
+say, "O, I can't do it, sir." Sometimes the applicants would turn away
+at once, thinking that they were unwilling to work, and cursing "the
+lazy devils;" but occasionally they would try the efficacy of offering a
+larger compensation, when instantly the negroes would spring to their
+feet, and the lounging inert mass would appear all activity.
+
+We are very willing to hold up Mr. P as a specimen of what colored
+people generally may become with proper cultivation, or to use the
+language of one of their own number,[A] "with free minds and space
+to rise."
+
+[Footnote A: Thomas C. Brown, who renounced colonization, returned from
+a disastrous and almost fatal expedition to Liberia, and afterwards went
+to the West Indies, in quest of a free country.]
+
+We have purposely refrained from speaking of Mrs. P., lest any thing we
+should be willing to say respecting her, might seem to be adulation.
+However, having alluded to her, we will say that it has seldom fallen to
+our lot to meet with her superior.
+
+BREAKFAST AT MR. LONDON BOURNE'S.
+
+After what has been said in this chapter to try the patience and
+irritate the nerves of the prejudiced, if there should be such among our
+readers, they will doubtless deem it quite intolerable to be introduced,
+not as hitherto to a family in whose faces the lineaments and the
+complexion of the white man are discernible, relieving the ebon hue, but
+to a household of genuine unadulterated negroes. We cordially accepted
+an invitation to breakfast with Mr. London Bourne. If the reader's
+horror of amalgamation does not allow him to join us at the table,
+perhaps he will consent to retire to the parlor, whence, without fear of
+contamination, he may safely view us through the folding doors, and note
+down our several positions around the board. At the head of the table
+presides, with much dignity, Mrs. Bourne; at the end opposite, sits Mr.
+Bourne--both of the glossiest jet; the thick matted hair of Mr. B.
+slightly frosted with age. He has an affable, open countenance, in which
+the radiance of an amiable spirit, and the lustre of a sprightly
+intellect, happily commingle, and illuminate the sable covering. On
+either hand of Mr. B. _we_ sit, occupying the posts of honor. On the
+right and left of Mrs. B., and at the opposite corners from us, sit two
+other guests, one a colored merchant, and the other a young son-in-law
+of Mr. B., whose face is the very double extract of blackness; for which
+his intelligence, the splendor of his dress, and the elegance of his
+manners, can make to be sure but slight atonement! The middle seats are
+filled on the one side by an unmarried daughter of Mr. B., and on the
+other side by a promising son of eleven, who is to start on the morrow
+for Edinburgh, where he is to remain until he has received the honors of
+Scotland's far famed university.
+
+We shall doubtless be thought by some of our readers to glory in our
+shame. Be it so. We _did_ glory in joining the company which we have
+just described. On the present occasion we had a fair opportunity of
+testing the merits of an unmixed negro party, and of determining how far
+the various excellences of the gentlemen and ladies previously noticed
+were attributable to the admixture of English blood. We are compelled in
+candor to say; that the company of blacks did not fall a whit below
+those of the colored race in any respect. We conversed on the same
+general topics, which, of course, were introduced where-ever we went. The
+gentlemen showed an intimate acquaintance with the state of the colony,
+with the merits of the apprenticeship system, and with the movements of
+the colonial government. As for Mrs. B., she presided at the table with
+great ease, dignity, self-possession, and grace. Her occasional remarks,
+made with genuine modesty, indicated good sense and discrimination.
+Among other topics of conversation, prejudice was not forgotten. The
+company were inquisitive as to the extent of it in the United States. We
+informed them that it appeared to be strongest in those states which
+held no slaves, that it prevailed among professing Christians, and that
+it was most manifestly seen in the house of God. We also intimated, in
+as delicate a manner as possible, that in almost any part of the United
+States such a table-scene as we then presented would be reprobated and
+denounced, if indeed it escaped the summary vengeance of the mob. We
+were highly gratified with their views of the proper way for the colored
+people to act in respect to prejudice. They said they were persuaded
+that their policy was to wait patiently for the operation of those
+influences which were now at work for the removal of prejudice. "_Social
+intercourse_," they said, "was not a thing to be gained by _pushing_."
+"They could not go to it, but it would come to them." It was for them
+however, to maintain an upright, dignified course, to be uniformly
+courteous, to seek the cultivation of their minds, and strive zealously
+for substantial worth, and by such means, and such alone, they could aid
+in overcoming prejudice.
+
+Mr. Bourne was a slave until he was twenty-three years old. He was
+purchased by his father, a free negro, who gave five hundred dollars for
+him. His mother and four brothers were bought at the same time for the
+sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. He spoke very kindly of his
+former master. By industry, honesty, and close attention to business,
+Mr. B. has now become a wealthy merchant. He owns three stores in
+Bridgetown, lives in very genteel style in his own house, and is worth
+from twenty to thirty thousand dollars. He is highly respected by the
+merchants of Bridgetown for his integrity and business talents. By what
+means Mr. B. has acquired so much general information, we are at a loss
+to conjecture. Although we did not ourselves need the evidence of his
+possessing extraordinary talents, industry, and perseverance, yet we are
+happy to present our readers with such tangible proofs--proofs which are
+read in every language, and which pass current in every nation.
+
+The foregoing sketches are sufficient to give a general idea of the
+colored people of Barbadoes. Perchance we may have taken too great
+liberties with those whose hospitalities we enjoyed; should this ever
+fall under their notice, we doubt not they will fully appreciate the
+motives which have actuated us in making them public. We are only sorry,
+for their sakes, and especially for that of our cause, that the
+delineations are so imperfect. That the above specimens are an exact
+likeness of the mass of colored people we do not pretend; but we do
+affirm, that they are as true an index to the whole community, as the
+merchants, physicians, and mechanics of any of our villages are to the
+entire population. We must say, also, that families of equal merit are
+by no means rare among the same people. We might mention many names
+which deservedly rank as high as those we have specified. One of the
+wealthiest merchants in Bridgetown is a colored gentleman. He has his
+mercantile agents in England, English clerks in his employ, a branch
+establishment in the city, and superintends the concerns of an extensive
+and complicated business with distinguished ability and success. A large
+portion, of not a majority of the merchants of Bridgetown are colored.
+Some of the most popular instructors are colored men and ladies, and one
+of these ranks high as a teacher of the ancient and modern languages.
+The most efficient and enterprising mechanics of the city, are colored
+and black men. There is scarcely any line of business which is not
+either shared or engrossed by colored persons, if we except that of
+_barber_. _The only barber in Bridgetown is a white man._
+
+That so many of the colored people should have obtained wealth and
+education is matter of astonishment, when we consider the numerous
+discouragements with which they have ever been doomed to struggle. The
+paths of political distinction have been barred against them by an
+arbitrary denial of the right of suffrage, and consequent ineligibility
+to office. Thus a large and powerful class of incitements to mental
+effort, which have been operating continually upon the whites, have
+never once stirred the sensibilities nor waked the ambition of the
+colored community. Parents, however wealthy, had no inducement to
+educate their sons for the learned professions, since no force of talent
+nor extent of acquirement could hope to break down the granite walls and
+iron bars which prejudice had erected round the pulpit, the bar, and the
+bench. From the same cause there was very little encouragement to
+acquire property, to seek education, to labor for the graces of
+cultivated manners, or even to aspire to ordinary respectability, since
+not even the poor favor of social intercourse with the whites, of
+participating in the civilities and courtesies of every day life, was
+granted them.
+
+The crushing power of a prevailing licentiousness, has also been added
+to the other discouragements of the colored people. Why should parents
+labor to amass wealth enough, and much of course it required, to send
+their daughters to Europe to receive their educations, if they were to
+return only to become the victims of an all-whelming concubinism! It is
+a fact, that in many cases young ladies, who have been sent to England
+to receive education, have, after accomplishing themselves in all the
+graces of womanhood, returned to the island to become the concubines of
+white men. Hitherto this vice has swept over the colored community,
+gathering its repeated conscriptions of beauty and innocence from the
+highest as well as the lowest families. Colored ladies have been taught
+to believe that it was more honorable, and quite as virtuous, to be the
+kept mistresses of _white gentlemen_, than the lawfully wedded wives of
+_colored men_. We repeat the remark, that the actual progress which the
+colored people of Barbadoes have made, while laboring under so many
+depressing influences, should excite our astonishment, and, we add, our
+admiration too. Our acquaintance with this people was at a very
+interesting period--just when they were beginning to be relieved from
+these discouragements, and to feel the regenerating spirit of a new era.
+It was to us like walking through a garden in the early spring. We could
+see the young buds of hope, the first bursts of ambition, the early
+up-shoots of confident aspiration, and occasionally the opening bloom of
+assurance. The star of hope had risen upon the colored people, and they
+were beginning to realize that _their_ day had come. The long winter of
+their woes was melting into "glorious summer." Civil immunities and
+political privileges were just before them, the learned professions were
+opening to them, social equality and honorable domestic connections
+would soon be theirs. Parents were making fresh efforts to establish
+schools for the children, and to send the choicest of their sons and
+daughters to England. They rejoiced in the privileges they were
+securing, and they anticipated with virtuous pride the free access of
+their children to all the fields of enterprise, all the paths of honest
+emulation, and all the eminences of distinction.
+
+We remark in conclusion, that the forbearance of the colored people of
+Barbadoes under their complicated wrongs is worthy of all admiration.
+Allied, as many of them are, to the first families of the island, and
+gifted as they are with every susceptibility to feel disgrace, it is a
+marvel that they have not indignantly cast off the yoke and demanded
+their political rights. Their wrongs have been unprovoked on their part,
+and unnatural on the part of those who have inflicted them--in many
+cases the guilty authors of their being. The patience and endurance of
+the sufferers under such circumstances are unexampled, except by the
+conduct of the slaves, who, though still more wronged, were, if
+possible, still more patient.
+
+We regret to add, that until lately, the colored people of Barbadoes
+hate been far in the background in the cause of abolition, and even now,
+the majority of them are either indifferent, or actually hostile to
+emancipation. They have no fellow feeling with the slave. In fact; they
+have had prejudices against the negroes no less bitter than those which
+the whites have exercised toward them. There are many honorable
+exceptions to this, as has already been shown; but such, we are assured,
+is the general fact.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: We are here reminded, by the force of contrast, of the
+noble spirit manifested by the free colored people of our own country.
+As early as 1817, a numerous body of them in Philadelphia, with the
+venerable James Forten at their head, pledged themselves to the cause of
+the slave in the following sublime sentiment, which deserves to be
+engraver to their glory on the granite of our "everlasting
+hills"--"Resolved, That we never will separate ourselves voluntarily
+from the slave population in this country; they are our brethren by the
+ties of consanguinity, of suffering, and of wrong; and we feel that
+there is more virtue in suffering privations with them, than enjoying
+_fancied_ advantages for a season."
+
+We believe that this resolution embodies the feelings and determinations
+of the free colored people generally in the free states.]
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+BARBADOES AS IT WAS, AND IS.
+
+According to the declaration of one of the special magistrates,
+"Barbadoes has long been distinguished for its devotion to slavery."
+There is probably no portion of the globe where slave-holding, slave
+driving, and slave labor, have been reduced to a more perfect system.
+
+The records of slavery in Barbadoes are stained with bloody atrocities.
+The planters uniformly spoke of slavery as a system of cruelties; but
+they expressed themselves in general terms. From colored gentlemen we
+learned some particulars, a few of which we give. To most of the
+following facts the narrators were themselves eye witnesses, and all of
+them happened in their day and were fresh in their memories.
+
+The slaves were not unfrequently worked in the streets of Bridgetown
+with chains on their wrists and ankles. Flogging on the estates and in
+the town, were no less public than frequent, and there was an utter
+shamelessness often in the manner of its infliction. Even women were
+stripped naked on the sides of the streets, and their backs lacerated
+with the whip. It was a common practice, when a slave offended a white
+man, for the master to send for a public whipper, and order him to take
+the slave before the door of the person offended, and flog him till the
+latter was satisfied. White females would order their male slaves to be
+stripped naked in their presence and flogged, while they would look on
+to see that their orders were faithfully executed. Mr. Prescod mentioned
+an instance which he himself witnessed near Bridgetown. He had seen an
+aged female slave, stripped and whipped by her own son, a child of
+twelve, at the command of the mistress. As the boy was small, the mother
+was obliged to get down upon her hands and knees, so that the child
+could inflict the blows on her naked person with a rod. This was done on
+the public highway, before the mistress's door. Mr. T. well remembered
+when it was lawful for any man to shoot down his slave, under no greater
+penalty than twenty-five pounds currency; and he knew of cases in which
+this had been done. Just after the insurrection in 1816, white men made
+a regular sport of shooting negroes. Mr. T. mentioned one case. A young
+man had sworn that he would kill ten negroes before a certain time. When
+he had shot nine he went to take breakfast with a neighbor, and carried
+his gun along. The first slave he met on the estate, he accused of being
+concerned in the rebellion. The negro protested that he was innocent,
+and begged for mercy. The man told him to be gone, and as he turned to
+go away, he shot him dead. Having fulfilled his bloody pledge, the young
+knight ate his breakfast with a relish. Mr. H. said that a planter once,
+in a time of perfect peace, went to his door and called one of his
+slaves. The negro made some reply which the master construed into
+insolence, and in a great rage he swore if he did not come to him
+immediately he would shoot him. The man replied he hoped massa wan't in
+earnest. 'I'll show you whether I am in earnest,' said the master, and
+with that he levelled his rifle, took deliberate aim, and shot the negro
+on the spot. He died immediately. Though great efforts were made by a
+few colored men to bring the murderer to punishment, they were all
+ineffectual. The evidence against him was clear enough, but the
+influence in his favor was so strong that he finally escaped.
+
+Dungeons were built on all the estates, and they were often abominably
+filthy, and infested with loathsome and venomous vermin. For slight
+offences the slaves were thrust into these prisons for several
+successive nights--being dragged out every morning to work during the
+day. Various modes of torture were employed upon those who were
+consigned to the dungeon. There were stocks for their feet, and there
+were staples in the floor for the ankles and wrists, placed in such a
+position as to keep the victim stretched out and lying on his face. Mr.
+H. described one mode which was called the _cabin_. A narrow board, only
+wide enough for a man to lie upon, was fixed in an inclined position,
+and elevated considerably above the ground. The offending slave was made
+to lay upon this board, and a strong rope or chain, was tied about his
+neck and fastened to the ceiling. It was so arranged, that if he should
+fall from the plank, he would inevitably hang by his neck. Lying in this
+position all night, he was more likely than not to fall asleep, and then
+there were ninety-nine chances to one that he would roll off his narrow
+bed and be killed before he could awake, or have time to extricate
+himself. Peradventure this is the explanation of the anxiety Mr. ---- of
+----, used to feel, when he had confined one of his slaves in the
+dungeon. He stated that he would frequently wake up in the night, was
+restless, and couldn't sleep, from fear that the prisoner would _kill
+himself_ before morning.
+
+It was common for the planters of Barbadoes, like those of Antigua, to
+declare that the greatest blessing of abolition to them, was that it
+relieved them from the disagreeable work of flogging the negroes. We had
+the unsolicited testimony of a planter, that slave mothers frequently
+poisoned, and otherwise murdered, their young infants, to rid them of a
+life of slavery. What a horrible comment this upon the cruelties of
+slavery! Scarce has the mother given birth to her child, when she
+becomes its murderer. The slave-mother's joy begins, not like that of
+other mothers, when "a man is born into the world," but when her infant
+is hurried out of existence, and its first faint cry is hushed in the
+silence of death! Why this perversion of nature? Ah, that mother knows
+the agonies, the torments, the wasting woes, of a life of slavery, and
+by the bowels of a mother's love, and the yearnings of a mother's pity,
+she resolves that her babe shall never know the same. O, estimate who
+can, how many groans have gone up from the cane field, from the
+boiling-house, from around the wind mill, from the bye paths, from the
+shade of every tree, from the recesses of every dungeon!
+
+Colonel Barrow, of Edgecome estate, declared, that the habit of flogging
+was so strong among the overseers and book-keepers, that even now they
+frequently indulge it in the face of penalties and at the risk of
+forfeiting their place.
+
+The descriptions which the special magistrates give of the lower class
+of overseers and the managers of the petty estates, furnish data enough
+for judging of the manner in which they would be likely to act when
+clothed with arbitrary power. They are "a low order of men," "without
+education," "trained up to use the whip," "knowing nothing else save the
+art of flogging," "ready at any time to perjure themselves in any matter
+where a negro is concerned," &c. Now, may we not ask what but cruelty,
+the most monstrous, could be expected under a system where _such men_
+were constituted law makers, judges, and executioners?
+
+From the foregoing facts, and the still stronger circumstantial
+evidence, we leave the reader to judge for himself as to the amount of
+cruelty attendant upon "the reign of terror," in Barbadoes. We must,
+however, mention one qualification, without which a wrong impression may
+be made. It has already been remarked that Barbadoes has, more than any
+other island, reduced slave labor and sugar cultivation to a regular
+system. This the planters have been compelled to do from the denseness
+of their population, the smallness of their territory, the fact that the
+land was all occupied, and still more, because the island, from long
+continued cultivation, was partly worn out. A prominent feature in their
+system was, theoretically at least, good bodily treatment of the slaves,
+good feeding, attention to mothers, to pregnant women, and to children,
+in order that the estates might always be kept _well stocked with
+good-conditioned negroes_. They were considered the best managers, who
+increased the population of the estates most rapidly, and often premiums
+were given by the attorneys to such managers. Another feature in the
+Barbadoes system was to raise sufficient provisions in the island to
+maintain the slaves, or, in planter's phrase, to _feed the stock_,
+without being dependent upon foreign countries. This made the supplies
+of the slaves more certain and more abundant. From several circumstances
+in the condition of Barbadoes, it is manifest, that there were fewer
+motives to cruelty there than existed in other islands. First, the slave
+population was abundant, then the whole of the island was under
+cultivation, and again the lands were old and becoming exhausted. Now,
+if either one of these things had not been true, if the number of slaves
+had been inadequate to the cultivation, or if vast tracts of land, as in
+Jamaica, Trinidad, and Demerara, had been uncultivated, or were being
+brought into cultivation; or, again, if the lands under cultivation had
+been fresh and fertile, so as to bear _pushing_, then it is plain that
+there would have been inducements to hard driving, which, as the case
+was, did not exist.
+
+Such is a partial view of Barbadoes as it _was_, touching the matter of
+cruelty. We say partial, for we have omitted to mention the selling of
+slaves from one estate to another, whereby families were separated,
+almost as effectually as though an ocean intervened. We have omitted to
+notice the transportation of slaves to Trinidad, Berbice, and Demerara,
+which was made an open traffic until prohibited in 1827, and was
+afterwards continued with but little abatement by evasions of the law.
+
+From the painful contemplation of all this outrage and wrong, the mind
+is relieved by turning to the present state of the colony. It cannot be
+denied that much oppression grows out of the apprenticeship system, both
+from its essential nature, and from the want of virtuous principle and
+independence in the men who administer it. Yet it is certainly true that
+there has been a very great diminution in the amount of actual cruelty.
+The total abolition of flogging on the estates, the prohibition to use
+the dungeons, and depriving the masters, managers, overseers and
+drivers, of the right to punish in any case, or in any way whatever,
+leave no room for doubt on this subject. It is true, that the laws are
+often violated, but this can only take place in cases of excessive
+passion, and it is not likely to be a very frequent occurrence. The
+penalty of the law is so heavy,[A] and the chances of detection[B] are
+so great, that in all ordinary circumstances they will be a sufficient
+security against the violence of the master. On the other hand, the
+special magistrates themselves seldom use the whip, but resort to other
+modes of punishment less cruel and degrading. Besides, it is manifest
+that if they did use the whip and were ever so cruelly disposed, it
+would be physically impossible for them to inflict as much suffering as
+the drivers could during slavery; on account of the vast numbers over
+whom they preside. We learned from the apprentices themselves, by
+conversing with them, that their condition, in respect to treatment, is
+incomparably better than it was during slavery. We were satisfied from
+our observations and inquiries, that the planters, at least the more
+extensive and enlightened ones, conduct their estates on different
+principles from those formerly followed. Before the abolition of
+slavery, they regarded the _whip_ as absolutely necessary to the
+cultivation of sugar, and hence they uniformly used it, and loudly
+deprecated its abolition as being _their_ certain ruin. But since the
+whip has been abolished, and the planters have found that the negroes
+continue, nevertheless, industrious and subordinate, they have changed
+their measures, partly from necessity, and partly from policy, have
+adopted a conciliatory course.
+
+[Footnote A: A fine of sixteen dollars for the first assault, and the
+liberation of the apprentice after a second.]
+
+[Footnote B: Through the complaint of the apprentice to the special
+magistrate]
+
+Barbadoes was not without its insurrections during slavery. Although not
+very frequent, they left upon the minds of the white colonists this
+conviction, (repeatedly expressed to us by planters and others,) that
+_slavery and rebellions are inseparable_. The last widely extended
+insurrection occurred in 1816, in the eastern part of the island. Some
+of the particulars were given us by a planter who resided to that
+region, and suffered by it great loss of property. The plot was so
+cautiously laid, and kept so secret, that no one suspected it. The
+planter observed that if any one had told him that such a thing was
+brewing _ten minutes_ before it burst forth, he would not have credited
+the statement. It began with firing the cane-fields. A signal was given
+by a man setting fire to a pile of trash on an elevated spot, when
+instantly the fires broke out in every direction, and in less than a
+half hour, more than one hundred estates were in flames. The planters
+and their families, in the utmost alarm, either fled into other parts of
+the island, or seized their arms and hurriedly mustered in self-defence.
+Meanwhile the negroes, who had banded themselves in numerous companies,
+took advantage of the general consternation, proceeded to the deserted
+mansions of the planters, broke down the doors, battered in the windows,
+destroyed all the furniture, and carried away the provision stores to
+their own houses.
+
+These ravages continued for three days, during which, the slaves flocked
+together in increasing numbers; in one place there were several
+thousands assembled. Above five hundred of the insurgents were shot down
+by the militia, before they could be arrested. The destruction of
+property during the rebellion was loosely estimated at many hundred
+thousand pounds. The canes on many estates were almost wholly burned; so
+that extensive properties, which ordinarily yielded from two to three
+hundred hogsheads, did not make more than fifteen or twenty.
+
+Our informant mentioned two circumstances which he considered
+remarkable. One was, that the insurgents never touched the property of
+the estates to which they severally belonged; but went to the
+neighboring or more distant estates. The other was, that during the
+whole insurrection the negroes did not make a single attempt to destroy
+life. On the other hand, the sacrifice of negroes during the rebellion,
+and subsequent to it, was appalling. It was a long time before the white
+man's thirst for blood could be satiated.
+
+No general insurrection occurred after this one. However, as late as
+1823, the proprietor of Mount Wilton--the noblest estate in the
+island--was murdered by his slaves in a most horrid manner. A number of
+men entered his bed-chamber at night. He awoke ere they reached him, and
+grasped his sword, which always hung by his bed, but it was wrested from
+his hand, and he was mangled and killed. His death was caused by his
+_cruelties_, and especially by his _extreme licentiousness_. All the
+females on this estate were made successively the victims of his lust.
+This, together with his cruelties, so incensed the men, that they
+determined to murder the wretch. Several of them were publicly executed.
+
+Next to the actual occurrence of rebellions, _the fear of them_ deserves
+to be enumerated among the evils which slavery entailed upon Barbadoes.
+The dread of hurricanes to the people of Barbadoes is tolerable in
+comparison with the irrepressible apprehensions of bloody rebellions. A
+planter told us that he seldom went to bed without thinking he might be
+murdered before morning.
+
+But now the whites are satisfied that slavery was the sole instigator of
+rebellions, and since its removal they have no fear on this score.
+
+_Licentiousness_ was another of the fruits of slavery. It will be
+difficult to give to the reader a proper conception of the prevalence of
+this vice in Barbadoes, and of the consequent demoralization. A numerous
+colored population were both the offspring and the victims of it. On a
+very moderate calculation, nineteen-twentieths of the present adult
+colored race are illegitimate. Concubinage was practised among the
+highest classes. Young merchants and others who were unmarried, on first
+going to the island, regularly engaged colored females to live with them
+as housekeepers and mistresses, and it was not unusual for a man to have
+more than one. The children of these connections usually sat with the
+mothers at the father's table, though when the gentlemen had company,
+neither mothers nor children made their appearance. To such conduct no
+disgrace was attached, nor was any shame felt by either party. We were
+assured that there are in Bridgetown, colored ladies of
+"respectability," who, though never married, have large families of
+children whose different surnames indicate their difference of
+parentage, but who probably do not know their fathers by any other
+token. These remarks apply to the towns. The morals of the estates were
+still more deplorable. The managers and overseers, commonly unmarried,
+left no female virtue unattempted. Rewards sometimes, but oftener the
+whip, or the dungeon, gave them the mastery in point of fact, which the
+laws allowed in theory. To the slaves marriage was scarcely known. They
+followed the example of the master, and were ready to minister to his
+lust. The mass of mulatto population grew paler as it multiplied, and
+catching the refinement along with the tint of civilization, waged a war
+upon marriage which had well nigh expelled it from the island. Such was
+Barbadoes under the auspices of slavery.
+
+Although these evils still exist, yet, since the abolition of slavery,
+there is one symptom of returning purity, the _sense of shame_.
+Concubinage is becoming disreputable. The colored females are growing in
+self-respect, and are beginning to seek regular connections with colored
+men. They begin to feel (to use the language of one of them) that the
+_light is come_, and that they can no longer have the apology of
+ignorance to plead for their sin. It is the prevailing impression among
+whites, colored, and blacks, that open licentiousness cannot long
+survive slavery.
+
+_Prejudice_ was another of the concomitants of slavery. Barbadoes was
+proverbial for it. As far as was practicable, the colored people were
+excluded from all business connections; though merchants were compelled
+to make clerks of them for want of better, that is, _whiter_, ones.
+Colored merchants of wealth were shut out of the merchants' exchange,
+though possessed of untarnished integrity, while white men were admitted
+as subscribers without regard to character. It was not a little
+remarkable that the rooms occupied as the merchants' exchange were
+rented from a colored gentleman, or more properly, a _negro_;[A] who,
+though himself a merchant of extensive business at home and abroad, and
+occupying the floor below with a store, was not suffered to set his foot
+within them. This merchant, it will be remembered, is educating a son
+for a learned profession at the university of Edinburgh. Colored
+gentlemen were not allowed to become members of literary associations,
+nor subscribers to the town libraries. Social intercourse was utterly
+interdicted. To visit the houses of such men as we have already
+mentioned in a previous chapter, and especially to sit down at their
+tables, would have been a loss of caste; although the gentry were at the
+same time living with colored concubines. But most of all did this
+wicked prejudice delight to display itself in the churches. Originally,
+we believe, the despised color was confined to the galleries, afterwards
+it was admitted to the seats under the galleries, and ultimately it was
+allowed to extend to the body pews below the cross aisle. If perchance
+one of the proscribed class should ignorantly stray beyond these
+precincts, and take a seat above the cross aisle, he was instantly, if
+not forcibly, removed. Every opportunity was maliciously seized to taunt
+the colored people with their complexion. A gentleman of the highest
+worth stated that several years ago he applied to the proper officer for
+a license to be married. The license was accordingly made out and handed
+to him. It was expressed in the following insulting style: "T---- H----,
+F.M., is licensed to marry H---- L----, F.C.W." The initials F.M. stood
+for _free mulatto_, and F.C.W. for _free colored woman_! The gentleman
+took his knife and cut out the initials; and was then threatened with a
+prosecution for forging his license.
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. London Bourne, the merchant mentioned in the previous
+chapter.]
+
+It must be admitted that this cruel feeling still exists in Barbadoes.
+Prejudice is the last viper of the slavery-gendered brood that dies. But
+it is evidently growing weaker. This the reader will infer from several
+facts already stated. The colored people themselves are indulging
+sanguine hopes that prejudice will shortly die away. They could discover
+a bending on the part of the whites, and an apparent readiness to
+concede much of the ground hitherto withheld. They informed us that they
+had received intimations that they might be admitted as subscribers to
+the merchants' exchange if they would apply; but they were in no hurry
+to make the advances themselves. They felt assured that not only
+business equality, but social equality, would soon be theirs, and were
+waiting patiently for the course of events to bring them. They have too
+much self-respect to sue for the consideration of their white neighbors,
+or to accept it as a condescension and favor, when by a little patience
+they might obtain it on more honorable terms. It will doubtless be found
+in Barbadoes, as it has been in other countries--and perchance to the
+mortification of some lordlings--that freedom is a mighty leveller of
+human distinctions. The pyramid of pride and prejudice which slavery had
+upreared there, must soon crumble in the dust.
+
+_Indolence and inefficiency among the whites_, was another prominent
+feature in slaveholding Barbadoes. Enterprise, public and personal, has
+long been a stranger to the island. Internal improvements, such as the
+laying and repairing of roads, the erection of bridges, building
+wharves, piers, &c., were either wholly neglected, or conducted in such
+a listless manner as to be a burlesque on the name of business. It was a
+standing task, requiring the combined energy of the island, to repair
+the damages of one hurricane before another came. The following
+circumstance was told us, by one of the shrewdest observers of men and
+things with whom we met in Barbadoes. On the southeastern coast of the
+island there is a low point running far out into the sea, endangering
+all vessels navigated by persons not well acquainted with the island.
+Many vessels have been wrecked upon it in the attempt to make Bridgetown
+from the windward. From time immemorial, it has been in contemplation to
+erect a light-house on that point. Every time a vessel has been wrecked,
+the whole island has been agog for a light-house. Public meetings were
+called, and eloquent speeches made, and resolutions passed, to proceed
+to the work forthwith. Bills were introduced into the assembly, long
+speeches made, and appropriations voted commensurate with the stupendous
+undertaking. There the matter ended, and the excitement died away, only
+to be revived by another wreck, when a similar scene would ensue. The
+light-house is not built to this day. In personal activity, the
+Barbadians are as sadly deficient as in public spirit. London is said to
+have scores of wealthy merchants who have never been beyond its limits,
+nor once snuffed the country air. Bridgetown, we should think, is in
+this respect as deserving of the name _Little London_ as Barbadoes is of
+the title "Little England," which it proudly assumes. We were credibly
+informed that there were merchants in Bridgetown who had never been off
+the island in their lives, nor more than five or six miles into the
+country. The sum total of their locomotion might be said to be, turning
+softly to one side of their chairs, and then softly to the other. Having
+no personal cares to harass them, and no political questions to agitate
+them--having no extended speculations to push, and no public enterprises
+to prosecute, (save occasionally when a wreck on the southern point
+throws them into a ferment,) the lives of the higher classes seem a
+perfect blank, as it regards every thing manly. Their thoughts are
+chiefly occupied with sensual pleasure, anticipated or enjoyed. The
+centre of existence to them is the _dinner-table_.
+
+  "They eat and drink and sleep, and then--
+   Eat and drink and sleep again."
+
+That the abolition of slavery has laid the foundation for a reform in
+this respect, there can be no doubt. The indolence and inefficiency of
+the white community has grown out of slavery. It is the legitimate
+offspring of oppression everywhere--one of the burning curses which it
+never fails to visit upon its supporters. It may be seriously doubted,
+however, whether in Barbadoes this evil will terminate with its cause.
+There is there such a superabundance of the laboring population, that
+for a long time to come, labor must be very cheap, and the habitually
+indolent will doubtless prefer employing others to work for them, than
+to work themselves. If, therefore, we should not see an active spirit of
+enterprise at once kindling among the Barbadians, _if the light-house
+should not be build for a quarter of a century to come_, it need not
+excite our astonishment.
+
+We heard not a little concerning the expected distress of those white
+families whose property consisted chiefly of slaves. There were many
+such families, who have hitherto lived respectably and independently by
+hiring out their slaves. After 1840, these will be deprived of all their
+property, and will have no means of support whatever. As they will
+consider it degrading to work, and still more so to beg, they will be
+thrown into extremely embarrassing circumstances. It is thought that
+many of this class will leave the country, and seek a home where they
+will not be ashamed to work for their subsistence. We were forcibly
+reminded of the oft alleged objection to emancipation in the United
+States, that it would impoverish many excellent families in the South,
+and drive delicate females to the distaff and the wash-tub, whose hands
+have never been used to any thing--_rougher than the cowhide_. Much
+sympathy has been awakened in the North by such appeals, and vast
+numbers have been led by them to conclude that it is better for millions
+of slaves to famish in eternal bondage, than that a few white families,
+here and there scattered over the South, should be reduced to the
+humiliation of _working_.
+
+_Hostility to emancipation_ prevailed in Barbadoes. That island has
+always been peculiarly attached to slavery. From the beginning of the
+anti-slavery agitations in England, the Barbadians distinguished
+themselves by their inveterate opposition. As the grand result
+approximated they increased their resistance. They appealed,
+remonstrated, begged, threatened, deprecated, and imprecated. They
+continually protested that abolition would ruin the colony--that the
+negroes could never be brought to work--especially to raise
+sugar--without the whip. They both besought and demanded of the English
+that they should cease their interference with their private affairs and
+personal property.
+
+Again and again they informed them that they were wholly disqualified,
+by their distance from the colonies, and their ignorance of the subject,
+to do any thing respecting it, and they were entreated to leave the
+whole matter with the colonies, who alone could judge as to the best
+time and manner of moving, or whether it was proper to move at all.
+
+We were assured that there was not a single planter in Barbadoes who was
+known to be in favor of abolition, before it took place; if, however,
+there had been one such, he would not have dared to avow his sentiments.
+The anti-slavery party in England were detested; no epithets were too
+vile for them--no curses too bitter. It was a Barbadian lady who once
+exclaimed in a public company in England, "O, I wish we had Wilberforce
+in the West Indies, I would be one of the very first to tear his heart
+out!" If such a felon wish could escape the lips of a female, and that
+too amid the awing influence of English society, what may we conclude
+were the feelings of planters and drivers on the island!
+
+The opposition was maintained even after the abolition of slavery; and
+there was no colony, save Jamaica, with which the English government had
+so much trouble in arranging the provisions and conditions under which
+abolition was to take place.
+
+From statements already made, the reader will see how great a change has
+come over the feelings of the planters.
+
+He has followed us through this and the preceding chapters, he has seen
+tranquillity taking the place of insurrections, a sense of security
+succeeding to gloomy forbodings, and public order supplanting mob law;
+he has seen subordination to authority, peacefulness, industry, and
+increasing morality, characterizing the negro population; he has seen
+property rising in value, crime lessening, expenses of labor
+diminishing, the whole island blooming with unexampled cultivation, and
+waving with crops unprecedented in the memory of its inhabitants; above
+all, he has seen licentiousness decreasing, prejudice fading away,
+marriage extending, education spreading, and religion preparing to
+multiply her churches and missionaries over the land.
+
+_These_ are the blessing of abolition--_begun_ only, and but partially
+realized as yet, but promising a rich maturity in time to come, after
+the work of freedom shall have been completed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.
+
+The nature of the apprenticeship system may be learned form the
+following abstract of its provisions, relative to the three parties
+chiefly concerned in its operation--the special magistrate, the master,
+and the apprentice.
+
+PROVISIONS RESPECTING THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATES.
+
+1. They must be disconnected with planters and plantership, that they
+may be independent of all colonial parties and interests whatever.
+
+2. The special magistrates adjudicate only in cases where the master and
+apprentice are parties. Offences committed by apprentices against any
+person not connected with the estates on which they live, come under the
+cognizance of the local magistrates or of higher courts.
+
+3. The special justices sit three days in the week at their offices,
+where all complaints are carried, both by the master and apprentice. The
+magistrates do not go the estate, either to try or to punish offenders.
+Besides, the three days the magistrates are required to be at home every
+Saturday, (that being the day on which the apprentices are disengaged,)
+to give friendly advice and instruction on points of law and personal
+rights to all apprentices who may call.
+
+PROVISIONS RESPECTING THE MASTER.
+
+1. The master is allowed the gratuitous labor of the apprentice for
+forty-five hours each week. The several islands were permitted by the
+English government to make such a division of this time as local
+circumstances might seem to require. In some islands, as for instance in
+St. Christopher's and Tortola, it is spread over six days of the week in
+proportions of seven and a half hours per day, thus leaving the
+apprentice mere shreds of time in which he can accomplish nothing for
+himself. In Barbadoes, the forty-five hours is confined within five
+days, in portions of nine hours per day.
+
+2. The allowances of food continue the same as during slavery, excepting
+that now the master may give, instead of the allowance, a third of an
+acre to each apprentice, but then he must also grant an additional day
+every week for the cultivation of this land.
+
+3. The master has no power whatever to punish. A planter observed, "if I
+command my butler to stand for half an hour on the parlor floor, and it
+can be proved that I designed it as a punishment, I may be fined for
+it." The penalty for the first offence (punishing an apprentice) is a
+fine of five pounds currency, or sixteen dollars, and imprisonment if
+the punishment was cruel. For a second offence the apprentice is
+set free.
+
+Masters frequently do punish their apprentices _in despite of all
+penalties_. A case in point occurred not long since, in Bridgetown. A
+lady owned a handsome young mulatto woman, who had a beautiful head of
+hair of which she was very proud. The servant did something displeasing
+to her mistress, and the latter in a rage shaved off her hair close to
+her head. The girl complained to the special magistrate, and procured an
+immediate release from her mistress's service.
+
+4. It is the duty of the master to make complaint to the special
+magistrate. When the master chooses to take the punishment into his own
+hand, the apprentice has a right to complain.
+
+5. The master is obliged to sell the remainder of the apprentice's term,
+whenever the apprentice signifies a wish to buy it. If the parties
+cannot agree about the price, the special magistrate, in connection with
+two local magistrates, appraises the latter, and the master is bound to
+take the amount of the appraisement, whatever that is. Instances of
+apprentices purchasing themselves are quite frequent, not withstanding
+the term of service is now so short, extending only to August, 1840. The
+value of an apprentice varies from thirty to one hundred dollars.
+
+PROVISIONS RESPECTING THE APPRENTICE.
+
+1. He has the whole of Saturday, and the remnants of the other five
+days, after giving nine hours to the master.
+
+2. The labor does not begin so early, nor continue so late as during
+slavery. Instead of half past four or five o'clock the apprentices are
+called out at six o'clock in the morning. They then work till seven,
+have an hour for breakfast, again work from eight to twelve, have a
+respite of two hours, and then work till six o'clock.
+
+3. If an apprentice hires his time from his master as is not
+unfrequently the case, especially among the non-praedials, he pays a
+dollar a week, which is two thirds, or at least one half of
+his earnings.
+
+4. If the apprentice has a complaint to make against his master, he must
+either make it during his own time, or if he prefers to go to the
+magistrate during work hours, he must ask his master for a pass. If his
+master refuse to give him one, he can then go without it.
+
+5. There is an _unjustifiable inequality_ in the apprentice laws, which
+was pointed out by one of the special magistrates. The master is
+punishable only for cruelty or corporeal inflictions, whereas the
+apprentice is punishable for a variety of offences, such as idleness,
+stealing, insubordination, insolence, &c. The master may be as insolent
+and abusive as he chooses to be, and the slave can have no redress.
+
+6. Hard labor, solitary confinement, and the treadmill, are the
+principal modes of punishment. Shaving the head is sometimes resorted
+to. A very sever punishment frequently adopted, is requiring the
+apprentice to make up for the time during which he is confined. If he is
+committed for ten working days, he must give the master ten successive
+Saturdays.
+
+This last regulation is particularly oppressive and palpably unjust. It
+matters not how slight the offence may have been, it is discretionary
+with the special magistrate to mulct the apprentice of his Saturdays.
+This provision really would appear to have been made expressly for the
+purpose of depriving the apprentices of their own time. It is a direct
+inducement to the master to complain. If the apprentice has been absent
+from his work but an hour, the magistrate may sentence him to give a
+whole day in return; consequently the master is encouraged to mark the
+slightest omission, and to complain of it whether it was unavoidable
+or not.
+
+THE DESIGN OF THE APPRENTICESHIP.--It is a serious question with a
+portion of the colonists, whether or not the apprenticeship was
+originally designed as a preparation for freedom. This however was the
+professed object with its advocates, and it was on the strength of this
+plausible pretension, doubtless, that the measure was carried through.
+We believe it is pretty well understood, both in England and the
+colonies; that it was mainly intended _as an additional compensation to
+the planters_. The latter complained that the twenty millions of pounds
+was but a pittance of the value of their slaves, and to drown their
+cries about robbery and oppression this system of modified slavery was
+granted to them, that they might, for a term of years, enjoy the toil of
+the negro without compensation. As a mockery to the hopes of the slaves
+this system was called an apprenticeship, and it was held out to them as
+a needful preparatory stage for them to pass through, ere they could
+rightly appreciate the blessings of entire freedom. It was not wonderful
+that they should be slow to apprehend the necessity of serving a six
+years' apprenticeship, at a business which they had been all their lives
+employed in. It is not too much to say that it was a grand cheat--a
+national imposture at the expense of the poor victims of oppression,
+whom, with benevolent pretences, it offered up a sacrifice to cupidity
+and power.
+
+PRACTICAL OPERATION OF THE APPRENTICESHIP.--It cannot be denied that
+this system is in some respects far better than slavery. Many restraints
+are imposed upon the master, and many important privileges are secured
+to the apprentice. Being released from the arbitrary power of the
+master, is regarded by the latter as a vast stride towards entire
+liberty. We once asked an apprentice; if he thought apprenticeship was
+better than slavery. "O yes," said he, "great deal better, sir; when we
+was slaves, our masters git mad wid us, and give us _plenty of licks_;
+but now, thank God, they can't touch us." But the actual enjoyment of
+these advantages by the apprentices depends upon so many contingencies,
+such as the disposition of the master, and the faithfulness of the
+special magistrate, that it is left after all exceedingly precarious. A
+very few observations respecting the special magistrates, will serve to
+show how liable the apprentice is to suffer wrong without the
+possibility of obtaining redress. It is evident that this will be the
+case unless the special magistrates are _entirely independent_. This was
+foreseen by the English government, and they pretended to provide for it
+by paying the magistrates' salaries at home. But how inadequate was
+their provision! The salaries scarcely answer for pocket money in the
+West Indies. Thus situated, the magistrates are continually exposed to
+those temptations, which the planters can so artfully present in the
+shape of sumptuous dinners. They doubtless find it very convenient, when
+their stinted purses run low, and mutton and wines run high, to do as
+the New England school master does, "_board round_;" and consequently
+the dependence of the magistrate upon the planter is of all things the
+most deprecated by the apprentice.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: The feelings of apprentices on this point are well
+illustrated by the following anecdote, which was related to us while in
+the West Indies. The governor of one of the islands, shortly after his
+arrival, dined with one of the wealthiest proprietors. The next day one
+of the negroes of the estate said to another, "De new gubner been
+_poison'd_." "What dat you say?" inquired the other in astonishment, "De
+gubner been _poison'd_." "Dah, now!--How him poisoned!" "_Him eat massa
+turtle soup last night_," said the shrewd negro. The other took his
+meaning at once; and his sympathy for the governor was turned into
+concern for himself, when he perceived that the poison was one from
+which _he_ was likely to suffer more than his excellency.]
+
+Congeniality of feeling, habits, views, style and rank--identity of
+country and color--these powerful influences bias the magistrate toward
+the master, at the same time that the absence of them all, estrange and
+even repel him from the apprentice. There is still an additional
+consideration which operates against the unfortunate apprentice. The men
+selected for magistrates, are mostly officers of the army and navy. To
+those who are acquainted with the arbitrary habits of military and naval
+officers, and with the iron despotism which they exercise among the
+soldiers and sailors,[B] the bare mention of this fact is sufficient to
+convince them of the unenviable situation of the apprentice. It is at
+best but a gloomy transfer from the mercies of a slave driver, to the
+justice of a military magistrate.
+
+[Footnote B: We had a specimen of the stuff special magistrates are made
+of in sailing from Barbadoes to Jamaica. The vessel was originally an
+English man-of-war brig, which had been converted into a steamer, and
+was employed by the English government, in conveying the island mails
+from Barbadoes to Jamaica--to and fro. She was still under the strict
+discipline of a man-of-war. The senior officer on board was a
+lieutenant. This man was one of the veriest savages on earth. His
+passions were in a perpetual storm, at some times higher than at others,
+occasionally they blew a hurricane. He quarrelled with his officers, and
+his orders to his men were always uttered in oaths. Scarcely a day
+passed that he did not have some one of his sailors flogged. One night,
+the cabin boy left the water-can sitting on the cabin floor, instead of
+putting it on the sideboard, where it usually stood. For this offence
+the commander ordered him up on deck after midnight, and made the
+quarter-master flog him. The instrument used in this case, (the regular
+flogging stick having been _used up_ by previous service,) was the
+commander's cane--_a heavy knotted club_. The boy held out one hand and
+received the blows. He howled most piteously, and it was some seconds
+before he recovered sufficiently from the pain to extend the other.
+"_Lay on_," stormed the commander. Down went the cane a second time. We
+thought it must have broken every bone in the boy's hand. This was
+repeated several times, the boy extending each hand alternately, and
+recoiling at every blow. "Now lay on to his back," sternly vociferated
+the commander--"give it to him--_hard_--_lay on harder_." The old
+seaman, who had some mercy in his heart, seemed very loth to lay out his
+strength on the boy with such a club. The commander became
+furious--cursed and swore--and again yelled, "_Give it to him harder,
+more_--MORE--MORE--there, stop." "you infernal villain"--speaking to the
+quarter-master and using the most horrid oaths--"You infernal villain,
+if you do not _lay on harder_ the next time I command you, I'll have you
+put in irons." The boy limped away, writhing in every joint, and crying
+piteously, when the commander called at him, "Silence there, you imp--or
+I'll give you a second edition." One of the first things the commander
+did after we left Barbadoes, was to have a man flogged, and the last
+order we heard him give as we left the steamer at Kingston, was to put
+two of the men _in irons_.]
+
+It is not a little remarkable that the apprenticeship should be regarded
+by the planters themselves, as well as by other persons generally
+throughout the colony, as merely a modified form of slavery. It is
+common to hear it called 'slavery under a different form,' 'another name
+for slavery,'--'modified slavery,' 'but little better than slavery.'
+
+Nor is the practical operation of the system upon the _master_ much less
+exceptionable. It takes out of his hand the power of coercing labor, and
+provides no other stimulus. Thus it subjects him to the necessity either
+of resorting to empty threats, which must result only in incessant
+disputes, or of condescending to persuade and entreat, against which his
+habits at once rebel, or of complaining to a third party--an alternative
+more revolting if possible, than the former, since it involves the
+acknowledgment of a higher power than his own. It sets up over his
+actions a foreign judge, at whose bar he is alike amenable (in theory)
+with his apprentice, before whose tribunal he may be dragged at any
+moment by his apprentice, and from whose lips he may receive the
+humiliating sentence of punishment in the presence of his apprentice. It
+introduces between him and his laborers, mutual repellancies and
+estrangement; it encourages the former to exercise an authority which he
+would not venture to assume under a system of perfect freedom; it
+emboldens the latter to display an insolence which he would not have
+dreamed of in a state of slavery, and thus begetting in the one, the
+imperiousness of the slaveholder _without his power_, and in the other,
+the independence of the freeman _without his immunities_, it perpetuates
+a scene of angry collision, jealousy and hatred.
+
+It does not even serve for the master the unworthy purpose for which it
+was mainly devised, viz., that of an additional compensation. The
+apprenticeship is estimated to be more expensive than a system of free
+labor would be. It is but little less expensive than slavery, and
+freedom it is confidently expected will be considerably less. So it
+would seem that this system burthens the master with much of the
+perplexity, the ignominy and the expensiveness of slavery, while it
+denies him its power. Such is the apprenticeship system. A splendid
+imposition!--which cheats the planter of his gains, cheats the British
+nation of its money, and robs the world of what else might have been a
+glorious example of immediate and entire emancipation.
+
+THE APPRENTICESHIP IS NO PREPARATION FOR FREEDOM.--Indeed, as far as it
+can be, it is an actual _disqualification_. The testimony on this
+subject is ample. We rarely met a planter, who was disposed to maintain
+that the apprenticeship was preparing the negroes for freedom. They
+generally admitted that the people were no better prepared for freedom
+now, than they were in 1834; and some of them did not hesitate to say
+that the sole use to which they and their brother planters turned the
+system, was to get _as much work out of the apprentices while it lasted,
+as possible_. Clergymen and missionaries, declared that the
+apprenticeship was no preparation for freedom. If it were a preparation
+at all, it would most probably be so in a religious and educational
+point of view. We should expect to find the masters, if laboring at all
+to prepare their apprentices for freedom, doing so chiefly by
+encouraging missionaries and teachers to come to their estates, and by
+aiding in the erection of chapels and school-houses. But the
+missionaries declare that they meet with little more direct
+encouragement now, than they did during slavery.
+
+The special magistrates also testify that the apprenticeship is no
+preparation for freedom. On this subject they are very explicit.
+
+The colored people bear the same testimony. Not a few, too, affirm, that
+the tendency of the apprenticeship is to unfit the negroes for freedom,
+and avow it as their firm persuasion, that the people will be less
+prepared for liberty at the end of the apprenticeship, than they were at
+its commencement. And it is not without reason that they thus speak.
+They say, first, that the bickerings and disputes to which the system
+gives rise between the master and the apprentice, and the arraigning of
+each other before the special magistrate, are directly calculated to
+alienate the parties. The effect of these contentions, kept up for six
+years, will be to implant _deep mutual hostility_; and the parties will
+be a hundred fold more irreconcilable than they were on the abolition of
+slavery. Again, they argue that the apprenticeship system is calculated
+to make the negroes regard _law as their foe_, and thus it unfits them
+for freedom. They reason thus--the apprentice looks to the magistrate as
+his judge, his avenger, his protector; he knows nothing of either law or
+justice except as he sees them exemplified in the decisions of the
+magistrate. When, therefore, the magistrate sentences him to punishment,
+when he knows he was the injured party, he will become disgusted with
+the very name of justice, and esteem law his greatest enemy.
+
+The neglect of the planters to use the apprenticeship as a preparation
+for freedom, warrants us in the conclusion, that they do not think any
+preparation necessary. But we are not confined to doubtful inferences on
+this point. They testify positively--and not only planters, but all
+other classes of men likewise--that the slaves of Barbadoes were fit for
+entire freedom in 1834, and that they might have been emancipated then
+with perfect safety. Whatever may have been the sentiment of the
+Barbadians relative to the necessity of preparation before the
+experiment was made, it is clear that now they have no confidence either
+in the necessity or the practicability of preparatory schemes.
+
+But we cannot close our remarks upon the apprenticeship system without
+noticing one good end which it has undesignedly accomplished, i.e., _the
+illustration of the good disposition of the colored people_. We firmly
+believe that if the friends of emancipation had wished to disprove all
+that has ever been said about the ferocity and revengefulness of the
+negroes, and at the same time to demonstrate that they possess, in a
+pre-eminent degree, those other qualities which render them the fit
+subjects of liberty and law, they could not have done it more
+triumphantly than it has been done by the apprenticeship. _How_ this has
+been done may be shown by pointing out several respects in which the
+apprenticeship has been calculated to try the negro character most
+severely, and to develop all that was fiery and rebellious in it.
+
+1. The apprenticeship removed that strong arm of slavery and substituted
+no adequate force. The arbitrary power of the master, which awed the
+slave into submission, was annihilated. The whip which was held over the
+slave, and compelled a kind of subordination--brutal, indeed, but
+effectual--was abolished. Here in the outset the reins were given to the
+long-oppressed, but now aspiring mass. No adequate force was
+substituted, because it was the intent of the new system to govern by
+milder means. This was well, but what were the milder means which were
+to take the place of brute force?
+
+2. Was the stimulus of wages substituted? No! That was expressly denied.
+Was the liberty of locomotion granted? No. Was the privilege of gaining
+a personal interest in the soil extended to them? No. Were the
+immunities and rights of citizenship secured to them? No. Was the poor
+favor allowed them of selecting their own business, or of choosing their
+employer? Not even this? Thus far, then, we see nothing of the milder
+measures of the apprenticeship. It has indeed opened the prison doors
+and knocked off the prisoners' chains--but it still keeps them grinding
+there, as before, and refuses to let them come forth, except
+occasionally, and then only to be thrust back again. Is it not thus
+directly calculated to encourage indolence and insubordination?
+
+3. In the next place, this system introduces a third party, to whom the
+apprentice is encouraged to look for justice, redress, and counsel. Thus
+he is led to regard his master as his enemy, and all confidence in him
+is for ever destroyed. But this is not the end of the difficulty. The
+apprentice carries up complaints against his master. If they gain a
+favorable hearing he triumphs over him--if they are disregarded, he
+concludes that the magistrate also is his enemy, and he goes away with a
+rankling grudge against his master. Thus he is gradually led to assert
+his own cause, and he learns to contend with his master, to reply
+insolently, to dispute, quarrel, and--it is well that we cannot add, to
+_fight_. At least one thing is the result--a permanent state of
+alienation, contempt of authority, and hatred. _All these are the fruits
+of the apprenticeship system_. They are caused by transferring the power
+of the master, while the _relation_ continues the same. Nor is this
+contempt for the master, this alienation and hatred, all the mischief.
+The unjust decisions of the magistrate, of which the apprentices have
+such abundant reasons to complain, excite their abhorrence of him, and
+thus their confidence in the protection of law is weakened or destroyed.
+Here, then, is contempt for the master, abhorrence of the magistrate,
+and mistrust of the law--the apprentice regarding all three as leagued
+together to rob him of his rights. What a combination of circumstances
+to drive the apprentices to desperation and madness! What a marvel that
+the outraged negroes have been restrained from bloody rebellions!
+
+Another insurrectionary feature peculiar to the apprenticeship is its
+making the apprentices _free a portion of the time_. One fourth of the
+time is given them every week--just enough to afford them a taste of the
+sweets of liberty, and render them dissatisfied with their condition.
+Then the manner in which this time is divided is calculated to irritate.
+After being a slave nine hours, the apprentice is made a freeman for the
+remainder of the day; early the next morning the halter is again put on,
+and he treads the wheel another day. Thus the week wears away until
+Saturday; which is an entire day of freedom. The negro goes out and
+works for his master, or any one else, as he pleases, and at night he
+receives his quarter of a dollar. This is something like freedom, and he
+begins to have the feelings of a freeman--a lighter heart and more
+active limbs. He puts his money carefully away at night, and lays
+himself down to rest his toil-worn body. He awakes on Sabbath morning,
+and _is still free_. He puts on his best clothes, goes to church,
+worships a free God, contemplates a free heaven, sees his free children
+about him, and his wedded wife; and ere the night again returns, the
+consciousness that he is a slave is quite lost in the thoughts of
+liberty which fill his breast, and the associations of freedom which
+cluster around him. He sleeps again. _Monday morning he is startled from
+his dreams by the old "shell-blow" of slavery_, and he arises to endure
+another week of toil, alternated by the same tantalizing mockeries of
+freedom. Is not this applying the _hot iron to the nerve_?
+
+5. But, lastly, the apprenticeship system, as if it would apply the
+match to this magazine of combustibles, holds out the reward of liberty
+to every apprentice who shall by any means provoke his master to punish
+him a second time.
+
+[NOTE.--In a former part of this work--the report of Antigua--we
+mentioned having received information respecting a number of the
+apprenticeship islands, viz., Dominica, St. Christopher's, Nevis,
+Montserrat, Anguilla, and Tortola, from the Wesleyan Missionaries whom
+we providentially met with at the annual district meeting in Antigua. We
+designed to give the statements of these men at some length in this
+connection, but we find that it would swell our report to too great a
+size. It only remains to say, therefore, in a word, that the same things
+are generally true of those colonies which have been detailed in the
+account of Barbadoes. There is the same peaceableness, subordination,
+industry, and patient suffering on the part of the apprentices, the same
+inefficiency of the apprenticeship as a preparation for freedom, and the
+same conviction in the community that the people will, if at all
+affected by it, be _less_ fit for emancipation in 1840 than they were in
+1834. A short call at St. Christopher's confirmed these views in our
+minds, so far as that island is concerned.
+
+While in Barbadoes, we had repeated interviews with gentlemen who were
+well acquainted with the adjacent islands, St. Lucia, St. Vincent's,
+Grenada, &c.; one of whom was a proprietor of a sugar estate in St.
+Vincent's; and they assured us that there was the same tranquillity
+reigning in those islands which we saw in Barbadoes. Sir Evan McGregor,
+who is the governor-general of the windward colonies, and of course
+thoroughly informed respecting their internal state, gave us the same
+assurances. From Mr. H., an American gentleman, a merchant of Barbadoes,
+and formerly of Trinidad, we gathered similar information touching that
+large and (compared with Barbadoes or Antigua) semi-barbarous island.
+
+We learned enough from these authentic sources to satisfy ourselves that
+the various degrees of intelligence in the several islands makes very
+little difference in the actual results of abolition; but that in all
+the colonies, conciliatory and equitable management has never failed to
+secure industry and tranquillity.]
+
+
+
+JAMAICA.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+KINGSTON.
+
+Having drawn out in detail the results of abolition, and the working of
+the apprenticeship system in Barbadoes, we shall spare the reader a
+protracted account of Jamaica; but the importance of that colony, and
+the fact that greater dissatisfaction on account of the abolition of
+slavery has prevailed there than in all the other colonies together,
+demand a careful statement of facts.
+
+On landing in Jamaica, we pushed onward in our appropriate inquiries,
+scarcely stopping to cast a glance at the towering mountains, with their
+cloud-wreathed tops, and the valleys where sunshine and shade sleep side
+by side--at the frowning precipices, made more awful by the impenetrable
+forest-foliage which shrouds the abysses below, leaving the impression
+of an ocean depth--at the broad lawns and magnificent savannahs glowing
+in verdure and sunlight--at the princely estates and palace mansions--at
+the luxuriant cultivation, and the sublime solitude of primeval forests,
+where trees of every name, the mahogany, the boxwood, the rosewood, the
+cedar, the palm, the fern, the bamboo, the cocoa, the breadfruit, the
+mango, the almond, all grow in wild confusion, interwoven with a dense
+tangled undergrowth.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: It is less necessary for us to dwell long on Jamaica, than
+it would otherwise be, since the English gentlemen, Messrs. Sturge and
+Harvey, spent most of their time in that island, and will, doubtless,
+publish their investigations, which will, ere long, be accessible to our
+readers. We had the pleasure of meeting these intelligent philanthropic
+and pious men in the West Indies, and from the great length of time, and
+the superior facilities which they enjoyed over us, of gathering a mass
+of facts in Jamaica, we feel assured that their report will be highly
+interesting and useful, as well among us as on the other side of
+the water.]
+
+We were one month in Jamaica. For about a week we remained in
+Kingston,[B] and called on some of the principal gentlemen, both white
+and colored. We visited the Attorney-General, the Solicitor-General,
+some of the editors, the Baptist and Wesleyan missionaries, and several
+merchants. We likewise visited the public schools, the house of
+correction, penitentiary, hospital, and other public institutions. We
+shall speak briefly of several individuals whom we saw in Kingston, and
+give some of their statements.
+
+[Footnote B: The chief town of the island, with about forty thousand
+inhabitants.]
+
+The Hon. Dowel O'Reily; the Attorney-General; is an Irishman, and of one
+of the influential families. In his own country he was a prominent
+politician, and a bold advocate of Catholic Emancipation. He is
+decidedly one of the ablest men in the island, distinguished for that
+simplicity of manners, and flow of natural benevolence, which are the
+characteristics of the Irishman. He received his present appointment
+from the English government about six years ago, and is, by virtue of
+his office, a member of the council. He declared that the apprenticeship
+was in no manner preparing the negroes for freedom, but was operating in
+a contrary way, especially in Jamaica, where it had been made the
+instrument of greater cruelties in some cases, than slavery itself. Mr.
+O'Reily is entirely free from prejudice; with all his family rank and
+official standing, he identifies himself with the colored people as far
+as his extensive professional engagements will allow. Having early
+learned this, we were surprised to find him so highly respected by the
+whites. In our subsequent excursions to the country, the letters of
+introduction with which he kindly furnished us, to planters and others,
+were uniformly received with avowals of the profoundest respect for him.
+It should be observed, that Mr. O'Reily's attachment to the cause of
+freedom in the colonies, is not a mere partizan feeling assumed in order
+to be in keeping with the government under which he holds his office.
+The fact of his being a Roman Catholic must, of itself, acquit him of
+the suspicion of any strong partiality for the English government. On
+the other hand, his decided hostility to the apprenticeship--the
+favorite offspring of British legislation--demonstrates equally his
+sincerity and independence.
+
+We were introduced to the Solicitor-General, William Henry Anderson,
+Esq., of Kingston. Mr. A. is a Scotchman, and has resided to Jamaica for
+more than six years. We found him the fearless advocate of negro
+emancipation. He exposed the corruptions and abominations of the
+apprenticeship without reserve. Mr. A. furnished us with a written
+statement of his views, respecting the state of the island, the
+condition of the apprentices, &c., from which we here make a
+few extracts.
+
+"1. A very material change for the better has taken place in the
+sentiments of the community since slavery was abolished. Religion and
+education were formerly opposed as subversive of the security of
+property; now they are in the most direct manner encouraged as its best
+support. The value of all kinds of property has risen considerably, and
+a general sense of security appears to be rapidly pervading the public
+mind. I have not heard one man assert that it would be an advantage to
+return to slavery, even were it practicable; and I believe that the
+public is beginning to see that slave labor is not the cheapest."
+
+"2. The prejudices against color are _rapidly vanishing_. I do not think
+there is a respectable man, I mean one who would be regarded as
+respectable on account of his good sense and weight of character, who
+would impugn another's conduct for associating with persons of color. So
+far as my observation goes, those who would formerly have acted on these
+prejudices, will be ashamed to own that they had entertained them. The
+distinction of superior acquirements still belongs to the whites, as a
+body; but that, and character, will shortly be the only distinguishing
+mark recognized among us."
+
+"3. The apprentices are improving, _not, however, in consequence of the
+apprenticeship, but in spite of it, and in consequence of the great act
+of abolition_!"
+
+"4. I think the negroes might have been emancipated as safely in 1834,
+as in 1840; and had the emancipation then taken place, they would be
+found much further in advance in 1840, than they can be after the
+expiration of the present period of apprenticeship, _through which all,
+both apprentices and masters, are_ LABORING HEAVILY."
+
+"5. That the negroes will work if moderately compensated, no candid man
+can doubt. Their _endurance_ for the sake of a very little gain is quite
+amazing, and they are most desirous to procure for themselves and
+families as large a share as possible of the comforts and decencies of
+life. They appear peculiarly to reverence and desire intellectual
+attainments. They employ, occasionally, children who have been taught in
+the schools to teach them in their leisure time to read."
+
+"6. I think the partial modifications of slavery have been attended by
+so much improvement in all that constitutes the welfare and
+respectability of society, that I cannot doubt the increase of the
+benefit were a total abolition accomplished of every restriction that
+has arisen out of the former state of things."
+
+During our stay in Kingston, we called on the American consul, to whom
+we had a letter from the consul at Antigua. We found him an elderly
+gentleman, and a true hearted Virginian, both in his generosity and his
+prejudices in favor of slavery. The consul, Colonel Harrison, is a near
+relation of General W.H. Harrison, of Ohio. Things, he said, were going
+ruinously in Jamaica. The English government were mad for abolishing
+slavery. The negroes of Jamaica were the most degraded and ignorant of
+all negroes he had ever seen. He had travelled in all our Southern
+States, and the American negroes, even those of South Carolina and
+Georgia, were as much superior to the negroes of Jamaica, as Henry Clay
+was superior to him. He said they were the most ungrateful, faithless
+set he ever saw; no confidence could be placed in them, and kindness was
+always requited by insult. He proceeded to relate a fact from which it
+appeared that the ground on which his grave charges against the negro
+character rested, was the ill-conduct of one negro woman whom he had
+hired some time ago to assist his family. The town negroes, he said,
+were too lazy to work; they loitered and lounged about on the sidewalks
+all day, jabbering with one another, and keeping up an incessant noise;
+and they would not suffer a white man to order them in the least. They
+were rearing their children in perfect idleness and for his part he
+could not tell what would become of the rising population of blacks.
+Their parents were too proud to let them work, and they sent them to
+school all the time. Every afternoon, he said, the streets are thronged
+with the half-naked little black devils, just broke from the schools,
+and all singing some noisy tune learned in the infant schools; the
+_burthen of_ their songs seems to be, "_O that will be joyful_." These
+words, said he, are ringing in your ears wherever you go. How
+aggravating truly such words must be, bursting cheerily from the lips of
+the little free songsters! "O that will be joyful, _joyful_,
+JOYFUL"--and so they ring the changes day after day, ceaseless and
+untiring. A new song this, well befitting the times and the prospects,
+but provoking enough to oppressors. The consul denounced he special
+magistrates; they were an insolent set of fellows, they would fine a
+white man as quick as they would flog a _nigger_.[A] If a master called
+his apprentice "you scoundrel," or, "you huzzy," the magistrate would
+either fine him for it or reprove him sharply in the presence of the
+apprentice. This, in the eyes of the veteran Virginian, was intolerable.
+Outrageous, not to allow a _gentleman_ to call his servant what names he
+chooses! We were very much edified by the Colonel's _exposé_ of Jamaica
+manners. We must say, however, that his opinions had much less weight
+with us after we learned (as we did from the best authority) that he had
+never been a half dozen miles into the country during a ten year's
+residence in Kingston.
+
+[Footnote A: We fear there is too little truth in this representation.]
+
+We called on the Rev. Jonathan Edmonson, the superintendent of the
+Wesleyan missions in Jamaica. Mr. E. has been for many years laboring as
+a missionary in the West Indies, first in Barbadoes, then in St.
+Vincent's, Grenada, Trinidad, and Demerara, and lastly in Jamaica. He
+stated that the planters were doing comparatively nothing to prepare the
+negroes for freedom. "_Their whole object was to get as much sugar out
+of them as they possibly could_."
+
+We received a call from the Rev. Mr. Wooldridge, one of the Independent
+missionaries. He thinks the conduct of the planters is tending to make
+the apprentices their bitter enemies. He mentioned one effect of the
+apprenticeship which had not been pointed out to us before. The system
+of appraisement, he said, was a _premium upon all the bad qualities of
+the negroes and a tax upon all the good ones_. When a person is to be
+appraised, his virtues and his vices are always inquired into, and they
+materially influence the estimate of his value. For example, the usual
+rate of appraisement is a dollar per week for the remainder of the term;
+but if the apprentice is particularly sober, honest, and industrious,
+more particularly if he be a _pious man_, he is valued at the rate of
+two or three dollars per week. It was consequently for the interest of
+the master, when an apprentice applied for an appraisement, to portray
+his virtues, while on the other hand there was an inducement for the
+apprentice to conceal or actually to renounce his good qualities, and
+foster the worst vices. Some instances of this kind had fallen under his
+personal observation.
+
+We called on the Rev. Mr. Gardiner, and on the Rev. Mr. Tinson, two
+Baptist missionaries in Kingston. On Sabbath we attended service at the
+church of which Mr. G. is the pastor. It is a very large building,
+capable of seating two thousand persons. The great mass of the
+congregation were apprentices. At the time we were present, the chapel
+was well filled, and the broad surface of black faces was scarcely at
+all diversified with lighter colors. It was gratifying to witness the
+neatness of dress, the sobriety of demeanor, the devotional aspect of
+countenance, the quiet and wakeful attention to the preacher which
+prevailed. They were mostly rural negroes from the estates adjacent
+to Kingston.
+
+The Baptists are the most numerous body of Christians in the island. The
+number of their missionaries now in Jamaica is sixteen, the number of
+Chapels is thirty-one, and the number of members thirty-two thousand
+nine hundred and sixty. The increase of members during the year 1836 was
+three thousand three hundred and forty-four.
+
+At present the missionary field is mostly engrossed by the Baptists and
+Wesleyans. The Moravians are the next most numerous body. Besides these,
+there are the clergy of the English Church, with a Bishop, and a few
+Scotch clergymen. The Baptist missionaries, as a body, have been most
+distinguished for their opposition to slavery. Their boldness in the
+midst of suffering and persecutions, their denunciations of oppression,
+though they did for a time arouse the wrath of oppressors, and cause
+their chapels to be torn down and themselves to be hunted, imprisoned,
+and banished, did more probably than any other cause, to hasten the
+abolition of slavery.
+
+_Schools in Kingston_.--We visited the Wolmer free school--the largest
+and oldest school in the island. The whole number of scholars is five
+hundred. It is under the charge of Mr. Reid, a venerable Scotchman, of
+scholarship and piety. All colors are mingled in it promiscuously. We
+saw the infant school department examined by Mr. R. There were nearly
+one hundred and fifty children, of every hue, from the jettiest black to
+the fairest white; they were thoroughly intermingled, and the ready
+answers ran along the ranks from black to white, from white to brown,
+from brown to pale, with undistinguished vivacity and accuracy. We were
+afterwards conducted into the higher department, where lads and misses
+from nine to fifteen, were instructed in the various branches of
+academic education. A class of lads, mostly colored, were examined in
+arithmetic. They wrought several sums in pounds, shillings and pence
+currency, with wonderful celerity.
+
+Among other things which we witnessed in that school, we shall not soon
+forget having seen a curly headed negro lad of twelve, examining a class
+of white young ladies in scientific history.
+
+Some written statements and statistical tables were furnished us by Mr.
+Reid, which we subjoin..
+
+_Kingston, May 13th, 1837_
+
+DEAR SIR,--I delayed answering your queries in hopes of being able to
+give you an accurate list of the number of schools in Kingston, and
+pupils under tuition, but have not been able completely to accomplish my
+intention. I shall now answer your queries in the order you propose
+them. 1st Quest. How long have you been teaching in Jamaica? Ans.
+Thirty-eight years in Kingston. 2d Q. How long have you been master of
+Wolmer's free school? A. Twenty-three years. 3d Q. What is the number of
+colored children now in the school? A. Four hundred and thirty. 4th Q.
+Was there any opposition to their admission at first? A. Considerable
+opposition the first year, but none afterwards. 5th Q. Do they learn as
+readily us the white children? A. As they are more regular in their
+attendance, they learn better. 6th Q. Are they as easily governed? A.
+Much easier. 7th Q. What proportion of the school are the children of
+apprentices? A. Fifty. 8th Q. Do their parents manifest a desire to have
+them educated? A. In general they do. 9th Q. At what age do the children
+leave your school? A. Generally between twelve and fourteen. 10th Q What
+employments do they chiefly engage in upon leaving you? A. The boys go
+to various mechanic trades, to counting-houses, attorney's offices,
+clerks to planting attorneys, and others become planters. The, girls
+seamstresses, mantuamakers, and a considerable proportion tailoresses,
+in Kingston and throughout Jamaica, as situations offer.
+
+I am, dear sirs, yours respectfully,
+
+E. REID.
+
+The following table will show the average numbers of the respective
+classes, white and colored, who have attended Wolmer's free school in
+each year, from 1814 to the present time.
+
+                                   White    | Colored | Total.
+                                   Children.|Children.|
+Average number in 1814                87                  87
+   "      "       1815               111         3       114
+   "      "       1816               129        25       154
+   "      "       1817               146        36       182
+   "      "       1818               155        38       193
+   "      "       1819               136        57       193
+   "      "       1820               116        78       194
+   "      "       1821               118       122       240
+   "      "       1822                93       167       260
+   "      "       1823                97       187       280
+   "      "       1824                94       196       290
+   "      "       1825                89       185       274
+   "      "       1826                93       176       269
+   "      "       1827                92       156       248
+   "      "       1828                88       152       240
+   "      "       1829                79       192       271
+   "      "       1830                88       194       282
+   "      "       1831                88       315       403
+   "      "       1832                90       360       450
+   "      "       1833                93       411       504
+   "      "       1834                81       420       501
+   "      "       1835                85       425       510
+   "      "       1836                78       428       506
+   "      "       1837                72       430       502
+
+With regard to the _comparative intellect_ of white and colored
+children, Mr. Reid gives the following valuable statement:
+
+"For the last thirty-eight years I have been employed in this city in
+the tuition of children of all classes and colors, and have no
+hesitation in saying that the children of color are equal both in
+conduct and ability to the white. They have always carried off more than
+their proportion of prizes, and at one examination, out of seventy
+prizes awarded, sixty-four were obtained by children of color."
+
+Mr. R. afterwards sent to us the table of the number of schools in
+Kingston, alluded to in the foregoing communication. We insert it here,
+as it affords a view of the increase of schools and scholars since the
+abolition of slavery.
+
+
+                1831.
+    Schools.                                Scholars.
+2   Wolmer's,                                  403
+1   National,                                  270
+34  Gentlemen's private,                      1368
+40  Ladies' do.                               1005
+8   Sunday,                                   1042
+----                                          ----
+85                           Total,           4088
+
+                1832.
+
+    Schools.                                Scholars.
+2   Wolmer's,                                  472
+1   National,                                  260
+31  Gentlemen's private,                      1169
+41  Ladies' do.                                856
+8   Sunday,                                    981
+----                                          ----
+83                           Total,           3738
+
+                1836.
+
+    Schools.                                Scholars.
+2   Wolmer's,                                  527
+3   National,                                 1136
+3   Mico,                                      590
+1   Baptist,                                   250
+1   Jamaica Union,                             120
+31  Gentlemen's private,                      1137
+59  Ladies' do.                               1339
+9   Sunday,                                   1108
+    By itinerant teachers and children.       1500
+----                                          ----
+109                        Total,             7707
+
+                1837.
+    Schools.                                Scholars.
+ 2  Wolmer's,                                  502
+ 3  National,                                 1238
+ 4  Mico,                                      611
+ 1  Baptist                                    260
+ 1  Jamaica Union,                             200
+34  Gentlemen's private,                      1476
+63  Ladies' do.                               1525
+10  Sunday,                                   1316
+    By itinerant teachers and children,       1625
+----                                          ----
+118                        Total,             8753
+
+We also visited the Union school, which has been established for some
+years in Kingston. All the children connected with it, about one hundred
+and fifty, are, with two exceptions, black or colored. The school is
+conducted generally on the Lancasterian plan. We examined several of the
+boys in arithmetic. We put a variety of questions to them, to be worked
+out on the slate, and the reasons of the process to be explained as they
+went along; all which they executed with great expertness. There was a
+jet black boy, whom we selected for a special trial. We commenced with
+the simple rules, and went through them one by one, together with the
+compound rules and Reduction, to Practice, propounding questions and
+examples in each of them, which were entirely new to him, and to all of
+them he gave prompt and correct replies. He was only thirteen years old,
+and we can aver we never saw a boy of that age in any of our common
+schools, that exhibited a fuller and clearer knowledge of the science
+of numbers.
+
+In general, our opinion of this school was similar to that already
+expressed concerning the others. It is supported by the pupils, aided by
+six hundred dollars granted by the assembly.
+
+In connection with this subject, there is one fact of much interest.
+However strong and exclusive was the prejudice of color a few years
+since in the schools of Jamaica, we could not, during our stay in that
+island, learn of more than two or three places of education, and those
+private ones, from which colored children were excluded, and among the
+numerous schools in Kingston, there is not one of this kind.
+
+We called on several colored gentlemen of Kingston, from whom we
+received much valuable information. The colored population are opposed
+to the apprenticeship, and all the influence which they have, both in
+the colony and with the home government, (which is not small,) is
+exerted against it. They are a festering thorn in the sides of the
+planters, among whom they maintain a fearless espionage, exposing by pen
+and tongue their iniquitous proceedings. It is to be regretted that
+their influence in this respect is so sadly weakened by their _holding
+apprentices themselves_.
+
+We had repeated invitations to breakfast and dine with colored
+gentlemen, which we accepted as often as our engagements would permit.
+On such occasions we generally met a company of gentlemen and ladies of
+superior social and intellectual accomplishments. We must say, that it
+is a great self-denial to refrain from a description of some of the
+animated, and we must add splendid, parties of colored people which we
+attended. The conversation on these occasions mostly turned on the
+political and civil disabilities under which the colored population
+formerly labored, and the various straggles by which they ultimately
+obtained their rights. The following are a few items of their history.
+The colored people of Jamaica, though very numerous, and to some extent
+wealthy and intelligent, were long kept by the white colonists in a
+state of abject political bondage. Not only were offices withheld from
+them, and the right of suffrage denied, but they were not even allowed
+the privilege of an oath in court, in defense of their property or their
+persons. They might be violently assaulted, their limbs broken, their
+wives and daughters might be outraged before their eyes by villains
+having white skins; yet they had no legal redress unless another white
+man chanced to see the deed. It was not until 1824 that this oppressive
+enactment was repealed, and the protection of an oath extended to the
+colored people; nor was it then effected without a long struggle on
+their part.
+
+Another law, equally worthy of a slaveholding legislature, prohibited
+any white man, however wealthy, bequeathing, or in any manner giving his
+colored son or daughter more than £2000 currency, or six thousand
+dollars. The design of this law was to keep the colored people poor and
+dependent upon the whites. Further to secure the same object, every
+effort, both legislative and private, was made to debar them from
+schools, and sink them in the lowest ignorance. Their young men of
+talent were glad to get situations as clerks in the stores of white
+merchants. Their young ladies of beauty and accomplishments were
+fortune-made if they got a place in the white man's harem. These were
+the highest stations to which the flower of their youth aspired. The
+rest sank beneath the discouragements, and grovelled in vice and
+debasement. If a colored person had any business with a white gentleman,
+and should call at his house, "he must take off his hat, and wait at the
+door, and be _as polite as a dog_."
+
+These insults and oppressions the colored people in Jamaica bore, until
+they could bear them no longer. By secret correspondence they formed a
+union throughout the island, for the purpose of resistance. This,
+however, was not effected for a long time, and while in process, the
+correspondence was detected, and the most vigorous means were used by
+the whites to crush the growing conspiracy--for such it was virtually.
+Persuasions and intimations were used privately, and when these failed,
+public persecutions were resorted to, under the form of judicial
+procedures. Among the milder means was the dismission of clerks, agents,
+&c., from the employ of a white men. As soon as a merchant discovered
+that his clerk was implicated in the correspondence, he first threatened
+to discharge him unless he would promise to desert his brethren: if he
+could not extort this promise, he immediately put his threat in
+execution. Edward Jordon, Esq., the talented editor of the Watchman,
+then first clerk in the store of a Mr. Briden, was prominently concerned
+in the correspondence, and was summarily dismissed.
+
+White men drove their colored sons from their houses, and subjected them
+to every indignity and suffering, in order to deter them from
+prosecuting an enterprise which was seen by the terrified oppressors to
+be fraught with danger to themselves. Then followed more violent
+measures. Persons suspected of being the projectors of the disaffection,
+were dragged before incensed judges, and after mock trials, were
+sentenced to imprisonment in the city jail. Messrs. Jordon and Osborne,
+(after they had established the Watchman paper,) were both imprisoned;
+the former twice, for five months each time. At the close of the second
+term of imprisonment, Mr. Jordon was _tried for his life_, on the charge
+of having published _seditious matter_ in the Watchman.
+
+The paragraph which was denominated '_seditious matter_' was this--
+
+"Now that the member for Westmoreland (Mr. Beaumont) has come over to
+our side, we will, by a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether,
+bring down the system by the run, knock off the fetters, and let the
+oppressed go free."
+
+On the day of Mr. J.'s trial, the court-room was thronged with colored
+men, who had armed themselves, and were determined, if the sentence of
+death were pronounced upon Mr. Jordon, to rescue him at whatever hazard.
+It is supposed that their purpose was conjectured by the judges--at any
+rate, they saw fit to acquit Mr. J. and give him his enlargement. The
+Watchman continued as fearless and _seditious_ as ever, until the
+Assembly were ultimately provoked to threaten some extreme measure which
+should effectually silence the agitators. _Then_ Mr. Jordon issued a
+spirited circular, in which he stated the extent of the coalition among
+the colored people, and in a tone of defiance demanded the instant
+repeal of every restrictive law, the removal of every disability, and
+the extension of complete political equality; declaring, that if the
+demand were not complied with, the whole colored population would rise
+in arms, would proclaim freedom to their own slaves, instigate the
+slaves generally to rebellion, and then shout war and wage it, until
+_the streets of Kingston should run blood_. This bold piece of
+generalship succeeded. The terrified legislators huddled together in
+their Assembly-room, and swept away, at one blow, all restrictions, and
+gave the colored people entire enfranchisement. These occurrences took
+place in 1831; since which time the colored class have been politically
+free, and have been marching forward with rapid step in every species of
+improvement, and are now on a higher footing than in any other colony.
+All offices are open to them; they are aldermen of the city, justices of
+the peace, inspectors of public institutions, trustees of schools, etc.
+There are, at least, then colored special magistrates, natives of the
+island. There are four colored members of the Assembly, including
+Messrs. Jordon and Osborne. Mr. Jordon now sits in the same Assembly,
+side by side, with the man who, a few years ago, ejected him
+disdainfully from his clerkship. He is a member of the Assembly for the
+city of Kingston, where not long since he was imprisoned, and tried for
+his life. He is also alderman of the city, and one of its local
+magistrates. He is now inspector of the same prison in which he was
+formerly immured as a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition.
+
+The secretary of the special magistrate department, Richard Hill, Esq.,
+is a colored gentleman, and is one of the first men in the island,[A]
+for integrity, independence, superior abilities, and extensive
+acquirements. It has seldom been our happiness to meet with a man more
+illustrious for true nobility of soul, or in whose countenance there
+were deeper traces of intellectual and moral greatness. We are confident
+that no man can _see_ him without being impressed with his rare
+combination of excellences.
+
+[Footnote A: We learn from the Jamaica papers, since our return to this
+country, that Mr. Hill has been elected a member of the Assembly.]
+
+Having said thus much respecting the political advancement of the
+colored people, it is proper to remark, that they have by no means
+evinced a determination to claim more than their share of office and
+influence. On the contrary, they stop very far short of what they are
+entitled to. Having an extent of suffrage but little less than the
+whites, they might fill one third of the seats in the Assembly, whereas
+they now return but four members out of forty-five. The same may be said
+of other offices, particularly those in the city of Kingston, and the
+larger towns, where they are equal to, or more numerous, than the
+whites. It is a fact, that a portion of the colored people continue at
+this time to return white members to the Assembly, and to vote for white
+aldermen and other city officers. The influential men among them, have
+always urged them to take up white men, unless they could find
+_competent_ men of their own color. As they remarked to us, if they were
+obliged to send an _ass_ to the Assembly, it was far better for _them_
+to send a _white_ ass than a _black_ one.
+
+In company with a friend, we visited the principal streets and places of
+business in Kingston, for the purpose of seeing for ourselves the
+general employments of the people of color; and those who engage in the
+lowest offices, such as porters, watermen, draymen, and servants of all
+grades, from him who flaunts in livery, to him who polishes shoes, are
+of course from this class. So with the fruiterers, fishmongers, and the
+almost innumerable tribe of petty hucksters which swarm throughout the
+city, and is collected in a dense mass in its suburbs. The market, which
+is the largest and best in the West Indies, is almost entirely supplied
+and attended by colored persons, mostly females. The great body of
+artisans is composed mostly of colored persons.
+
+There are two large furniture and cabinet manufactories in Kingston, one
+owned by two colored men, and the other by a white man. The operatives,
+of which one contains eighty, and the other nearly as many, are all
+black and colored. A large number of them are what the British law terms
+_apprentices_, and are still bound in unremunerated servitude, though
+some of them for thrice seven years have been adepts in their trades,
+and not a few are earning their masters twenty or thirty dollars each
+month, clear of all expenses. Some of these _apprentices_ are
+hoary-headed and wrinkle-browned men, with their children, and
+grand-children, apprentices also, around them, and who, after having
+used the plane and the chisel for half a century, with faithfulness for
+_others_, are now spending the few hours and the failing strength of old
+again in _preparing_ to use the plane and the chisel for _themselves_.
+The work on which they were engaged evinced no lack of mechanical skill
+and ingenuity, but on the contrary we were shown some of the most
+elegant specimens of mechanical skill, which we ever saw. The rich woods
+of the West Indies were put into almost every form and combination which
+taste could designate or luxury desire.
+
+The owners of these establishments informed us that their business had
+much _increased within the last two years_, and was still extending.
+Neither of them had any fears for the results of complete emancipation,
+but both were laying their plans for the future as broadly and
+confidently as ever.
+
+In our walk we accidentally met a colored man, whom we had heard
+mentioned on several occasions as a superior architect. From the
+conversation we had with him, then and subsequently, he appeared to
+possess a fine mechanical genius, and to have made acquirements which
+would be honorable in any man, but which were truly admirable in one who
+had been shut up all his life by the disabilities which in Jamaica have,
+until recently, attached to color. He superintended the erection of the
+Wesleyan chapel in Kingston, the largest building of the kind in the
+island, and esteemed by many as the most elegant. The plan was his own,
+and the work was executed under his own eye. This man is using his means
+and influence to encourage the study of his favorite art, and of the
+arts and sciences generally, among those of his own hue.
+
+One of the largest bookstores in the island is owned by two colored men.
+(Messrs. Jordon and Osborne, already referred to.) Connected with it is
+an extensive printing-office, from which a newspaper is issued twice a
+week. Another paper, under the control of colored men, is published at
+Spanishtown. These are the two principal liberal presses in Jamaica, and
+are conducted with spirit and ability. Their influence in the political
+and civil affairs of the island is very great. They are the organs of
+the colored people, bond and free, and through them any violation of law
+or humanity is exposed to the public, and redress demanded, and
+generally obtained. In literary merit and correctness of moral
+sentiment, they are not excelled by any press there, while some of their
+white contemporaries fall far below them in both. Besides the workmen
+employed in these two offices, there is a large number of colored
+printers in the other printing offices, of which there are several.
+
+We called at two large establishment for making jellies, comfits,
+pickles, and all the varieties of tropic _preserves_. In each of them
+thirty or more persons are constantly employed, and a capital of some
+thousands of dollars invested. Several large rooms were occupied by
+boxes, jars, and canisters, with the apparatus necessary to the process,
+through which the fruit passes. We saw every species of fruits and
+vegetables which the island produces, some fresh from the trees and
+vines, and others ready to be transported to the four quarters of the
+globe, in almost every state which the invalid or epicure could desire.
+These articles, with the different preparations of arrow-root and
+cassada, form a lucrative branch of trade, which is mostly in the hands
+of the colored people.
+
+We were introduced to a large number of colored merchants, dealers in
+dry goods, crockery and glass ware, ironmongers, booksellers, druggists,
+grocers, and general importers and were conducted by them through their
+stores; many of which were on an extensive scale, and managed,
+apparently, with much order and regularity. One of the largest
+commercial houses in Kingston has a colored man as a partner, the other
+two being white. Of a large auction and commission firm, the most active
+and leading partner is a colored man. Besides these, there is hardly a
+respectable house among the white merchants, in which some important
+office, oftentimes the head clerkship, is not filled by a person of
+color. They are as much respected in business transactions, and their
+mercantile talents, their acquaintance with the generalities and details
+of commerce, and sagacity and judgment in making bargains, are as highly
+esteemed by the white merchants, as though they wore an European hue.
+The commercial room is open to them, where they resort unrestrainedly to
+ascertain the news; and a visitor may not unfrequently see sitting
+together at a table of newspapers, or conversing together in the
+parlance of trade, persons as dissimilar in complexion as white and
+black can make them. In the streets the same intercourse is seen.
+
+The general trade of the island is gradually and quietly passing into
+the hands of the colored people. Before emancipation, they seldom
+reached a higher grade in mercantile life than a clerkship, or, if they
+commenced business for themselves, they were shackled and confined in
+their operations by the overgrown and monopolizing establishments which
+slavery had built up. Though the civil and political rights of one class
+of them were acknowledged three years previous, yet they found they
+could not, even if they desired it, disconnect themselves from the
+slaves. They could not transact business--form credits and agencies, and
+receive the confidence of the commercial public--like free men. Strange
+or not, their fate was inseparably linked with that of the bondman,
+their interests were considered as involved with his. However honest
+they might be, it was not safe to trust them; and any attempt to rise
+above a clerkship, to become the employer instead of the employed, was
+regarded as a kind of insurrection, and strongly disapproved and
+opposed. Since emancipation, they have been unshackling them selves from
+white domination in matters of trade; extending their connections, and
+becoming every day more and more independent. They have formed credits
+with commercial houses abroad, and now import directly for themselves,
+at wholesale prices, what they were formerly obliged to receive from
+white importers, or rather speculators, at such prices as they, in their
+tender mercies, saw fit to impose.
+
+Trade is now equalizing itself among all classes. A spirit of
+competition is awakened, banks have been established, steam navigation
+introduced, railroads projected, old highways repaired, and new ones
+opened. The descendants of the slaves are rapidly supplying the places
+which were formerly filled by whites from abroad.
+
+We had the pleasure of being present one day at the sitting of the
+police court of Kingston. Mr. Jordon, the editor of the Watchman, in his
+turn as a member of the common council, was presiding justice, with an
+alderman of the city, a black man, as his associate. At a table below
+them sat the superintendent of police, a white man, and two white
+attorneys, with their huge law books and green bags before them. The bar
+was surrounded by a motley assemblage of black, colored, and white
+faces, intermingled without any regard to hue in the order of
+superiority and precedence. There were about a dozen cases adjudged
+while we were present. The court was conducted with order and dignity,
+and the justices were treated with great respect and deference both by
+white and black.
+
+After the adjournment of the court, we had some conversation with the
+presiding justice. He informed us that whites were not unfrequently
+brought before him for trial, and, in spite of his color, sometimes even
+our own countrymen. He mentioned several instances of the latter, in
+some of which American prejudice assumed very amusing and ludicrous
+forms. In one case, he was obliged to threaten the party, a captain from
+one of our southern ports, with imprisonment for contempt, before he
+could induce him to behave himself with proper decorum. The captain,
+unaccustomed to obey injunctions from men of such a complexion, curled
+his lip in scorn, and showed a spirit of defiance, but on the approach
+of two police officers, whom the court had ordered to arrest him, he
+submitted himself. We were gratified with the spirit of good humor and
+pleasantry with which Mr. J. described the astonishment and gaping
+curiosity which Americans manifest on seeing colored men in offices of
+authority, particularly on the judicial bench, and their evident
+embarrassment and uneasiness whenever obliged to transact business with
+them as magistrates. He seemed to regard it as a subject well worthy of
+ridicule; and we remarked, in our intercourse with the colored people,
+that they were generally more disposed to make themselves merry with
+American sensitiveness on this point, than to bring serious complaints
+against it, though they feel deeply the wrongs which they have suffered
+from it, and speak of them occasionally with solemnity and earnestness.
+Still the feeling is so absurd and ludicrous in itself, and is exhibited
+in so many grotesque positions, even when oppressive, that the sufferer
+cannot help laughing at it. Mr. Jordon has held his present office since
+1832. He has had an extensive opportunity, both as a justice of the
+police court, and as a member of the jail committee, and in other
+official stations, to become well acquainted with the state of crime in
+the island at different periods. He informed us that the number of
+complaints brought before him had much diminished since 1834, and he had
+no hesitation in saying, that crime had decreased throughout the island
+generally more than one third.
+
+During one of our excursions into the country, we witnessed another
+instance of the amicability with which the different colors associated
+in the civil affairs of the island. It was a meeting of one of the
+parish vestries, a kind of local legislature, which possesses
+considerable power over its own territory. There were fifteen members
+present, and nearly as many different shades of complexion. There was
+the planter of aristocratic blood, and at his side was a deep mulatto,
+born in the same parish a slave. There was the quadroon, and the
+unmitigated hue and unmodified features of the negro. They sat together
+around a circular table, and conversed as freely as though they had been
+all of one color. There was no restraint, no uneasiness, as though the
+parties felt themselves out of place, no assumption nor disrespect, but
+all the proceedings manifested the most perfect harmony, confidence, and
+good feeling.
+
+At the same time there was a meeting of the parish committee on roads,
+at which there was the same intermixture of colors, the same freedom and
+kindness of demeanor, and the same unanimity of action. Thus it is with
+all the political and civil bodies in the island, from the House of
+Assembly, to committees on jails and houses of correction. Into all of
+them, the colored people are gradually making their way, and
+participating in public debates and public measures, and dividing with
+the whites legislative and judicial power, and in many cases they
+exhibit a superiority, and in all cases a respectability, of talents and
+attainments, and a courtesy and general propriety of conduct, which gain
+for them the respect of the intelligent and candid among their white
+associates.
+
+We visited the house of correction for the parish of St. Andrews. The
+superintendent received us with the iron-hearted courtesy of a Newgate
+turnkey. Our company was evidently unwelcome, but as the friend who
+accompanied us was a man in authority, he was constrained to admit us.
+The first sound that greeted us was a piercing outcry from the
+treadmill. On going to it, we saw a youth of about eighteen hanging in
+the air by a strap bound to his wrist, and dangling against the wheel in
+such a manner that every revolution of it scraped the body from the
+breast to the ankles. He had fallen off from weakness and fatigue, and
+was struggling and crying in the greatest distress, while the strap,
+which extended to a pole above and stretched his arm high above his
+head, held him fast. The superintendent, in a harsh voice, ordered him
+to be lifted up, and his feet again placed on the wheel. But before he
+had taken five steps, he again fell off, and was suspended as before. At
+the same instant, a woman also fell off, and without a sigh or the
+motion of a muscle, for she was too much exhausted for either, but with
+a shocking wildness of the eye, hung by her half-dislocated arms against
+the wheel. As the allotted time (fifteen minutes) had expired, the
+persons on the wheel were released, and permitted to rest. The boy could
+hardly stand on the ground. He had a large ulcer on one of his feet,
+which was much swollen and inflamed, and his legs and body were greatly
+bruised and peeled by the revolving of the wheel. The gentleman who was
+with us reproved the superintendent severely for his conduct, and told
+him to remove the boy from the treadmill gang, and see that proper care
+was taken of him. The poor woman who fell off, seemed completely
+exhausted; she tottered to the wall near by, and took up a little babe
+which we had not observed before. It appeared to be not more than two or
+three months old, and the little thing stretched out its arms and
+welcomed its mother. On inquiry, we ascertained that this woman's
+offence was absence from the field an hour after the required time (six
+o'clock) in the morning. Besides the infant with her, she had two or
+three other children. Whether the care of them was any excuse for her,
+we leave American mothers to judge. There were two other women on the
+treadmill--one was sentenced there for stealing cane from her master's
+field, and the other, we believe, for running away.
+
+The superintendent next took us to the solitary cells. They were dirty,
+and badly ventilated, and unfit to keep beasts in. On opening the doors,
+such a stench rushed forth, that we could not remain. There was a poor
+woman in one of them, who appeared, as the light of day and the fresh
+air burst in upon her, like a despairing maniac.
+
+We went through the other buildings, all of which were old and dirty,
+nay, worse, _filthy_ in the extreme. The whole establishment was a
+disgrace to the island. The prisoners were poorly clad, and had the
+appearance of harsh usage. Our suspicions of ill treatment were
+strengthened by noticing a large whip in the treadmill, and sundry iron
+collars and handcuffs hanging about in the several rooms through which
+we passed.
+
+The number of inmates in this house at our visit, was
+forty-eight--eighteen of whom were females. Twenty of these were in the
+treadmill and in solitary confinement--the remainder were working on
+the public road at a little distance--many of them _in irons_--iron
+collars about their necks, and chains passing between, connecting them
+together two and two.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+TOUR TO THE COUNTRY.
+
+Wishing to accomplish the most that our limited time would allow; we
+separated at Kingston;--the one taking a northwesterly route among the
+mountainous coffee districts of Port Royal and St. Andrews, and the
+other going into the parish of St. Thomas in the East.
+
+St. Thomas in the East is said to present the apprenticeship in its most
+favorable aspects. There is probably no other parish in the island which
+includes so many fine estates, or has so many liberal-minded
+planters.[A] A day's easy drive from Kingston, brought us to Morant Bay,
+where we spent two days, and called on several influential gentlemen,
+besides visiting the neighboring estate of Belvidere. One gentleman whom
+we met was Thomas Thomson, Esq., the senior local magistrate of the
+Parish, next in civil influence to the Custos. His standing may be
+inferred from the circumstance, (not trifling in Jamaica,) that the
+Governor, during his tour of the island, spent a night at his house. We
+breakfasted with Mr. Thomson, and at that time, and subsequently, he
+showed the utmost readiness in furnishing us with information. He is a
+Scotchman, has been in the island for thirty-eight years, and has served
+as a local magistrate for thirty-four. Until very lately, he has been a
+proprietor of estates; he informed us that he had sold out, but did not
+mention the reasons. We strongly suspected, from the drift of his
+conversation, that he sold about the time of abolition, through alarm
+for the consequences. We early discovered that he was one of the old
+school tyrants, hostile to the change which _had_ taken place, and
+dreadfully alarmed in view of that which was yet to come. Although full
+of the prejudices of an old slaveholder, yet we found him a man of
+strong native sense and considerable intelligence. He declared it most
+unreservedly as his opinion, that the negroes would not work after
+1810--they were _naturally so indolent_, that they would prefer
+gaining a livelihood in some easier way than by digging cane holes. He
+had all the results of the emancipation of 1840 as clearly before his
+mind, as though he saw them in prophetic vision; he knew the whole
+process. One portion of the negroes, too lazy to provide food by their
+own labor, will rob the provision grounds of the few who will remain at
+work. The latter will endure the wrong as long as they well can, and
+then they will procure arms and fire upon the marauders; this will give
+rise to incessant petty conflicts between the lazy and the industrious,
+and a great destruction of life will ensue. Others will die in vast
+numbers from starvation; among these will be the superannuated and the
+young, who cannot support themselves, and whom the planters will not be
+able to support. Others numerous will perish from disease, chiefly for
+want of medical attendance, which it will be wholly out of their power
+to provide. Such is the dismal picture drawn by a late slaveholder, of
+the consequences of removing the negroes from the tender mercies of
+oppressors. Happily for all parties, Mr. Thomson is not very likely to
+establish his claim to the character of a prophet. We were not at all
+surprised to hear him wind up his prophecies against freedom with a
+_denunciation of slavery_. He declared that slavery was a wretched
+system. Man was _naturally a tyrant_. Mr. T. said he had one good
+thing to say of the negroes, viz., that they were an _exceedingly
+temperate people_. It was a very unusual thing to see one of them drunk.
+Slavery, he said, was a system of _horrid cruelties_. He had lately
+read, in the history of Jamaica, of a planter, in 1763, having a slave's
+_leg_ cut off, to keep him from running away. He said that dreadful
+cruelties were perpetrated until the close of slavery, and they were
+inseparable from slavery. He also spoke of the fears which haunted the
+slaveholders. He never would live on an estate; and whenever he chanced
+to stay over night in the country, he always took care to secure his
+door by bolting and barricading it. At Mr. Thomson's we met Andrew
+Wright, Esq., the proprietor of a sugar estate called Green Wall,
+situated some six miles from the bay. He is an intelligent gentleman, of
+an amiable disposition--has on his estate one hundred and sixty
+apprentices. He described his people as being in a very peaceable state,
+and as industrious as he could wish. He said he had no trouble with
+them, and it was his opinion, that where there is trouble, it must be
+_owing to bad management_. He anticipated no difficulty after 1840, and
+was confident that his people would not leave him. He believed that the
+negroes would not to any great extent abandon the cultivation of sugar
+after 1840. Mr. T. stated two facts respecting this enlightened planter,
+which amply account for the good conduct of his apprentices. One was,
+that he was an exceedingly kind and amiable man. _He had never been
+known to have a falling out with any man in his life_. Another fact was,
+that Mr. Wright was the only resident sugar proprietor in all that
+region of country. He superintends his own estate, while the other large
+estates are generally left in the hands of unprincipled, mercenary men.
+
+[Footnote A: We have the following testimony of Sir Lionel Smith to the
+superiority of St. Thomas in the East. It is taken from the Royal
+Gazette, (Kingston.) May 6, 1837. "His Excellency has said, that in all
+his tour he was not more highly gratified with any parish than he was
+with St. Thomas in the East."]
+
+We called on the Wesleyan missionary at Morant Bay, Rev. Mr. Crookes,
+who has been in Jamaica fifteen years. Mr. C. said, that in many
+respects there had been a great improvement since the abolition of
+slavery, but, said he, "I abominate the apprenticeship system. At best,
+it is only _improved slavery_." The obstacles to religious efforts
+have been considerably diminished, but the masters were not to be
+thanked for this; it was owing chiefly to the protection of British law.
+The apprenticeship, Mr. C. thought, could not be any material
+preparation for freedom. He was persuaded that it would have been far
+better policy to have granted entire emancipation at once.
+
+In company with Mr. Howell, an Independent, and teacher of a school of
+eighty negro children in Morant Bay, we drove out to Belvidere estate,
+which is situated about four miles from the bay, in a rich district
+called the Blue Mountain Valley. The Belvidere is one of the finest
+estates in the valley. It contains two thousand acres, only four hundred
+of which are cultivated in sugar; the most of it is woodland. This
+estate belongs to Count Freeman, an absentee proprietor. We took
+breakfast with the overseer, or manager, Mr. Briant. Mr. B. stated that
+there was not so much work done now as there was during slavery. Thinks
+there is _as much done for the length of time that the apprentices are
+at work_; but a day and a half every week is lost; neither _are they
+called out as early in the morning, nor do they work as late at night_.
+The apprentices work at night very cheerfully for money: but they will
+not work on Saturday for the common wages--quarter of a dollar. On
+inquiry of Mr. B. we ascertained that the reason the apprentices did not
+work on Saturdays was, that they could _make twice or three times as
+much_ by cultivating their provision grounds, and carrying their produce
+to market. At _night_ they cannot cultivate their grounds, then they
+work for their masters "very cheerfully."
+
+The manager stated, that there had been no disturbance with the people
+of Belvidere since the change. They work well, and conduct themselves
+peaceably; and he had no fear but that the great body of the negroes
+would remain on the estate after 1840, and labor as usual. This he
+thought would be the case on every estate where there _is mild
+management_. Some, indeed, might leave even such estates to _try their
+fortunes_ elsewhere, but they would soon discover that they could get no
+better treatment abroad, and they would then return to their old homes.
+
+While we were at Belvidere, Mr. Howell took us to see a new chapel which
+the apprentices of that estate have erected since 1834, by their own
+labor, and at their own expense. The house is thirty feet by forty;
+composed of the same materials of which the negro huts are built. We
+were told that the building of this chapel was first suggested by the
+apprentices, and as soon as permission was obtained, they commenced the
+preparations for its erection. We record this as a delightful _sign of
+the times_.
+
+On our return to Morant Bay, we visited the house of correction,
+situated near the village. This is the only "institution," as a Kingston
+paper gravely terms it, of the kind in the parish. It is a small,
+ill-constructed establishment, horribly filthy, more like a receptacle
+for wild beasts than human beings. There is a treadmill connected with
+it, made to _accommodate_ fifteen persons at a time. Alternate companies
+ascend the wheel every fifteen minutes. It was unoccupied when we went
+in; most of the prisoners being at work on the public roads. Two or
+three, who happened to be near by, were called in by the keeper, and
+ordered to mount the wheel, to show us how it worked. It made our blood
+run cold as we thought of the dreadful suffering that inevitably ensues,
+when the foot loses the step, and the body hangs against the
+revolving cylinder.
+
+Leaving the house of correction, we proceeded to the village. In a small
+open square in the centre of it, we saw a number of the unhappy inmates
+of the house of correction at work under the direction, we are sorry to
+say, of our friend Thomas Thomson, Esq. They were chained two and two by
+heavy chains fastened to iron bands around their necks. On another
+occasion, we saw the same gang at work in the yard attached to the
+Independent chapel.
+
+We received a visit, at our lodgings, from the special justice of this
+district, Major Baines. He was accompanied by Mr. Thomson, who came to
+introduce him as his friend. We were not left to this recommendation
+alone, suspicious as it was, to infer the character of this magistrate,
+for we were advertised previously that he was a "planter's man"--unjust
+and cruel to the apprentices. Major B. appeared to have been looking
+through his friend Thomson's prophetic telescope. There was certainly a
+wonderful coincidence of vision--the same abandonment of labor, the same
+preying upon provision grounds; the same violence, bloodshed and great
+loss of life among the negroes themselves! However, the special
+magistrate appeared to see a little further than the local magistrate,
+even to the _end_ of the carnage, and to the re-establishment of
+industry, peace and prosperity. The evil, he was confident, would soon
+cure itself.
+
+One remark of the special magistrate was worthy a prophet. When asked if
+he thought there would be any serious disaffection produced among the
+praedials by the emancipation of the non-praedials in 1838, he said, he
+thought there would not be, and assigned as the reason, that the
+praedials knew all about the arrangement, and did not _expect to be
+free_. That is, the field apprentices knew that the domestics were to be
+liberated two years sooner than they, and, without inquiring into the
+grounds, or justice of the arrangement, _they would promptly
+acquiesce in it_!
+
+What a fine compliment to the patience and forbearance of the mass of
+the negroes. The majority see the minority emancipated two years before
+them, and that, too, upon the ground of an odious distinction which
+makes the domestic more worthy than they who "bear the heat and burthen
+of the day," in the open field; and yet they submit patiently, because
+they are told that it is the pleasure of government that it should
+be so!
+
+The _non-praedials_, too, have their noble traits, as well as the less
+favored agriculturalists. The special magistrate said that he was then
+engaged in classifying the apprentices of the different estates in his
+district. The object of this classification was, to ascertain all those
+who were non-praedials, that they might be recorded as the subjects of
+emancipation in 1838. To his astonishment he found numbers of this class
+who expressed a wish to remain apprentices until 1840. On one estate,
+six out of eight took this course, on another, twelve out of fourteen,
+and in some instances, _all_ the non-praedials determined to suffer it
+out with the rest of their brethren, refusing to accept freedom until
+with the whole body they could rise up and shout the jubilee of
+universal disinthrallment. Here is a nobility worthy to compare with the
+patience of the praedials. In connection with the conduct of the
+non-praedials, he mentioned the following instance of white brutality
+and negro magnanimity. A planter, whose negroes he was classifying,
+brought forward a woman whom he claimed as a praedial. The woman
+declared that she was a non-praedial, and on investigation it was
+clearly proved that she had always been a domestic; and consequently
+entitled to freedom in 1838. After the planter's claim was set aside,
+the woman said, "_Now_ I will stay with massa, and be his 'prentice for
+de udder two year."
+
+Shortly before we left the Bay, our landlady, a colored woman,
+introduced one of her neighbors, whose conversation afforded us a rare
+treat. She was a colored lady of good appearance and lady like manners.
+Supposing from her color that she had been prompted by strong sympathy
+in our objects to seek an interview with us, we immediately introduced
+the subject of slavery, stating that as we had a vast number of slaves
+in our country, we had visited Jamaica to see how the freed people
+behaved, with the hope that our countrymen might be encouraged to adopt
+emancipation. "Alack a day!" The tawny madam shook her head, and, with
+that peculiar creole whine, so expressive of contempt, said, "Can't say
+any thing for you, sir--they not doing no good now, sir--the negroes
+an't!"--and on she went abusing the apprentices, and denouncing
+abolition. No American white lady could speak more disparagingly of the
+niggers, than did this recreant descendant of the negro race. They did
+no work, they stole, were insolent, insubordinate, and what not.
+
+She concluded in the following elegiac strain, which did not fail to
+touch our sympathies. "I can't tell what will become of us after 1840.
+Our negroes will be taken away from us--we shall find no work to do
+ourselves--we shall all have to beg, and who shall we beg from? _All
+will be beggars, and we must starve_!"
+
+Poor Miss L. is one of that unfortunate class who have hitherto gained a
+meagre support from the stolen hire of a few slaves, and who, after
+entire emancipation, will be stripped of every thing. This is the class
+upon whom emancipation will fall most heavily; it will at once cast many
+out of a situation of ease, into the humiliating dilemma of _laboring or
+begging_--to the _latter_ of which alternatives, Miss L. seems inclined.
+Let Miss L. be comforted! It is better to beg than to _steal_.
+
+We proceeded from Morant Bay to Bath, a distance of fourteen miles,
+where we put up at a neat cottage lodging-house, kept by Miss P., a
+colored lady. Bath is a picturesque little village, embowered in
+perpetual green, and lying at the foot of a mountain on one side, and on
+the other by the margin of a rambling little river. It seems to have
+accumulated around it and within it, all the verdure and foliage of a
+tropical clime.
+
+Having a letter of introduction, we called on the special magistrate for
+that district--George Willis, Esq. As we entered his office, an
+apprentice was led up in irons by a policeman, and at the same time
+another man rode up with a letter from the master of the apprentice,
+directing the magistrate to release him instantly. The facts of this
+case, as Mr. W. himself explained them to us, will illustrate the
+careless manner in which the magistrates administer the law. The master
+had sent his apprentice to a neighboring estate, where there had been
+some disturbance, to get his clothes, which had been left there. The
+overseer of the estate finding an intruder on his property, had him
+handcuffed forthwith, notwithstanding his repeated declarations that his
+master had sent him. Having handcuffed him, he ordered him to be taken
+before the special magistrate, Mr. W., who had him confined in the
+station-house all night. Mr. W., in pursuance of the direction received
+from the master, ordered the man to be released, but at the same time
+repeatedly declared to him that the _overseer was not to blame for
+arresting him_.
+
+After this case was disposed of, Mr. W, turned to us. He said he had a
+district of thirty miles in extent, including five thousand apprentices;
+these he visited thrice every month. He stated that there had been a
+gradual decrease of crime since he came to the district, which was early
+in 1835. For example, in March, 1837, there were but twenty-four persons
+punished, and in March, 1835, there were as many punished in a single
+week. He explained this by saying that the apprentices had become
+_better acquainted with the requirements of the law_. The chief offence
+at present was _absconding from labor_.
+
+This magistrate gave us an account of an alarming rebellion which had
+lately occurred in his district, which we will venture to notice, since
+it is the only serious disturbance on the part of the negroes, which has
+taken place in the island, from the beginning of the apprenticeship.
+About two weeks before, the apprentices on Thornton estate, amounting to
+about ninety, had refused to work, and fled in a body to the woods,
+where they still remained. Their complaint, according to our informant,
+was, that their master had turned the cattle upon their provision
+grounds, and all their provisions were destroyed, so that they could not
+live. They, therefore, determined that they would not continue at work,
+seeing they would be obliged to starve. Mr. W. stated that he had
+visited the provision grounds, in company with two _disinterested
+planters_, and he could affirm that the apprentices had _no just cause
+of complaint_. It was true their fences had been broken down, and their
+provisions had been somewhat injured, but the fence could be very easily
+repaired, and there was an _abundance of yams left_ to furnish food for
+the whole gang for some time to come--those that were destroyed being
+chiefly young roots which would not have come to maturity for several
+months. These statements were the substance of a formal report which he
+had just prepared for the eye of Sir Lionel Smith, and which he was kind
+enough to read to us. This was a fine report, truly, to come from a
+special justice. To say nothing of the short time in which the fence
+might be repaired, those were surely very dainty-mouthed cattle that
+would consume those roots only which were so small that several months
+would be requisite for their maturity. The report concluded with a
+recommendation to his Excellency to take seminary vengeance upon a few
+of the gang as soon as they could be arrested, since they had set such
+an example to the surrounding apprentices. He could not see how order
+and subordination could be preserved in his district unless such a
+punishment was inflicted as would be a warning to all evil doers. He
+further suggested the propriety of sending the maroons[A] after them, to
+hunt them out of their hiding places and bring them to justice.
+
+[Footnote A: The maroons are free negroes, inhabiting the mountains of
+the interior, who were formerly hired by the authorities, or by
+planters, to hunt up runaway slaves, and return them to their masters.
+Unfortunately our own country is not without _its_ maroons.]
+
+We chanced to obtain a different version of this affair, which, as it
+was confirmed by different persons in Bath, both white and colored, who
+had no connection with each other, we cannot help thinking it the
+true one.
+
+The apprentices on Thornton, are what is termed a jobbing gang, that is,
+they are hired out by their master to any planter who may want their
+services. Jobbing is universally regarded by the negroes as the worst
+kind of service, for many reasons--principally because it often takes
+them many miles from their homes, and they are still required to supply
+themselves with food from their own provision grounds. They are allowed
+to return home every Friday evening or Saturday, and stay till Monday
+morning. The owner of the gang in question lately died--to whom it is
+said they were greatly attached--and they passed into the hands of a Mr.
+Jocken, the present overseer. Jocken is a notoriously cruel man. It was
+scarcely a twelvemonth ago, that he was fined one hundred pounds
+currency, and sentenced to imprisonment for three months in the Kingston
+jail, _for tying one of his apprentices to a dead ox_, because the
+animal died while in the care of the apprentice. He also confined a
+woman in the same pen with a dead sheep, because she suffered the sheep
+to die. Repeated acts of cruelty have caused Jocken to be regarded as a
+monster in the community. From a knowledge of his character, the
+apprentices of Thornton had a strong prejudice against him. One of the
+earliest acts after he went among them, was to break down their fences,
+and turn his cattle into their provision grounds. He then ordered them
+to go to a distant estate to work. This they refused to do, and when he
+attempted to compel them to go, they left the estate in a body, and went
+to the woods. This is what is called a _state of open rebellion_, and
+for this they were to be hunted like beasts, and to suffer such a
+terrible punishment as would deter all other apprentices from taking a
+similar step.
+
+This Jocken is the same wretch who wantonly handcuffed the apprentice,
+who went on to his estate by the direction of his master.
+
+Mr. Willis showed us a letter which he had received that morning from a
+planter in his district, who had just been trying an experiment in job
+work, (i.e., paying his people so much for a certain amount of work.) He
+had made a proposition to one of the head men on the estate, that he
+would give him a doubloon an acre if he would get ten acres of cane land
+holed. The man employed a large number of apprentices, and accomplished
+the job on three successive Saturdays. They worked at the rate of nearly
+one hundred holes per day for each man, whereas the usual day's work is
+only seventy-five holes.
+
+Mr. W. bore testimony that the great body of the negroes in his district
+were very peaceable. There were but a few _incorrigible fellows_, that
+did all the mischief. When any disturbance took place on an estate, he
+could generally tell who the individual offenders were. He did not think
+there would be any serious difficulty after 1840. However, the result he
+thought would _greatly depend on the conduct of the managers!_
+
+We met in Bath with the proprietor of a coffee estate situated a few
+miles in the country. He gave a very favorable account of the people on
+his estate; stating that they were as peaceable and industrious as he
+could desire, that he had their confidence, and fully expected to retain
+it after entire emancipation. He anticipated no trouble whatever, and he
+felt assured, too, that if _the planters would conduct in a proper
+manner_, emancipation would be a blessing to the whole colony.
+
+We called on the Wesleyan missionary, whom we found the decided friend
+and advocate of freedom. He scrupled not to declare his sentiments
+respecting the special magistrate, whom he declared to be a cruel and
+dishonest man. He seemed to take delight in flogging the apprentices. He
+had got a whipping machine made and erected in front of the Episcopal
+church in the village of Bath. It was a frame of a triangular shape, the
+base of which rested firmly on the ground, and having a perpendicular
+beam from the base to the apex or angle. To this beam the apprentice's
+body was lashed, with his face towards the machine, and his arms
+extended at right angles, and tied by the wrists. The missionary had
+witnessed the floggings at this machine repeatedly, as it stood but a
+few steps from his house. Before we reached Bath, the machine had been
+removed from its conspicuous place and _concealed in the bushes, that
+the governor might not see it when he visited the village_.
+
+As this missionary had been for several years laboring in the island,
+and had enjoyed the best opportunities to become extensively acquainted
+with the negroes, we solicited from him a written answer to a number of
+inquiries. We make some extracts from his communication.
+
+1. Have the facilities for missionary effort greatly increased since the
+abolition of slavery?
+
+The opportunities of the apprentices to attend the means of grace are
+greater than during absolute slavery. They have now one day and a half
+every week to work for their support, leaving the Sabbath free to
+worship God.
+
+2. Do you anticipate that these facilities will increase still more
+after entire freedom?
+
+Yes. The people will then have _six days of their own to labor for their
+bread_, and will be at liberty to go to the house of God every Sabbath.
+Under the present system, the magistrate often takes away the Saturday,
+as a punishment, and then they must either work on the Sabbath
+or starve.
+
+3. Are the negroes likely to revenge by violence the wrongs which they
+have suffered, after they obtain their freedom?
+
+_I never heard the idea suggested, nor should I have thought of it had
+you not made the inquiry._
+
+We called on Mr. Rogers, the teacher of a Mico charity infant school in
+Bath. Mr. R., his wife and daughter, are all engaged in this work. They
+have a day school, and evening school three evenings in the week, and
+Sabbath school twice each Sabbath. The evening schools are for the
+benefit of the adult apprentices, who manifest the greatest eagerness to
+learn to read. After working all day, they will come several miles to
+school, and stay cheerfully till nine o'clock.
+
+Mr. R. furnished us with a written communication, from which we extract
+the following.
+
+_Quest._ Are the apprentices desirous of being instructed?
+
+_Ans._ Most assuredly they are; in proof of which I would observe that
+since our establishment in Bath, the people not only attend the schools
+regularly, but if they obtain a leaf of a book with letters upon it,
+that is their _constant companion_. We have found mothers with their
+sucking babes in their arms, standing night after night in their classes
+learning the alphabet.
+
+_Q._ Are the negroes grateful for attentions and favors?
+
+_A._ They are; I have met some who have been so much affected by acts of
+kindness, that they have burst into tears, exclaiming, 'Massa so
+kind--my heart full.' Their affection to their teachers is very
+remarkable. On my return lately from Kingston, after a temporary
+absence, the negroes flocked to our residence and surrounded the chaise,
+saying, 'We glad to see massa again; we glad to see school massa.' On my
+way through an estate some time ago, some of the children observed me,
+and in a transport of joy cried, 'Thank God, massa come again! Bless God
+de Savior, massa come again!'
+
+Mr. R., said he, casually met with an apprentice whose master had lately
+died. The man was in the habit of visiting his master's grave every
+Saturday. He said to Mr. R., "Me go to massa grave, and de water come
+into me yeye; but me can't help it, massa, _de water will come into
+me yeye_."
+
+The Wesleyan missionary told us, that two apprentices, an aged man and
+his daughter, a young woman, had been brought up by their master before
+the special magistrate who sentenced them to several days confinement in
+the house of correction at Morant Bay and to dance the treadmill. When
+the sentence was passed the daughter entreated that she might be allowed
+to _do her father's part_, as well as her own, on the treadmill, for he
+was too old to dance the wheel--it would kill him.
+
+From Bath we went into the Plantain Garden River Valley, one of the
+richest and most beautiful savannahs in the island. It is an extensive
+plain, from one to three miles wide, and about six miles long. The
+Plantain Garden River, a small stream, winds through the midst of the
+valley lengthwise, emptying into the sea. Passing through the valley, we
+went a few miles south of it to call on Alexander Barclay, Esq., to whom
+we had a letter of introduction. Mr. Barclay is a prominent member of
+the assembly, and an attorney for eight estates. He made himself
+somewhat distinguished a few years ago by writing an octavo volume of
+five hundred pages in defence of the colonies, i.e., in defence of
+colonial slavery. It was a reply to Stephen's masterly work against West
+India slavery, and was considered by the Jamaicans a triumphant
+vindication of their "peculiar institutions." We went several miles out
+of our route expressly to have an interview with so zealous and
+celebrated a champion of slavery. We were received with marked courtesy
+by Mr. B., who constrained us to spend a day and night with him at his
+seat at Fairfield. One of the first objects that met our eye in Mr. B.'s
+dining hall was a splendid piece of silver plate, which was presented to
+him by the planters of St. Thomas in the East, in consideration of his
+able defence of colonial slavery. We were favorably impressed with Mr.
+B.'s intelligence, and somewhat so with his present sentiments
+respecting slavery. We gathered from him that he had resisted with all
+his might the anti-slavery measures of the English government, and
+exerted every power to prevent the introduction of the apprenticeship
+system. After he saw that slavery would inevitably be abolished, he drew
+up at length a plan of emancipation according to which the condition of
+the slave was to be commuted into that of the old English _villein_--he
+was to be made an appendage to _the soil_ instead of the "chattel
+personal" of the master, the whip was to be partially abolished, a
+modicum of wages was to be allowed the slave, and so on. There was to be
+no fixed period when this system would terminate, but it was to fade
+gradually and imperceptibly into entire freedom. He presented a copy of
+his scheme to the then governor, the Earl of Mulgrave, requesting that
+it might be forwarded to the home government. Mr. B. said that the
+anti-slavery party in England had acted from the blind impulses of
+religious fanaticism, and had precipitated to its issue a work which
+required many years of silent preparation in order to its safe
+accomplishment. He intimated that the management of abolition ought to
+have been left with the colonists; they had been the long experienced
+managers of slavery, and they were the only men qualified to superintend
+its burial, and give it a decent interment.
+
+He did not think that the apprenticeship afforded any clue to the dark
+mystery of 1840. Apprenticeship was so inconsiderably different from
+slavery, that it furnished no more satisfactory data for judging of the
+results of entire freedom than slavery itself. Neither would he consent
+to be comforted by the actual results of emancipation in Antigua.
+
+Taking leave of Mr. Barclay, we returned to the Plantain Garden River
+Valley, and called at the Golden Grove, one of the most splendid estates
+in that magnificent district. This is an estate of two thousand acres;
+it has five hundred apprentices and one hundred free children. The
+average annual crop is six hundred hogsheads of sugar. Thomas McCornock,
+Esq., the attorney of this estate, is the custos, or chief magistrate of
+the parish, and colonel of the parish militia. There is no man in all
+the parish of greater consequence, either in fact or in seeming
+self-estimation, than Thomas McCornock, Esq. He is a Scotchman, as is
+also Mr. Barclay. The custos received us with as much freedom as the
+dignity of his numerous offices would admit of. The overseer, (manager,)
+Mr. Duncan, is an intelligent, active, business man, and on any other
+estate than Golden Grove, would doubtless be a personage of considerable
+distinction. He conducted us through the numerous buildings, from the
+boiling-house to the pig-stye. The principal complaint of the overseer,
+was that he could not make the people work to any good purpose. They
+were not at all refractory or disobedient; there was no difficulty in
+getting them on to the field; but when they were there, they moved
+without any life or energy. They took no interest in their work, and he
+was obliged to be watching and scolding them all the time, or else they
+would do nothing. We had not gone many steps after this observation,
+before we met with a practical illustration of it. A number of the
+apprentices had been ordered that morning to cart away some dirt to a
+particular place. When we approached them, Mr. D. found that one of the
+"wains" was standing idle. He inquired of the driver why he was keeping
+the team idle. The reply was, that there was nothing there for it to do;
+there were enough other wains to carry away all the dirt. "Then," inquired
+the overseer with an ill-concealed irritation, "why did not go to some
+other work?" The overseer then turned to us and said, "You see, sir,
+what lazy dogs the apprentices are--this is the way they do every day,
+if they are not closely watched." It was not long after this little
+incident, before the overseer remarked that the apprentices worked very
+well during their own time, _when they were paid for it_. When we went
+into the hospital, Mr. D. directed out attention to one fact, which to
+him was very provoking. A great portion of the patients that come in
+during the week, unable to work, are in the habit of getting well on
+Friday evening, so that they can go out on Saturday and Sunday; but on
+Monday morning they are sure to be sick again, then they return to the
+hospital and remain very poorly till Friday evening, when they get well
+all at once, and ask permission to go out. The overseer saw into the
+trick; but he could find no medicine that could cure the negroes of that
+intermittent sickness. The Antigua planters discovered the remedy for
+it, and doubtless Mr. D. will make the grand discovery in 1840.
+
+On returning to the "great house," we found the custos sitting in state,
+ready to communicate any official information which might be called for.
+He expressed similar sentiments in the main, with those of Mr. Barclay.
+He feared for the consequences of complete emancipation; the negroes
+would to a great extent abandon the sugar cultivation and retire to the
+woods, there to live in idleness, planting merely yams enough to keep
+them alive, and in the process of time, retrograding into African
+barbarism. The attorney did not see how it was possible to prevent this.
+When asked whether he expected that such would be the case with the
+negroes on Golden Grove, he replied that he did not think it would,
+except with a very few persons. His people had been _so well treated_,
+and had _so many comforts_, that they would not be at all likely to
+abandon the estate! [Mark that!] Whose are the people that will desert
+after 1840? Not Thomas McCornock's, Esq.! _They are too well situated.
+Whose_ then will desert? _Mr. Jocken's_, or in other words, those who
+are ill-treated, who are cruelly driven, whose fences are broken down,
+and whose provision grounds are exposed to the cattle. They, and they
+alone, will retire to the woods who can't get food any where else!
+
+The custos thought the apprentices were behaving very ill. On being
+asked if he had any trouble with his, he said, O, no! his apprentices
+did quite well, and so did the apprentices generally, in the Plantain
+Garden River Valley. But in _far off parishes_, he _heard_ that they
+were very refractory and troublesome.
+
+The custos testified that the negroes were very easily managed. He said
+he had often thought that he would rather have the charge of six hundred
+negroes, than of two hundred English sailors. He spoke also of the
+temperate habits of the negroes. He had been in the island twenty-two
+years, and he had never seen a negro woman drunk, on the estate. It was
+very seldom that the men got drunk. There were not more than ten men on
+Golden Grove, out of a population of five hundred, who were in the habit
+of occasionally getting intoxicated. He also remarked that the negroes
+were a remarkable people for their attention to the old and infirm among
+them; they seldom suffered them to want, if it was in their power to
+supply them. Among other remarks of the custos, was this sweeping
+declaration--"_No man in his senses can pretend to defend slavery._"
+
+After spending a day at Golden Grove, we proceeded to the adjacent
+estate of Amity Hall. On entering the residence of the manager, Mr.
+Kirkland, we were most gratefully surprised to find him engaged in
+family prayers. It was the first time and the last that we heard the
+voice of prayer in a Jamaican planter's house. We were no less
+gratefully surprised to see a white lady, to whom we were introduced as
+Mrs. Kirkland, and several modest and lovely little children. It was the
+first and the last _family circle_ that we were permitted to see among
+the planters of that licentious colony. The motley group of colored
+children--of every age from tender infancy--which we found on other
+estates, revealed the state of domestic manners among the planters.
+
+Mr. K. regarded the abolition of slavery as a great blessing to the
+colony; it was true that the apprenticeship was a wretchedly bad system,
+but notwithstanding, things moved smoothly on his estate. He informed us
+that the negroes on Amity Hall had formerly borne the character of being
+the _worst gang in the parish_; and when he first came to the estate, he
+found that half the truth had not been told of them; but they had become
+remarkably peaceable and subordinate. It was his policy to give them
+every comfort that he possibly could. Mr. K. made the same declaration,
+which has been so often repeated in the course of this narrative, i.e.,
+that if any of the estates were abandoned, it would be owing to the
+harsh treatment of the people. He knew many overseers and book-keepers
+who were cruel driving men, and he should not be surprised if _they_
+lost a part, or all, of their laborers. He made one remark which we had
+not heard before. There were some estates, he said, which would probably
+be abandoned, for the same reason that they ought never to have been
+cultivated, because they require _almost double labor_;--such are the
+mountainous estates and barren, worn-out properties, which nothing but a
+system of forced labor could possibly retain in cultivation. But the
+idea that the negroes generally would leave their comfortable homes, and
+various privileges on the estates, and retire to the wild woods, he
+ridiculed as preposterous in the extreme. Mr. K. declared repeatedly
+that he could not look forward to 1840, but with the most sanguine
+hopes; he confidently believed that the introduction of complete freedom
+would be the _regeneration of the island_. He alluded to the memorable
+declaration of Lord Belmore, (made memorable by the excitement which it
+caused among the colonists,) in his valedictory address to the assembly,
+on the eve of his departure for England.[A] "Gentlemen," said he, "the
+resources of this noble island will never be fully developed until
+slavery is abolished!" For this manly avowal the assembly ignobly
+refused him the usual marks of respect and honor at his departure. Mr.
+K. expected to see Jamaica become a new world under the enterprise and
+energies of freedom. There were a few disaffected planters, who would
+probably remain so, and leave the islands after emancipation. It would
+be a blessing to the country if such men left it, for as long as they
+were disaffected, they were the enemies of its prosperity.
+
+[Footnote A: Lord Belmore left the government of Jamaica, a short time
+before the abolition act passed in parliament.]
+
+Mr. K. conducted us through the negro quarters, which are situated on
+the hill side, nearly a mile from his residence. We went into several of
+the houses; which were of a better style somewhat than the huts in
+Antigua and Barbadoes--larger, better finished and furnished. Some few
+of them had verandahs or porches on one or more sides, after the West
+India fashion, closed in with _jalousies_. In each of the houses to
+which we were admitted, there was one apartment fitted up in a very neat
+manner, with waxed floor, a good bedstead, and snow white coverings, a
+few good chairs, a mahogany sideboard, ornamented with dishes,
+decanters, etc.
+
+From Amity Hall, we drove to Manchioneal, a small village ten miles
+north of the Plantain Garden River Valley. We had a letter to the
+special magistrate for that district, R. Chamberlain, Esq., a colored
+gentleman, and the first magistrate we found in the parish of St. Thomas
+in the East, who was faithful to the interests of the apprentices. He
+was a boarder at the public house, where we were directed for lodgings,
+and as we spent a few days in the village, we had opportunities of
+obtaining much information from him, as well as of attending some of his
+courts. Mr. C. had been only five months in the district of Manchioneal,
+having been removed thither from a distant district. Being a friend of
+the apprentices, he is hated and persecuted by the planters. He gave us
+a gloomy picture of the oppressions and cruelties of the planters. Their
+complaints brought before him are often of the most trivial kind; yet
+because he does not condemn the apprentices to receive a punishment
+which the most serious offences alone could justify him in inflicting,
+they revile and denounce him as unfit for his station. He represents the
+planters as not having the most distant idea that it is the province of
+the special magistrate to secure justice to the apprentice; but they
+regard it as his sole duty to _help them_ in getting from the laborers
+as much work as whips, and chains, and tread-wheels can extort. His
+predecessor, in the Manchioneal district, answered perfectly to the
+planters' _beau ideal_. He ordered a _cat_ to be kept on every estate in
+his district, to be ready for use as he went around on his weekly
+visits. Every week he inspected the cats, and when they became too much
+worn to do good execution, he _condemned_ them, and ordered new ones
+to be made.
+
+Mr. C. said the most frequent complaints made by the planters are for
+_insolence_. He gave a few specimens of what were regarded by the
+planters as serious offences. An overseer will say to his apprentice,
+"Work along there faster, you lazy villain, or I'll strike you;" the
+apprentice will reply, "You _can't_ strike me now," and for this he is
+taken before the magistrate on the complaint of _insolence_. An
+overseer, in passing the gang on the field, will hear them singing; he
+will order them, in a peremptory tone to stop instantly, and if they
+continue singing, they are complained of for _insubordination_. An
+apprentice has been confined to the hospital with disease,--when he gets
+able to walk, tired of the filthy sick house, he hobbles to his hut,
+where he may have the attentions of his wife until he gets well. That is
+called _absconding from labor_! Where the magistrate does not happen to
+be an independent man, the complaint is sustained, and the poor invalid
+is sentenced to the treadmill for absenting himself from work. It is
+easy to conjecture the dreadful consequence. The apprentice, debilitated
+by sickness, dragged off twenty-five miles on foot to Morant Bay,
+mounted on the wheel, is unable to keep the step with the stronger ones,
+slips off and hangs by the wrists, and his flesh is mangled and torn by
+the wheel.
+
+The apprentices frequently called at our lodgings to complain to Mr. C.
+of the hard treatment of their masters. Among the numerous distressing
+cases which we witnessed, we shall never forget that of a poor little
+negro boy, of about twelve, who presented himself one afternoon before
+Mr. C., with a complaint against his master for violently beating him. A
+gash was cut in his head, and the blood had flowed freely. He fled from
+his master, and came to Mr. C. for refuge. He belonged to A. Ross, Esq.,
+of Mulatto Run estate. We remembered that we had a letter of
+introduction to that planter, and we had designed visiting him, but
+after witnessing this scene, we resolved not to go near a monster who
+could inflict such a wound, with his own hand, upon a child. We were
+highly gratified with the kind and sympathizing manner in which Mr. C.
+spoke with the unfortunate beings who, in the extremity of their wrongs,
+ventured to his door.
+
+At the request of the magistrate we accompanied him, on one occasion, to
+the station-house, where he held a weekly court. We had there a good
+opportunity to observe the hostile feelings of the planters towards this
+faithful officer--"faithful among the faithless," (though we are glad
+that we cannot quite add, "_only he_.")
+
+A number of managers, overseers, and book-keepers, assembled; some with
+complaints, and some to have their apprentices classified. They all set
+upon the magistrate like bloodhounds upon a lone stag. They strove
+together with one accord, to subdue his independent spirit by taunts,
+jeers, insults, intimidations and bullyings. He was obliged to threaten
+one of the overseers with arrest, on account of his abusive conduct. We
+were actually amazed at the intrepidity of the magistrate. We were
+convinced from what we saw that day, that only the most fearless and
+conscientious men could be _faithful magistrates_ in Jamaica. Mr. C.
+assured us that he met with similar indignities every time he held his
+courts, and on most of the estates that he visited. It was in his power
+to punish them severely, but he chose to use all possible forbearance,
+so as not to give the planters any grounds of complaint.
+
+On a subsequent day we accompanied Mr. C. in one of his estate visits.
+As it was late in the afternoon, he called at but one estate, the name
+of which was Williamsfield. Mr. Gordon, the overseer of Williamsfield,
+is among the fairest specimens of planters. He has naturally a generous
+disposition, which, like that of Mr. Kirkland, has out-lived the
+witherings of slavery.
+
+He informed us that his people worked as well under the apprenticeship
+system, as ever they did during slavery; and he had every encouragement
+that they would do still better after they were completely free. He was
+satisfied that he should be able to conduct his estate at much less
+expense after 1840; he thought that fifty men would do as much then as a
+hundred do now. We may add here a similar remark of Mr. Kirkland--that
+forty freemen would accomplish as much as eighty slaves. Mr. Gordon
+hires his people on Saturdays, and he expressed his astonishment at the
+increased vigor with which they worked when they were to receive wages.
+He pointedly condemned the driving system which was resorted to by many
+of the planters. They foolishly endeavored to keep up the coercion of
+slavery, _and they had the special magistrates incessantly flogging the
+apprentices_. The planters also not unfrequently take away the provision
+grounds from their apprentices, and in every way oppress and
+harass them.
+
+In the course of the conversation Mr. G. accidentally struck upon a
+fresh vein of facts, respecting the SLAVERY OF BOOK-KEEPERS,[A] _under
+the old system_. The book-keepers, said Mr. G., were the complete slaves
+of the overseers, who acted like despots on the estates. They were
+mostly young men from England, and not unfrequently had considerable
+refinement; but ignorant of the treatment which book-keepers had to
+submit to, and allured by the prospect of becoming wealthy by
+plantership, they came to Jamaica and entered as candidates. They soon
+discovered the cruel bondage in which they were involved. The overseers
+domineered over them, and stormed at them as violently as though they
+were the most abject slaves. They were allowed no privileges such as
+their former habits impelled them to seek. If they played a flute in the
+hearing of the overseer, they were commanded to be silent instantly. If
+they dared to put a gold ring on their finger, even that trifling
+pretension to gentility was detected and disallowed by the jealous
+overseer. (These things were specified by Mr. G. himself.) They were
+seldom permitted to associate with the overseers as equals. The only
+thing which reconciled the book-keepers to this abject state, was the
+reflection that they might one day _possibly_ become overseers
+themselves, and then they could exercise the same authority over others.
+In addition to this degradation, the book-keepers suffered great
+hardships. Every morning (during slavery) they were obliged to be in the
+field before day; they had to be there as soon as the slaves, in order
+to call the roll, and mark absentees, if any. Often Mr. G. and the other
+gentleman had gone to the field, when it was so dark that they could not
+see to call the roll, and the negroes have all lain down on their hoes,
+and slept till the light broke. Sometimes there would be a thick dew on
+the ground, and the air was so cold and damp, that they would be
+completely chilled. When they were shivering on the ground, the negroes
+would often lend them their blankets, saying, "Poor _busha pickaninny_
+sent out here from England to die." Mr. Gordon said that his
+constitution had been permanently injured by such exposure. Many young
+men, he said, had doubtless been killed by it. During crop time, the
+book-keepers had to be up every night till twelve o'clock, and every
+other night _all night_, superintending the work in the boiling-house,
+and at the mill. They did not have rest even on the Sabbath; they must
+have the mill put about (set to the wind so as to grind) by sunset every
+Sabbath. Often the mills were in the wind before four o'clock, on
+Sabbath afternoon. They knew of slaves being flogged for not being on
+the spot by sunset, though it was known that they had been to meeting.
+Mr. G. said that he had a young friend who came from England with him,
+and acted as book-keeper. His labors and exposures were so intolerable,
+that he had often said to Mr. G., confidentially, _that if the slaves
+should rise in rebellion, he would most cheerfully join them_! Said Mr.
+G., _there was great rejoicing_ among the book-keepers in August 1834!
+_The abolition of slavery was_ EMANCIPATION TO THE BOOK-KEEPERS.
+
+[Footnote A: The book-keepers are subordinate overseers and drivers;
+they are generally young white men, who after serving a course of years
+in a sort of apprenticeship, are promoted to managers of estates.]
+
+No complaints were brought before Mr. Chamberlain. Mr. Gordon pleasantly
+remarked when we arrived, that he had some cases which he should have
+presented if the magistrate had come a little earlier, but he presumed
+he should forget them before his next visit. When we left Williamsfield,
+Mr. C. informed us that during five months there had been but two cases
+of complaint on that estate--and but _a single instance of punishment._
+Such are the results where there is a good manager and a good special
+magistrate.
+
+On Sabbath we attended service in the Baptist chapel, of which Rev. Mr.
+Kingdon is pastor. The chapel, which is a part of Mr. K.'s
+dwelling-house, is situated on the summit of a high mountain which
+overlooks the sea. As seen from the valley below, it appears to topple
+on the very brink of a frightful precipice. It is reached by a winding
+tedious road, too rugged to admit of a chaise, and in some places so
+steep as to try the activity of a horse. As we approached nearer, we
+observed the people climbing up in throngs by various footpaths, and
+halting in the thick woods which skirted the chapel, the men to put on
+their shoes, which they had carried in their hands up the mountain, and
+the women to draw on their white stockings and shoes. On entering the
+place of worship, we found it well filled with the apprentices, who came
+from many miles around in every direction. The services had commenced
+when we arrived. We heard an excellent sermon from the devoted and pious
+missionary, Mr. Kingdon, whose praise is among all the good throughout
+the island, and who is eminently known as the negro's friend. After the
+sermon, we were invited to make a few remarks; and the minister briefly
+stated to the congregation whence we had come, and what was the object
+of our visit. We cannot soon forget the scene which followed. We begun
+by expressing, in simple terms, the interest which we felt in the
+temporal and spiritual concerns of the people present, and scarcely had
+we uttered a sentence when the whole congregation were filled with
+emotion. Soon they burst into tears--some sobbed, others cried aloud;
+insomuch that for a time we were unable to proceed. We were, indeed, not
+a little astonished at so unusual a scene; it was a thing which we were
+by no means expecting to see. Being at a loss to account for it, we
+inquired of Mr. K. afterwards, who told us that it was occasioned by our
+expressions of sympathy and regard. They were so unaccustomed to hear
+such language from the lips of white people, that it fell upon them like
+rain upon the parched earth. The idea that one who was a stranger and a
+foreigner should feel an interest in their welfare, was to them, in such
+circumstances, peculiarly affecting, and stirred the deep fountains of
+their hearts.
+
+After the services, the missionary, anxious to further our objects,
+proposed that we should hold an interview with a number of the
+apprentices; and he accordingly invited fifteen of them into his study,
+and introduced them to us by name, stating also the estates to which
+they severally belonged. We had thus an opportunity of seeing the
+_representatives of twelve different estates_, men of trust on their
+respective estates, mostly constables and head boilers. For nearly two
+hours we conversed with these men, making inquiries on all points
+connected with slavery, the apprenticeship, and the expected
+emancipation.
+
+From no interview, during our stay in the colonies, did we derive so
+much information respecting the real workings of the apprenticeship;
+from none did we gain such an insight into the character and disposition
+of the negroes. The company was composed of intelligent and pious
+men;--so manly and dignified were they in appearance, and so elevated in
+their sentiments, that we could with difficulty realize that they were
+_slaves_. They were wholly unreserved in their communications, though
+they deeply implicated their masters, the special magistrates, and
+others in authority. It is not improbable that they would have shrunk
+from some of the disclosures which they made, had they known that they
+would be published. Nevertheless we feel assured that in making them
+public, we shall not betray the informants, concealing as we do their
+names and the estates to which they belong.
+
+With regard to the wrongs and hardships of the apprenticeship much as
+said; we can only give a small part.
+
+Their masters were often very harsh with them, more so than when they
+were slaves. They could not flog them, but they would scold them, and
+swear at them, and call them hard names, which hurt their feelings
+almost as much as it would if they were to flog them. They would not
+allow them as many privileges as they did formerly. Sometimes they would
+take their provision grounds away, and sometimes they would go on their
+grounds and carry away provisions for their own use without paying for
+them, or as much as asking their leave. They had to bear this, for it
+was useless to complain--they could get no justice; there was no law in
+Manchioneal. The special magistrate would only hear the master, and
+would not allow the apprentices to say any thing for themselves[A]. The
+magistrate would do just as the busha (master) said. If he say flog him,
+he flog him; if he say, send him to Morant Bay, (to the treadmill,) de
+magistrate send him. If we happen to laugh before de busha, he complain
+to de magistrate, and we get licked. If we go to a friend's house, when
+we hungry, to get something to eat, and happen to get lost in de woods
+between, we are called runaways, and are punished severely. Our half
+Friday is taken away from us; we must give that time to busha for a
+little salt-fish, which was always allowed us during slavery. If we lay
+in bed after six o'clock, they take away our Saturday too. If we lose a
+little time from work, they make us pay a great deal more time. They
+stated, and so did several of the missionaries, that the loss of the
+half Friday was very serious to them; as it often rendered it impossible
+for them to get to meeting on Sunday. The whole work of cultivating
+their grounds, preparing their produce for sale, carrying it to the
+distant market, (Morant Bay, and sometimes further,) and returning, all
+this was, by the loss of the Friday afternoon, crowded into Saturday,
+and it was often impossible for them to get back from market before
+Sabbath morning; then they had to dress and go six or ten miles further
+to chapel, or stay away altogether, which, from weariness and worldly
+cares, they would be strongly tempted to do. This they represented as
+being a grievous thing to them. Said one of the men; in a peculiarly
+solemn and earnest manner, while the tears stood in his eyes, "I declare
+to you, massa, if de Lord spare we to be free, we be much more
+'ligiours--_we be wise to many more tings_; we be better Christians;
+because den we have all de Sunday for go to meeting. But now de holy
+time taken up in work for we food." These words were deeply impressed
+upon us by the intense earnestness with which they were spoken. They
+revealed "the heart's own bitterness." There was also a lighting up of
+joy and hope in the countenance of that child of God, as he looked
+forward to the time when he might become _wise to many more tings_.
+
+[Footnote A: We would observe, that they did not refer to Mr.
+Chamberlain, but to another magistrate, whose name they mentioned.]
+
+They gave a heart-sickening account of the cruelties of the treadmill.
+They spoke of the apprentices having their wrists tied to the handboard,
+and said it was very common for them to fall and hang against the wheel.
+Some who had been sent to the treadmill, had actually died from the
+injuries they there received. They were often obliged to see their wives
+dragged off to Morant Bay, and tied to the treadmill, even when they
+were in a state of pregnancy. They suffered a great deal of misery from
+_that; but they could not help it_.
+
+Sometimes it was a wonder to themselves how they could endure all the
+provocations and sufferings of the apprenticeship; _it was only "by de
+mercy of God_!"
+
+They were asked why they did not complain to the special magistrates.
+They replied, that it did no good, for the magistrates would not take
+any notice of their complaints, besides, it made the masters treat them
+still worse. Said one, "We go to de magistrate to complain, and den when
+we come back de busha do all him can to vex us. He _wingle_ (tease) us,
+and _wingle_ us; de book-keeper curse us and treaten us; de constable he
+scold us, and call hard names, and dey all strive to make we mad, so we
+say someting wrong, and den dey take we to de magistrate for insolence."
+Such was the final consequence of complaining to the magistrate. We
+asked them why they did not complain, when they had a good magistrate
+who would do them justice. Their answer revealed a new fact. They were
+afraid to complain to a magistrate, who they knew was their friend,
+_because their masters told them that the magistrate would soon be
+changed, and another would come who would flog them; and that for every
+time they dared to complain to the GOOD magistrate, they would be
+flogged when the BAD one came_. They said their masters had explained it
+all to them long ago.
+
+We inquired of them particularly what course they intended to take when
+they should become free. We requested them to speak, not only with
+reference to themselves, but of the apprentices generally, as far as
+they knew their views. They said the apprentices expected to work on the
+estates, if they were allowed to do so. They had no intention of leaving
+work. Nothing would cause them to leave their estates but bad treatment;
+if their masters were harsh, they would go to another estate, where they
+would get better treatment. They would be _obliged_ to work when they
+were free; even more than now, for _then_ they would have no other
+dependence.
+
+One tried to prove to us by reasoning, that the people would work
+when they were free. Said he, "In slavery time we work _even_ wid de
+whip, now we work 'till better--_what tink we will do when we free?
+Won't_ we work den, _when we get paid_?" He appealed to us so earnestly,
+that we could not help acknowledging we were fully convinced. However,
+in order to establish the point still more clearly, he stated some
+facts, such as the following:
+
+During slavery, it took six men to tend the coppers in boiling sugar,
+and it was thought that fewer could not possibly do the work; but now,
+since the boilers are paid for their extra time, the work is monopolized
+by _three_ men. They _would not have any help_; they did all the work
+"_dat dey might get all de pay_."
+
+We sounded them thoroughly on their views of law and freedom. We
+inquired whether they expected to be allowed to do as they pleased when
+they were free. On this subject they spoke very rationally. Said one,
+"We could never live widout de law; (we use, his very expressions) we
+must have some law when we free. In other countries, where dey are free,
+_don't_ dey have law? Wouldn't dey shoot one another if they did not
+have law?" Thus they reasoned about freedom. Their chief complaint
+against the apprenticeship was, that it did not allow them _justice_.
+"_There was no law now_." They had been told by the governor, that there
+was the same law for all the island; but they knew better, for there was
+more justice done them in some districts than in others.
+
+Some of their expressions indicated very strongly the characteristic
+kindness of the negro. They would say, we work now as well as we can
+_for the sake of peace; any thing for peace_. Don't want to be
+complained of to the magistrate; don't like to be called hard names--do
+any thing to keep peace. Such expressions were repeatedly made. We asked
+them what they thought of the domestics being emancipated in 1838, while
+they had to remain apprentices two years longer? They said, "it bad
+enough--but we know de law make it so, and _for peace sake_, we will be
+satisfy. _But we murmur in we minds_."
+
+We asked what they expected to do with the old and infirm, after
+freedom? They said, "we will support dem--as how dey brought us up when
+we was pickaninny, and now we come trong, must care for dem." In such a
+spirit did these apprentices discourse for two hours. They won greatly
+upon our sympathy and respect. The touching story of their wrongs, the
+artless unbosoming of their hopes, their forgiving spirit toward their
+masters, their distinct views of their own rights, their amiable bearing
+under provocation, their just notions of law, and of a state of
+freedom--these things were well calculated to excite our admiration for
+them, and their companions in suffering. Having prayed with the company,
+and commended them to the grace of God, and the salvation of Jesus
+Christ, we shook hands with them individually, and separated from them,
+never more to see them, until we meet at the bar of God.
+
+While one of us was prosecuting the foregoing inquiries in St. Thomas in
+the East, the other was performing a horse-back tour among the mountains
+of St. Andrews and Port Royal. We had been invited by Stephen Bourne,
+Esq., special magistrate for one of the rural districts in those
+parishes, to spend a week in his family, and accompany him in his
+official visits to the plantations embraced in his commission--an
+invitation we were very glad to accept, as it laid open to us at the
+same time three important sources of information,--the magistrate, the
+planter, and the apprentice.
+
+The sun was just rising as we left Kingston, and entered the high road.
+The air, which the day before had been painfully hot and stived, was
+cool and fresh, and from flowers and spice-trees, on which the dew still
+lay, went forth a thousand fragrant exhalations. Our course for about
+six miles, lay over the broad, low plain, which spreads around Kingston,
+westward to the highlands of St. Andrews, and southward beyond
+Spanishtown. All along the road, and in various directions in the
+distance, were seen the residences--uncouthly termed 'pens'--of
+merchants and gentlemen of wealth, whose business frequently calls them
+to town. Unlike Barbadoes, the fields here were protected by walls and
+hedges, with broad gateways and avenues leading to the house. We soon
+began to meet here and there, at intervals, person going to the market
+with fruits and provisions. The number continually increased, and at the
+end of an hour, they could be seen trudging over the fields, and along
+the by-paths and roads, on every hand. Some had a couple of stunted
+donkeys yoked to a ricketty cart,--others had mules with
+pack-saddles--but the many loaded their own heads, instead of the
+donkeys and mules. Most of them were well dressed, and all civil and
+respectful in their conduct.
+
+Invigorated by the mountain air, and animated by the novelty and
+grandeur of the mountain scenery, through which we had passed, we
+arrived at 'Grecian Regale' in season for an early West Indian
+breakfast, (8 o'clock.) Mr. Bourne's district is entirely composed of
+coffee plantations, and embraces three thousand apprentices. The people
+on coffee plantations are not worked so hard as those employed on sugar
+estates; but they are more liable to suffer from insufficient food
+and clothing.
+
+After breakfast we accompanied Mr. Bourne on a visit to the plantations,
+but there were no complaints either from the master or apprentice,
+except on one. Here Mr. B. was hailed by a hoary-headed man, sitting at
+the side of his house. He said that he was lame and sick, and could not
+work, and complained that his master did not give him any food. All he
+had to eat was given him by a relative. As the master was not at home,
+Mr. B. could not attend to the complaint at that time, but promised to
+write the master about it in the course of the day. He informed us that
+the aged and disabled were very much neglected under the apprenticeship.
+When the working days are over, the profit days are over, and how few in
+any country are willing to support an animal which is past labor? If
+these complaints are numerous under the new system, when magistrates are
+all abroad to remedy them, what must it have been during slavery, when
+master and magistrate were the same!
+
+On one of the plantations we called at the house of an emigrant, of
+which some hundreds have been imported from different parts of Europe,
+since emancipation. He had been in the island eighteen months, and was
+much dissatisfied with his situation. The experiment of importing whites
+to Jamaica as laborers, has proved disastrous--an unfortunate
+speculation to all parties, and all parties wish them back again.
+
+We had some conversation with several apprentices, who called on Mr.
+Bourne for advice and aid. They all thought the apprenticeship very
+hard, but still, on the whole, liked it better than slavery. They "were
+killed too bad,"--that was their expression--during slavery--were worked
+hard and terribly flogged. They were up ever so early and late--went out
+in the mountains to work, when so cold busha would have to cover himself
+up on the ground. Had little time to eat, or go to meeting. 'Twas all
+slash, slash! Now they couldn't be flogged, unless the magistrate said
+so. Still the busha was very hard to them, and many of the apprentices
+run away to the woods, they are so badly used.
+
+The next plantation which we visited was Dublin Castle. It lies in a
+deep valley, quite enclosed by mountains. The present attorney has been
+in the island nine years, and is attorney for several other properties.
+In England he was a religious man, and intimately acquainted with the
+eccentric Irving. For a while after he came out he preached to the
+slaves, but having taken a black concubine, and treating those under his
+charge oppressively, he soon obtained a bad character among the blacks,
+and his meetings were deserted. He is now a most passionate and wicked
+man, having cast off even the show of religion.
+
+Mr. B. visited Dublin Castle a few weeks since, and spent two days in
+hearing complaints brought against the manager and book-keeper by the
+apprentices. He fined the manager, for different acts of oppression, one
+hundred and eight dollars. The attorney was present during the whole
+time. Near the close of the second day he requested permission to say a
+few words, which was granted. He raised his hands and eyes in the most
+agonized manner, as though passion was writhing within, and burst
+forth--"O, my God! my God! has it indeed come to this! Am I to be
+arraigned in this way? Is my conduct to be questioned by these people?
+Is my authority to be destroyed by the interference of stranger? O, my
+God!" And he fell back into the arms of his book-keeper, and was carried
+out of the room in convulsions.
+
+The next morning we started on another excursion, for the purpose of
+attending the appraisement of an apprentice belonging to Silver Hill, a
+plantation about ten miles distant from Grecian Regale. We rode but a
+short distance in the town road, when we struck off into a narrow defile
+by a mule-path, and pushed into the very heart of the mountains.
+
+We felt somewhat timid at the commencement of our excursion among these
+minor Andes, but we gained confidence as we proceeded, and finding our
+horse sure-footed and quite familiar with mountain paths, we soon
+learned to gallop, without fear, along the highest cliffs, and through
+the most dangerous passes. We were once put in some jeopardy by a drove
+of mules, laden with coffee. We fortunately saw them, as they came round
+the point of a hill, at some distance, in season to secure ourselves in
+a little recess where the path widened. On they came, cheered by the
+loud cries of their drivers, and passed rapidly forward, one after
+another, with the headlong stupidity which animals, claiming more wisdom
+than quadrupeds, not unfrequently manifest. When they came up to us,
+however, they showed that they were not unaccustomed to such encounters,
+and, although the space between us and the brow of the precipice, was
+not three feet wide, they all contrived to sway their bodies and heavy
+sacks in such a manner as to pass us safely, except one. He, more stupid
+or more unlucky than the rest, struck us a full broad-side as he went by
+jolting us hard against the hill, and well-nigh jolting himself down the
+craggy descent into the abyss below. One leg hung a moment over the
+precipice, but the poor beast suddenly threw his whole weight forward,
+and by a desperate leap, obtained sure foothold in the path, and again
+trudged along with his coffee-bags.
+
+On our way we called at two plantations, but found no complaints. At one
+of them we had some conversation with the overseer. He has on it one
+hundred and thirty apprentices, and produces annually thirty thousand
+pounds of coffee. He informed us that he was getting along well. His
+people are industrious and obedient, as much so, to say the least, as
+under the old system. The crop this year is not so great as usual, on
+account of the severe drought. His plantation was never better
+cultivated. Besides the one hundred and thirty apprentices, there are
+forty free children, who are supported by their parents. None of them
+will work for hire, or in any way put themselves under his control, as
+the parents fear there is some plot laid for making them apprentices,
+and through that process reducing them to slavery. He thinks this
+feeling will continue till the apprenticeship is entirely broken up, and
+the people begin to feel assured of complete freedom, when it will
+disappear.
+
+We reached Silver Hill about noon. This plantation contains one hundred
+and ten apprentices, and is under the management of a colored man, who
+has had charge of it seven years. He informed us that it was under as
+good cultivation now as it was before emancipation. His people are
+easily controlled. Very much depends on the conduct of the overseer. If
+he is disposed to be just and kind, the apprentices are sure to behave
+well; if he is harsh and severe, and attempts to _drive_ them, they will
+take no pains to please him, but on the contrary, will be sulky and
+obstinate.
+
+There were three overseers from other estates present. One of them had
+been an overseer for forty years, and he possessed the looks and
+feelings which we suppose a man who has been thus long in a school of
+despotism, must possess. He had a giant form, which seemed to be
+breaking down with luxury and sensualism. His ordinary voice was hoarse
+and gusty, and his smile diabolical. Emancipation had swept away his
+power while it left the love of it ravaging his heart. He could not
+speak of the new system with composure. His contempt and hatred of the
+negro was unadulterated. He spoke of the apprentices with great
+bitterness. They were excessively lazy and impudent, and were becoming
+more and more so every day. They did not do half the work now that they
+did before emancipation. It was the character of the negro never to work
+unless compelled. His people would not labor for him an hour in their
+own time, although he had offered to pay them for it. They have not the
+least gratitude. They will leave him in the midst of his crop, and help
+others, because they can get a little more. They spend all their half
+Fridays and their Saturdays on other plantations where they receive
+forty cents a day. Twenty-five cents is enough for them, and is as much
+as he will give.
+
+Mr. B. requested the overseer to bring forward his complaints. He had
+only two. One was against a boy of ten for stealing a gill of goat's
+milk. The charge was disproved. The other was against a boy of twelve
+for neglecting the cattle, and permitting them to trespass on the lands
+of a neighbor. He was sentenced to receive a good switching--that is, to
+be beaten with a small stick by the constable of the plantation.
+
+Several apprentices then appeared and made a few trivial complaints
+against 'busha.' They were quickly adjusted. These were all the
+complaints that had accumulated in five weeks.
+
+The principal business which called Mr. Bourne to the plantation, as we
+have already remarked, was the appraisement of an apprentice. The
+appraisers were himself and a local magistrate. The apprentice was a
+native born African, and was stolen from his country when a boy. He had
+always resided on this plantation, and had always been a faithful
+laborer. He was now the constable, or driver, as the office was called
+in slavery times, of the second gang. The overseer testified to his
+honesty and industry, and said he regretted much to have him leave. He
+was, as appeared by the plantation books, fifty-four years old, but was
+evidently above sixty. After examining several witnesses as to the old
+man's ability and general health, and making calculations by the rule of
+three, with the cold accuracy of a yankee horse-bargain, it was decided
+that his services were worth to the plantation forty-eight dollars a
+years, and for the remaining time of the apprenticeship, consequently,
+at that rate, one hundred and fifty-six dollars. One third of this was
+deducted as an allowance for the probabilities of death, and sickness,
+leaving one hundred and four dollars as the price of his redemption. The
+old man objected strongly and earnestly to the price; he said, it was
+too much; he had not money enough to pay it; and begged them, with tears
+in his eyes, not to make him pay so much "for his old bones;" but they
+would not remit a cent. They could not. They were the stern ministers of
+the British emancipation law, the praises of which have been shouted
+through the earth!
+
+Of the three overseers who were present, not one could be called a
+respectable man. Their countenances were the mirrors of all lustful and
+desperate passions. They were continually drinking rum and water, and
+one of them was half drunk.
+
+Our next visit was to an elevated plantation called Peter's Rock. The
+path to it was, in one place, so steep, that we had to dismount and
+permit our horses to work their way up as they could, while we followed
+on foot. We then wound along among provision grounds and coffee fields,
+through forests where hardly a track was to be seen, and over hedges,
+which the horses were obliged to leap, till we issued on the great path
+which leads from the plantation to Kingston.
+
+Peter's Rock has one hundred apprentices, and is under the management,
+as Mr. Bourne informed us, of a very humane man. During the two years
+and a half of the apprenticeship, there had been _only six complaints_.
+As we approached the plantation we saw the apprentices at the side of
+the road, eating their breakfast. They had been at work some distance
+from their houses, and could not spend time to go home. They saluted us
+with great civility, most of them rising and uncovering their heads. In
+answer to our questions, they said they were getting along very well.
+They said their master was kind to them, and they appeared in
+fine spirits.
+
+The overseer met us as we rode up to the door, and received us very
+courteously. He had no complaints. He informed us that the plantation
+was as well cultivated as it had been for many years, and the people
+were perfectly obedient and industrious.
+
+From Peter's Rock we rode to "Hall's Prospect," a plantation on which
+there are sixty apprentices under the charge of a black overseer, who,
+two years ago, was a slave. It was five weeks since Mr. B. had been
+there, and yet he had only one complaint, and that against a woman for
+being late at work on Monday morning. The reason she gave for this was,
+that she went to an estate some miles distant to spend the Sabbath with
+her husband.
+
+Mr. Bourne, by the aid of funds left in his hands by Mr. Sturge, is
+about to establish a school on this plantation. Mr. B., at a previous
+visit, had informed the people of what he intended to do, and asked
+their co-operation. As soon as they saw him to-day, several of them
+immediately inquired about the school, when it would begin, &c. They
+showed the greatest eagerness and thankfulness. Mr. B. told them he
+should send a teacher as soon as a house was prepared. He had been
+talking with their master (the attorney of the plantation) about fixing
+one, who had offered them the old "lock-up house," if they would put it
+in order. There was a murmur among them at this annunciation. At length
+one of the men said, they did not want the school to be held in the
+"lock-up house." It was not a good place for their "pickaninnies" to go
+to. They had much rather have some other building, and would be glad to
+have it close to their houses. Mr. B. told them if they would put up a
+small house near their own, he would furnish it with desks and benches.
+To this they all assented with great joy.
+
+On our way home we saw, as we did on various other occasions, many of
+the apprentices with hoes, baskets, &c., going to their provision
+grounds. We had some conversation with them as we rode along. They said
+they had been in the fields picking coffee since half past five o'clock.
+They were now going, as they always did after "horn-blow" in the
+afternoon, (four o'clock,) to their grounds, where they should stay till
+dark. Some of their grounds were four, others six miles from home. They
+all liked the apprenticeship better than slavery. They were not flogged
+so much now, and had more time to themselves. But they should like
+freedom much better, and should be glad when it came.
+
+We met a brown young woman driving an ass laden with a great variety of
+articles. She said she had been to Kingston (fifteen miles off) with a
+load of provisions, and had purchased some things to sell to the
+apprentices. We asked her what she did with her money. "Give it to my
+husband," said she. "Do you keep none for yourself?" She smiled and
+replied: "What for him for me."
+
+After we had passed, Mr. B. informed us that she had been an apprentice,
+but purchased her freedom a few months previous, and was now engaged as
+a kind of country merchant. She purchases provisions of the negroes, and
+carries them to Kingston, where she exchanges them for pins, needles,
+thread, dry goods, and such articles as the apprentices need, which she
+again exchanges for provisions and money.
+
+Mr. Bourne informed us that real estate is much higher than before
+emancipation. He mentioned one "pen" which was purchased for eighteen
+hundred dollars a few years since. The owner had received nine hundred
+dollars as 'compensation' for freedom. It has lately been leased for
+seven years by the owner, for nine hundred dollars per year.
+
+A gentleman who owns a plantation in Mr. B.'s district, sold parcels of
+land to the negroes before emancipation at five shillings per acre. He
+now obtains twenty-seven shillings per acre.
+
+The house in which Mr. B. resides was rented in 1833 for one hundred and
+fifty dollars. Mr. B. engaged it on his arrival for three years, at two
+hundred and forty dollars per year. His landlord informed him a few days
+since, that on the expiration of his present lease, he should raise the
+rent to three hundred and thirty dollars.
+
+Mr. B. is acquainted with a gentleman of wealth, who has been
+endeavoring for the last twelve months to purchase an estate in this
+island. He has offered high prices, but has as yet been unable to obtain
+one. Landholders have so much confidence in the value and security of
+real estate, that they do not wish to part with it.
+
+After our visit to Silver Hill, our attention was particularly turned to
+the condition of the negro grounds. Most of them were very clean and
+flourishing. Large plats of the onion, of cocoa, plantain, banana, yam,
+potatoe, and other tropic vegetables, were scattered all around within
+five or six miles of a plantation. We were much pleased with the
+appearance of them during a ride on a Friday. In the forenoon, they had
+all been vacant; not a person was to be seen in them; but after one
+o'clock, they began gradually to be occupied, till, at the end of an
+hour, where-ever we went, we saw men, women, and children laboring
+industriously in their little gardens. In some places, the hills to
+their very summits were spotted with cultivation. Till Monday morning
+the apprentices were free, and they certainly manifested a strong
+disposition to spend that time in taking care of themselves. The
+testimony of the numerous apprentices with whom we conversed, was to the
+same effect as our observation. They all testified that they were paying
+as much attention to their grounds as they ever did, but that their
+provisions had been cut short by the drought. They had their land all
+prepared for a new crop, and were only waiting for rain to put in the
+seed. Mr. Bourne corroborated their statement, and remarked, that he
+never found the least difficulty in procuring laborers. Could he have
+the possession of the largest plantation in the island to-day, he had no
+doubt that, within a week, he could procure free laborers enough to
+cultivate every acre.
+
+On one occasion, while among the mountains, we were impressed on a jury
+to sit in inquest on the body of a negro woman found dead on the high
+road. She was, as appeared in evidence, on her return from the house of
+correction, at Half-Way-Tree, where she had been sentenced for fourteen
+days, and been put on the treadmill. She had complained to some of her
+acquaintances of harsh treatment there, and said they had killed her,
+and that if she ever lived to reach home, she should tell all her
+massa's negroes never to cross the threshold of Half-Way-Tree, as it
+would kill them. The evidence, however, was not clear that she died in
+consequence of such treatment, and the jury, accordingly, decided that
+she came to her death by some cause unknown to them.
+
+Nine of the jury were overseers, and if they, collected together
+indiscriminately on this occasion, were a specimen of those who have
+charge of the apprentices in this island, they must be most degraded and
+brutal men. They appeared more under the influence of low passions, more
+degraded by sensuality, and but little more intelligent, than the
+negroes themselves. Instead of possessing irresponsible power over their
+fellows, they ought themselves to be under the power of the most strict
+and energetic laws. Our visits to the plantations, and inquiries on this
+point, confirmed this opinion. They are the 'feculum' of European
+society--ignorant, passionate, licentious. We do them no injustice when
+we say this, nor when we further add, that the apprentices suffer in a
+hundred ways which the law cannot reach, gross insults and oppression
+from their excessive rapaciousness and lust. What must it have been
+during slavery?
+
+We had some conversation with Cheny Hamilton, Esq., one of the special
+magistrates for Port Royal. He is a colored man, and has held his office
+about eighteen months. There are three thousand apprentices in his
+district, which embraces sugar and coffee estates. The complaints are
+few and of a very trivial nature. They mostly originate with the
+planters. Most of the cases brought before him are for petty theft and
+absence from work.
+
+In his district, cultivation was never better. The negroes are willing
+to work during their own time. His father-in-law is clearing up some
+mountain land for a coffee plantation, by the labor of apprentices from
+neighboring estates. The seasons since emancipation have been bad. The
+blacks cultivate their own grounds on their half Fridays and Saturdays,
+unless they can obtain employment from others.
+
+Nothing is doing by the planters for the education of the apprentices.
+Their only object is to get as much work out of them as possible.
+
+The blacks, so far as he has had opportunity to observe, are in every
+respect as quiet and industrious as they were before freedom. He said if
+we would compare the character of the complaints brought by the
+overseers and apprentices against each other, we should see for
+ourselves which party was the most peaceable and law-abiding.
+
+To these views we may here add those of another gentleman, with whom we
+had considerable conversation about the same time. He is a proprietor
+and local magistrate, and was represented to us as a kind and humane
+man. Mr. Bourne stated to us that he had not had six cases of complaint
+on his plantation for the last twelve months. We give his most important
+statements in the following brief items:
+
+1. He has had charge of estates in Jamaica since 1804. At one time he
+had twelve hundred negroes under his control. He now owns a coffee
+plantation, on which there are one hundred and ten apprentices, and is
+also attorney for several others, the owners of which reside out of
+the island.
+
+2. His plantation is well cultivated and clean, and his people are as
+industrious and civil as they ever were. He employs them during their
+own time, and always finds them willing to work for him, unless their
+own grounds require their attendance. Cultivation generally, through the
+island, is as good as it ever was. Many of the planters, at the
+commencement of the apprenticeship, reduced the quantity of land
+cultivated; he did not do so, but on the contrary is extending his
+plantation.
+
+3. The crops this year are not so good as usual. This is no fault of the
+apprentices, but is owing to the bad season.
+
+4. The conduct of the apprentices depends very much on the conduct of
+those who have charge of them. If you find a plantation on which the
+overseer is kind, and does common justice to the laborer, you will find
+things going on well--if otherwise, the reverse. Those estates and
+plantations on which the proprietor himself resides, are most peaceable
+and prosperous.
+
+5. Real estate is more valuable than before emancipation. Property is
+more secure, and capitalists are more ready to invest their funds.
+
+6. The result of 1840 is as yet doubtful. For his part, he has no fears.
+He doubts not he can cultivate his plantation as easily after that
+period as before. He is confident he can do it cheaper. He thinks it not
+only likely, but certain, that many of the plantations on which the
+people have been ill used, while slaves and apprentices, will be
+abandoned by the present laborers, and that they will never be worked
+until overseers are put over them who, instead of doing all they can to
+harass them, will soothe and conciliate them. The apprenticeship has
+done much harm instead of good in the way of preparing the blacks to
+work after 1840.
+
+A few days after our return from the mountains, we rode to Spanishtown,
+which is about twelve miles west of Kingston. Spanishtown is the seat of
+government, containing the various buildings for the residence of the
+governor, the meeting of the legislature, the session of the courts, and
+rooms for the several officers of the crown. They are all strong and
+massive structures, but display little architectural magnificence
+or beauty.
+
+We spent nearly a day with Richard Hill, Esq., the secretary of the
+special magistrates' department, of whom we have already spoken. He is a
+colored gentleman, and in every respect the noblest man, white or black,
+whom we met in the West Indies. He is highly intelligent, and of fine
+moral feelings. His manners are free and unassuming, and his language in
+conversation fluent and well chosen. He is intimately acquainted with
+English and French authors, and has studied thoroughly the history and
+character of the people with whom the tie of color has connected him. He
+travelled two years in Hayti, and his letters, written in a flowing and
+luxuriant style, as a son of the tropics should write, giving an account
+of his observations and inquiries in that interesting island, were
+published extensively in England; and have been copied into the
+anti-slavery journals in this country. His journal will be given to the
+public as soon as his official duties will permit him to prepare it. He
+is at the head of the special magistrates, (of which there are sixty in
+the island,) and all the correspondence between them and the governor is
+carried on through him. The station he holds is a very important one,
+and the business connected with it is of a character and an extent that,
+were he not a man of superior abilities, he could not sustain. He is
+highly respected by the government in the island, and at home, and
+possesses the esteem of his fellow-citizens of all colors. He associates
+with persons of the highest rank, dining and attending parties at the
+government-house with all the aristocracy of Jamaica. We had the
+pleasure of spending an evening with him at the solicitor-general's.
+Though an African sun has burnt a deep tinge on him, he is truly one of
+nature's noblemen. His demeanor is such, so dignified, yet bland and
+amiable, that no one can help respecting him.
+
+He spoke in the warmest terms of Lord Sligo,[A] the predecessor of Sir
+Lionel Smith, who was driven from the island by the machinations of the
+planters and the enemies of the blacks. Lord Sligo was remarkable for
+his statistical accuracy. Reports were made to him by the special
+magistrates every week. No act of injustice or oppression could escape
+his indefatigable inquiries. He was accessible, and lent an open ear to
+the lowest person in the island. The planters left no means untried to
+remove him, and unhappily succeeded.
+
+[Footnote A: When Lord Sligo visited the United States in the summer of
+1836, he spoke with great respect of Mr. Hill to Elizur Wright, Esq.,
+Corresponding Secretary of the American Anti-Slavery Society. Mr. Wright
+has furnished us with the following statement:--"Just before his
+lordship left this city for England, he bore testimony to us
+substantially as follows:--'When I went to Jamaica, Mr. Hill was a
+special magistrate. In a certain case he refused to comply with my
+directions, differing from me in his interpretation of the law. I
+informed him that his continued non-compliance must result in his
+removal from office. He replied that his mind was made up as to the law,
+and he would not violate his reason to save his bread. Being satisfied
+of the correctness of my own interpretation, I was obliged, of course,
+to remove him; but I was so forcibly struck with his manly independence,
+that I applied to the government for power to employ him as my
+secretary, which was granted. And having had him as an _intimate of my
+family_ for several months, I can most cordially bear my testimony to
+his trustworthiness, ability, and gentlemanly deportment.' Lord Sligo
+also added, that Mr. Hill was treated in his family in all respects as
+if he had not been colored, and that with no gentleman in the West
+Indies was he, in social life, on terms of more intimate friendship."]
+
+The following items contain the principal information received from Mr.
+Hill:
+
+1. The apprenticeship is a most vicious system, full of blunders and
+absurdities, and directly calculated to set master and slave at war.
+
+2. The complaints against the apprentices are decreasing every month,
+_except, perhaps, complaints against mothers for absence from work,
+which he thinks are increasing_. The apprenticeship _law_ makes no
+provision for the free children, and on most of the plantations and
+estates no allowance is given them, but they are thrown entirely for
+support on their parents, who are obliged to work the most and best part
+of their time for their masters unrewarded. The nurseries are broken up,
+and frequently the mothers are obliged to work in the fields with their
+infants at their backs, or else to leave them at some distance under the
+shade of a hedge or tree. Every year is making their condition worse and
+worse. The number of children is increasing, and yet the mothers are
+required, after their youngest child has attained the age of a few
+weeks, to be at work the same number of hours as the men. Very little
+time is given them to take care of their household. When they are tardy
+they are brought before the magistrate.
+
+A woman was brought before Mr. Hill a few days before we were there,
+charged with not being in the field till one hour after the rest of the
+gang. She had twins, and appeared before him with a child hanging on
+each arm. What an eloquent defence! He dismissed the complaint.
+
+He mentioned another case, of a woman whose master resided in
+Spanishtown, but who was hired out by him to some person in the country.
+Her child became sick, but her employer refused any assistance. With it
+in her arms, she entreated aid of her master. The monster drove her and
+her dying little one into the street at night, and she sought shelter
+with Mr. Hill, where her child expired before morning. For such horrid
+cruelty as this, the apprenticeship law provides no remedy. The woman
+had no claim for the support of her child, on the man who was receiving
+the wages of her daily toil. That child was not worth a farthing to him,
+because it was no longer his _chattel_; and while the law gives him
+power to rob the mother, it has no compulsion to make him support
+the child.
+
+3. The complaints are generally of the most trivial and frivolous
+nature. They are mostly against mothers for neglect of duty, and vague
+charges of insolence. There is no provision in the law to prevent the
+master from using abusive language to the apprentice; any insult short
+of a blow, he is free to commit; but the slightest word of incivility, a
+look, smile, or grin, is punished in the apprentice, even though it
+were provoked.
+
+4. There is still much flogging by the overseers. Last week a girl came
+to Mr. H. terribly scarred and "slashed," and complained that her master
+had beaten her. It appeared that this was the _seventh offence_, for
+neither of which she could obtain a hearing from the special magistrate
+in her district. While Mr. H. was relating to me this fact, a girl came
+in with a little babe in her arms. He called my attention to a large
+bruise near her eye. He said her master knocked her down a few days
+since, and made that wound by kicking her.
+
+Frequently when complaints of insolence are made, on investigation, it
+is found that the offence was the result of a quarrel commenced by the
+master, during which he either cuffed or kicked the offender.
+
+The special magistrates also frequently resort to flogging. Many of
+them, as has been mentioned already, have been connected with the army
+or navy, where corporal punishment is practised and flogging is not only
+in consonance with their feelings and habits, but is a punishment more
+briefly inflicted and more grateful to the planters, as it does not
+deprive them of the apprentice's time.
+
+5. Mr. H. says that the apprentices who have purchased their freedom
+behave well. He has not known one of them to be brought before
+the police.
+
+6. Many of the special magistrates require much looking after. Their
+salaries are not sufficient to support them independently. Some of them
+leave their homes on Monday morning, and make the whole circuit of their
+district before returning, living and lodging meanwhile, _free of
+expense_, with the planters. If they are not inclined to listen to the
+complaints of the apprentices, they soon find that the apprentices are
+not inclined to make complaints to them, and that they consequently have
+much more leisure time, and get through their district much easier. Of
+the sixty magistrates in Jamaica, but few can be said to discharge their
+duties faithfully. The governor is often required to interfere. A few
+weeks since he discharged two magistrates for putting iron collars on
+two women, in direct violation of the law, and then sending him
+false reports.
+
+7. The negro grounds are often at a great distance, five or six miles,
+and some of them fifteen miles, from the plantation. Of course much
+time, which would otherwise be spent in cultivating them, is necessarily
+consumed in going to them and returning. Yet for all that, and though in
+many cases the planters have withdrawn the watchmen who used to protect
+them, and have left them entirely exposed to thieves and cattle, they
+are generally well cultivated--on the whole, better than during slavery.
+When there is inattention to them, it is caused either by some planters
+hiring them during their own time, or because their master permits his
+cattle to trespass on them, and the people feel an insecurity. When you
+find a kind planter, in whom the apprentices have confidence, there you
+will find beautiful gardens. In not a few instances, where the overseer
+is particularly harsh and cruel, the negroes have thrown up their old
+grounds, and taken new ones on other plantations, where the overseer is
+better liked, or gone into the depths of the mountain forests, where no
+human foot has been before them, and there cleared up small plats. This
+was also done to some extent during slavery. Many of the people, against
+whom the planters are declaiming as lazy and worthless, have rich
+grounds of which those planters little dream.
+
+8. There is no feeling of insecurity, either of life or property. One
+may travel through the whole island without the least fear of violence.
+If there is any danger, it is from the _emigrants_, who have been guilty
+of several outrages. So far from the planters fearing violence from the
+apprentices, when an assault or theft is committed, they refer it,
+almost as a matter of course, to some one else. A few weeks ago one of
+the island mails was robbed. As soon as it became known, it was at once
+said, "Some of those villanous emigrants did it," and so indeed
+it proved.
+
+People in the country, in the midst of the mountains, where the whites
+are few and isolated, sleep with their doors and windows open, without a
+thought of being molested. In the towns there are no watchmen, and but a
+small police, and yet the streets are quiet and property safe.
+
+9. The apprentices understand the great provisions of the new system,
+such as the number of hours they must work for their master, and that
+their masters have no right to flog them, &c., but its details are
+inexplicable mysteries. The masters have done much injury by deceiving
+them on points of which they were ignorant.
+
+10. The apprentices almost to a man are ready to work for wages during
+their own time. When the overseer is severe towards them, they prefer
+working on other plantations, even for less wages, as is very natural.
+
+11. Almost all the evils of the apprenticeship arise from the obstinacy
+and oppressive conduct of the overseers. They are constantly taking
+advantage of the defects of the system, which are many, and while they
+demand to the last grain's weight "the pound of flesh," they are utterly
+unwilling to yield the requirements which the law makes of them. Where
+you find an overseer endeavoring in every way to overreach the
+apprentices, taking away the privileges which they enjoyed during
+slavery, and exacting from them the utmost minute and mite of labor,
+there you will find abundant complaints both against the master and the
+apprentice. And the reverse. The cruel overseers are complaining of
+idleness, insubordination, and ruin, while the kind master is moving on
+peaceably and prosperously.
+
+12. The domestic apprentices have either one day, or fifty cents cash,
+each week, as an allowance for food and clothing. This is quite
+insufficient. Many of the females seem obliged to resort to theft or to
+prostitution to obtain a support. Two girls were brought before Mr. Hill
+while we were with him, charged with neglect of duty and night-walking.
+One of them said her allowance was too small, and she must get food in
+some other way or starve.
+
+13. The apprentices on many plantations have been deprived of several
+privileges which they enjoyed under the old system. Nurseries have been
+abolished, water-carriers have been taken away, keeping stock is
+restricted, if not entirely forbidden, watchmen are no longer provided
+to guard the negro grounds, &c.--petty aggressions in our eyes, perhaps,
+but severe to them. Another instance is still more hard. By the custom
+of slavery, women who had reared up seven children were permitted to
+"sit down," as it was termed; that is, were not obliged to go into the
+field to work. Now no such distinction is made, but all are driven into
+the field.
+
+14. One reason why the crops were smaller in 1835 and 1836 than in
+former years, was, that the planters in the preceding seasons, either
+fearful that the negroes would not take off the crops after
+emancipation, and acting on their baseless predictions instead of facts,
+or determined to make the results of emancipation appear as disastrous
+as possible, neglected to put in the usual amount of cane, and to clean
+the coffee fields. As they refused to sow, of course they could
+not reap.
+
+15. The complaints against the apprentices generally are becoming fewer
+every week, but the complaints against the masters are increasing both
+in number and severity. One reason of this is, that the apprentices, on
+the one hand, are becoming better acquainted with the new system, and
+therefore better able to avoid a violation of its provisions, and are
+also learning that they cannot violate these provisions with impunity;
+and, on the other hand, they are gaining courage to complain against
+their masters, to whom they have hitherto been subjected by a fear
+created by the whips and dungeons, and nameless tortures of slavery.
+Another reason is, that the masters, as the term of the apprenticeship
+shortens, and the end of their authority approaches nearer, are pressing
+their poor victims harder and harder, determined to extort from them all
+they can, before complete emancipation rescues them for ever from
+their grasp.
+
+While we were in conversation with Mr. Hill, Mr. Ramsay, one of the
+special magistrates for this parish, called in. He is a native of
+Jamaica, and has been educated under all the influences of West India
+society, but has held fast his integrity, and is considered the firm
+friend of the apprentices. He confirmed every fact and opinion which Mr.
+Hill had given. He was even stronger than Mr. H. in his expressions of
+disapprobation of the apprenticeship.
+
+The day which we spent with Mr. Hill was one of those on which he holds
+a special justice's court. There were only three cases of complaint
+brought before him.
+
+The first was brought by a woman, attended by her husband, against her
+servant girl, for "impertinence and insubordination." She took the oath
+and commenced her testimony with an abundance of vague charges. "She is
+the most insolent girl I ever saw. She'll do nothing that she is told to
+do--she never thinks of minding what is said to her--she is sulky and
+saucy," etc. Mr. H. told her she must be specific--he could not convict
+the girl on such general charges--some particular acts must be proved.
+
+She became specific. Her charges were as follows:
+
+1. On the previous Thursday the defendant was plaiting a shirt. The
+complainant went up to her and asked her why she did not plait it as she
+ought, and not hold it in her hand as she did. Defendant replied, that
+it was easier, and she preferred that way to the other. The complainant
+remonstrated, but, despite all she could say, the obstinate girl
+persisted, and did it as she chose. The complainant granted that the
+work was done well, only it was not done in the way she desired.
+
+2. The same day she ordered the defendant to wipe up some tracks in the
+hall. She did so. While she was doing it, the mistress told her the room
+was very dusty, and reproved her for it. The girl replied, "Is it
+morning?" (It is customary to clean the rooms early in the morning, and
+the girl made this reply late in the afternoon, when sufficient time had
+elapsed for the room to become dusty again.)
+
+3. The girl did not wash a cloth clean which the complainant gave her,
+and the complainant was obliged to wash it herself.
+
+4. Several times when the complainant and her daughter have been
+conversing together, this girl had burst into laughter--whether at them
+or their conversation, complainant did not know.
+
+5. When the complainant has reproved the defendant for not doing her
+work well, she has replied, "Can't you let me alone to my work, and not
+worry my life out."
+
+A black man, a constable on the same property, was brought up to confirm
+the charges. He knew nothing about the case, only that he often heard
+the parties quarrelling, and sometimes had told the girl not to say any
+thing, as she knew what her mistress was.
+
+It appeared in the course of the evidence, that the complainant and her
+husband had both been in the habit of speaking disrespectfully of the
+special magistrate, stationed in their district, and that many of the
+contentions arose out of that, as the girl sometimes defended him.
+
+While the accused was making her defence, which she did in a modest way,
+her mistress was highly enraged, and interrupted her several times, by
+calling her a liar and a jade. The magistrate was two or three times
+obliged to reprove her, and command her to be silent, and, so passionate
+did she become, that her husband, ashamed of her, put his hand on her
+shoulder, and entreated her to be calm.
+
+Mr. Hill dismissed the complaint by giving some good advice to both
+parties, much to the annoyance of the mistress.
+
+The second complaint was brought by a man against a servant girl, for
+disobedience of orders, and insolence. It appears that she was ordered,
+at ten o'clock at night, to do some work. She was just leaving the house
+to call on some friends, as she said, and refused. On being told by her
+mistress that she only wanted to go out for bad purposes, she replied,
+that "It was no matter--the allowance they gave her was not sufficient
+to support her, and if they would not give her more, she must get a
+living any way she could, so she did not steal." She was sentenced to
+the house of correction for one week.
+
+The third case was a complaint against a boy for taking every alternate
+Friday and Saturday, instead of every Saturday, for allowance. He was
+ordered to take every Saturday, or to receive in lieu of it half
+a dollar.
+
+Mr. Hill said these were a fair specimen of the character of the
+complaints that came before him. We were much pleased with the manner in
+which he presided in his court, the ease, dignity, and impartiality
+which he exhibited, and the respect which was shown him by all parties.
+
+In company with Mr. Hill, we called on Rev. Mr. Phillips, the Baptist
+missionary, stationed at Spanishtown. Mr. P. has been in the island
+thirteen years. He regards the apprenticeship as a great amelioration of
+the old system of slavery, but as coming far short of the full
+privileges and rights of freedom, and of what it was expected to be. It
+is beneficial to the missionaries, as it gives them access to the
+plantations, while before, in many instances, they were entirely
+excluded from them, and in all cases were much shackled in their
+operations.
+
+Mr. P. has enlarged his chapel within the last fifteen months, so that
+it admits several hundreds more than formerly. But it is now too small.
+The apprentices are much more anxious to receive religious instruction,
+and much more open to conviction, than when slaves. He finds a great
+difference now on different plantations. Where severity is used, as it
+still is on many estates, and the new system is moulded as nearly as
+possible on the old, the minds of the apprentices are apparently closed
+against all impressions,--but where they are treated with kindness, they
+are warm in their affections, and solicitous to be taught.
+
+In connection with his church, Mr. P. has charge of a large school. The
+number present, when we visited it, was about two hundred. There was, to
+say the least, as much manifestation of intellect and sprightliness as
+we ever saw in white pupils of the same age. Most of the children were
+slaves previous to 1834, and their parents are still apprentices.
+Several were pointed out to us who were not yet free, and attend only by
+permission, sometimes purchased, of their master. The greater part live
+from three to five miles distant. Mr. P. says he finds no lack of
+interest among the apprentices about education. He can find scholars for
+as many schools as he can establish, if he keeps himself unconnected
+with the planters. The apprentices are opposed to all schools
+established by, or in any way allied to, their masters.
+
+Mr. P. says the planters are doing nothing to prepare the apprentices
+for freedom in 1840. They do not regard the apprenticeship as
+intermediate time for preparation, but as part of the _compensation_.
+Every day is counted, not as worth so much for education and moral
+instruction, but as worth so much for digging cane-holes, and clearing
+coffee fields.
+
+Mr. P.'s church escaped destruction during the persecution of the
+Baptists. The wives and connections of many of the colored soldiers had
+taken refuge in it, and had given out word that they would defend it
+even against their own husbands and brothers, who in turn informed their
+officers that if ordered to destroy it, they should refuse at all peril.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+RESULTS OF ABOLITION.
+
+The actual working of the apprenticeship in Jamaica, was the specific
+object of our investigations in that island. That it had not operated so
+happily as in Barbadoes, and in most of the other colonies, was admitted
+by all parties. As to the _degree_ of its failure, we were satisfied it
+was not so great as had been represented. There has been nothing of an
+_insurrectionary_ character since the abolition of slavery. The affair
+on Thornton's estate, of which an account is given in the preceding
+chapter, is the most serious disturbance which has occurred during the
+apprenticeship. The _fear_ of insurrection is as effectually dead in
+Jamaica, as in Barbadoes--so long as the apprenticeship lasts. There has
+been no _increase of crime_. The character of the negro population has
+been gradually improving in morals and intelligence. Marriage has
+increased, the Sabbath is more generally observed, and religious worship
+is better attended. Again, the apprentices of Jamaica have not
+manifested any peculiar _defiance of law_. The most illiberal
+magistrates testified that the people respected the law, when they
+understood it. As it respects the _industry_ of the apprentices, there
+are different opinions among the _planters_ themselves. Some admitted
+that they were as industrious as before, and did as much work _in
+proportion to the time they were employed_. Others complained that they
+_lacked the power_ to compel industry, and that hence there was a
+falling off of work. The prominent evils complained of in Jamaica are,
+absconding from work, and insolence to masters. From the statements in
+the preceding chapter, it may be inferred that many things are called by
+these names, and severely punished, which are really innocent or
+unavoidable; however, it would not be wonderful if there were numerous
+instances of both. Insolence is the legitimate fruit of the
+apprenticeship, which holds out to the apprentice, that he possesses the
+rights of a man, and still authorizes the master to treat him as though
+he were little better than a dog. The result must often be that the
+apprentice will repay insult with insolence. This will continue to exist
+until either the former system of _absolute force_ is restored, or a
+system of free compensated labor, with its powerful checks and balances
+on both parties, is substituted. The prevalence and causes of the other
+offence--absconding from labor--will be noticed hereafter.
+
+The atrocities which are practised by the masters and magistrates, are
+appalling enough. It is probable that the actual condition of the
+negroes in Jamaica, is but little if any better than it was during
+slavery. The amount of punishment inflicted by the special magistrates,
+cannot fall much short of that usually perpetrated by the drivers. In
+addition to this, the apprentices are robbed of the _time_ allowed them
+by law, at the will of the magistrate, who often deprives them of it on
+the slightest complaint of the overseer. The situation of the _free
+children_[A] is often very deplorable. The master feels none of that
+interest in them which he formerly felt in the children that were his
+property, and consequently, makes no provision for them. They are thrown
+entirely upon their parents, who are _unable_ to take proper care of
+them, from the almost constant demands which the master makes upon their
+time. The condition of pregnant women, and nursing mothers, is
+_decidedly worse_ than it was during slavery. The privileges which the
+planter felt it for his interest to grant these formerly, for _the sake
+of their children_, are now withheld. The former are exposed to the
+inclemencies of the weather, and the hardships of toil--the latter are
+cruelly dragged away from their infants, that the master may not lose
+the smallest portion of time,--and _both_ are liable at any moment to be
+incarcerated in the dungeon, or strung up on the treadwheel. In
+consequence of the cruelties which are practised, the apprentices are in
+a _disaffected state_ throughout the island.
+
+[Footnote A: All children under _six years_ of age at the time of
+abolition, were made entirely free.]
+
+In assigning the causes of the ill-working of the apprenticeship in
+Jamaica, we would say in the commencement, that nearly all of them are
+embodied in the intrinsic defects of the system itself. These defects
+have been exposed in a former chapter, and we need not repeat them here.
+The reason why the system has not produced as much mischief in all the
+colonies as it has in Jamaica, is that the local circumstances in the
+other islands were not so adapted to develop its legitimate results.
+
+It is not without the most careful investigation of facts, that we have
+allowed ourselves to entertain the views which we are now about to
+express, respecting the conduct of the planters and special
+justices--for it is to _them_ that we must ascribe the evils which exist
+in Jamaica. We cheerfully accede to them all of palliation which may be
+found in the provocations incident to the wretched system of
+apprenticeship.
+
+The causes of the difficulties rest chiefly with the _planters_. They
+were _originally_ implicated, and by their wily schemes they soon
+involved the special magistrates. The Jamaica planters, as a body,
+always violently opposed the abolition of slavery. Unlike the planters
+in most of the colonies, they cherished their hostility _after the act
+of abolition_. It would seem that they had agreed with one accord, never
+to become reconciled to the measures of the English government, and had
+sworn eternal hostility to every scheme of emancipation. Whether this
+resulted most from love for slavery or hatred of English interference,
+it is difficult to determine. If we were to believe the planters
+themselves, who are of the opposition, we should conclude that they were
+far from being in favor of slavery--that they were "as much opposed to
+slavery, as any one can be[A]." Notwithstanding this avowal, the
+tenacity with which the planters cling to the remnant of their power,
+shows an affection for it, of the strength of which they are not
+probably themselves aware.
+
+[Footnote A: It seems to be the order of the day, with the opposition
+party in Jamaica, to disclaim all friendship with slavery. We noticed
+several instances of this in the island papers, which have been most
+hostile to abolition. We quote the following sample from the Royal
+Gazette, (Kingston) for May 6, 1837. The editor, in an article
+respecting Cuba, says:
+
+    "In writing this, one chief object is to arouse the attention of our
+    own fellow-subjects, in this colony, to the situation--the dangerous
+    situation--in which they stand, and to implore them to lend all
+    their energies to avert the ruin that is likely to visit them,
+    should America get the domination of Cuba.
+
+    The negroes of this and of all the British W.I. colonies have been
+    '_emancipated_.' Cuba on the other hand is still a _slave country_.
+    (Let not our readers imagine for one moment that we advocate the
+    _continuance of slavery_,") &c.
+]
+
+When public men have endeavored to be faithful and upright, they have
+uniformly been abused, and even persecuted, by the planters. The
+following facts will show that the latter have not scrupled to resort to
+the most dishonest and unmanly intrigues to effect the removal or to
+circumvent the influence of such men. Neglect, ridicule, vulgar abuse,
+slander, threats, intimidation, misrepresentation, and legal
+prosecutions, have been the mildest weapons employed against those who
+in the discharge of their sworn duties dared to befriend the oppressed.
+
+The shameful treatment of the late governor, Lord Sligo, illustrates
+this. His Lordship was appointed to the government about the period of
+abolition. Being himself a proprietor of estates in the island, and
+formerly chairman of the West India Body, he was received at first with
+the greatest cordiality; but it was soon perceived that he was disposed
+to secure justice to the apprentices. From the accounts we received, we
+have been led to entertain an exalted opinion of his integrity and
+friendship for the poor. It was his custom (unprecedented in the West
+Indies,) to give a patient hearing to the poorest negro who might carry
+his grievances to the government-house. After hearing the complaint, he
+would despatch an order to the special magistrate of the district in
+which the complainant lived, directing him to inquire into the case. By
+this means he kept the magistrates employed, and secured redress to the
+apprentices to many cases where they would otherwise have bean
+neglected.
+
+The governor soon rendered himself exceedingly obnoxious to the
+planters, and they began to manoeuvre for his removal, which, in a short
+time, was effected by a most flagitious procedure. The home government,
+disposed to humor their unruly colony, sent them a governor in whom they
+are not likely to find any fault. The present governor, Sir Lionel
+Smith, is the antipode of his predecessor in every worthy respect. When
+the apprentices come to him with their complaints, he sends them back
+unheard, with curses on their heads. A distinguished gentleman in the
+colony remarked of him that he _was a heartless military chieftain, who
+ruled without regard to mercy_. Of course the planters are full of his
+praise. His late tour of the island was a _triumphal procession_, amid
+the sycophantic greetings of oppressors.
+
+Several special magistrates have been suspended because of the faithful
+discharge of their duties. Among these was Dr. Palmer, an independent
+and courageous man. Repeated complaints were urged against him by the
+planters, until finally Sir Lionel Smith appointed a commission to
+inquire into the grounds of the difficulty.
+
+"This commission consisted of two local magistrates, both of them
+planters or managers of estates, and two stipendiary magistrates, the
+bias of one of whom, at least, was believed to be against Dr. Palmer. At
+the conclusion of their inquiry they summed up their report by saying
+that Dr. Palmer had administered the abolition law in the spirit of the
+English abolition act, and in his administration of the law he had
+adapted it more to the comprehension of freemen than to the
+understandings of apprenticed laborers. Not only did Sir Lionel Smith
+suspend Dr. Palmer on this report, but the colonial office at home have
+dismissed him from his situation."
+
+The following facts respecting the persecution of Special Justice
+Bourne, illustrate the same thing.
+
+    "A book-keeper of the name of Maclean, on the estate of the Rev. M.
+    Hamilton, an Irish clergyman, committed a brutal assault upon an old
+    African. The attorney on the property refused to hear the complaint
+    of the negro, who went to Stephen Bourne, a special magistrate. When
+    Maclean was brought before him, he did not deny the fact; but said
+    as the old man was not a Christian, his oath could not be taken! The
+    magistrate not being able to ascertain the amount of injury
+    inflicted upon the negro (whose head was dreadfully cut,) but
+    feeling that it was a case which required a greater penalty than
+    three pounds sterling, the amount of punishment to which he was
+    limited by the local acts, detained Maclean, and afterwards
+    committed him to jail, and wrote the next day to the chief justice
+    upon the subject. He was discharged as soon as a doctor's
+    certificate was procured of the state of the wounded man, and bail
+    was given for his appearance at the assizes. Maclean's trial came on
+    at the assizes, and he was found guilty by a Jamaica Jury; he was
+    severely reprimanded for his inhuman conduct and fined thirty
+    pounds. The poor apprentice however got no remuneration for the
+    severe injury inflicted upon him, and the special justice was
+    prosecuted for false imprisonment, dragged from court to court,
+    represented as an oppressor and a tyrant, subjected to four hundred
+    pounds expenses in defending himself, and actually had judgment
+    given against him for one hundred and fifty pounds damages.
+
+    Thus have the planters succeeded in pulling down every magistrate
+    who ventures to do more than fine them three pounds sterling for any
+    act of cruelty of which they may be guilty. On the other hand, there
+    were two magistrates who were lately dismissed, through, I believe,
+    the representation of Lord Sligo, for flagrant violations of the law
+    in inflicting punishment; and in order to evince their sympathy for
+    those men, the planters gave them a farewell dinner, and had
+    actually set on foot a subscription, as a tribute of gratitude for
+    their "Impartial" conduct in administering the laws, as special
+    justices. Thus were two men, notoriously guilty of violations of law
+    and humanity, publicly encouraged and protected, while Stephen
+    Bourne, who according to the testimony of the present and late
+    attorney-general had acted not only justly but _legally_, was
+    suffering every species of persecution and indignity for so doing."
+
+Probably nothing could demonstrate the meanness of the artifices to
+which the planters resort to get rid of troublesome magistrates better
+than the following fact. When the present governor, in making his tour
+of the island, came into St. Thomas in the East, some of the planters of
+Manchioneal district hired a negro constable on one of the estates to go
+to the governor and complain to him that Mr. Chamberlain encouraged the
+apprentices to be disorderly and idle. The negro went accordingly, but
+like another Balaam, he prophesied _against his employers_. He stated to
+the governor that the apprentices on the estate where he lived were lazy
+and wouldn't do right, _but he declared that it was not Mr. C.'s fault,
+for that he was not allowed to come on the estate!_
+
+Having given such an unfavorable description of the mass of planters, it
+is but just to add that there are a few honorable exceptions. There are
+some attorneys and overseers, who if they dared to face the allied
+powers of oppression, would act a noble part. But they are trammelled by
+an overpowering public sentiment, and are induced to fall in very much
+with the prevailing practices. One of this class, an attorney of
+considerable influence, declined giving us his views in writing, stating
+that his situation and the state of public sentiment must be his
+apology. An overseer who was disposed to manifest the most liberal
+bearing towards his apprentices, and who had directions from the
+absentee proprietor to that effect, was yet effectually prevented by his
+attorney, who having several other estates under his charge, was fearful
+of losing them, if he did not maintain the same severe discipline
+on all.
+
+The special magistrates are also deeply implicated in causing the
+difficulties existing under the apprenticeship. They are incessantly
+exposed to multiplied and powerful temptations. The persecution which
+they are sure to incur by a faithful discharge of their duties, has
+already been noticed. It would require men of unusual sternness of
+principle to face so fierce an array. Instead of being _independent_ of
+the planters, their situation is in every respect totally the reverse.
+Instead of having a central office or station-house to hold their courts
+at, as is the case in Barbadoes, they are required to visit each estate
+in their districts. They have a circuit from forty to sixty miles to
+compass every fortnight, or in some cases three times every month. On
+these tours they are absolutely dependent upon the hospitality of the
+planters. None but men of the "sterner stuff" could escape, (to use the
+negro's phrase) _being poisoned by massa's turtle soup._ The _character_
+of the men who are acting as magistrates is thus described by a colonial
+magistrate of high standing and experience.
+
+"The special magistracy department is filled with the most worthless
+men, both domestic and imported. It was a necessary qualification of the
+former to possess no property; hence the most worthless vagabonds on the
+island were appointed. The latter were worn out officers and dissipated
+rakes, whom the English government sent off here in order to get rid of
+them." As a specimen of the latter kind, this gentleman mentioned one
+(special Justice Light) who died lately from excessive dissipation. He
+was constantly drunk, and the only way in which to get him to do any
+business was to take him on to an estate in the evening so that he might
+sleep off his intoxication, and then the business was brought before him
+early the next morning, before he had time to get to his cups.
+
+It is well known that many of the special magistrates are totally
+unprincipled men, monsters of cruelty, lust, and despotism. As a result
+of natural character in many cases, and of dependence upon planters in
+many more, the great mass of the special justices are a disgrace to
+their office, and to the government which commissioned them. Out of
+sixty, the number of special justices in Jamaica, there are not more
+than fifteen, or twenty at farthest, who are not the merest tools of the
+attorneys and overseers. Their servility was graphically hit off by the
+apprentice. "If busha say flog em, he flog em; if busha say send them to
+the treadmill, he send em." If an apprentice laughs or sings, and the
+busha represents it to the magistrate as insolence, he _feels it his
+duty_ to make an example of the offender!
+
+The following fact will illustrate the injustice of the magistrates. It
+was stated in writing by a missionary. We conceal all names, in
+compliance with the request of the writer. "An apprentice belonging to
+---- in the ---- was sent to the treadmill by special justice G. He was
+ordered to go out and count the sheep, as he was able to count higher
+than some of the field people, although a house servant from his
+youth--I may say childhood. Instead of bringing in the tally cut upon a
+piece of board, as usual, he wrote the number eighty upon a piece of
+paper. When the overseer saw it, he would scarcely believe that any of
+his people could write, and ordered a piece of coal to be brought and
+made him write it over again; the next day he turned him into the field,
+but unable to perform the task (to hoe and weed one hundred coffee roots
+daily) with those who had been accustomed to field work all their lives,
+he was tried for neglect of duty, and sentenced to fourteen days on the
+treadmill!"
+
+We quote the following heart-rending account from the Telegraph,
+(Spanishtown,) April 28, 1837. It is from a Baptist missionary.
+
+    "I see something is doing in England to shorten the apprenticeship
+    system. I pray God it may soon follow its predecessor--slavery, for
+    it is indeed slavery under a less disgusting name. Business lately
+    (December 23) called me to Rodney Hall; and while I was there, a
+    poor old negro was brought in for punishment. I heard the fearful
+    vociferation, 'twenty stripes.' 'Very well; here ----, put this man
+    down.' I felt as I cannot describe; yet I thought, as the supervisor
+    was disposed to be civil, my presence might tend to make the
+    punishment less severe than it usually is--but I was disappointed. I
+    inquired into the crime for which such an old man could be so
+    severely punished, and heard various accounts. I wrote to the
+    magistrate who sentenced him to receive it; and after many days I
+    got the following reply."
+
+    "_Logan Castle, Jan. 9, 1836._
+
+    Sir--In answer to your note of the 4th instant, I beg leave to
+    state, that ---- ----, an apprentice belonging to ---- ----, was
+    brought before me by Mr. ----, his late overseer, charged upon oath
+    with continual neglect of duty and disobedience of orders as
+    cattle-man, and also for stealing milk--was convicted, and sentenced
+    to receive twenty stripes. So far from the punishment of the
+    offender being severe, he was not ordered one half the number of
+    stripes provided for such cases by the abolition act--if he received
+    more than that number, or if those were inflicted with undue
+    severity, I shall feel happy in making every inquiry amongst the
+    authorities at Rodney Hall institution.
+
+    I remain, sir, yours, truly,
+
+    T.W. JONES, S.M."
+
+'Rev. J. Clarke, &c., &c.'
+
+From Mr. Clarke's reply, we make the following extract:
+
+    "_Jericho, January 19, 1836._
+
+    Sir--I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th
+    instant.
+
+    Respecting the punishment of ---- ----, I still adhere to the
+    opinion I before expressed, that, for an old man of about sixty
+    years of age, the punishment was severe. To see a venerable old man
+    tied as if to be broken on the wheel, and cut to the bone by the
+    lash of an athletic driver--writhing and yelling under the most
+    exquisite torture, were certainly circumstances sufficiently strong
+    to touch the heart of any one possessed of the smallest degree of
+    common humanity. The usual preparations being made, the old man
+    quietly stripped off his upper garments, and lay down upon the
+    board--he was then tied by his legs, middle, above the elbows, and
+    at each wrist. Mr. ---- then called out to the driver, 'I hope you
+    will do your duty--he is not sent here for nothing.' At the first
+    lash the skin started up; and at the third, the blood began to flow;
+    ere the driver had given ten, the cat was covered with gore; and he
+    stopped to change it for a dry one, which appeared to me somewhat
+    longer than the first. When the poor tortured creature had received
+    sixteen, his violent struggles enabled him to get one of his hands
+    loose, which he put instantly to his back--the driver stopped to
+    retie him, and then proceeded to give the remaining four. The
+    struggles of the poor old man from the first lash bespoke the most
+    extreme torture; and his cries were to me most distressing. 'Oh! oh!
+    mercy! mercy! mercy! oh! massa! massa! dat enough--enough! oh,
+    enough! O, massa, have pity! O, massa! massa! dat enough--enough!
+    Oh, never do de like again--only pity me--forgive me dis once! oh!
+    pity! mercy! mercy! oh! oh!' were the cries he perpetually uttered.
+    I shall remember them while I live; and would not for ten thousand
+    worlds have been the cause of producing them. It was some minutes
+    after he was loosed ere he could rise to his feet, and as he
+    attempted to rise, he continued calling out, 'My back! oh! my back!
+    my back is broken.' A long time he remained half-doubled, the blood
+    flowing round his body; 'I serve my master,' said the aged sufferer,
+    'at all times; get no Saturday, no Sunday; yet this is de way
+    dem use me.'
+
+    With such planters, and such magistrates to play into their hands,
+    is it to be wondered at that the apprentices do badly? Enough has
+    been said, we think, to satisfy any candid person as to the _causes
+    of the evils in Jamaica_. If any thing further were needed, we might
+    speak of the peculiar facilities which these men have for
+    perpetrating acts of cruelty and injustice. The major part of the
+    island is exceedingly mountainous, and a large portion of the sugar
+    estates, and most of the coffee plantations, are among the
+    mountains. These estates are scattered over a wide extent of
+    country, and separated by dense forests and mountains, which conceal
+    each plantation from the public view almost as effectually as though
+    it were the only property on the island. The only mode of access to
+    many of the estates in the mountainous districts, is by mule paths
+    winding about, amid fastnesses, precipices, and frightful solitudes.
+    In those lone retirements, on the mountain top, or in the deep glen
+    by the side of the rocky rivers, the traveller occasionally meets
+    with an estate. Strangers but rarely intrude upon those little
+    domains. They are left to the solitary sway of the overseers
+    dwelling amid their "gangs," and undisturbed, save by the weekly
+    visitations of the special magistrates. While the traveller is
+    struck with the facilities for the perpetration of those enormities
+    which must have existed there during slavery; he is painfully
+    impressed also with the numerous opportunities which are still
+    afforded for oppressing the apprentices, particularly where the
+    special magistrates are not honest men.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: From the nature of the case, it must be impossible to know
+how much actual flogging is perpetrated by the overseers. We might
+safely conjecture that there must be a vast deal of it that never comes
+to the light. Such is the decided belief of many of the first men in the
+island. The planters, say they, flog their apprentices, and then, to
+prevent their complaining to the magistrate, threaten them with severe
+punishment, or bribe them to silence by giving them a few shillings. The
+attorney-general mentioned an instance of the latter policy. A planter
+got angry with one of his head men, who was a constable, and knocked him
+down. The man started off to complain to the special magistrate. The
+master called him back, and told him he need not go to the
+magistrate--that he was constable, and had a right to fine him himself.
+"Well, massa," said the negro, "I fine you five shillings on de spot."
+The master was glad to get off with that--the magistrate would probably
+have fined him £5 currency.]
+
+    In view of the local situation of Jamaica--the violent character of
+    its planters--and the inevitable dependency of the magistrates, it
+    is very manifest _that immediate emancipation was imperatively
+    demanded there_. In no other colony did the negroes require to be
+    more _entirely released from the tyranny of the overseers, or more
+    thoroughly shielded by the power of equal law_. This is a principle
+    which must hold good always--that where slavery has been most
+    rigorous and absolute, there emancipation, needs to be most
+    unqualified; and where the sway of the master has been _most
+    despotic, cruel, and_ LONG CONTINUED, there the protection of law
+    should be most SPEEDILY _extended and most impartially applied_."[B]
+
+[Footnote B: Since the above was written we have seen a copy of a
+message sent by Sir Lionel Smith, to the house of assembly of Jamaica,
+on the 3d November, 1837, in which a statement of the deprivations of
+the apprentices, is officially laid before the house. We make the
+following extract from it, which contains, to use his Excellency's
+language, "the principal causes, as has been found by the records of the
+special magistrates, of complaints among the apprentices; and of
+consequent collisions between the planters and magistrates."
+
+    "Prudent and humane planters have already adopted what is
+    recommended, and their properties present the good working of this
+    system in peace and industry, without their resorting to the
+    authority of the special magistrates; but there are other properties
+    where neither the law of the apprenticeship nor the usages of
+    slavery have been found sufficient to guard the rights of the
+    apprentices.
+
+    First, the magistrates' reports show that on some estates the
+    apprentices have been deprived of cooks and water-carriers while at
+    work in the field--thus, the time allowed for breakfast, instead of
+    being a period of rest, is one of continual labor, as they have to
+    seek for fuel and to cook. The depriving them of water-carriers is
+    still more injurious, as the workmen are not allowed to quit their
+    rows to obtain it. Both these privations are detrimental to the
+    planter's work. Second, a law seems wanting to supply the estates'
+    hospitals with sufficient attendants on the sick apprentices, as
+    well as for the supply of proper food, as they cannot depend on
+    their own grounds, whilst unable to leave the hospitals. The first
+    clause of the abolition law has not been found strong enough to
+    secure these necessary attentions to the sick. Third, in regard to
+    jobbers, more exposed to hardships than any other class. A law is
+    greatly required allowing them the distance they may have to walk to
+    their work, at the rate of three miles an hour, and for compelling
+    the parties hiring them to supply them with salt food and meal;
+    their grounds are oftentimes so many miles distant, it is impossible
+    for them to supply themselves. Hence constant complaints and
+    irregularities. Fourth, that mothers of six children and upwards,
+    pregnant women, and the aged of both sexes, would be greatly
+    benefited by a law enforcing the kind treatment which they received
+    in slavery, but which is now considered optional, or is altogether
+    avoided on many properties. Fifth, nothing would tend more to effect
+    general contentment and repress the evils of comparative treatment,
+    than the issue of fish as a right by law. It was an indulgence in
+    slavery seldom denied, but on many properties is now withheld, or
+    given for extra labor instead of wages. Sixth, his Excellency during
+    the last sessions had the honor to address a message to the house
+    for a stronger definition of working time. The clause of the act in
+    aid expressed that it was the intention of the legislature to
+    regulate 'uniformity' of labor, but in practice there is still a
+    great diversity of system. The legal adviser of the crown considers
+    the clause active and binding; the special magistrate cannot,
+    therefore, adjudicate on disputes of labor under the eight hour
+    system, and the consequences have been continual complaints and
+    bickerings between the magistrates and managers, and discontent
+    among the apprentices by comparison of the advantages which one
+    system presents over the other. Seventh, if your honorable house
+    would adopt some equitable fixed principle for the value of
+    apprentices desirous of purchasing their discharge, either by
+    ascertained rates of weekly labor, or by fixed sums according to
+    their trade or occupation, which should not be exceeded, and
+    allowing the deduction of one third from the extreme value for the
+    contingencies of maintenance, clothing, medical aid, risk of life,
+    and health, it would greatly tend to set at rest one cause of
+    constant disappointment. In proportion as the term of apprenticeship
+    draws to a close, THE DEMANDS FOR THE SALE OF SERVICES HAVE GREATLY
+    INCREASED. It is in the hope that the honorable house will be
+    disposed to enforce a more general system of equal treatment, that
+    his Excellency now circumstantially represents what have been the
+    most common causes of complaint among the apprentices, and why the
+    island is subject to the reproach that the negroes, in some
+    respects, are now in a worse condition than they were in slavery."
+]
+
+We heard frequent complaints in Jamaica respecting the falling off of
+the crops since abolition. In order that the reader may know the extent
+of the failure in the aggregate island crops, we have inserted in the
+appendix a table showing the "exports for fifty-three years, ending 31st
+December, 1836, condensed from the journals of the House."
+
+By the disaffected planters, the diminished crops were hailed as "an
+evident token of perdition." They had foretold that abolition would be
+the ruin of cultivation, they had maintained that sugar, coffee, rum,
+&c., could not be produced extensively without the _whip of slavery_,
+and now they exultingly point to the short crops and say, "See the
+results of abolition!" We say exultingly, for a portion of the planters
+do really seem to rejoice in any indication of ruin. Having staked their
+reputation as prophets against their credit as colonists and their
+interests as men, they seem happy in the establishment of the former,
+even though it be by the sacrifice of the latter. Said an intelligent
+gentleman in St. Thomas in the East, "The planters have _set their
+hearts upon_ ruin, and they will be sorely disappointed if it should
+not come."
+
+Hearing so much said concerning the diminution of the crops, we spared
+no pains to ascertain the _true causes_. We satisfied ourselves that the
+causes were mainly two.
+
+First. The prevailing impression that the negroes would not _work well_
+after the abolition of slavery, led many planters to throw a part of
+their land out of cultivation, in 1834. This is a fact which was
+published by Lord Sligo, in an official account which he gave shortly
+before leaving Jamaica, of the working of the apprenticeship. The
+overseer of Belvidere estate declared that he knew of many cases in
+which part of the land usually planted in canes was thrown up, owing to
+the general expectation that _much less work_ would be done after
+abolition. He also mentioned one attorney _who ordered all the estates
+under his charge to be thrown out of cultivation_ in 1834, so confident
+was he that the negroes would not work. The name of this attorney was
+White. Mr. Gordon, of Williamsfield, stated, that the quantity of land
+planted in cane, in 1834, was considerably less than the usual amount:
+on some estates it was less by twenty, and on others by forty acres. Now
+if such were the fact in the Parish of St. Thomas in the East, where
+greater confidence was felt probably than in any other parish, we have a
+clue by which we may conjecture (if indeed we were left to conjecture)
+to what extent the cultivation was diminished in the island generally.
+This of itself would satisfactorily account for the falling off in the
+crops--which at most is not above one third. Nor would this explain the
+decrease in '34 _only_, for it is well known among sugar planters that a
+neglect of planting, either total or partial, for one year, will affect
+the crops for two or three successive years.
+
+The other cause of short crops has been the _diminished amount of time
+for labor_. One fourth of the time now belongs to the laborers, and they
+often prefer to employ it in cultivating their provision grounds and
+carrying their produce to market. Thus the estate cultivation is
+necessarily impeded. This cause operates very extensively, particularly
+on two classes of estates: those which lie convenient to market places,
+where the apprentices have strong inducements to cultivate their
+grounds, and those (more numerous still) which _have harsh overseers_,
+to whom the apprentices are averse to hire their time--in which cases
+they will choose to work for neighboring planters, who are better men.
+We should not omit to add here, that owing to a singular fact, the
+falling off of the crops _appears_ greater than it really has been. We
+learned from the most credible sources that _the size of the hogsheads_
+had been considerably enlarged since abolition. Formerly they contained,
+on an average, eighteen hundred weight, now they vary from a ton to
+twenty-two hundred! As the crops are estimated by the number of
+hogsheads, this will make a material difference. There were two reasons
+for enlarging in the hogsheads,--one was, to lessen the amount of
+certain port charges in exportation, which were made _by the hogshead_;
+the other, and perhaps the principal, was to create some foundation in
+appearance for the complaint that the crops had failed because of
+abolition.
+
+While we feel fully warranted in stating these as the chief causes of
+the diminished crops, we are at the same time disposed to admit that the
+apprenticeship is in itself exceedingly ill calculated either to
+encourage or to compel industry. We must confess that we have no special
+zeal to vindicate this system from its full share of blame; but we are
+rather inclined to award to it every jot and tittle of the dishonored
+instrumentality which it has had in working mischief to the colony.
+However, in all candor, we must say, that we can scarcely check the
+risings of exultation when we perceive that this party-fangled
+measure--this offspring of old Slavery in her dying throes, _which was
+expressly designed as a compensation to the proprietor_, HAS ACTUALLY
+DIMINISHED HIS ANNUAL RETURNS BY ONE THIRD! So may it ever be with
+legislation which is based on _iniquity and robbery!_
+
+But the subject which excites the deepest interest in Jamaica _is the
+probable consequences of entire emancipation in 1840_. The most common
+opinion among the prognosticators of evil is, that the emancipated
+negroes will abandon the cultivation of all the staple products, retire
+to the woods, and live in a state of semi-barbarism; and as a
+consequence, the splendid sugar and coffee estates must be "thrown up,"
+and the beautiful and fertile island of Jamaica become a waste howling
+wilderness.
+
+The _reasons_ for this opinion consist in part of naked assumptions, and
+in part of inferences from _supposed_ facts. The assumed reasons are
+such as these. The negroes will not cultivate the cane _without the
+whip_. How is this known? Simply because _they never have_, to any great
+extent, in Jamaica. Such, it has been shown, was the opinion formerly in
+Barbadoes, but it has been forever exploded there by experiment. Again,
+the negroes are _naturally improvident_, and will never have enough
+foresight to work steadily. What is the evidence of _natural_
+improvidence in the negroes? Barely this--their carelessness in a state
+of slavery. But that furnishes no ground at all for judging of _natural_
+character, or of the developments of character under a _totally
+different system_. If it testifies any thing, it is only this, that the
+natural disposition of the negroes is not always _proof_ against the
+degenerating influences of slavery.[A] Again, the actual wants of the
+negroes are very few and easily supplied, and they will undoubtedly
+prefer going into the woods where they can live almost without labor, to
+toiling in the hot cane fields or climbing the coffee mountains. But
+they who urge this, lose sight of the fact that the negroes are
+considerably civilized, and that, like other civilized people, they will
+seek for more than supply for the necessities of the rudest state of
+nature. Their wants are already many, even in the degraded condition of
+slaves; is it probable that they will be satisfied with _fewer of the
+comforts and luxuries of civilized life_, when they are elevated to the
+sphere, and feel the self-respect and dignity of freemen? But let us
+notice some of the reasons which profess to be _founded on fact_. They
+may all be resolved into two, _the laziness of negroes, and their
+tendency to barbarism_.
+
+[Footnote A: Probably in more instances than the one recorded in the
+foregoing chapter, the improvidence of the negroes is inferred from
+their otherwise unaccountable preference in walking six or ten miles to
+chapel, rather than to work for a maccaroni a day.]
+
+i. They _now_ refuse to work on Saturdays, even with wages. On this
+assertion we have several remarks to make.
+
+1.) It is true only to a partial extent. The apprentices on many
+estates--whether a majority or not it is impossible to say--do work for
+their masters on Saturdays, when their services are called for.
+
+2.) They often refuse to work on the estates, because they can earn
+three or four times as much by cultivating their provision grounds and
+carrying their produce to market. The ordinary day's wages on an estate
+is a quarter of a dollar, and where the apprentices are conveniently
+situated to market, they can make from seventy-five cents to a dollar a
+day with their provisions.
+
+3.) The overseers are often such overbearing and detestable men, that
+the apprentices doubtless feel it a great relief to be freed from their
+command on Saturday, after submitting to it compulsorily for five days
+of the week.
+
+2. Another fact from which the laziness of the negroes is inferred, is
+their _neglecting their provision grounds_. It is said that they have
+fallen off greatly to their attention to their grounds, since the
+abolition of slavery. This fact does not comport very well with the
+complaint, that the apprentices cultivate their provision grounds to the
+neglect of the estates. But both assertions may be true under opposite
+circumstances. On those estates which are situated near the market,
+provisions will be cultivated; on those which are remote from the
+market, provisions will of course be partially neglected, and it will be
+more profitable to the apprentices to work on the estates at a quarter
+of a dollar per day, raising only enough provisions for their own use.
+But we ascertained another circumstance which throws light on this
+point. The negroes expect, after emancipation, to _lose their provision
+grounds_; many expect certainly to be turned off by their masters, and
+many who have harsh masters, intend to leave, and seek homes on other
+estates, and _all_ feel a great uncertainty about their situation after
+1840; and consequently they can have but little encouragement to
+vigorous and extended cultivation of their grounds. Besides this, there
+are very many cases in which the apprentices of one estate cultivate
+provision grounds on another estate, where the manager is a man in whom
+they have more confidence than they have in their own "busha." They, of
+course, in such cases, abandon their former grounds, and consequently
+are charged with neglecting them through laziness.
+
+3. Another alleged fact is, that _actually less work_ is done now than
+was done during slavery. The argument founded on this fact is this:
+there is less work done under the apprenticeship than was done during
+slavery: therefore _no work at all_ will be done after entire freedom!
+But the apprenticeship allows _one fourth less time_ for labor than
+slavery did, and presents no inducement, either compulsory or
+persuasive, to continued industry. Will it be replied that emancipation
+will take away _all_ the time from labor, and offer no encouragement
+_but to idleness_? How is it now? Do the apprentices work better or
+worse during their own time when they are paid? Better, unquestionably.
+What does this prove? That freedom will supply both the time and the
+inducement to the most vigorous industry.
+
+The _other reason_ for believing that the negroes will abandon
+estate-labor after entire emancipation, is their _strong tendency to
+barbarism!_ And what are the facts in proof of this? We know but one.
+
+We heard it said repeatedly that the apprentices were not willing to
+have their free children educated--that they had pertinaciously declined
+every offer of the _bushas_ to educate their children, and _this_, it
+was alleged, evinced a determination on the part of the negroes to
+perpetuate ignorance and barbarism among their posterity. We heard from
+no less than four persons of distinction in St. Thomas in the East, the
+following curious fact. It was stated each time for the double purpose
+of proving that the apprentices did not wish to have their children
+_learn to work_, and that they were opposed to their _receiving
+education_. A company of the first-gentlemen of that parish, consisting
+of the rector of the parish, the custos, the special magistrate, an
+attorney, and member of the assembly, etc., had mustered in imposing
+array, and proceeded to one of the large estates in the Plantain Garden
+River Valley, and there having called the apprentices together, made the
+following proposals to them respecting their free children, the rector
+acting as spokesman. The attorney would provide a teacher for the
+estate, and would give the children four hours' instruction daily, if
+the parents would _bind them to work_ four hours every day; the attorney
+further offered to pay for all medical attendance the children should
+require. The apprentices, after due deliberation among themselves,
+unanimously declined this proposition. It was repeatedly urged upon
+them, and the advantages it promised were held up to them; but they
+persisted in declining it wholly. This was a great marvel to the
+planters; and they could not account for it in any other way than by
+supposing that the apprentices were opposed both to labor and education,
+and were determined that their free children should grow up in ignorance
+and indolence! Now the true reason why the apprentices rejected this
+proposal was, _because it came from the planters_, in whom they have no
+confidence. They suspected that some evil scheme was hid under the fair
+pretence of benevolence; the design of the planters, as they firmly
+believed, was to get their _free children bound to them_, so that they
+might continue to keep them in a species of apprenticeship. This was
+stated to us, as the real ground of the rejection, by several
+missionaries, who gave the best evidence that it was so; viz. that at
+the same time that the apprentices declined the offer, they would send
+their free children _six or eight miles to a school taught by a
+missionary_. We inquired particularly of some of the apprentices, to
+whom this offer was made, why they did not accept it. They said that
+they could not trust their masters; the whole design of it was to get
+them to give up their children, and if they should give them up _but for
+a single month_, it would be the same as acknowledging that they (the
+parents) were not able to take care of them themselves. The busha would
+then send word to the Governor that the people had given up their
+children, not being able to support them, and the Governor would have
+the children bound to the busha, "and _then_," said they, "_we might
+whistle for our children_!" In this manner the apprentices, the
+_parents_, reasoned. They professed the greatest anxiety to have their
+children educated, but they said they could have no confidence in the
+honest intentions of their busha.
+
+The views given above, touching the results of entire emancipation in
+1840, are not unanimously entertained even among the planters, and they
+are far from prevailing to any great extent among other classes of the
+community. The missionaries, as a body, a portion of the special
+magistrates, and most of the intelligent free colored people, anticipate
+glorious consequences; they hail the approach of 1840, as a deliverance
+from the oppressions of the apprenticeship, and its train of
+disaffections, complaints and incessant disputes. They say they have
+nothing to fear--nor has the island any thing to fear, but every thing
+to hope, from entire emancipation. We subjoin a specimen of the
+reasoning of the minority of the planters. They represent the idea that
+the negroes will abandon the estates, and retire to the woods, as wild
+and absurd in the extreme. They say the negroes have a great regard for
+the comforts which they enjoy on the estates; they are strongly attached
+to their houses and little furniture, and their provision grounds. These
+are as much to them as the 'great house' and the estate are to their
+master. Besides, they have very _strong local attachments_, and these
+would bind them to the properties. These planters also argue, from _the
+great willingness_ of the apprentices now to work for money, during
+their own time, that they will not be likely to relinquish labor when
+they are to get wages for the whole time. There was no doubt much truth
+in the remark of a planter in St. Thomas in the East, that if _any_
+estates were abandoned by the negroes after 1840, it would be those
+which had harsh managers, and those which are so mountainous and
+inaccessible, or barren, that they _ought_ to be abandoned. It was the
+declaration of a _planter_, that entire emancipation would _regenerate_
+the island of Jamaica.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We now submit to the candid examination of the American, especially the
+Christian public, the results of our inquiries in Antigua, Barbadoes,
+and Jamaica. The deficiency of the narrative in ability and interest, we
+are sure is neither the fault of the subject nor of the materials. Could
+we have thrown into vivid forms a few only of the numberless incidents
+of rare beauty which thronged our path--could we have imparted to pages
+that freshness and glow, which invested the institutions of freedom,
+just bursting into bloom over the late wastes of slavery--could we, in
+fine, have carried our readers amid the scenes which we witnessed, and
+the sounds which we heard, and the things which we handled, we should
+not doubt the power and permanence of the impression produced. It is due
+to the cause, and to the society under whose commission we acted,
+frankly to state, that we were not selected on account of any peculiar
+qualifications for the work. As both of us were invalids, and compelled
+to fly from the rigors of an American winter, it was believed that we
+might combine the improvement of health, with the prosecution of
+important investigations, while abler men could thus be retained in the
+field at home; but we found that the unexpected abundance of materials
+requires the strongest health and powers of endurance. We regret to add,
+that the continued ill health of both of us, since our return, so
+serious in the case of one, as to deprive him almost wholly of
+participation in the preparation of the work, has necessarily, delayed
+its appearance, and rendered its execution more imperfect.
+
+We lay no claim to literary merit. To present as simple narrative of
+facts, has been our sole aim. We have not given the results of our
+personal observations merely, or chiefly, nor have we made a record of
+private impressions or idle speculations. _Well authenticated facts_,
+accompanied with the testimony, verbal and documentary, of public men,
+planters, and other responsible individuals, make up the body of the
+volume, as almost every page will show. That no statements, if
+erroneous, might escape detection and exposure, we have, in nearly every
+case, given the _names_ of our authorities. By so doing we may have
+subjected ourselves to the censure of those respected gentlemen, with
+whose names we have taken such liberty. We are assured, however, that
+their interest in the cause of freedom will quite reconcile them to what
+otherwise might be an unpleasant personal publicity.
+
+Commending our narrative to the blessing of the God of truth, and the
+Redeemer of the oppressed, we send it forth to do its part, however
+humble, toward the removal of slavery from our beloved but
+guilty country.
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+We have in our possession a number of official documents from gentlemen,
+officers of the government, and variously connected with its
+administration, in the different islands which we visited: some of
+these--such as could not be conveniently incorporated into the body of
+the work--we insert in the form of an appendix. To insert them _all_,
+would unduly increase the size of the present volume. Those not embodied
+in this appendix, will be published in the periodicals of the American
+Anti-Slavery Society.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION FROM E.B. LYON, ESQ., SPECIAL MAGISTRATE.
+
+_Jamaica, Hillingdon, near Falmouth, Trelawney, May 15, 1837_.
+
+TO J.H. KIMBALL., ESQ., and J.A. THOME, ESQ.
+
+DEAR SIRS,--Of the operation of the apprenticeship system in this
+district, from the slight opportunity I have had of observing the
+conduct of managers and apprentices, I could only speak conjecturally,
+and my opinions, wanting the authority of experience, would be of little
+service to you; I shall therefore confine the remarks I have to make, to
+the operation of the system in the district from which I have
+lately removed.
+
+I commenced my duties in August, 1834, and from the paucity of special
+magistrates at that eventful era, I had the superintendence of a most
+extensive district, comprising nearly one half of the populous parish of
+St. Thomas in the East, and the whole of the parish of St. David,
+embracing an apprentice population of nearly eighteen thousand,--in
+charge of which I continued until December, when I was relieved of St.
+David, and in March, 1835, my surveillance was confined to that portion
+of St. Thomas in the East, consisting of the coffee plantations in the
+Blue Mountains, and the sugar estates of Blue Mountain Valley, over
+which I continued to preside until last March, a district containing a
+population of four thousand two hundred and twenty-seven apprentices, of
+which two thousand eighty-seven were males, and two thousand one hundred
+and forty, females. The apprentices of the Blue Mountain Valley were, at
+the period of my assumption of the duties of a special magistrate, the
+most disorderly in the island. They were greatly excited, and almost
+desperate from disappointment, in finding their trammels under the new
+law, nearly as burdensome as under the old, and their condition, in many
+respects, much more intolerable. They were also extremely irritated at
+what they deemed an attempt upon the part of their masters to rob them
+of one of the greatest advantages they had been led to believe the new
+law secured to them--this was the half of Friday. Special Justice
+Everard, who went through the district during the first two weeks of
+August, 1834, and who was the first special justice to read and explain
+the new law to them, had told them that the law gave to them the extra
+four and a half hours on the Friday, and some of the proprietors and
+managers, who were desirous of preparing their people for the coming
+change, had likewise explained it so; but, most unfortunately, the
+governor issued a proclamation, justifying the masters in withholding
+the four and a half hours on that day, and substituting any other half
+day, or by working them eight hours per day, they might deprive them
+altogether of the advantage to be derived from the extra time, which, by
+the abolition of Sunday marketing, was almost indispensable to people
+whose grounds, in some instances, were many miles from their
+habitations, and who were above thirty miles from Kingston market, where
+prices were fifty per cent. more than the country markets in their favor
+for the articles they had to dispose of, and correspondingly lower for
+those they had to purchase. To be in time for which market, it was
+necessary to walk all Friday night, so that without the use of the
+previous half day, they could not procure their provisions, or prepare
+themselves for it. The deprivation of the half of Friday was therefore a
+serious hardship to them, and this, coupled to the previous assurance of
+their masters, and Special Justice Everard, that they were entitled to
+it, made them to suspect a fraud was about being practised on them,
+which, if they did not resist, would lead to the destruction of the
+remaining few privileges they possessed. The resistance was very
+general, but without violence; whole gangs leaving the fields on the
+afternoon of Friday; refusing to take any other afternoon, and sometimes
+leaving the estates for two or three days together. They fortunately had
+confidence in me--and I succeeded in restoring order, and all would have
+been well,--but the managers, no longer alarmed by the fear of rebellion
+or violence, began a system of retaliation and revenge, by withdrawing
+cooks, water-carriers, and nurses, from the field, by refusing medicine
+and admittance to the hospital to the apprentice children, and by
+compelling old and infirm people, who had been allowed to withdraw from
+labor, and mothers of six children, who were exempt by the slave law
+from hard labor, to come out and work in the field. All this had a
+natural tendency to create irritation, and did do so; though, to the
+great credit of the people, in many instances, they submitted with the
+most extraordinary patience, to evils which were the more onerous,
+because inflicted under the affected sanction of a law, whose advent, as
+the herald of liberty, they had expected would have been attended with a
+train of blessings. I effected a change in this miserable state of
+things; and mutual contract for labor, in crop and out of it, were made
+on twenty-five estates in my district, before, I believe, any
+arrangement had been made in other parts of the island, between the
+managers and the apprentices; so that from being in a more unsettled
+state than others, we were soon happily in a more prosperous one, and so
+continued.
+
+No peasantry in the most favored country on the globe, can have been
+more irreproachable in morals and conduct than the majority of
+apprentices in that district, since the beginning of 1835. I have, month
+after month, in my despatches to the governor, had to record instances
+of excess of labor, compared with the quantity performed during slavery
+in some kinds of work; and while I have with pleasure reported the
+improving condition, habits, manners, and the industry which
+characterized the labors of the peasantry, I have not been an
+indifferent or uninterested witness of the improvement in the condition
+of many estates, the result of the judicious application of labor, and
+of the confidence in the future and sanguine expectations of the
+proprietors, evinced in the enlargements of the works, and expensive and
+permanent repair of the buildings on various estates, and in the high
+prices given for properties and land since the apprenticeship system,
+which would scarcely have commanded a purchaser, at any price, during
+the existence of slavery.
+
+I have invariably found the apprentice willing to work for an equitable
+hire, and on all the sugar estates, and several of the plantations, in
+the district I speak of, they worked a considerable portion of their own
+time during crop, about the works, for money, or an equivalent in
+herrings, sugar, etc., to so great a degree, that less than the time
+allotted to them during slavery, was left for appropriation to the
+cultivation of their grounds, and for marketing, as the majority, very
+much to their credit, scrupulously avoided working on the Sabbath day.
+
+In no community in the world is crime less prevalent. At the quarter
+sessions, in January last, for the precinct of St. Thomas in the East,
+and St. David, which contains an apprentice population of about thirty
+thousand, there was only one apprentice tried. And the offences that
+have, in general, for the last eighteen months, been brought before me
+on estates, have been of the most trivial description, such as an
+individual occasionally turning out late, or some one of an irritable
+temper answering impatiently, or for some trifling act of disobedience;
+in fact, the majority of apprentices on estates have been untainted with
+offence, and have steadily and quietly performed their duty, and
+respected the law. The apprentices of St. Thomas in the East, I do not
+hesitate to say, are much superior in manners and morals to those who
+inhabit the towns.
+
+During the first six or eight months, while the planters were in doubt
+how far the endurance of their laborers might be taxed, the utmost
+deference and respect was paid by them to the special magistrates; their
+suggestions or recommendations were adopted without cavil, and opinions
+taken without reference to the letter of the law; but when the obedience
+of the apprentice, and his strict deference to the law and its
+administrators, had inspired them with a consciousness of perfect
+security, I observed with much regret, a great alteration in the
+deportment of many of the managers towards myself and the people;
+trivial and insignificant complaints were astonishingly increased, and
+assaults on apprentices became more frequent, so that in the degree that
+the conduct of one party was more in accordance with the obligations
+imposed on him by the apprenticeship, was that of the other in
+opposition to it; again with the hold and infirm harassed; again were
+mothers of six living children attempted to be forced to perform field
+labor; and again were mothers with sucking children complained of, and
+some attempts made to deprive them of the usual nurses.
+
+Such treatment was not calculated to promote cordiality between master
+and apprentice, and the effect will, I fear, have a very unfavorable
+influence upon the working of many estates, at the termination of the
+system; in fact, when that period arrives, if the feeling of
+estrangement be no worse, I am convinced it will be no better than it is
+at the present moment, as I have witnessed no pains taking on the part
+of the attorneys generally to attach the apprentices to the properties,
+or to prepare them in a beneficial manner for the coming change. It was
+a very common practice in the district, when an apprentice was about to
+purchase his discharge, to attempt to intimidate him by threats of
+immediate ejectment from the property, and if in the face of this
+threatened separation from family and connections, he persevered and
+procured his release, then the sincerity of the previous intimations was
+evinced by a peremptory order, to instantly quit the property, under the
+penalty of having the trespass act enforced against him; and if my
+interference prevented any outrageous violation of law, so many
+obstructions and annoyances were placed in the way of his communication
+with his family, or enjoyment of his domestic rights, that he would be
+compelled for their peace, and his own personal convenience, to submit
+to privations, which, as a slave, he would not have been subject to. The
+consequence is, that those released from the obligations of the
+apprenticeship by purchase, instead of being located, and laboring for
+hire upon the estate to which they were attached, and forming a nucleus
+around which others would have gathered and settled themselves, they
+have been principally driven to find other homes, and in the majority of
+instances have purchased land, and become settlers on their own account.
+If complete emancipation had taken place in 1834, there would have been
+no more excitement, and no more trouble to allay it, than that which was
+the consequence of the introduction of the present system of coerced and
+uncompensated labor. The relations of society would have been fixed upon
+a permanent basis, and the two orders would not have been placed in that
+situation of jealousy and suspicion which their present anomalous
+condition has been the baneful means of creating.
+
+I am convinced there never was any serious alarm about the consequences
+of immediate emancipation among those who were acquainted with the
+peasantry of Jamaica. The fears of the morbidly humane were purposely
+excited to increase the amount of compensation, or to lengthen the
+duration of the apprenticeship; and the daily ridiculous and untruthful
+statements that are made by the vitiated portion of the Jamaica press,
+of the indolence of the apprentices, their disinclination to work in
+their own time, and the great increase of crime, are purposely and
+insidiously put forward to prevent the fact of the industry, and
+decorum, and deference to the law, of the people, and the prosperous
+condition of the estates, appearing in too prominent a light, lest the
+friends of humanity, and the advocates for the equal rights of men,
+should be encouraged to agitate for the destruction of a system which,
+in its general operation, has retained many of the worst features of
+slavery, perpetuated many gross infringements of the social and domestic
+rights of the working classes; and which, instead of working out the
+benevolent intention of the imperial legislature, by aiding and
+encouraging the expansion of intellect, and supplying motives for the
+permanent good conduct of the apprentices, in its termination, has, I
+fear, retarded the rapidity with which civilization would have advanced,
+and sown the seeds of a feeling more bitter than that which slavery,
+with all its abominations, had engendered.
+
+I am, dear sirs, your very faithful servant,
+
+EDMUND B. LYON, _Special Justice._
+
+
+Extract from a communication which we received from Wm. Henry Anderson,
+Esq., of Kingston, the Solicitor-General for Jamaica.
+
+The staples of the island must be cultivated after 1840 as now, because
+if not, the negroes could not obtain the comforts or luxuries, of which
+they are undoubtedly very desirous, from cultivation of their grounds.
+The fruits and roots necessary for the public markets are already
+supplied in profusion at tolerably moderate prices: if the supply were
+greatly increased, the prices could not be remunerative. There is no way
+in which they can so readily as by labor for wages, _obtain money_, and
+therefore I hold that there must ever be an adequate supply of labor in
+the market.
+
+The negroes are in my opinion very acute in their perceptions of right
+and wrong, justice and injustice, and appreciate fully the benefits of
+equitable legislation, and would unreservedly submit to it where they
+felt confidence in the purity of its administration.
+
+There is not the slightest likelihood of rebellion on the part of the
+negroes after 1840, unless some unrighteous attempts be made to keep up
+the helotism of the class by enactments of partial laws. _They_ could
+have no interest in rebellion, they could gain nothing by it; and might
+lose every thing; nor do I think they dream of such a thing. They are
+ardently attached to the British government, and would be so to the
+colonial government, were it to indicate by its enactments any purposes
+of kindness or protection towards them. Hitherto the scope of its
+legislation has been, in reference to them, almost exclusively coercive;
+certainly there have been no enactments of a tendency to conciliate
+their good will or attachment.
+
+The negroes are much desirous of education and religious instruction: no
+one who has attended to the matter can gainsay that. Formerly marriage
+was unknown amongst them; they were in fact only regarded by their
+masters, and I fear by themselves too, as so many brutes for labor, and
+for increase. Now they seek the benefits of the social institution of
+marriage and its train of hallowed relationships: concubinage is
+becoming quite disreputable; many are seeking to repair their conduct by
+marriage to their former partners, and no one in any rank of life would
+be hardy enough to express disapprobation of those who have done or
+may do so.
+
+WM. HENRY ANDERSON.
+
+_Kingston, Jamaica, 24th April, 1837_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following communication is the monthly report for March, 1837, of
+Major J.B. Colthurst, special justice for District A., Rural Division,
+Barbadoes.
+
+The general conduct of the apprentices since my last report has been
+excellent, considering that greater demands have been made upon their
+labor at this moment to save perhaps the finest crop of canes ever grown
+in the island.
+
+Upon the large estates generally the best feeling exists, because they
+are in three cases out of four conducted by either the proprietors
+themselves, or attorneys and managers of sense and consideration. Here
+all things go on well; the people are well provided and comfortable, and
+therefore the best possible understanding prevails.
+
+The apprentices in my district _perform their work most willingly_,
+whenever the immediate manager is a man of sense and humanity. If this
+is not the case, the effect is soon seen, and complaints begin to be
+made. Misunderstandings are usually confined to the smaller estates,
+particularly in the neighborhood of Bridgetown, where the lots are very
+small, and the apprentice population of a less rural description, and
+more or less also corrupted by daily intercourse with the town.
+
+The working hours most generally in use in my district are as follows:
+On most estates, the apprentices work from six to nine, breakfast; from
+ten to one, dinner--rest; from three to six, work.
+
+It is almost the constant practice of the apprentices, particularly the
+praedials or rural portion, to work in their own time for money wages,
+at the rate of a quarter dollar a day. They sometimes work also during
+those periods in their little gardens round their negro houses, and
+which they most generally enjoy without charge, or in the land they
+obtain in lieu of allowance, they seem ALWAYS well pleased to be fully
+employed at _free_ labor, and work, when so employed, exceedingly well.
+I know a small estate, worked exclusively on this system. It is in
+excellent order, and the proprietor tells me his profits are greater
+than they would be under the apprenticeship. He is a sensible and
+correct man, and I therefore rely upon his information. During the hurry
+always attendant on the saving of the crop, the apprentices are
+generally hired in their own time upon their respective estates at the
+above rate, and which they seldom refuse. No hesitation generally occurs
+in this or any other matter, whenever the employer discharges his duty
+by them in a steady and considerate manner.
+
+The attendance at church throughout my district is most respectable; but
+the accommodation, either in this respect or as regards schools, is by
+no means adequate to the wants of the people. The apprentices conduct
+themselves during divine service in the most correct manner, and it is
+most gratifying to perceive, that only very little exertion, indeed,
+would be required to render them excellent members of society. This fact
+is fully proved by the orderly situation of a few estates in my
+district, that have had the opportunity of receiving some moral and
+religious instruction. There are sixty-four estates in my district over
+twenty-five acres. Upon four of those plantations where the apprentices
+have been thus taught, there are a greater number of _married_ couples
+(which may be considered a fair test) than upon the remaining sixty. I
+scarcely ever have a complaint from these four estates, and they are
+generally reported to be in a most orderly state.
+
+In the memory of the oldest inhabitant, the island has never produced a
+finer crop of canes than that now in the course of manufacture. All
+other crops are luxuriant, and the plantations in a high state of
+agricultural cleanliness. The season has been very favorable.
+
+Under the head of general inquiry, I beg leave to offer a few remarks. I
+have now great pleasure in having it in my power to state, that a
+manifest change for the better has taken place _gradually_ in my
+district within the last few months. Asperities seem to be giving way to
+calm discussion, and the laws are better understood and obeyed.
+
+It is said in other colonies as well as here, that there has been, and
+still continues to be, a great want of natural affection among the negro
+parents for their children, and that great mortality among the free
+children has occurred in consequence. This opinion, I understand, has
+been lately expressed in confident terms by the legislature of St.
+Vincent's, which has been fully and satisfactorily contradicted by the
+reports of the special justices to the lieutenant-governor. The same
+assertion has been made by individuals to myself. As regards Barbadoes,
+I have spared no pains to discover whether such statements were facts,
+and I now am happy to say, that not a _single instance_ of unnatural
+conduct on the part of the negro parents to their children has come to
+my knowledge--far, perhaps too far, the contrary is the case; _over
+indulgence_ and _petting_ them seems in my judgment to be the only
+matter the parents can be, with any justice, accused of. They exhibit
+their fondness in a thousand ways. Contrasting the actual conduct of the
+negro parents with the assertions of the planters, it is impossible not
+to infer that _some bitterness is felt by the latter on the score of
+their lost authority_. When this is the case, reaction is the natural
+consequence, and thus misunderstandings and complaints ensue. The like
+assertions are made with respect to the disinclination of the parents to
+send their children to school. This certainly does exist to a certain
+extent, particularly to schools where the under classes of whites are
+taught, who often treat the negro children in a most imperious and
+hostile manner. As some proof that no decided objection exists in the
+negro to educate his children, a vast number of the apprentices of my
+district send them to school, and take pride in paying a bit a week each
+for them--a quarter dollar entrance and a quarter dollar for each
+vacation. Those schools are almost always conducted by a black man and
+his _married_ wife. However, they are well attended, but are very few
+in number.
+
+To show that the apprentices fully estimate the blessings of education,
+many females _hire their apprentice_ children at a quarter dollar a week
+from their masters, for the express purpose of sending them to school.
+This proves the possibility of a _voluntary_ system of education
+succeeding, provided it was preceded by full and satisfactory
+explanation to the parties concerned. I have also little doubt that
+labor to the extent I speak of, may be successfully introduced when the
+apprentices become assured that nothing but the ultimate welfare of
+themselves and children is intended; but so suspicious are they from
+habit, and, as I said before, so profoundly ignorant of what may in
+truth and sincerity be meant only for their benefit, that it will
+require great caution and delicacy on the occasion. Those suspicions
+have not been matured in the negroes mind without cause--the whole
+history of slavery proves it. Such suspicions are even _now_ only
+relinquished under doubts and apprehensions; therefore, all new and
+material points, to be carried successfully with them, should be
+proposed to them upon the most liberal and open grounds.
+
+J.B. COLTHURST, _Special Justice Peace, District A, Rural Division_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_General return of the imports and exports of the island of Barbadoes,
+during a series of years--furnished by the Custom-house officer at
+Bridgetown_.
+
+                    £.     s,    d.
+1832             481,610   6     3
+1833             462,132  14     4
+1834             449,169  12     4
+1835             595,961  13     2
+1836             622,128  19    11
+
+
+IMPORTS OF LUMBER.
+
+                   Feet.       Shingles.
+1833            5,290,086      5,598,958
+1834            5,708,494      5,506,646
+1835            5,794,596      4,289,025
+1836            7,196,189      7,037,462
+
+
+IMPORTS OF PROVISIONS.
+
+     |      Flour.      |  Corn Meal.  |
+Y'rs.| bbls.  |1/2 bbls.|  bush.| bbls.|
+-----+--------+---------+-------+------+
+1833 | 21,535 |    397  |   629 |  265 |
+1834 | 34,191 |    865  |  1675 | 1580 |
+1835 | 32,393 |    828  |   160 |  809 |
+1836 | 41,975 |    433  |   823 | 1123 |
+-----+--------+---------+-------+------+
+
+     |       Bread and  Biscuits.       |Oats & Corn.|
+Y'rs.| hds.| bbls.|1/2 bbls.|kegs.|bags.| bags.| qrs.|
+-----+-----+------+---------+-----+-----+------+-----+
+1833 |   49|  2146|     30  |   " |   " |   430|   50|
+1834 |  401|  8561|     99  |  57 |   " |   100| 1025|
+1835 | 2024| 10762|      "  |   " |   " |  2913| 3134|
+1836 |    4|  4048|      "  |   " | 1058|  8168| 3119|
+-----+-----+------+---------+-----+-----+------+-----+
+
+IMPORTS OF CATTLE, ETC.
+       Cattle.   Horses.   Mules.
+1833     649       462      65
+1834     549       728      24
+1835     569      1047      43
+1836    1013      1345     104
+
+
+RETURN OF EXPORTS--SUGAR.
+
+        hhds.     trcs.    bbls.
+1832   18,804     1278     838
+1833   27,015     1505     651
+1834   27,593     1464    1083
+1835   24,309     1417     938
+1836   25,060     1796     804
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+VALUATIONS OF APPRENTICES IN JAMAICA.
+
+"From the 1st of August, 1834, to 31st of May, 1836, 998 apprentices
+purchased their freedom by valuation, and paid £33,998. From 31st May,
+1836, to 1st November, in the same year, 582 apprentices purchased
+themselves, and paid £18,217--making, in all, £52,216--a prodigious sum
+to be furnished by the negroes in two years. From the above statement it
+appears that the desire to be free is daily becoming more general and
+more intense, and that the price of liberty remains the same, although
+the term of apprenticeship is decreasing. The amount paid by the
+apprentices is a proof of the extent of the exertions and sacrifices
+they are willing to make for freedom, which can scarcely be appreciated
+by those who are unacquainted with the disadvantages of their previous
+condition. The negroes frequently raise the money by loans to purchase
+their freedom, and they are scrupulous in repaying money lent them for
+that purpose."
+
+The above is extracted from the "West Indies in 1837," an English work
+by Messrs. Sturge and Harvey, page 86, Appendix.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We insert the following tabular view of the crops in Jamaica for a
+series of years preceding 1837.--As the table and "Remarks" appended
+were first published in the St. Jago Gazette, a decided "pro-slavery"
+paper, we insert, in connection with them, the remarks of the Jamaica
+Watchman, published at Kingston, and an article on the present condition
+of slavery, from the Telegraph, published at Spanishtown, the seat of
+the colonial government.
+
+A GENERAL RETURN OF EXPORTS _From the island of Jamaica, for 53 years,
+ending 31st December, 1836--copied from the Journals of the House._
+
+
+___________________________________________________________________
+ .  |                    |                       |   |            |
+ d  |                    |                       |MO-|            |
+ e  |        SUGAR       |          RUM          |LAS|   GINGER   |
+ t  |                    |                       |SES|            |
+ r  |____________________|_______________________|___|____________|
+ o  |   s   |      |     |   s  |  s  |    |     |   |     |      |
+ p  |   d   |      |     |   n  |  d  |    |     |   |     |      |
+ x  |   a   |   s  |   s |   o  |  a  |    |  s  |   |     |      |
+ E  |   e   |   e  |   l |   e  |  e  |    |  l  |   |     |      |
+    |   h   |   c  |   e |   h  |  h  | s  |  e  | s |  s  |      |
+ r  |   s   |   r  |   r |   c  |  s  | k  |  r  | k |  k  |   s  |
+ a  |   g   |   e  |   r |   n  |  g  | s  |  r  | s |  s  |   g  |
+ e  |   o   |   i  |   a |   u  |  o  | a  |  a  | a |  a  |   a  |
+ Y  |   H   |   T  |   B |   P  |  H  | C  |  B  | C |  C  |   B  |
+___________________________________________________________________
+1772| 69,451| 9,936|  270|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1773| 72,996|11,453|  849|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1774| 69,579| 9,250|  278|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1775| 75,291| 9,090|  425|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1776|       |      |     |      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1788| 83,036| 9,256|1,063|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1789| 84,167|10,078|1,077|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1790| 84,741| 9,284|1,599|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1791| 85,447| 8,037|1,718|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1792|       |      |     |      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1793| 77,575| 6,722|  642|34,755|  879|    |     |   |   62| 8,605|
+1794| 89,532|11,158|1,224|39,843|1,570|    |     |   |  121|10,305|
+1795| 88,851| 9,537|1,225|37,684|1,475|    |     |   |  426|14,861|
+1796| 89,219|10,700|  858|40,810|1,364|    |     |   |  690|20,275|
+1797| 78,373| 9,963|  753|28,014|1,463|    |     |   |  259|29,098|
+1798| 87,896|11,725|1,163|40,823|2,234|    |     |   |  119|18,454|
+1799|101,457|13,538|1,321|37,022|1,981|    |     |   |  221|10,358|
+1800| 96,347|13,549|1,631|37,166|1,350|    |     |   |  444| 3,586|
+1801|123,251|18,704|2,692|48,879|1,514|    |     |   |   12|   239|
+1802|129,544|15,403|2,403|45,632|2,073| 473|  205|366|   23| 2,079|
+1803|107,387|11,825|1,797|43,298|1,416|    |     |461|   51| 3,287|
+1804|103,352|12,802|2,207|42,207|  913|    |     |429|1,094| 1,854|
+1805|137,906|17,977|3,689|53,211|1,328| 133|  167|471|  315| 2,128|
+1806|133,996|18,237|3,579|58,191|1,178|    |     |499|  485| 1,818|
+1807|123,175|17,344|3,716|51,812|1,998|    |     |699|  512| 1,411|
+1808|121,444|15,836|2,625|52,409|2,196|    |     |379|  436| 1,470|
+1809|104,457|14,596|3,534|43,492|2,717|    |     |230|2,321|   572|
+1810|108,703| 4,560|3,719|42,353|1,964|    |     |293|  520| 1,881|
+1811|127,751|15,235|3,046|54,093|2,011|    |     |446|1,110| 2,072|
+1812|105,283|11,357|2,558|43,346|1,531|    |     |151|  804| 1,235|
+1813| 97,548|10,029|2,304|44,618|1,345| 382|  874|208|  816| 1,428|
+1814|101,846|10,485|2,575|43,486|1,551| 202|1,146|145|  884| 1,668|
+1815|118,767|12,224|2,817|52,996|1,465| 574|1,398|242|1,493| 1,667|
+1816| 93,881| 9,332|2,236|35,736|  769| 281|  903|166|2,354| 1,118|
+1817|116,012|11,094|2,868|47,949|1,094| 203|  916|254|3,361| 1,195|
+1818|113,818|11,388|2,786|50,195|1,108| 121|  191|407|2,526| 1,067|
+1819|108,305|11,450|3,244|43,946|1,695| 602|1,558|253|1,714|   718|
+1820|115,065|11,322|2,474|45,361|1,783| 106|  460|252|1,159|   316|
+1821|111,512|11,703|1,972|46,802|1,793| 153|  534|167|  984|   274|
+1822| 88,551| 8,705|1,292|28,728|1,124|   9|  442|144|  891|    72|
+1823| 94,905| 9,179|1,947|35,242|1,935|  20|  118|614|1,041|    60|
+1824| 99,225| 9,651|2,791|37,121|3,261|   5|   64|910|2,230|    52|
+1825| 73,813| 7,380|2,858|27,630|2,077| 101|  215|894|3,947|   348|
+1826| 99,978| 9,514|3,126|35,610|3,098|1,852|    |549|5,724|   517|
+1827| 82,096| 7,435|2,770|31,840|2,672|1,573|    |204|4,871|   240|
+1828| 94,912| 9,428|3,024|36,585|2,793|1,013|    |189|5,382|   279|
+1829| 91,364| 9,193|3,204|36,285|2,009|  563|    | 66|4,101|   168|
+1830| 93,882| 8,739|3,645|33,355|2,657|1,367|    |154|3,494|    15|
+1831| 88,409| 9,053|3,492|34,743|2,846|  982|    |230|3,224|    22|
+1832| 91,453| 9,987|4,600|32,060|2,570|1,362|    |799|4,702|    38|
+1833| 78,375| 9,325|4,074|33,215|3,034|  977|    |755|4,818|    23|
+1834| 77,801| 9,860|3,055|30,495|2,588|1,288|    |486|5,925|   116|
+1835| 71,017| 8,840|8,455|26,433|1,820|  747|    |300|3,985|   486|
+1836| 61,644| 7,707|2,497|19,938|  874|  646|    |182|5,224|    69|
+
+ .  |             |          |
+ d  |             |          |
+ e  |   PIMENTO   |  COFFEE  |
+ t  |             |          |
+ r  |_____________|__________|
+ o  |      |      |          |
+ p  |      |      |          |
+ x  |      |      |          |          REMARKS
+ E  |      |      |     s    |
+    |   s  |      |     d    |
+ r  |   k  |   s  |     n    |
+ a  |   s  |   g  |     u    |
+ e  |   a  |   a  |     o    |
+ Y  |   C  |   B  |     P    |
+________________________________________________________________
+1772|      |      |   841,558|
+1773|      |      |   779,303|
+1774|      |      |   739,039|
+1775|      |      |   493,981|
+1776|      |      |          |
+1788|      |      | 1,035,368|
+1789|      |      | 1,493,282|
+1790|      |      | 1,783,740|
+1791|      |      | 2,299,874| August--Destruction of
+1792|      |      |          |    Santo Domingo.
+1793|   420| 9,108| 3,983,576|
+1794|   554|22,153| 4,911,549|
+1795|   957|20,451| 6,318,812|
+1796|   136| 9,820| 7,203,539|
+1797|   328| 2,935| 7,869,133|
+1798| 1,181| 8,961| 7,894,306|
+1799| 1,766|28,273|11,745,425| Bourbon cane introduced.
+1800|   610|12,759|11,116,474|
+1801|   648|14,084|13,401,468|
+1802|   591| 7,793|17,961,923|
+1803|   867|14,875|15,866,291|
+1804| 1,417|19,572|22,063,980|
+1805|   288| 7,157|21,137,393| Largest sugar crop.
+1806| 1,094|19,534|29,298,036|
+1807|   525|19,224|26,761,188| March 25th, abolition of
+1808|   225| 6,529|29,528,273|    African slave trade.
+1809|21,022| 1,177|25,586,668|
+1810| 4,276|21,163|25,885,285|
+1811|   638|22,074|17,460,068|
+1812|   598| 7,778|18,481,986|
+1813| 1,124|14,361|24,623,572| Storm in October, 1812
+1814|   394|10,711|34,045,585| Largest coffee crop.
+1815|   844|27,386|27,362,742|
+1816|   851|28,047|17,289,393| Storm in October, 1815
+1817|   946|15,817|14,793,706|
+1818|   941|21,071|25,329,456|
+1819|   882|24,500|14,091,983|
+1820|   673|12,880|22,127,444|
+1821| 1,224|24,827|16,819,761|
+1822|   699|18,672|19,773,912| Extreme drought.
+1823| 1,894|21,481|20,326,445| Mr. Canning's resolutions
+1824|   599|33,306|27,667,239|    relative to slavery.
+1825|   537|20,979|21,254,656|
+1826|   522|16,433|20,352,886| Severe drought in 1824, the previous year.
+1827| 3,236|26,691|25,741,520|
+1828| 4,003|25,352|22,216,780|
+1829| 3,733|48,933|22,234,640|
+1830| 5,609|37,925|22,256,950|
+1831| 2,844|22,170|14,055,350|
+1832| 3,736|27,936|19,815,010|
+1833| 7,741|58,581| 9,866,060| Emancipation act passed.
+1834|   496|29,301|17,725,731| Seasons favorable.
+1835| 1,115|59,033|10,593,018|    do.
+1836|   227|46,779|13,446,053|    do.
+
+The following are the remarks of the editor of the Jamaica Watchman, on
+the foregoing, in his paper of April 8, 1837:--
+
+A general return of exports from the island for fifty-three years,
+ending the 31st December last, and purporting to be extracted from the
+journals of the assembly, has been published, and as usual, the decrease
+in the crops of the respective years has been attributed to the
+resolutions passed by the British House of Commons in 1823, and the
+abolition of slavery in 1833. It is remarkable that in preparing this
+table, a manifest disposition is evinced to account for the falling off
+of the crops in certain years anterior, and subsequent to the passing of
+Mr. Canning's memorable resolution, whilst opposite to the years 1834
+and 1835, is written "seasons favorable." In 1813, the sugar crop fell
+off 8,000 hhds. compared with the previous year, and we are told in
+reference to this circumstance, that there was a storm in October, 1812.
+This remark is evidently made to account for the decrease, and perhaps
+the storm at the close of the previous year was the cause of it. But it
+is astonishing, and the circumstance is worthy of notice, that whilst
+the sugar crop fell off nearly 8,000 hhds. the coffee crop increased
+nearly six millions of pounds. We should have supposed that the coffee
+trees would have suffered more from the effects of a storm, than the
+canes. However, the effect was as we have stated it, whatever might have
+been the cause. In 1814, the largest coffee crop was made. Again, in
+1816, there was a decrease in the sugar crop compared with the year
+immediately preceding it of nearly 25,000 hhds. And here we have the
+storm of October, 1815, assigned as a reason. The coffee crop in this
+instance also fell off nearly ten millions of pounds. In 1822, the sugar
+crop was reduced 23,000 hhds., and the coffee crop increased three
+millions of pounds. The reason now assigned is an "extreme drought." The
+celebrated resolutions relative to slavery now appear to begin to
+exercise their baneful influence on the _seasons_ and the _soil_ of our
+island. In the year in which they were passed, 1823, 94,900 hogsheads of
+sugar were made, and twenty millions of pounds of coffee gathered. 1824
+came, and the crop, instead of being reduced, was increased from nearly
+95,000 hogsheads to upwards of 99,000 hogsheads. The coffee crop was
+also greater by seven millions of pounds. In 1825, they fall off to
+73,860 hogsheads and twenty-one millions. In 1826, the sugar crop rather
+exceeded that of 1824, but the coffee crop was seven millions less. In
+1827, from causes not known to us, for none were assigned, there was a
+difference of 16,000 hhds. of sugar, and an increase of five millions of
+pounds of coffee. 1828, 29, and 30, were pretty nearly alike in sugar
+and coffee crops, and about equal to 1823. The crops of 1831 fell off
+from 93 to 88,000 hogsheads of sugar, and from 22 to 14 millions of
+pounds of coffee. No reason is assigned for this reduction. It was
+during the continuance of the driving system, and therefore no blame can
+attach to the managers. In 1832, the crop rose to 91,000 hogsheads of
+sugar, and nearly twenty millions of pounds of coffee. But 1833 comes,
+and, with it, fresh troubles for the planters. In that ill-fated year,
+there was a decrease of 13,000 hogsheads sugar, and of ten millions of
+pounds of coffee. Its sugar crop was the smallest made, with the
+exception of that of 1825, since 1793, and its coffee crop since that of
+1798. But if this determination be alarming, what must be that of the
+succeeding years. Can we be blamed, if, in a strain truly lachrymal, we
+allude to the deductions which have annually been made from the
+miserable return which 1833 gave to the unfortunate proprietors of
+estates? What boots it to tell us that we have fingered thousands of
+pounds sterling, in the shape of compensation: and what consolation is
+it to know, that a hogshead of sugar will now bring thirty pounds,
+which, a short time ago, was only worth twelve. Let any _unprejudiced_
+individual look at the return now before us, and say whether our
+prospects are not deplorably dull and obscure. If we take the four years
+immediately preceding the passing of Mr. Canning's resolutions, say
+1819, 20, 21, and 22; we will find the average to be 105,858 hogsheads,
+and if from this we even deduct one fourth for the time now lost, there
+will be an average crop of 79,394 hhds., being 7,185 hogsheads mere than
+the average of 1833, 34, 35, and 36; and no one will deny that this
+falling off of one tenth, (supposing that the hogsheads made during the
+last four years are _not larger_ than those of 1819 to 1822) is
+_nearly_, if not _quite equal_ to the increase of price, from twelve to
+thirty pounds, or one hundred and fifty per cent.
+
+It is true some persons may be disposed to take the four years
+subsequent to the passing of Mr. Canning's resolutions, say 1823, 4, 5,
+and 6, and compare them with the four years ending 31st December last.
+Should this be done, it will be found that the average crop of the
+previous four years is 91,980 hhds., and if from it is deducted one
+fourth, there will remain 68,985 hhds., whilst the average of the other
+four years is 72,200 hhds. Such a mode of comparison must, however, be
+obviously incorrect; because, in the first place, Mr. Canning's
+resolutions had reduced the crops of those years considerably below the
+average of the years immediately preceding them, and next, because it
+would show the advantage to be on the side of freedom in the ratio of
+seventy-two to sixty-nine, which cannot be correct. Besides, in 1824,
+there was a severe drought, whereas in 1834 and 35 the seasons are
+reported as being favorable. Again, it is necessary, in instituting such
+an inquiry, to go back more than fourteen years; nor is it a valid
+objection to this to say, that even during that period a number of
+estates have been thrown out of cultivation, in consequence of being
+worn out and unprofitable. "Deplorable," however, as is the "falling off
+in the yearly amounts of our staple productions, which have decreased,"
+gentle reader, according to the despatch, "in an accelerated ratio
+within the last few years, till in the year 1836, when they do not
+average one half the returns of former years preceding that of 1823, the
+year that Mr. Canning's resolutions for the ultimate abolition of
+slavery in the British colonies passed the House of Commons," still it
+is a matter of sincere gratification to know, that the sugar planters
+are better off now than they have been for the last fourteen or fifteen
+years. With the compensation money a great many of them have been
+enabled to pay off their English debts, and the remainder very
+considerably to reduce them, whilst the reduction in the quantity of
+sugar produced, has occasioned such a rise in the price of that article
+as will place the former in easy circumstances, and enable the latter
+entirely to free themselves from the trammels of English mortgagees, and
+the tender mercies of English mortgagees before the 1st August, 1840,
+arrives. And ought these parties not to be thankful? Unquestionably they
+ought. Ingratitude, we are told, is as the sin of witchcraft, and
+although the table of exports exhibits our fair island as hastening to a
+state of ruin, and the despatch tells us that "by the united influence
+of mock philanthropy, religious cant, and humbug," a reformed parliament
+was _forced_ "to precipitate the _slavery spoliation_ act under the
+specious pretext of promoting the industry and improving the condition
+of the manumitted slaves," still we maintain, and the reasonable will
+agree with us, that we are much better off now than we have been for a
+long time, and that Jamaica's brightest and happiest days have not yet
+dawned. Let the croakers remember the remarkable words of the Tory Lord,
+Belmore, the planter's friend, and be silent--"The resources of this
+fine island will never be fully developed until slavery ceases." The
+happiness and prosperity of the inhabitants of Jamaica are not
+contingent, nor need they be, upon the number of hogsheads of sugar
+annually exported from her shores.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To the foregoing we add the remarks of the editor of the "Spanishtown
+Telegraph," on the present state of the colony, made in his paper of May
+9, 1837:--
+
+    "When it was understood that the island of Jamaica and the other
+    British West Indian colonies were to undergo the blessed transition
+    from slavery to freedom, it was the hourly cry of the pro-slavery
+    party and press, that the ruin of Jamaica would, as a natural
+    consequence, follow liberty! Commerce, said they, will cease; hordes
+    of barbarians will come upon us and drive us from our own
+    properties; agriculture will be completely paralyzed; and Jamaica,
+    in the space of a few short months, will be seen buried in
+    ashes--irretrievably ruined. Such were the awful predictions of an
+    unjust, illiberal faction!! Such the first fruits that were to
+    follow the incomparable blessings of liberty! The staple productions
+    of the island, it was vainly surmised, could never be cultivated
+    without the name of slavery; rebellions, massacres, starvation,
+    rapine and bloodshed, danced through the columns of the
+    liberty-hating papers, in mazes of metaphorical confusion. In short,
+    the name of freedom was, according to their assertions, directly
+    calculated to overthrow our beautiful island, and involve it in one
+    mass of ruin, unequalled in the annals of history!! But what has
+    been the result? All their fearful forebodings and horrible
+    predictions have been entirely disproved, and instead of liberty
+    proving a curse, she has, on the contrary, unfolded her banners,
+    and, ere long, is likely to reign triumphant in our land. _Banks,
+    steam companies, railroads, charity schools, etc._, seem all to have
+    remained dormant until the time arrived when Jamaica was to be
+    _enveloped in smoke_! No man thought of hazarding his capital in an
+    extensive _banking establishment_ until _Jamaica's ruin_, by the
+    introduction of _freedom, had been accomplished_!! No person was
+    found possessed of sufficient energy to speak of navigation
+    companies in Jamaica's brightest days of slavery; but now that ruin
+    stares every one in the face--now that we have no longer the power
+    to treat out peasantry as we please, they have taken it into their
+    heads to establish so excellent an undertaking. Railroads were not
+    dreamt of until _darling_ slavery had (_in a great measure_)
+    departed, and now, when we thought of throwing up our estates, and
+    flying from the _dangers of emancipation_, the best projects are
+    being set on foot, and what is _worst_, are likely to _succeed_!
+    This is the way that our Jamaica folks, no doubt, reason with
+    themselves. But the reasons for the delay which have taken place in
+    the establishment of all these valuable undertakings, are too
+    evident to require elucidation. We behold the _Despatch_ and
+    _Chronicle_, asserting the ruin of our island; the overthrow of all
+    order and society; and with the knowledge of all this, they speak of
+    the profits likely to result from steam navigation, banking
+    establishments, and railroads! What in the name of conscience, can
+    be the use of steam-vessels when Jamaica's ruin is so fast
+    approaching? What are the planters and merchants to ship in steamers
+    when the apprentices will not work, and there is nothing doing? How
+    is the bank expected to advance money to the planters, when their
+    total destruction has been accomplished by the abolition of slavery?
+    What, in the name of reason, can be the use of railroads, when
+    commerce and agriculture have been nipped in the bud, by that
+    _baneful weed, Freedom_? Let the unjust panderers of discord, the
+    haters of liberty, answer. Let them consider what has all this time
+    retarded the development of Jamaica's resources, and they will find
+    that it was _slavery_; yes, it was its very name which prevented the
+    idea of undertakings such as are being brought about. Had it not
+    been for the introduction of freedom in our land; had the cruel
+    monster, Slavery, not partially disappeared, when would we have seen
+    banks, steamers, or railroads? No man thought of hazarding his
+    capital in the days of slavery, but now that a new era has burst
+    upon us, a complete change has taken possession of the hearts of all
+    just men, and they think of improving the blessing of freedom by the
+    introduction of other things which must ever prove beneficial to
+    the country.
+
+    The vast improvements that are every day being effected in this
+    island, and throughout the other colonies, stamp the assertions of
+    the pro-slavery party as the vilest falsehoods. They glory in the
+    introduction of banks, steam-vessels, and railroads; with the
+    knowledge (as they would have us believe) that the island is fast
+    verging into destruction. They speak of the utility and success of
+    railroads, when, according to their showing, there is no produce to
+    be sent to market, when agriculture has been paralyzed, and Jamaica
+    swept to destruction."
+
+*       *       *       *       *
+
+The following copious extracts from a speech of Lord Brougham, on the
+workings of the apprenticeship, and on the immediate emancipation
+substituted therefor in Antigua and the Bermudas, are specially
+commended to the notice of the reader. The speech was delivered in the
+House of Lords, Feb. 20, 1838. We take it from the published report of
+the speech in the London Times, of Feb. 25:--
+
+    I now must approach that subject which has some time excited almost
+    universal anxiety. Allow me, however, first to remind your
+    lordships--because that goes to the root of the evil--allow me first
+    to remind you of the anxiety that existed previous to the
+    Emancipation Act which was passed in January, 1833, coming into
+    operation in August, 1834. My lords, there was much to apprehend
+    from the character of the masters of the slaves. I know the nature
+    of man. * * * * I know that he who has abused power clings to it
+    with a yet more convulsive grasp. I know his revenge against those
+    who have been rescued from his tyrannous fangs; I know that he never
+    forgives those whom he has injured, whether white or black. I have
+    never yet met with an unforgiving enemy, except in the person of one
+    of whose injustice I had a right to complain. On the part of the
+    slaves, my lords, I was not without anxiety; for I know the corrupt
+    nature of the degrading system under which they groaned. * * * * It
+    was, therefore, I confess, my lords, with some anxiety that I looked
+    forward to the 1st of August, 1834; and I yielded, though
+    reluctantly, to the plan of an intermediate state before what was
+    called the full enjoyment of freedom--the transition condition of
+    indentured apprenticeship.
+
+    The first of August arrived--that day so confidently and joyously
+    anticipated by the poor slaves, and so sorely dreaded by their hard
+    taskmasters--and if ever there was a picture interesting to look
+    upon--if ever there was a passage in the history of a people
+    redounding to their eternal honor--if ever there was a complete
+    refutation of all the scandalous calumnies which had been heaped
+    upon them for ages, as if in justification of the wrongs which we
+    had done them--(Hear, hear)--that picture and that passage are to be
+    found in the uniform and unvarying history of that people throughout
+    the whole of the West India islands. Instead of the fires of
+    rebellion, lit by a feeling of lawless revenge and resistance to
+    oppression, the whole of those islands were, like an Arabian scene,
+    illuminated by the light of contentment, joy, peace, and good-will
+    towards all men. No civilized people, after gaining an unexpected
+    victory, could have shown more delicacy and forbearance than was
+    exhibited by the slaves at the great moral consummation which they
+    had attained. There was not a look or a gesture which could gall the
+    eyes of their masters. Not a sound escaped from negro lips which
+    could wound the ears of the most feverish planter in the islands.
+    All was joy, mutual congratulation, and hope.
+
+    This peaceful joy, this delicacy towards the feelings of others, was
+    all that was to be seen, heard, or felt, on that occasion,
+    throughout the West India islands.
+
+    It was held that the day of emancipation would be one of riot and
+    debauchery, and that even the lives of the planters would be
+    endangered. So far from this proving the case, the whole of the
+    negro population kept it as a most sacred festival, and in this
+    light I am convinced it will ever be viewed.
+
+    In one island, where the bounty of nature seems to provoke the
+    appetite to indulgence, and to scatter with a profuse hand all the
+    means of excitement, I state the fact when I say not one drunken
+    negro was found during the whole of the day. No less than 800,000
+    slaves were liberated in that one day, and their peaceful festivity
+    was disturbed only on one estate, in one parish, by an irregularity
+    which three or four persons sufficed to put down.
+
+    Well, my lords, baffled in their expectations that the first of
+    August would prove a day of disturbance--baffled also in the
+    expectation that no voluntary labor would be done--we were then told
+    by the "practical men," to look forward to a later period. We have
+    done so, and what have we seen? Why, that from the time voluntary
+    labor began, there was no want of men to work for hire, and that
+    there was no difficulty in getting those who as apprentices had to
+    give the planters certain hours of work, to extend, upon emergency,
+    their period of labor, by hiring out their services for wages to
+    strangers. I have the authority of my noble friend behind me, (the
+    Marquis of Sligo,) who very particularly, inquired into the matter,
+    when I state that on nine estates out of ten there was no difficulty
+    in obtaining as much work as the owners had occasion for, on the
+    payment of wages. How does all this contrast with the predictions of
+    the "practical men?" "Oh," said they, in 1833, "it is idle talking;
+    the cart-whip must be used--without that stimulant no negro will
+    work--the nature of the negro is idle and indolent, and without the
+    thought of the cartwhip is before his eyes he falls asleep--put the
+    cartwhip aside and no labor will be done." Has this proved the case?
+    No, my lords, it has not; and while every abundance of voluntary
+    labor has been found, in no one instance has the stimulus of the
+    cartwhip been found wanting. The apprentices work well without the
+    whip, and wages have been found quite as good a stimulus as the
+    scourge even to negro industry. "Oh, but" it is said, "this may do
+    in cotton planting and cotton picking, and indigo making; but the
+    cane will cease to grow, the operation of hoeing will be known no
+    more, boiling will cease to be practised, and sugar-making will
+    terminate entirely." Many, I know, were appalled by these
+    reasonings, and the hopes of many were dissipated by these confident
+    predictions of these so-deemed experienced men. But how stands the
+    case now? My lords, let these experienced men, come forth with their
+    experience. I will plant mine against it, and you will find he will
+    talk no more of his experience when I tell him--tell him, too,
+    without fear of contradiction--that during the year which followed
+    the first of August, 1834, twice as much sugar per hour, and of a
+    better quality as compared with the preceding years, was stored
+    throughout the sugar districts; and that one man, a large planter,
+    has expressly avowed, that with twenty freemen he could do more work
+    than with a hundred slaves or fifty indentured apprentices. (Hear,
+    hear.) But Antigua!--what has happened there? There has not been
+    even the system of indentured apprentices. In Antigua and the
+    Bermudas, as would have been the case at Montserrat if the upper
+    house had not thrown out the bill which was prepared by the planters
+    themselves, there had been no preparatory step. In Antigua and the
+    Bermudas, since the first of August, 1834, not a slave or indentured
+    apprentice was to be found. Well, had idleness reigned there--had
+    indolence supplanted work--had there been any deficiency of crop?
+    No. On the contrary, there had been an increase, and not a
+    diminution of crop. (Hear.) But, then, it was said that quiet could
+    not be expected after slavery in its most complete and abject form
+    had so long reigned paramount, and that any sudden emancipation must
+    endanger the peace of the islands. The experience of the first of
+    August at once scattered to the winds that most fallacious prophecy.
+    Then it was said, only wait till Christmas, for that is a period
+    when, by all who have any practical knowledge of the negro
+    character, a rebellion on their part is most to be apprehended. We
+    did wait for this dreaded Christmas; and what was the result? I will
+    go for it to Antigua, for it is the strongest case, there being
+    there no indentured apprentices--no preparatory state--no
+    transition--the chains being at once knocked off, and the negroes
+    made at once free. For the first time within the last thirty years,
+    at the Christmas of the year 1834, martial law was not proclaimed in
+    the island of Antigua. You talk of facts--here is one. You talk of
+    experience--here it is. And with these facts and this experience
+    before us, I call on those _soi-disant_ men of experience--those men
+    who scoffed at us--who laughed to scorn at what they called our
+    visionary, theoretical schemes--schemes that never could be carried
+    into effect without rebellion and the loss of the colonies--I say,
+    my lords, I call on these experienced men to come forward, and, if
+    they can, deny one single iota of the statement I am now making. Let
+    those who thought that with the use of those phrases, "a planter of
+    Jamaica" "the West India interest," "residence in Jamaica and its
+    experience," they could make our balance kick the beam--let them, I
+    say, hear what I tell, for it is but the fact--that when the chains
+    were knocked off there was not a single breach of the peace
+    committed either on the day itself, or on the Christmas festival
+    which followed.
+
+    Well, my lords, beaten from these two positions, where did the
+    experienced men retreat to under what flimsy pretext did they next
+    undertake to disparage the poor negro race? Had I not seen it in
+    print, and been otherwise informed of the fact, I could not have
+    believed it possible that from any reasonable man any such absurdity
+    could issue. They actually held out this last fear, which, like the
+    others, was fated to be dissipated by the fact. "Wait only," said
+    they, "till the anniversary of the first of August, and then you
+    will see what the negro character is, and how little these
+    indentured apprentices are fit to be entrusted with freedom." Was
+    there ever such an absurdity uttered, as if my lords, the man who
+    could meet with firm tranquillity and peaceful thankfulness the
+    event itself, was likely to be raised to rebellion and rioting by
+    the recollection of it a year afterwards. My lords, in considering
+    this matter, I ask you, then, to be guided by your own experience,
+    and nothing else; profit by it, my lords, and turn it to your own
+    account; for it, according to that book which all of us must revere,
+    teaches even the most foolish of a foolish race. I do not ask you to
+    adopt as your own the experience of others; you have as much as you
+    can desire of your own, and by no other test do I wish or desire to
+    be judged. But I think my task may be said to be done. I think I
+    have proved my case, for I have shown that the negro can work
+    without the stimulant of the whip; I have shown that he can labor
+    for hire without any other motive than that of industry to inspire
+    him. I have demonstrated that all over the West Indies, even when
+    fatigued with working the allotted hours for the profit of his
+    master, he can work again for wages for him who chooses to hire him
+    and has wherewithal to pay him; I have also most distinctly shown
+    that the experience of Antigua and the Bermudas is demonstrative to
+    show that without any state of preparation, without any indenture of
+    apprenticeship at all, he is fit to be intrusted with his freedom,
+    and will work voluntarily as a free laborer for hire. But I have
+    also demonstrated from the same experience, and by reference to the
+    same state of facts, that a more quiet, inoffensive, peaceable,
+    innocent people, is not to be found on the face of this earth than
+    the negro--not in their own unhappy country, but after they have
+    been removed from it and enslaved in your Christian land, made the
+    victim of the barbarizing demon of civilized powers, and has all
+    this character, if it were possible to corrupt it, and his feelings,
+    if it were possible to pervert them, attempted to be corrupted and
+    perverted by Christian and civilized men, and that in this state,
+    with all incentives to misdemeanor poured around him, and all the
+    temptation to misconduct which the arts and artifices and examples
+    of civilized man can give hovering over him--that after this
+    transition is made from slavery to apprenticeship, and from slavery
+    to absolute freedom, a negro's spirit has been found to rival the
+    unbroken tranquillity of the Caribbean Seas. (Cheers.) This was not
+    the state of things we expected, my lords; and in proof that it was
+    not so, I have but to refer you to the statute book itself. On what
+    ground did you enact the intermediate state of indenture
+    apprenticeship, and on what arguments did you justify it? You felt
+    and acknowledged that the negro had a right to be free, and that you
+    had no right to detain him in bondage. Every one admitted this, but
+    in the prevailing ignorance of their character it was apprehended
+    that they could not be made free at once, and that time was
+    requisite to train the negro to receive the boon it was intended
+    bestowing upon him.
+
+    This was the delusion which prevailed, and which was stated in the
+    preamble of the statute--the same delusion which had made the men on
+    one side state and the other to believe that it was necessary to pay
+    the slave-owners for the loss it was supposed they would sustain.
+    But it was found to be a baseless fear, and the only result of the
+    phantom so conjured up was a payment of twenty millions to the
+    conjurors. (Hear, and a laugh.) Now, I maintain that had we known
+    what we now know of the character of the negroes, neither would this
+    compensation have been given to the slave-owners, nor we have been
+    guilty of proposing to keep the negro in slavery five years, after we
+    were decided that he had a right to his freedom. The noble and
+    learned lord here proceeded to contend that up to the present time
+    the slave-owners, so far from being sufferers, had been gainers by
+    the abolition of slavery and the enactment of the system of
+    apprenticeship, and that consequently up to the present moment
+    nothing had occurred to entitle them to a claim upon the
+    compensation allotted by parliament. The slave-owners might be said
+    to have pocketed the seven millions without having the least claim
+    to them, and therefore, in considering the proposition he was about
+    to make, parliament should bear in mind that the slave proprietors
+    were, if anything, the debtors to the nation. The money had, in
+    fact, been paid to them by mistake, and, were the transaction one
+    between man and man, an action for its recovery might lie. But the
+    slave-owners alleged that if the apprenticeship were now done away
+    there would be a loss, and that to meet that loss they had a right
+    to the money. For argument's sake he would suppose this to be true,
+    and that there would be loss; but would it not be fair that the
+    money should be lodged in the hands of a third party, with authority
+    to pay back at the expiration of the two years whatever rateable sum
+    the master could prove himself to have lost? His firm belief was,
+    that no loss could arise; but, desirous to meet the planter at every
+    point, he should have no objection to make terms with him. Let him,
+    then, pay the money into court, as it were, and at the end of two
+    years he should be fully indemnified for any loss he might prove. He
+    called upon their lordships to look to Antigua and the Bermudas for
+    proof that the free negro worked well, and that no loss was
+    occasioned to the planters or their property by the granting of
+    emancipation. But it was said that there was a difference between
+    the cases of Antigua and other colonies, such as Jamaica, and it was
+    urged that while the negroes of the former, from the smallness and
+    barrenness of the place, would be forced into work, that in the
+    latter they would run away, and take refuge in the woods. Now, he
+    asked, why should the negro run away from his work, on being made
+    free, more than during the continuance of his apprenticeship? Why,
+    again, should it be supposed that on the 1st of August, 1840, the
+    emancipated negroes should have less inclination to betake
+    themselves to the woods than in 1838? If there was a risk of the
+    slaves running to the woods in 1838, that risk would be increased
+    and not diminished during the intermediate period up to 1840, by the
+    treatment they were receiving from their masters, and the deferring
+    of their hopes.
+
+    My lords, (continued the noble lord,) I have now to say a few words
+    upon the treatment which the slaves have received during the past
+    three years of their apprenticeship, and which, it is alleged,
+    during the next two years is to make them fitted for absolute
+    emancipation. My lords, I am prepared to show that in most respects
+    the treatment the slaves have received since 1834 is no better, and
+    in many others more unjust and worse, than it ever was in the time
+    of absolute slavery. It is true that the use of the cartwhip as a
+    stimulus to labor has been abolished. This, I admit, is a great and
+    most satisfactory improvement; but, in every other particular, the
+    state of the slave, I am prepared to show, is not improved, and, in
+    many respects, it is materially worse. First, with regard to the
+    article of food, I will compare the Jamaica prison allowance with
+    that allotted to the apprenticed negroes in other colonies. In the
+    Jamaica prison the allowance of rice is 14 pints a week to each
+    person. I have no return of the allowance to the indentured
+    apprentice in Jamaica, but I believe it is little over this; but in
+    Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, it is much under. In Barbadoes,
+    instead of receiving the Jamaica prison allowance of 14 pints a
+    week, the apprenticed negro received but 10 pints: while in the
+    Leeward Islands he had but 8 pints. In the crown colonies, before
+    1834, the slave received 21 pints of rice, now the apprentice gets
+    but 10; so that in the material article, food, no improvement in the
+    condition of the negro was observable. Then, with regard to time, it
+    is obviously of the utmost importance that the apprentice should
+    have at least two holidays and a half a week--the Sabbath for
+    religious worship and instruction, the Saturday to attend the
+    markets, and half of Friday to work in his own garden. The act of
+    emancipation specified 45 hours a week as the period the apprentice
+    was to work for his master, but the master so contrived matters as
+    in most instances to make the 45 hours the law allotted him run into
+    the apprentice's half of Friday, and even in some cases into the
+    Saturday. The planter invariably counted the time from the moment
+    that the slave commenced his work; and as it often occurs that his
+    residence was on the border of the estate, he may have to walk five
+    or six miles to get to the place he has to work. This was a point
+    which he was sure their lordships would agree with him in thinking
+    required alteration.
+
+    The next topic to which I shall advert relates to the administration
+    of justice; and this large and important subject I cannot pass over
+    without a word to remind your lordships how little safe it is, how
+    little deserving the name of just, or any thing like just, that
+    where you have two classes you should separate them into conflicting
+    parties, until they became so exasperated in their resentment as
+    scarcely to regard each other as brethren of the same species; and
+    that you should place all the administration of justice in the hands
+    of one dominant class, whose principles, whose passions whose
+    interests, are all likely to be preferred by the judges when they
+    presume to sit where you have placed them on the judgment seat. The
+    chief and puisne judges are raised to their situations from amongst
+    the class which includes the white men and planters. But, worse than
+    that, the jurors are taken from the same privileged body: jurors,
+    who are to assess civil damages in actions for injuries done to the
+    negroes--jurors, who are to try bills of indictment against the
+    whites for the maltreatment of the blacks--jurors who are to convict
+    or acquit on those bills--jurors who are to try the slaves
+    themselves--nay, magistrates, jailors, turnkeys, the whole apparatus
+    of justice, both administrative and executive, exclusively in the
+    hands of one race! What is the consequence? Why, it is proverbial
+    that no bills are found for the blacks. (Hear, hear.) Six bills of
+    indictment were preferred, some for murder and some for bad
+    manslaughter, and at one assizes every one of these six indictments
+    was thrown out. Assizes after assizes the same thing happened, until
+    at length wagers were held that no such bill would be found, and no
+    one was found to accept them. Well was it for them that they
+    declined, for every one of the bills preferred was ignored. Now,
+    observe that in proceedings, as your lordships know; before grand
+    jurors, not a tittle of evidence is heard for the prisoners; every
+    witness is in favor of the indictment, or finding of the bill; but
+    in all these instances the bills were flung out on the examination
+    of evidence solely against the prisoner. Even in the worst cases of
+    murder, as certainly and plainly committed as the sun shines at noon
+    day, monstrous to all, the bills were thrown out when half the
+    witnesses for the prosecution remained to be examined. (Hear, hear.)
+    Some individuals swore against the prisoners, and though others
+    tendered their evidence, the jury refused to hear them. (Hear,
+    hear.) Besides, the punishments inflicted are monstrous; thirty-nine
+    lashes are inflicted for the vague, indefinite--because incapable to
+    be defined--offence of insolence. Thirty-nine lashes for the grave
+    and the more definite, I admit, offence of an attempt to carry a
+    small knife. Three months imprisonment, or fifty lashes for the
+    equally grave offence of cutting off the shoot of a cane plant!
+    There seems to have prevailed at all times amongst the governors of
+    our colonies a feeling, of which, I grieve to say, the governors at
+    home have ever and anon largely partaken, that there is something in
+    the nature of a slave--something in the habits of the African
+    negro--something in the disposition of the unfortunate hapless
+    victims of our own crimes and cruelties, which makes what is mercy
+    and justice to other men cruelty to society and injustice to the law
+    in the case of the negro, and which condemns offences slightly
+    visited, if visited at all, with punishment, when committed by other
+    men, to the sentence that for his obdurate nature none can be too
+    severe. (Hear, hear.) As if we had any one to blame but
+    ourselves--as if we had any right to visit on him that character if
+    it were obdurate, those habits if they were insubordinate, that
+    dishonest disposition if it did corrupt his character, all of which
+    I deny, and which experience proves to be contrary to the fact and
+    truth; but even if these statements were all truth instead of being
+    foully slanderous and absolutely false, we, of all men, have
+    ourselves to blame, ourselves to tax, and ourselves to punish, at
+    least for the self abasement, for we have been the very causes of
+    corrupting the negro character. (Cheers.)
+
+    If some capricious despot, in his career of ordinary tyranny, were
+    to tax his imagination to produce something more monstrous and
+    unnatural than himself, and were to place a dove amongst vultures,
+    or engraft a thorn on the olive tree, much as we should marvel at
+    the caprice, we should be still more astounded at the expectation,
+    which exceeds even a tyrant's proverbial unreasonableness, that he
+    should gather grapes from the thorn, or that the dove should be
+    habituated to a thirst for blood. Yet that is the caprice, that is
+    the unreasonable, the foul, the gross, the monstrous, the
+    outrageous, incredible injustice of which we are hourly guilty
+    towards the whole unhappy race of negroes. (Cheers.) My lords, we
+    fill up the incasare of injustice by severely executing laws badly
+    conceived in a still more atrocious and cruel spirit. The whole
+    punishments smell of blood. (Hear, Hear.) If the treadmill stop in
+    consequence of the languid limbs and exhausted frames of the
+    victims, within a minute the lash resounds through the building--if
+    the stones which they are set to break be not broken by limbs
+    scarred, and marred, and whaled, they are summoned by the crack of
+    the whip to their toilsome task! I myself have heard within the last
+    three hours, from a person, who was an eye-witness of the appalling
+    and disgusting fact, that a leper was introduced amongst the
+    negroes; and in passing let me remark, that in private houses or
+    hospitals no more care has been taken to separate those who are
+    stricken with infectious diseases from the sound portion, any more
+    than to furnish food to those in prison who are compelled, from the
+    unheard-of, the paltry, the miserable disposition to treat with
+    cruelty the victims of a prison, to go out and gather their own
+    food,--a thing which I believe even the tyrant of Siberia does not
+    commit. Yet in that prison, where blood flows profusely, and the
+    limbs of those human beings are subjected to perpetual torture, the
+    frightful, the nauseous, the disgusting--except that all other
+    feelings are lost in pity towards the victim and indignation against
+    the oppressor--sight was presented of a leper, scarred from the
+    eruptions of disease on his legs and previous mistreatment, whaled
+    again and again, and his blood again made to flow from the jailer's
+    lash. I have told your lordships how bills have been thrown out for
+    murdering the negroes. But a man had a bill presented for this
+    offence: a petition was preferred, and by a white man. Yes, a white
+    man who had dared, under feelings of excited indignation, to
+    complain to the regularly constituted authorities, instead of
+    receiving for his gallant conduct the thanks of the community, had a
+    bill found which was presented against him as a nuisance. I have,
+    within the last two hours, amid the new mass of papers laid before
+    your lordships within the last forty-eight hours, culled a sample
+    which, I believe, represents the whole odious mass.
+
+    Eleven females have been flogged, starved, lashed, attached to the
+    treadmill, and compelled to work until nature could no longer endure
+    their sufferings. At the moment when the wretched victims were about
+    to fall off--when they could no longer bring down the mechanism and
+    continue the movement, they were suspended by their arms, and at
+    each revolution of the wheel received new wounds on their members,
+    until, in the language of that law so grossly outraged in their
+    persons, they "languished and died." Ask you if a cringe of this
+    murderous nature went unvisited, and if no inquiry was made
+    respecting its circumstances? The forms of justice were observed;
+    the handmaid was present, but the sacred mistress was far away. A
+    coroner's inquest was called; for the laws decreed that no such
+    injuries should take place without having an inquiry instituted.
+    Eleven inquisitions were held, eleven inquiries were made, eleven
+    verdicts were returned. For murder? Manslaughter? Misconduct? No;
+    but that "they died by the visitation of God." A lie--a perjury--a
+    blasphemy! The visitation of God! Yes, for of the visitations of the
+    Divine being by which the inscrutable purposes of his will are
+    mysteriously worked out, one of the most mysterious is the power
+    which, from time to time, is allowed by him to be exercised by the
+    wicked for the torment of the innocent. (Cheers.) But of those
+    visitations prescribed by Divine Providence there is one yet more
+    inscrutable, for which it is still more difficult to affix a reason,
+    and that is, when heaven rolls down on this earth the judgment, not
+    of scorpions, or the plague of pestilence, or famine, or war--but
+    incomparably the worse plague, the worser judgment, of the injustice
+    of judges who become betrayers of the law--perjured, wicked men who
+    abuse the law which they are sworn to administer, in order to
+    gratify their own foul passions, to take the part of the wrong-doer
+    against his victim, and to forswear themselves on God's gospel, in
+    order that justice may not be done. * * * * My lords, I entirely
+    concur in what was formerly said by Mr. Burke, and afterwards
+    repeated by Mr. Canning, that while the making of laws was confined
+    to the owners of slaves, nothing they did was ever found real or
+    effectual. And when, perchance, any thing was accomplished, it had
+    not, as Mr. Burke said, "an executive principle." But, when they
+    find you determined to do your duty, it is proved, by the example
+    which they have given in passing the Apprenticeship Amendment Act,
+    that they will even outstrip you to prevent your interference with
+    them. * * * * Place the negroes on the same footing with other men,
+    and give them the uncontrolled power over their time and labor, and
+    it will become the interest of the planter, as well as the rest of
+    the community, to treat the negro well, for their comfort and
+    happiness depend on his industry and good behavior. It is a
+    consequence perfectly clear, notwithstanding former distinctions,
+    notwithstanding the difference of color and the variety of race in
+    that population, the negro and the West Indian will in a very few
+    generations--when the clank of his chain is no longer heard, when
+    the oppression of the master can vex no more, when equal rights are
+    enjoyed by all, and all have a common interest in the general
+    prosperity--be impressed with a sense of their having an equal share
+    in the promotion of the public welfare; nay, that social
+    improvement, the progress of knowledge, civility, and even
+    refinement itself, will proceed as rapidly and diffuse itself as
+    universally in the islands of the Western Ocean as in any part of
+    her Majesty's dominions. * * * *
+
+    I see no danger in the immediate emancipation of the negro; I see no
+    possible injury in terminating the apprenticeship, (which we now
+    have found should never have been adopted,) and in causing it to
+    cease for slaves previous to August, 1838, at that date, as those
+    subsequent to that date must in that case be exempt. * * * * I
+    regard the freedom of the negro as accomplished and sure. Why?
+    Because it is his right--because he has shown himself fit for
+    it--because a pretext or a shadow of a pretext can no longer be
+    devised for withholding that right from its possessor. I know that
+    all men now take a part in the question, and that they will no
+    longer bear to be imposed upon now they are well informed. My
+    reliance is firm and unflinching upon the great change which I have
+    witnessed--the education of the people unfettered by party or by
+    sect--from the beginning of its progress, I may say from the hour of
+    its birth. Yes; it was not for a humble man like me to assist at
+    royal births with the illustrious prince who condescended to grace
+    the pageant of this opening session, or the great captain and
+    statesman in whose presence I now am proud to speak. But with that
+    illustrious prince, and with the father of the Queen I assisted at
+    that other birth, more conspicuous still. With them and with the
+    lord of the house of Russel I watched over its cradle--I marked its
+    growth--I rejoiced in its strength--I witnessed its maturity--I have
+    been spared to see it ascend the very height of supreme
+    power--directing the councils of the state--accelerating every great
+    improvement--uniting itself with every good work--propping honorable
+    and useful institutions--extirpating abuses in all our
+    institutions--passing the bounds of our dominion, and in the new
+    world, as in the old, proclaiming that freedom is the birthright of
+    man--that distinction of color gives no title to oppression--that
+    the chains now loosened must be struck off, and even the marks they
+    have left effaced by the same eternal law of our nature which makes
+    nations the masters of their own destiny, and which in Europe has
+    caused every tyrant's throne to quake. But they need to feel no
+    alarm at the progress of right who defend a limited monarchy and
+    support their popular institutions--who place their chiefest pride
+    not in ruling over slaves, be they white or be they black--not in
+    protecting the oppressor, but in wearing a constitutional crown, in
+    holding the sword of justice with the hand of mercy, in being the
+    first citizen of a country whose air is too pure for slavery to
+    breathe, and on whose shores, if the captive's foot but touch, his
+    fetters of themselves fall off. (Cheers.) To the resistless progress
+    of this great principle I look with a confidence which nothing can
+    shake; it makes all improvement certain--it makes all change safe
+    which it produces; for none can be brought about, unless all has
+    been accomplished in a cautious and salutary spirit. So now the
+    fulness of time is come; for our duty being at length discharged to
+    the African captive, I have demonstrated to you that every thing is
+    ordered--every previous step taken--all safe, by experience shown to
+    be safe, for the long-desired consummation. The time has come--the
+    trial has been made--the hour is striking: you have no longer a
+    pretext for hesitation, or faltering, or delay. The slave has shown,
+    by four years' blameless behavior and devotion, unsurpassed by any
+    English peasant, to the pursuit of peaceful industry, that he is as
+    fit for his freedom as any lord whom I now address. I demand his
+    rights--I demand his liberty without stint, in the names of justice
+    and of law--in the name of reason--in the name of God, who has given
+    you no right to work injustice. I demand that your brother be no
+    longer trampled upon as your slave. (Hear, hear.) I make my appeal
+    to the Commons, who represent the free people of England; and I
+    require at their hands the performance of that condition for which
+    they paid so enormous a price--that condition which all their
+    constituents are in breathless anxiety to see fulfilled! I appeal to
+    his house--the hereditary judges of the first tribunal in the
+    world--to you I appeal for justice. Patrons of all the arts that
+    humanize mankind, under your protection I place humanity herself! To
+    the merciful Sovereign of a free people I call aloud for mercy to
+    the hundreds of thousands in whose behalf half a million of her
+    Christian sisters have cried aloud, that their cry may not have
+    risen in vain. But first I turn my eye to the throne of all justice,
+    and devoutly humbling myself before Him who is of purer eyes than to
+    behold any longer such vast iniquities--I implore that the curse
+    over our heads of unjust oppression be averted from us--that your
+    hearts may be turned to mercy--and that over all the earth His will
+    may at length be done!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+INDEX.
+
+ABSCONDING from labor,
+Accident in a boiling house,
+Aged negro,
+Allowance to Apprentices,
+"Amalgamation,"
+American Consul, (_See Consul_.)
+American Prejudice,
+Amity Hall Estate,
+Anderson, Wm. II. Esq.,
+Anguilla,
+Annual Meeting of Missionaries,
+Antigua, Dimensions of,
+  "      Sugar Crop of,
+Applewhitte, Mr.
+Appraisement of Apprentices,
+Apprentice, provisions respecting the,
+Apprenticeship compared with slavery,
+Apprenticeship System,
+      "        Design of,
+      "        Good effect of,
+      "        No preparation for freedom,
+Apprenticeship, Operation of,
+Apprenticeship, Opinion of, in Antigua;--in Barbadoes;--in Jamaica,
+Apprentices liberated,
+Apprentices' work compared with slaves
+Archdeacon of Antigua,
+     "     of Barbadoes,
+Aristocracy of Antigua,
+Armstrong, Mr. H.,
+Ashby, Colonel,
+Athill, Mr.,
+Attachment to home,
+Attorney General of Jamaica,
+Attendance on Church
+August, First of
+
+Baijer, Hon. Samuel O.,
+Baines, Major,
+Banks, Rev. Mr.,
+Baptist Chapel
+Baptists in Jamaica,
+Barbadoes,
+Barbuda,
+Barber in Bridgetown,
+Barclay, Alexander, Esq.,
+Barnard, Samuel, Esq.,
+Barrow, Colonel,
+Bath,
+Bazaar,
+Bell, Dr.,
+Belle Estate,
+Bell not tolled for colored person,
+"_Belly, 'blige_ 'em to work,"
+Belmore, Lord,
+Belvidere Estate,
+Benevolent institutions of Antigua,
+Bible Society,
+Bishop of Barbadoes,
+Blessings of Abolition, (See _Morals_, &c.)
+Blind man,
+Boiling House,
+Bookkeepers, Slaver of,
+"Bornin' Ground,"
+Bourne, Mr. London,
+Bourne, Mr. S., (of Antigua,)
+Bourne, Stephen, Esq., (of Jamaica,)
+Breakfast at Mr. Bourne's,
+    "     at Mr. Prescod's,
+    "     at Mr. Thorne's,
+Briant, Mr.,
+Bridgetown,
+Brown, Colonel,
+Brown, Thomas C.,
+
+C., Mr., of Barbadoes,
+"Cage,"
+Cane cultivated by apprentices on their own ground,
+Cane-cutting,
+Cane-holing,
+Cecil, Mr.,
+Cedar Hall,
+Chamberlain, R., Esq.,
+Change of opinion in regard to slavery,
+Chapel erected by apprentices,
+Character of colored people,
+Cheesborough, Rev. Mr.,
+Children, care of, (See _Free_.)
+Christmas,
+Church, Established,
+Civility of negroes,
+Clarke, Dr.,
+Clarke, Hon. R.B.,
+Clarke, Mr.,
+Classification of apprentices,
+Codrington Estate,
+Coddrington, Sir Christopher.
+Coffee Estates.
+College, Coddrington.
+Colliton Estate.
+Colored Architect.
+  "     Editors.
+  "     Lady.
+  "     Legislators.
+  "     Magistrates.
+  "     Merchants.
+  "     Policemen.
+  "     Population.
+  "     Proprietor.
+  "     Teachers.
+Colthurst, Major.
+Complaints to Special Magistrates.
+Concubinage.
+Condition of the negroes, changed.
+Conduct of the Emancipated on the first of August.
+Confidence increased.
+Conjugal attachment.
+Consul, American at Antigua.
+  "        "     at Jamaica.
+Constabulary force, colored.
+Contributions for religious purposes.
+Conversation with a negro boatman.
+Conversation with negroes on Harvey's estate.
+Conversation with apprentices.
+Corbett, Mr. Trial of.
+Corner stone laid.
+Courts in Barbadoes.
+Courts in Jamaica.
+Cox, Rev. James.
+Cranstoun, Mr.
+Crimes, Diminution of.
+Crimes in Jamaica.
+Crookes, Rev. Mr.
+Crops in Barbadoes.
+Crops in Jamaica.
+Cruelty of slavery.
+  "     to apprentices.
+Cultivation in Barbadoes, (See _Crops_.)
+Cultivation in Jamaica.
+Cummins, Mr.
+Cummins, Rev. Mr.
+Cuppage, Captain.
+Custom House returns, Barbadoes.
+
+Daily meal Society.
+Dangers of slavery.
+Daniell, Dr.
+Death-bed of a planter.
+Deception.
+Defect of law.
+Demerara, Apprenticeship in.
+Desire for instruction.
+Dinner at Mr. Harris's.
+  "    at the Governor's.
+Disabilities of colored people.
+Discussion, Effect of.
+Distinction between _serving_ and being _property_.
+Distressed Females' Friend Society.
+Disturbances, Reason of.
+Docility of the negroes.
+Domestic Apprentices.
+Donovan's Estate.
+Drax Hall.
+Dress in Antigua.
+"Driver and overseer."
+Drought in Antigua.
+Dublin Castle Estate.
+Duncan, Mr.
+Dungeons in Antigua.
+  "      in Barbadoes.
+
+Economy of the negroes.
+Edgecomb Estate.
+Edmonson, Rev. Jonathan.
+Education of Apprentices.
+  "       in Antigua.
+  "       in Barbadoes. (See _Schools_.)
+Education, Queries on, replied to.
+  "        Results, in regard to.
+Edwards, Colonel.
+Eldridge, R. B. Esq..
+Elliot, Rev. Edward.
+Emancipation, Immediate. (See _Preparation, &c._)
+Emancipation, Motives of, in Antigua.
+Emigrants from Europe.
+Employments of the colored.
+English Delegation.
+Enrolment of colored militia.
+Escape of slaves from French islands.
+Expectations in regard to 1838 and 1840.
+Expense of free compared with slave labor.
+Expense of Apprenticeship compared with slavery.
+Explanation of terms.
+Exports of Jamaica for 53 years.
+
+Fair of St. John's.
+Favey, Mr.
+Feeding in Barbadoes.
+Feeling, intense, of the negroes.
+Females in the field.
+Fences wanting in Antigua.
+Ferguson, Dr.
+Fines upon the planters.
+Fire in the canes.
+Fitch's Creek Estate.
+Flogging.
+  "      machine.
+Forten, James.
+Four and a half per cent tax.
+Fraser, Rev. Edward.
+  "     Mrs., ----
+Free children.
+Freedom in Antigua.
+Free labor less expensive.
+Freeman, Count.
+Frey's Estate.
+Friendly Societies.
+Fright of American vessels.
+
+Galloway, Mr.
+Gangs, Division of.
+Gardiner, Rev. Mr.
+Gilbert, Rev. N.
+Girl sold by her mother.
+Gitters, Rev. Mr.
+Golden Grove Estate.
+Gordon, Mr.
+Governor of Antigua.
+  "      of Barbadoes.
+Grace Bay.
+Grenada.
+"Grandfather Jacob."
+Gratitude of the Negroes.
+"Grecian Regale."
+Green Castle Estate.
+Green Wall Estate.
+Guadaloupe.
+Guarda Costas.
+"Gubner poisoned."
+
+H., Mr., an American.
+Hamilton, Capt.
+Hamilton, Cheny, Esq.
+Hamilton, Rev. Mr.
+Harrison, Colonel.
+Harris, Thomas, Esq.
+Harvey, Rev. B.
+Hatley, Mr.
+Heroism of colored women.
+Higginbothom, Ralph, Esq.
+Hill, Richard, Esq.
+Hinkston, Samuel, Esq.
+Holberton, Rev. Robert.
+Holidays in Antigua.
+Horne, Rev. Mr.
+"Horse."
+Horton Estate.
+Horsford, Hon. Paul.
+Hostility to Emancipation. (See also, _Change, &c._)
+House of Correction.
+Howell, Mr., (of Jamaica).
+Howell, James Esq.
+Hurricane.
+
+Imports and Exports of Barbadoes.
+Improvement since Emancipation. (See _Morals_.)
+Indolence of Apprentices.
+  "       of Whites.
+Industry of Emancipated Slaves.
+Industry of Apprentices.
+Infanticide.
+Insolence.
+Insubordination. (See _Subordination_.)
+Insurrection in Barbadoes in 1816.
+Insurrection not feared in Antigua;
+    nor in Barbadoes;
+    nor in Jamaica.
+Intelligence of blacks, as compared with whites.
+Intemperance in Antigua. (See _Temperance_.)
+Intermixture. (See also _Amalgamation_.)
+Internal Improvement.
+
+Jamaica.
+Jarvis, Colonel.
+Jobs.
+Jocken, Mr.
+Jones, Mr.
+Jones, Rev. Mr.
+Jones, T. Watkins, S. M.
+Jordon, Edward, Esq.
+Jury on the body of a negro woman.
+"Juvenile Association."
+
+Kingdon, Rev. Mr.
+Kingston.
+Kirkland, Mr.
+
+Law, respect for.
+Lear's Estate.
+Legislature of Antigua.
+Letter to a Special Magistrate.
+License to marry.
+Licentiousness.
+Lighthouse.
+Lock-up house at St. John's.
+Lyon, E.B., Esq.
+Lyon's Estate.
+
+Machinery, Labor-saving.
+Managers, Testimony of.
+Manchioneal.
+Market in St. John's.
+Market people.
+Maroons.
+Marriage.
+Marshall, Mr.
+Martinique.
+Master's power over the apprentice.
+McCornock, Thomas, Esq.
+McGregor, Sir Evan, J. M.
+Megass.
+Merchants, Testimony of.
+Messages of Sir Lionel Smith.
+Mico Charity Infant School.
+Miller's Estate.
+Missionaries, Wesleyan.
+Missionary associations.
+  "        Society, Wesleyan.
+Mob, Pro-Slavery, in Barbadoes.
+Möhne, Mr. and Mrs.
+Montserrat.
+Morals, improvement of.
+Morant Bay.
+Moravian Chapel.
+    "    Missionary.
+Moravians.
+Morrish, Rev. Mr.
+Mule-traveling.
+Murder of a planter.
+Musgrave, Dr.
+
+Negro Grounds.
+Negro Quarters.
+Nevis.
+Newby, Mr.
+Newfield, visit to.
+Noble trait in the apprentices.
+Nugent, Hon. Nicholas.
+
+Obstacles to free labor in Antigua.
+Old school tyrant.
+Opinions in Antigua in regard to Emancipation.
+Opinions of the United States.
+Opposition to slavery in Jamaica.
+O'Reily, Hon. Dowel.
+Osburne, Mr.
+Overseers.
+
+Packer, Rev. Mr.
+Parry, Archdeacon.
+Partiality of the Special Magistrates.
+Peaceableness of negro villages.
+Peaceableness of the change from slavery to freedom.
+Peaceableness of the negro character.
+Persecution of a Special Justice.
+Peter's Rock.
+Phillips, Rev. Mr.
+Physician, Testimony of.
+Pigeot, Mr.
+Plantain Garden River Valley.
+Planter, a severe one.
+Planters, cruelty of.
+  "       in Barbadoes.
+Plough.
+Police Court.
+   "   of Antigua.
+   "   Officers, Testimony of.
+   "   Reports.
+Policy of colored people in regard to prejudice.
+Port Royal.
+Prejudice against color.
+"Prejudice Bell."
+Preparation for freedom.
+Prescod, Mr.
+Promiscuous seating in church (See _"Amalgamation," &c._)
+Proprietor, testimony of.
+Pro-slavery pretences.
+Providence of the emancipated, the.
+Provost Marshal, Testimony of.
+Punishment, cruel.
+Punishment in Antigua.
+
+Ramsay, Mr.
+Real Estate.
+Rebellion, so called.
+Rector of St. John's.
+"Red Shanks."
+Reid, Mr. E.
+Religion in Antigua;
+  in Barbadoes;
+  in Jamaica.
+Religious condition of slaves in Antigua.
+Religious instruction desired.
+Report of a Special Magistrate.
+Resolution in regard to Messrs. Thome and Kimball.
+Resolutions of Wesleyan Missionaries.
+Respect for the aged.
+Results in Antigua.
+Revengefulness.
+Ridge Estate.
+Right of suffrage.
+Rogers, Mr.
+Ross, A., Esq.
+Rowe, Rev. Mr.
+Rum, use of in Antigua.
+
+Sabbath in Antigua;
+  in Barbadoes;
+  in Jamaica.
+Sabbath school in Bridgetown.
+Safety of immediate emancipation. (See _Insurrections_.)
+School, adult;
+  at Lear's;
+  Parochial;
+  Wolmer Free.
+Schools in Antigua;
+  in Bridgetown;
+  infant;
+  in Kingston;
+  in Spanishtown.
+Scotland in Barbadoes.
+Scotland, James, Esq.
+Scotland, J., Jr. Esq.
+Security restored.
+Self-emancipation.
+Self-respect.
+Shands, Mr. S.
+Shiel, Mr.
+Shrewsbury, Rev. Mr.
+Sickness, pretended.
+Silver Hill.
+Sligo, Lord.
+Smith, Sir Lionel.
+Social intercourse.
+Societies, benevolent.
+Society among colored people.
+  "     for promotion of Christian knowledge.
+Soldiers, black.
+Solicitor General of Barbadoes.
+  "               of Jamaica.
+Song sung in the schools.
+Spanishtown.
+"Speaking," a Moravian custom.
+Special Magistrates. (See also _Partiality_.)
+Special Magistrates, Testimony of.
+St. Andrews.
+Station House, A.
+St. Christopher's.
+St. Lucia.
+Stock Keepers.
+St. Thomas in the East.
+Sturge & Harvey, Messrs.
+St. Vincent's.
+Subordination.
+Sugar Crop.
+  "   cultivation hard for the slave.
+Sugar Mill.
+Sunday Markets.
+Superintendent of Police.
+Suspension of faithful magistrates.
+
+Task-work.
+Teacher, Black.
+Teachers.
+"Telegraph," Remarks of the.
+Temperance in Antigua.
+  "        of negroes.
+  "        Society.
+Testimony of Managers.
+Testimony of clergymen and missionaries.
+Testimony of Governors.
+  "       of magistrates.
+  "       of physicians.
+Theft, decrease of.
+Thibou Jarvis's estate.
+Thomas, Mr.
+Thompson, George, Bust of.
+Thompson, Thomas, Esq.
+Thorne, Mr.
+Thwaites, Mr. Charles.
+Tinson, Rev. Mr.
+Toast to Immediate Emancipation.
+Tortala.
+Traffic in Slaves.
+Transition from slavery to freedom.
+Treatment of slaves ameliorated by discussion.
+Treadmill.
+Trinidad.
+Trustworthiness.
+
+Unwilling witness.
+
+Vagrancy.
+Value of an apprentice. (See _Appraisement_.)
+Villa Estate.
+
+Wages.
+Walton, Rev. Mr.
+Watchman, Jamaica.
+  "       Remarks of the.
+Watkins, Mr.
+Ward, Sir Henry.
+Weatherill's Estate.
+Wesleyan Chapel, Antigua.
+  "        "     New, ".
+  "       Missionary Society.
+Wesleyans in Antigua.
+  "       in Barbadoes.
+  "       in Jamaica.
+Whip banished.
+Whipping Post.
+White lady.
+Wilberforce, opinion of.
+Wickham, Richard S.
+Willis, George, Esq.
+Willoughby Bay Examination.
+Wolmer Free School.
+Women abandon the field.
+  "   condition of.
+Woolridge, Rev. Mr.
+Wright, Andrew, Esq.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER--EXTRA.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+EMANCIPATION
+
+In The
+
+WEST INDIES, IN 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+IMPORTANT TO THE UNITED STATES.
+
+False prophets were never stiller about their time-detected impostures
+than are the pro-slavery presses of the United States about the results
+of West India Emancipation. Now and then, for the sake of appearances,
+they obscurely copy into their immense sheets an inch or two of
+complaints, from some snarling West India paper, that the emancipated
+are lazy and won't work. But they make no parade. They are more taciturn
+than grave-stones.
+
+In the following closely printed columns, those who wish to know will
+find out precisely how the "_great experiment_" has worked. They
+will find,
+
+1. The _safety_ of abolition demonstrated--its safety in the worst
+possible case.
+
+2. That the colonies are prospering in their _agriculture_.
+
+3. That the planters conferred freedom because they were _obliged to_ by
+public opinion abroad.
+
+4. That freedom, even thus unwillingly conferred, was accepted as a
+precious boon by the slaves--they were grateful to God, and ready to
+work for their masters for fair pay.
+
+5. That the mass of the planters have endeavoured, from the first, to
+get work out of the free laborers for as small wages as possible.
+
+6. That many of the attorneys and managers have refused fair wages and
+practiced extortion, _to depreciate the price of property_, that they
+might profit thereby.
+
+7. That all the indisposition to labor which has yet been exhibited is
+fully accounted for by these causes.
+
+8. That in spite of all, the abolition is working well for the _honest_
+of all parties.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WEST INDIA EMANCIPATION, IN 1838.
+
+The immediate abolitionists hold that the change from slavery to freedom
+cannot be too sudden. They say that the first step in raising the slave
+from his degradation should be that of making him a proper subject of
+law, by putting him in possession of himself. This position they rest on
+the ground both of justice and expediency, which indeed they believe to
+be inseparable. With exceptions too trifling to affect the question,
+they believe the laborer who feels no stimulus but that of wages and no
+restraint but that of law, is the most _profitable_, not only to himself
+and society at large, but to any employer other than a brutal tyrant.
+The benefit of this role they claim for every man and woman living
+within this republic, till on fair trial the proper tribunal shall have
+judged them unworthy of it. They deny both the justice and expediency of
+permitting any degree of ignorance or debasement to work the forfeiture
+of self-ownership, and pronounce slavery continued for such a cause the
+worst of all, inasmuch as it is the _robbery of the poor because he
+is poor_.
+
+What light was thrown upon this doctrine by the process of abolition in
+the British West Indies from the 1st of August 1834 to the 1st of June
+1837, may be seen in the work of Messrs. Thome and Kimball entitled,
+"Emancipation in the West Indies." That light continues to shine.
+Bermuda and Antigua, in which the slaves passed instantaneously out of
+absolute slavery into full freedom, are living witnesses of the blessing
+of heaven upon immediate emancipation. In Antigua, one of the old sugar
+colonies, where slavery had had its full sway there has been especially
+a fair test of immediatism, and the increasing prosperity of the island
+does the utmost honor to the principle. After the fullest inquiry on the
+point, Messrs. Thome and Kimball say of this island:--
+
+"There is not a class, or party, or sect, who do not esteem the
+abolition of slavery as a _special blessing to them_. The rich, because
+it relieved them of "property" which was fast becoming a disgrace, as it
+had always been a vexation and a tax, and because it has emancipated
+them from the terrors of insurrection, which kept them all their
+life-time subject to bondage. The poor whites--because it lifted from
+off them the yoke of civil oppression. The free colored
+population--because it gave the death blow to the prejudice that crushed
+them, and opened the prospect of social, civil, and political equality
+with the whites. The _slaves_--because it broke open their dungeons, led
+them out to liberty, and gave them, in one munificent donation, their
+wives, their children, their bodies, their souls--everything."
+
+In the emphatic language of the Governor, "It was _universally admitted_
+that emancipation had been a great blessing to the island."
+
+In November 1837, Lord Brougham thus summed up the results of the
+Antigua experiment in a speech in the House of Lords:--
+
+"It might be known to their lordships that in one most important colony
+the experiment of instant and entire emancipation had been tried.
+Infinitely to the honor of the island of Antigua was it, that it did not
+wait for the period fixed by the Legislature, but had at once converted
+the state of slavery into one of perfect liberty. On the 1st of August,
+1834, the day fixed by act of Parliament for the commencement of a ten
+years' apprenticeship, the Legislature of that colony, to the immortal
+honor of their wisdom, their justice, and their humanity, had abolished
+the system of apprenticeship, and had absolutely and entirely struck the
+fetters off from 30,000 slaves. Their lordships would naturally ask
+whether the experiment had succeeded; and whether this sudden
+emancipation had been wisely and politically done. He should move for
+some returns which he would venture to say would prove that the
+experiment had entirely succeeded. He would give their lordships some
+proofs: First, property in that island had risen in value; secondly,
+with a very few exceptions, and those of not greater importance than
+occurred in England during harvest, there was no deficiency in the
+number of laborers to be obtained when laborers were wanted; thirdly,
+offences of all sorts, from capital offences downwards, had decreased;
+and this appeared from returns sent by the inspector of slaves to the
+governor of that colony, and by him transmitted to the proper authority
+here; and, fourthly, the exports of sugar had increased: during the
+three years ending 1834, the average yearly export was 165,000 cwts.,
+and for the three subsequent years this average had increased to 189,000
+cwts., being an increase of 21,000 cwts, or one clear seventh, produced
+by free labor. Nor were the last three years productive seasons; for in
+1835 there was a very severe and destructive hurricane, and in the year
+1836 there was such a drought that water was obliged to be imported from
+Barbados."
+
+Of such sort, with regard to both the colonies that adopted the
+principle of immediate emancipation, have been the facts--and all the
+facts--up to the latest intelligence.
+
+The rest of the colonies adopted the plan proposed by the British
+government, which contrary to the wishes of the great body of British
+abolitionists, made the slaves but partially free under the name of
+apprentices. In this mongrel condition they were to remain, the house
+servants four, and the field laborers six years. This apprenticeship was
+the darling child of that expediency, which, holding the transaction
+from wrong to right to be dangerous and difficult, illustrates its
+wisdom by lingering on the dividing line. Therefore any mischance that
+might have occurred in any part of this tardy process would have been
+justly attributable to _gradualism_ and not to _immediatism_. The force
+of this remark will be better seen by referring to the nature and
+working of the apprenticeship as described in the book of Messrs. Thome
+and Kimball. We have only room to say that the masters universally
+regarded the system as a part of the compensation or bonus to the
+slaveholder and not as a preparatory school for the slave. By law they
+were granted a property in the uncompensated _labor_ of the slaves for
+six years; but the same law, by taking away the sole means of enforcing
+this labor, in fact threw the masters and slaves into a six years'
+quarrel in which they stood on something like equal terms. It was surely
+not to be wondered if the parties should come out of this contest too
+hostile ever to maintain to each other the relation of employer and
+employed. This six years of vexatious swinging like a pendulum over the
+line between bondage and liberty was well calculated to spoil all the
+gratitude and glory of getting across.
+
+It was early discovered that the masters generally were disposed to
+abuse their power and get from their apprentices all that could by any
+means be extorted. The friends of humanity in Great Britain were
+aroused, Mr. Sturge, a distinguished philanthropist of Birmingham,
+accompanied by Messrs. Scohle, Harvey, and Lloyd, proceeded to the West
+Indies on a mission of inquiry, and prosecuted their investigation
+contemporaneously with Messrs. Thome and Kimball. Their Report produced
+a general conviction in England, that the planters had forfeited all
+claim to retain their authority over the apprentices, and the government
+was accordingly petitioned immediately to abolish the system. This it
+was loth to do. It caused inquiries to be instituted in the colonies,
+especially in Jamaica, with the evident hope of overthrowing the charges
+of Mr. Sturge. The result more than confirmed those charges. The
+government still plead for delay, and brought in a bill for the
+_improvement_ of the apprenticeship. In the progress of these
+proceedings, urged on as they were by the heaven-high enthusiasm of the
+British nation, many of the planters clearly perceived that their chance
+of power during the remaining two years of the apprenticeship had become
+worth less to them than the good will which they might get by
+voluntarily giving it up. Whether it was this motive operating in good
+faith, or a hope to escape philanthropic interference for the future by
+yielding to its full claim, and thus gain a clear field to oppress under
+the new system of wages, one thing is certain the chartered colonies,
+suddenly, and to the surprise of many, put the finishing stroke to the
+system and made their apprentices free from the 1st of August, 1838. The
+crown colonies have mostly imitated their example.
+
+The following table exhibits the extent and population of these
+colonies.
+
+
+Possessions.       Date of    Extent.          Population
+                   acquisit.  sq. m.      White Slaves  F. Col.
+Anguilla[B],        1650      . . .        365   2,388    327
+Antigua[A],         1632       108       1,980  29,537  3,895
+Bahamas[B],         1629     4,400       4,240   9,268  2,991
+Barbados[B],        1625       166      14,959  82,807  5,146
+Bermudas[A],        1611        22       3,905   4,608    738
+Dominica[B],        1783       275         840  15,392  3,606
+Grenada[B],         1783       125         801  24,145  3,786
+Jamaica[B],         1655     6,400      37,000 311,692 55,000
+Montserrat[B],      1632        47         330   6,262    814
+Nevis[B],           1628        20         700   9,259  2,000
+St. Christophers[B],1632        68       1,612  19,310  3,000
+St. Lucia[B],       1803        58         972  13,661  3,718
+St. Vincent[B],     1783       130       1,301  23,589  2,824
+Tobago[B],          1763       187         322  12,556  1,164
+Trinidad[B],        1797     2,460       4,201  24,006 15,956
+Tortola, or
+Virgin Isles[B],    1666      . . .        800   5,399    607
+
+Total, B.W.I       . . .    14,466      74,328 593,879 105,572
+Cape of Good Hope, . . .     . . .      43,000  35,500  29,000
+       Berbice[B]  . . .     . . .         523  20,645   1,161
+Guiana Demarara[B]  1803     . . .      3,006  65,556   6,360
+       Essequibo[B], . .     . . .      . . . .  . . .   . . .
+Honduras,           1650    62,750         250   2,100   2,300
+Mauritius,         . . .     . . .       8,000  76,000  15,000
+Total.             . . .     . . .     129,107 793,680 159,393
+
+[Footnote A: Emancipated entirely on the 1st. of August, 1834.]
+
+[Footnote B: Emancipated entirely on the 1st. of August, 1838, by vote
+of the local legislatures in the chartered Colonies; and by Governor and
+Council, in the Crown Colonies.]
+
+The _unanimity_ with which the apprenticeship was given up is a most
+remarkable and instructive fact. In the Council and Assembly of
+Montserrat, there was an unanimous decision in favor of Emancipation as
+early as February 1838. In the legislature of Tortola, which passed the
+bill in April 1838, the opposing party was small. In that of Barbados
+the bill was passed on the 15th of May with but _one_ dissenting voice.
+In that of Jamaica, the bill seems to have been passed on the 8th of
+June, and the _Jamaica Times_ remarks:--"No dissentient voice was heard
+within the walls of the Assembly, all joined in the wish so often
+expressed, that the remaining term of the apprenticeship should be
+cancelled, that the excitement produced by a law which has done
+inconceivable harm in Jamaica, in alienating the affections of her
+people, and creating discord and disaffection, should at once cease.
+Thank God! it is now nearly at an end, and we trust that Jamaica will
+enjoy that repose, so eagerly and anxiously sought after, by all who
+wish the Island well."
+
+These facts come down upon the question of the safety of an _immediate_
+emancipation with an _a fortiori_, a _much more then_. For it is
+admitted on all hands that the apprenticeship had "alienated the
+affections of the people;" they were in a state less favorable to a
+quiet sequel, than they were before the first of August, 1834, yet the
+danger was not thought of. The _safety_ was an argument _in favor_ of
+emancipation, not _against_ it. The raw head and bloody bones had
+vanished. The following is a fair exhibition of the feeling of the most
+influential planters, in regard to the _safety_ of the step.
+
+From the Barbadian, May 9, 1838.
+
+AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IN THE NEW COURT
+HOUSE, APRIL 24TH, 1838.
+
+The Lord Bishop rose and spoke as follows:
+
+"_Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Council_,
+
+'I was informed yesterday that, during my absence from this island, the
+members recorded their opinion as to the expediency of absolutely
+abolishing the apprenticeship in August, 1838. I am most anxious to
+record my entire concurrence in this resolution, but I wish it to be
+understood that I do not consider the measure as called for by any
+hardships, under which the laborers in this island are suffering--nor
+from the want of any essential comfort--nor from the deprivation of any
+thing, which a laborer can fairly claim from his master; still I do
+express my concurrence in the resolution of the board, and I do so on
+these grounds: that I am satisfied the measure can be safely carried in
+this island, and if safely, then I feel justly; for I consider the very
+important interests which are involved in the measure. I must confess,
+too, that I am unwilling the Barbados should be behind any other island,
+especially in a measure which may be carried both safely and justly, and
+where its example may be of such beneficial consequence. I am just
+returned from visiting the Northern Islands of the Diocese. I have gone
+over every part of Tortola, and though it is far more fertile than the
+Off Islands, yet even these are sufficiently productive for the laborer
+to raise the lesser and necessary provision of life,--and yet with these
+islands in their very face, the Legislature of Tortola has passed the
+act of abolition. Some of the proprietors were opposed to it, but they
+have now given up their opposition; and I heard, whilst in Antigua, not
+only that the act had passed, but that on the day of its passing, or the
+following day, some of the leading proprietors rode through the island,
+and were met by the people with expressions of the utmost gratitude,
+regarding the act as a boon granted to them by their masters. At Nevis
+the act has passed. At St. Christopher's the council are in favor of its
+passing, and with Nevis emancipated in its vicinity, there is little
+doubt but the Act must pass. At Montserrat also it has passed. At
+Antigua, which I visited last year, I found that every thing was
+proceeding quietly and regularly. I found too, the planters in high
+spirits, and some estates, which had been given up, restored; and the
+small patches and tenements of the free people, commencing last year,
+now in a very satisfactory state of cultivation. It is possible, indeed,
+that these last mentioned, unless the population is proportionably
+increased, may affect the cultivation of the larger estates, but there
+they are, and flourishing, as I have described, whilst I was in the
+island. A contiguous, though abandoned estate was purchased by Sir Henry
+Martin for about 9,500 _l._ currency, being 3,000 _l._ more than he had
+offered a few years previously. To compare Barbados with any other
+island, either as to population, wealth, or state of agriculture, is
+unnecessary. I have seen nothing like the commercial activity which I
+saw in the streets yesterday, except at St. Thomas; and I feel,
+therefore, on all these grounds, that the act may be passed safely and
+justly. At the same time I am not unmindful or insensible to the state
+of public opinion in the mother country, nor to the many new and
+harassing annoyances to which the proprietors may be exposed during a
+protracted continuance of the apprenticeship. I request that my full
+concurrence in the resolution of the council, may be accorded on the
+minutes of this day's proceedings.'"
+
+Such is the testimony of a witness in no wise warped by prejudice in
+favor of the anti-slavery party.
+
+The debates which took place in the legislatures of both Barbados and
+Jamaica, are full of similar testimony, uttered by men every way
+qualified to bear witness, and under influences which relieve their
+testimony from every taint of suspicion.
+
+In the legislature of Jamaica, on the question of a Committee to bring
+in a Bill, Mr. GOOD remarked, "He could say that the negroes from their
+general good conduct were deserving of the boon. Then why not give in
+with a good heart? why exhibit any bad feelings about the matter? There
+were many honorable gentlemen who had benefitted by the pressure from
+without, who owed their rank in society and their seats in that house to
+the industry of the negroes. Why should they now show a bad heart in the
+matter?--Nine tenths of the proprietors of this island had determined
+upon giving up the apprenticeship. Hundreds of thousands were to be
+benefited--were to take their stations as men of society, and he hoped
+the boon would not be retarded by a handful of men who owed their all
+to slavery."
+
+Mr. Dallas said,--"_The abolition of the remaining term of
+apprenticeship must take place; let them then join hand and heart in
+doing it well, and with such grace as we now could. Let it have the
+appearance of a boon from ourselves, and not in downright submission to
+the coercive measures adopted by the British Parliament_."
+
+After a committee had been appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for
+the abolition of the apprenticeship, a member rose and proposed that the
+28th of June should be its termination. We give his speech as reported
+in the Jamaica papers, to show how fanatical even a slaveholder
+may become.
+
+"On the members resuming their seats, Mr. HART proposed that it be an
+instruction to the committee appointed to bring in the bill or
+abolishing the remainder of the apprenticeship, to insert a clause in
+it, that the operation of that bill should commence on the 28th of June,
+that being the day appointed for the coronation of the Queen. _He felt
+proud in telling the house that he was the representative of the black
+population. He was sent there by the blacks and his other friends_. The
+white Christians had their representatives, the people of color had
+their representatives, and _he hoped shortly to see the day when the
+blacks would send in their own representatives_. He wanted the thing
+done at once, Sir, said the honorable member waxing warm. It was
+nonsense to delay it. It could be done in three lines as he said before,
+dele 1840 and put in 1838. That was all that they had to do. If it were
+possible, let the thing be done in two words. He went there to do his
+duty to his constituents, and he was determined to do so. His black
+friends looked up to him to protect them--and he would press his motion
+that all the apprentices in the island should be _crowned_ on the 28th
+of June. (Thundering roars of laughter.) He was as independent as any
+honorable member, and would deliver his sentiment, without caring who
+were and who were not pleased. He was possessed of property in
+apprentices--_he had an estate with nearly two hundred negroes, that he
+was determined to crown on the 28th of June_. (Increased roars of
+laughter in the house, and at the bar.) He would not be laughed down.
+His properties were not encumbered. He would not owe anything on them
+after they were paid for, and that he could do. (Loud laughter.) He was
+determined to have his opinion. As he had said before, the 28th day of
+June being fixed for the coronation of all the negroes in the island,
+that is the day they ought to be released from the apprenticeship.
+(Thundering and deafening roars of laughter). (Here the honorable member
+was told that the Queen was to be crowned on that day.) Ah, well, he had
+made a mistake, but he would tell the house the truth, _he had made up
+his mind to give his apprentices freedom on that day, but he did not
+wish to do it without his neighbors doing the same, lest they should say
+he was setting a bad example_. He would press his motion to a division.
+It had been seconded by his honorable friend on his right.--(Aside,
+"Good, didn't you promise to second it?") The honorable member then read
+his motion, and handed it up to the clerk."
+
+The "mistake" of this liberal descendant of Israel, which excited so
+much merriment was, after all, not a very unfortunate one, _if_ the
+"crown" of manhood is more important than that of monarchy. The members
+objected to so near an approach to _immediatism_, not, however, be it
+remarked, on account of the unfitness of the apprentices, (slaves) but
+their own convenience. Among those who replied to Mr. Hart, was Mr.
+Osborn, of unmingled African blood, born a slave, and who, we are
+informed, was a successful competitor for the seat he now occupies
+against the very man who formerly claimed him as property. Mr. Osborn
+and his partner Mr. Jordon were editors of the Jamaica Watchman, and had
+contended manfully for liberty when it was a dangerous word. Mr. Osborn
+said:--"He was astonished at the galloping liberality which seemed to
+have seized some honorable members, now there was nothing to contend
+for. Their liberality seemed to have outrun all prudence. Where were
+they and their liberality when it was almost death to breach the
+question of slavery? What had become of their philanthropy? But no, it
+was not convenient then. The stream was too strong for them to resist.
+Now, however, when the question was finally settled, when nothing
+remained for them to do, it was the time that some honorable gentlemen
+began to clamor their liberality, and began a race who should be the
+first, or who should have the honor of first terminating the
+apprenticeship. He hoped the motion would be withdrawn, and the
+discussion put an end to."
+
+What had become of the visions of blood and slaughter? Could there be
+more impressive testimony to the safety of Emancipation in all, even the
+worst cases?
+
+We might add to this testimony that of the universal newspaper press of
+the British West India colonies. We have room, however, to select only
+from a few of the well known opponents of freedom.
+
+"We seriously call upon our representatives to consider well all the
+bearings of the question, and if they cannot resist effectually these
+encroachments of the Imperial Government, adopt the remaining
+alternative of saving themselves from an infliction, by giving up at
+once and entirely, the bone of contention between us. Thus only shall we
+disarm, if anything in reason or in nature can, our enemies of their
+slanderous weapons of offence, and secure in as far as possible, a
+speedy and safe return of peace and prosperity to the "distracted"
+colony.--Without this sacrifice on our parts, we see no shelter from our
+sufferings--no amelioration of present wrongs--no hope for the future;
+but on the contrary, a systematic and remorseless train laid for the
+ultimate ruin of every proprietor in the country. With this sacrifice
+which can only be to any extent to a few and which the wisdom of our
+legislature may possibly find out some means or other of compensation,
+we have the hope that the sunshine of Jamaica's prosperity shall not
+receive any farther diminution; but shall rather dawn again with renewed
+vigor; when all shall be alike free under the protection of the same
+law, and the same law-givers; and all shall be alike amenable to the
+powers that punish without favor and without affection."--_Jamaica
+Standard_.
+
+"There is great reason to expect that many Jamaica proprietors will
+anticipate the period established by the Slavery Abolition Act for the
+termination of the apprenticeship. They will, as an act of grace, and
+with a view to their future arrangements with their negroes, terminate
+the apprenticeship either of all at once, or by giving immediate freedom
+to the most deserving; try the effect of this gift, and of the example
+afforded to the apprentices when they see those who have been discharged
+from the apprenticeship working on the estates for wages. If such a
+course is adopted, it will afford an additional motive for inducing the
+Legislature to consider whether the good feeling of the laboring
+population, and their future connection with their former employers, may
+not be promoted by permitting them to owe to the grace of their own
+Legislature the termination of the apprenticeship as soon as the
+requisite legislation for the new state of things has been
+adopted."--_Jamaica Despatch_.
+
+Of such sort as this is the testimony from all the Colonies, most
+abundantly published in the Emancipator and other abolition papers, to
+the point of the _safety_ of entire Emancipation. At the time when the
+step was taken, it was universally concluded that so far from being
+dangerous it promised the greatest safety. It would not only put an end
+to the danger apprehended from the foreign interference of the
+abolitionists, but it would _conciliate the negroes_! And we are not
+able to find any one who professes to be disappointed with the result
+thus far. The only evil now complained of, is the new freemen do not in
+some instances choose _to work_ on the _terms_ offered by the planters.
+They have shed no man's blood. They have committed no depredation. They
+peaceably obey the laws. All this, up to the latest date, is universally
+admitted. Neither does any one _now_ presume to prophesy anything
+different for the future.
+
+INDUSTRY.
+
+On the one topic of the industry of the Emancipated people, the West
+Indian papers give the most conflicting accounts. Some represent them as
+laboring with alacrity, diligence and effect wherever anything like an
+adequate compensation is offered. It is asserted by some, and not denied
+by any authorities that we have seen, that the emancipated are
+industriously at work on those estates where the masters voluntarily
+relinquished the apprenticeship before the first of August and met their
+freed people in good faith. But most of the papers, especially in
+Jamaica, complain grievously that the freed people will work on no
+reasonable terms. We give a fair specimen from one of the Jamaica
+papers, on which our political editors choose most to rely for their
+information:--
+
+"In referring to the state of the country this week, we have still the
+same tale to tell of little work, and that little indifferently done,
+but exorbitantly charged for; and wherever resisted, a general "strike"
+is the consequence. Now this, whatever more favourable complexion the
+interested and sinister motives of others may attempt to throw around
+it, is the real state of matters upon nine-tenths of the properties
+situated in St. James's, Westmoreland, and Hanover. In Trelawny they
+_appear_ to be doing a little better; but that only arises, we are
+confident from the longer purses, and patience of endurance under
+exorbitant wages, exhibited by the generality of the managers of that
+parish. Let them wait till they find they can no longer continue making
+sugar at its present expensive rate, and they will then find whether
+Trelawny is substantially in a better condition than either of the other
+parties."--_Standard, quoted in the Morning Journal of Nov. 2_.
+
+This is the "tale" indeed, of a great part of the West India papers,
+sung to the same hum drum tune ever since the first of August; and so
+faithfully echoed by our own pro slavery press that many of our
+estimable fellow citizens have given it up that the great "experiment"
+has turned out unfavorably, and that the colored population of the West
+Indies are rapidly _sinking_ from the condition of _slaves_ to that of
+idle freemen. Were we all in a position perfectly disinterested and
+above the peculiar influence of slavery, we might perhaps consider these
+complaints as asking for, rather than against, the character of the
+Emancipated and the cause of freedom, inasmuch as they prove the former
+slaves to have both the discretion and the spirit which should
+characterise freemen. But to the peculiar optics which abound in these
+United States it may be necessary to show the entire picture.
+
+To prove in the first place the general falsehood of the complaints
+themselves it is only necessary to advert to recent official documents.
+For our present purpose it will be sufficient to refer to Jamaica. The
+legislature was convened on the 30th of October and addressed by the
+Governor Sir Lionel Smith in a speech of which the following extract
+pertains to our subject:--
+
+    _"Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House
+    of Assembly,_
+
+    The most important event in the annals of colonial history has taken
+    place since last I had the pleasure of meeting the legislature of
+    this Island; and I am happy in being able to declare that the
+    conduct of the laboring population, who were then the objects of
+    your liberal and enlightened policy, _entitles them to the highest
+    praise, and amply proves how_ WELL THEY HAVE DESERVED _the boon
+    of freedom._
+
+    It was not to be expected that the total extinction of the
+    apprenticeship law would be followed by an instantaneous return to
+    active labor, but feeling as I do the deepest interest in the
+    successful result of the great measurement now in progress, I
+    sincerely congratulate you and the country at large, on the
+    improvement which is daily taking place on the resumption of
+    industrious habits, and I TRUST THERE IS EVERY PROSPECT OF
+    AGRICULTURAL PROSPERITY."
+
+Such is the testimony of a Governor who is no stranger in the West
+Indies and who was put in the place of Lord Sligo as more acceptable to
+the planters. But what said the House of Assembly in reply?--a House
+made up chiefly of attornies who had more interest than any other men in
+the continuance of the old system and who, as will presently be shown,
+were not unwilling to have the "experiment" fail? They speak as
+follows:--
+
+    _"May it Please your Excellency,_
+
+    We, her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Assembly of
+    Jamaica, thank your Excellency for your speech at the opening of
+    the session.
+
+    The House join your Excellency in bearing testimony TO THE
+    PEACEABLE MANNER in which the laboring population have conducted
+    themselves in a state of FREEDOM.
+
+    It certainly was not to be expected that so great a change in the
+    condition of the people would be followed by an immediate return to
+    active labor. The House, however, are willing to believe that some
+    degree of improvement is taking place, and they sincerely join in
+    the HOPE expressed by your Excellency, that the agricultural
+    interests of the Island may ultimately prosper, by a resumption of
+    industrious habits on the part of the peasantry in their new
+    condition."
+
+This settles the question. Those who will not be convinced by such
+documents as these that the mass of the Emancipated in Jamaica are ready
+_to do their part_ in the system of free labor, would not be convinced
+if one rose from the deed to prove it.
+
+We are now prepared to investigate the causes of the complaints, and
+inquire why in numerous cases the negros have refused to work. Let us
+first go back to the debates Jamaica Legislature on the passage of the
+Emancipation bill in June, and see whether we can discover the _temper_
+in which it was passed, and the prospect of good faith in its execution.
+We can hardly doubt that some members, and some especially from whose
+speeches on that occasion we have already quoted, designed really to
+confer the "boon of freedom." But others spoke very differently. To
+understand their language we must commence with the Governor's speech at
+the opening of the session:--
+
+    _"Gentlemen of the Council,
+
+    Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Assembly,_
+
+    I have called you together, at an unusual season, to take it to your
+    consideration the state of the Island under the Laws of
+    Apprenticeship, for the labouring population.
+
+    I need not refer you to the agitation on this subject throughout the
+    British Empire, or to the discussions upon it in Parliament, _where
+    the honourable efforts of the ministry_ were barely found sufficient
+    to preserve the original duration of the Laws, as an obligation of
+    the National faith.
+
+    I shall lay before you some despatches on this subject."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _"Gentlemen,_
+
+    _General agitation and Parliamentary interference have not, I am
+    afraid, yet terminated._
+
+    _A corresponding excitement has been long going on among the
+    apprentices themselves,_ but still they have rested in sober and
+    quiet hopes, relying on your generosity, that you will extend to
+    them that boon which has been granted to their class in
+    other Colonies."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _"Gentlemen of the Council,
+
+    Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly,_
+
+    In this posture of affairs, it is my duty to declare my sentiments,
+    and distinctly to _recommend to you the early and equal abolition of
+    the apprenticeship for all classes._ I do so in confidence that the
+    apprentices will be found worthy of freedom, and that it will
+    operate as a double blessing, by securing also the future interests
+    of the planters.
+
+    I am commanded, however, to inform you that her Majesty's ministers
+    will not entertain any question of further compensation. But should
+    your views be opposed to the policy I recommend, I would entreat you
+    to consider well _how impracticable it will become to carry on
+    coercive labor_--always difficult, it would in future be in peril of
+    constant comparisons with other colonies made free, and with those
+    estates in this island made free by individual proprietors.
+
+    As Governor, under these circumstances, and I never shrink from any
+    of my responsibilities, _I pronounce it physically impossible to
+    maintain the apprenticeship with any hope of successful agriculture._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "_Gentlemen of the Council,
+
+    Mr. Speaker, and gentlemen of the Assembly._
+
+    Jamaica, is in your hands--she requires repose, by the removal of a
+    law which has _equally tormented the laborer, and disappointed the
+    planter_--a law by which man still constrains man in unnatural
+    servitude. This is her first exigency. For her future welfare she
+    appeals to your wisdom to legislate in the spirit of the times, with
+    liberality and benevolence towards all classes."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When such a man as Sir Lionel Smith pronounced it no longer practicable
+to carry on coercive labor, he must have been a bold as well as a rash
+planter who would venture to hold on to the old system under Lord
+Glenelg's improvement Act. Accordingly we find some of the staunchest
+advocates of slavery, men who had been fattening on the oppression of
+the apprentices up to that moment the first, and the most precipitate,
+is their proposals of abolition. Mr. Hyslop, Mr. Gay and others were for
+acting at once on the Governor's speech without referring it to a
+committee. The former said: "He believed that a proposition would be
+made to abandon the apprenticeship from the 1st of August, _but he would
+say let it be abandoned from Sunday next_. He would therefore move that
+the speech be made the order of the day for tomorrow."
+
+Mr. Guy said:--
+
+"The Governor's speech contained nothing more than what every Gentlemen
+expected, _and what every Gentlemen, he believed, was prepared to do. In
+short he_ would state that _a bill had already been prepared by him,
+which he intended to introduce tomorrow, for the abolition of the
+apprenticeship on the 1st of August next_."
+
+Both these gentlemen are well known by the readers of Jamaica papers as
+obstinate defenders slavery. The latter was so passionately devoted to
+the abuses of the apprenticeship that Lord Sligo was obliged to dismiss
+him from the post of Adjutant General of militia. In the ardor of his
+attachment to the "peculiar institution" of getting work without pay, he
+is reported to have declared on a public occasion, that the British
+ministry were a "parcel of reptiles" and that the "English nation was
+fast going to the dogs." In another part of the debate:--
+
+"Mr. Guy hoped the house would not _go into a discussion of the nature of
+the apprenticeship_, or the terms upon which it was forced us by the
+government. All that he knew about the matter was, that it was a part
+and parcel of the compensation. Government had so declared it. In short
+it was made law. He could not help believing that the Hon. member for
+Trelawny, was arguing against the dictates of his own honest heart--that
+he came there cut and dry with a speech prepared to _defend the
+government_."
+
+Mr. Barclay, to whom, some years ago, the planters gave a _splendid
+service of plate_ for his ingenious defence of slavery against the
+terrible pen of JAMES STEPHEN, said "it appeared to be the general
+feeling of the house that the apprenticeship should be done away with.
+Be that as it may, he was free to say that in that part of the island he
+was from, and certainly it was a large and wealthy district, the
+apprenticeship system _had worked well_, and all parties _appeared_
+satisfied with it. He denied that there existed any necessity to disturb
+the working of the system, it would have _gradually_ slided into
+_absolute freedom if they were permitted to regulate their own affairs_,
+but the government, or rather, _the people of England, had forced on the
+predicament in which they were placed_. The ministry could not help
+themselves--They were driven to violate the national compact, not in
+express words, it is true, but in fact. It was, however, the _force of
+public opinion that operated_ in producing the change. They were placed
+in a situation from which they could hardly extricate themselves.--
+_They had no alternative, he was afraid, but to go along with
+the stream_."
+
+Mr. Hamilton Brown, who at the commencement of the apprenticeship came
+into a Special Magistrate's court and publicly told him that unless he
+and his colleagues "_did their duty by having recourse to a frequent and
+vigorous application of the lash, there would he rebellion in the Parish
+(of St. Ann's!) in less than a month, and all the responsibility of such
+a calamity would rest on their shoulders_"! discoursed in the following
+manner. "It was always understood, for the apprenticeship _had become
+marketable_. Properties had been bought and sold with them, their time
+had been bought by others, and by themselves."
+
+"He had no hesitation in saying, that the statements which had been made
+in England against the planters _were as false as hell_--they had been
+concocted here, and sent home by a parcel of spies in the island. They
+were represented as a cruel set of men, as having outraged the feelings
+of humanity towards the negroes, or in matters in which they were
+concerned. This was false. He did not mean to deny that there were a
+_few instances_ of cruelty to the apprentices, but then those were
+_isolated cases_, and was it not hard that a hue and cry should be
+raised against the whole body of planters, and all made to suffer on
+account of those _few_. He would say that there was a greater
+disposition to be cruel to the negroes evinced _by young men arriving in
+this island from England, than by the planters. There was, indeed, a
+great deal of difficulty in restraining them from doing so, but the
+longer they lived in the country, the more kind and humane they became_.
+The negroes _were better off here than many of the people of Great
+Britain_, and they would have been contented, had it not been for the
+injudicious _interference of some of the Special Justices_. Who had ever
+heard of negroes being starved to death? Had they not read accounts in
+the English papers of men destroying their wives, their children, _and
+afterwards themselves_, because they could not obtain food. They had
+been grossly defrauded of their property; and after doing that, it was
+now sought to destroy their constitutional rights. He would repeat, they
+had been grossly defrauded of their property." [Here is the true
+slaveholder, logic, chivalry and all.]
+
+Mr. Frater said, among other things, "He knew that it might be said the
+bill (Lord Glenelg's) did not go to the extent of freeing the
+negroes--_that we are about to do ourselves_, but he would ask whether
+we were not _driven into the difficulty_ by which we are now surrounded!
+Had we not been brought into this _alarming position_, into this
+_exigency_, by the conduct of the British Government. _Why do we not
+tell the English nation frankly and candidly, that they agreed to give
+the planter six years' services of their apprentices, as a part of the
+compensation, and if they desired to do away with it, that we must be
+paid for it_, otherwise we will NOT ANSWER FOR ANY CHANGE, FOR ANY EVILS
+WHICH ARE LIKELY TO ENSUE. Why did the government force such an
+obnoxious bill upon us? They had in substance done this, they refused to
+annul the apprenticeship themselves, it is true, but said, we will place
+them in a situation that will compel them to do it themselves. He must
+say that the Government had acted _cowardly and unjustly_, they had in
+substance deprived them of the further two years' services of their
+apprentices, agreeably to the compact entered into, upon a pretext that
+we had not kept faith with them, and now tell us they will give us no
+compensation. He hoped the allusion to it in the address would be
+retained."
+
+We beg the patient attention of the reader to still more of these
+extracts. The present state of things in Jamaica renders them very
+important. It is indispensable to a correct judgment of the results of
+the experiment to understand in what temper it was entered upon by the
+parties. Nothing can show this more clearly or authoritatively than the
+quotations we are making. We find another little torrent of eloquence
+from the same Mr. Hamilton Brown above quoted. He and several other
+gentlemen rose to reply to the statements of Richard Hill, a friend of
+freedom, and Secretary of the Special Magistracy.
+
+Mr. Brown--"Mr. Chairman, I am on my legs, Sir. I say that we have to
+thank the Special Justices, and the _private instructions_ which they
+have acted upon, _for all the evils that have occurred in the country_.
+Had they taken _the law_ for their guide, had they acted upon that, Sir,
+and not upon their private instructions, _every thing would have gone on
+splendidly_, and we should have done well. But they had _destroyed the
+negroes with their instructions_, they had _given them bad advice_, and
+_encouraged them in disobedience to their masters_. I say it, Sir, in
+the face of this committee--I would say it on my death-bed tomorrow,
+that if the Stipendiary Magistrates had _done their duty_ all would have
+gone on well, _and I told his Excellency that he might then have slept
+on a bed of roses_."
+
+Here was one of the abolishers of the apprenticeship who held that more
+flogging would have made it work more "splendidly." Mr. Hugh Fraser
+Leslie, who the February before had, in his place in the Assembly,
+denominated the anti-slavery delegates assembled in London, as "a set of
+crawling wretches;" "the scum and refuse of society." "The washings and
+scrapings of the manufacturing districts," &c. &c. now delivered himself
+of the following:--
+
+"_He would ask any man in the house, nay, in the country, whether the
+house had any discretion left to them in the steps they were about to
+take_? Could it be denied, that they were driven to the present
+alternative? Could they any longer say they were an independent
+legislature? It would be preposterous--absolutely absurd to entertain
+any such idea. The apprenticeship had been _forced upon the country_ as
+a part and parcel of the planters' compensation--it had been working
+well, and would insensibly _have slided into a state of absolute
+freedom, had the masters been left alone to themselves. It is now
+utterly impracticable to continue it_. A most obnoxious measure had been
+passed by the British parliament, and sent out to this country to be
+promulgated by the Governor as the law of the land. The functions of the
+legislature were put in abeyance, and a British act _crammed down their
+throats_. It could not be denied that they were now under a military
+Government. _He was only sorry that the thing had not been more honestly
+done_; in his opinion, it would have been better for all classes, for
+then the government would have taken all the responsibilities which
+might attend the sudden change they had driven the house to make, and
+find the means of conducting the affairs of the country into a peaceable
+and successful state. _Let any person look to the excitement which at
+present prevailed throughout the country, couple that with the speech
+which had been delivered by the Governor, and say if it was any longer
+practicable to carry one the system of apprenticeship_. With respect to
+the doctrine which had been broached, that the apprenticeship was not a
+part and parcel of the compact between the government and the planters;
+that they (the planters) did not possess an absolute but an incidental
+right to the services of their apprentices, _he confessed he was at a
+loss to understand it_, he was incapable of drawing so nice a
+distinction. He repeated, the government and nation had made the
+apprenticeship a part of the consideration of the abolition of slavery,
+and having placed us in a situation to render its continuance
+impracticable they were bound in honor and common honesty _to compensate
+us_ for the two years."
+
+Once more, and we have done. Mr. Berry said,
+
+"He did not think that because the Governor said they were not entitled
+to compensation, that therefore they should give up the claim which they
+unquestionably had upon the British nation for further compensation. He
+would contend also, that the apprenticeship was one part of the
+consideration for the abolition of slavery. He had heard it remarked
+that the apprenticeship must cease, but it ought to be added that they
+were compelled--they were driven to put an end to it by the Government,
+though they were convinced that neither party was at this moment
+prepared for immediate abandonment. The Governor, in his opening speech,
+had told the house that from the agitation at home, and the
+corresponding agitation which at the present moment prevailed here, it
+was physically impossible to carry one the apprenticeship with advantage
+to masters and labourers. He would take leave to remark, that the
+apprenticeship _was working very well_--in some of the parishes had
+worked extremely well. Where this was not the case, it was attributable
+_to the improper conduct of the Special Justices_. He did not mean to
+reflect upon them all; there were some honorable exceptions, but he
+would say that a great deal of the ill-feeling which had arisen in the
+country between the masters and their apprentices, was to be traced to
+the _injudicious advice_ and conduct of the special Justices."
+
+Such were the sentiments of by far the majority of those who spoke in
+the Assembly. Such, doubtless, were the sentiments of more than
+nine-tenths of the persons invested with the management of estates in
+Jamaica. What, then if we had heard that nine-tenths of the emancipated
+had refused to be employed? Could that have been counted a failure of
+the experiment? Was there any reason to believe that the planters would
+not resort to every species of oppression compatible with a system
+of wages?
+
+Before proceeding to the question of wages, however, we invite the
+reader to scan the temper and disposition of the parties of the other
+part, viz., the laboring population. Let us observe more carefully how
+_they_ behaved at the important period of
+
+TRANSITION
+
+Two of the sturdiest advocates of slavery, the _Jamaica Standard_ and
+the _Cornwall Courier_, speak as follows:--
+
+The _Standard_ says--"On Tuesday evening, (July 31), the Wesleyan, and we
+believe, Baptist Chapels, (St. James') were opened for service--the
+former being tastefully decorated with branches of the palm, sage, and
+other trees, with a variety of appropriate devices, having a portrait of
+her Majesty in the center, and a crown above. When we visited the
+Chapel, about 10 o'clock, it was completely full, but not crowded, the
+generality of the audience well dressed; and all evidently of the better
+class of the colored and negro population. Shortly after, we understand,
+a very excellent and modern sermon, in all political points, was
+delivered by the Rev. Mr. Kerr, the highly respected pastor. The
+congregation was dismissed shortly after 12 o'clock; at which hour the
+church bell commenced its solemn peal, and a few noisy spirits welcomed
+in the morning of Freedom with loud cheers, and planted a huge branch,
+which they termed the "Tree of Liberty," in the center of the two roads
+crossing the market square."
+
+Again the _Standard_ observes, "The long, and somewhat anxiously
+expected jubilee of Emancipation has arrived, and now nearly passed
+over, with a remarkable degree of quiet and circumspection. Of St.
+James's of course, we speak more particularly,--St. James's, hitherto the
+most reviled, and most unwarrantably calumniated parish, of all the
+parishes in this unfortunate and distracted colony!"
+
+The _Cornwall Courier_ says, "The first of August, the most important
+day ever witnessed in Jamaica, has passed quietly as far as actual
+disturbance is concerned."
+
+The _Jamaica Morning Journal_, of whose recent course the planters
+should be the last to complain, gives more particular information of the
+transition in all parts of the island. We give copious extracts, for to
+dwell upon such a scene must soften the heart. It is good sometimes to
+behold the joy of mere brute freedom--the boundings of the noble horse
+freed from his stable and his halter--the glad homeward flight of the
+bird from its cage--but here was besides the rational joy of a
+heaven-born nature. Here were 300,000 souls set free; and on wings of
+gratitude flying upwards to the throne of God. There were the gatherings
+in the public squares, there were the fireworks, the transparencies, the
+trees of liberty and the shouts of the jubilee, but the churches and the
+schools were the chief scenes, and hymns and prayer the chief language
+of this great ovation. There was no giving up to drunken revelry, but a
+solemn recognition of God, even by those who had not been wont to
+worship him. His temples were never so crowded. His ministers never so
+much honored. We give the picture in all its parts, faithfully, and as
+completely as our information will enable us to do.
+
+August 2.
+
+"In this city, the day has passed off in the way in which such a day
+ought to pass off. With glad hearts and joyful lips, the people have
+crowded the temples of the living God, and poured out their praises and
+thanksgivings for the great benefits they had received at the hands of a
+beneficent Providence. That they will continue to deport themselves as
+dutiful subjects, and good men and women, we have no doubt. From the
+country we wait with anxious hopes to hear that everything has gone off
+with the same peace, and quiet, and order, and regularity which have
+prevailed here, and especially that the people have returned to their
+labor, and are giving general satisfaction."
+
+From the same.
+
+Among the various ways of interesting the minds of our newly
+enfranchised peasantry on the 1st of August, was that of planting a Palm
+tree emblematical of liberty, and commemorative of its commencement in
+this island. Both in Kingston and in Liguanca, we understand, this
+ceremony was performed by the schools and congregations of the "London
+Missionary Society." The following hymn, composed by Mr. Wooldridge, for
+the purpose, and committed to memory by many of the children, who were
+treated with cakes and lemonade.
+
+Appropriate sermons were preached, both morning and evening, by the Rev.
+Messrs. Woodbridge and Ingraham, and in the evening a Temperance Society
+was formed for the district of Liguanca, when several signed the pledge.
+
+    The thorny bush we'll clear away
+    The emblem of old slavery--
+    Let every fibre of it die,
+    And all its vices cease to be.
+
+    Let indolence, deceit, and theft,
+    Be of their nourishment bereft,
+    Let cruel wrong now disappear,
+    And decent order crown each year.
+
+PROCEEDINGS AT TRELAWNEY.--A correspondent in Trelawney writes. The
+first of August was observed by the people so decently and devoutly, and
+with such manifestations of subdued, yet grateful feeling, that they
+appeared more like a select class of Christians celebrating some holy
+day of their church, than a race but recently converted from idolatry,
+and who were just emerging from the pollutions and degradation
+of slavery.
+
+TREAT TO THE CHILDREN.--The most interesting and truly exciting scene of
+all in Trelawny, was the spectacle of some hundreds of happy children
+dining. This feast for them, and for all who had hearts that could
+sympathise with the happiness of others, was provided by the Rev. Mr.
+Knibb. Similar scenes were enacted in the rural districts. The Rev. Mr.
+Blyth had, I believe, a meeting of his scholars, and a treat provided
+for them. The Rev. Mr. Anderson had a large assemblage of his scholars
+at the school-house, who were regaled with meat, bread, and beverage,
+and also a large meeting of the adult members of his Church, to every
+one of whom, who could, or was attempting to learn to read, he gave a
+book.--[HE GAVE A BOOK.]
+
+AT ST. ELIZABETH.--At the hour of 10, A.M., there was about 3000 persons
+assembled at Crosmond, when the clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Hylton, proposed
+an adjournment from the Chapel to the shade of some wide-spreading trees
+in the common pasture, whither the happy multitude immediately
+adjourned. The morning service of the church having ended, the Rev.
+Gentleman preached a most impressive sermon from the 4th chapter of
+Zech. 6th verse--"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith
+the Lord of Hosts"--In his application, he took a brief review of the
+history of the island--the conquest by the Spanish--the extermination by
+the Indians--and the consequent introduction of the negroes from Africa.
+He then adverted to the several insurrections that had taken place
+during the period since the conquest by the British, to the last general
+rebellion in 1832, in which both himself and many present were deeply
+interested. Having shown that all these insurrections had been
+suppressed, and had come to nought, he proceeded to point out how
+through Divine providence Mr. Wilberforce was raised up to advocate the
+cause of the oppressed African, and since that period, step by step,
+various privileges had been quietly conceded to the colored race, until
+the final consummation by the Legislature, in abolishing the last
+vestiges of slavery on the 1st of August, 1838.
+
+The Rev. Gentleman's honorable mention of Mr. Wilberforce appeared to be
+deeply felt and acknowledged by all around. After the service was
+concluded, the assembled multitude gave three hearty cheers for Queen
+Victoria, and three for Lord Mulgrave, the first _free Governor_ that
+ever came to Jamaica.
+
+A more decent, orderly, and well-behaved assemblage could not be seen in
+any part of the world. The people have indeed proved themselves worthy
+of the "_great boon_" conferred upon them.
+
+AT PORT MARIA.--The first of August passed off happily and peaceably.
+The people felt deeply the great blessing that had been conferred on
+them, and behaved uncommonly well. All the places of worship were
+crowded; indeed, thrice the number would not have contained those who
+attended, and many of whom could not be accommodated.
+
+From the Cornwall Chronicle of Aug. 4.
+
+Nothing could give a fairer and fuller confidence in the character of
+the negroes than their conduct on so joyous and trying an occasion, as
+what they have exhibited during the brief period of their political
+regeneration. It may be considered as an earnest of their future
+peaceable demeanor; the disbelief of the sceptic will thus be put to the
+blush, and the apprehensions of the timid allayed. The first of August
+has passed, and with it the conduct of the people has been such as to
+convince the most jealous, as well as the most sanguine of the evil
+prognosticators, that they are a good and trust-worthy people. There is
+no doubt but that this day will be held for ever as a sacred
+anniversary--a new Pentecost--upon which they will render thanks for the
+quiet "possession of their Canaan"--free from all political oppressions,
+and that they can suffer only from the acts of their own indiscretion.
+If ever they were placed in a favorable situation which they could
+improve, it could not have been equal to the present.--The exercise of
+moderation, however, is now most required, and will be greatly
+appreciated to themselves at a future time.
+
+CUMBERLAND PEN., ST. CATHERINE.--The
+conduct of the people in this district generally,
+is such as to entitle them to the highest commendation.
+Well knowing the inconvenience to
+which their masters' customers would be otherwise
+reduced from a want of food for their horses
+and cattle, they voluntarily went out to work on
+the second day, and in some instances on the following,
+and supplied the usual demand of the
+market, presenting their labor thus voluntarily
+given as a free-will offering to their employers.
+Comment on such conduct world be superfluous.
+The late apprentices of Jamaica have hitherto
+acquired honors,
+
+    Above all Greek,
+    Above all Roman fame.
+
+So far as they are concerned, the highest expectations
+of their friends have been more than
+realized. Let the higher classes universally but
+exhibit the same dispositions and conduct, and
+the peace and prosperity of Jamaica are for ever
+secured.
+
+Morning Journal of August 4.
+
+SAINT THOMAS IN THE EAST.
+
+Up to the moment when the post left Morant Bay, the utmost tranquillity
+prevailed. In fact, from the quiet of the day and the circumstance of
+droves of well-dressed persons going to and from the Church and Chapels,
+I was occasionally deluded, says a correspondent, into the belief of the
+day being Sunday. The parish Church was crowded, and the Rector
+delivered a very able and appropriate address. The Methodist and
+Independent Chapels were also filled. At both places suitable sermons
+were preached. At the latter, the resident minister provided an ample
+second breakfast, which was faithfully discussed under the shade of a
+large tent purposely erected for the occasion. The Rev. Mr. Atkins,
+Wesleyan Minister, has proceeded from this place to lay the foundation
+stone of a chapel this afternoon, (1st August) at Port Morant, in which
+important service he will be assisted by Thomas Thomson, Esq., Church
+warden, and Alexander Barclay, Esq., Member for the parish. It is
+expected that many thousand spectators will be present at the
+interesting ceremony. From all I have been able to learn the changes
+among the labourers on the estates in this quarter, will be very
+limited, these people being apparently satisfied with the arrangement
+for their continued domicile on the respective properties.
+
+Another correspondent writes--"we are very quiet here. The day has
+arrived and nearly passed off, and thank God the predictions of the
+alarmists are not fulfilled. The Chapels were quite full with a great
+many persons in the yards. The Independents are just sitting down to a
+feast. The Rector delivered a sermon or rather a string of advices and
+opinions to the labouring population, the most intolerant I have heard
+for a long time. This parish will, I am quite certain, enjoy in peace
+and quietness this happy jubilee."
+
+MANCHESTER.
+
+We learn from this parish that the Churches and Chapels were crowded
+many hours before the usual time for beginning service. Several thousand
+persons remained outside the respective places, which were much too
+small to afford the accommodation. Every thing was quiet and orderly
+when the post left.
+
+Says the Jamaica Gazette of Aug. 4th, a paper of the Old School--"In
+spite of all the endeavours of a _clique_ of self-interested agitators,
+clerical humbug and radical rabble, to excite the bad passions of the
+sable populace against those who have been the true friends of Colonial
+freedom, and the conservators of the public peace and prosperity of the
+country, the bonfire, bull-roast, and malignant effigy exhibited to
+rouse the rancor of the savage, failed to produce the effect anticipated
+by the projectors of the _Saturnalia_, and the negro multitude fully
+satisfied with the boon so generously conceded by the Island
+Legislature, were in no humor to wreak their wrath on individual
+benefactors, whom the envy of party spirit had marked out as the victims
+of truth and independence.
+
+We are happy to give our meed of praise to the decent and orderly
+conduct of the sable multitude, and to record that it far excelled the
+Loco Foco group of bullies and boasters in decency of propriety of
+demeanor. A kind of spree or scuffle took place between donkey-driver
+Quallo and another. We don't know if they came to close fisti-cuffs, but
+it was, we are assured, the most serious affray on the Course."
+
+The following is the testimony borne in regard to Barbados.
+
+_From the Barbados Liberal, Aug. 4th._
+
+FIRST OF AUGUST.
+
+"It gives us great pleasure to state that, so far as our information
+from the country extends, this day was observed in a manner highly
+creditable to our brethren. We never ourselves anticipated any riotings
+or disorder on the part of the emancipated. A little exhilaration
+begetting a shout or two, would not have surprised us; but even this, we
+are happy to say, made no part of their manifestation of joy. The day
+was spent in quiet piety! In heartfelt, soul overflowing gratitude to
+their heavenly Father, whose divine agency had raised up friends in
+their necessity, and brought their great tribulation to an end, they
+crowded at an early hour to the several churches and chapels, in which
+their numbers could scarcely find turning room, and then quietly and
+devoutly poured forth their souls in prayer and praise and thanksgiving!
+No revellings, no riotings, no drunkenness, desecrated this day. We have
+heard from five parishes, and in none of the five have we heard of a
+single convivial meeting. From church and chapel they went to their
+homes, and eat their first free dinner with their families, putting to
+shame the intolerant prejudices which had prepared powder and balls, and
+held the Riot Act in readiness to correct their insubordinate notions
+of liberty!"
+
+From the New Haven, Ct., Herald.
+
+    _"Barbados, Aug. 2, 1838_
+
+    Yesterday's sun rose upon eight hundred thousand freemen, on whom
+    and their ancestors the badge of slavery had rested for two hundred
+    years. It was a solemn, delightful, most memorable day. I look upon
+    it as a matter of exceeding thankfulness, that I have been permitted
+    to be a witness to it, and to be able to speak from experience and
+    from observation, of the happiness to which that day has given
+    birth. The day had previously been set apart by proclamation of the
+    Governor, "as a day of devout thanksgiving and praise to Almighty
+    God for the happy termination of slavery." The thanksgiving and
+    praise were most truly sincere, heartfelt and general. It was an
+    emancipation not merely of the slave but of the proprietor. It was
+    felt as such; openly acknowledged and rejoiced in as such. Never
+    have I witnessed more apparently unfeigned expressions of
+    satisfaction than were made on that day by the former owners of
+    slaves, at the load of which they had been relieved.
+
+    I do not wish to be understood as asserting that previous to the
+    working of emancipation, the slave proprietors wished the abolition
+    of slavery. Far from it. But having, though unwillingly, been made
+    witnesses of the operations of freedom; and having themselves tasted
+    of the previously unknown satisfaction of employing voluntary and
+    contented, because _free_ laborers; their minds became enlightened,
+    softened, changed: and from being the determined opposers, they
+    became themselves the _authors_ of complete emancipation. I know not
+    in what terms to describe to you the emotions excited by passing
+    through the streets of this populous town on that memorable morning.
+    There was a stillness and solemnity that might be felt. It was
+    caused by no display of force, for none was to be seen. Here and
+    there a policeman going his usual rounds, but not a soldier, nor the
+    slightest warlike preparation of any kind to strike the eye, or
+    overawe the spirit of disorder.
+
+    The spirit that seemed to fill the entire population was eminently
+    the spirit of peace, good will, thankfulness and joy too deep, too
+    solemn, to allow of any loud or noisy demonstration of it. Of
+    course, all stores, shops and offices of every kind were closed. So
+    also were all places of amusement. No sound of revelry, no evidences
+    of nightly excess were to be heard or seen. I do not say too much
+    when I assert that the reign of order, peace, and sobriety,
+    was complete.
+
+    To give eclat to an event of such importance, the Governor had
+    ordered one company of militia to attend with him at the cathedral.
+    It is an immense building, and was crowded in every part of its
+    spacious area, galleries and aisles, with a most attentive
+    assemblage of people, of all colors and conditions. Several
+    clergymen officiated, and one of them at the opening of the services
+    read most appropriately the 58th chapter of Isaiah. Imagine for a
+    moment the effect in such an audience, on such an occasion, where
+    were many hundreds of emancipated slaves, of words like these:--"Is
+    not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose the bonds of
+    wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go
+    free, and that ye break every yoke?" The sermon by the Bishop was,
+    as might have been expected on such an occasion, interesting and
+    impressive. He spoke with great effect of the unexpected progress of
+    freedom, from island to island, from colony to colony, until, with a
+    solitary exception, upon that day the stain of slavery was
+    obliterated forever from every British possession. The progress of
+    education, the gradual reformation of morals, and the increasing
+    thirst for religious instruction, were all dwelt upon with great
+    force, and the glory of all ascribed, as was most fit, to the Great
+    Giver of every good and perfect gift. It was an occasion rich with
+    happy emotions, and long to be remembered as a bright and beautiful
+    spot in the pathway of our earthly pilgrimage.
+
+    The close of the day was not less auspicious than its commencement.
+    In company with Mrs. H., I drove through several of the principal
+    streets, and thence through the most public thoroughfare into the
+    country; and no where could aught be seen to mar the decent and
+    truly impressive solemnity of the day. There were no dances, no
+    merry-making of any sort; not a solitary drunkard, not a gun fired,
+    nor even was a shout heard to welcome in the newborn liberty. The
+    only groups we saw were going to or returning from the different
+    chapels and churches: except in a few instances, where families
+    might be seen reading or singing hymns at their own dwellings.
+
+    And now, sir, having arrived at the long looked for consummation of
+    all the labors and prayers of the friends of the slave for so many
+    years, as I cast my eye around this _land of liberty_, how many
+    thoughts crowd my mind? I ask myself--is it indeed finished? And are
+    there none to lament the downfall of time-honored, hoary-headed
+    slavery? Where are the mourners? Where are the prognosticators of
+    ruin, desolation, and woe? Where are the riots and disorders, the
+    bloodshed and the burnings? The prophets and their prophecies are
+    alike empty, vain, and unfounded, and are alike buried in oblivion.
+
+    And why, in the name of humanity, was not this glorious consummation
+    brought about ages ago?--Is it because the slaves of 1838 are better
+    fitted for freedom than those of fifty or a hundred years since? No
+    one believes it. The only preparation for freedom required in this
+    island, or any where else, in order to put a peaceful end to
+    slavery, is the preparation of heart in the slaveholder to grant
+    deliverance to the captive.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+    WM. R. HAYES
+
+    P.S. August 9th.--All is quiet, and the utmost good order every
+    where prevails."
+
+To complete the picture we will give two extracts of letters from
+eminent Jamaica Attornies to their employers in England, with regard to
+the turning out to work. It is remarked by the English papers that the
+Attornies generally in writing to their employers adopt the same strain.
+They are all doing well on _their_ estates, but hear that the rest of
+the island is in a woful condition.--These are the men who are the
+greatest, if not the only, losers by emancipation; hence their testimony
+is doubly valuable.
+
+From the British Emancipator, Nov. 14.
+
+LETTERS FROM ATTORNIES.
+
+_Extract of a Letter from an eminent Estate Attorney, in St. Mary's,
+Jamaica, dated August_ 24, 1838.
+
+    "There was nothing whatever done in this parish, or throughout the
+    island, for the first two weeks of the month. In this quarter some
+    estates did a little last week, and have been making more progress
+    since, but the far greater number have not yet done any work; the
+    minds of the people are very unsettled, and full of all sorts of
+    foolish notions, which will continue more or less till we hear of
+    the home government having accepted and approved of our abolition
+    bill, and their views with regard to us.
+
+    On several of the estates which have wrought, the people have struck
+    once or twice. We have in this parish ministers of every
+    denomination, and they are all acting very properly; but they do not
+    seem to have as much influence as expected; we must _be as
+    considerate and liberal as possible to secure their confidence_
+    ourselves. We are in St. Mary's paying the highest rate of wages in
+    the island; 1s. 8d. currency per day nett, with allowances, are
+    generally offered; I am giving here, from sheer necessity, 2s. 6d.
+    currency per day, without charging any rent in the mean time. In the
+    present state of things when so few estates are doing anything at
+    all, I have much satisfaction in saying that the people here, on
+    ----, a good proportion of them were at work last week, and I have
+    now the mill about making sugar, with every probability, I think of
+    going on satisfactorily; and looking dispassionately at the great
+    change which has so suddenly taken place, our present difficulties
+    are not much to be wondered at.
+
+    Sunday night, 8th Sept.--The foregoing was written, but too late,
+    for the last packet; but as another sails to-morrow, I write you a
+    few lines more. There is, up to this moment, but little material
+    alteration in the state of affairs generally, certainly none for the
+    worse. I have made here twenty hogsheads of sugar since the 1st ult.
+    We are altogether in an uncertain state, but there are more mills
+    about, and more work doing _in this district than in any other in
+    the island_, which might and ought to be a feather in the cap of
+    Maitter, our late stipe. I have no time to say more now, excepting
+    that, although I am in great hopes that things will soon generally
+    improve, and am of opinion that our present difficulties are not to
+    be wondered at, yet our situation is still so critical, that I dare
+    not venture to hazard an opinion as to the success of the great
+    experiment, I repeat, however, again, that we have not seen anything
+    to disappoint or surprise us, bad as many things are."
+
+_Extract of a Letter from an Attorney in St. Mary's, Jamaica, 24th
+August_, 1838
+
+"The services of the stipes are much wanting here; I am paying 10s. a
+week for first class, 6s. 8d. for second, and 4s. 2d. for third, for
+five days work; they say they will not work on Fridays. However, I have
+got people at ---- to work today; they are behaving better than most
+others. I hope things will now improve; and it is my opinion that good
+estates will do, and others will fall to the ground. Old Mr. Tytte is
+dead, and his son Alexander made stipe for the district. The Governor's
+speech respecting women has done a great deal of harm. None of the women
+want to work. If Lord Glenelg had made such a mistake, he would have
+heard enough of it. I wish the Government would take it on themselves to
+settle the rate of wages, otherwise two-thirds of the estates will be
+thrown up before next year; of course I can stand this as well as any.
+The ---- people have behaved well: they did every thing I told them;
+they are working on piece-work, which is the best plan."
+
+Precisely similar is the testimony of private correspondents and of the
+public press so far as we have been able to learn, in all the other
+colonies where emancipation has taken place. There is certainly nothing
+in all this that indicates a disposition on the part of the emancipated
+to throw off the employment of their former masters, but much the
+reverse. We may safely challenge contradiction to the assertion, that at
+the expiration of the jubilee there were not a set of free laborers on
+earth from whom the West India planters could have got more work for the
+same money. It may be proper in these days, when the maxims of slavery
+have so fearfully overshadowed the rights of man, to say that a man has
+a _right_ to forbear laboring when he can live honestly without it--or,
+at all events, he has a right to choose whether he will employ himself
+or be employed by another. Hence it _may_ turn out that the refusal to
+labor, so far as there has been any, only serves to prove the more
+clearly the fitness of the laborers of freedom.
+
+WAGES
+
+It must have been obvious to every man of reflection that in a change so
+vast, involving so many laborers, and in circumstances so various, there
+would arise almost infinite disputes about the rate of wages. The
+colonies differ widely as to the real value of labor. Some have a rich,
+unexhausted, and, perhaps, inexhaustible soil, and a scanty supply of
+laborers. Others are more populous and less fertile. The former would of
+course offer higher wages than the latter, for so sudden was the step
+there could be no common understanding on the point. Again, as we have
+seen, the planters came into the measure with different views. Some
+anticipated the general change, and either from motives of humanity or
+policy, or more probably of both, adopted a course calculated to gain
+the gratitude and good will of the laborer.--These would offer wages
+which the less liberal would call ruinous. Many, and it would seem the
+great body of them in Jamaica, yielded unwillingly to superior power.
+They saw the sceptre of despotic authority was to be wrested from their
+grasp. They threw it down, as one may easily believe, resolved to seize
+the best substitute they could. They would infallibly fall upon the plan
+of getting the greatest possible amount of work for the least possible
+amount of pay. When we consider that even in the oldest, most civilized,
+and most Christianized free-labor communities, employers are wont to
+combine to keep down the rate of wages, while on the other hand the
+laborers throw up work to raise it, we shall not be surprised that there
+should be things of this sort in Jamaica, liberty being in the gristle.
+The only help for such an evil is, that there is always a rate of wages
+which is advantageous to both parties, and things being left to
+themselves, it will at last be found.
+
+To the planters and freed-men in settling the question what wages they
+should offer and receive, two standards or guides presented
+themselves,--1. The rate of wages which had been given in Antigua since
+1834. 2. The compensation that had been demanded by the Jamaica planters
+themselves, and adjudged by the magistrates, in case of apprentices
+buying their own time. Hundreds of planters had declared upon oath what
+the time of the apprentice was worth to them. Possibly as sellers, in
+the elasticity of their consciences, they may have set a higher price
+than they would be willing to give as buyers. In strict honesty,
+however, it is difficult to see why labor should not be worth to them as
+much in the one case as the other. The rate of wages fixed upon in
+Antigua may be seen by a reference to the Journal of Thome and Kimball
+to be very inadequate to the wants of the laborer. Free labor is there
+screwed down to the lowest possible point. The wonder is that the
+laborers should have submitted to such a scale for a moment. But they
+had no precedent to guide them, no advisers free from the yoke of the
+proprietary, no valuations given by their own masters, and there was
+every facility for successful combination on the part of the masters.
+They must work for such wages as the masters pleased to offer,
+or starve.
+
+Say Messrs. Thome and Kimball--"_By a general understanding among the
+planters_, the rate is at present fixed at a _shilling_ per day, or a
+little more than fifty cents per week, counting five working days." This
+Antigua scale, and not the one they themselves had sold labor by during
+the apprenticeship, became at once the favorite with a great part of the
+Jamaica and Barbados planters. If they in any cases offered higher
+wages, they made it up by charging higher rent for the houses and
+grounds, which the negroes had built and brought under culture on their
+properties. It was before the first of August that this procedure was
+resolved upon by the planters, as we gather from numerous communications
+in the papers recommending a variety of modes of getting labor for less
+than its natural market value. We select a single one of these as a
+specimen, by the application to which of a little arithmetic, it will be
+perceived that the employer would _bring the laborer in debt_ to him at
+the end of the year, though not a moment should be lost by sickness or
+other casualty. The humanity of the document is perfectly of a piece
+with that of the system which would civilize mankind by making
+merchandize of them.
+
+To the Editor of the Morning journal.
+
+SIR,--Let meetings be held, not only in every parish, but in every
+district of a parish, and let all land-owners, &c., agree not to rent
+land under £8[A] per acre, and not to sell it for less than double that
+sum. Should a few be found regardless of the _general weal_, let the
+proprietary, &c. join and purchase such lands, and if otherwise, it is
+presumed the dissentients to the measure would be so small as not to
+affect in any material degree the _general_ interest, inasmuch as those
+who dissented, from the consequent scarcity of land arising from the
+measure, would demand a high rental for their land. The _maximum_ system
+appears to be preferable to the _minimum_. I have therefore made choice
+of it as a stimulus to the laborers to work _at least_ four days or
+thirty-six hours in the week to pay for their rent, &c. &c., _or pay 2s.
+1d. for every day's absence_; or, if sick, pay up the labor by working
+on the Friday, &c., _and Saturday, if needful_. Weekly settlements with
+both parties, or _immediate summary ejectment_, if deemed necessary.
+
+[Footnote A: The sums are in the currency of the islands when not
+otherwise specified, that is 7s 6d to the dollar.]
+
+                                                £   s.  d.
+Rent of 2 acres of land as a ground for
+    each able adult, at £5 per acre            10   0   0
+Do. of house and garden, from £4 to
+    £10 per annum, say                          6   0   0
+_Medical attendance, medicine, &c. &c.,
+    worth £4 per annum_                         4   0   0
+Clothing and Christmas allowance per
+    annum                                       1  13   4
+                                               ----------
+                                               21  13   4
+                                               ----------
+
+Four days' or 36 hours' labor in each
+    week, at 2s. 1d. per day, or 208
+    days, at 2s. 1d.                           21  13   4
+If task-work were adopted, or the day's
+    labor prolonged to 10-1/2 or 12 hours'
+    labor, 3 days' or 3-1/2 days' labor
+    _would suffice_, consequently, the
+    laborer would have 2 or 3 days
+    in each week to work for extra
+    wages.
+In addition to the above, say pasturage
+    for a horse, at 4s. 2d. per week per
+    annum                                      10  16   8
+Pasturage for an ass, at 2s. 1d. per week
+    per annum                                   5   6   4
+_Run of pasturage and fruit, for a sow,
+    barrow, or sholt_; IF RUNG IN THE
+    NOSE, 10_d. per week_; IF NOT RUNG,
+    1_s._ 8_d. per week; per annum, at
+    10d. per week_                              2   3   4
+
+The above charges for pasturage might be paid for either _by additional
+labor_ or in money, and to a good head-man they might be granted as a
+gratuity, and perhaps an additional acre of land allowed him to
+cultivate. It would be desirable that the negroes should, when quite
+free, work 11 hours per day in the short days, and 12 hours in the
+longer ones. I believe the shortest day's labor in England in the winter
+months in 10 hours' actual labor, and 12 hours' in the summer, for which
+2 hours they are paid extra wages.
+
+_St. Mary's, 8th June, 1838_. S.R.
+
+The date should not escape notice. By this plan, for a few petty
+indulgences, _all of which were professedly granted in the time of
+slavery itself_, the master could get the entire labor of the negro, and
+_seven or eight pounds per annum besides_! Some may be disposed to
+regard this as a mere joke, but we can assure them it was a serious
+proposal, and not more monstrous than many things that the planters are
+now attempting to put in practice. The idea of actually paying money
+wages was horrifying and intolerable to many of the planters; they seem
+to have exercised their utmost ingenuity to provide against so dreadful
+a result. One who signed himself an "Old Planter" in the _Despatch_,
+before the abolition of the apprenticeship, in view of the emancipation
+of the non-praedials which was to take place on the first of August,
+gravely wrote as follows:--
+
+"It is my intention, therefore, when the period arrives for any
+arrangement with them, to offer them in return for such services, _the
+same time as the praedials now have_, with of course the same allowances
+generally, putting out of the question, however, any relaxation from
+labor during the day, usually allowed field laborers, and understood as
+shell-blow--house people being considered at all times capable of
+enjoying that indulgence at their pleasure, besides the impossibility of
+their master submitting to such an inconvenience.--This appears to me to
+be the only mode of arrangement that would be feasible, unless we resort
+to money wages, and I should regret to find that such a precedent was
+established in this instance, for it would only be a forerunner to
+similar demands at the coming period, when the praedials became free."
+
+There were more reasons than one why "money wages" were feared by the
+Jamaica planters. A great many estates are managed by attorneys for
+absentee proprietors. These gentlemen pocket certain commissions, for
+which reason they keep in cultivation estates which cannot possibly
+yield a profit under a system of paid labor. They deem it for their
+interest to retain their occupation even at the expense of their
+employers. Not a few conceive it for their interest to depreciate the
+value of property that they may purchase low, hence they deem it good
+policy to refuse wages, let the crops perish, and get up a panic. The
+documents we shall furnish will be clear on these points. The great
+diversity of practice in the planters in regard to wages, as well as the
+reasonable disposition of the laborers, is shown by the following
+paragraphs culled from the _Morning Journal_ of August 10:--
+
+"ST. DAVIDS.--A gentleman in the management of a property in this parish,
+writes in the following strain to his employer--"I have an accession of
+strength this morning. The people are civil and industrious. I have
+received letters assuring me that the example of the Cocoa Walt estate
+people, has been the means of inducing those on other estates to enter
+into the terms proposed"--that is 5s. per week, with houses, grounds,
+medicines, &c, &c."
+
+"St. Thomas in the East.--The apprentices on Golden Grove Estate, turned
+out to work on Monday, but we have not learnt on what terms. At Mount
+Vernon, the property of Kenneth McPherson Esq., they turned out on
+Tuesday morning to work for five days in the week, at 10d. per day with
+houses, grounds, &c."
+
+"Trelawny--A correspondent writes, every thing is quiet, and the people
+would go to work if any bargains were made, but I believe throughout the
+parish the people were directed to go to work on Monday morning, without
+any previous arrangement, or being even told how much they would be
+paid, or asked what they expected. On one estate 1s. 8d. with houses and
+grounds was offered and refused. Some of the masters are determined, it
+is said, to hold out, and will not consent to give more than 1s. 3d. or
+1s. 8d. per day."
+
+"St. Johns.--The people in this parish are at work on most of the
+estates without any agreement. They refuse the offer of 1s. 01-2d. per
+day, but continue to labor, relying on the honor and liberality of the
+planters for fair and reasonable pay. If they do not get these in two
+weeks, our correspondent writes, there will be a dead stop. The laborers
+fix the quantity of work to be done in a day, agreeable to the scale of
+labor approved of by the Governor during the apprenticeship. For any
+thing beyond that, they demand extra pay, as was usual under
+that system."
+
+"St. Thomas in the Vale--No work, we understand, is being done in this
+parish as yet. A correspondent states that some of the overseers and
+attorneys wish the people to turn out to work without entering into any
+arrangements, which they refuse to do. The attorney for Rose Hall,
+Knollis, New Works, and Wallace Estates has offered 1s. 3d. per day, out
+of which £5 per annum is to be deducted for houses and grounds. The
+offer has been refused. The overseer of Byndloss estate required his
+people to work without agreeing as to the rate of wages they were to
+receive, but they refused to do any thing without a proper agreement."
+
+"St. Mary's--On some estates in this parish we are informed, and
+particularly those under the charge of Richard Lewis, Esq. such as
+Ballard's Valley, Timperon's estates, Ellis' estates, &c. and of Charles
+Stewart, Esq. Trinity, Royal, Roslin Bremer Hall, &c., and also of James
+Geddes, Esq., the laborers are getting from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 4d. per day.
+The same rates are paid upon many outer properties. On many estates the
+people have refused to labor, and urge objections against the managers,
+as a reason for so acting. They remain and will engage to labor,
+provided the obnoxious parties are removed."
+
+How could the people be blamed for refusing 10d. per day, while on "many
+properties" they were getting from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 4d.? Such being also
+the valuation which the masters had uniformly placed upon their time
+during the apprenticeship?
+
+When the planters found that the free laborers could neither be
+prevailed upon to labor for half-price nor be driven to excesses by such
+paltry persecution, they turned their wrath, as had been long their
+custom, upon the Baptist Missionaries. Upon Mr. Knibb especially they
+laid the blame of giving mischievous advice to the peasantry. And for
+the obvious purpose of exciting the thousands of people warmly devoted
+to him, to acts of violence, they attempted to burn him in effigy and
+actually circulated the report that he had been murdered. Thousands of
+his people flocked into Spanish Town, threatening to destroy the town if
+the report proved true. But on learning its falsity were easily
+persuaded to retire, and did so without being guilty of any excess
+whatever. Unmeasured and unceasing have been the attacks of the Jamaica
+press upon the missionaries. Upon their shoulders has been laid "the
+ruin of that fine island."--They have corrupted the peasantry and put it
+in their heads to ask more wages than the estate can possibly give. To
+determine the value of the testimony of the missionaries in this case it
+is important to know the nature of their influence upon the laborers
+touching the question of wages. We are happily furnished with the
+required information from their own lips and pens in the Jamaica papers.
+
+_From the Falmouth Post._
+
+REV. W. KNIBB'S ADVICE TO THE NEGROES.
+
+MEETING AT THE "SUFFIELD SCHOOL-ROOM."
+
+On Friday evening last we attended the suffield School-room, in this
+town, which, at an early hour was crowded with apprentices and head
+people, from upwards of twenty properties, who had met for the purpose
+of receiving advice from the Rev. Wm. Knibb, and Special Justice Lyon,
+respecting the course of conduct it will be necessary for them to adopt,
+on taking their stand in society as freemen. Several gentlemen connected
+with the commercial and agricultural interests of the parish were
+present on the occasion.
+
+The Rev. W. Knibb commenced by saying, that he attended a meeting of a
+similar nature at Wilberforce Chapel, on the preceding evening. He had
+thought it better to request the attendance this evening of the head
+people, who being the more intelligent would be able to explain to
+others, the advice which they would now receive themselves. "I am glad,"
+said the Rev. Gentleman, "to see so many persons present, among whom I
+notice a few gentlemen who are not connected with my church: I am glad
+of the attendance of these gentlemen, for what I do, I do openly, and
+any one is at liberty to express his opinion at this meeting if he
+desires to do so.
+
+You will shortly, my friends, be released from your present state of
+bondage; in the course of a very few weeks you will receive the boon of
+freedom, and I would therefore impress deeply on your minds the
+necessity of your continuing the cultivation of the soil on the receipt
+of fair and equitable wages. I am not aware myself of any complete scale
+of wages having been drawn up, but I have been on 10 or 12 different
+properties, I have conversed with several proprietors, and I am glad to
+say that with some of them there appears to be a disposition to meet the
+charge fairly and honorably. Those who are more conversant with figures
+than I am, will be enabled to show what the owner can afford to give for
+the cultivation of his property. In the mean time I would say to you, do
+not make any hasty bargain: take time and consider the subject, for it
+is one of vital interest and importance to all! If you demand too high a
+rate of wages, the proprietors will be ruined; if you consent to take
+too low a sum, you will not be able to provide for the wants of
+yourselves and families. In making your arrangement, if there be an
+attempt to grind you down, resist the attempt by all legal means; for
+you must consider that you are not acting for yourselves alone, but for
+posterity. I desire to see every vestige of slavery completely rooted
+out. You must work for money; you must pay money to your employers for
+all you receive at their hands: a fair scale of wages must be
+established, and you must be entirely independent of any one. If you
+continue to receive those allowances which have been given during
+slavery and apprenticeship, it will go abroad that you are not able to
+take care of yourselves; that your employers are obliged to provide you
+with these allowances to keep you from starvation; in such a case you
+will be nothing more than slaves.--To be free, you must be independent;
+you must receive money for your work; come to market with money;
+purchase from whom you please, and be accountable to no one but that
+Being above, who I hope will watch over and protect you!--I sincerely
+trust that proper arrangements will be made before the 1st of August.--I
+have spoken to nearly four thousand persons connected with my church,
+and I have not yet learnt that there is any disposition among them to
+leave their present employers, provided they receive equitable wages.
+Your employer will expect from you good crops of sugar and rum; and
+while you labour to give him these, he must pay you such wages as will
+enable you to provide yourselves with wholesome food, good clothing,
+comfortable houses, and every other necessity of life. Your wages must
+be such as to enable you to do this; to contribute to the support of
+your church; the relief of the distressed; the education of your
+children, and to put by something for sickness and old age. I hail the
+coming of the 1st August with feelings of joy and gratitude. Oh, it will
+be a blessed day; a day which gives liberty to all; and my friends, I
+hope that the liberty which it will bring to you will by duly
+appreciated. I trust I may live to see the black man in the full
+enjoyment of every privilege with his white brethren, and that you may
+all so conduct yourselves as to give the lie direct to those who have
+affirmed that the only idea you have of liberty is that it will enable
+you to indulge in idle habits and licentious pursuits. When liberty
+casts her benignant smiles on this beautiful island, I trust that the
+employer and the laborer will endeavour to live on terms of friendship
+and good will with one another.--When the labourer receives a proper
+remuneration for his services--when the employer contemplates the
+luxuriance of his well-cultivated fields, may they both return thanks to
+a merciful God, for permitting the sun of liberty to shine with bright
+effulgence! I need scarcely assure you, my friends, that I will be at
+all times ready to protect your rights. I care not about the abuse with
+which I may probably be assailed; I am ready to meet all the obloquy and
+scorn of those who have been accustomed to place the most unfavourable
+constructions on my actions. I am willing to meet the proprietors in a
+spirit of candour and conciliation. I desire to see you fairly
+compensated for your labor; I desire also to you performing your work
+with cheerful industry: but I would warn you _not to be too hasty in
+entering into contracts_. Think seriously before you act, and remember,
+as I have already old you, that you have now to act not only for
+yourselves, but for posterity."
+
+We give numerous documents from these gentlemen, as among the best if
+not the greatest part of our fellow citizens; we trust their testimony
+will be deemed the best that could be offered.
+
+LETTER OF EIGHT BAPTIST MISSIONARIES.
+
+_To the Right Hon. Lord_ GLENELG, &c.
+
+My Lord--We feel assured that no apology is necessary, in requesting
+your attention to the subject of this letter. The official connection
+which you hold with the colony, together with the peculiar circumstances
+in which its newly-emancipated population are placed, render it an
+imperative duty we owe to ourselves to lay before you our sentiments.
+
+Having labored in the island for many years, and having been in daily
+intercourse with the objects of our solicitude, we do feel devoutly
+thankful to ALMIGHTY GOD, that he has spared us to see the
+disenthralment of our beloved flocks; while it gives us increased
+pleasure to assure your lordship that they received the boon with holy
+joy, and that the hour which made them men beheld them in thousands
+humbly prostrate at the footstool of mercy, imploring the blessing of
+HEAVEN upon themselves and their country, while, during the night and
+joyful day, not a single case of intoxication was seen.
+
+To us, as their pastors, they naturally looked for advice, both as to
+the labor they should perform and the wages they should receive. The
+importance of this subject was deeply felt by us, and we were prepared
+to meet it with a full sense of the responsibility it involved, and
+happily succeeded in inducing them to accept of a sum lower than that
+which the representatives of the landowners had formerly asserted was
+fair and just.
+
+We regret to state, that a deep combination was formed by many of these
+_middlemen_ to grind the peasantry to the dust, and to induce, if
+possible, the acceptance of remuneration which, by affording no
+inducement to the peasant cheerfully to labor, would have entailed
+pauperism on him and his family, and ruin on the absentee proprietor. It
+was to this circumstance, and not in the least to any unwillingness in
+the free negro to work, or to demand more for his labor than it was
+fairly worth, that for one or two weeks, in some places, the cultivation
+of the soil was not resumed. Upon the planting attorneys, so long
+accustomed to tyranny and oppression, and armed with a power over the
+land which must prove inimical to the full development of the resources
+of this valuable colony, the blame entirely rests.
+
+We suppose that your lordship is fully aware, that the laws under which
+the laborer is now placed are tyrannical and unjust in the extreme;
+laws, we hesitate not to affirm, which are a disgrace to those who
+framed them, and which, if acted upon by a local magistracy, will entail
+upon the oft-cheated, over-patient negro some of the worst features of
+that degrading state of vassalage from which he has just escaped. We
+particularly refer to "An Act to enlarge the Powers of Justices in
+determining complaints between Masters and Servants, and between
+Masters, and Apprentices, Artificers, and others," which passed the
+Assembly the 3rd day of July, 1834, while by police acts, especially one
+regulating the town of Falmouth, our people will be daily harassed
+and annoyed.
+
+We think it right to inform your lordship, that the greater part of
+those who hold the commission of magistrates are the very persons who,
+by their connection with the soil, are the most unfit, because the most
+interested, honestly to discharge their important duties; while their
+ignorance of the law is, in too many cases, equalled only by their love
+of tyranny and misrule. Time must work a mighty change in the views of
+numbers who hold this office, ere they believe there is any dereliction
+of duty in daily defrauding the humble African. We cannot but entreat
+your lordship to use those means which are in your power to obtain for
+the laborer, who imploringly looks to the Queen for protection, justice
+at the hands of those by whom the law is administered. We must, indeed,
+be blind to all passing events, did we not see that, without the
+watchful care of the home government, the country district courts, held
+sometimes in the very habitations of those who will have to make the
+complaints, will be dens of injustice and cruelty, and that our hearts
+will again be lacerated by the oppressions under which our beloved
+people will groan.
+
+We beg to apprise your lordship, that we have every reason to believe
+that an early attempt will be made to deprive the peasantry of their
+provision grounds--that they will not be permitted, even to rent them;
+so that, by producing starvation and rendering the population entirely
+dependent upon foreign-supplies for the daily necessaries of life, a
+lower rate of wages may be enforced. Cruel as this may appear to your
+lordship, and unlikely as it may seem, long experience has taught us
+that there is no possible baseness of which a slave-owner will not be
+guilty, and no means of accomplishing his purposes, however fraught with
+ruin to those around him, which he will not employ.
+
+Should the peasantry be thus treated, we shall feel it our duty humbly
+to implore that the lands belonging to the crown may be made available
+for their use. Your lordship will remember that these ill-treated people
+became not the subjects of her Majesty by choice, though they are now
+devotedly attached to her government. Their fathers were stolen and
+brought hither. On their native shores they had lands and possessions
+capable of supplying all their wants. If, then, after having toiled
+without remuneration, they are prevented even renting a portion of land
+which has hitherto been esteemed as their own, we shall ask, and shall
+feel assured that the boon will not be withheld, that her Most Gracious
+Majesty will throw open the lands belonging to the crown, where we may
+retire from the tyranny of man, and with our people find a peaceful and
+quiet home.
+
+Though still surrounded by obloquy and reproach, though the most abusive
+epithets and language disgracefully vulgar has been employed to assail
+us, especially by a newspaper known to be under the patronage of a
+bishop, and in which all official accounts of his diocese are given to
+the world, yet we assure your lordship that, in endeavouring to promote
+the general interests and welfare of this colony, we shall still pursue
+that line of conduct which is the result of our judgment, and in
+accordance with the dictates of our conscience.
+
+In no part of the island are arrangements made so fully or so fairly, as
+in those districts where our congregations reside, and in no part are
+the laborers more faithfully performing their duty. We deeply feel our
+responsibility at the present crisis, and pledging ourselves to your
+lordship and the British Government by the sacred office we hold, we
+assure you that ceaseless efforts shall still be exerted, as they have
+ever been, to promote the peace and happiness of those around us.
+
+In the name and on the behalf of our churches, for the sacred cause of
+freedom throughout the world, we unitedly implore your lordship to throw
+the shield of Britain's protection over those who are just made her
+loyal subjects. All they want, and all they ask, is, that, as they are
+raised to the dignity, so they may receive all the rights of man, and
+that the nation who purchased them from bondage may fully secure to them
+that civil and religious liberty, to which both their unparalleled
+sufferings and their unexampled patience so richly entitle them.
+
+We cannot conclude this letter, without expressing the high sense we
+entertain of the noble and disinterested conduct pursued by his
+excellency Sir Lionel Smith, the Governor of this colony. But for his
+firmness, Jamaica would have presented all the horrors of a civil war.
+
+Feeling assured that your lordship will give that attention to this
+letter which the subject demands, and with earnest prayer that this
+colony, now blest with liberty, may exhibit increasing prosperity, we
+are, my lord, your most obedient servants, Signed by
+
+THOMAS BURCHELL
+WILLIAM KNIBB
+THOMAS ABBOTT
+WALTER DENDY
+JOHN CLARK
+B.B. DEXTER
+SAMUEL OUGHTON
+J. HUTCHINS
+
+Baptist Missionaries, North Side Union.
+
+[On the foregoing letter the _London Sun_ has the following
+observations.]
+
+"Every arrival from the West Indies but strengthens our conviction, that
+there never will be happiness, security, or peace for the emancipated
+negroes, so long as the administration of the laws, and the management
+of the plantations, are continued in the hands of those white officials
+whose occupation, previous to the passing of the emancipation act,
+consisted in torturing and tormenting them with impunity. They cannot
+endure to witness the elevation to the rank of free, intelligent, and
+well-behaved fellow-citizens, of a class of beings whom they were
+accustomed to treat a myriad of times worse than they did the "beasts
+that perish." Having pronounced them incapable of civilization, and
+strangers to all the better feelings of our nature, they deem it a sort
+of duty to themselves to employ every artifice to neutralize or retard
+every measure calculated to ameliorate the moral and social condition of
+the negro race. Several of the colonial agents have powerful inducements
+to the provocation of some insurrectionary outbreak, on the part of the
+colored population. In the first place, such an _emute_ would fulfil
+their predictions with regard to the passing the Emancipation Act, and
+so establish their reputation as seers; and in the next, it would lead
+to the sale of many of the plantations at one-sixth their real value,
+and so transform them from agents to principles, as they would not fail
+to be the purchasers. That such is their policy cannot, we think, be
+doubted for a moment by those who will take the trouble to peruse a
+letter addressed by eight Baptist missionaries, long resident in
+Jamaica, to Lord Glenelg, which will be found in another part of _The
+Sun_. These missionaries, we are assured, are men of irreproachable
+lives, of indefatigable Christian zeal, and of conversation becoming
+persons whose sacred office it is to preach the gospel of peace. That
+their representation will produce a powerful effect upon the minds of
+the people of this country, we feel as confident as we do that our
+gracious Queen will concede any boon in her royal gift, necessary to the
+welfare of her colored subjects."
+
+The following are a series of letters to Mr. Sturge, published in the
+British Emancipator for Nov. 28, 1838. The one from a Special Justice
+clearly developes the principal causes of the backwardness of the
+laborers. The testimony of this letter to some important facts will be
+fully confirmed by that of the Governor of Jamaica. The evidence of
+extortion submitted by the missionaries is so explicit, that we beg the
+attention of the reader to all the details. Remember the experiment
+involves the claims of millions to that without which life is little
+better than a curse. Every thing hangs on the inquiry whether the
+emancipated or their former masters are chargeable with whatever there
+is of _ruin_ in the "fine island" of Jamaica. Says Mr. Sturge, in laying
+these letters before the public, "it should be clearly understood that
+the fee simple of all negro houses in Jamaica is not worth £10 each on
+an average, and that their provision grounds have been brought into
+cultivation by the negroes themselves in their _own_ time."
+
+Extract of a letter from a Missionary:--
+
+Savannah-la-Mar, Sept. 8, 1838.
+
+MY DEAR SIR,--You are probably aware that the following question has
+been submitted by the Governor to the Attorney-General for his opinion:
+
+(copy.)
+
+(No. 844.) King' House, Aug. 27, 1838.
+
+SIR,--I am desired by the Governor to request you will give your opinion
+for general publication. 1st. Whether in instances of notices to quit
+their houses and grounds, having been served upon the late apprentices,
+they are liable to be made to pay rent for the occupation of such house,
+during the three months allowed by law?
+
+(OPINION.)
+
+They are.
+
+(Signed,)
+
+D O'REILL.
+
+We shall soon see the evil effects of this opinion, it being generally
+previously understood that the late apprenticed population would not be
+liable for rent until the three months had expired, after receiving
+notice to quit.
+
+As a specimen of this being made an instrument of great oppression in
+the hands of managers of estates, I would state that two notices were
+yesterday brought to brother Hutchins for his inspection; one was served
+upon David Clarke, a labourer, on King's Valley estate, in this parish.
+On the back of the notice to quit was written as under;--
+
+"The rent of your house and grounds is twenty-one pounds six shillings
+and eight pence, per annum, commencing 1st of August, 1838, if legal."
+
+(Signed) J. H. JONES.
+
+Mr. Sturge appends the following West India accounts, which be says are
+in his possession by which it is evident that the planters are bringing
+their laborers in debt to them, by a spirit of shameless extortion.
+
+Charles Duncan to John Dixon, Dr.
+1838. Sept. 15. To rent of house
+and ground, from 1st of August to
+date, 6s. 8d. per week.                   2  3  9-1/2
+Cr. By balance, five days, 1s.8d. per day 0  8  4
+                                         -------------
+                                          1 15  5-1/2
+Charles Brown, to John Dixon, Dr.
+1838. Sept. 13. To rent of house
+and ground, 6s. 8d. per week,
+from 1st Aug, to date.                    2  1 10
+Charge for running a sow and pigs,
+from 1st Aug. to date, 2s. 6d. per
+week                                      0 15  8-1/2
+                                         -------------
+                                          2 17  6-1/2
+
+John Alfred Bullock to John Dixon, Dr.
+1838. Sept. 15. To rent of house
+and garden, from 1st of Aug.
+to date, 6s. 8d. per week,                2  3  9-1/2
+Rent of provision ground, 5s. per
+week,                                     1 12  6
+Pasturage, two weeks, for an ass,
+6s. 3d, per month,                        0  3  4
+Two hogs, 1s. 8d. per week,               1  1 10-3/4
+                                         -------------
+                                          5  1  6-1/4
+Cr. By two days' labour, 1s.
+8d. per day                               0  3  4
+                                         -------------
+                                          4 18  2-1/3
+
+LETTER TO MR. STURGE, FROM A SPECIAL JUSTICE.
+
+_Jamaica, Oct. 12th, 1838._
+
+Freedom has brought with it the blessings we anticipated; and as we
+progress in civilization we shall all be happier. I have ever been
+sanguine as to its beneficial results, and I am not in the least
+disappointed. I cannot find language sufficiently strong to express the
+commendation due to the negroes for their steady and good conduct since
+the 1st of August. Amidst the most trying circumstance, they have
+exhibited the greatest forbearance, and placed their whole reliance on
+the laws for protection. I am satisfied that no other nation of free men
+could conduct themselves so temperately and well, under similar
+circumstances; and in my opinion, they have proved themselves infinitely
+superior to many of those who so lately exercised almost unlimited
+control over them. I declare to you, to see such a mass of persons,
+whose morals have been little regarded by those who held them in
+slavery, and without education, rise all at once, and express and
+conduct themselves so admirably, is wonderful. When seeking redress
+before the magistrates for wrongs committed by there former owners they
+have maintained more coolness and temper than their more fortunate
+brethren, when maters are decided against them. There is a hard struggle
+on the part of the pro-slavery faction to compel the negro to work for
+little or nothing, in order that the attorneys and overseers may keep
+their places as before; and I am informed, by a gentleman whose veracity
+is not to be doubted, and who is himself an attorney, that he can still
+keep his overseer and merchant as in former days, draw his own
+commissions, and send home to his employer a very handsome surplus.
+Under such circumstances, well may the friends of freedom cry shame at
+the opposition which has for so long a time been thrown in the way of
+liberty, by these West Indians of practical knowledge. The facts are,
+that the absent proprietors have been led by the advice they have
+received from their attorneys; and these have had so many ways of making
+more than an honest commission, and have so speedily made their
+fortunes, that as long as they could continue slavery, they have exerted
+every influence. The overseer was paid, housed, fed, and waited upon,
+all at the expense of master and slave, beside; keeping a fine stud of
+horses, and as many brood mares at pasture on the property as would
+enable him to dispose of seven or eight prime mules annually; and so
+long as he drove and tormented the poor negro, and made good crops for
+the attorney's commissions, and supplied his horses with corn, these
+_little perquisites_ were never discovered. Now the proprietor will
+hardly pay for more labor than is absolutely necessary to grow and
+manufacture the produce of his estate; and these gentlemen must
+henceforth look to their own resources, for the payment of servants to
+attend and take care of their own interests and comforts. An overseer's
+situation on an estate making 300 hogsheads, was calculated in slavery
+to be equal to 2000l. a year. Indeed no man in any town could have lived
+in such luxury for that sum. If the proprietor would only come out, and
+live prudently, he would save all this by residing on his property,
+which he could easily manage by employing, for extra wages, his former
+steady head people. _They_, from long residence, know the best manner of
+working the land; and, as to the manufacture of sugar, they are the
+persons who have _all their lives_ been working at it. The most
+important part of an overseer and book-keeper's business was to make use
+of their _eyes_. The negro had to make use of his legs, arms and
+strength; and, in nine cases out of ten, his brains kept the white
+people in their situations, by preventing matters from going wrong.
+
+I perfectly coincide with you, as to the propriety of the negro speedily
+becoming possessed of the elective franchise. In Antigua there is very
+little more land than is in cultivation for the estates, but here it is
+widely different; and they are beginning to settle themselves by
+purchasing small lots very fast. At Sligoville there are nearly fifty
+new freeholders. The negroes are taught to do this by the perpetual
+worry of their employers, threatening to oust them on every trifling
+occasion, and withholding part of their wages on the plea of
+non-performance of work.--The root of all evil is the Assembly and the
+Juries. Nothing requires greater alteration; and I shall never rest,
+until I see the black man stand the same chance at the bar of his
+country as the white man.--The negroes will not work under their former
+hard task-masters. They determinedly resist all solicitations to labor
+with those who treated them ill. They say that the pain is gone, but the
+mark remains, and I respect them for this proud feeling.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I have come under his displeasure for taking the opinion of Middleton
+and McDougal, as to the legality of charging the negro hire for his
+house and grounds, for the three months during which the notices to quit
+are running.--Had we not taken these opinions, what a fearful state
+things might we have been brought to in this country! I am quite
+satisfied that no rent could be recovered until the expiration of the
+three months, from which time it would commence to run, and the
+plaintiff would in law be considered in possession of his lands again,
+which, in slavery, he was compelled to give to his slave for his support
+and maintenance. He must re-enter before he could demand rent, for it is
+impossible for him to prove a contract, or imply one. The negro did not
+willingly come from Africa, and occupy his land; he was torn from his
+native land, and compelled by his owner, under laws that took his life,
+not to quit the land; how therefore can he be considered to have made a
+contract, or consented to one?
+
+FROM THE REV. J. KINGDON
+
+_Manchioneal, Oct. 9, 1838._
+
+In passing through Hector's River great house yard, in my way to my
+preaching spot, I have the most sensible demonstration of the reality of
+the political change happily brought about; for that hot-house, in which
+I have seen one of my own members in irons for having a bad sore leg,
+and in which I have been grossly insulted for daring to go to see my
+poor people--that house is _shut up_! Delightful, I assure you, are my
+feelings, whenever I go by that place, attached to which, too, was the
+old-time prison, a perfect charnel-house.
+
+FROM THE REV. S. OUGHTON.
+
+_Lucea, October 2, 1838._
+
+Unused to acts of justice and humanity, the Planters, in a moment of mad
+excitement passed an act to abolish the accursed system of Slavery. The
+debates on that occasion proved with what an ill grace they performed
+that scanty act of justice, and all experience since that period proves
+how bitterly they repent it. It is true, we are not now, as before,
+distressed by hearing recitals of barbarous corporeal punishments, and
+we are no longer pained by seeing human beings chained to each other by
+the neck; but, although cruelty has, to a certain extent, ceased,
+oppression has become ten thousand times more rampant than ever. Every
+act which ingenuity or malice can invent, is employed to harass the poor
+negroes. Prior to August 1st, the planter studiously avoided every thing
+like an arrangement with the laborer, and when, on the following Monday,
+they turned out to work, the paltry pittance of 12-1/2d. (7-1/2d.
+sterl.) was all that in the majority of cases was offered for the
+services of an able-bodied negro, although 2s. 6d. per day (currency),
+had before been invariably exacted from them, when they were desirous of
+purchasing the remaining term of their apprenticeship. Of course, the
+people refused to receive so paltry a remuneration for their labour, and
+this has laid the foundation for a course of systematic oppression
+scarcely conceivable. Notices to quit were served indiscriminately on
+every one, old and young, sick and healthy. Medical attendance was
+refused, and even a dose of physic from the Estates' hospitals. Cattle
+were turned into the provision-grounds of the negroes, thus destroying
+their only means of support; and assaults of the most wanton and brutal
+description were committed on many of the peasantry. On one estate the
+proprietor and his brother assaulted a young man in the most unprovoked
+manner. One presented a pistol to his breast, and threatened to shoot
+him; while the other levelled a gun at his head for the same purpose.
+They were bound over to take their trial at the Quarter Sessions; but
+what hope is there in such a tribunal as that, composed principally of
+men engaged in the same reckless course, and banded together by mutual
+interests? On another estate (_Content_), the attorney ordered the
+cattle of a poor man (a member of my Chapel) to be taken up and
+impounded. It was done, and the man was obliged to pay 6l. to redeem
+them; when, as soon as he carried them back, they were again taken and
+impounded. The man has been to my house with his case of oppression, on
+my return from Kingston. He states that he exhausted his last farthing
+to redeem the cattle the first time, and was also obliged to borrow of
+his friends; they have now been impounded five weeks, and unless he can
+raise the money to redeem them (upwards of 10l.), they will be sold to
+pay the expenses. Thus is an honest and worthy man, in a few weeks,
+stripped of every thing which, by years of industry and care, he had
+accumulated for the comfort of his old age, or the benefit of his
+family. Yesterday a negro came and informed me that the owner of a
+property had told him last year, that he must cultivate more ground, so
+as to be able to continue possession as a tenant; and now that he has
+done so, another person, saying that he had purchased the property, came
+a few days ago, and told him that in three weeks he would drive him from
+the place. He then ordered a man whom he had with him to climb a
+bread-fruit tree, and pull the fruit, which he forcibly carried away to
+give to his hogs. But I must forbear: were I to state half the cases of
+oppression which have occurred in Hanover since August 1st; I should
+require a volume instead of a sheet. I think, however, I have said
+enough to prove the bitter and rancorous spirit which at present
+animates the planters. Enclosed I send a specimen of another artifice
+adopted to harass and distress the negroes. They have adopted the notion
+(sanctioned by the opinion of the old Planters' Jackall, Batty, and the
+Attorney General), that the people are liable to pay rent for houses and
+grounds during the three months' possession to which the Abolition Act
+entitled them, and notices have been served on the people, demanding the
+most extravagant amounts for the miserable sheds which the people
+inhabited. You will perceive that in once case 21l. 6s. 9d. has been
+demanded. This conscientious demand was made by John Houghton James,
+Executor and Attorney for Sir Simon Clark. Another is from a Mr. Bowen,
+of _Orchard_ Estate; and the third from Mr. Brockett, of _Hopewell_ and
+_Content_ Estates, the property of Mr. Miles, M.P. for Bristol. Let it
+be borne in mind that these shameful and exorbitant demands are not
+made, as in England, on the head of the family only, but on _every
+member who is able to do the least work_, and even little children have
+papers demanding 2s. 4d. per week for ground, although unable to do the
+least thing: one of these I also enclose.
+
+Jamaica, ss. Notice is hereby Given, That the sum of eight shillings and
+four pence, weekly, will be exacted from you and each of you
+respectively, for the houses and grounds at Orchard Estate, in the
+parish of Hanover, from August of the present year, until the expiration
+of the three months' notice, from its period of service to quit; or to
+the period of surrendering to me the peaceable possession of the
+aforesaid house and provision grounds.
+
+J. R. BOWEN.
+
+Dated this 17th day of Sep. 1838.
+
+TO JAMES DARLING and SARAH DARLING, of the parish of HANOVER.
+
+Here then, my dear Sir, you may perceive something of the atrocious
+proceedings in the island of Jamaica. Pray insert these documents in the
+_Emancipator_. Let the Anti-slavery friends know the state of things,
+and urge them to redoubled diligence. The House of Assembly will meet on
+the 30th instant, and then, I fear, dreadful measures will be taken. A
+letter from Mr. Harker, of the Jamaica Royal Gazette, about a fortnight
+since, addressed to Mr. Abbott, shows what absolute and cruel statutes
+they would wish either to act upon, or to make the models of new laws.
+Every act must be watched with the most jealous scrutiny. Experience
+shows that the planters possess an ingenuity truly diabolical, in
+twisting and distorting the laws to suit their own selfish purpose. Our
+hope is in British Christians; and we confidently hope every one of them
+will feel the importance of increased diligence, lest the great, and
+long prayed-for boon of freedom, should become a curse, instead of a
+blessing. The papers will inform you of the odium I have drawn on myself
+in defending the people's rights. That contained in the great mass, only
+provokes a smile. I know that every friend in England will interpret it
+inversely. I did feel Mr. ----'s letter in the Falmouth Post, but he
+knows his error, and is sorry for it. I could have answered it, but did
+not choose to cause a division amongst the few friends of the negro,
+when they had quite enough to do to withstand the attacks of
+their enemies.
+
+FROM THE REV. J. M. PHILIPPO.
+
+_Spanish Town, Oct. 13, 1838._
+
+The following is one of the seven of the same tenor now in my
+possession, which will, in addition to those I forwarded by last mail,
+inform you of the cause of the late disinclination of the people in some
+districts to labour--which, with so much effrontery, has been proclaimed
+through the public Journals here:--
+
+Charles Michael Kelly and Wife, to J.S. Benbow, Dr.
+
+   1830: July 14th to Sept. 9th.
+1. To the rent of house and
+   ground on Castle Kelly
+   plantation, for eight weeks,
+   at 6s. 8d. per week.         3l. 13 4
+2. Richard Kelly and Wife. Same.
+3. Elenor Mercer. Same.
+4. John Ried and Wife. Same.
+5. Mary Ann Christie. Same.
+6. Venus Owen (or such like name). Same.
+
+
+FROM THE REV. J. HUTCHINS.
+
+_Savanna-la-Mar, Sept. 17, 1838._
+
+I now, according to promise in my last, send you a few out of the many
+cases I am almost hourly troubled with. Some of our would-be great men
+are, I am sorry to say, harassing the poor free labourers shamefully;
+and should it prove, as I think in some cases it must, of serious injury
+to the absentee proprietors, I shall publish the cases of grievance
+brought me, together with the names of the estates, owners, attorneys,
+overseers, &c., and leave all parties to form their own opinion on
+the subject.
+
+   Amelia Martin, to Retrieve Estate, Dr.
+      1838: August 29.
+To house and ground, rent at
+  5s. per week, from 1st August
+  to date                   4_l._  0    0
+[A]Alliac Davis, ground
+  rent at
+  10d. per week                    3    0
+[A]William Davis; ditto
+   ditto                    0      3    4
+                            -------------
+                            4_l._  6    4
+                            -------------
+
+Thos. Tats, Esq. is Attorney, and Mr. Comry
+        Overseer,
+
+[Footnote A: Boys from 9 to 11, her sons.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+   Louisa Patter, to Retrieve Estate, Dr.
+      1838: Aug. 28.
+To house and ground from 1st
+  Aug. to date              1_l._  0    0
+
+She states she has been sickly so long, that she has no ground in
+cultivation, and cannot help herself, and has only what yams her
+friends give her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+   Susan James, to Albany Estate, Dr.
+      1838: Aug. 28.
+To house and ground rent at
+  5s. per week, from 1st August,
+  to date                   1l.    0    0
+Thos. Hewett, ground rent   0     13    4
+Elizabeth James, ditto      0     13    4
+Mary Dunn, ditto            0     10    0
+Letitia, ditto[A]           0      6    8
+                            -------------
+                            3l.    3    4
+                            -------------
+
+[Footnote A: These are a mother and four children in
+one house, and with but one ground, they tell
+me.]
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Richard Warren, to Albany Estate, Dr.
+1838: Aug. 28.
+To house and ground rent to
+   date                     1l.    0    0
+   Wife                     0     15    4
+   Child[B]                 0     10    0
+                            -------------
+                            2l.    5    4
+                            -------------
+
+[Footnote B: The child is quite young, and in daily attendance
+at one of my schools.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On this property, under the same managers as Retrieve, the people state
+that they are going on shamefully. "The last Sabbath but one, when we
+were at service, Stephen Campbell, the book-keeper, and Edward Pulsey,
+old-time constable, come round and mark all for we house, and charge for
+ebery one of we family. We don't know what kind of fee dis we hab at
+all; for we attorney, Mr. Tate, neber come on we property, leave all to
+Mr. Comeoy. We peak to him for make bargain, him say him can't make law,
+and him no make bargain till him heare what law come out in packet. Him
+say dem who make bargain are fools; beside him no call up a parcel of
+niggers to hold service wid me; should only get laughed at. So we know
+not what for do. You are for we minister, and for we only friend; and if
+you did not advise we to go on work till things settle down, we no lift
+another hoe. We would left the property." Unless an arrangement is soon
+entered into, I shall advise them to do so.
+
+James Greenheld, to New Galloway Estate, Dr.
+To one week's rent of house, garden, and
+   ground, and to 5 ditto for his wife, Margaret
+   Greenfield, at 5s. per week.           £1 10 0
+
+J.G. states, "I come for massa. When we make bargain with Mr. McNeal, it
+was a maccaroni (1s. 8d.) a day, and for we house and ground. Me is able
+and willing for work, so let my wife stop home; so him charge me de same
+sum for my wife, as for me own house and ground. And den last week me
+sick and get no money, and they charge me over again, (as above) one
+week me sick. Me no able for say what to call dat massa, me sure."
+
+I leave with you to make your own comments, and to do what you please
+with the above. Although my chapel is £700 in debt, and my schools, one
+of 180 and one of 160 scholars, are heavy, very heavy on me, I cannot do
+other than advise my people to save every mite, buy an acre of land, and
+by that means be independent, and job about wherever they may be wanted.
+
+FROM THE REV. T. BURCHELL.
+
+_Montego Bay, October_ 2, 1838.
+
+The reason why I have not written to you so long, is the intensely
+anxious time we have had. I feel, however, that it is high time now to
+address you; for, if our friends in England relax their efforts, my
+conviction is, that freedom will be more in name than in reality, in
+this slave-holding Island. There is nothing to be feared, if the noble
+band of friends who have so long and so successfully struggled, will but
+continue their assistance a short time longer. The planters have made a
+desperate struggle, and so, I have no doubt, will the House of Assembly,
+against the emancipated negroes. My firm conviction has been, and still
+is, that the planters have endeavored, by the offer of the most paltry
+wages, to reduce the condition of the laborer, and make him as badly off
+as he was when an apprentice or a slave, that he may curse the day that
+made him free.
+
+Though unable to conduct the usual services on Sunday the 5th August, at
+the close I addressed the congregation, urging upon them the necessity
+of commencing their work on the following day, whether arrangements were
+made between themselves and their masters or not; as by so doing they
+would put it out of the power of their opponents to say anything evil of
+them. They assembled, and on Monday the 6th thousands turned out to
+work, and continued to labor, unless prevented by the Manager, until
+arrangements were made.
+
+You will remember, that prior to the 1st of August, a white man who
+hired out a gang of apprentices to an estate was paid at the rate of 1s.
+6d. sterling per diem for each able laborer. The apprentice received the
+same when he worked for the estate on his own days, Friday and Saturday;
+and whenever they were valued for the purpose of purchasing the
+remaining time of their apprenticeship, the planter upon oath stated
+that their services were worth at least 1s. 6. per diem to the estate,
+and the apprentice had to redeem himself at that rate.
+
+After the 1st of August, the planters discovered, that, whilst the
+properties would well afford to continue the lavish and extravagant
+expenditure in managing the estates, "it would be certain ruin to the
+properties, if the labourer was paid more than 71/2d. per diem. for the
+1st class of labourers, 6d. the 2nd class, and 41/2d. for the 3rd
+class:" and why? I know not why, unless it was because the long
+oppressed negro was to put the money into his own pocket, and not his
+white oppressors. This seems to have made all the difference. The above
+wages were accordingly offered, and rejected with scorn; the people
+feeling the greatest indignation at the atrocious attempt of their old
+oppressors to grind them down now they are free, and keep them in a
+state of degradation. The greatest confusion and disorder ensued; the
+labourers indignant at the conduct of their masters, and the planters
+enraged against the people, for presuming to think and act for
+themselves. As a matter of course, the fury of the planters was directed
+against half a dozen Baptist missionaries, and as many more friends and
+stipendiary Magistrates; and I can assure you that the Jamaica press
+equalled its most vituperative days, and came forth worthy of itself.
+The Despatch, or the Old Jamaica Courant, so well known in 1832 for
+advocating the burning of chapels, and the hanging of missionaries; was
+quite in the shade. The pious Polypheme, the Bishop's paper, with the
+Jamaica Standard of infamy and falsehood, published in this town, took
+the lead, and a pretty standard it is. Let foreigners judge of Jamaica
+by the Jamaica Standard of August last, and they must suppose it is an
+island of savages, or a little hell. The press teemed with abuse of the
+most savage nature against us, and published the most barefaced lies.
+That, however, you who know the generality of the Jamaica Press, will
+say is nothing new or strange; well, it is not, nor do we regard any
+statements they make; for no one believes what they publish, and it is a
+source of gratification to us that we have never forfeited our character
+or principles in the estimation of the reflecting, the philanthropist,
+or the Christian public, by meriting their approbation.
+
+In the mulct of this seemingly general conspiracy to defraud the laborer
+of his wages by exorbitant rents, &c. Sir Lionel Smith, the Governor,
+proceeds from district to district, giving advice to both of the
+contending parties, and striving to promote a mutual understanding. His
+testimony to the designs of the planters given to their faces, and not
+denied, is very important; we give therefore one of his meetings, as the
+find it reported in the Jamaica papers. Here is a rather familiar
+conversation among some of the chief men of that island--where can we
+expect to find more authoritative testimony?
+
+SIR LIONEL SMITH'S VISIT TO DUNSINANE.
+
+His Excellency, Sir Lionel Smith, visited Dunsinane on Thursday last,
+agreeably to arrangements previously entered into, for the purpose of
+addressing the late apprenticed population in that neighborhood, on the
+propriety of resuming the cultivation of the soil. About two miles from
+Dunsinane, his Excellency was met by a cavalcade composed of the late
+apprentices, who were preceded by Messrs. Bourne, Hamilton, and Kent,
+late Special Justices. On the arrival of his Excellency at Dunsinane, he
+was met by the Hon. Joseph Gordon, Custos, the Lord Bishop attended by
+his Secretary, and the Rev. Alexander Campbell; the Hon. Hector Mitchel,
+Mayor of Kingston, and a large number of highly respectable planters,
+proprietors, and attorneys. His Excellency, on being seated in the
+dwelling, said, that from information which he had received from other
+parishes, and facts gathered from personal observation, he believed that
+the same bone of contention existed there as elsewhere--a source of
+discontent brought about by the planters serving the people with notices
+to quit their houses and grounds. He did not question their right to do
+so, or the legality of such a proceeding, but he questioned the prudence
+of the step. The great change from slavery to unrestricted freedom
+surely deserved some consideration. Things cannot so soon be quiet and
+calm. Depend upon it, nothing will be done by force. Much may be by
+conciliation and prudence. Do away with every emblem of slavery; throw
+off the Kilmarnock cap, and adopt in its stead, like rational men,
+Britannia's cap of liberty. He (Sir Lionel) doubted not the right of the
+planters to rent their houses and grounds; in order to be more certain
+on that head, he had procured the opinion of the Attorney General; but
+the exercise of the right by the planter, and getting the people to
+work, were very different matters. Much difficulty must be felt in
+getting rid of slavery. Even in the little island of Antigua, it had
+taken six months to get matters into a quiet state; but here, in a large
+country like Jamaica, could it be expected to be done in a day, and was
+it because it was not done, that the planters were to be opposed to him?
+You are all in arms against me (said his Excellency,) but all I ask of
+you is to exercise patience, and all will be right. I have done, and am
+doing all in my power for the good of my country. If you have served the
+people with notices to quit, with a view to compel them to work, or
+thinking to force them to work for a certain rate of wages, you have
+done wrong. Coercive measures will never succeed. In Vere, which I
+lately visited, the planters have agreed to give the people 1s. 8d. per
+day, and to let them have their houses and grounds for three months free
+of charge. His Excellency, on seeing some symptoms of disapprobation
+manifested, said, Well, if you cannot afford to pay so much, pay what
+you can afford; but above all, use conciliatory measures, and I have not
+a doubt on my mind but that the people will go to their work. Seeing so
+many planters present, he should be happy if they would come to an
+arrangement among themselves, before he addressed the people outside.
+
+Mr. WELLWOOD HYSLOP remarked, that Vere and other rich sugar parishes
+might be able to pay high rates of wages, because the land yielded
+profitable crops, but in this district it was impossible to follow the
+example of those parishes. He thought that two bits a day might do very
+well, but that was as much as could be afforded.
+
+His EXCELLENCY said that in Manchester, where he believed he had more
+enemies than in any other parish, he had advised them to work by the
+piece, and it had been found to answer well.
+
+Mr. HINTON EAST said that he would submit a measure which he thought
+would be approved of. He proposed that the people should be paid 5s. for
+four days' labor; that if they cleaned more than 130 trees per day,
+either themselves or by bringing out their wives and children, they
+should be paid extra wages in the same proportion.
+
+Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON said that he could not afford to pay the rates named
+by his Excellency. It was entirely out of the question; that a good deal
+depended upon the state the fields are in--that his people, for
+instance, could, with much ease, if they chose, clean 170 trees by
+half-past three o'clock.
+
+Mr. MASON, of St. George's, said he was willing to pay his people 1s.
+8d. per day, if they would but work; but the fact was that they refused
+to do so, on account of the stories that had been told them by Special
+Justice Fishbourne; willingly too would I have given them their houses
+and grounds for three months, free of charge, had they shown a desire to
+labor; but what was the lamentable fact? the people would not work,
+because Mr. Fishbourne had influenced them not to do so, and he (Mr.
+Mason) had been a loser of one thousand pounds in consequence. He had
+been compelled in self-defence to issue summonses against two of his
+people. He had purchased his property--it was his all--he had sacrificed
+twenty of the best years of his life as a planter, he had a wife and
+family to support, and what was the prospect before him and them? He
+admitted having served notices on his people to quit their houses--in
+truth he did not now care whether they were or were not located on the
+property--he was willing to pay fair, nay, high wages, but the demand
+was exorbitant. He had a servant, a trustworthy white man, who laboured
+from day-dawn to sunset for 2s. 1d. per day, and he was quite satisfied.
+All the mischief in his district had been owing to the poisonous stories
+poured into the ears of the people by Special Justice Fishbourne. If he
+were removed, the parish might probably assume a healthy state; if
+allowed to remain, no improvement could possibly take place.
+
+His EXCELLENCY said that the Assembly had passed a law preventing the
+special magistrates from going on the estates; they could not, however,
+prevent the people from going to them, and taking their advice if they
+wished it. He had understood that the people had gone to the special
+magistrates, informing them that the planters demanded 3s. 4d. per week
+rent for the houses and grounds, and that they had been advised, if such
+were the case, that they ought to be paid higher wages. He understood
+that to be a fact.
+
+Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON said that the people would, he had no doubt, have
+worked, but for the pernicious advice of Mr. Fishbourne. He had heard
+that the people had been told that the Governor did not wish them to
+work, and that he would be vexed with them if they did.
+
+Sir LIONEL replied that he was aware that white men were going about the
+country disguised as policemen, pretending to have his (Sir Lionel's)
+authority, telling the people not to work. He knew well their intention
+and design, he understood the trick. You are anxious (said his
+Excellency) to produce a panic, to reduce the value of property, to
+create dismay, in order that you may speculate, by reducing the present
+value of property; but you will be disappointed, notwithstanding a press
+sends forth daily abuse against me, and black-guard and contemptible
+remarks against my acts. I assure you I am up to your tricks.
+
+Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON would be glad if his Excellency would speak
+individually. There was a paper called the West Indian, and another the
+Colonial Freeman. He wished to know whether his Excellency meant either
+of those papers. [Some slight interruption here took place, several
+gentlemen speaking at the same time.]
+
+His EXCELLENCY said he had not come to discuss politics, but to
+endeavour to get the people to work, and it would be well for them to
+turn their attention to that subject.
+
+Mr. SIMPSON said he had a gang who had jobbed by the acre, and had done
+well, but it was unfortunate in other respects to observe the
+disinclination shown by the laborers to work. He wished them to know
+that they must work, and trusted that his Excellency would endeavour to
+force them to labor.
+
+Sir LIONEL--I can't compel them to do as you would wish, nor have I the
+power of forcing them to labor. The people will not suffer themselves to
+be driven by means of the cart-whip. It is the policy of every man to
+make the best bargain he can. I can say nothing to the people about
+houses and grounds, and price of wages. I can only ask them to work.
+
+Mr. WILES said that the planters were anxious to come to amicable
+arrangements with the people, but they were unreasonable in their
+demands. The planters could not consent to be injured--they must profit
+by their properties.
+
+Mr. MASON said, that the only bone of contention was the subject of
+rent. His people were outside waiting to be satisfied on that head. He
+hesitated not to say, that the proprietors were entitled to rent in
+every instance where the laborer was unwilling to labor, and unless that
+subject was at once settled, it would involve both parties in endless
+disagreement. He was not one of those persons alluded to by his
+Excellency, who circulated misrepresentations for private benefit, nor
+was he aware that any one in the parish in which he lived had done so.
+All that he desired was the good of the country, with which his
+interests were identified.
+
+Sir LIONEL--I could not possibly be personal towards any gentleman
+present, for I have not the honour of knowing most of you. My
+observations were not confined to any particular parish, but to the
+Island of Jamaica, in which the occurrences named have taken place.
+
+Dr. RAPKY, of St. George's--If your Excellency will only do away with a
+curtain magistrate, things will go on smoothly in the parish of St.
+George. This gentleman has told the people that they are entitled to the
+lands occupied by them, in consequence of which the parish is now in an
+unsettled state.
+
+Sir LIONEL--Who is the magistrate!
+
+Dr. RAPKY--Mr. Fishbourne.
+
+Sir LIONEL--I am afraid I cannot please you. The question of possession
+of lands and houses has for the present been settled by the opinion of
+the Attorney-General, but it is still an undetermined question at law.
+There are many persons in the island who are of opinion that the
+legislature had not so intended; he (Sir Lionel) was at a loss to know
+what they meant; seeing, however, some members of the assembly present,
+perhaps they would be disposed to give some information.
+
+Mr. S.J. DALLAS said, that it was the intention of the legislature that
+rent should be paid. He thought it fair that 1s. 8d. per day should be
+offered the people to work five days in the week, they returning one
+day's labor for the houses and grounds.
+
+Mr. SPECIAL JUSTICE HAMILTON said that complaints had been made to him,
+that in many instances where the husband and wife lived in the same
+house, rent had been demanded of both. The laborers had, in consequence,
+been thrown into a state of consternation and alarm, which accounted for
+the unsettled state of several properties--a serious bone of contention
+had in consequence been produced. He held a notice in his hand demanding
+of a laborer the enormous sum of 10s. per week for house and ground. He
+had seen other notices in which 6s, 8d. and 5s. had been demanded for
+the same. He did not consider that the parties issuing those notices had
+acted with prudence.
+
+Mr. HYSLOP explained--He admitted the charge, but said that the sum was
+never intended to be exacted.
+
+Sir LIONEL said he was aware of what was going on; he had heard of it.
+"It was a policy which ought no longer to be pursued."
+
+We have given the foregoing documents, full and ungarbled, that our
+readers might fairly judge for themselves. We have not picked here a
+sentence and there a sentence, but let the Governor, the Assembly, the
+Missionaries, and the press tell their whole story. Let them be read,
+compared, and weighed.
+
+We might indefinitely prolong our extracts from the West India papers to
+show, not only in regard to the important island of Jamaica, but
+Barbados and several other colonies, that the former masters are alone
+guilty of the non-working of the emancipated, so far as they refuse to
+work. But we think we have already produced proof enough to establish
+the following points:--
+
+1. That there was a strong predisposition on the part of the Jamaica
+planters to defraud their labourers of their wages. They hoped that by
+yielding, before they were driven quite to the last extremity, by the
+tide of public sentiment in England, they should escape from all
+philanthropic interference and surveillance, and be able to bring the
+faces of their unyoked peasantry to the grindstone of inadequate wages.
+
+2. That the emancipated were not only peaceful in their new freedom, but
+ready to grant an amnesty of all post abuses, and enter cheerfully into
+the employ of their former masters for reasonable wages. That in cases
+where disagreement has arisen as to the rate of daily or weekly wages,
+the labourers have been ready to engage in task work, to be paid by the
+piece, and have laboured so efficiently and profitably--proving a strong
+disposition for industry and the acquisition of property.
+
+3. That in the face of this good disposition of the laborers, the
+planters have, in many cases, refused to give adequate wages.
+
+4. That in still more numerous cases, including many in which the wages
+have been apparently liberal, enormous extortion has been practiced upon
+the laborer, in the form of rent demanded for his hovel and provision
+patch--£20 per annum being demanded for a shanty not worth half that
+money, and rent being frequently demanded from _every member_ of a
+family more than should have been taken from the whole.
+
+5. That the negroes are able to look out for their own interest, and
+have very distinct ideas of their own about the value of money and the
+worth of their labour, as well as the best methods of bringing their
+employers to reasonable terms. On this point we might have made a still
+stronger case by quoting from the Despatch and Standard, which assert
+numerous instances in which the labourers have refused to work for wages
+recommended to them by the Governor, Special Magistrates, or
+Missionaries, though they offered to work for 3s. 4d., 5s., or a dollar
+a day. They are shown to be rare bargain-makers and not easily trapped.
+
+6. That the attorneys and managers have deliberately endeavoured to
+raise a panic, whereby property might be depreciated to their own
+advantage; showing clearly thereby, that they consider Jamaica property,
+even with the laborers, irreclaimably free, a desirable investment.
+
+7. That in spite of all their efforts, the great body of the laborers
+continue industrious, doing more work in the same time than in slavery.
+_The testimony to his very important point, of the Governor and House of
+Assembly, is perfectly conclusive_, as we have already said. A house
+that represents the very men who, in 1832, burnt the missionary chapels,
+and defied the British Parliament with the threat, that in case it
+proceeded to legislate Abolition, Jamaica would attach herself to the
+United States, now HOPES for the agricultural prosperity of the island!
+Indeed no one in Jamaica expresses a doubt on this subject, who does not
+obviously do so _for the sake of buying land to better advantage_! Were
+the colony a shade _worse_ off than before Emancipation, either in fact
+or in the opinion of its landholders, or of any considerable portion of
+persons acquainted with it, the inevitable consequence would be a
+depreciation of _real estate_. But what is the fact? said Rev. John
+Clark, a Jamaica Baptist Missionary, who has visited this country since
+the first of August, in a letter published in the Journal of Commerce:--
+
+"The Island of Jamaica is not in the deplorable state set forth by your
+correspondent.--Land is rising in value so rapidly, that what was
+bought five years ago at 3 dollars per acre, is now selling for 15
+dollars; and this in the interior of the Island, in a parish not
+reckoned the most healthy, and sixteen miles distant from the nearest
+town. Crops are better than in the days of slavery--extra labour is
+easily obtained where kindness and justice are exercised towards the
+people. The hopes of proprietors are great, and larger sums are being
+offered for estates than were offered previous to August, 1834, when
+estates, and negroes upon them, were disposed of together."
+
+Again, as in Jamaica commerce rests wholly upon agriculture, _its_
+institutions can only flourish in a flourishing condition of the
+latter.--What then are we to infer from an imposing prospectus which
+appears in the island papers, commencing thus:--
+
+   "Kingston, October 26, 1838
+
+    Jamaica Marine, Fire, and Life Assurance Company.
+
+    Capital £100,000,
+
+    In 5000 shares of £20 each.
+
+    It has been long a matter of astonishment that, in a community so
+    essentially mercantile as Jamaica, no Company should have been
+    formed for the purpose of effecting Insurance on Life and Property;
+    although it cannot be doubted for an instant, that not only would
+    such an establishment be highly useful to all classes of the
+    community, but that it must yield a handsome return to such persons
+    as may be inclined to invest their money in it," &c.
+
+Farther down in the prospectus we are told--"It may here be stated,
+that the scheme for the formation of this Company has been mentioned to
+some of the principal Merchants and _Gentlemen of the Country_, and has
+met with decidedly favourable notice: and it is expected that the
+shares, a large number of which have been already taken, will be rapidly
+disposed of."
+
+The same paper, the Morning Journal, from which we make this extract,
+informs us: Nov. 2d--
+
+"The shares subscribed for yesterday, in the Marine Fire and Life
+Insurance Company, we understand, amount to the almost unprecedented
+number of One Thousand Six Hundred, with a number of applicants whose
+names have not been added to the list."
+
+The Morning Journal of October 20th in remarking upon this project
+says:--
+
+"Jamaica is now happily a free country; she contains within herself the
+means of becoming prosperous. Let her sons develope those resources
+which Lord Belmore with so much truth declared never would be developed
+_until slavery had ceased_. She has her Banks.--Give her, in addition,
+her Loan Society, her Marine, Fire, and life Assurance Company, and some
+others that will shortly be proposed, and capital will flow in from
+other countries--property will acquire a value in the market, that will
+increase with the increase of wealth, and she will yet be a flourishing
+island, and her inhabitants a happy and contented people."
+
+Now men desperately in debt _might_ invite in foreign capital for
+temporary relief, but, since the _compensation_, this is understood not
+to be the case with the Jamaica planters; and if they are rushing into
+speculation, it must be because they have strong _hope_ of the safety
+and prosperity of their country--in other words, because they confide in
+the system of free labor. This one prospectus, coupled with its prompt
+success, is sufficient to prove the falsehood of all the stories so
+industriously retailed among us from the Standard and the Despatch. But
+speculators and large capitalists are not the only men who confide in
+the success of the "great experiment."
+
+The following editorial notice in the Morning Journal of a recent date
+speaks volumes:--
+
+SAVINGS BANK.
+
+"We were asked not many days ago how the Savings Bank in this City was
+getting on. We answered well, very well indeed. By a notification
+published in our paper of Saturday, it will be seen that £1600 has been
+placed in the hands of the Receiver-General. By the establishment of
+these Banks, a great deal of the money now locked up, and which yields
+no return whatever to the possessors, and is liable to be stolen, will
+be brought into circulation. This circumstance of itself ought to
+operate as a powerful inducement to those parishes in which no Banks are
+yet established to be up and doing. We have got some _five_ or _six_ of
+them fairly underweigh, as Jack would say, and hope the remainder will
+speedily trip their anchors and follow."
+
+We believe banks were not known in the West Indies before the 1st of
+August 1834. Says the Spanishtown Telegraph of May 1st, 1837, "_Banks,
+Steam-Companies, Rail-Roads, Charity Schools_, etc., seem all to have
+remained dormant until the time arrived when Jamaica was to be
+_enveloped in smoke_! No man thought of hazarding his capital in an
+extensive banking establishment until Jamaica's ruin, by the
+introduction of freedom, had been accomplished!" And it was not till
+after the 1st of August, 1838, that Jamaica had either savings banks or
+savings. These institutions for the industrious classes came only with
+their manhood. But why came they at all, if Emancipated industry is, or
+is likely to be, unsuccessful?--In Barbados we notice the same
+forwardness in founding monied institutions. A Bank is there proposed,
+with a capital of £200,000. More than this, the all absorbing subject in
+all the West India papers at the present moment is that of the
+_currency_. Why such anxiety to provide the means of paying for labor
+which is to become valueless? Why such keenness for a good circulating
+medium if they are to have nothing to sell? The complaints about the old
+fashioned coinage we venture to assort have since the first of August
+occupied five times as much space in the colonial papers, we might
+probably say in each and every one of them, as those of the non-working
+of the freemen. The inference is irresistible. _The white colonists take
+it for granted that industry is to thrive_.
+
+It may be proper to remark that the late refusal of the Jamaica
+legislature to fulfil its appropriate functions has no connection with
+the working of freedom, any further than it may have been a struggle to
+get rid in some measure of the surveillance of the mother country in
+order to coerce the labourer so far as possible by vagrant laws, &c. The
+immediate pretext was the passing of a law by the imperial Parliament
+for the regulation of prisons, which the House of Assembly declared a
+violation of that principle of their charter which forbids the
+mother-country to lay a tax on them without their consent, in as much as
+it authorized a crown officer to impose a fine, in a certain case, of
+£20. A large majority considered this an infringement of their
+prerogatives, and among them were some members who have nobly stood up
+for the slave in times of danger. The remarks of Mr. Osborn especially,
+on this subject, (he is the full blooded, slave-born, African man to
+whom we have already referred) are worthy of consideration in several
+points of view. Although he had always been a staunch advocate of the
+home government on the floor of the Assembly are now contended for the
+rights of the Jamaica legislature with arguments which to us republicans
+are certainly quite forcible. In a speech of some length, which appears
+very creditable to him throughout, he said--
+
+"Government could not be acting fair towards them to assume that the
+mass of the people of this island would remain in the state of political
+indifference to which poverty and slavery had reduced them. They were
+now free, every man to rise as rapidly as he could; and the day was not
+very distant when it would be demonstrated by the change of
+representatives that would be seen in that house. It did appear to him,
+that under the pretext of extending the privileges of freemen to the
+mass of the people of this country, the government was about to deprive
+them of those privileges, by curtailing the power of the representative
+Assembly of those very people. He could not bring himself to admit, with
+any regard for truth, that the late apprentices could now be oppressed;
+they were quite alive to their own interests, and were now capable of
+taking care of themselves. So long as labor was marketable, so long they
+could resist oppression, while on the other hand, the proprietor, for
+his own interest's sake, would be compelled to deal fairly with them."
+
+Though it is evidently all important that the same public opinion which
+has wrested the whip from the master should continue to watch his
+proceedings as an employer of freemen, there is much truth in the speech
+of this black representative and alderman of Kingston. The brutalized
+and reckless attorneys and managers, _may_ possibly succeed in driving
+the negroes from the estates by exorbitant rent and low wages. They
+_may_ succeed in their effort to buy in property at half its value. But
+when they have effected that, they will be totally dependent for the
+profits of their ill-gotten gains upon the _free laboring people_. They
+may produce what they call idleness now, and a great deal of vexation
+and suffering. But land is plenty, and the laborers, if thrust from the
+estates, will take it up, and become still more independent. Reasonable
+wages they will be able to command, and for such they are willing to
+labor. The few thousand whites of Jamaica will never be able to
+establish slavery, or any thing like it, over its 300,000 blacks.
+
+Already they are fain to swallow their prejudice against color. Mr.
+Jordon, member for Kingston and "free nigger," was listened to with
+respect. Nay more, his argument was copied into the "Protest" which the
+legislature proudly flung back in the face of Parliament, along with the
+abolition of the apprenticeship, in return for Lord Glenelg's Bill. Let
+all in the United States read and ponder it who assert that "the two
+races cannot live together on term of equality."
+
+Legislative independence of Jamaica has ever been the pride of her
+English conquerors. They have received with joy the colored fellow
+colonists into an equal participation of their valued liberty, and they
+were prepared to rejoice at the extension of the constitution to the
+emancipated blacks. But the British Government, by a great fault, if not
+a crime, has, at the moment when all should have been free, torn from
+the lately ascendant class, the privileges which were their birthright,
+another class, now the equals of the former, the rights they had long
+and fortunately struggled for, and from the emancipated blacks the
+rights which they fondly expected to enjoy with their personal freedom.
+The boon of earlier freedom will not compensate this most numerous part
+of our population for the injustice and wrong done to the whole
+Jamaica people.
+
+The documents already adduced are confined almost exclusively to
+Jamaica. We will refer briefly to one of the other colonies. The next in
+importance is
+
+BARBADOS
+
+Here has been played nearly the same game in regard to wages, and with
+the same results. We are now furnished with advices from the island down
+to the 19th of December 1838. At the latter date the panic making papers
+had tapered down their complainings to a very faint whisper, and withal
+expressing more hope than fears. As the fruit of what they had already
+done we are told by one of them, _the Barbadian_, that the unfavourable
+news carried home by the packets after the emancipation had served to
+raise the price of sugar in England, which object being accomplished, it
+is hoped that they will intermit the manufacture of such news. The first
+and most important document, and indeed of itself sufficient to save the
+trouble of giving more, is the comparison of crime during two and a half
+months of freedom, and the corresponding two and a half months of
+slavery or apprenticeship last year, submitted to the legislature at the
+opening of its session in the latter part of October. Here it is. We
+hope it will be held up before every slave holder.
+
+From the Barbadian of Dec. 1.
+
+Barbados.--Comparative Table, exhibiting the number of Complaints
+preferred against the Apprentice population of this Colony, in the
+months of August, September and to the 15th of October, 1838; together
+with the Complaints charged against Free Labourers of the same Colony,
+during the months of August, September and to the 15th of October, 1838.
+The former compiled from the Monthly Journals of the Special Justice of
+the Peace and the latter from the Returns of the Local Magistracy
+transmitted to his excellency the Governor
+
+    APPRENTICESHIP.
+
+    Total of Complaints vs. Apprentices from the
+    1st to 31st August 1837.                  1708
+    Ditto from the 1st to 30th September      1464
+    Ditto from the 1st to 15th October         574
+
+    Grand Total                               3746
+
+    Total number of Apprentices punished from the
+    1st to 31st August                        1608
+    Ditto from 1st to 31st September          1321
+    Ditto from the 1st to 15th October         561
+
+    Grand Total                               3490
+
+    Total compromised, admonished and dismissed
+    from 1st to 31st August                    105
+    Ditto from the 1st to 30th September       113
+    Ditto from 1st to 15th October              38
+
+    Total                                      256
+
+    Deficiency in compromised cases in 1837 comparatively
+    with those of 1838                         158
+
+    Grand Total                                414
+
+    FREEDOM.
+
+    Total of Complaints vs. Labourers from the
+    1st to the 31st August 1838                582
+    Ditto from the 1st to the 30th September   386
+    Ditto from the 1st to the 15th October     103
+
+    Total                                     1071
+
+    Comparative Surplus of Complaints in 1838 2675
+
+    Grand Total                               3746
+
+    Total of Laborers punished from the 1st to
+    the 31st August, 1838,                     334
+    Ditto from the 1st to 30th September       270
+    Ditto from the 1st to 15th October          53
+
+    Total                                      657
+
+    Comparative surplus of punishment in 1837 2833
+
+    Grand total                               3490
+
+    Total compromised, admonished and dismissed
+    from the 1st to the 31st August            248
+    Ditto from the 1st to 30th September       116
+    Ditto from the 1st to 15th October          50
+
+    Grand Total                                414
+
+
+    NOTE.
+
+    It may be proper to remark that the accompanying General Abstract
+    for August, September, and to the 15th October, 1837, does not
+    include complaints preferred and heard before the Local Magistrates
+    during those months for such offences--viz. for misdemeanors, petty
+    debts, assaults and petty thefts--as were not cognizable by the
+    Special Justices; so that estimating these offences--the number of
+    which does not appear in the Abstract for 1837--at a similar number
+    as that enumerated in the Abstract for 1838, the actual relative
+    difference of punishments between the two and a half months in 1837
+    and these in 1838, would thus appear:
+
+
+    Surplus of Apprentices punished in 1837, as
+    above                                          2833
+
+    Offences in August, September, and to the
+    15th, October, 1837 heard before the General
+    Justices of the Peace, and estimated as follows:
+
+    Petty thefts                                75
+    Assaults                                   143
+    Misdemeanors                                98
+    Petty Debts                                 19--835
+
+    Actual surplus of punishment in 1837,     3168
+
+
+From the Journal of Commerce.
+
+_Letter from W.R. Hays, Esq. Barbados, W.I. to Rev. H.G. Ludlow, of New
+Haven_.
+
+    BARBADOS, Dec. 26, 1838.
+
+    I gave you in my last, some account of the manner in which the first
+    day of emancipation came and went in this island. We very soon
+    afterwards received similar accounts from all the neighboring
+    islands. In all of them the day was celebrated as an occasion "of
+    devout thanksgiving and praise to God, for the happy termination of
+    slavery." In all of them, the change took place in a manner highly
+    creditable to the emancipated, and intensely gratifying to the
+    friends of liberty. The quiet, good order, and solemnity of the day,
+    were every where remarkable. Indeed, is it not a fact worth
+    remembering, that whereas in former years, a single day's relaxation
+    from labor was met by the slaves with shouting and revelry, and
+    merry-making, yet now, when the last link of slavery was broken
+    forever, sobriety and decorum were especially the order of the day.
+    The perfect order and subordination to the laws, which marked the
+    first day of August, are yet unbroken. We have now nearly five
+    months' experience of entire emancipation; and I venture to say,
+    that a period of more profound peace never existed in the West
+    Indies. There have been disputes about wages, as in New England and
+    in other free countries; but no concert, no combination even, here;
+    and the only attempt at a combination was among the planters, to
+    keep down wages--and that but for a short time only. I will not
+    enter particularly into the questions, whether or not the people
+    will continue to work for wages, whether they will remain quiet,--or
+    on the other hand, whether the Island will be suffered to become
+    desolate, and the freed slaves relapse into barbarism, &c. These
+    things have been speculated about, and gloomy predictions have had
+    their day; the time has now come for the proof. People do not buy
+    land and houses, and rent property for long terms of years, in
+    countries where life is insecure, or where labor cannot be had, and
+    the tendency of things is to ruin and decay. In short, men, in their
+    senses, do not embark on board a sinking ship. Confidence is the
+    very soul of prosperity; of the existence of this confidence in this
+    Island, the immense operations in real estate, since the first of
+    August, are abundant proof. There are multitudes of instances in
+    which estates have sold for $20,000 _more_ than was asked for them
+    six months ago; and yet at the time they were considered very
+    high. A proprietor who was persuaded a few weeks since to part with
+    his estate for a very large sum of money, went and bought _it back
+    again_ at an _advance_ of $9600. A great many long leases of
+    property have been entered into. An estate called "Edgecombe,"
+    mentioned by Thome and Kimball, has been rented for 21 years at
+    $7500 per annum. Another called the "hope" has been rented for 10
+    years at £2000 sterling, equal to $9600 per annum. Another, after
+    being rented at a high price, was relet, by the lessee, who became
+    entirely absolved from the contract, and took $16,000 for his
+    bargain. If required, I could give you a host of similar cases, with
+    the names of the parties. But it seems unnecessary. The mere impulse
+    given to the value of property in this island by emancipation, is a
+    thing as notorious _here_, as the _fact_ of emancipation.
+
+    But, are not crimes more frequent than before? I have now before me
+    a Barbados newspaper, printed two weeks since, in which the fact is
+    stated, that in _all_ the county prisons, among a population of
+    80,000, only _two_ prisoners were confined for any cause whatever!
+
+    "But," says a believer in the necessity of Colonization, "how will
+    you _get rid_ of the negroes?" I answer by adverting to the
+    spectacle which is now witnessed in _all_ the Islands of the former
+    proprietors of slaves, now _employers_ of _free_ laborers, using
+    every endeavor to _prevent_ emigration. Trinidad, Demerara, and
+    Berbice, _want_ laborers. The former has passed a law to pay the
+    passage money of any laborer who comes to the Island, leaving him
+    free to choose him employment. Demerara and Berbize have sent
+    Emigration agents to this and other islands, to induce the laborers
+    to join those colonies, offering high wages, good treatment, &c. On
+    the other hand, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent, and all the old and
+    populous islands, individually and collectively, by legislative
+    resolves, legal enactments, &c. &c.--loudly protest that they have
+    _not a man to spare_! What is still better, the old island
+    proprietors are on every hand building new houses for the peasantry,
+    and with great forethought adding to their comfort; knowing that
+    they will thereby secure their contentment on their native soil. As
+    a pleasing instance of the good understanding which now exists
+    between proprietors and laborers, I will mention, that great numbers
+    of the former were in town on the 24th, buying up pork, hams, rice,
+    &c. as presents for their people on the ensuing Christmas; a day
+    which has this year passed by amid scenes of quiet Sabbath
+    devotions, a striking contrast to the tumult and drunkenness of
+    former times. I cannot close this subject, without beating my
+    testimony to the correctness of the statements made by our
+    countrymen, Thome and Kimball. They were highly esteemed here by all
+    classes, and had free access to every source of valuable
+    information. If they have not done justice to the subject of their
+    book, it is because the manifold blessings of a deliverance from
+    slavery are beyond the powers of language to represent. When I
+    attempt, as I have done in this letter, to enumerate a few of the, I
+    know not where to begin, or where to end. One must _see_, in order
+    to know and feel how unspeakable a boon these islands have
+    received,--a boon, which is by no means confined to the emancipated
+    slaves; but, like the dew and rains of heaven, it fell upon all the
+    inhabitants of the land, bond and free, rich and poor, together.
+
+    It is a common thing here, when you hear one speak of the benefits
+    of emancipation--the remark--that it ought to have taken place long
+    ago. Some say fifty years ago, some twenty, and some, that at any
+    rate it ought to have taken place all at once, without any
+    apprenticeship. The noon-day sun is not clearer than the fact, that
+    no preparation was required on the part of the slaves. It was the
+    dictate of an accusing conscience, that foretold of bloodshed, and
+    burning, and devastation. Can it be supposed to be an accidental
+    circumstance, that peace and good-will have _uniformly_, in _all_
+    the colonies, followed the steps of emancipation. Is it not rather
+    the broad seal of attestation to that heaven born principle, "It is
+    safe to do right." Dear brother, if you or any other friend to down
+    trodden humanity, have any lingering fear that the blaze of light
+    which is now going forth from the islands will ever be quenched,
+    even for a moment, dismiss that fear. The light, instead of growing
+    dim, will continue to brighten. Your prayers for the safe and happy
+    introduction of freedom, upon a soil long trodden by the foot of
+    slavery, may be turned into praises--for the event has come to pass.
+    When shall we be able to rejoice in such a consummation in our
+    beloved America? How I long to see a deputation of slaveholders
+    making the tour of these islands. It would only be necessary for
+    them to use their eyes and ears. Argument would be quite out of
+    place. Even an appeal to principle--to compassion--to the fear of
+    God--would not be needed. Self-interest alone would decide them in
+    favor of immediate emancipation.
+
+    Ever yours,
+
+    W.R. HAYES.
+
+DEMERARA.
+
+SPEECH OF THE GOVERNOR, ON OPENING THE SESSION OF THE COURT OF POLICY,
+SEPT. 17, 1838.
+
+From the Guiana Royal Gazette.
+
+    "I should fail in my duty to the public, and perhaps no respond to
+    the expectations of yourselves, Gentlemen of the Colonial Section of
+    this Honorable Court, did I not say a few words on the state of the
+    Colony, at this our first meeting after the memorable first
+    of August.
+
+    We are now approaching the close of the second month since that
+    date--a sufficient time to enable us to judge of the good
+    disposition of the new race of Freemen, but not perhaps of the
+    prosperity of the Colony. It is a proud thing for the
+    Colonist--Proprietors and Employers--that nothing has occurred to
+    indicate a want of good feeling in the great body of the laborers.
+    It is creditable to them, satisfactory to their employers, and
+    confounding to those who anticipated a contrary state of affairs.
+
+    That partial changes of location should have taken place, cannot
+    surprise any reasonable mind--that men who have all their lives been
+    subject to compulsory labor should, on having this labor left to
+    their discretion, be disposed at first to relax, and, in some
+    instances, totally abstain from it, was equally to be expected. But
+    we have no reason to despond, nor to imagine that, because such has
+    occurred in some districts, it will continue.
+
+    It is sufficient that the ignorant have been undeceived in their
+    exaggerated notions of their rights as Freemen: it was the first
+    step towards resumption of labor in every part of the Colony. The
+    patient forbearance of the Employers has produced great changes. If
+    some Estates have been disappointed in the amount of labor
+    performed, others again, and I have reason to believe a great
+    number, are doing well. It is well known that the Peasantry have not
+    taken to a wandering life: they are not lost to the cultivated parts
+    of the Colony: for the reports hitherto received from the
+    Superintendents of Rivers and Creeks make no mention of an augmented
+    population in the distant parts of their respective districts.
+
+    I hear of few commitments, except in this town, where, of course,
+    many of the idle have flocked from the country. On the East Coast,
+    there has been only one case brought before the High Sheriff's Court
+    since the 1st of August. In the last Circuit, not one!
+
+    With these facts before us, we may, I trust, anticipate the
+    continued prosperity of the Colony; and though it be possible there
+    may be a diminution in the exports of the staple commodities in this
+    and the succeeding quarter, yet we must take into consideration that
+    the season had been unfavorable, in some districts, previous to the
+    1st August, therefore a larger proportion of the crops remained
+    uncut; and we may ask, whether a continuance of compulsory labor
+    would have produced a more favorable result? Our united efforts
+    will, I trust, not be wanting to base individual prosperity on the
+    welfare of all."
+
+The Governor of Demerara is HENRY LIGHT, Esq., a gentlemen who seems
+strongly inclined to court the old slavery party and determined to shew
+his want of affinity to the abolitionists. In another speech delivered
+on a similar occasion, he says:
+
+"Many of the new freemen may still be said to be in their infancy of
+freedom, and like children are wayward. On _many of the estates_ they
+have repaid the kindness and forbearance of their masters; on others
+they have continued to take advantage of (what? the kindness and
+forbearance of their masters? No.) their new condition, are idle or
+irregular in their work. The good sense of the mass gives me reason to
+hope that idleness will be the exception, not the rule."
+
+The Barbadian of NOV. 28, remarks, that of six districts in Demerara
+whose condition had been reported, _five_ were working favorably. In the
+sixth the laborers were standing out for higher wages.
+
+TRINIDAD.
+
+In the _Jamaica Morning Journal_ of Oct. 2d and 15th, we find the
+following paragraphs in relation to this colony:
+
+"Trinidad.--The reports from the various districts as to the conduct of
+our laboring population, are as various and opposite, the Standard says,
+to each other as it is possible for them to be. There are many of the
+Estates on which the laborers had at first gone on steadily to work
+which now have scarcely a hand upon them, whilst upon others they muster
+a greater force than they could before command. We hear also that the
+people have already in many instances exhibited that propensity common
+to the habits of common life, which we call squatting, and to which we
+have always looked forward as one of the evils likely to accompany their
+emancipation, and calling for the earliest and most serious attention of
+our Legislature. We must confess, however, that it is a subject not easy
+to deal with safely and effectually."
+
+TRINIDAD,--The Standard says: "The state of the cultivation at present
+is said to be as far advanced as could have been anticipated under the
+new circumstances in which the Island stands. The weather throughout the
+month has been more than usually favorable to weeding, whilst there has
+also been sufficient rain to bring out the plants; and many planters
+having, before the 1st of Augus, pushed on their weeding by free labor
+and (paid) extra tasks, the derangement in their customary labor which
+has been experienced since that period, does not leave them much below
+an average progress."
+
+"Of the laborers, although they are far from being settled, we believe
+we may say, that they are not working badly; indeed, compared with those
+of the sister colonies, they are both more industrious and more disposed
+to be on good terms with their late masters. Some few estates continue
+short of their usual compliment of hands; but many of the laborers who
+had left the proprietors, have returned to them, whilst many others have
+changed their locality either to join their relations, or to return to
+their haunts of former days. So far as we can learn, nothing like
+insubordination or combination exists. We are also happy to say, that on
+some estates, the laborers have turned their attention to their
+provision grounds. There is one point, however, which few seem to
+comprehend, which is, that although free, they cannot work one day and
+be idle the next, _ad libitum_."
+
+Later accounts mention that some thousands more of laborers were wanted
+to take off the crop, and that a committee of immigration had been
+appointed to obtain them. [See Amos Townsend's letter on the last page.]
+So it seems the free laborers are so good they want more of them. The
+same is notoriously true of Demerara, and Berbice. Instead of a
+colonization spirit to get rid of the free blacks, the quarrel among the
+colonies is, which shall get the most. It is no wonder that the poor
+negroes in Trinidad should betake themselves to squatting. The island is
+thinly peopled and the administration or justice is horribly corrupt,
+under the governorship and judgeship of Sir George Hill, the well known
+defaulter as Vice Treasurer of Ireland, on whose appointment Mr.
+O'Connell remarked that "delinquents might excuse themselves by
+referring to the case of their judge."
+
+GRENADA.
+
+"GRENADA--The Gazette expresses its gratification at being able to
+record, that the accounts which have been received from several parts of
+the country, are of a satisfactory nature. On many of the properties the
+peasantry have, during the week, evinced a disposition to resume their
+several accustomed avocations, at the rates, and on the terms proposed
+by the directors of the respective estates, to which they were formerly
+belonging; and very little desire to change their residence has been
+manifested. One of our correspondents writes, that 'already, by a
+conciliatory method, and holding out the stimulus of extra pay, in
+proportion to the quantity of work performed beyond that allowed to
+them, he had, 'succeeded in obtaining, for three days, double the former
+average of work, rendered by the labors during the days of slavery; and
+this, too, by four o'clock, at which hour it seems, they are now wishful
+of ceasing to work, and to enable them to do so, they work continuously
+from the time they return from their breakfast.'"
+
+"It is one decided opinion, the paper named says, that in a very short
+time the cultivation of the cane still be generally resumed, and all
+things continue to progress to the mutual satisfaction of both employer
+and laborer. We shall feel indebted to our friends for such information,
+as it may be in their power to afford us on this important subject, as
+it will tend to their advantage equally with that of their laborers,
+from the same being made public. We would wish also that permission be
+given as to mention the names of the properties on which matters have
+assumed a favorable aspect."
+
+_Jamaica Morning Journal of Oct. 2_.
+
+GRENADA.--According to the _Free Press_, it would appear that 'the
+proprietors and managers of several estates in Duquesne Valley, and
+elsewhere, their patience being worn out, and seeing the cultivation of
+their estates going to ruin, determined to put the law into operation,
+by compelling, after allowing twenty-three or twenty-four days of
+idleness, the people either to work or to leave the estates. They
+resisted; the aid of the magistrates and of the constabulary force was
+called in, but without effect, and actual violence was, we learn, used
+towards those who came to enforce the law. Advices were immediately sent
+down to the Executive, despatched by a gentleman of the Troop, who
+reached town about half past five o'clock on Saturday morning last. We
+believe a Privy Council was summoned, and during the day, Capt. Clarke
+of the 1st West-India Regiment, and Government Secretary, Lieut. Mould
+of the Royal Engineers, and Lieut. Costabodie of the 70th, together with
+twenty men of the 70th, and 20 of the 1st West India, embarked, to be
+conveyed by water to the scene of insubordination.'
+
+"'We have not learnt the reception this force met with, from the
+laborers, but the results of the visit paid them were, that yesterday,
+there were at work, on four estates, none: on eleven others, 287 in all,
+and on another all except three, who are in the hands of the
+magistrates. On one of the above properties, the great gang was, on
+Friday last, represented in the cane-piece by one old woman!'"
+
+"'The presence of the soldiers has had, it will be seen, some effect,
+yet still the prospects are far from encouraging; a system of stock
+plundering, &c. is prevalent to a fearful degree, some gentlemen and the
+industrious laborers having had their fowls, &c. entirely carried off by
+the worthless criminals; it is consolatory, however, to be able to quote
+the following written, to us by a gentleman: "Although there are a good
+many people on the different estates, still obstinate and resisting
+either to work or to leave the properties, yet I hope that if the
+military are posted at Samaritan for some time longer, they will come
+round, several of the very obstinate having done so already." Two
+negroes were sent down to goal on Monday last, to have their trial for
+assaulting the magistrates.'"
+
+"'Such are the facts, as far as we have been able to ascertain them,
+which have attended a rebellious demonstration among a portion of the
+laboring population, calculated to excite well-founded apprehension in
+the whole community. Had earlier preventive measures been adopted, this
+open manifestation of a spirit of resistance to, and defiance of the
+law, might have been avoided. On this point, we have, in contempt of the
+time-serving reflections it has drawn upon us, freely and fearlessly
+expressed our opinion, and we shall now only remark, that matters having
+come to the pass we have stated, the Executive has adopted the only
+effective means to bring affairs again to a healthy state; fortunate is
+it for the colony, that this has been done, and we trust that the
+effects will be most beneficial.'"
+
+TOBAGO.
+
+The following testifies well for the ability of the emancipated to take
+care of themselves.
+
+"'Tobago.--The Gazette of this Island informs us that up to the period
+of its going to press, the accounts from the country, as to the
+disinclination of the laborers to turn out to work are much the same as
+we have given of last week. Early this morning parties of them were seen
+passing through town in various directions, accompanied by their
+children, and carrying along with them their ground provisions, stock,
+&c. indicating a change of location. Whilst on many estates where
+peremptory demands have been made that work be resumed, or the laborers
+should leave the estate, downright refusal to do either the one or the
+other has been the reply; and that reply has been accompanied by threat
+and menace of personal violence against any attempts to turn them out of
+their houses and grounds. In the transition of the laborers from a state
+of bondage to freedom, much that in their manners and deportment would
+have brought them summarily under the coercion of the stipendiary
+magistrate, formerly, may now be practised with impunity; and the fear
+is lest that nice discrimination betwixt restraints just terminated and
+rights newly acquired, will not be clouded for some time, even in the
+minds of the authorities, before whom laborers are likely to be brought
+for their transgression. Thus, although it may appear like an alarming
+confederacy, the system of sending delegates, or head men, around the
+estates, which the laborers have adopted, as advisers, or agents, to
+promote general unanimity; it must be borne in mind that this is
+perfectly justifiable; and it is only where actual violence has been
+threatened by those delegates against those who choose to work at under
+wages, that the authorities can merely assure them of their protection
+from violence.'--_Morning Jour., Oct. 2._"
+
+The _Barbadian_ of November 21, says, "An agricultural report has been
+lately made of the windward district of the Island, which is favorable
+as to the general working of the negroes." The same paper of November
+28, says, "It is satisfactory to learn that _many_ laborers in Tobago
+are engaging more readily in agricultural operations."
+
+ST. VINCENT.
+
+"Saint Vincent.--Our intelligence this week, observes the Gazette of
+25th August, from the country districts, is considerably more favorable
+than for the previous fortnight. In most of the leeward quarter, the
+people have, more or less, returned to work, with the exception of very
+few estates, which we decline naming, as we trust that on these also
+they will resume their labor in a few days. The same may be said
+generally of the properties in St. George's parish; and in the more
+extensive district of Charlotte, there is every prospect that the same
+example will be followed next week particularly in the Caraib country,
+where a few laborers on some properties have been at work during the
+present week, and the explanation and advice given them by Mr. Special
+Justice Ross has been attended with the best effect, and we doubt not
+will so continue. In the Biabou quarter the laborers have resumed work
+in greater numbers than in other parts of the parish, and the exceptions
+in this, as in ether districts, we hope will continue but a short time."
+
+The Barbadian of November 21, speaks of a "megass house" set on fire in
+this island which the peasantry refused to extinguish, and adds that but
+half work is performed by the laborer in that parish. "Those of the
+adjoining parish," its says, "are said to be working satisfactorily." In
+a subsequent paper we notice a report from the Chief of Police to the
+Lieutenant Governor, which speaks favorably of the general working of
+the negroes, as far as he had been able to ascertain by inquiry into a
+district comprising one-third of the laborers.
+
+The New York Commercial Advertiser of February 25, has a communication
+from Amos Townsend, Esq., Cashier of the New Haven Bank; dated New
+Haven, February 21, 1839, from which we make the following extract. He
+says he obtained his information from one of the most extensive shipping
+houses in that city connected with the West India trade.
+
+    "A Mr. Jackson, a planter from St. Vincents, has been in this city
+    within a few day, and says that the emancipation of the slaves on
+    that island works extremely well; and that his plantation produces
+    more and yields a larger profit than it has ever done before. The
+    emancipated slaves now do in eight hours what was before considered
+    a two-days' task, and he pays the laborers a dollar a day.
+
+    Mr. Jackson further states that he, and Mr. Nelson, of Trinidad,
+    with another gentleman from the same islands, have been to
+    Washington, and conferred with Mr. Calhoun and Mr. Clay, _to
+    endeavour to concert some plan to get colored laborers from this
+    country to emigrate to these islands, as there is a great want of
+    hands._ They offer one dollar a day for able bodied hands. The
+    gentlemen at Washington were pleased with the idea of thus disposing
+    of the free blacks at the South, and would encourage their efforts
+    to induce that class of the colored people to emigrate. Mr. Calhoun
+    remarked that it was the most feasible plan of colonizing the free
+    blacks that had ever been suggested.
+
+    This is the amount of my information, and comes in so direct a
+    channel as leaves no room to doubt its correctness. What our
+    southern champions will now say to this direct testimony from their
+    brother planters of the West Indies, of the practicability and
+    safety of immediate emancipation, remains to be seen. Truly yours."
+    AMOS TOWNSEND, JUN.
+
+ST. LUCIA.
+
+Saint Lucia.--The Palladium states that affairs are becoming worse every
+day with the planters. Their properties are left without labourers to
+work them; their buildings broken into, stores and produce stolen,
+ground provisions destroyed, stock robbed, and they themselves insulted
+and laughed at.
+
+On Saturday night, the Commissary of Police arrived in town from the
+third and fourth districts, with some twenty or thirty prisoners, who
+had been convicted before the Chief Justice of having assaulted the
+police in the execution of their duty, and sent to gaol.
+
+"It has been deemed necessary to call for military aid with a view of
+humbling the high and extravagant ideas entertained by the
+ex-apprentices upon the independence of their present condition;
+thirty-six men of the first West India regiment, and twelve of the
+seventy-fourth have been accordingly despatched; the detachment embarked
+yesterday on board Mr. Muter's schooner, the Louisa, to land at
+Soufriere, and march into the interior."
+
+In both the above cases where the military was called out, the
+provocation was given by the white. And in both cases it was afterwards
+granted to be needless. Indeed, in the quelling of one of these
+factitious rebellions, the prisoners taken were two white men, and one
+of them a manager.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE
+CHATTEL PRINCIPLE
+
+THE ABHORRENCE OF
+JESUS CHRIST AND THE APOSTLES;
+OR
+NO REFUGE FOR AMERICAN SLAVERY
+
+IN
+
+THE NEW TESTAMENT.
+
+NEW YORK
+PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.
+NO. 143 NASSAU STREET.
+1839
+
+_Please read and circulate._
+
+The
+
+NEW TESTAMENT AGAINST SLAVERY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST."
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? In 1776 THOMAS JEFFERSON,
+supported by a noble band of patriots and surrounded by the American
+people, opened his lips in the authoritative declaration: "We hold these
+truths to be SELF-EVIDENT, _that all men are created equal; that they
+are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among
+these are life, LIBERTY and the pursuit of happiness._" And from the
+inmost heart of the multitudes around, and in a strong and clear voice,
+broke forth the unanimous and decisive answer: Amen--such truths we do
+indeed hold to be self-evident. And animated and sustained by a
+declaration, so inspiring and sublime, they rushed to arms, and as the
+result of agonizing efforts and dreadful sufferings, achieved under God
+the independence of their country. The great truth, whence they derived
+light and strength to assert and defend their rights, they made the
+foundation of their republic. And in the midst of _this republic_, must
+we prove, that He, who was the Truth, did not contradict "the truths"
+which He Himself, as their Creator, had made self-evident to mankind?
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? What, according to those
+laws which make it what it is, is American slavery? In the Statute-Book
+of South Carolina thus it is written:[A] "Slaves shall be deemed, sold,
+taken, reputed and adjudged in law to be _chattels personal_ in the
+hands of their owners and possessors, and their executors,
+administrators and assigns, to all intents, constructions and purposes
+whatever." The very root of American slavery consists in the assumption,
+that _law has reduced men to chattels_. But this assumption is, and must
+be, a gross falsehood. Men and cattle are separated from each other by
+the Creator, immutably, eternally, and by an impassable gulf. To
+confound or identify men and cattle must be to _lie_ most wantonly,
+impudently, and maliciously. And must we prove, that Jesus Christ is not
+in favor of palpable, monstrous falsehood?
+
+[Footnote A: Stroud's Slave Laws, p. 23.]
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? How can a system, built
+upon a stout and impudent denial of self-evident truth--a system of
+treating men like cattle--operate? Thomas Jefferson shall answer. Hear
+him.[B] "The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual
+exercise of the most boisterous passions; the most unremitting despotism
+on the one part, and degrading submission on the other. The parent
+storms, the child looks on, catches the lineaments of wrath, puts on the
+same airs in the circle of smaller slaves, gives loose to his worst
+passions, and thus nursed, educated, and daily exercised in tyranny, can
+not but be stamped by it with odious peculiarities. The man must be a
+prodigy, who can retain his manners and morals undepraved by such
+circumstances." Such is the practical operation of a system, which puts
+men and cattle into the same family and treats them alike. And must we
+prove, that Jesus Christ is not in favor of a school where the worst
+vices in their most hateful forms are systematically and efficiently
+taught and practiced?
+
+[Footnote B: Notes on Virginia.]
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? What, in 1818, did the
+General Assembly of the Presbyterian church affirm respecting its nature
+and operation?[C] "Slavery creates a paradox in the moral system--it
+exhibits rational, accountable, and immortal beings, in such
+circumstances as scarcely to leave them the power of moral action. It
+exhibits them as dependent on the will of others, whether they shall
+receive religious instruction; whether they shall know and worship the
+true God; whether they shall enjoy the ordinances of the gospel; whether
+they shall perform the duties and cherish the endearments of husbands
+and wives, parents and children, neighbors and friends; whether they
+shall preserve their chastity and purity, or regard the dictates of
+justice and humanity. Such are some of the consequences of slavery;
+consequences not imaginary, but which connect themselves with its very
+existence. The evils to which the slave is _always_ exposed, _often take
+place_ in their very worst degree and form; and where all of them do not
+take place, still the slave is deprived of his natural rights, degraded
+as a human being, and exposed to the danger of passing into the hands of
+a master who may inflict upon him all the hardships and injuries which
+inhumanity and avarice may suggest." Must we prove, that Jesus Christ is
+not in favor of such things?
+
+[Footnote C: Minutes of the General Assembly for 1818, p. 29.]
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? It is already widely felt
+and openly acknowledged at the South, that they can not support slavery
+without sustaining the opposition of universal christendom. And Thomas
+Jefferson declared, that "he trembled for his country when he reflected,
+that God is just; that his justice can not sleep forever; that
+considering numbers, nature, and natural means only, a revolution of the
+wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation, is among possible events;
+that it may become practicable by supernatural influences! The Almighty
+has no attribute which can take sides with us in such a contest."[A] And
+must we prove, that Jesus Christ is not in favor of what universal
+christendom is impelled to abhor, denounce, and oppose;--is not in favor
+of what every attribute of Almighty God is armed against?
+
+[Footnote A: Notes on Virginia]
+
+"YE HAVE DESPISED THE POOR."
+
+It is no man of straw, with whom in making out such proof we are called
+to contend. Would to God we had no other antagonist! Would to God that
+our labor of love could be regarded as a work of supererogation! But we
+may well be ashamed and grieved; to find it necessary to "stop the
+mouths" of grave and learned ecclesiastics, who from the heights of Zion
+have undertaken to defend the institution of slavery. We speak not now
+of those, who amidst the monuments of oppression are engaged in the
+sacred vocation; who as ministers of the Gospel can "prophesy smooth
+things" to such as pollute the altar of Jehovah with human sacrifices;
+nay, who themselves bind the victim and kindle the sacrifice. That
+_they_ should put their Savior to the torture, to wring from his lips
+something in favor of slavery, is not to be wondered at. They consent to
+the murder of the children; can they respect the rights of the Father?
+But what shall we say of theological professors at the North--professors
+of sacred literature at our oldest divinity schools--who stand up to
+defend, both by argument and authority, southern slavery! And from the
+Bible! Who, Balaam-like, try a thousand expedients to force from the
+mouth of Jehovah a sentence which they know the heart of Jehovah abhors!
+Surely we have here something more mischievous and formidable than a man
+of straw. More than two years ago, and just before the meeting of the
+General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, appeared an article in the
+Biblical Repertory,[A] understood to be from the pen of the Professor of
+Sacred Literature at Princeton, in which an effort is made to show, that
+slavery, whatever may be said of _any abuses_ of it, is _not a violation
+of the precepts of the Gospel_. This article, we are informed, was
+industriously and extensively distributed among the members of the
+General Assembly--a body of men, who by a frightful majority seemed
+already too much disposed to wink at the horrors of slavery. The effect
+of the Princeton Apology on the southern mind, we have high authority
+for saying, has been most decisive and injurious. It has contributed
+greatly to turn the public eye off from the sin--from the inherent and
+necessary _evils of slavery_ to incidental evils, which the _abuse_ of
+it might be expected to occasion. And how few can be brought to admit,
+that whatever abuses may prevail nobody knows where or how, any such
+thing is chargeable upon them! Thus our Princeton prophet has done what
+he could to lay the southern conscience asleep upon ingenious
+perversions of the sacred volume!
+
+[Footnote A: For April, 1836. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
+Church met in the following May, at Pittsburgh, where, in pamphlet form,
+this article was distributed. The following appeared upon the
+title page:
+
+           PITTSBURGH:
+              1836.
+_For gratuitous distribution_.
+]
+
+About a year after this, an effort in the same direction was jointly
+made by Dr. Fisk and Prof. Stuart. In a letter to a Methodist clergyman,
+Mr. Merritt, published in Zion's Herald, Dr. Fisk gives utterance to
+such things as the following:--"But that you and the public may see and
+_feel_, that you have the ablest and those who are among the honestest
+men of this age, arrayed against you, be pleased to notice the following
+letter from Prof. Stuart." I wrote to him, knowing as I did his integrity
+of purpose, his unflinching regard for truth, as well as his deserved
+reputation as a scholar and biblical critic, proposing the following
+questions:--
+
+1. Does the New Testament directly or indirectly teach, that slavery
+existed in the primitive church?
+
+2. In 1 Tim. vi. 2, And they that have believing masters, &c., what is
+the relation expressed or implied between "they" (servants) and
+"_believing masters_?" And what are your reasons for the construction of
+the passage?
+
+3. What was the character of ancient and eastern slavery?--Especially
+what (legal) power did this relation give the master over the slave?
+
+PROFESSOR STUART'S REPLY.
+
+    ANDOVER, 10th April, 1837.
+
+    REV. AND DEAR SIR,--Yours is before me. A sickness of three months'
+    standing (typhus fever,) in which I have just escaped death, and
+    which still confines me to my house, renders it impossible for me to
+    answer your letter at large.
+
+    1. The precepts of the New Testament respecting the demeanor of
+    slaves and of their masters, beyond all question, recognize the
+    existence of slavery. The masters are in part "believing masters,"
+    so that a precept to them, how they are to behave as _masters_,
+    recognizes that the relation may still exist, _salva fide et salva
+    ecclesia_, ("without violating the Christian faith or the church.")
+    Otherwise, Paul had nothing to do but to cut the band asunder at
+    once. He could not lawfully and properly temporize with a _malum in
+    se_, ("that which is in itself sin.")
+
+    If any one doubts, let him take the case of Paul's sending Onesimus
+    back to Philemon, with an apology for his running away, and sending
+    him back to be his servant for life. The relation did exist, may
+    exist. The _abuse_ of it is the essential and fundamental wrong. Not
+    that the theory of slavery is in itself right. No; "Love thy
+    neighbor as thyself," "Do unto others that which ye would that
+    others should do unto you," decide against this. But the relation
+    once constituted and continued, is not such a _malum in se_ as calls
+    for immediate and violent disruption at all hazards. So Paul did
+    not counsel.
+
+    2. 1 Tim. vi. 2, expresses the sentiment, that slaves, who are
+    Christians and have Christian masters, are not, on that account, and
+    because _as Christians they are brethren_, to forego the reverence
+    due to them as masters. That is, the relation of master and slave is
+    not, as a matter of course, abrogated between all Christians. Nay,
+    servants should in such a case, a _fortiori_, do their duty
+    cheerfully. This sentiment lies on the very face of the case. What
+    the master's duty in such a case may be in respect to _liberation_,
+    is another question, and one which the apostle does not here
+    treat of.
+
+    3. Every one knows, who is acquainted with Greek or Latin
+    antiquities, that slavery among heathen nations has ever been more
+    unqualified and at looser ends than among Christian nations. Slaves
+    were _property_ in Greece and Rome. That decides all questions about
+    their _relation_. Their treatment depended, as it does now, on the
+    temper of their masters. The power of the master over the slave was,
+    for a long time, that of _life and death_. Horrible cruelties at
+    length mitigated it. In the apostle's day, it was at least as great
+    as among us.
+
+    After all the spouting and vehemence on this subject, which have
+    been exhibited, the _good old Book_ remains the same. Paul's conduct
+    and advice are still safe guides. Paul knew well that Christianity
+    would ultimately destroy slavery, as it certainly will. He knew too,
+    that it would destroy monarchy and aristocracy from the earth; for
+    it is fundamentally a doctrine of _true liberty and equality_. Yet
+    Paul did not expect slavery or anarchy to be ousted in a day; and
+    gave precepts to Christians respecting their demeanor _ad interim_.
+
+    With sincere and paternal regard,
+
+    Your friend and brother,
+
+    M. STUART.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    --This, sir, is doctrine that will stand, because it is _Bible
+    doctrine_. The abolitionists, then, are on a wrong course. They have
+    traveled out of the record; and if they would succeed, they must
+    take a different position, and approach the subject in a different
+    manner. Respectfully yours,
+
+    W. FISK
+
+"SO THEY WRAP [SNARL] IT UP."
+
+What are we taught here? That in the ecclesiastical organizations which
+grew up under the hands of the apostles, slavery was admitted as a
+relation, that did not violate the Christian faith; that the relation
+may now in like manner exist; that "the abuse of it is the essential and
+fundamental wrong;" and, of course, that American Christians may hold
+their own brethren in slavery without incurring guilt or inflicting
+injury. Thus according to Prof. Stuart, Jesus Christ has not a word to
+say against "the peculiar institutions" of the South. If our brethren
+there do not "abuse" the privilege of exacting unpaid labor, they may
+multiply their slaves to their hearts' content, without exposing
+themselves to the frown of the Savior or laying their Christian
+character open to the least suspicion. Could any trafficker in human
+flesh ask for greater latitude? And to such doctrines, Dr. Fisk eagerly
+aid earnestly subscribes. He goes further. He urges it on the attention
+of his brethren, as containing important truth, which they ought to
+embrace. According to him, it is "_Bible doctrine_," showing, that "the
+abolitionists are on a wrong course," and must, "if they would succeed,
+take a different position."
+
+We now refer to such distinguished names, to show, that in attempting to
+prove that Jeans Christ is not in favor of American slavery, we contend
+with something else than a man of straw. The ungrateful task, which a
+particular examination of Prof. Stuart's letter lays upon us, we hope
+fairly to dispose of in due season.--Enough has now been said, to make
+it clear and certain, that American slavery has its apologists and
+advocates in the northern pulpit; advocates and apologists, who fall
+behind few if any of their brethren in the reputation they have
+acquired, the stations they occupy, and the general influence they are
+supposed to exert.
+
+Is it so? Did slavery exist in Judea, and among the Jews, in its worst
+form, during the Savior's incarnation? If the Jews held slaves, they
+must have done so in open and flagrant violation of the letter and the
+spirit of the Mosaic Dispensation. Whoever has any doubts of this may
+well resolve his doubts in the light of the Argument entitled "The Bible
+against Slavery." If, after a careful and thorough examination of that
+article, he can believe that slaveholding prevailed during the ministry
+of Jesus Christ among the Jews and in accordance with the authority of
+Moses, he would do the reading public an important service to record the
+grounds of his belief--especially in a fair and full refutation of that
+Argument. Till that is done, we hold ourselves excused from attempting
+to prove what we now repeat, that if the Jews during our Savior's
+incarnation held slaves, they must have done so in open and flagrant
+violation of the letter and the spirit of the Mosaic Dispensation. Could
+Christ and the Apostles every where among their countrymen come in
+contact with slaveholding, being as it was a gross violation of that law
+which their office and their profession required them to honor and
+enforce, without exposing and condemning it.
+
+In its worst forms, we are told, slavery prevailed over the whole world,
+not excepting Judea. As, according to such ecclesiastics as Stuart,
+Hodge, and Fisk, slavery in itself is not bad at all, the term "_worst_"
+could be applied only to "_abuses_" of this innocent relation. Slavery
+accordingly existed among the Jews, disfigured and disgraced by the
+"worst abuses" to which it is liable. These abuses in the ancient world,
+Prof. Stuart describes as "horrible cruelties." And in our own country,
+such abuses have grown so rank, as to lead a distinguished
+eye-witness--no less a philosopher and statesman than Thomas
+Jefferson--to say, that they had armed against us every attribute of the
+Almighty. With these things the Savior every where came in contact,
+among the people to whose improvement and salvation he devoted his
+living powers, and yet not a word, not a syllable, in exposure and
+condemnation of such "horrible cruelties," escaped his lips! He
+saw--among the "covenant people" of Jehovah he saw, the babe plucked
+from the bosom of its mother; the wife torn from the embrace of her
+husband; the daughter driven to the market by the scourge of her own
+father;--he saw the word of God sealed up from those who, of all men,
+were especially entitled to its enlightening, quickening
+influence;--nay, he saw men beaten for kneeling before the throne of
+heavenly mercy;--such things he saw without a word of admonition or
+reproof! No sympathy with them who suffered wrong--no indignation at
+them who inflicted wrong, moved his heart!
+
+From the alledged silence of the Savior, when in contact with slavery
+among the Jews, our divines infer, that it is quite consistent with
+Christianity. And they affirm, that he saw it in its worst forms; that
+is, he witnessed what Prof. Stuart ventures to call "horrible
+cruelties." But what right have these interpreters of the sacred volume
+to regard any form of slavery which the Savior found, as "worst," or
+even bad? According to their inference--which they would thrust gag-wise
+into the mouths of abolitionists--his silence should seal up their lips.
+They ought to hold their tongues. They have no right to call any form of
+slavery bad--an abuse; much less, horribly cruel! Their inference is
+broad enough to protect the most brutal driver amidst his deadliest
+inflictions!
+
+"THINK NOT THAT I AM COME TO DESTROY THE LAW OR THE PROPHETS; I AM NOT
+COME TO DESTROY, BUT TO FULFILL."
+
+And did the Head of the new dispensation, then, fall so far behind the
+prophets of the old in a hearty and effective regard for suffering
+humanity? The forms of oppression which they witnessed, excited their
+compassion and aroused their indignation. In terms the most pointed and
+powerful, they exposed, denounced, threatened. They could not endure the
+creatures, who "used their neighbors' service without wages, and gave
+him not for his work;"[A] who imposed "heavy burdens"[B] upon their
+fellows, and loaded them with "the bands of wickedness;" who, "hiding
+themselves from their own flesh," disowned their own mothers' children.
+Professions of piety, joined with the oppression of the poor, they held
+up to universal scorn and execration, as the dregs of hypocrisy. They
+warned the creature of such professions, that he could escape the wrath
+of Jehovah only by heartfelt repentance. And yet, according to the
+ecclesiastics with whom we have to do, the Lord of these prophets passed
+by in silence just such enormities as he commanded them to expose and
+denounce! Every where, he came in contact with slavery in its worst
+forms--"horrible cruelties" forced themselves upon his notice; but not a
+word of rebuke or warning did he utter. He saw "a boy given for a
+harlot, and a girl sold for wine, that they might drink,"[C] without the
+slightest feeling of displeasure, or any mark of disapprobation! To such
+disgusting and horrible conclusions, do the arguings which, from the
+haunts of sacred literature, are inflictcd on our churches, lead us!
+According to them, Jesus Christ, instead of shining as the light of the
+world, extinguished the torches which his own prophets had kindled, and
+plunged mankind into the palpable darkness of a starless midnight! O
+Savior, in pity to thy suffering people, let thy temple be no longer
+used as a "den of thieves!"
+
+[Footnote A: Jeremiah xxii. 13.]
+
+[Footnote B: Isaiah lviii. 6,7.]
+
+[Footnote C: Joel iii. 3.]
+
+"THOU THOUGHTEST THAT I WAS ALTOGETHER SUCH AN ONE AS THYSELF."
+
+In passing by the worst forms of slavery, with which he every where came
+in contact among the Jews, the Savior must have been inconsistent with
+himself. He was commissioned to preach glad tidings to the poor; to heal
+the broken-hearted; to preach deliverance to the captives; to set at
+liberty them that are bruised; to preach the year of Jubilee. In
+accordance with this commission, he bound himself, from the earliest
+date of his incarnation, to the poor, by the strongest ties; himself
+"had not where to lay his head;" he exposed himself to misrepresentation
+and abuse for his affectionate intercourse with the outcasts of society;
+he stood up as the advocate of the widow, denouncing and dooming the
+heartless ecclesiastics, who had made her bereavement a source of gain;
+and in describing the scenes of the final judgment, he selected the very
+personification of poverty, disease, and oppression, as the test by
+which our regard for him should be determined. To the poor and wretched;
+to the degraded and despised, his arms were ever open. They had his
+tenderest sympathies. They had his warmest love. His heart's blood he
+poured out upon the ground for the human family, reduced to the deepest
+degradation, and exposed to the heaviest inflictions, as the slaves of
+the grand usurper. And yet, according to our ecclesiastics, that class
+of sufferers who had been reduced immeasurably below every other shape
+and form of degradation and distress; who had been most rudely thrust
+out of the family of Adam, and forced to herd with swine; who, without
+the slightest offense, had been made the foot-stool of the worst
+criminals; whose "tears were their meat night and day," while, under
+nameless insults and killing injuries, they were continually crying, O
+Lord, O Lord:--this class of sufferers, and this alone, our biblical
+expositors, occupying the high places of sacred literature, would make
+us believe the compassionate Savior coldly overlooked. Not an emotion of
+pity; not a look of sympathy; not a word of consolation, did his
+gracious heart prompt him to bestow upon them! He denounces damnation
+upon the devourer of the widow's house. But the monster, whose trade it
+is to make widows and devour them and their babes, he can calmly endure!
+O Savior, when wilt thou stop the mouths of such blasphemers!
+
+IT IS THE SPIRIT THAT QUICKENETH.
+
+It seems, that though, according to our Princeton professor, "the
+subject" of slavery "is hardly alluded to by Christ in any of his
+personal instructions[A]," he had a way of "treating it." What was that?
+Why, "he taught the true nature, DIGNITY, EQUALITY, and destiny of men,"
+and "inculcated the principles of justice and love."[B] And according to
+Professor Stuart, the maxims which our Savior furnished, "decide
+against" "the theory of slavery." All, then, that these ecclesiastical
+apologists for slavery can make of the Savior's alledged silence is,
+that he did not, in his personal instructions, "_apply his own principles
+to this particular form of wickedness_." For wicked that must be, which
+the maxims of the Savior decide against, and which our Princeton
+professor assures us the principles of the gospel, duly acted on, would
+speedily extinguish[C]. How remarkable it is, that a teacher should
+"hardly allude to a subject in any of his personal instructions," and
+yet inculcate principles which have a direct and vital bearing upon
+it!--should so conduct, as to justify the inference, that "slaveholding
+is not a crime[D]," and at the same time lend his authority for its
+"speedy extinction!"
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet, (already alluded to,)p.9.]
+
+[Footnote B: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p.9.]
+
+[Footnote C: The same, p.34.]
+
+[Footnote D: The same, p.13.]
+
+Higher authority than sustains _self-evident truths_ there can not be.
+As forms of reason, they are rays from the face of Jehovah. Not only are
+their presence and power self-manifested, but they also shed a strong
+and clear light around them. In this light, other truths are visible.
+Luminaries themselves, it is their office to enlighten. To their
+authority, in every department of thought, the sane mind bows promptly,
+gratefully, fully. And by their authority, he explains, proves, and
+disposes of whatever engages his attention and engrosses his powers as a
+reasonable and reasoning creature. For what, when thus employed and when
+most successful, is the utmost he can accomplish? Why, to make the
+conclusions which he would establish and commend, _clear in the light of
+reason_;--in other words, to evince that _they are reasonable_. He
+expects, that those with whom he has to do, will acknowledge the
+authority of principle--will see whatever is exhibited in the light of
+reason. If they require him to go further, and, in order to convince
+them, to do something more that show that the doctrines he maintains,
+and the methods he proposes, are accordant with reason--are illustrated
+and supported by "self-evident truths"--they are plainly "beside
+themselves." They have lost the use of reason. They are not to be argued
+with. They belong to the mad-house.
+
+"COME NOW, LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD."
+
+Are we to honor the Bible, which Prof. Stuart quaintly calls "the good
+old book," by turning away from "self-evident truths" to receive its
+instructions? Can these truths be contradicted or denied there? Do we
+search for something there to obscure their clearness, or break their
+force, or reduce their authority? Do we long to find something there, in
+the form of premises or conclusions, of arguing or of inference, in
+broad statements or blind hints, creed-wise or fact-wise, which may set
+us free from the light and power of first principles? And what if we
+were to discover what we were thus in search of?--something directly or
+indirectly, expressly or impliedly prejudicial to the principles, which
+reason, placing us under the authority of, makes self-evident? In what
+estimation, in that case, should we be constrained to hold the Bible?
+Could we longer honor it, as the book of God? _The book of God opposed
+to the authority of_ REASON! Why, before what tribunal do we dispose of
+the claims of the sacred volume to divine authority? The tribunal of
+reason. _This every one acknowledges the moment he begins to reason on
+the subject_. And what must reason do with a book, which reduced the
+authority of its own principles--broke the force of self-evident truths?
+Is he not, by way of eminence, the apostle of infidelity, who, as a
+minister of the gospel or a professor of sacred literature, exerts
+himself, with whatever arts of ingenuity or show of piety, to exalt the
+Bible at the expense of reason? Let such arts succeed and such piety
+prevail, and Jesus Christ is "crucified afresh and put to an
+open shame."
+
+What saith the Princeton professor? Why, in spite of "general
+principles," and "clear as we may think the arguments against DESPOTISM,
+there have been thousands of ENLIGHTENED _and good men_, who _honestly_
+believe it to be of all forms of government the best and most acceptable
+to God."[A] Now, these "good men" must have been thus warmly in favor of
+despotism, in consequence of, or in opposition to, their being
+"enlightened." In other words, the light, which in such abundance they
+enjoyed, conducted them to the position in favor of despotism, where the
+Princeton professor so heartily shook hands with them, or they must have
+forced their way there in despite of its hallowed influence. Either in
+accordance with, or in resistance to the light, they became what he
+found them--the advocates of despotism. If in resistance to the
+light--and he says they were "enlightened men"--what, so far as the
+subject with which alone he and we are now concerned, becomes of their
+"honesty" and "goodness?" Good and honest resisters of the light, which
+was freely poured around them! Of such, what says Professor Stuart's
+"good old Book?" Their authority, where "general principles" command the
+least respect, must be small indeed. But if in accordance with the
+light, they have become the advocates of despotism, then is despotism
+"the best form of government and most acceptable to God." It is
+sustained by the authority of reason, by the word of Jehovah, by the
+will of Heaven! If this be the doctrine which prevails at certain
+theological seminaries, it must be easy to account for the spirit which
+they breathe, and the general influence which they exert. Why did not
+the Princeton professor place this "general principle" as a shield,
+heaven-wrought and reason-approved, over that cherished form of
+despotism which prevails among the churches of the South, and leave the
+"peculiar institutions" he is so forward to defend, under its
+protection?
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p.12.]
+
+What is the "general principle" to which, whatever may become of
+despotism with its "honest" admirers and "enlightened" supporters, human
+governments should be universally and carefully adjusted? Clearly
+this--_that as capable of, man is entitled to, self-government_. And
+this is a specific form of a still more general principle, which may
+well be pronounced self-evident--_that every thing should be treated
+according to its nature_. The mind that can doubt of this, must be
+incapable of rational conviction. Man, then,--it is the dictate of
+reason, it is the voice of Jehovah--must be treated _as a man_. What is
+he? What are his distinctive attributes? The Creator impressed his own
+image on him. In this were found the grand peculiarities of his
+character. Here shone his glory. Here REASON manifests its laws. Here
+the WILL puts forth its volitions. Here is the crown of IMMORTALITY. Why
+such endowments? Thus furnished--the image of Jehovah--is he not capable
+of self-government? And is he not to be so treated? _Within the sphere
+where the laws of reason place him_, may he not act according to his
+choice--carry out his own volitions?--may he not enjoy life, exult in
+freedom and pursue as he will the path of blessedness? If not, why was
+he so created and endowed? Why the mysterious, awful attribute of will?
+To be a source, profound as the depths of hell, of exquisite misery, of
+keen anguish, of insufferable torment! Was man formed "according to the
+image of Jehovah," to be crossed, thwarted, counteracted; to be forced
+in upon himself; to be the sport of endless contradictions; to be driven
+back and forth forever between mutually repellant forces; and all, all
+"_at the discretion of another!"_[A] How can men be treated according to
+his nature, as endowed with reason or will, if excluded from the powers
+and privileges of self government?--if "despotism" be let loose upon
+him, to "deprive him of personal liberty, oblige him to serve at the
+discretion of another," and with the power of "transferring" such
+"authority" over him and such claim upon him, to "another master?" If
+"thousands of enlightened and good men" can so easily be found, who are
+forward to support "despotism" as "of all governments the best and most
+acceptable to God," we need not wonder at the testimony of universal
+history, that "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain
+together until now." Groans and travail-pangs must continue to be the
+order of the day throughout "the whole creation," till the rod of
+despotism be broken, and man be treated as man--as capable of, and
+entitled to, self-government.
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p.12]
+
+But what is the despotism whose horrid features our smooth professor
+tries to hide beneath an array of cunningly-selected words and
+nicely-adjusted sentences? It is the despotism of American
+slavery--which crushes the very life of humanity out of its victims, and
+transforms them to cattle! At its touch, they sink from men to things!
+"Slaves," with Prof. Stuart, "were _property_ in Greece and Rome. That
+decides all questions about their _relation_." Yes, truly. And slaves in
+republican America are _property_; and as that easily, clearly, and
+definitely settles "all questions about their _relation_," why should
+the Princeton professor have put himself to the trouble of weaving a
+definition equally ingenious and inadequate--at once subtle and
+deceitful? Ah, why? Was he willing thus to conceal the wrongs of his
+mother's children even from himself? If among the figments of his brain,
+he could fashion slaves, and make them something else than property, he
+knew full well that a very different pattern was in use among the
+southern patriarchs. Why did he not, in plain words, and sober earnest,
+and good faith, describe the thing as it was, instead of employing
+honied words and courtly phrases, to set forth with all becoming
+vagueness and ambiguity what might possibly be supposed to exist in the
+regions of fancy.
+
+"FOR RULERS ARE NOT A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS, BUT TO THE EVIL."
+
+But are we, in maintaining the principle of self-government, to overlook
+the unripe, or neglected, or broken powers of any of our fellow-men with
+whom we may be connected?--or the strong passions, vicious propensities,
+or criminal pursuit of others? Certainly not. But in providing for their
+welfare, we are to exert influences and impose restraints suited to
+their character. In wielding those prerogatives which the social of our
+nature authorizes us to employ for their benefit, we are to regard them
+as they are in truth, not things, not cattle, not articles of
+merchandize, but men, our fellow-men--reflecting, from however battered
+and broken a surface, reflecting with us the image of a common Father.
+And the great principle of self-government is to be the basis, to which
+the whole structure of discipline under which they may be placed, should
+be adapted. From the nursery and village school on to the work-house and
+state-prison, this principle is over and in all things to be before the
+eyes, present in the thoughts, warm on the heart. Otherwise, God is
+insulted, while his image is despised and abused. Yes, indeed, we
+remember that in carrying out the principle of self-government,
+multiplied embarrassments and obstructions grow out of wickedness on the
+one hand and passion on the other. Such difficulties and obstacles we
+are far enough from overlooking. But where are they to be found? Are
+imbecility and wickedness, bad hearts and bad heads, confined to the
+bottom of society? Alas, the weakest of the weak, and the desperately
+wicked, often occupy the high places of the earth, reducing every thing
+within their reach to subserviency to the foulest purposes. Nay, the
+very power they have usurped, has often been the chief instrument of
+turning their heads, inflaming their passions, corrupting their hearts.
+All the world knows, that the possession of arbitrary power has a strong
+tendency to make men shamelessly wicked and insufferably mischievous.
+And this, whether the vassals over whom they domineer, be few or many.
+If you can not trust man with himself, will you put his fellows under
+his control?--and flee from the inconveniences incident to
+self-government, to the horrors of despotism?
+
+"THOU THAT PREACHEST A MAN SHOULD NOT STEAL, DOST THOU STEAL."
+
+Is the slaveholder, the most absolute and shameless of all despots, to
+be intrusted with the discipline of the injured men whom he himself has
+reduced to cattle?--with the discipline by which they are to be prepared
+to wield the powers and enjoy the privileges of freemen? Alas, of such
+discipline as he can furnish, in the relation of owner to property, they
+have had enough. From this sprang the vary ignorance and vice, which in
+the view of many lie in the way of their immediate enfranchisement. He
+it is, who has darkened their eyes and crippled their powers. And are
+they to look to him for illumination and renewed vigor!--and expect
+"grapes from thorns and figs from thistles!" Heaven forbid! When,
+according to arrangements which had usurped the sacred name of law, he
+consented to receive and use them as property, he forfeited all claims
+to the esteem and confidence, not only of the helpless sufferers
+themselves, but also of every philanthropist. In becoming a slaveholder,
+he became the enemy of mankind. The very act was a declaration of war
+upon human man nature. What less can be made of the process of turning
+men to cattle? It is rank absurdity--it is the height of madness, to
+propose to employ _him_ to train, for the places of freemen, those whom
+he has wantonly robbed of every right--whom he has stolen from
+themselves. Sooner place Burke, who used to murder for the sake of
+selling bodies to the dissector, at the head of a hospital. Why, what
+have our slaveholders been about these two hundred years? Have they not
+been constantly and earnestly engaged in the work of education?
+--training up their human cattle? And how? Thomas Jefferson shall
+answer. "The whole commerce between master and slave, is a perpetual
+exercise of the most boisterous passions; the most unremitting despotism
+on the one part, and degrading submission on the other." Is this the way
+to fit the unprepared for the duties and privileges of American
+citizens? Will the evils of the dreadful process be diminished by adding
+to it length? What, in 1818, was the unanimous testimony of the General
+Assembly of the Presbyterian church? Why, after describing a variety of
+influences growing out of slavery, most fatal to mental and moral
+improvement, the General Assembly assure us, that such "consequences are
+not imaginary, but connect themselves WITH THE VERY EXISTENCE of
+slavery. The evils to which the slave is _always_ exposed, often take
+place in fact, and IN THEIR VERY WORST DEGREE AND FORM[A]; and where all
+of them do not take place," "still the slave is deprived of his natural
+right, degraded as a human being, and exposed to the danger of passing
+into the hands of a master who may inflict upon him all the hardships
+and injuries, which inhumanity and avarice may suggest." Is this the
+condition in which our ecclesiastics would keep the slave, at least a
+little longer, to fit him to be restored to himself?
+
+[Footnote A: The words here marked as emphasis were so distinguished by
+ourselves.]
+
+"AND THEY STOPPED THEIR EARS."
+
+The methods of discipline under which, as slaveholders, the Southrons
+now place their human cattle, they with one consent and in great wrath,
+forbid us to examine. The statesman and the priest unite in the
+assurance, that these methods are none of our business. Nay, they give
+us distinctly to understand, that if we come among them to take
+observations, and make inquiries, and discuss questions, they will
+dispose of us as outlaws. Nothing will avail to protect us from speedy
+and deadly violence! What inference does all this warrant? Surely, not
+that the methods which they employ are happy and worthy of universal
+application. If so, why do they not take the praise, and give us the
+benefit, of their wisdom, enterprise, and success? Who, that has nothing
+to hide, practices concealment?--"He that doeth truth cometh to the
+light, that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God." Is
+this the way of slaveholders? Darkness they court--they will have
+darkness. Doubtless "because their deeds are evil." Can we confide in
+methods for the benefit of our enslaved brethren, which it is death for
+us to examine? Whet good ever came, what good can we expect, from deeds
+of darkness?
+
+Did the influence of the masters contribute any thing in the West
+Indies; to prepare the apprentices for enfranchisement? Nay, verily. All
+the world knows better. They did what in them lay, to turn back the tide
+of blessings, which through emancipation was pouring in upon the
+famishing around them. Are not the best minds and hearts in England now
+thoroughly convinced, that slavery, under no modification, can be a
+school for freedom?
+
+We say such things to the many who alledge, that slaves can not at once
+be entrusted with the powers and privileges of self-government. However
+this may be, they can not be better qualified under _the influence of
+slavery_. _That must be broken up_ from which their ignorance, and
+viciousness, and wretchedness proceeded. That which can only do what it
+has always done, pollute and degrade, must not be employed to purify and
+elevate. _The lower their character and condition, the louder, clearer,
+sterner, the just demand for immediate emancipation_. The plague-smitten
+sufferer can derive no benefit from breathing a little longer an
+infected atmosphere.
+
+In thus referring to elemental principles--in thus availing ourselves of
+the light of self-evident truths--we bow to the authority and tread in
+the foot-prints of the great Teacher. He chid those around him for
+refusing to make the same use of their reason in promoting their
+spiritual, as they made in promoting their temporal welfare. He gives
+them distinctly to understand, that they need not go out of themselves
+to form a just estimation of their position, duties, and prospects, as
+standing in the presence of the Messiah. "Why, EVEN OF YOURSELVES," he
+demands of them, "judge ye not what is _right_?"[A] How could they,
+unless they had a clear light, and an infallible standard _within them_,
+whereby, amidst the relations they sustained and the interests they had
+to provide for, they might discriminate between truth and falsehood,
+right and wrong, what they ought to attempt and what they ought to
+eschew? From this pointed, significant appeal of the Savior, it is clear
+and certain, that in human consciousness may be found self-evident
+truths, self-manifested principles; that every man, studying his own
+consciousness, is bound to recognize their presence and authority, and
+in sober earnest and good faith to apply them to the highest practical
+concerns of "life and godliness." It is in obedience to the Bible, that
+we apply self-evident truths, and walk in the light of general
+principles. When our fathers proclaimed these truths, and at the hazard
+of their property, reputation, and life, stood up in their defense, they
+did homage to the sacred Scriptures--they honored the Bible. In that
+volume, not a syllable can be found to justify that form of infidelity,
+which in the abused name of piety, reproaches us for practicing the
+lessons which "nature teacheth."[B] These lessons, the Bible requires us
+reverently to listen to, earnestly to appropriate, and most diligently
+and faithfully to act upon in every direction and on all occasions.
+
+[Footnote A: Luke xii. 67.]
+
+[Footnote B: 1 Cor. xi. 14.]
+
+Why, our Savior goes so far in doing honor to reason, as to encourage
+men universally to dispose of the characteristic peculiarities and
+distinctive features of the Gospel in the light of its principles. "If
+any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be
+of God, or whether I speak of myself."[C] Natural religion--the
+principles which nature reveals, and the lessons which nature
+teaches--he thus makes a test of the truth and authority of revealed
+religion. So far was he, as a teacher, from shrinking from the clearest
+and most piercing rays of reason--from calling off the attention of
+those around him from the import, bearings, and practical application of
+general principle. And those who would have us escape from the pressure
+of self-evident truths, by betaking ourselves to the doctrines and
+precepts of Christianity, whatever airs of piety they may put on, do
+foul dishonor to the Savior of mankind.
+
+[Footnote C: John vii. 17.]
+
+And what shall we say of the Golden Rule, which, according to the
+Savior, comprehends all the precepts of the Bible? "Whatsoever ye would
+that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law
+and the prophets."
+
+According to this maxim, in human consciousness, universally, may be
+found, 1. The standard whereby, in all the relations and circumstances
+of life, we may determine what Heaven demands and expects of us. 2. The
+just application of this standard, is practicable for, and obligatory
+upon, every child of Adam. 3. The qualification requisite to a just
+application of this rule to all the cases in which we can be concerned,
+is simply this--_to regard all the members of the human family as our
+brethren, our equals_.
+
+In other words, the Savior here teaches us, that in the principles and
+laws of reason, we have an infallible guide in all the relations and
+circumstances of life; that nothing can hinder our following this guide,
+but the bias of _selfishness_; and that the moment, in deciding any
+moral question, we place _ourselves in the room of our brother_, before
+the bar of reason, we shall see what decision ought to be pronounced.
+Does this, in the Savior, look like fleeing self-evident truths!--like
+decrying the authority of general principles!--like exalting himself at
+the expense of reason!--like opening a refuge in the Gospel for those
+whose practice is at variance with the dictates of humanity!
+
+What then is the just application of the Golden Rule--that fundamental
+maxim of the Gospel, giving character to, and shedding light upon, all
+its precepts and arrangements--to the subject of slavery?--_that we must
+"do to" slaves as we would be done by_, AS SLAVES, _the_ RELATION
+_itself being justified and continued_? Surely not. A little reflection
+will enable us to see, that the Golden Rule reaches farther in its
+demands, and strikes deeper in its influences and operations. The
+_natural equality_ of mankind lies at the very basis of this great
+precept. It obviously requires _every man to acknowledge another self in
+every other man_. With my powers and resources, and in my appropriate
+circumstances, I am to recognize in any child of Adam who may address
+me, another self in his appropriate circumstances and with his powers
+and resources. This is the natural equality of mankind; and this the
+Golden Rule requires us to admit, defend, and maintain.
+
+"WHY DO YE NOT UNDERSTAND MY SPEECH; EVEN BECAUSE YE CAN NOT HEAR MY
+WORD."
+
+They strangely misunderstand and grossly misrepresent this doctrine, who
+charge upon it the absurdities and mischiefs which _any "levelling
+system"_ can not but produce. In all its bearings, tendencies, and
+effects, it is directly contrary and powerfully hostile to any such
+system. EQUALITY OF RIGHTS, the doctrine asserts; and this necessarily
+opens the way for _variety of condition_. In other words, every child of
+Adam has, from the Creator, the inalienable right of wielding, within
+reasonable limits, his own powers, and employing his own resources,
+according to his own choice; while he respects his social relations, to
+promote as he will his own welfare. But mark--HIS OWN powers and
+resources, and NOT ANOTHER'S, are thus inalienably put under his
+control. The Creator makes every man free, in whatever he may do, to
+exert HIMSELF, and not _another_. Here no man may lawfully cripple or
+embarrass another. The feeble may not hinder the strong, nor may the
+strong crush the feeble. Every man may make the most of himself; in his
+own proper sphere. Now, as in the constitutional endowments, and natural
+opportunities, and lawful acquisitions of mankind, infinite variety
+prevails, so in exerting each HIMSELF, in his own sphere, according to
+his own choice, the variety of human condition can be little less than
+infinite. Thus equality of rights opens the way for variety of
+condition.
+
+But with all this variety of make, means, and condition, considered
+individually, the children of Adam are bound together by strong ties
+which can never be dissolved. They are mutually united by the social of
+their nature. Hence mutual dependence and mutual claims. While each is
+inalienably entitled to assert and enjoy his own personality as a man,
+each sustains to all and all to each, various relations. While each owns
+and honors the individual, all are to own and honor the social of their
+nature. Now, the Golden Rule distinctly recognizes, lays its
+requisitions upon, and extends its obligations to, the whole nature of
+man, in his individual capacities and social relations. What higher
+honor could it do to man, as _an individual_, than to constitute him the
+judge, by whose decision, when fairly rendered, all the claims of his
+fellows should be authoritatively and definitely disposed of?
+"Whatsoever YE WOULD" have done to you, so do ye to others. Every member
+of the family of Adam, placing himself in the position here pointed out,
+is competent and authorized to pass judgment on all the cases in social
+life in which he may be concerned. Could higher responsibilities or
+greater confidence be reposed in men individually? And then, how are
+their _claims upon each other_ herein magnified! What inherent worth and
+solid dignity are ascribed to the social of their nature! In every man
+with whom I may have to do, I am to recognize the presence of _another
+self_, whose case I am to make _my own_. And thus I am to dispose of
+whatever claims he may urge upon me.
+
+Thus, in accordance with the Golden Rule, mankind are naturally brought,
+in the voluntary use of their powers and resources, to promote each
+other's welfare. As his contribution to this great object, it is the
+inalienable birth-right of every child of Adam, to consecrate whatever
+he may possess. With exalted powers and large resources, he has a
+natural claim to a correspondent field of effort. If his "abilities" are
+small, his task must be easy and his burden light. Thus the Golden Rule
+requires mankind mutually to serve each other. In this service, each is
+to exert _himself_--employ _his own_ powers, lay out his own resources,
+improve his own opportunities. A division of labor is the natural
+result. One is remarkable for his intellectual endowments and
+acquisitions; another, for his wealth; and a third, for power and skill
+in using his muscles. Such attributes, endlessly varied and diversified,
+proceed from the basis of a _common character_, by virtue of which all
+men and each--one as truly as another--are entitled, as a birth-right,
+to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Each and all, one as
+well as another, may choose his own modes of contributing his share to
+the general welfare, in which his own is involved and identified. Under
+one great law of mutual dependence and mutual responsibility, all are
+placed--the strong as well as the weak, the rich as much as the poor,
+the learned no less than the unlearned. All bring their wares, the
+products of their enterprise, skill and industry, to the same market,
+where mutual exchanges are freely effected. The fruits of muscular
+exertion procure the fruits of mental effort. John serves Thomas with
+his hands, and Thomas serves John with his money. Peter wields the axe
+for James, and James wields the pen for Peter. Moses, Joshua, and Caleb,
+employ their wisdom, courage, and experience, in the service of the
+community, and the community serve Moses, Joshua, and Caleb, in
+furnishing them with food and raiment, and making them partakers of the
+general prosperity. And all this by mutual understanding and voluntary
+arrangement. And all this according to the Golden Rule.
+
+What then becomes of _slavery_--a system of arrangements, in which one
+man treats his fellow, not as another self, but as a thing--a
+chattel--an article of merchandize, which is not to be consulted in any
+disposition which may be made of it;--a system which is built on the
+annihilation of the attributes of our common nature--in which man doth
+to others, what he would sooner die than have done to himself? The
+Golden Rule and slavery are mutually subversive of each other. If one
+stands, the other must fall. The one strikes at the very root of the
+other. The Golden Rule aims at the abolition of THE RELATION ITSELF, in
+which slavery consists. It lays its demands upon every thing within the
+scope of _human action_. To "whatever MEN DO," it extends its authority.
+And the relation itself, in which slavery consists, is the work of human
+hands. It is what men have done to each other--contrary to nature and
+most injurious to the general welfare. THIS RELATION, therefore, the
+Golden Rule condemns. Wherever its authority prevails, this relation
+must be annihilated. Mutual service and slavery--like light and
+darkness, life and death--are directly opposed to, and subversive of,
+each other. The one the Golden Rule can not endure; the other it
+requires, honors, and blesses.
+
+"LOVE WORKETH NO ILL TO HIS NEIGHBOR."
+
+Like unto the Golden Rule is the second great commandment--"_Thou shalt
+love thy neighbor as thyself_." "A certain lawyer," who seems to have
+been fond of applying the doctrine of limitation of human obligations,
+once demanded of the Savior, within what limits the meshing of the word
+"neighbor" ought to be confined. "And who is my neighbor?" The parable
+of the good Samaritan set that matter in the clearest light, and made it
+manifest and certain, that _every man_ whom we could reach with our
+sympathy and assistance, was our neighbor, entitled to the same regard
+which we cherished for ourselves. Consistently with such obligations,
+can _slavery_, as a RELATION, be maintained? Is it then a _labor of
+love_--such love as we cherish for ourselves--to strip a child of Adam
+of all the prerogatives and privileges which are his inalienable
+birth-right?--To obscure his reason, crush his will, and trample on his
+immortality?--To strike home to the inmost of his being, and break the
+heart of his heart?--To thrust him out of the human family, and dispose
+of him as a chattel--as a thing in the hands of an owner, a beast under
+the lash of a driver? All this, apart from every thing incidental and
+extraordinary, belongs to the RELATION, in which slavery, as such,
+consists. All this--well fed or ill fed, underwrought or overwrought,
+clothed or naked, caressed or kicked, whether idle songs break from his
+thoughtless tongue or "tears be his meat night and day," fondly
+cherished or cruelly murdered;--_all this_ ENTERS VITALLY INTO THE
+RELATION ITSELF, _by which every slave_, AS A SLAVE, _is set apart from
+the rest of the human family_. Is it an exercise of love, to place our
+"neighbor" under the crushing weight, the killing power, of such a
+relation?--to apply the murderous steel to the very vitals of
+his humanity?
+
+"YE THEREFORE APPLAUD AND DELIGHT IN THE DEEDS OF YOUR FATHERS; FOR THEY
+KILLED THEM, AND YE BUILD THEIR SEPULCHRES."[A]
+
+The slaveholder may eagerly and loudly deny, that any such thing is
+chargeable upon him. He may confidently and earnestly alledge, that he
+is not responsible for the state of society in which he is placed.
+Slavery was established before he began to breathe. It was his
+inheritance. His slaves are his property by birth or testament. But why
+will he thus deceive himself? Why will he permit the cunning and
+rapacious spiders, which in the very sanctuary of ethics and religion
+are laboriously weaving webs from their own bowels, to catch him with
+their wretched sophistries?--and devour him, body, soul, and substance?
+Let him know, as he must one day with shame and terror own, that whoever
+holds slaves is himself responsible for _the relation_, into which,
+whether reluctantly or willingly, he thus enters. _The relation can not
+be forced upon him_. What though Elizabeth countenanced John Hawkins in
+stealing the natives of Africa?--what though James, and Charles, and
+George, opened a market for them in the English colonies?--what though
+modern Dracos have "framed mischief by law," in legalizing man-stealing
+and slaveholding?--what though your ancestors, in preparing to go "to
+their own place," constituted you the owner of the "neighbors" whom they
+had used as cattle?--what of all this, and as much more like this, as
+can be drawn from the history of that dreadful process by which men "are
+deemed, sold, taken, reputed, and adjudged in law to be _chattels
+personal_?" Can all this force you to put the cap upon the climax--to
+clinch the nail by doing that, without which nothing in the work of
+slave-making would be attempted? _The slaveholder is the soul of the
+whole system_. Without him, the chattel principle is a lifeless
+abstraction. Without him, charters, and markets, and laws, and
+testaments, are empty names. And does _he_ think to escape
+responsibility? Why, kidnappers, and soul-drivers, and law-makers, are
+nothing but his _agents_. He is the guilty _principal_. Let him look
+to it.
+
+[Footnote A: You join with them in their bloody work. They murder, and
+you bury the victims.]
+
+But what can he do? Do? Keep his hands off his "neighbor's" throat. Let
+him refuse to finish and ratify the process by which the chattel
+principle is carried into effect. Let him refuse, in the face of
+derision, and reproach, and opposition. Though poverty should fasten its
+bony hand upon him, and persecution shoot forth its forked tongue;
+whatever may betide him--scorn, flight, flames--let him promptly and
+steadfastly refuse. Better the spite and hate of men than the wrath of
+Heaven! "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from
+thee; for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy members should
+perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."
+
+Prof. Stuart admits, that the Golden Rule and the second great
+commandment "decide against the theory of slavery as being in itself
+right." What, then, is their relation to the particular precepts,
+institutions, and usages, which are authorized and enjoined in the New
+Testament? Of all these, they are the summary expression--the
+comprehensive description. No precept in the Bible enforcing our mutual
+obligations, can be more or less than _the application of these
+injunctions to specific relations or particular occasions and
+conditions_. Neither in the Old Testament nor the New, do prophets teach
+or laws enjoin, any thing which the Golden Rule and the second great
+command do not contain. Whatever they forbid, no other precept can
+require; and whatever they require, no other precept can forbid. What,
+then, does he attempt, who turns over the sacred pages to find something
+in the way of permission or command, which may set him free from the
+obligations of the Golden Rule? What must his objects, methods, spirit
+be, to force him to enter upon such inquiries?--to compel him to search
+the Bible for such a purpose? Can he have good intentions, or be well
+employed? Is his frame of mind adapted to the study of the Bible?--to
+make its meaning plain and welcome? What must he think of God, to search
+his word in quest of gross inconsistencies and grave contradictions!
+Inconsistent legislation in Jehovah! Contradictory commands! Permissions
+at war with prohibitions! General requirements at variance with
+particular arrangements!
+
+What must be the moral character of any institution which the Golden
+Rule decides against?--which the second great command condemns? _It can
+not but be wicked_, whether newly established or long maintained.
+However it may be shaped, turned, colored--under every modification and
+at all times--_wickedness must be its proper character_. _It must be_,
+IN ITSELF, _apart from its circumstances_, IN ITS ESSENCE, _apart from
+its incidents_, SINFUL.
+
+"THINK NOT TO SAY WITHIN YOURSELVES, WE HAVE ABRAHAM FOR OUR FATHER."
+
+In disposing of those precepts and exhortations which have a specific
+bearing upon the subject of slavery, it is greatly important, nay,
+absolutely essential, that we look forth upon the objects around us,
+from the right post of observation. Our stand we must take at some
+central point, amidst the general maxims and fundamental precepts, the
+known circumstances and characteristic arrangements, of primitive
+Christianity. Otherwise, wrong views and false conclusions will be the
+result of our studies. We can not, therefore, be too earnest in trying
+to catch the general features and prevalent spirit of the New Testament
+institutions and arrangements. For to what conclusions must we come, if
+we unwittingly pursue our inquires under the bias of the prejudice, that
+the general maxims of social life which now prevail in this country,
+were current, on the authority of the Savior, among the primitive
+Christians! That, for instance, wealth, station, talents, are the
+standard by which our claims upon, and our regard for, others, should be
+modified?--That those who are pinched by poverty, worn by disease,
+tasked in menial labors, or marked by features offensive to the taste of
+the artificial and capricious, are to be excluded from those refreshing
+and elevating influences which intelligence and refinement may be
+expected to exert; that thus they are to constitute a class by
+themselves, and to be made to know and keep their place at the very
+bottom of society? Or, what if we should think and speak of the
+primitive Christians, as if they had the same pecuniary resources as
+Heaven has lavished upon the American churches?--as if they were as
+remarkable for affluence, elegance, and splendor? Or, as if they had as
+high a position and as extensive an influence in politics and
+literature?--having directly or indirectly, the control over the high
+places of learning and of power?
+
+If we should pursue our studies and arrange our arguments--if we should
+explain words and interpret language--under such a bias, what must
+inevitably be the results? What would be the worth of our conclusions?
+What confidence could be reposed in any instruction we might undertake
+to furnish? And is not this the way in which the advocates and
+apologists of slavery dispose of the bearing which primitive
+Christianity has upon it? They first ascribe, unwittingly perhaps, to
+the primitive churches, the character, relations, and condition, of
+American Christianity, and amidst the deep darkness and strange
+confusion thus produced, set about interpreting the language and
+explaining the usages of the New Testament!
+
+"SO THAT YE ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE."
+
+Among the lessons of instruction which our Savior imparted, having a
+general bearing on the subject of slavery, that in which he sets up the
+_true standard of greatness_, deserves particular attention. In
+repressing the ambition of his disciples, he held up before them the
+methods by which alone healthful aspirations for eminence could be
+gratified, and thus set the elements of true greatness in the clearest
+light. "Ye know, that they which are accounted to rule over the
+Gentiles, exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise
+authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you; but whosoever
+will be great among you, shall be your minister; _and whosoever of you
+will be chiefest, shall be servant of all_." In other words, through the
+selfishness and pride of mankind, the maxim widely prevails in the
+world, that it is the privilege, prerogative, and mark of greatness, TO
+EXACT SERVICE; that our superiority to others, while it authorizes us to
+relax the exertion of our own powers, gives us a fair title to the use
+of theirs; that "might," while it exempts us from serving, "gives the
+right" to be served. The instructions of the Savior open the way to
+greatness for us in the opposite direction. Superiority to others, in
+whatever it may consist, gives us a claim to a wider field of exertion,
+and demands of us a larger amount of service. We can be great only as we
+_are useful_. And "might gives right" to bless our fellow men, by
+improving every opportunity and employing every faculty, affectionately,
+earnestly, and unweariedly, in their service. Thus the greater the man,
+the more active, faithful, and useful the servant.
+
+The Savior has himself taught us how this doctrine must be applied. He
+bids us improve every opportunity and employ every power, even, through
+the most menial services, in blessing the human family. And to make this
+lesson shine upon our understandings and move our hearts, he embodied it
+in a most instructive and attractive example. On a memorable occasion,
+and just before his crucifixion, he discharged for his disciples the
+most menial of all offices--taking, _in washing their feet_, the place
+of the lowest servant. He took great pains to make them understand, that
+only by imitating this example could they honor their relations to him
+as their Master; that thus only would they find themselves blessed. By
+what possibility could slavery exist under the influence of such a
+lesson, set home by such an example? _Was it while washing the
+disciples' feet, that our Savior authorized one man to make a chattel
+of another_?
+
+To refuse to provide for ourselves by useful labor, the apostle Paul
+teaches us to regard as a grave offence. After reminding the
+Thessalonian Christians, that in addition to all his official exertions
+he had with his own muscles earned his own bread, he calls their
+attention to an arrangement which was supported by apostolical
+authority, "that if any would not work, neither should he eat." In the
+most earnest and solemn manner, and as a minister of the Lord Jesus
+Christ, he commanded and exhorted those who neglected useful labor,
+"_with quietness to work and eat their own bread_." What must be the
+bearing of all this upon slavery? Could slavery be maintained where
+every man eat the bread which himself had earned?--where idleness was
+esteemed so great a crime, as to be reckoned worthy of starvation as a
+punishment? How could unrequited labor be exacted, or used, or needed?
+Must not every one in such a community contribute his share to the
+general welfare?--and mutual service and mutual support be the
+natural result?
+
+The same apostle, in writing to another church, describes the true
+source whence the means of liberality ought to be derived. "Let him that
+stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands
+the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."
+Let this lesson, as from the lips of Jehovah, be proclaimed throughout
+the length and breadth of South Carolina. Let it be universally welcomed
+and reduced to practice. Let thieves give up what they had stolen to the
+lawful proprietors, cease stealing, and begin at once to "labor, working
+with their hands," for necessary and charitable purposes. Could slavery,
+in such a case, continue to exist? Surely not! Instead of exacting
+unpaid services from others, every man would be busy, exerting himself
+not only to provide for his own wants, but also to accumulate funds,
+"that he might have to give to" the needy. Slavery must disappear, root
+and branch, at once and forever.
+
+In describing the source whence his ministers should expect their
+support, the Savior furnished a general principle, which has an obvious
+and powerful bearing on the subject of slavery. He would have them
+remember, while exerting themselves for the benefit of their fellow men,
+that "the laborer is worthy of his hire." He has thus united wages with
+work. Whoever renders the one is entitled to the other. And this
+manifestly according to a mutual understanding and a voluntary
+arrangement. For the doctrine that I may force you to work for me for
+whatever consideration I may please to fix upon, fairly opens the way
+for the doctrine, that you, in turn, may force me to render you whatever
+wages you may choose to exact for any services you may see fit to
+render. Thus slavery, even as involuntary servitude, is cut up by the
+root. Even the Princeton professor seems to regard it as a violation of
+the principle which unites work with wages.
+
+The apostle James applies this principle to the claims of manual
+laborers--of those who hold the plough and thrust in the sickle. He
+calls the rich lordlings who exacted sweat and withheld wages, to
+"weeping and howling," assuring them that the complaints of the injured
+laborer had entered into the ear of the Lord of Hosts, and that, as a
+result of their oppression, their riches were corrupted, and their
+garments moth-eaten; their gold and silver were cankered; that the rest
+of them should be a witness against them, and should eat their flesh as
+it were fire; that, in one word, they had heaped treasure together for
+the last days, when "miseries were coming upon them," the prospect of
+which might well drench them in tears and fill them with terror. If
+these admonition and warnings were heeded there, would not "the South"
+break forth into "weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth?" What else
+are its rich men about, but withholding by a system of fraud, his wages
+from the laborer, who is wearing himself out under the impulse of fear,
+in cultivating their fields and producing their luxuries? Encouragement
+and support do they derive from James, in maintaining the "peculiar
+institution" whence they derived their wealth, which they call
+patriarchal, and boast of as the "corner-stone" of the republic?
+
+In the New Testament, we have, moreover, the general injunction, "_Honor
+all men_." Under this broad precept, every form of humanity may justly
+claim protection and respect. The invasion of any human right must do
+dishonor to humanity, and be a transgression of this command. How then,
+in the light of such obligations, must slavery be regarded? Are those
+men honored, who are rudely excluded from a place in the human family,
+and shut up to the deep degradation and nameless horrors of chattelship?
+_Can they be held as slaves, and at the same time be honored as men_?
+
+How far, in obeying this command, we are to go, we may infer from the
+admonitions and instructions which James applies to the arrangements and
+usages of religious assemblies. Into these he can not allow "respect of
+persons" to enter. "My brethren," he exclaims, "have not the faith of
+our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For
+if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
+apparel; and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have
+respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, sit thou
+here in a good place; and say to the poor, stand thou there, or sit here
+under my footstool; are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are
+become judges of evil thoughts? _If ye have respect to persons, ye
+commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors_." On this
+general principle, then, religious assemblies ought to be
+regulated--that every man is to be estimated, not according to his
+_circumstances_--not according to any thing incidental to his
+_condition_; but according to his _moral worth_--according to the
+essential features and vital elements of his _character_. Gold rings and
+gay clothing, as they qualify no man for, can entitle no man to, a "good
+place" in the church. Nor can the "vile raiment of the poor man," fairly
+exclude him from any sphere, however exalted, which his heart and head
+may fit him to fill. To deny this, in theory or practice, is to degrade
+a man below a thing; for what are gold rings, or gay clothing, or vile
+raiment, but things, "which perish with the using?" And this must be "to
+commit sin, and be convinced of the law as transgressors."
+
+In slavery, we have "respect of persons," strongly marked, and reduced
+to system. Here men are despised not merely for "the vile raiment,"
+which may cover their scarred bodies. This is bad enough. But the
+deepest contempt for humanity here grows out of birth or complexion.
+Vile raiment may be, often is, the result of indolence, or improvidence,
+or extravagance. It may be, often is, an index of character. But how can
+I be responsible for the incidents of my birth?--how for my complexion?
+To despise or honor me for these, is to be guilty of "respect of
+persons" in its grossest form, and with its worst effects. It is to
+reward or punish me for what I had nothing to do with; for which,
+therefore, I can not, without the greatest injustice, be held
+responsible. It is to poison the very fountains of justice, by
+confounding all moral distinctions. It is with a worse temper, and in
+the way of inflicting infinitely greater injuries, to copy the kingly
+folly of Xerxes, in chaining and scourging the Hellespont. What, then,
+so far as the authority of the New Testament is concerned, becomes of
+slavery, which can not be maintained under any form nor for a single
+moment, without "respect of persons" the most aggravated and
+unendurable? And what would become of that most pitiful, silly, and
+wicked arrangement in so many of our churches, in which worshipers of a
+dark complexion are to be shut up to the negro pew?[A]
+
+[Footnote A: In Carlyle's Review of the Memoirs of Mirabeau, we have the
+following anecdote, illustrative of the character of a "grandmother" of
+the Count. "Fancy the dame Mirabeau sailing stately towards the church
+font; another dame striking in to take precedence of her; the dame
+Mirabeau despatching this latter with a box on the ear, and these words,
+'_Here, as in the army_, THE BAGGAGE _goes last_!'" Let those who
+justify the negro-pew-arrangement, throw a stone at this proud woman--if
+they dare.]
+
+Nor are we permitted to confine this principle to _religious_
+assemblies. It is to pervade social life every where. Even where plenty,
+intelligence, and refinement, diffuse their brightest rays, the poor are
+to be welcomed with especial favor. "Then said he to him that bade him,
+when thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy
+brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors, lest they also
+bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a
+feast, call the poor and the maimed, the lame and the blind, and thou
+shalt be blessed; for they can not recompense thee, but thou shalt be
+recompensed at the resurrection of the just."
+
+In the high places of social life then--in the parlor, the drawing-room,
+the saloon--special reference should be had, in every arrangement, to
+the comfort and improvement of those who are least able to provide for
+the cheapest rites of hospitality. For these, ample accommodations must
+be made, whatever may become of our kinsmen and rich neighbors. And for
+this good reason, that while such occasions signify little to the
+latter, to the former they are pregnant with good--raising their
+drooping spirits, cheering their desponding hearts, inspiring them with
+life, and hope, and joy. The rich and the poor thus meeting joyfully
+together, can not but mutually contribute to each other's benefit; the
+rich will be led to moderation, sobriety, and circumspection, and the
+poor to industry, providence, and contentment. The recompense must be
+rich and sure.
+
+A most beautiful and instructive commentary on the text in which these
+things are taught, the Savior furnished in his own conduct. He freely
+mingled with those who were reduced to the very bottom of society. At
+the tables of the outcasts of society, he did not hesitate to be a
+cheerful guest, surrounded by publicans and sinners. And when flouted
+and reproached by smooth and lofty ecclesiastics, as an ultraist and
+leveler, he explained and justified himself by observing, that he had
+only done what his office demanded. It was his to seek the lost, to heal
+the sick, to pity the wretched;--in a word, to bestow just such benefits
+as the various necessities of mankind made appropriate and welcome. In
+his great heart, there was room enough for those who had been excluded
+from the sympathy of little souls. In its spirit and design, the gospel
+overlooked none--least of all, the outcasts of a selfish world.
+
+Can slavery, however modified, be consistent with such a gospel?--a
+gospel which requires us, even amidst the highest forms of social life,
+to exert ourselves to raise the depressed by giving our warmest
+sympathies to those who have the smallest share in the favor of
+the world?
+
+Those who are in "bonds" are set before us as deserving an especial
+remembrance. Their claims upon us are described as a modification of the
+Golden Rule--as one of the many forms to which its obligations are
+reducible. To them we are to extend the same affectionate regard as we
+would covet for ourselves, if the chains upon their limbs were fastened
+upon ours. To the benefits of this precept, the enslaved have a natural
+claim of the greatest strength. The wrongs they suffer, spring from a
+persecution which can hardly be surpassed in malignancy. Their birth and
+complexion are the occasion of the insults and injuries which they can
+neither endure nor escape. It is for the _work of God_, and not them own
+deserts, that they are loaded with chains. _This is persecution._
+
+Can I regard the slave as another self--can I put myself in his
+place--and be indifferent to his wrongs? Especially, can I, thus
+affected, take sides with the oppressor? Could I, in such a state of
+mind as the gospel requires me to cherish, reduce him to slavery or keep
+him in bonds? Is not the precept under hand naturally subversive of
+every system and every form of slavery?
+
+The _general descriptions_ of the church which are found here and there
+in the New Testament, are highly instructive in their bearing on the
+subject of slavery. In one connection, the following words meet the eye:
+"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there
+is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."[A] Here
+we have--1. A clear and strong description of the doctrine of _human
+equality_. "Ye are all ONE;"--so much alike, so truly placed on common
+ground, all wielding each his own powers with such freedom, _that one is
+the same as another_.
+
+[Footnote A: Gal. iii. 23.]
+
+2. This doctrine, self-evident in the light of reason, is affirmed on
+divine authority. "IN CHRIST JESUS, _ye are all one_." The natural
+equality of the human family is a part of the gospel. For--
+
+3. All the human family are included in this description. Whether men or
+women, whether bond or free, whether Jews or Gentiles, all are alike
+entitled to the benefit of this doctrine. Wherever Christianity
+prevails, the _artificial_ distinctions which grow out of birth,
+condition, sex, are done away. _Natural_ distinctions are not destroyed.
+_They_ are recognized, hallowed, confirmed. The gospel does not abolish
+the sexes, forbid a division of labor, or extinguish patriotism. It
+takes woman from beneath the feet, and places her by the side of man;
+delivers the manual laborer from "the yoke," and gives him wages for his
+work; and brings the Jew and Gentile to embrace each other with
+fraternal love and confidence. Thus it raises all to a common level,
+gives to each the free use of his own powers and resources, binds all
+together in one dear and loving brotherhood. Such, according to the
+description of the apostle, was the influence, and such the effect of
+primitive Christianity. "Behold the picture!" Is it like American
+slavery, which, in all its tendencies and effects, is destructive of all
+oneness among brethren?
+
+"Where the spirit of the Lord is," exclaims the same apostle, with his
+eye upon the condition and relations of the church, "_where the spirit
+of the Lord is_, THERE IS LIBERTY." Where, then, may we reverently
+recognize the presence, and bow before the manifested power, of this
+spirit? _There_, where the laborer may not choose how he shall be
+employed!--in what way his wants shall he supplied!--with whom he shall
+associate!--who shall have the fruit of his exertions! _There_, where he
+is not free to enjoy his wife and children! _There_, where his body and
+his soul, his very "destiny,"[A] are placed altogether beyond his
+control! _There_, where every power is crippled, every energy blasted,
+every hope crushed! _There_, where in all the relations and concerns of
+life, he is legally treated as if he had nothing to do with the laws of
+reason, the light of immortality, or the exercise of will! Is the spirit
+of the Lord _there_, where liberty is decried and denounced, mocked at
+and spit upon, betrayed and crucified! In the midst of a church which
+justified slavery, which derived its support from slavery, which carried
+on its enterprises by means of slavery, would the apostle have found the
+fruits of the Spirit of the Lord! Let that Spirit exert his influences,
+and assert his authority, and wield his power, and slavery must vanish
+at once and forever.
+
+[Footnote A: "The Legislature [of South Carolina] from time to time, has
+passed many restricted and penal acts, with a view to bring under direct
+control and subjection the DESTINY _of the black population_." See the
+Remonstrance of James S. Pope and 352 others, against home missionary
+efforts for the benefit of the enslaved--a most instructive paper.]
+
+In more than one connection, the apostle James describes Christianity as
+"_the law of liberty_." It is in other words the law under which liberty
+can not but live and flourish--the law in which liberty is clearly
+defined, strongly asserted, and well protected. As the law of liberty,
+how can it be consistent with the law of slavery? The presence and the
+power of this law are felt wherever the light of reason shines. They are
+felt in the uneasiness and conscious degradation of the slave, and in
+the shame and remorse which the master betrays in his reluctant and
+desperate efforts to defend himself. This law it is which has armed
+human nature against the oppressor. Wherever it is obeyed, "every yoke
+is broken."
+
+In these references to the New Testament we have a _general description_
+of the primitive church, and the _principles_ on which it was founded
+and fashioned. These principles bear the same relation to Christian
+_history_ as to Christian _character_, since the former is occupied with
+the development of the latter. What then is Christian character but
+Christian principle _realized_, acted out, bodied forth, and animated?
+Christian principle is the soul, of which Christian character is the
+expression--the manifestation. It comprehends in itself, as a living
+seed, such Christian character, under every form, modification, and
+complexion. The former is, therefore, the test and interpreter of the
+latter. In the light of Christian principle, and in that light only, we
+can judge of and explain Christian character. Christian history is
+occupied with the forms, modifications, and various aspects of Christian
+character. The facts which are there recorded serve to show, how
+Christian principle has fared in this world--how it has appeared, what
+it has done, how it has been treated. In these facts we have the various
+institutions, usages, designs, doings, and sufferings of the church of
+Christ. And all these have of necessity, the closest relation to
+Christian principle. They are the production of its power. Through them,
+it is revealed and manifested. In its light, they are to be studied,
+explained, and understood. Without it they must be as unintelligible and
+insignificant as the letters of a book, scattered on the wind.
+
+In the principles of Christianity, then, we have a comprehensive and
+faithful account of its objects, institutions, and usages--of how it
+must behave, and act, and suffer, in a world of sin and misery. For
+between the principles which God reveals, on the one hand, and the
+precepts he enjoins, the institutions he establishes, and the usages he
+approves, on the other, there must be consistency and harmony. Otherwise
+we impute to God what we must abhor in man--practice at war with
+principle. Does the Savior, then, lay down the _principle_ that our
+standing in the church must depend upon the habits, formed within us, of
+readily and heartily subserving the welfare of others; and permit us _in
+practice_ to invade the rights and trample on the happiness of our
+fellows, by reducing them to slavery. Does he, _in principle_ and by
+example, require us to go all lengths in rendering mutual service,
+comprehending offices the most menial, as well as the most honorable;
+and permit us _in practice_ to EXACT service of our brethren, as if they
+were nothing better than "articles of merchandize?" Does he require us
+_in principle_ "to work with quietness and eat our own bread;" and
+permit us _in practice_ to wrest from our brethren the fruits of their
+unrequited toil? Does he in principle require us, abstaining from every
+form of theft, to employ our powers in useful labor, not only to provide
+for ourselves but also to relieve the indigence of others; and permit us
+_in practice_, abstaining from every form of labor, to enrich and
+aggrandize ourselves with the fruits of man-stealing? Does he require us
+_in principle_ to regard "the laborer as worthy of his hire;" and permit
+us _in practice_ to defraud him of his wages? Does he require us _in
+principle_ "to honor ALL men;" and permit us _in practice_ to treat
+multitudes like cattle? Does he _in principle_ prohibit "respect of
+persons;" and permit us _in practice_ to place the feet of the rich upon
+the necks of the poor? Does he _in principle_ require us to sympathize
+with the bondman as another self; and permit us _in practice_ to leave
+him unpitied and unhelped in the hands of the oppressor? _In principle_,
+"where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty;" _in practice_, is
+_slavery_ the fruit of the Spirit? _In principle_, Christianity is the
+law of liberty; _in practice_, is it the law of slavery? Bring practice
+in these various respects into harmony with principle, and what becomes
+of slavery? And if, where the divine government is concerned, practice
+is the expression of principle, and principle the standard and
+interpreter of practice, such harmony cannot but be maintained and must
+be asserted. In studying, therefore, fragments of history and sketches
+of biography--in disposing of references to institutions, usages, and
+facts in the New Testament, this necessary harmony between principle and
+practice in the government, should be continually present to the
+thoughts of the interpreter. Principles assert what practice must be.
+Whatever principle condemns, God condemns. It belongs to those weeds of
+the dunghill which, planted by "an enemy," his hand will assuredly "root
+up." It is most certain, then, that if slavery prevailed in the first
+ages of Christianity, it could nowhere have prevailed under its
+influence and with its sanction.
+
+The _condition_ in which, in its efforts to bless mankind, the primitive
+church was placed, must have greatly assisted the early Christians in
+understanding and applying the principles of the gospel.--Their _Master_
+was born in great obscurity, lived in the deepest poverty, and died the
+most ignominious death. The place of his residence, his familiarity with
+the outcasts of society, his welcoming assistance and support from
+female hands, his casting his beloved mother, when he hung upon the
+cross, upon the charity of a disciple--such things evince the depth of
+his poverty, and show to what derision and contempt he must have been
+exposed. Could such an one, "despised and rejected of men--a man of
+sorrows and acquainted with grief," play the oppressor, or smile on
+those who made merchandize of the poor!
+
+And what was the history of the _apostles_, but an illustration of the
+doctrine, that "it is enough for the disciple, that he be as his
+Master?" Were they lordly ecclesiastics, abounding with wealth, shining
+with splendor, bloated with luxury! Were they ambitious of distinction,
+fleecing, and trampling, and devouring "the flocks," that they
+themselves might "have the pre-eminence!" Were they slaveholding
+bishops! Or did they derive their support from the wages of iniquity and
+the price of blood! Can such inferences be drawn from the account of
+their condition, which the most gifted and enterprising of their number
+has put upon record? "Even unto this present hour, we both hunger, and
+thirst, and are naked, and _are buffetted_, and have _no certain
+dwelling place, and labor working with our own hands_. Being reviled, we
+bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat; we are
+made as _the filth of the world_, and are THE OFFSCOURING OF ALL THINGS
+unto this day[A]." Are these the men who practiced or countenanced
+slavery? _With such a temper, they WOULD NOT; in such circumstances,
+they COULD NOT_. Exposed to "tribulation, distress, and persecution;"
+subject to famine and nakedness, to peril and the sword; "killed all the
+day long; accounted as sheep for the slaughter[B]," they would have made
+but a sorry figure at the great-house or slave-market!
+
+[Footnote A: 1 Cor. iv. 11-13.]
+
+[Footnote B: 1 Rom. viii. 35, 36.]
+
+Nor was the condition of the brethren, generally, better than that of
+the apostles. The position of the apostles doubtless entitled them to
+the strongest opposition, the heaviest reproaches, the fiercest
+persecution. But derision and contempt must have been the lot of
+Christians generally. Surely we cannot think so ill of primitive
+Christianity as to suppose that believers, generally, refused to share
+in the trials and sufferings of their leaders; as to suppose that while
+the leaders submitted to manual labor, to buffeting, to be reckoned the
+filth of the world, to be accounted as sheep for the slaughter, his
+brethren lived in affluence, ease, and honor! despising manual labor!
+and living upon the sweat of unrequited toil! But on this point we are
+not left to mere inference and conjecture. The apostle Paul in the
+plainest language explains the ordination of Heaven. "But _God hath_
+CHOSEN the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God
+hath CHOSEN the weak things of the world to confound the things which
+are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised
+hath God CHOSEN, yea, and THINGS WHICH ARE NOT, to bring to nought
+things that are."[A] Here we may well notice,
+
+[Footnote A: 1 Cor. i. 27, 28.]
+
+1. That it was not by _accident_, that the primitive churches were made
+up of such elements, but the result of the DIVINE CHOICE--an arrangement
+of His wise and gracious Providence. The inference is natural, that this
+ordination was co-extensive with the triumphs of Christianity. It was
+nothing new or strange, that Jehovah had concealed his glory "from the
+wise and prudent, and had revealed it unto babes," or that "the common
+people heard him gladly," while "not many wise men after the flesh, not
+many mighty, not many noble, had been called."
+
+2. The description of character which the apostle records, could be
+adapted only to what are reckoned the _very dregs of humanity_. The
+foolish and the weak, the base and the contemptible, in the estimation
+of worldly pride and wisdom--these were they whose broken hearts were
+reached, and moulded, and refreshed by the gospel; these were they whom
+the apostle took to his bosom as his own brethren.
+
+That _slaves_ abounded at Corinth, may easily be admitted. _They_ have a
+place in the enumeration of elements of which, according to the apostle,
+the church there was composed. The most remarkable class found there,
+consisted of "THINGS WHICH ARE NOT"--mere nobodies, not admitted to the
+privileges of men, but degraded to a level with "goods and chattels;" of
+whom _no account_ was made in such arrangements of society as subserved
+the improvement, and dignity, and happiness of MANKIND. How accurately
+this description applies to those who are crushed under the chattel
+principle!
+
+The reference which the apostle makes to the "deep poverty of the
+churches of Macedonia,"[B] and this to stir up the sluggish liberality
+of his Corinthian brethren, naturally leaves the impression, that the
+latter were by no means inferior to the former in the gifts of
+Providence. But, pressed with want and pinched by poverty as were the
+believers in "Macedonia and Achaia, it pleased them to make a certain
+contribution for the poor saints which were at Jerusalem."[C] Thus it
+appears, that Christians every where were familiar with contempt and
+indigence, so much so, that the apostle would dissuade such as had no
+families from assuming the responsibilities of the conjugal relation[D]!
+
+[Footnote B: 2 Cor. viii. 2.]
+
+[Footnote C: Rom. xv. 26.]
+
+[Footnote D: 1 Cor. vi 26,27]
+
+Now, how did these good people treat each other? Did the few among them,
+who were esteemed wise, mighty, or noble, exert their influence and
+employ their power in oppressing the weak, in disposing of the "things
+that are not," as marketable commodities!--kneeling with them in prayer
+in the evening, and putting them up at auction the next morning! Did the
+church sell any of the members to swell the "certain contribution far
+the poor saints at Jerusalem!" Far otherwise--as far as possible! In
+those Christian communities where the influence of the apostles was most
+powerful, and where the arrangements drew forth their highest
+commendations, believers treated each other as brethren, in the
+strongest sense of that sweet word. So warm was their mutual love, so
+strong the public spirit, so open-handed and abundant the general
+liberality, that they are set forth as "_having all things common._" [E]
+Slaves and their holders here? Neither the one nor the other could in
+that relation to each other have breathed such an atmosphere. The appeal
+of the kneeling bondman, "Am I not a man and a brother," must here have
+met with a prompt and powerful response.
+
+[Footnote E: Acts iv. 32]
+
+The _tests_ by which our Savior tries the character of his professed
+disciples, shed a strong light upon the genius of the gospel. In one
+connection[F], an inquirer demands of the Savior, "What good thing shall
+I do that I may have eternal life?" After being reminded of the
+obligations which his social nature imposed upon him, he ventured, while
+claiming to be free from guilt in his relations to mankind, to demand,
+"what lack I yet?" The radical deficiency under which his character
+labored, the Savior was not long or obscure in pointing out. If thou
+wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor, and
+thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me. On this
+passage it is natural to suggest--
+
+[Footnote F: Luke xvii 18-24]
+
+1. That we have here a _test of universal application._ The rectitude
+and benevolence of our Savior's character forbid us to suppose that he
+would subject this inquirer, especially as he was highly amiable, to a
+trial, where eternal life was at stake, _peculiarly_ severe. Indeed, the
+test seems to have been only a fair exposition of the second great
+command, and of course it must be applicable to all who are placed under
+the obligations of that precept. Those who can not stand this test, as
+their character is radically imperfect and unsound, must, with the
+inquirer to whom our Lord applied it, be pronounced unfit for the
+kingdom of heaven.
+
+2. The least that our Savior can in that passage be understood to demand
+is, that we disinterestedly and heartily devote ourselves to the welfare
+of mankind, "the poor" especially. We are to put ourselves on a level
+with _them_, as we must do "in selling that we have" for their
+benefit--in other words, in employing our powers and resources to
+elevate their character, condition, and prospects. This our Savior did;
+and if we refuse to enter into sympathy and cooperation with him, how
+can we be his _followers_? Apply this test to the slaveholder. Instead
+of "selling that he hath" for the benefit of the poor, he BUYS THE POOR,
+and exacts their sweat with stripes, to enable him to "clothe himself in
+purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every day;" or, HE SELLS THE
+POOR to support the gospel and convert the heathen!
+
+What, in describing the scenes of the final judgment, does our Savior
+teach us? _By what standard_ must our character be estimated, and the
+retributions of eternity be awarded? A standard, which both the
+righteous and the wicked will be surprised to see erected. From the
+"offscouring of all things," the meanest specimen of humanity will be
+selected--a "stranger" in the hands of the oppressor, naked, hungry,
+sickly; and this stranger, placed in the midst of the assembled
+universe, by the side of the sovereign Judge, will be openly
+acknowledged as his representative. "Glory, honor, and immortality,"
+will be the reward of those who had recognized and cheered their Lord
+through his outraged poor. And tribulation, anguish, and despair, will
+seize on "every soul of man," who had neglected or despised them. But
+whom, within the limits of our country, are we to regard especially as
+the representatives of our final Judge? Every feature of the Savior's
+picture finds its appropriate original in our enslaved countrymen.
+
+1. They are the LEAST of his brethren.
+
+2. They are subject to thirst and hunger, unable to command a cup of
+water or a crumb of bread.
+
+3. They are exposed to wasting sickness, without the ability to procure
+a nurse or employ a physician.
+
+4. They are emphatically "in prison," restrained by chains, goaded with
+whips, tasked, and under keepers. Not a wretch groans in any cell of the
+prisons of our country, who is exposed to a confinement so rigorous and
+heart-breaking as the law allows theirs to be continually and
+permanently.
+
+5. And then they are emphatically, and peculiarly, and exclusively,
+STRANGERS--_strangers_ in the land which gave them birth. Whom else do
+we constrain to remain aliens in the midst of our free institutions? The
+Welch, the Swiss, the Irish? The Jews even? Alas, it is the _negro_
+only, who may not strike his roots into our soil. Every where we have
+conspired to treat him as a stranger--every where he is forced to feel
+himself a stranger. In the stage and steamboat, in the parlor and at our
+tables, in the scenes of business and in the scenes of amusement--even
+in the church of God and at the communion table, he is regarded as a
+stranger. The intelligent and religious are generally disgusted and
+horror-struck at the thought of his becoming identified with the
+citizens of our republic--so much so, that thousands of them have
+entered into a conspiracy to send him off "out of sight," to find a home
+on a foreign shore!--And justify themselves by openly alledging, that a
+"single drop" of his blood, in the veins of any human creature, must
+make him hateful to his fellow citizens!--That nothing but banishment
+from "our coasts," can redeem him from the scorn and contempt to which
+his "stranger" blood has reduced him among his own mother's children!
+
+Who, then, in this land "of milk and honey," is "hungry and athirst,"
+but the man from whom the law takes away the last crumb of bread and the
+smallest drop of water?
+
+Who "naked," but the man whom the law strips of the last rag of
+clothing?
+
+Who "sick," but the man whom the law deprives of the power of procuring
+medicine or sending for a physician?
+
+Who "in prison," but the man who, all his life is under the control of
+merciless masters and cruel keepers?
+
+Who a "stranger," but the man who is scornfully denied the cheapest
+courtesies of life--who is treated as an alien in his native country?
+
+There is one point in this awful description which deserves particular
+attention. Those who are doomed to the left hand of the Judge, are not
+charged with inflicting _positive injuries_ on their helpless, needy,
+and oppressed brother. Theirs was what is often called _negative_
+character. What they _had done_ is not described in the indictment.
+Their _neglect_ of duty, what they _had_ NOT _done_, was the ground of
+their "everlasting punishment." The representative of their Judge, they
+had seen a hungered and they gave him no meat, thirsty and they have him
+no drink, a stranger and they took him not in, naked and they clothed
+him not, sick and in prison and they visited him not. In as much as they
+did NOT yield to the claims of suffering humanity--did NOT exert
+themselves to bless the meanest of the human family, they were driven
+away in their wickedness. But what if the indictment had run thus: I was
+a hungered and ye snatched away the crust which might have saved me from
+starvation; I was thirsty and ye dashed to the ground the "cup of cold
+water," which might have moistened my parched lips; I was a stranger and
+ye drove me from the hovel which might have sheltered me from the
+piercing wind; I was sick and ye scourged me to my task; in prison and
+you sold me for my jail-fees--to what depths of hell must not those who
+were convicted under such charges be consigned! And what is the history
+of American slavery but one long indictment, describing under
+ever-varying forms and hues just such injuries!
+
+Nor should it be forgotten, that those who incurred the displeasure of
+their Judge, took far other views than he, of their own past history.
+The charges which he brought against them, they heard with great
+surprise. They were sure that they had never thus turned away from his
+necessities. Indeed, when had they seen him thus subject to poverty,
+insult, and oppression! Never. And as to that poor friendless creature
+whom they left unpitied and unhelped in the hands of the oppressor, and
+whom their Judge now presented as his own representative, they never
+once supposed, that _he_ had any claims on their compassion and
+assistance. Had they known, that he was destined to so prominent a place
+at the final judgment, they would have treated him as a human being, in
+despite of any social, pecuniary, or political considerations. But
+neither their _negative virtue_ nor their _voluntary ignorance_ could
+shield them from the penal fire which their selfishness had kindled.
+
+Now amidst the general maxims, the leading principles, the "great
+commandments" of the gospel; amidst its comprehensive descriptions and
+authorized tests of Christian character, we should take our position in
+disposing of any particular allusions to such forms and usages of the
+primitive churches as are supposed by divine authority. The latter must
+be interpreted and understood in the light of the former. But how do the
+apologists and defenders of slavery proceed? Placing themselves amidst
+the arrangements and usages which grew out of the _corruptions_ of
+Christianity, they make these the standard by which the gospel is to be
+explained and understood! Some Recorder or Justice, without the light of
+inquiry or the aid of a jury, consigns the negro whom the kidnapper has
+dragged into his presence to the horrors of slavery. As the poor wretch
+shrieks and faints, Humanity shudders and demands why such atrocities
+are endured? Some "priest" or "Levite," "passing by on the other side,"
+quite self-possessed and all complacent reads in reply from his bread
+phylactery, _Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon_! Yes, echoes the
+negro-hating mob, made up of "gentlemen of property and standing"
+together with equally gentle-men reeking from the gutter; _Yes--Paul
+sent back Onesimus to Philemon_! And Humanity, brow-beaten, stunned with
+noise and tumult, is pushed aside by the crowd! A fair specimen this of
+the manner in which modern usages are made to interpret the sacred
+Scriptures?
+
+Of the particular passages in the New Testament on which the apologists
+for slavery especially rely, the epistle to Philemon first demands our
+attention.
+
+1. This letter was written by the apostle Paul while a "prisoner of
+Jesus Christ" at Rome.
+
+2. Philemon was a benevolent and trustworthy member of the church at
+Colosse, at whose house the disciples of Christ held their assemblies,
+and who owed his conversion, under God, directly or indirectly to the
+ministry of Paul.
+
+3. Onesimus was the servant of Philemon; under a relation which it is
+difficult with accuracy and certainty to define. His condition, though
+servile, could not have been like that of an American slave; as, in that
+case, however he might have "wronged" Philemon, he could not also have
+"_owed him ought_."[A] The American slave is, according to law, as much
+the property of his master as any other chattel; and can no more "owe"
+his master than can a sheep or a horse. The basis of all pecuniary
+obligations lies in some "value received." How can "an article of
+merchandise" stand on this basis and sustain commercial relations to its
+owner? There is no _person_ to offer or promise. _Personality is
+swallowed up in American slavery_!
+
+[Footnote A: Phil. 18.]
+
+4. How Onesimus found his way to Rome it is not easy to determine. He
+and Philemon appear to have parted from each other on ill terms. The
+general character of Onesimus, certainly, in his relation to Philemon,
+had been far from attractive, and he seems to have left him without
+repairing the wrongs he had done him or paying the debts which he owed
+him. At Rome, by the blessing of God upon the exertions of the apostle,
+he was brought to reflection and repentance.
+
+5. In reviewing his history in the light of Christian truth, he became
+painfully aware of the injuries, he had inflicted on Philemon. He longed
+for an opportunity for frank confession and full restitution. Having,
+however, parted with Philemon on ill terms, he knew not how to appear in
+his presence. Under such embarrassments, he naturally sought sympathy
+and advice of Paul. _His_ influence upon Philemon, Onesimus knew must be
+powerful, especially as an apostle.
+
+6. A letter in behalf of Onesimus was therefore written by the apostle
+to Philemon. After such salutations, benedictions, and thanks giving as
+the good character and useful life of Philemon naturally drew from the
+heart of Paul, he proceeds to the object of the letter. He admits that
+Onesimus had behaved ill in the service of Philemon; not in running
+away, for how they had parted with each other is not explained, but in
+being unprofitable and in refusing to pay the debts[B] which he had
+contracted. But his character had undergone a radical change.
+Thenceforward fidelity and usefulness would be his aim and mark his
+course. And as to any pecuniary obligations which he had violated, the
+apostle authorized Philemon to put them on _his_ account.[C] Thus a way
+was fairly opened to the heart of Philemon. And now what does the
+apostles ask?
+
+[Footnote B: Verse 11,18.]
+
+[Footnote C: Verse 18.]
+
+7. He asks that Philemon would receive Onesimus. How? "Not as a
+_servant_, but _above_ a servant."[A] How much above? Philemon was to
+receive him as "a son" of the apostle--"as a brother beloved"--nay, if
+he counted Paul a partner, an equal, he was to receive Onesimus as he
+would receive _the apostle himself[B]. So much_ above a servant was he
+to receive him!
+
+[Footnote A: Verse 16.]
+
+[Footnote B: Verse 10, 16, 17.]
+
+8. But was not this request to be so interpreted and complied with as to
+put Onesimus in the hands of Philemon as "an article of merchandise,"
+CARNALLY, while it raised him to the dignity of a "brother beloved,"
+SPIRITUALLY? In other words, might not Philemon consistently with the
+request of Paul, have reduced Onesimus to a chattel, AS A MAN, while he
+admitted him fraternally to his bosom, as a CHRISTIAN? Such gibberish in
+an apostolic epistle! Never. As if, however, to guard against such
+folly, the natural product of mist and moonshine, the apostle would have
+Onesimus raised above a servant to the dignity of a brother beloved,
+"BOTH IN THE FLESH AND IN THE LORD;"[C] as a man and Christian, in all
+the relations, circumstances, and responsibilities of life.
+
+[Footnote C: Verse 16.]
+
+It is easy now with definiteness and certainty to determine in what
+sense the apostle in such connections uses the word "_brother_." It
+describes a relation inconsistent with and opposite to the _servile_. It
+is "NOT" the relation of a "SERVANT." It elevates its subject "above"
+the servile condition. It raises him to full equality with the master,
+to the same equality, on which Paul and Philemon stood side by side as
+brothers; and this, not in some vague, undefined, spiritual sense,
+affecting the soul and leaving the body in bonds, but in every way,
+"both in the FLESH and in the Lord." This matter deserves particular and
+earnest attention. It sheds a strong light on other lessons of apostolic
+instruction.
+
+9. It is greatly to our purpose, moreover, to observe that the apostle
+clearly defines the _moral character_ of his request. It was fit,
+proper, right, suited to the nature and relations of things--a thing
+which _ought_ to be done.[D] On this account, he might have urged it
+upon Philemon in the form of an _injunction_, on apostolic authority and
+with great boldness.[E] _The very nature_ of the request made it
+obligatory on Philemon. He was sacredly bound, out of regard to the
+fitness of things, to admit Onesimus to full equality with himself--to
+treat him as a brother both in the Lord and as having flesh--as a fellow
+man. Thus were the inalienable rights and birth-right privileges of
+Onesimus, as a member of the human family, defined and protected by
+apostolic authority.
+
+[Footnote D: Verse 8. To [Greek: anaekon]. See Robinson's New Testament
+Lexicon; "_it is fit, proper, becoming, it ought_." In what sense King
+James' translators used the word "convenient" any one may see who will
+read Rom. i. 28 and Eph. v. 3, 4.]
+
+[Footnote E: Verse 8.]
+
+10. The apostle preferred a request instead of imposing a command, on
+the ground of CHARITY.[A] He would give Philemon an opportunity of
+discharging his obligations under the impulse of love. To this impulse,
+he was confident Philemon would promptly and fully yield. How could he
+do otherwise? The thing itself was right. The request respecting it came
+from a benefactor, to whom, under God, he was under the highest
+obligations.[B] That benefactor, now an old man and in the hands of
+persecutors, manifested a deep and tender interest in the matter, and
+had the strongest persuasion that Philemon was more ready to grant than
+himself to entreat. The result, as he was soon to visit Colosse, and had
+commissioned Philemon to prepare a lodging for him, must come under the
+eye of the apostle. The request was so manifestly reasonable and
+obligatory, that the apostle, after all, described a compliance with it,
+by the strong word "_obedience_."[C]
+
+[Footnote A: Verse 9 [Greek: dia taen agapaen].]
+
+[Footnote B: Verse 19.]
+
+[Footnote C: Verse 21.]
+
+Now how must all this have been understood by the church at Colosse?--a
+church, doubtless, made up of such materials as the church at Corinth,
+that is, of members chiefly from the humblest walks of life. Many of
+them had probably felt the degradation and tasted the bitterness of the
+servile condition. Would they have been likely to interpret the
+apostle's letter under the bias of feelings friendly to slavery!--And
+put the slaveholder's construction on its contents! Would their past
+experience or present sufferings--for doubtless some of them were still
+"under the yoke"--have suggested to their thoughts such glosses as some
+of our theological professors venture to put upon the words of the
+apostle! Far otherwise. The Spirit of the Lord was there, and the
+epistle was read in the light of "_liberty_." It contained the
+principles of holy freedom, faithfully and affectionately applied. This
+must have made it precious in the eyes of such men "of low degree" as
+were most of the believers, and welcome to a place in the sacred canon.
+There let it remain as a luminous and powerful defense of the cause of
+emancipation!
+
+But what with Prof. Stuart? "If any one doubts, let him take the case of
+Paul's sending Onesimus back to Philemon, with an apology for his
+running away, and sending him back to be his servant for life."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: See his letter to Dr. Fisk, supra p. 8.]
+
+"Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon." By what process? Did the apostle,
+a prisoner at Rome, seize upon the fugitive, and drag him before some
+heartless and perfidious "Judge," for authority to send him back to
+Colosse? Did he hurry his victim away from the presence of the fat and
+supple magistrate, to be driven under chains and the lash to the field
+of unrequited toil, whence he had escaped? Had the apostle been like
+some teachers in the American churches, he might, as a professor of
+sacred literature in one of our seminaries, or a preacher of the gospel
+to the rich in some of our cities, have consented thus to subserve the
+"peculiar" interests of a dear slaveholding brother. But the venerable
+champion of truth and freedom was himself under bonds in the imperial
+city, waiting for the crown of martyrdom. He wrote a letter to the
+church at Colosse, which was accustomed to meet at the house of
+Philemon, and another letter to that magnanimous disciple, and sent them
+by the hand of Onesimus. So much for _the way_ in which Onesimus was
+sent back to his master.
+
+A slave escapes from a patriarch in Georgia, and seeks a refuge in the
+parish of the Connecticut doctor, who once gave public notice that he
+saw no reason for caring for the servitude of his fellow men.[B] Under
+his influence, Caesar becomes a Christian convert. Burning with love for
+the son whom he hath begotten in the gospel, our doctor resolves to send
+him back to his master. Accordingly, he writes a letter, gives it to
+Caesar, and bids him return, staff in hand, to the "corner-stone of our
+republican institutions." Now, what would any Caesar do, who had ever
+felt a link of slavery's chain? As he left his _spiritual father_,
+should we be surprized to hear him say to himself, What, return of my
+own accord to the man who, with the hand of a robber, plucked me from my
+mother's bosom!--for whom I have been so often drenched in the sweat of
+unrequited toil!--whose violence so often cut my flesh and scarred my
+limbs!--who shut out every ray of light from my mind!--who laid claim to
+those honors to which my Creator and Redeemer only are entitled! And for
+what am I to return? To be cursed, and smitten, and sold! To be tempted,
+and torn, and destroyed! I can not thus throw myself away--thus rush
+upon my own destruction.
+
+[Footnote B: "Why should I care?"]
+
+Who ever heard of the voluntary return of a fugitive from American
+oppression? Do you think that the doctor and his friends could persuade
+one to carry a letter to the patriarch from whom he had escaped? And
+must we believe this of Onesimus!
+
+"Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon." On what occasion?--"If," writes
+the apostle, "he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on my
+account." Alive to the claims of duty, Onesimus would "restore" whatever
+he "had taken away." He would honestly pay his debts. This resolution,
+the apostle warmly approved. He was ready, at whatever expense, to help
+his young disciple in carrying it into full effect. Of this he assured
+Philemon, in language the most explicit and emphatic. Here we find one
+reason for the conduct of Paul in sending Onesimus to Philemon.
+
+If a fugitive slave of the Rev. Mr. Smylie, of Mississippi, should
+return to him with a letter from a doctor of divinity in New York,
+containing such an assurance, how would the reverend slaveholder dispose
+of it? What, he exclaims, have we here? "If Cato has not been upright in
+his pecuniary intercourse with you--if he owes you any thing--put that
+on my account." What ignorance of southern institutions! What mockery,
+to talk of pecuniary intercourse between a slave and his master! _The
+slave himself, with all he is and has, is an article of merchandise_.
+What can _he_ owe his master?--A rustic may lay a wager with his mule,
+and give the creature the peck of oats which he had permitted it to win.
+But who in sober earnest would call this a pecuniary transaction?
+
+"TO BE HIS SERVANT FOR LIFE!" From what part of the epistle could the
+expositor have evolved a thought so soothing to tyrants--so revolting to
+every man who loves his own nature? From this? "For perhaps he therefore
+departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever."
+Receive him how? _As a servant_, exclaims our commentator. But what
+wrote the apostle? "NOT _now as a servant, but above a servant_, a
+brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in
+the flesh and in the Lord." Who authorized the professor to bereave the
+word '_not_' of its negative influence? According to Paul, Philemon was
+to receive Onesimus '_not_ as a servant;'--according to Stuart, he was
+to receive him "_as a servant!_" If the professor will apply the same
+rules of exposition to the writings of the abolitionists, all difference
+between him and them must in his view presently vanish away. The
+harmonizing process would be equally simple and effectual. He has only
+to understand them as affirming what they deny, and as denying what
+they affirm.
+
+Suppose that Prof. Stuart had a son residing at the South. His slave,
+having stolen money of his master, effected his escape. He fled to
+Andover, to find a refuge among the "sons of the prophets." There he
+finds his way to Prof. Stuart's house, and offers to render any service
+which the professor, dangerously ill "of a typhus fever," might require.
+He is soon found to be a most active, skillful, faithful nurse. He
+spares no pains, night and day, to make himself useful to the venerable
+sufferer. He anticipates every want. In the most delicate and tender
+manner, he tries to sooth every pain. He fastens himself strongly on the
+heart of the reverend object of his care. Touched with the heavenly
+spirit, the meek demeanor, the submissive frame, which the sick bed
+exhibits, Archy becomes a Christian. A new bond now ties him and his
+convalescent teacher together. As soon as he is able to write, the
+professor sends by Archy the following letter to the South, to Isaac
+Stuart, Esq.:--
+
+"MY DEAR SON,--With a hand enfeebled by a distressing and dangerous
+illness, from which I am slowly recovering, I address you, on a subject
+which lies very near my heart. I have a request to urge, which my
+acquaintance with you, and your strong obligations to me, will, I can
+not doubt, make you eager fully to grant. I say a request, though the
+thing I ask is, in its very nature and on the principles of the gospel,
+obligatory upon you. I might, therefore, boldly demand, what I earnestly
+entreat. But I know how generous, magnanimous, and Christ-like you are,
+and how readily you will "do even more than I say"--I, your own father,
+an old man, almost exhausted with multiplied exertions for the benefit
+of my family and my country, and now just rising, emaciated and broken,
+from the brink of the grave. I write in behalf of Archy, whom I regard
+with the affection of a father, and whom, indeed, 'I have begotten in my
+sickness.' Gladly would I have retained him, to be an _Isaac_ to me; for
+how often did not his soothing voice, and skillful hand, and unwearied
+attention to my wants, remind me of you! But I chose to give you an
+opportunity of manifesting, voluntarily, the goodness of your heart; as,
+if I had retained him with me, you might seem to have been forced to
+grant what you will gratefully bestow. His temporary absence from you
+may have opened the way for his permanent continuance with you. Not now
+as a slave. Heaven forbid! But superior to a slave. Superior, did I say?
+Take him to your bosom, as a beloved brother; for I own him as a son,
+and regard him as such, in all the relations of life, both as a man and
+a Christian.--'Receive him as myself.' And that nothing may hinder you
+from complying with my request at once, I hereby promise, without
+adverting to your many and great obligations to me, to pay you every
+cent which he took from your drawer. Any preparation which my comfort
+with you may require, you will make without much delay, when you learn,
+that I intend, as soon as I shall be able 'to perform the journey,' to
+make you a visit."
+
+And what if Dr. Baxter, in giving an account of this letter should
+publicly declare that Prof. Stuart of Andover regarded slaveholding as
+lawful; for that "he had sent Archy back to his son Isaac, with an
+apology for his running away" to be held in perpetual slavery? With what
+propriety might not the professor exclaim: False, every syllable false.
+I sent him back, NOT TO BE HELD AS A SLAVE, _but recognized as a dear
+brother, in all respects, under every relation, civil and
+ecclesiastical_. I bade my son receive _Archy as myself_. If this was
+not equivalent to a requisition to set him fully and most honorably
+free, and that, too, on the ground of natural obligation and Christian
+principle, then I know not how to frame such a requisition.
+
+I am well aware that my supposition is by no means strong enough fully
+to illustrate the case to which it is applied. Prof. Stuart lacks
+apostolical authority. Isaac Stuart is not a leading member of a church
+consisting, as the early churches chiefly consisted, of what the world
+regard as the dregs of society--"the offscouring of all things." Nor was
+slavery at Colosse, it seems, supported by such barbarous usages, such
+horrid laws as disgrace the South.
+
+But it is time to turn to another passage which, in its bearing on the
+subject in hand, is, in our view, as well as in the view of Dr. Fisk and
+Prof. Stuart, in the highest degree authoritative and instructive. "Let
+as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of
+all honor, that the name of God and his doctrines be not blasphemed. And
+they that have believing masters, let them not despise them because they
+are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and
+beloved, partakers of the benefit."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: 1 Tim. vi. 1, 2.]
+
+1. The apostle addresses himself here to two classes of servants, with
+instructions to each respectively appropriate. Both the one class and
+the other, in Prof. Stuart's eye, were _slaves_. This he assumes, and
+thus begs the very question in dispute. The term servant is _generic_,
+as used by the sacred writers. It comprehends all the various offices
+which men discharge for the benefit of each other, however honorable, or
+however menial; from that of an apostle[B] opening the path to heaven,
+to that of washing "one another's feet."[C] A general term it is,
+comprehending every office which belongs to human relations and
+Christian character.[D]
+
+[Footnote B: Cor. iv. 5.]
+
+[Footnote C: John xiii. 14.]
+
+[Footnote D: Mat. xx. 26-28.]
+
+A leading signification gives us the _manual laborer_, to whom, in the
+division of labor, muscular exertion was allotted. As in his exertions
+the bodily powers are especially employed--such powers as belong to man
+in common with mere animals--his sphere has generally been considered
+low and humble. And as intellectual power is superior to bodily, the
+manual laborer has always been exposed in very numerous ways and in
+various degrees to oppression. Cunning, intrigue, the oily tongue, have,
+through extended and powerful conspiracies, brought the resources of
+society under the control of the few, who stood aloof from his homely
+toil. Hence his dependence upon them. Hence the multiplied injuries
+which have fallen so heavily upon him. Hence the reduction of his wages
+from one degree to another, till at length, in the case of millions,
+fraud and violence strip him of his all, blot his name from the record
+of _mankind_, and, putting a yoke upon his neck, drive him away to toil
+among the cattle. _Here you find the slave._ To reduce the servant to
+his condition, requires abuses altogether monstrous--injuries reaching
+the very vitals of man--stabs upon the very heart of humanity. Now, what
+right has Prof. Stuart to make the word "_servants_," comprehending,
+even as manual laborers, so many and such various meanings, signify
+"_slaves_," especially where different classes are concerned? Such a
+right he could never have derived from humanity, or philosophy, or
+hermeneutics. Is it his by sympathy with the oppressor?
+
+Yes, different classes. This is implied in the term "_as many_,"[A]
+which sets apart the class now to be addressed. From these he proceeds
+to others, who are introduced by a particle,[B] whose natural meaning
+indicates the presence of another and a different subject.
+
+[Footnote A: [Greek: Osoi.] See Passow's Schneider.]
+
+[Footnote B: [Greek: De.] See Passow.]
+
+2. The first class are described as "_under the yoke_"--a yoke from
+which they were, according to the apostle, to make their escape if
+possible.[C] If not, they must in every way regard the master with
+respect--bowing to his authority, working his will, subserving his
+interests so far as might be consistent with Christian character.[D] And
+this, to prevent blasphemy--to prevent the pagan master from heaping
+profane reproaches upon the name of God and the doctrines of the gospel.
+They should beware of rousing his passions, which, as his helpless
+victims, they might be unable to allay or withstand.
+
+[Footnote C: See 1 Cor. vii. 21--[Greek: All ei kai d u n a s a i
+eleutheros genesthai.]]
+
+[Footnote D: 1 Cor. vii. 23--[Greek: Mae ginesthe douloi anthropon.]]
+
+But all the servants whom the apostle addressed were not "_under the
+yoke_"[E]--an instrument appropriate to cattle and to slaves. These he
+distinguishes from another class, who instead of a "yoke"--the badge of
+a slave--had "_believing masters_." _To have a "believing master," then,
+was equivalent to freedom from "the yoke."_ These servants were exhorted
+not _to despise_ their masters. What need of such an exhortation, if
+their masters had been slaveholders, holding them as property, wielding
+them as mere instruments, disposing of them as "articles of
+merchandise?" But this was not consistent with believing. Faith,
+"breaking every yoke," united master and servants in the bonds of
+brotherhood. Brethren they were, joined in a relation which, excluding
+the yoke,[F] placed them side by side on the ground of equality, where,
+each in his appropriate sphere, they might exert themselves freely and
+usefully, to the mutual benefit of each other. Here, servants might need
+to be cautioned against getting above their appropriate business,
+putting on airs, despising their masters, and thus declining or
+neglecting their service.[G] Instead of this, they should be, as
+emancipated slaves often have been,[H] models of enterprise, fidelity,
+activity, and usefulness--especially as their masters were "worthy of
+their confidence and love," their helpers in this well-doing.[I]
+
+[Footnote E: See Lev. xxvi. 13; Isa. lviii. 6, 9.]
+
+[Footnote F: Supra p. 47.]
+
+[Footnote G: See Matt. vi. 24.]
+
+[Footnote H: Those, for instance, set free by that "believing master"
+James G. Birney.]
+
+[Footnote I: The following exposition is from the pen of ELIZUR WRIGHT,
+JR.:--"This word [Greek: antilambanesthai,] in our humble opinion, has
+been so unfairly used by the commentators, that we feel constrained to
+take its part. Our excellent translators, in rendering the clause
+'partakers of the benefit,' evidently lost sight of the component
+preposition, which expresses the _opposition of reciprocity_, rather
+than the _connection of participation_. They have given it exactly the
+sense of [Greek: metalambanein,] (2 Tim. ii. 6.) Had the apostle
+intended such a sense, he would have used the latter verb, or one of the
+more common words, [Greek: metochoi, koinonountes], &c. (See Heb. iii.
+1, and 1 Tim. v. 22, where the latter word is used in the clause,
+'neither be partaker of other men's sins.' Had the verb in our text been
+used, it might have been rendered, 'neither be the _part-taker_ of other
+men's sins.') The primary sense of [Greek: antilambano] is _to take in
+return--to take instead of, &c_. Hence, in the middle with the genitive,
+it signifies _assist_, or _do one's part towards_ the person or thing
+expressed by that genitive. In this sense only is the word used in the
+New Testament.--(See Luke i. 54, and Acts xx. 35.) If this be true, the
+word [Greek: euergesai] can not signify the benefit conferred by the
+gospel, as our common version would make it, but the _well-doing_ of the
+servants, who should continue to serve their believing masters, while
+they were no longer under the _yoke_ of compulsion. This word is used
+elsewhere in the New Testament but once, (Acts iv. 3.) in relation to
+the '_good deed_' done to the impotent man. The plain import of the
+clause, unmystified by the commentators, is, that believing masters
+would not fail to _do their part towards_, or encourage by suitable
+returns, the _free_ service of those who had once been under
+the _yoke_."]
+
+Such, then, is the relation between those who, in the view of Prof.
+Stuart, were Christian masters and Christian slaves[A]--the relation of
+"brethren," which, excluding "the yoke," and of course conferring
+freedom, placed them side by side on the common ground of mutual
+service, both retaining, for convenience's sake, the one while giving
+and the other while receiving employment, the correlative name, _as is
+usual in such cases_, under which they had been known. Such was the
+instruction which Timothy was required, as a Christian minister, to
+give. Was it friendly to slaveholding?
+
+[Footnote A: Letter to Dr. Fisk, supra, p. 7.]
+
+And on what ground, according to the Princeton professor, did these
+masters and these servants stand in their relation to each other? On
+that _of a "perfect religious equality_."[A] In all the relations,
+duties, and privileges--in all the objects, interests, and prospects,
+which belong to the province of Christianity, servants were as free as
+their master. The powers of the one, were allowed as wide a range and as
+free an exercise, with as warm encouragements, as active aids, and as
+high results, as the other. Here, the relation of a servant to his
+master imposed no restrictions, involved no embarrassments, occasioned
+no injury. All this, clearly and certainly, is implied in "_perfect
+religious equality_," which the Princeton professor accords to servants
+in relation to their master. Might the _master_, then, in order more
+fully to attain the great ends for which he was created and redeemed,
+freely exert himself to increase his acquaintance with his own powers,
+and relations, and resources--with his prospects, opportunities, and
+advantages? So might his _servants_. Was _he_ at liberty to "study to
+approve himself to God," to submit to his will and bow to his authority,
+as the sole standard of affection and exertion? So were _they_. Was _he_
+at liberty to sanctify the Sabbath, and frequent the "solemn assembly?"
+So were _they_. Was _he_ at liberty so to honor the filial, conjugal,
+and paternal relations, as to find in them that spring of activity and
+that source of enjoyment, which they are capable of yielding? So were
+_they_. In every department of interest and exertion, they might use
+their capacities, and wield their powers, and improve their
+opportunities, and employ their resources, as freely as he, in
+glorifying God, in blessing mankind, and in laying up imperishable
+treasures for themselves! Give perfect religious equality to the
+American slave, and the most eager abolitionist must be satisfied. Such
+equality would, like the breath of the Almighty, dissolve the last link
+of the chain of servitude. Dare those who, for the benefit of slavery,
+have given so wide and active a circulation do the Pittsburgh pamphlet,
+make the experiment?
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh Pamphlet, p. 9.]
+
+In the epistle to the Colossians, the following passage deserves earnest
+attention:--"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the
+flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of
+heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the
+Lord, and not unto men; knowing, that of the Lord ye shall receive the
+reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that
+doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is
+no respect of persons.--Masters, give unto your servants that which is
+just and equal; knowing that ye have a Master in heaven."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Col. iii. 22 to iv. 1.]
+
+Here it is natural to remark--
+
+1. That in maintaining the relation, which mutually united them, both
+masters and servants were to act in conformity with the principles of
+the divine government. Whatever _they_ did, servants were to do in
+hearty obedience to the Lord, by whose authority they were to be
+controlled and by whose hand they were to be rewarded. To the same Lord,
+and according to the same law, was the _master_ to hold himself
+responsible. _Both the one and the other were of course equally at
+liberty and alike required to study and apply the standard, by which
+they were to be governed and judged._
+
+2. The basis of the government under which they thus were placed, was
+_righteousness_--strict, stern, impartial. Nothing here of bias or
+antipathy. Birth, wealth, station,--the dust of the balance not so
+light! Both master and servants were hastening to a tribunal, where
+nothing of "respect of persons" could be feared or hoped for. There the
+wrong-doer, whoever he might be, and whether from the top or bottom of
+society, must be dealt with according to his deservings.
+
+3. Under this government, servants were to be universally and heartily
+obedient; and both in the presence and absence of the master, faithfully
+to discharge their obligations. The master on his part, in his relations
+to the servants, was to make JUSTICE AND EQUALITY the _standard of his
+conduct_. Under the authority of such instructions, slavery falls
+discountenanced, condemned, abhorred. It is flagrantly at war with the
+government of God, consists in "respect of persons" the most shameless
+and outrageous, treads justice and equality under foot, and in its
+natural tendency and practical effects is nothing else than a system of
+wrong-doing. What have _they_ to do with the just and the equal who in
+their "respect of persons" proceed to such a pitch as to treat one
+brother as a thing because he is a servant, and place him, without the
+least regard to his welfare here, or his prospects hereafter, absolutely
+at the disposal of another brother, under the name of master, in the
+relation of owner to property? Justice and equality on the one hand, and
+the chattel principle on the other, are naturally subversive of each
+other--proof clear and decisive that the correlates, masters and
+servants, cannot here be rendered slaves and owners, without the
+grossest absurdity and the greatest violence.
+
+"The relation of slavery," according to Prof. Stuart, is recognized in
+"the precepts of the New Testament," as one which "may still exist
+without violating the Christian faith or the church."[A] Slavery and the
+chattel principle! So our professor thinks; otherwise his reference has
+nothing to do with the subject--with the slavery which the abolitionist,
+whom he derides, stands opposed to. How gross and hurtful is the mistake
+into which he allows himself to fall. The relation recognized in the
+precepts of the New Testament had its basis and support in "justice and
+equality;" the very opposite of the chattel principle; a relation which
+may exist as long as justice and equality remain, and thus escape the
+destruction to which, in the view of Prof. Stuart, slavery is doomed.
+The description of Paul obliterates every feature of American slavery,
+raising the servant to equality with his master, and placing his rights
+under the protection of justice; yet the eye of Prof. Stuart can see
+nothing in his master and servant but a slave and his owner. With this
+relation he is so thoroughly possessed, that, like an evil angel, it
+haunts him even when he enters the temple of justice!
+
+[Footnote A: Letter to Dr. Fisk, supra p. 7.]
+
+"It is remarkable," with the Princeton professor, "that there is not
+even an exhortation" in the writings of the apostles "to masters to
+liberate their slaves, much less is it urged as an imperative and
+immediate duty."[B] It would be remarkable, indeed, if they were
+chargeable with a defect so great and glaring. And so they have nothing
+to say upon the subject? _That_ not even the Princeton professor has the
+assurance to affirm. He admits that KINDNESS, MERCY, AND JUSTICE, were
+enjoined with a _distinct reference to the government of God_.[C]
+"Without respect of persons," they were to be God-like in doing justice.
+They were to act the part of kind and merciful "brethren." And whither
+would this lead them? Could they stop short of restoring to every man
+his natural, inalienable rights?--of doing what they could to redress
+the wrongs, soothe the sorrows, improve the character, and raise the
+condition of the degraded and oppressed? Especially, if oppressed and
+degraded by any agency of theirs. Could it be kind, merciful, or just to
+keep the chains of slavery on their helpless, unoffending brother? Would
+this be to honor the Golden Rule, or obey the second great command of
+"their Master in heaven?" Could the apostles have subserved the cause of
+freedom more directly, intelligibly, and effectually, than _to enjoin
+the principles, and sentiments, and habits, in which freedom
+consists--constituting its living root and fruitful germ_?
+
+[Footnote B: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p. 9.]
+
+[Footnote C: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p. 10.]
+
+The Princeton professor himself, in the very paper which the South has
+so warmly welcomed and so loudly applauded as a scriptural defense of
+"the peculiar institution," maintains, that the "GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF
+THE GOSPEL _have_ DESTROYED SLAVERY _throughout out the greater part of
+Christendom"_[A]--"THAT CHRISTIANITY HAS ABOLISHED BOTH POLITICAL AND
+DOMESTIC BONDAGE WHEREVER IT HAS HAD FREE SCOPE--_that it_ ENJOINS _a
+fair compensation for labor; insists on the mental and intellectual
+improvement of_ ALL _classes of men; condemns_ ALL _infractions of
+marital or parental rights; requires in short not only that_ FREE SCOPE
+_should be allowed to human improvement, but that _ALL SUITABLE MEANS_
+_should be employed for the attainment of that end._"[B] It is indeed
+"remarkable," that while neither Christ nor his apostles ever gave "an
+exhortation to masters to liberate their slaves," they enjoined such
+"general principles as have destroyed domestic slavery throughout the
+greater part of Christendom;" that while Christianity forbears "to urge"
+emancipation "as an imperative and immediate duty," it throws a barrier,
+heaven high, around every domestic circle; protects all the rights of
+the husband and the fathers; gives every laborer a fair compensation;
+and makes the moral and intellectual improvement of all classes, with
+free scope and all suitable means, the object of its tender solicitude
+and high authority. This is not only "remarkable," but inexplicable. Yes
+and no--hot and cold, in one and the same breath! And yet these things
+stand prominent in what is reckoned an acute, ingenious, effective
+defense of slavery!
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 18. 19.]
+
+[Footnote B: The same, p. 31.]
+
+In his letter to the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul furnishes
+another lesson of instruction, expressive of his views and feelings on
+the subject of slavery. "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein
+he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if
+thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the
+Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is
+called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be
+not ye the servants of men."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: 1 Cor. vii. 20-23.]
+
+In explaining and applying this passage, it is proper to suggest,
+
+1. That it _could_ not have been the object of the apostle to bind the
+Corinthian converts to the stations and employments in which the Gospel
+found them. For he exhorts some of them to escape, if possible, from
+their present condition. In the servile state, "under the yoke," they
+ought not to remain unless impelled by stern necessity. "If thou canst
+be free, use it rather." If they ought to prefer freedom to bondage and
+to exert themselves to escape from the latter for the sake of the
+former, could their master consistently with the claims and spirit of
+the Gospel have hindered or discouraged them in so doing? Their
+"brother" could _he_ be, who kept "the yoke" upon their neck, which the
+apostle would have them shake off if possible? And had such masters been
+members of the Corinthian church, what inferences must they have drawn
+from this exhortation to their servants? That the apostle regarded
+slavery as a Christian institution?--or could look complacently on any
+efforts to introduce or maintain it in the church? Could they have
+expected less from him than a stern rebuke, if they refused to exert
+themselves in the cause of freedom?
+
+2. But while they were to use their freedom, if they could obtain it,
+they should not, even on such a subject, give themselves up to ceaseless
+anxiety. "The Lord was no respecter of persons." They need not fear,
+that the "low estate," to which they had been wickedly reduced, would
+prevent them from enjoying the gifts of his hand or the light of his
+countenance. _He_ would respect their rights, sooth their sorrows, and
+pour upon their hearts, and cherish there, the spirit of liberty. "For
+he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman."
+In _him_, therefore, should they cheerfully confide.
+
+3. The apostle, however, forbids them so to acquiesce in the servile
+relation, as to act inconsistently with their Christian obligations. To
+their Savior they belonged. By his blood they had been purchased. It
+should be their great object, therefore, to render _Him_ a hearty and
+effective service. They should permit no man, whoever he might be, to
+thrust in himself between them and their Redeemer. "_Ye are bought with
+a price_; BE NOT YE THE SERVANTS OF MEN."
+
+With his eye upon the passage just quoted and explained, the Princeton
+professor asserts that "Paul represents this relation"--the relation of
+slavery--"as of comparatively little account."[A] And this he
+applies--otherwise it is nothing to his purpose--to _American_ slavery.
+Does he then regard it as a small matter, a mere trifle, to be thrown
+under the slave-laws of this republic, grimly and fiercely excluding
+their victim from almost every means of improvement, and field of
+usefulness, and source of comfort; and making him, body and substance,
+with his wife and babes, "the servant of men?" Could such a relation be
+acquiesced in consistently with the instructions of the apostle?
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 10.]
+
+To the Princeton professor the commend a practical trial of the bearing
+of the passage in hand upon American slavery. His regard for the unity
+and prosperity of the ecclesiastical organizations, which in various
+forms and under different names unite the southern with the northern
+churches, will make the experiment grateful to his feelings. Let him,
+then, as soon as his convenience will permit, proceed to Georgia. No
+religious teacher[B] from any free state, can be likely to receive so
+general and so warm a welcome there. To allay the heat, which the
+doctrines and movements of the abolitionists have occasioned in the
+southern mind, let him with as much despatch as possible collect, as he
+goes from place to place, masters and their slaves. Now let all men,
+whom it may concern, see and own that slavery is a Christian
+institution! With his Bible in his hand and his eye upon the passage in
+question, he addresses himself to the task of instructing the slaves
+around him. Let not your hearts, my brethren, be overcharged with
+sorrow, or eaten up with anxiety. Your servile condition cannot deprive
+you of the fatherly regards of Him "who is no respecter of persons."
+Freedom you ought, indeed, to prefer. If you can escape from "the yoke,"
+throw it off. In the mean time rejoice that "where the Spirit of the
+Lord is, there is liberty;" that the Gospel places slaves "on a perfect
+religious equality" with their master; so that every Christian is "the
+Lord's freeman." And, for your encouragement, remember that
+"Christianity has abolished both political and domestic servitude
+whenever it has had free scope. It enjoins a fair compensation for
+labor; it insists on the moral and intellectual improvement of all
+classes of men; it condemns all infractions of marital or parental
+rights; in short it requires not only that free scope be allowed to
+human improvement, but that all suitable means should be employed for
+the attainment of that end."[C] Let your lives, then, be honorable to
+your relations to your Savior. He bought you with his own blood; and is
+entitled to your warmest love and most effective service. "Be not ye the
+servants of men." Let no human arrangements prevent you, as citizens of
+the kingdom of heaven, from making the most of your powers and
+opportunities. Would such an effort, generally and heartily made, allay
+excitement at the South, and quench the flames of discord, every day
+rising higher and waxing hotter, in almost every part of the republic,
+and cement "the Union?"
+
+[Footnote B: Rev. Mr. Savage, of Utica, New York, had, not very long
+ago, a free conversation with a gentleman of high standing in the
+literary and religious world from a slaveholding state, where the
+"peculiar institution" is cherished with great warmth and maintained
+with iron rigor. By him, Mr. Savage was assured, that the Princeton
+professor had, through the Pittsburgh pamphlet, contributed most
+powerfully and effectually to bring the "whole South" under the
+persuasion, _that slaveholding is in itself right_--a system _to which
+the Bible gives countenance and support_.
+
+In an extract from an article in the Southern Christian Sentinel, a new
+Presbyterian paper established in Charleston, South Carolina, and
+inserted in the Christian Journal for March 21, 1839, we find the
+following paragraphs from the pen of Rev. C.W. Howard, and according to
+Mr. Chester, ably and freely endorsed by the editor. "There is scarcely
+any diversity of sentiment at the North upon this subject. The great
+mass of the people believing slavery to be sinful, are clearly of the
+opinion that as a system, it should be abolished throughout this land
+and throughout the world. They differ as to the time and mode of
+abolition. The abolitionists consistently argue, that whatever is
+sinful, should be instantly abandoned. The others, _by a strange sort of
+reasoning for Christian men_, contend that though slavery is sinful,
+_yet it may be allowed to exist until it shall be expedient to abolish
+it_; or if, in many cases, this reasoning might be translated into plain
+English, the sense would be, both in church and State, _slavery, though
+sinful, may be allowed to exist until our interest will suffer us to say
+that it must be abolished_. This is not slander; it is simply a plain
+way of stating a plain truth. It does seem the evident duty of every man
+to become an abolitionist, who believes slavery to be sinful, for the
+Bible allows no tampering with sin."
+
+"To these remarks, there are some noble exceptions to be found in both
+parties in the church. _The South owes a debt of gratitude to the
+Biblical Repertory, for the fearless argument in behalf of the position,
+that slavery is not forbidden by the Bible_. The writer of that article
+is said, without contradiction, to be _Prof. Hodge of Princeton--HIS
+NAME OUGHT TO BE KNOWN AND REVERED AMONG YOU, my brethren, for in a land
+of anti-slavery men, he is the ONLY ONE who has dared to vindicate your
+character from the serious charge of living in the habitual
+transgression of God's holy law_."]
+
+[Footnote C: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 31.]
+
+"It is," affirms the Princeton professor, "on all hands acknowledged,
+that, at the time of the advent of Jesus Christ, slavery in its worst
+forms prevailed over the whole world. _The Savior found it around him_
+in JUDEA."[A] To say that he found it _in Judea_, is to speak
+ambiguously. Many things were to be found "_in_ Judea," which neither
+belonged to, nor were characteristic of _the Jews_. It is not denied
+that _the Gentiles_, who resided among them, might have had slaves; _but
+of the Jews this is denied_. How could the professor take that as
+granted, the proof of which entered vitally into the argument and was
+essential to the soundness of the conclusions to which he would conduct
+us? How could he take advantage of an ambiguous expression to conduct
+his confiding readers on to a position which, if his own eyes were open,
+he must have known they could not hold in the light of open day?
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 9.]
+
+We do not charge the Savior with any want of wisdom, goodness, or
+courage,[B] for refusing to "break down the wall of partition between
+Jews and Gentiles" "before the time appointed." While this barrier
+stood, he could not, consistently with the plan of redemption, impart
+instruction freely to the Gentiles. To some extent, and on extraordinary
+occasions, he might have done so. But his business then was with "the
+lost sheep of the house of Israel."[C] The propriety of this arrangement
+is not the matter of dispute between the Princeton professor and
+ourselves.
+
+[Footnote B: The same, p. 10.]
+
+[Footnote C: Matt. xv. 24.]
+
+In disposing of the question whether the Jews held slaves during our
+Savior's incarnation among them, the following points deserve earnest
+attention:--
+
+1. Slaveholding is inconsistent with the Mosaic economy. For the proof
+of this, we would refer our readers, among other arguments more or less
+appropriate and powerful, to the tract already alluded to.[A] In all the
+external relations and visible arrangements of life, the Jews, during
+our Savior's ministry among them, seem to have been scrupulously
+observant of the institutions and usages of the "Old Dispensation." They
+stood far aloof from whatever was characteristic of Samaritans and
+Gentiles. From idolatry and slaveholding--those twin-vices which had
+always so greatly prevailed among the heathen--they seem at length, as
+the result of a most painful discipline, to have been effectually
+divorced.
+
+[Footnote A: "The Bible against Slavery."]
+
+2. While, therefore, John the Baptist, with marked fidelity and great
+power, acted among the Jews the part of a _reprover_, he found no
+occasion to repeat and apply the language of his predecessors,[B] in
+exposing and rebuking idolatry and slaveholding. Could he, the greatest
+of the prophets, have been less effectually aroused by the presence of
+"the yoke," than was Isaiah?--or less intrepid and decisive in exposing
+and denouncing the sin of oppression under its most hateful and
+injurious forms?
+
+[Footnote B: Psalm lxxxii; Isa. lviii. 1-12; Jer. xxii. 13-16.]
+
+3. The Savior was not backward in applying his own principles plainly
+and pointedly to such forms of oppression as appeared among the Jews.
+These principles, whenever they have been freely acted on, the Princeton
+professor admits, have abolished domestic bondage. Had this prevailed
+within the sphere of our Savior's ministry, he could not, consistently
+with his general character, have failed to expose and condemn it. The
+oppression of the people by lordly ecclesiastics, of parents by their
+selfish children, of widows by their ghostly counsellors, drew from his
+lips scorching rebukes and terrible denunciations.[C] How, then, must he
+have felt and spoke in the presence of such tyranny, if _such tyranny
+had been within his official sphere_, as should _have made widows_, by
+driving their husbands to some flesh-market, and their children not
+orphans, _but cattle_?
+
+[Footnote C: Matt. xxiii; Mark vii. 1-13.]
+
+4. Domestic slavery was manifestly inconsistent with the _industry_,
+which, _in the form of manual labor_, so generally prevailed among the
+Jews. In one connection, in the Acts of the Apostles, we are informed,
+that, coming from Athens to Corinth, Paul "found a certain Jew named
+Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;
+(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome;) and
+came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them
+and wrought: (for by their occupation they were tent-makers.")[A] This
+passage has opened the way for different commentators to refer us to the
+public sentiment and general practice of the Jews respecting useful
+industry and manual labor. According to _Lightfoot_, "it was their
+custom to bring up their children to some trade, yea, though they gave
+them learning or estates." According to Rabbi Judah, "He that teaches
+not his son a trade, is as if he taught him to be a thief."[B] It was,
+_Kuinoel_ affirms, customary even for Jewish teachers to unite labor
+(opificium) with the study of the law. This he confirms by the highest
+Rabbinical authority.[C] _Heinrichs_ quotes a Rabbi as teaching, that no
+man should by any means neglect to train his son to honest industry.[D]
+Accordingly, the apostle Paul, though brought up at the "feet of
+Gamaliel," the distinguished disciple of a most illustrious teacher,
+practiced the art of tent-making. His own hands ministered to his
+necessities; and his example in so doing, he commends to his Gentile
+brethren for their imitation.[E] That Zebedee, the father of John the
+Evangelist, had wealth, various hints in the New Testament render
+probable.[F] Yet how do we find him and his sons, while prosecuting
+their appropriate business? In the midst of the hired servants, "in the
+ship mending their nets."[G]
+
+[Footnote A: Acts xviii. 1-3.]
+
+[Footnote B: Henry on Acts xviii, 1-3.]
+
+[Footnote C: Kuinoel on Acts.]
+
+[Footnote D: Heinrichs on Acts.]
+
+[Footnote E: Acts xx. 34, 35; 1 Thess. iv. 11]
+
+[Footnote F: See Kuinoel's Prolegom. to the Gospel of John.]
+
+[Footnote G: Mark i. 19, 20.]
+
+Slavery among a people who, from the highest to the lowest, were used to
+manual labor! What occasion for slavery there? And how could it be
+maintained? No place can be found for slavery among a people generally
+inured to useful industry. With such, especially if men of learning,
+wealth, and station "labor, working with their hands," such labor must
+be honorable. On this subject, let Jewish maxims and Jewish habits be
+adopted at the South, and the "peculiar institution" would vanish like a
+ghost at daybreak.
+
+5. Another hint, here deserving particular attention, is furnished in
+the allusions of the New Testament to the lowest casts and most servile
+employments among the Jews. With profligates, _publicans_ were joined as
+depraved and contemptible. The outcasts of society were described, not
+as fit to herd with slaves, but as deserving a place among Samaritans
+and publicans. They were "_hired servants_," whom Zebedee employed. In
+the parable of the prodigal son we have a wealthy Jewish family. Here
+servants seem to have abounded. The prodigal, bitterly bewailing his
+wretchedness and folly, described their condition as greatly superior to
+his own. How happy the change which should place him by their side! His
+remorse, and shame, and penitence made him willing to embrace the lot of
+the lowest of them all. But these--what was their condition? They were
+HIRED SERVANTS. "Make me as one of thy hired servants." Such he refers
+to as the lowest menials known in Jewish life.
+
+Lay such hints as have now been suggested together; let it be
+remembered, that slavery was inconsistent with the Mosaic economy; that
+John the Baptist in preparing the way for the Messiah makes no reference
+"to the yoke" which, had it been before him, he would, like Isaiah, have
+condemned; that the Savior, while he took the part of the poor and
+sympathized with the oppressed; was evidently spared the pain of
+witnessing within the sphere of his ministry, the presence of the
+chattel principle; that it was the habit of the Jews, whoever they might
+be, high or low, rich or poor, learned or rude, "to labor, working with
+their hands;" and that where reference was had to the most menial
+employments, in families, they were described as carried on by hired
+servants; and the question of slavery "in Judea," so far as the seed of
+Abraham were concerned, is very easily disposed of. With every phase and
+form of society among them slavery was inconsistent.
+
+The position which, in the article so often referred to in this paper,
+the Princeton professor takes, is sufficiently remarkable. Northern
+abolitionists he saw in an earnest struggle with southern slaveholders.
+The present welfare and future happiness of myriads of the human family
+were at stake in this contest. In the heat of the battle, he throws
+himself between the belligerent powers. He gives the abolitionists to
+understand, that they are quite mistaken in the character of the object
+they have set themselves so openly and sternly against. Slaveholding is
+not, as they suppose, contrary to the law of God. It was witnessed by
+the Savior "in its worst form,"[A] without extorting from his lips a
+syllable of rebuke. "The sacred writers did not condemn it."[B] And why
+should they? By a definition[C] sufficiently ambiguous and slippery, he
+undertakes to set forth a form of slavery which he looks upon as
+consistent with the law of Righteousness. From this definition he infers
+that the abolitionists are greatly to blame for maintaining that
+American slavery is inherently and essentially sinful, and for insisting
+that it ought at once to be abolished. For this labor of love the
+slaveholding South is warmly grateful and applauds its reverend ally, as
+if a very Daniel had come as their advocate to judgment.[D]
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 9.]
+
+[Footnote B: The same p. 13.]
+
+[Footnote C: The same p. 12.]
+
+[Footnote D: Supra p. 61.]
+
+A few questions, briefly put, may not here be inappropriate.
+
+1. Was the form of slavery which our professor pronounces innocent _the
+form_ witnessed by our Savior "in Judea?" That, _he_ will by no means
+admit. The slavery there was, he affirms, of the "worst" kind. _How then
+does he account for the alledged silence of the Savior?--a silence
+covering the essence and the form--the institution and its
+"worst" abuses?_
+
+2. Is the slaveholding, which, according to the Princeton professor,
+Christianity justifies, the same as that which the abolitionists so
+earnestly wish to see abolished? Let us see.
+
+_Christianity in supporting             _The American system for
+Slavery, according to Prof.             supporting Slavery,_
+Hodge,_
+
+"Enjoins a fair compensation            Makes compensation impossible
+for labor."                             by reducing the laborer to a
+                                        chattel.
+
+"It insists on the moral                It sternly forbids its victim
+and intellectual improvement            to learn to read even the
+of all classes of men."                 name of his Creator and
+                                        Redeemer.
+
+"It condemns all infractions            It outlaws the conjugal and
+of marital or parental rights."         parental relations.
+
+"It requires that free scope            It forbids any effort, on the
+should be allowed to human              part of myriads of the human
+improvement."                           family, to improve their
+                                        character, condition, and
+                                        prospects.
+
+"It requires that all suitable          It inflicts heavy penalties
+means should be employed to improve     for teaching letters to the
+mankind."                               to the poorest of the poor.
+
+"Wherever it has had free scope, it     Wherever it has free scope,
+has abolished domestic bondage."        it perpetuates domestic
+                                        bondage.
+
+_Now it is slavery according to the American system_ that the
+abolitionists are set against. _Of the existence of any_ such form of
+slavery as is consistent with Prof. Hodge's account of the requisitions
+of Christianity, they know nothing. It has never met their notice, and
+of course, has never roused their feelings, or called forth their
+exertions. What, then, have _they_ to do with the censures and
+reproaches which the Princeton professor deals around? Let those who
+have leisure and good nature protect the _man of straw_ he is so hot
+against. The abolitionists have other business. It is not the figment of
+some sickly brain; but that system of oppression which in theory is
+corrupting, and in practice destroying both Church and State;--it is
+this that they feel pledged to do battle upon, till by the just judgment
+of Almighty God it is thrown, dead and damned, into the
+bottomless abyss.
+
+3. _How can the South feel itself protected by any shield which may be
+thrown over SUCH SLAVERY, as may be consistent with what the Princeton
+professor describes as the requisitions of Christianity?_ Is _this?_
+THE _slavery_ which their laws describe, and their hands maintain? "Fair
+compensation for labor"--"marital and parental rights"--"free scope"
+and "all suitable means" for the "improvement, moral and intellectual,
+of all classes of men;"--are these, according to the statutes of the
+South, among the objects of slaveholding legislation? Every body knows
+that any such requisition and American slavery are flatly opposed to and
+directly subversive of each other. What service, then, has the Princeton
+professor, with all his ingenuity and all his zeal, rendered the
+"peculiar institution?" Their gratitude must be of a stamp and
+complexion quite peculiar, if they can thank him for throwing their
+"domestic system" under the weight of such Christian requisitions as
+must at once crush its snaky head "and grind it to powder."
+
+And what, moreover, is the bearing of the Christian requisitions which
+Prof. Hodge quotes, upon _the definition of slavery_ which he has
+elaborated? "All the ideas which necessarily enter into the definition
+of slavery are, deprivation of personal liberty, obligation of service
+at the discretion of another, and the transferable character of the
+authority and claim of service of the master[A]."
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 12]
+
+
+_According to Prof. Hodge's            According to Prof. Hodge's
+account of the requisitions of           account of Slavery,
+Christianity,_
+
+The spring of effort in the labor       The laborer must serve at the
+is a fair compensation.                 discretion of another.
+
+Free scope must be given for his moral  He is deprived of personal
+and intellectual improvement.           liberty--the necessary
+                                        condition, and living soul
+                                        of improvement, without which
+                                        he has no control of either
+                                        intellect or morals.
+
+His rights as a husband and a father    The authority and claims of
+are to be protected.                    the master may throw an ocean
+                                        between him and his family,
+                                        and separate them from each
+                                        other's presence at any moment
+                                        and forever.
+
+Christianity, then, requires such slavery as Prof. Hodge so cunningly
+defines, to be abolished. It was well provided, for the peace of the
+respective parties, that he placed _his definition_ so far from _the
+requisitions of Christianity_. Had he brought them into each other's
+presence, their natural and invincible antipathy to each other would
+have broken out into open and exterminating warfare. But why should we
+delay longer upon an argument which is based on gross and monstrous
+sophistry? It can mislead only such as _wish_ to be misled. The lovers
+of sunlight are in little danger of rushing into the professor's
+dungeon. Those who, having something to conceal, covet darkness, can
+find it there, to their hearts' content. The hour can not be far away,
+when upright and reflective minds at the South will be astonished at the
+blindness which could welcome such protection as the Princeton argument
+offers to the slaveholder.
+
+But _Prof. Stuart_ must not be forgotten. In his celebrated letter to
+Dr. Fisk, he affirms that "_Paul did not expect slavery to be ousted in
+a day_[A]." _Did not_ EXPECT! What then? Are the _requisitions_ of
+Christianity adapted to any EXPECTATIONS which in any quarter and on any
+ground might have risen to human consciousness? And are we to interpret
+the _precepts_ of the Gospel by the expectations of Paul? The Savior
+commanded all men every where to repent, and this, though "Paul did not
+expect" that human wickedness, in its ten thousand forms would in any
+community "be ousted in a day." Expectations are one thing; requisitions
+quite another.
+
+[Footnote A: Supra, p.8.]
+
+In the mean time, while expectation waited, Paul, the professor adds,
+"gave precepts to Christians respecting their demeanor." _That_ he did.
+Of what character were these precepts? Must they not have been in
+harmony with the Golden Rule? But this, according to Prof. Stuart,
+"decides against the righteousness of slavery" even as a "theory."
+Accordingly, Christians were required, _without_ _respect of persons_,
+to do each other justice--to maintain equality as common ground for all
+to stand upon--to cherish and express in all their intercourse that
+tender love and disinterested charity which one _brother_ naturally
+feels for another. These were the "ad interim precepts,"[A] which can
+not fail, if obeyed, to cut up slavery, "root and branch," at once
+and forever.
+
+[Footnote A: Letter to Dr. Fisk, p. 8.]
+
+Prof. Stuart comforts us with the assurance that "_Christianity will
+ultimately certainly destroy slavery_." Of this _we_ have not the
+feeblest doubt. But how could _he_ admit a persuasion and utter a
+prediction so much at war with the doctrine he maintains, that "_slavery
+may exist without_ VIOLATING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH OR THE CHURCH?"[B]
+What, Christianity bent on the destruction of an ancient and cherished
+institution which hurts neither her character nor condition![C] Why not
+correct its abuses and purify its spirit; and shedding upon it her own
+beauty, preserve it, as a living trophy of her reformatory power? Whence
+the discovery that, in her onward progress, she would trample down and
+destroy what was no way hurtful to her? This is to be _aggressive_ with
+a witness. Far be it from the Judge of all the earth to whelm the
+innocent and guilty in the same destruction! In aid of Professor Stuart,
+in the rude and scarcely covert attack which he makes upon himself, we
+maintain that Christianity will certainly destroy slavery on account of
+its inherent wickedness--its malignant temper--its deadly effects--its
+constitutional, insolent, and unmitigable opposition to the authority of
+God and the welfare of man.
+
+[Footnote B: The same, p. 7.]
+
+[Footnote C: Prof. Stuart applies here the words, _salva fide et salva
+ecclesia_.]
+
+"Christianity will _ultimately_ destroy slavery." "ULTIMATELY!" What
+meaneth that portentous word? To what limit of remotest time, concealed
+in the darkness of futurity, may it look? Tell us, O watchman, on the
+hill of Andover. Almost nineteen centuries have rolled over this world
+of wrong and outrage--and yet we tremble in the presence of a form of
+slavery whose breath is poison, whose fang is death! If any one of the
+incidents of slavery should fall, but for a single day, upon the head of
+the prophet who dipped his pen, in such cold blood, to write that word
+"ultimately," how, under the sufferings of the first tedious hour, would
+he break out in the lamentable cry, "How _long_, O Lord, HOW LONG!" In
+the agony of beholding a wife or daughter upon the table of the
+auctioneer, while every bid fell upon his heart like the groan of
+despair, small comfort would he find in the dull assurance of some
+heartless prophet, quite at "ease in Zion," that "ULTIMATELY
+_Christianity would destroy slavery_." As the hammer falls and the
+beloved of his soul, all helpless and most wretched, is borne away to
+the haunts of _legalized_ debauchery, his heart turns to stone, while
+the cry dies upon his lips, "_How_ LONG, _O Lord_, HOW LONG?"
+
+"_Ultimately!_" In _what circumstances_ does Prof. Stuart assure himself
+that Christianity will destroy slavery? Are we, as American citizens,
+under the sceptre of a Nero? When, as integral parts of this
+republic--as living members of this community, did we forfeit the
+prerogatives of _freemen_? Have we not the right to speak and act as
+wielding the powers which the principle of self-government has put in
+our possession? And without asking leave of priest or statesman, of the
+North or the South, may we not make the most of the freedom which we
+enjoy under the guaranty of the ordinances of Heaven and the
+Constitution of our country? Can we expect to see Christianity on higher
+vantage-ground than in this country she stands upon? In the midst of a
+republic based on the principle of the equality of mankind, where every
+Christian, as vitally connected with the state, freely wields the
+highest political rights and enjoys the richest political privileges;
+where the unanimous demand of one-half of the members of the churches
+would be promptly met in the abolition of slavery, what "_ultimately_"
+must Christianity here wait for before she crushes the chattel principle
+beneath her heel? Her triumph over slavery is retarded by nothing but
+the corruption and defection so widely spread through the "sacramental
+host" beneath her banners! Let her voice be heard and her energies
+exerted, and the _ultimately_ of the "dark spirit of slavery" would at
+once give place to the _immediately_ of the Avenger of the Poor.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NO 8.
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CORRESPONDENCE,
+
+BETWEEN THE
+
+HON. F.H. ELMORE,
+
+ONE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DELEGATION IN CONGRESS,
+
+AND
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY,
+
+ONE OF THE SECRETARIES OF THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NEW-YORK:
+
+PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY,
+
+No. 143 NASSAU STREET.
+
+1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This periodical contains 5 sheets.--Postage under 100 miles, 7-1/2 cts.;
+over 100 miles, 12-1/2 cts.
+
+_Please read and circulate_.
+
+
+
+REMARKS IN EXPLANATION.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ANTI-SLAVERY OFFICE, _New York, May 24, 1838_.
+
+In January, a tract entitled "WHY WORK FOR THE SLAVE?" was issued from
+this office by the agent for the _Cent-a-week Societies_. A copy of it
+was transmitted to the Hon. John C. Calhoun;--to _him_, because he has
+seemed, from the first, more solicitous than the generality of Southern
+politicians, to possess himself of accurate information about the
+Anti-Slavery movement. A note written by me accompanied the tract,
+informing Mr. Calhoun, why it was sent to him.
+
+Not long afterward, the following letter was received from the Hon. F.H.
+Elmore, of the House of Representatives in Congress. From this and
+another of his letters just now received, it seems, that the
+Slaveholding Representatives in Congress, after conferring together,
+appointed a committee, of their own number, to obtain authentic
+information of the intentions and progress of the Anti-Slavery
+associations,--and that Mr. Elmore was selected, as the _South Carolina_
+member of the Committee.
+
+Several other communications have passed between Mr. Elmore and me. They
+relate, chiefly, however, to the transmission and reception of
+Anti-slavery publications, which he requested to be sent to him,--and to
+other matters not having any connection with the merits of the main
+subject. It is, therefore, thought unnecessary to publish them. It may
+be sufficient to remark of all the communications received from Mr.
+Elmore--that they are characterized by exemplary courtesy and good
+temper, and that they bear the impress of an educated, refined, and
+liberal mind.
+
+It is intended to circulate this correspondence throughout the _whole
+country_. If the information it communicates be important for southern
+Representatives in Congress, it is not less so for their Constituents.
+The Anti-slavery movement has become so important in a National point of
+view, that no statesman can innocently remain ignorant of its progress
+and tendencies. The facts stated in my answer may be relied on, in
+proportion to the degree of accuracy to which they lay claim;--the
+arguments will, of course, be estimated according to their worth.
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY.
+
+
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WASHINGTON CITY, FEB. 16, 1838
+
+To Jas. G. Birney, Esq., _Cor. Sec. A.A.S. Soc._
+
+Sir:--A letter from you to the Hon. John C. Calhoun, dated 29th January
+last, has been given to me, by him, in which you say, (in reference to
+the abolitionists or Anti-Slavery Societies,) "we have nothing to
+conceal--and should you desire any information as to our procedure, it
+will be cheerfully communicated on [my] being apprised of your wishes."
+The frankness of this unsolicited offer indicates a fairness and honesty
+of purpose, which has caused the present communication, and which
+demands the same full and frank disclosure of the views with which the
+subjoined inquiries are proposed.
+
+Your letter was handed to me, in consequence of a duty assigned me by my
+delegation, and which requires me to procure all the authentic
+information I can, as to the nature and intentions of yours and similar
+associations, in order that we may, if we deem it advisable, lay the
+information before our people, so that they may be prepared to decide
+understandingly, as to the course it becomes them to pursue on this all
+important question. If you "have nothing to conceal," and it is not
+imposing too much on, what may have been, an unguarded proffer, I will
+esteem your compliance as a courtesy to an opponent, and be pleased to
+have an opportunity to make a suitable return. And if, on the other
+hand, you have the least difficulty or objection, I trust you will not
+hesitate to withhold the information sought for, as I would not have it,
+unless as freely given, as it will, if deemed expedient, be freely used.
+
+I am, Sir,
+
+Your ob'd't serv't,
+
+F.H. ELMORE, of S.C.
+
+QUESTIONS for J.G. Birney, Esq., Cor. Sec. A.A.S. Society.
+
+1. How many societies, affiliated with that of which you are the
+Corresponding Secretary, are there in the United States? And how many
+members belong to them _in the aggregate_?
+
+2. Are there any other societies similar to yours, and not affiliated
+with it, in the United States? and how many, and what is the aggregate
+their members?
+
+3. Have you affiliation, intercourse or connection with any similar
+societies out of the United States, and in what countries?
+
+4. Do your or similar societies exist in the Colleges and other Literary
+institutions of the non-slaveholding States, and to what extent?
+
+5. What do you estimate the numbers of those who co-operate in this
+matter at? What proportion do they bear in the population of the
+Northern states, and what in the Middle non-slaveholding states? Are
+they increasing, and at what rate?
+
+6. What is the object your associations aim at? does it extend to the
+abolition of slavery only in the District of Columbia, or in the whole
+slave country?
+
+7. By what means, and under what power, do you propose to carry your
+views into effect?
+
+8. What has been for three years past, the annual income of your
+societies? and how is it raised?
+
+9. In what way, and to what purposes, do you apply these funds?
+
+10. How many priming presses and periodical publications have you?
+
+11. To what classes of persons do you address your publications, and are
+they addressed to the judgment, the imagination, or the feelings?
+
+12. Do you propagate your doctrines by any other means than oral and
+written discussions,--for instance, by prints and pictures in
+manufactures--say pocket handkerchiefs, &c. Pray, state the
+various modes?
+
+13. Are your hopes and expectations increased or lessened by the events
+of the last year, and, especially, by the action of this Congress? And
+will your exertions be relaxed or increased?
+
+14. Have you any permanent fund, and how much?
+
+ANTI-SLAVERY OFFICE, _New York, March 8, 1838_
+
+Hon. F.H. ELMORE,
+
+Member of Congress from S. Carolina:
+
+SIR,--I take pleasure in furnishing the information you have so politely
+asked for, in your letter of the 16th ult., in relation to the American
+Anti-Slavery Society;--and trust, that this correspondence, by
+presenting in a sober light, the objects and measures of the society,
+may contribute to dispel, not only from your own mind, but--if it be
+diffused throughout the South--from the minds of our fellow-citizens
+there generally, a great deal of undeserved prejudice and groundless
+alarm. I cannot hesitate to believe, that such as enter on the
+examination of its claims to public favour, without bias, will find that
+it aims intelligently, not only at the promotion of the interests of the
+slave, but of the master,--not only at the re-animation of the
+Republican principles of our Constitution, but at the establishment of
+the Union on an enduring basis.
+
+I shall proceed to state the several questions submitted in your letter,
+and answer them, in the order in which they are proposed. You ask,--
+
+"1. _How many societies, affiliated with that of which you are
+corresponding secretary, are there in the United States? And how many
+members belong to them_ IN THE AGGREGATE?"
+
+ANSWER.--Our anniversary is held on the Tuesday immediately preceding
+the second Thursday in May. Returns of societies are made only a short
+time before. In May, 1835, there were 225 auxiliaries reported. In May,
+1836, 527. In May, 1837, 1006. Returns for the anniversary in May next
+have not come in yet. It may, however, be safely said, that the
+increase, since last May, is not less than 400.[A] Of late, the
+multiplication of societies has not kept pace with the progress of our
+principles. Where these are well received, our agents are not so careful
+to organize societies as in former times, when our numbers were few;
+_societies, now_, being not deemed so necessary for the advancement of
+our cause. The auxiliaries average not less than 80 members each; making
+an aggregate of 112,480. Others estimate the auxiliaries at 1500, and
+the average of members at 100. I give you, what I believe to be the
+lowest numbers.
+
+[Footnote A: The number reported for May was three hundred and forty,
+making, in the aggregate, 1346.--_Report for May_, 1838.]
+
+"2. _Are there any other societies similar to yours, and not affiliated
+with it in the United States? And how many, and what is the aggregate of
+their members_?"
+
+ANSWER.--Several societies have been formed in the Methodist connection
+within the last two years,--although most of the Methodists who are
+abolitionists, are members of societies auxiliary to the American. These
+societies have been originated by Ministers, and others of weight and
+influence, who think that their brethren can be more easily persuaded,
+as a religious body, to aid in the anti-slavery movement by this twofold
+action. None of the large religious denominations bid fairer soon to be
+on the side of emancipation than the Methodist. Of the number of the
+Methodist societies that are not auxiliary, I am not informed.--The
+ILLINOIS SOCIETY comes under the same class. The REV. ELIJAH P. LOVEJOY,
+the corresponding secretary, was slain by a mob, a few days after its
+organization. It has not held a meeting since; and I have no data for
+stating the number of its members. It is supposed not to be
+large.--Neither is the DELAWARE SOCIETY, organized, a few weeks ago, at
+Wilmington, auxiliary to the American. I have no information as to its
+numbers.--The MANUMISSION SOCIETY in this city, formed in 1785, with
+JOHN JAY its first, and ALEXANDER HAMILTON its second president, might,
+from its name, be supposed to be affiliated with the American.
+Originally, its object, so far as regarded the slaves, and those
+illegally held in bondage _in this state_, was, in a great measure,
+similar. Slavery being extinguished in New-York in 1827, as a state
+system, the efforts of the Manumission Society are limited now to the
+rescue, from kidnappers and others, of such persons as are really free
+by the laws, but who have been reduced to slavery. Of the old Abolition
+societies, organized in the time, and under the influence of Franklin
+and Rush and Jay, and the most active of their coadjutors, but few
+remain. Their declension may be ascribed to this defect,--they did not
+inflexibly ask for _immediate_ emancipation.--The PENNSYLVANIA ABOLITION
+SOCIETY, formed in 1789, with DR. FRANKLIN, president, and DR. RUSH,
+secretary, is still in existence--but unconnected with the American
+Society. Some of the most active and benevolent members of both the
+associations last named, are members of the American Society. Besides
+the societies already mentioned, there may be in the country a few
+others of anti-slavery name; but they are of small note and efficiency,
+and are unconnected with this.
+
+"3. _Have you affiliation, intercourse, or connection with any similar
+societies out of the United States, and in what countries_?"
+
+ANSWER.--A few societies have spontaneously sprung up in Canada. Two
+have declared themselves auxiliary to the American. We have an agent--a
+native of the United States--in Upper Canada; not with a view to the
+organization of societies, but to the moral and intellectual elevation
+of the Ten thousand colored people there; most of whom have escaped from
+slavery in this Republic, to enjoy freedom under the protection of a
+Monarchy. In Great Britain there are numerous Anti-slavery Societies,
+whose particular object, of late, has been, to bring about the abolition
+of the Apprentice-system, as established by the emancipation act in her
+slaveholding colonies. In England, there is a society whose professed
+object is, to abolish slavery _throughout the world_. Of the existence
+of the British societies, you are, doubtless, fully aware; as also of
+the fact, that, in Britain, the great mass of the people are opposed to
+slavery as it existed, a little while ago, in their own colonies, and as
+it exists now in the United States.--In France, the "FRENCH SOCIETY FOR
+THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY" was founded in 1834. I shall have the pleasure
+of transmitting to you two pamphlets, containing an account of some of
+its proceedings; from which you will learn, that, the DUC DE BROGLIE is
+its presiding officer, and many of the most distinguished and
+influential of the public men of that country are members.--In Hayti,
+also, "The HAYTIAN ABOLITION SOCIETY" was formed in May, 1836.
+
+These are all the foreign societies of which I have knowledge. They are
+connected with the American by no formal affiliation. The only
+intercourse between them and it, is, that which springs up spontaneously
+among those of every land who sympathize with Humanity in her conflicts
+with Slavery.
+
+"4. _Do your or similar societies exist in the Colleges and other
+Literary institutions of the non-slaveholding states, and to
+what extent_?"
+
+ANSWER.--Strenuous efforts have been made, and they are still being
+made, by those who have the direction of most of the literary and
+theological institutions in the free states, to bar out our principles
+and doctrines, and prevent the formation of societies among the
+students. To this course they have been prompted by various, and
+possibly, in their view, good motives. One of them, I think it not
+uncharitable to say, is, to conciliate the wealthy of the south, that
+they may send their sons to the north, to swell the college catalogues.
+Neither do I think it uncharitable to say, that in this we have a
+manifestation of that Aristocratic pride, which, feeling itself honored
+by having entrusted to its charge the sons of distant, opulent, and
+distinguished planters, fails not to dull everything like sympathy for
+those whose unpaid toil supplies the means so lavishly expended in
+educating southern youth at northern colleges. These efforts at
+suppression or restraint, on the part of Faculties and Boards of
+Trustees, have heretofore succeeded to a considerable extent.
+Anti-Slavery Societies, notwithstanding, have been formed in a few of
+our most distinguished colleges and theological seminaries. Public
+opinion is beginning to call for a relaxation of restraints and
+impositions; they are yielding to its demands; and _now_, for the most
+part, sympathy for the slave may be manifested by our generous college
+youth, in the institution of Anti-Slavery Societies, without any
+downright prohibition by their more politic teachers. College societies
+will probably increase more rapidly hereafter; as, in addition to the
+removal or relaxation of former restraints, just referred to, the murder
+of Mr. Lovejoy, the assaults on the Freedom of speech and of the press,
+the prostration of the Right of petition in Congress, &c, &c, all
+believed to have been perpetrated to secure slavery from the scrutiny
+that the intelligent world is demanding, have greatly augmented the
+number of college abolitionists. They are, for the most part, the
+diligent, the intellectual, the religious of the students. United in
+societies, their influence is generally extensively felt in the
+surrounding region; _dispersed_, it seems scarcely less effective. An
+instance of the latter deserves particular notice.
+
+The Trustees and Faculty of one of our theological and literary
+institutions united for the suppression of anti-slavery action among the
+students. The latter refused to cease pleading for the slave, as he
+could not plead for himself. They left the institution; were
+providentially dispersed over various parts of the country, and made
+useful, in a remarkable manner, in advancing the cause of humanity and
+liberty. One of these dismissed students, the son of a slaveholder,
+brought up in the midst of slavery, and well acquainted with its
+peculiarities, succeeded in persuading a pious father to emancipate his
+fourteen slaves. After lecturing a long time with signal success--having
+contracted a disease of the throat, which prevented him from further
+prosecuting his labors in this way--he visited the West Indies, eighteen
+months ago, in company with another gentleman of the most ample
+qualifications, to note the operation of the British emancipation act.
+Together, they collected a mass of facts--now in a course of
+publication--that will astonish, as it ought to delight, the whole
+south; for it shows, conclusively, that IMMEDIATE emancipation is the
+best, the safest, the most profitable, as it is the most just and
+honorable, of all emancipations.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: See Appendix, A.]
+
+Another of these dismissed students is one of the secretaries of this
+society. He has, for a long time, discharged its arduous and responsible
+duties with singular ability. To his qualifications as secretary, he
+adds those of an able and successful lecturer. He was heard, several
+times, before the joint committee of the Legislature of Massachusetts, a
+year ago, prior to the report of that committee, and to the adoption, by
+the Senate and House of Representatives, of their memorable resolutions
+in favor of the Power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District of
+Columbia, and of the Right of petition.
+
+"5. _What do you estimate the number of those who co-operate in the
+matter at? What proportion do they bear in the population of the
+northern states, and what in the middle non-slaveholding states? Are
+they increasing, and at what rate_?"
+
+ANSWER.--Those who stand _ready to join_ our societies on the first
+suitable occasion, may be set down as equal in number to those who are
+now _actually members_. Those who are ready _fully to co-operate with
+us_ in supporting the freedom of speech and the press, the right of
+petition, &c, may be estimated at _double_, if not _treble_, the joint
+numbers of those who _already are members_, and those who are _ready to
+become members_. The Recording secretary of the MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY
+stated, a few weeks ago, that the abolitionists in the various minor
+societies in that state were one in thirty of the whole population. The
+proportion of abolitionists to the whole population is greater in
+Massachusetts than in any other of the free states, except
+VERMONT,--where the spirit of liberty has almost entirely escaped the
+corruptions which slavery has infused into it in most of her sister
+states, by means of commercial and other intercourse with them.
+
+In MAINE, not much of systematic effort has, as yet, been put forth to
+enlighten her population as to our principles and proceedings. I
+attended the anniversary of the State Society on the 31st of January, at
+Augusta, the seat of government. The Ministers of the large religious
+denominations were beginning, as I was told, to unite with us--and
+Politicians, to descry the ultimate prevalence of our principles. The
+impression I received was, that much could, and that much would,
+speedily be done.
+
+In NEW HAMPSHIRE, more labor has been expended, and a greater effect
+produced. Public functionaries, who have been pleased to speak in
+contemptuous terms of the progress of abolitionism, both in Maine and
+New Hampshire, will, it is thought, soon be made to see, through a
+medium not at all deceptive, the grossness of their error.
+
+In RHODE ISLAND, our principles are fast pervading the great body of the
+people. This, it is thought, is the only one of the free states, in
+which the subject of abolition has been fully introduced, which has not
+been disgraced by a mob, triumphant, for the time being, over the right
+of the people to discuss any, and every, matter in which they feel
+interested. A short time previous to the last election of members of
+Congress, questions, embodying our views as to certain political
+measures were propounded to the several candidates. Respectful answers
+and, in the main, conformable with our views, were returned. I shall
+transmit you a newspaper containing both the questions and the
+answers.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Since the above was written, at the last election in this
+state for governor and lieutenant governor, the abolitionists
+_interrogated_ the gentlemen who stood candidates for these offices. Two
+of them answered respectfully, and conformably to the views of the
+abolitionists. Their opponents neglected to answer at all. The first
+were elected.--See Appendix, B.]
+
+In CONNECTICUT, there has not been, as yet, a great expenditure of
+abolition effort. Although the moral tone of this state, so far as
+slavery is concerned, has been a good deal weakened by the influence of
+her multiform connexions with the south, yet the energies that have been
+put forth to reanimate her ancient and lofty feelings, so far from
+proving fruitless, have been followed by the most encouraging results.
+Evidence of this is found in the faithful administration of the laws by
+judges and juries. In May last, a slave, who had been brought from
+Georgia to Hartford, successfully asserted her freedom under the laws of
+Connecticut. The cause was elaborately argued before the Supreme court.
+The most eminent counsel were employed on both sides. And it is but a
+few days, since two anti-abolition rioters (the only ones on trial) were
+convicted before the Superior court in New Haven, and sentenced to pay a
+fine of twenty dollars each, and to be imprisoned six months, the
+longest term authorized by the law. A convention, for the organization
+of a State Society, was held in the city of Hartford on the last day of
+February. It was continued three days. The _call_ for it (which I send
+you) was signed by nearly EIGHTEEN HUNDRED of the citizens of that
+state. SEVENTEEN HUNDRED, as I was informed, are legal voters. The
+proceedings of the convention were of the most harmonious and animating
+character.[B]
+
+[Footnote B: See Appendix, C.]
+
+In NEW YORK, our cause is evidently advancing. The state is rapidly
+coming up to the high ground of principle, so far as universal liberty
+is concerned, on which the abolitionists would place her. Several large
+Anti-Slavery conventions have lately been held in the western counties.
+Their reports are of the most encouraging character. Nor is the change
+more remarkable in the state than in this city. Less than five years
+ago, a few of the citizens advertised a meeting, to be held in Clinton
+Hall, to form a City Anti-Slavery Society. A mob prevented their
+assembling at the place appointed. They repaired, privately, to one of
+the churches. To this they were pursued by the mob, and routed from it,
+though not before they had completed, in a hasty manner, the form of
+organization. In the summer of 1834, some of the leading political and
+commercial journals of the city were enabled to stir up the mob against
+the persons and property of the abolitionists, and several of the most
+prominent were compelled to leave the city for safety; their houses were
+attacked, broken into, and, in one instance, the furniture publicly
+burnt in the street. _Now_, things are much changed. Many of the
+merchants and mechanics are favorable to our cause; gentlemen of the
+bar, especially the younger and more growing ones, are directing their
+attention to it; twenty-one of our city ministers are professed
+abolitionists; the churches are beginning to be more accessible to us;
+our meetings are held in them openly, attract large numbers, are
+unmolested; and the abolitionists sometimes hear themselves commended in
+other assemblies, not only for their honest _intentions_, but for their
+_respectability_ and _intelligence_.
+
+NEW JERSEY has, as yet, no State Society, and the number of avowed
+abolitionists is small. In some of the most populous and influential
+parts of the state, great solicitude exists on the subject; and the call
+for lecturers is beginning to be earnest, if not importunate.
+
+PENNSYLVANIA has advanced to our principles just in proportion to the
+labor that has been bestowed, by means of lectures and publications in
+enlightening her population as to our objects, and the evils and dangers
+impending over the whole country, from southern slavery. The act of her
+late Convention, in depriving a large number of their own constituents
+(the colored people) of the elective franchise, heretofore possessed by
+them without any allegation of its abuse on their part, would seem to
+prove an unpropitious state of public sentiment. We would neither deny,
+nor elude, the force of such evidence. But when this measure of the
+convention is brought out and unfolded in its true light--shown to be a
+party measure to bring succor from the south--a mere following in the
+wake of North Carolina and Tennessee, who led the way, in their _new_
+constitutions, to this violation of the rights of their colored
+citizens, that they might the more firmly compact the wrongs of the
+enslaved--a pernicious, a profitless violation of great principles--a
+vulgar defiance of the advancing spirit of humanity and justice--a
+relapse into the by-gone darkness of a barbarous age--we apprehend from
+it no serious detriment to our cause.
+
+OHIO has been well advanced. In a short time, she will be found among
+the most prominent of the states on the right side in the contest now
+going on between the spirit of liberty embodied in the free institutions
+of the north, and the spirit of slavery pervading the south. Her
+Constitution publishes the most honorable reprobation of slavery of any
+other in the Union. In providing for its own revision or amendment, it
+declares, that _no alteration of it shall ever take place, so as to
+introduce slavery or involuntary servitude into the state_. Her Supreme
+court is intelligent and firm. It has lately decided, virtually, against
+the constitutionality of an act of the Legislature, made, in effect, to
+favor southern slavery by the persecution of the colored people within
+her bounds. She has, already, abolitionists enough to turn the scale in
+her elections, and an abundance of excellent material for augmenting
+the number.
+
+In INDIANA but little has been done, except by the diffusion of our
+publications. But even with these appliances, several auxiliary
+societies have been organized.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: The first Legislative movement against the annexation of
+Texas to the Union, was made, it is believed, in Indiana. So early as
+December, 1836, a joint resolution passed its second reading in one or
+both branches of the Legislature. How it was ultimately disposed of, is
+not known.]
+
+In MICHIGAN, the leaven of abolitionists pervades the whole population.
+The cause is well sustained by a high order of talent; and we trust soon
+to see the influence of it in all her public acts.
+
+In ILLINOIS, the murder of Mr. Lovejoy has multiplied and confirmed
+abolitionists, and led to the formation of many societies, which, in all
+probability, would not have been formed so soon, had not that event
+taken place.
+
+I am not possessed of sufficient data for stating, with precision, what
+proportion the abolitionists bear in the population of the Northern and
+Middle non-slaveholding states respectively. Within the last ten months,
+I have travelled extensively in both these geographical divisions. I
+have had whatever advantage this, assisted by a strong interest in the
+general cause, and abundant conversations with the best informed
+abolitionists, could give, for making a fair estimate of their numbers.
+In the Northern states I should say, _they are one in ten_--in New York,
+New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, _one in twenty_--of the whole adult
+population. That the abolitionists have multiplied, and that they are
+still multiplying rapidly, no one acquainted with the smallness of their
+numbers at their first organization a few years ago, and who has kept
+his eyes about him since, need ask. That they have not, thus far, been
+more successful, is owing to the vastness of the undertaking, and the
+difficulties with which they have had to contend, from comparatively
+limited means, for presenting their measures and objects, with the
+proper developments and explanations, to the great mass of the popular
+mind. The progress of their principles, under the same amount of
+intelligence in presenting them, and where no peculiar causes of
+prejudice exist in the minds of the hearers, is generally proportioned
+to the degree of religious and intellectual worth prevailing in the
+different sections of the country where the subject is introduced. I
+know no instance, in which any one notoriously profane or intemperate,
+or licentious, or of openly irreligious _practice_, has professed,
+cordially to have received our principles.
+
+"6. _What is the object your associations aim at? Does it extend to
+abolition of slavery only in the District of Columbia, or in the whole
+slave country_?"
+
+ANSWER.--This question is fully answered in the second Article of the
+Constitution of the American Anti-Slavery Society, which is in
+these words:--
+
+"The object of this society is the entire abolition of slavery in the
+United States. While it admits that each state, in which slavery exists,
+has, by the Constitution of the United States, the exclusive right to
+_legislate_ in regard to its abolition in said state, it shall aim to
+convince all our fellow-citizens, by arguments addressed to their
+understandings and consciences, that slaveholding is a heinous crime in
+the sight of God, and that the duty, safety, and best interests of all
+concerned require its immediate abandonment, without expatriation. The
+society will also endeavor, in a constitutional way, to influence
+Congress to put an end to the domestic slave-trade, and to abolish
+slavery in all those portions of our common country which come under its
+control, especially in the District of Columbia; and likewise to prevent
+the extension of it to any state that may hereafter be admitted to
+the Union."
+
+Other objects, accompanied by a pledge of peace, are stated in the third
+article of the Constitution,--
+
+"This Society shall aim to elevate the character and condition of the
+people of color, by encouraging their intellectual, moral, and religious
+improvement, and by removing public prejudice,--that thus they may,
+according to their intellectual and moral worth, share an equality with
+the whites of civil and religious privileges; but this Society will
+never in any way, countenance the oppressed in vindicating their rights
+by resorting to physical force."
+
+"7. _By what means and by what power do you propose to carry your views
+into effect_?"
+
+ANSWER.--Our "means" are the Truth,--the "Power" under whose guidance we
+propose to carry our views into effect, is, the Almighty. Confiding in
+these means, when directed by the spirit and wisdom of Him, who has so
+made them as to act on the hearts of men, and so constituted the hearts
+of then as to be affected by them, we expect, 1. To bring the CHURCH of
+this country to repentance for the sin of OPPRESSION. Not only the
+Southern portion of it that has been the oppressor--but the Northern,
+that has stood by, consenting, for half a century, to the wrong. 2. To
+bring our countrymen to see, that for a nation to persist in injustice
+is, but to rush on its own ruin; that to do justice is the highest
+expediency--to love mercy its noblest ornament. In other countries,
+slavery has sometimes yielded to fortuitous circumstances, or been
+extinguished by physical force. _We_ strive to win for truth the victory
+over error, and on the broken fragments of slavery to rear for her a
+temple, that shall reach to the heavens, and toward which all nations
+shall worship. It has been said, that the slaveholders of the South will
+not yield, nor hearken to the influence of the truth on this subject. We
+believe it not--nor give we entertainment to the slander that such an
+unworthy defence of them implies. We believe them _men_,--that they have
+understandings that arguments will convince--consciences to which the
+appeals of justice and mercy will not be made in vain. If our principles
+be true--our arguments right--if slaveholders be men--and God have not
+delivered over our guilty country to the retributions of the oppressor,
+not only of the STRANGER but of the NATIVE--our success is certain.
+
+"8. _What has been for three years past, the annual income of your
+societies? And how has it been raised?_"
+
+ANSWER.--The annual income of the societies at large, it would be
+impossible to ascertain. The total receipts of this society, for the
+year ending 9th of May, 1835--leaving out odd numbers--was $10,000; for
+the year ending 9th of May, 1837, $25,000; and for the year ending 11th
+of May, 1836, $38,000. From the last date, up to this--not quite ten
+months--there has been paid into the treasury the sum of $36,000.[A]
+These sums are independent of what is raised by state and auxiliary
+societies, for expenditure within their own particular bounds, and for
+their own particular exigencies. Also, of the sums paid in subscriptions
+for the support of newspapers, and for the printing (by auxiliaries,) of
+periodicals, pamphlets, and essays, either for sale at low prices, or
+for gratuitous distribution. The moneys contributed in these various
+modes would make an aggregate greater, perhaps, than is paid into the
+treasury of any one of the Benevolent societies of the country. Most of
+the wealthy contributors of former years suffered so severely in the
+money-pressure of this, that they have been unable to contribute much to
+our funds. This has made it necessary to call for aid on the great body
+of abolitionists--persons, generally, in moderate circumstances. They
+have well responded to the call, considering the hardness of the times.
+To show you the extremes that meet at our treasury,--General Sewall, of
+Maine, a revolutionary officer, eighty-five years old--William
+Philbrick, a little boy near Boston, not four years old--and a colored
+woman, who makes her subsistence by selling apples in the streets in
+this city, lately sent in their respective sums to assist in promoting
+the emancipation of the "poor slave."
+
+[Footnote A: The report for May states the sum received during the
+previous year at $44,000.]
+
+All contributions of whatever kind are _voluntary_.
+
+"9. _In what way, and to what purposes do you apply these funds!_"
+
+ANSWER.--They are used in sustaining the society's office in this
+city--in paying lecturers and agents of various kinds--in upholding the
+press--in printing books, pamphlets, tracts, &c, containing expositions
+of our principles--accounts of our progress--refutations of
+objections--and disquisitions on points, scriptural, constitutional,
+political, legal, economical, as they chance to arise and become
+important. In this office three secretaries are employed in different
+departments of duty; one editor; one publishing agent, with an
+assistant, and two or three young men and boys, for folding, directing,
+and despatching papers, executing errands, &c. The business of the
+society has increased so much of late, as to make it necessary, in order
+to ensure the proper despatch of it, to employ additional clerks for the
+particular exigency. Last year, the society had in its service about
+sixty "permanent agents." This year, the number is considerably
+diminished. The deficiency has been more than made up by creating a
+large number of "Local" agents--so called, from the fact, that being
+generally Professional men, lawyers or physicians in good practice, or
+Ministers with congregations, they are confined, for the most part, to
+their respective neighborhoods. Some of the best minds in our country
+are thus engaged. Their labors have not only been eminently successful,
+but have been rendered at but small charge to the society; they
+receiving only their travelling expenses, whilst employed in lecturing
+and forming societies. In the case of a minister, there is the
+additional expense of supplying his pulpit while absent on the business
+of his agency, However, in many instances, these agents, being in easy
+circumstances, make no charge, even for their expenses.
+
+In making appointments, the executive committee have no regard to party
+discrimination. This will be fully understood, when it is stated, that
+on a late occasion, two of our local agents were the candidates of their
+respective political parties for the office of Secretary of State for
+the state of Vermont.
+
+It ought to be stated here, that two of the most effective advocates of
+the anti-slavery cause are females--the Misses Grimké--natives of South
+Carolina--brought up in the midst of the usages of slavery--most
+intelligently acquainted with the merits of the system, and qualified,
+in an eminent degree, to communicate their views to others in public
+addresses. They are not only the advocates of the slave at their own
+charge, but they actually contribute to the funds of the societies. So
+successfully have they recommended the cause of emancipation to the
+crowds that attended their lectures during the last year, that they were
+permitted on three several occasions publicly to address the joint
+committee (on slavery) of the Massachusetts Legislature, now in session,
+on the interesting matters that occupy their attention.
+
+"10. _How many printing presses and periodical publications have you?_"
+
+ANSWER.--We own no press. Our publications are all printed by contract.
+The EMANCIPATOR and HUMAN RIGHTS are the organs of the Executive
+Committee. The first (which you have seen,) is a large sheet, is
+published weekly, and employs almost exclusively the time of the
+gentleman who edits it. Human Rights is a monthly sheet of smaller size,
+and is edited by one of the secretaries. The increasing interest that is
+fast manifesting itself in the cause of emancipation and its kindred
+subjects will, in all probability, before long, call for the more
+frequent publication of one or both of these papers.--The ANTI-SLAVERY
+MAGAZINE, a quarterly, was commenced in October, 1835, and continued
+through two years. It has been intermitted, only to make the necessary
+arrangements for issuing it on a more extended scale.--It is proposed to
+give it size enough to admit the amplest discussions that we or our
+opponents may desire, and to give _them_ a full share of its room--in
+fine, to make it, in form and merit, what the importance of the subject
+calls for. I send you a copy of the Prospectus for the new series.--The
+ANTI-SLAVERY RECORD, published for three years as a monthly, has been
+discontinued _as such_, and it will be issued hereafter, only as
+occasion may require:--THE SLAVE'S FRIEND, a small monthly tract, of
+neat appearance, intended principally for children and young persons,
+has been issued for several years. It is replete with facts relating to
+slavery, and with accounts of the hair-breadth escapes of slaves from
+their masters and pursuers that rarely fail to impart the most thrilling
+interest to its little readers.--Besides these, there is the
+ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER, in which are published, as the times call for
+them, our larger essays partaking of a controversial character, such as
+Smith's reply to the Rev. Mr. Smylie--Grimké's letter and "Wythe." By
+turning to page 32 of our Fourth Report (included in your order for
+books, &c,) you will find, that in the year ending 11th May, the issues
+from the press were--bound volumes, 7,877--Tracts and Pamphlets,
+47,250--Circulars, &c, 4,100--Prints, 10,490--Anti-Slavery Magazine,
+9000--Slave's Friend, 131,050--Human Rights, 189,400--Emancipator,
+217,000. These are the issues of the American Anti-Slavery Society, from
+their office in this city. Other publications of similar character are
+issued by State Societies or individuals--the LIBERATOR, in Boston;
+HERALD OF FREEDOM, in Concord, N.H.; ZION'S WATCHMAN and the COLORED
+AMERICAN in this city. The latter is conducted in the editorial, and
+other departments, by colored citizens. You can judge of its character,
+by a few numbers that I send to you. Then, there is the FRIEND of MAN,
+in Utica, in this state. The NATIONAL ENQUIRER, in Philadelphia;[A] the
+CHRISTIAN WITNESS, in Pittsburgh; the PHILANTHROPIST, in
+Cincinnati.--All these are sustained by the friends, and devoted almost
+exclusively to the cause, of emancipation. Many of the Religious
+journals that do not make emancipation their main object have adopted
+the sentiments of abolitionists, and aid in promoting them. The Alton
+Observer, edited by the late Mr. Lovejoy, was one of these.
+
+[Footnote A: The NATIONAL ENQUIRER, edited by Benjamin Lundy, has been
+converted into the PENNSYLVANIA FREEMAN, edited by John G. Whittier. Mr.
+Lundy proposes to issue the GENIUS OF UNIVERSAL EMANCIPATION, in
+Illinois.]
+
+From the data I have, I set down the newspapers, as classed above, at
+upwards of one hundred. Here it may also be stated, that the presses
+which print the abolition journals above named, throw off besides, a
+great variety of other anti-slavery matter, in the form of books,
+pamphlets, single sheets, &c, &c, and that, at many of the principal
+commercial points throughout the free states, DEPOSITORIES are
+established, at which our publications of every sort are kept for sale.
+A large and fast increasing number of the Political journals of the
+country have become, within the last two years, if not the avowed
+supporters of our cause, well inclined to it. Formerly, it was a common
+thing for most of the leading _party_-papers, especially in the large
+cities, to speak of the abolitionists in terms signally disrespectful
+and offensive. Except in rare instances, and these, it is thought, only
+where they are largely subsidized by southern patronage, it is not so
+now. The desertions that are taking place from their ranks will, in a
+short time, render their position undesirable for any, who aspire to
+gain, or influence, or reputation in the North.
+
+"11. _To what class of persons do you address your publications--and are
+they addressed to the judgment, the imagination, or the feelings_?"
+
+ANSWER.--They are intended for the great mass of intelligent mind, both
+in the free and in the slave states. They partake, of course, of the
+intellectual peculiarities of the different authors. Jay's "INQUIRY" and
+Mrs. Child's "APPEAL" abound in facts--are dispassionate, ingenious,
+argumentative. The "BIBLE AGAINST SLAVERY," by the most careful and
+laborious research, has struck from slavery the prop, which careless
+Annotators, (writing, unconscious of the influence, the prevailing
+system of slavery throughout the Christian world exercised on their own
+minds,) have admitted was furnished for it in the Scriptures. "Wythe" by
+a pains-taking and lucid adjustment of facts in the history of the
+Government, both before and after the adoption of the Constitution, and
+with a rigor of logic, that cannot, it is thought, be successfully
+encountered, has put to flight forever with unbiased minds, every doubt
+as to the "Power of Congress over the District of Columbia."
+
+There are among the abolitionists, Poets, and by the acknowledgment of
+their opponents, poets of no mean name too--who, as the use of poets is,
+do address themselves often--as John G. Whittier does _always_
+--powerfully to the imagination and feelings of their readers.
+
+Our publications cannot be classed according to any particular style or
+quality of composition. They may characterized generally, as well suited
+to affect the public mind--to rouse into healthful activity the
+conscience of this nation, stupified, torpid, almost dead, in relation
+to HUMAN RIGHTS, the high theme of which they treat!
+
+It has often been alleged, that our writings appeal to the worst
+passions of the slaves, and that they are placed in their hands with a
+view to stir them to revolt. Neither charge has any foundation in truth
+to rest upon. The first finds no support in the tenor of the writings
+themselves; the last ought forever to be abandoned, in the absence of
+any single well authenticated instance of their having been conveyed by
+abolitionists to slaves, or of their having been even found in their
+possession. To instigate the slaves to revolt, as the means of obtaining
+their liberty, would prove a lack of wisdom and honesty that none would
+impute to abolitionists, except such as are unacquainted with their
+character. Revolt would be followed by the sure destruction, not only of
+all the slaves who might be concerned in it, but of multitudes of the
+innocent. Moreover, the abolitionists, as a class, are religious--they
+favor peace, and stand pledged in their constitution, before the country
+and heaven, to abide in peace, so far as a forcible vindication of the
+right of the slaves to their freedom is concerned. Further still, no
+small number of them deny the right of defence, either to individuals or
+nations, even when forcibly and wrongfully attacked. This disagreement
+among ourselves on this single point--of which our adversaries are by no
+means ignorant, as they often throw it reproachfully in our teeth--would
+forever prevent concert in any scheme that looked to instigating servile
+revolt. If there be, in all our ranks, one, who--personal danger out of
+the question--would excite the slaves to insurrection and massacre, or
+who would not be swift to repeat the earliest attempt to concoct such an
+iniquity--I say, on my obligations as a man, he is unknown to me.
+
+Yet it ought not to be matter of surprise to abolitionists, that the
+South should consider them "fanatics," "incendiaries," "cut-throats,"
+and call them so too. The South has had their character reported to them
+by the North, by those who are their neighbors, who, it was supposed,
+knew, and would speak the truth, and the truth only, concerning them. It
+would, I apprehend, be unavailing for abolitionists now to enter on any
+formal vindication of their character from charges that can be so easily
+repeated after every refutation. False and fraudulent as they knew them
+to be, they must be content to live under them till the consummation of
+the work of Freedom shall prove to the master that they have been _his_
+friends, as well as the friends of the slave. The mischief of these
+charges has fallen on the South--the malice is to be placed to the
+credit of the North.
+
+"12. _Do you propagate your doctrines by any other means than oral and
+written discussions--for instance, by prints and pictures in
+manufactures--say of pocket-handkerchiefs, calicoes, &c? Pray, state the
+various modes?_"
+
+ANSWER.--Two or three years ago, an abolitionist of this city procured
+to be manufactured, at his own charge, a small lot of children's
+pocket-handkerchiefs, impressed with anti-slavery pictures and mottoes.
+I have no recollection of having seen any of them but once. None such, I
+believe, are now to be found, or I would send you a sample. If any
+manufactures of the kinds mentioned, or others similar to theta, are in
+existence, they have been produced independently of the agency of this
+society. It is thought that none such exist, unless the following should
+be supposed to fall within the terms of the inquiry. Female
+abolitionists often unite in sewing societies. They meet together,
+usually once a week or fortnight, and labor through the afternoon, with
+their own hands, to furnish means for advancing the cause of the slave.
+One of the company reads passages from the Bible, or some religious
+book, whilst the others are engaged at their work. The articles they
+prepare, especially if they be of the "fancy" kind, are often ornamented
+with handsomely executed emblems, underwritten with appropriate mottoes.
+The picture of a slave kneeling (such as you will see impressed on one
+of the sheets of this letter) and supplicating in the words, "AM I NOT A
+MAN AND A BROTHER," is an example. The mottoes or sentences are,
+however, most generally selected from the Scriptures; either appealing
+to human sympathy in behalf of human suffering, or breathing forth God's
+tender compassion for the oppressed, or proclaiming, in thunder tones,
+his avenging justice on the oppressor. A few quotations will show their
+general character:--
+
+"Blessed is he that considereth the poor."
+
+"Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy.
+Deliver the poor and the needy; rid him out of the hand of the wicked."
+
+"Open thy mouth for the dumb, plead the cause of the poor and needy."
+
+"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
+
+"First, be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
+
+"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
+
+"All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so
+to them."
+
+Again:--
+
+"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him
+that hath no helper."
+
+"The Lord looseth the prisoners; the Lord raiseth them that are bowed
+down; the Lord preserveth the strangers."
+
+"He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to
+the captives, to set at liberty them that are bruised."'
+
+"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will
+I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that
+puffeth at him."
+
+Again:--
+
+"The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are
+oppressed."
+
+"Rob not the poor because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in
+the gate; for the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of
+those that spoiled them."
+
+"And I will come near to you to judgment, and I will be a swift witness
+against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow and the
+fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear
+not me, saith the Lord of hosts."
+
+"Wo unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his
+chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and
+giveth him not for his work."
+
+Fairs, for the sale of articles fabricated by the hands of female
+abolitionists, and recommended by such pictures and sentences as those
+quoted above, are held in many of our cities and large towns. Crowds
+frequent them to purchase; hundreds of dollars are thus realized, to be
+appropriated to the anti-slavery cause; and, from the cheap rate at
+which the articles are sold, vast numbers of them are scattered far and
+wide over the country. Besides these, if we except various drawings or
+pictures on _paper_, (samples of which were put up in the packages you
+ordered a few days ago,) such as the Slave-market in the District of
+Columbia, with Members of congress attending it--views of slavery in the
+South--a Lynch court in the slave-states--the scourging of Mr. Dresser
+by a vigilance committee in the public square of Nashville--the
+plundering of the post-office in Charleston, S.C., and the conflagration
+of part of its contents, &c, &c, I am apprised of no other means of
+propagating our doctrines than by oral and written discussions.
+
+"13. _Are your hopes and expectations of success increased or lessened
+by the events of the last year, and especially by the action of this
+Congress? And will your exertions be relaxed or increased?_"
+
+ANSWER.--The events of the last year, including the action of the
+present Congress, are of the same character with the events of the
+eighteen months which immediately preceded it. In the question before
+us, they may be regarded as one series. I would say, answering your
+interrogatory generally, that none of them, however unpropitious to the
+cause of the abolitionists they may appear, to those who look at the
+subject from an opposite point to the one _they_ occupy, seem, thus far,
+in any degree to have lessened their hopes and expectations. The events
+alluded to have not come altogether unexpected. They are regarded as the
+legitimate manifestations of slavery--necessary, perhaps, in the present
+dull and unapprehensive state of the public mind as to human rights, to
+be brought out and spread before the people, before they will
+sufficiently revolt against slavery itself.
+
+1. They are seen in the CHURCH, and in the practice of its individual
+members. The southern portion of the American church may now be regarded
+as having admitted the dogma, that _slavery is a Divine institution_.
+She has been forced by the anti-slavery discussion into this
+position--either to cease from slaveholding, or formally to adopt the
+only alternative, that slaveholding is right. She has chosen the
+alternative--reluctantly, to be sure, but substantially, and, within the
+last year, almost unequivocally. In defending what was dear to her, she
+has been forced to cast away her garments, and thus to reveal a
+deformity, of which she herself, before, was scarcely aware, and the
+existence of which others did not credit. So much for the action of the
+southern church as a body.--On the part of her MEMBERS, the revelation
+of a time-serving spirit, that not only yielded to the ferocity of the
+multitude, but fell in with it, may be reckoned among the events of the
+last three years. Instances of this may be found in the attendance of
+the "clergy of all denominations," at a tumultuous meeting of the
+citizens of Charleston, S.C., held in August, 1835, for the purpose of
+reducing to _system_ their unlawful surveillance and control of the
+post-office and mail; and in the alacrity with which they obeyed the
+popular call to dissolve the Sunday-schools for the instruction of the
+colored people. Also in the fact, that, throughout the whole South,
+church members are not only found on the Vigilance Committees,
+(tribunals organized in opposition to the laws of the states where they
+exist,) but uniting with the merciless and the profligate in passing
+sentence consigning to infamous and excruciating, if not extreme
+punishment, persons, by their own acknowledgment, innocent of any
+unlawful act. Out of sixty persons that composed the vigilance committee
+which condemned Mr. Dresser to be scourged in the public square of
+Nashville, TWENTY-SEVEN were members of churches, and one of them a
+professed Teachers of Christianity. A member of the committee stated
+afterward, in a newspaper of which he was the editor, that Mr. D. _had
+not laid himself liable to any punishment known to the laws_. Another
+instance is to be found in the conduct of the Rev. Wm. S. Plumer, of
+Virginia. Having been absent from Richmond, when the ministers of the
+gospel assembled together formally to testify their abhorrence of the
+abolitionists, he addressed the chairman of the committee of
+correspondence a note, in which he uses this language:--"If
+abolitionists will set the country in a blaze, it is but fair that they
+should have the first warming at the fire."--"Let them understand, that
+they will be caught, if they come among us, and they will take good heed
+to keep out of our way." Mr. P. has no doubtful standing in the
+Presbyterian church with which he is connected. He has been regarded as
+one of its brightest ornaments.[A] To drive the slaveholding church and
+its members from the equivocal, the neutral position, from which they
+had so long successfully defended slavery--to compel them to elevate
+their practice to an even height with their avowed principles, or to
+degrade their principles to the level of their known practice, was a
+preliminary, necessary in the view of abolitionists, either for bringing
+that part of the church into the common action against slavery, or as a
+ground for treating it as confederate with oppressors. So far, then, as
+the action of the church, or of its individual members, is to be
+reckoned among the events of the last two or three years, the
+abolitionists find in it nothing to lessen their hopes or expectations.
+
+[Footnote A: In the division of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
+church, that has just taken place, Mr. Plumer has been elected Moderator
+of the "Old School" portion.]
+
+2. The abolitionists believed, from the beginning, that the slaves of
+the South were (as slaves are everywhere) unhappy, _because of their
+condition_. Their adversaries denied it, averring that, as a class, they
+were "contented and happy." The abolitionists thought that the argument
+against slavery could be made good, so far as this point was concerned,
+by either _admitting_ or _denying_ the assertion.
+
+_Admitting_ it, they insisted, that, nothing could demonstrate the
+turpitude of any system more surely than the fact, that MAN--made in the
+image of God--but a little lower than the angels--crowned with glory and
+honor, and set over the works of God's hands--his mind sweeping in an
+instant from planet to planet, from the sun of one system to the sun of
+another, even to the great centre sun of them all--contemplating the
+machinery of the universe "wheeling unshaken" in the awful and
+mysterious grandeur of its movements "through the void immense"--with a
+spirit delighting in upward aspiration--bounding from earth to
+heaven--that seats itself fast by the throne of God, to drink in the
+instructions of Infinite Wisdom, or flies to execute the commands of
+Infinite Goodness;--that such a being could be made "contented and
+happy" with "enough to eat, and drink, and wear," and shelter from the
+weather--with the base provision that satisfies the brutes, is (say the
+abolitionists) enough to render superfluous all other arguments for the
+_instant_ abandonment of a system whose appropriate work is such
+infinite wrong.
+
+_Denying_ that "the slaves are contented and happy," the abolitionists
+have argued, that, from the structure of his moral nature--the laws of
+his mind--man cannot be happy in the fact, that he is _enslaved_. True,
+he may be happy in slavery, but it is not slavery that makes him so--it
+is virtue and faith, elevating him above the afflictions of his lot. The
+slave has a will, leading him to seek those things which the Author of
+his nature has made conducive to its happiness. In these things, the
+will of the master comes in collision with his will. The slave desires
+to receive the rewards of his own labor; the power of the master wrests
+them from him. The slave desires to possess his wife, to whom God has
+joined him, in affection, to have the superintendence, and enjoy the
+services, of the children whom God has confided to him as a parent to
+train them, by the habits of the filial relation, for the yet higher
+relation that they may sustain to him as their heavenly Father. But here
+he is met by the opposing will of the master, pressing _his_ claims with
+irresistible power. The ties that heaven has sanctioned and blessed--of
+husband and wife, of parent and child--are all sundered in a moment by
+the master, at the prompting of avarice or luxury or lust; and there is
+none that can stay his ruthless hand, or say unto him, "What doest
+thou?" The slave thirsts for the pleasures of refined and elevated
+intellect--the master denies to him the humblest literary acquisition.
+The slave pants to know something of that still higher nature that he
+feels burning within him--of his present state, his future destiny, of
+the Being who made him, to whose judgment-seat he is going. The master's
+interests cry, "No!" "Such knowledge is too wonderful for you; it is
+high, you cannot attain unto it." To predicate _happiness_ of a class of
+beings, placed in circumstances where their will is everlastingly
+defeated by an irresistible power--the abolitionists say, is to prove
+them destitute of the sympathies of _our_ nature--not _human_. It is to
+declare with the Atheist, that man is independent of the goodness of his
+Creator for his enjoyments--that human happiness calls not for any of
+the appliances of his bounty--that God's throne is a nullity, himself a
+superfluity.
+
+But, independently of any abstract reasoning drawn from the nature of
+moral and intelligent beings, FACTS have been elicited in the discussion
+of the point before us, proving slavery everywhere (especially Southern
+slavery, maintained by enlightened Protestants of the nineteenth
+century) replete with torments and horrors--the direst form of
+oppression that upheaves itself before the sun. These facts have been so
+successfully impressed on a large portion of the intelligent mind of the
+country, that the slaves of the South are beginning to be considered as
+those whom God emphatically regards as the "poor," the "needy," the
+"afflicted," the "oppressed," the "bowed down;" and for whose
+consolation he has said, "Now will I arise--I will set him in safety
+from him that puffeth at him."
+
+This state of the public mind has been brought about within the last two
+or three years; and it is an event which, so far from lessening, greatly
+animates, the hopes and expectations of abolitionists.
+
+3. The abolitionists believed from the first, that the tendency of
+slavery is to produce, on the part of the whites, looseness of morals,
+disdain of the wholesome restraints of law, and a ferocity of temper,
+found, only in solitary instances, in those countries where slavery is
+unknown. They were not ignorant of the fact, that this was disputed; nor
+that the "CHIVALRY OF THE SOUTH" had become a cant phrase, including,
+all that is high-minded and honorable among men; nor, that it had been
+formally asserted in our National legislature, that slavery, as it
+exists in the South, "produces the highest toned, the purest, best
+organization of society that has ever existed on the face of the earth."
+Nor were the abolitionists unaware, that these pretensions, proving
+anything else but their own solidity, had been echoed and re-echoed so
+long by the unthinking and the interested of the North, that the
+character of the South had been injuriously affected by them--till she
+began boldly to attribute her _peculiar_ superiority to her _peculiar_
+institution, and thus to strengthen it. All this the abolitionists saw
+and knew. But few others saw and understood it as they did. The
+revelations of the last three years are fast dissipating the old notion,
+and bringing multitudes in the North to see the subject as the
+abolitionists see it. When "Southern Chivalry" and the _purity_ of
+southern society are spoken of now, it is at once replied, that a large
+number of the slaves show, by their _color_, their indisputable claim to
+white paternity; and that, notwithstanding their near consanguineous
+relation to the whites, they are still held and treated, in all
+respects, _as slaves_. Nor is it forgotten now, when the claims of the
+South to "hospitality" are pressed, to object, because they are grounded
+on the unpaid wages of the laborer--on the robbery of the poor. When
+"Southern generosity" is mentioned, the old adage, "be just before you
+are generous," furnishes the reply. It is no proof of generosity (say
+the objectors) to take the bread of the laborer, to lavish it in
+banquetings on the rich. When "Southern Chivalry" is the theme of its
+admirers, the hard-handed, but intelligent, working man of the North
+asks, if the espionage of southern hotels, and of ships and steamboats
+on their arrival at southern ports; if the prowl, by day and by night,
+for the solitary stranger suspected of sympathizing with the enslaved,
+that he may be delivered over to the mercies of a vigilance committee,
+furnishes the proof of its existence; if the unlawful importation of
+slaves from Africa[A] furnishes the proof; if the abuse, the scourging,
+the hanging on suspicion, without law, of friendless strangers, furnish
+the proof; if the summary execution of slaves and of colored freemen,
+almost by the score, without legal trial, furnishes the proof; if the
+cruelties and tortures to which _citizens_ have been exposed, and the
+burning to death of slaves by slow fires,[B] furnish the proof. All
+these things, says he, furnish any thing but proof of _true_
+hospitality, or generosity, or gallantry, or purity, or chivalry.
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Mercer, of Virginia, some years ago, asserted in
+Congress, that "CARGOES" of African slaves were smuggled into the
+southern states to a deplorable extent. Mr. Middleton, of South
+Carolina, declared it to be his belief, that THIRTEEN THOUSAND Africans
+were annually smuggled into the southern states. Mr. Wright, of
+Maryland, estimated the number at FIFTEEN THOUSAND. Miss Martineau was
+told in 1835, by a wealthy slaveholder of Louisiana, (who probably spoke
+of that state alone,) that the annual importation of native Africans was
+from THIRTEEN THOUSAND to FIFTEEN THOUSAND. The President of the United
+States, in his last Annual Message, speaking of the Navy, says, "The
+large force under Commodore Dallas [on the West India station] has been
+most actively and efficiently employed in protecting our commerce, IN
+PREVENTING THE IMPORTATION OF SLAVES, &c."]
+
+[Footnote B: Within the last few years, four slaves, and one citizen of
+color, have been put to death in this manner, in Alabama, Mississippi,
+Missouri, and Arkansas.]
+
+Certain it is, that the time when southern slavery derived countenance
+at the North, from its supposed connection with "chivalry," is rapidly
+passing away. "Southern Chivalry" will soon be regarded as one of the
+by-gone fooleries of a less intelligent and less virtuous age. It will
+soon be cast out--giving place to the more reasonable idea, that the
+denial of wages to the laborer, the selling of men and women, the
+whipping of husbands and wives in each others presence, to compel them
+to unrequited toil, the deliberate attempt to extinguish mind, and,
+consequently, to destroy the soul--is among the highest offences against
+God and man--unspeakably mean and ungentlemanly.
+
+The impression made on the minds of the people as to this matter, is one
+of the events of the last two or three years that does not contribute to
+lessen the hopes or expectations of abolitionists.
+
+4. The ascendency that Slavery has acquired, and exercises, in the
+administration of the government, and the apprehension now prevailing
+among the sober and intelligent, irrespective of party, that it will
+soon overmaster the Constitution itself, may be ranked among the events
+of the last two or three years that affect the course of abolitionists.
+The abolitionists regard the Constitution with unabated affection. They
+hold in no common veneration the memory of those who made it. They would
+be the last to brand Franklin and King and Morris and Wilson and Sherman
+and Hamilton with the ineffaceable infamy of attempting to ingraft on
+the Constitution, and therefore to _perpetuate_, a system of oppression
+in absolute antagonism to its high and professed objects, one which
+their own practice condemned,--and this, too, when they had scarcely
+wiped away the dust and sweat of the Revolution from their brows! Whilst
+abolitionists feel and speak thus of our Constitutional fathers, they do
+not justify the dereliction of principle into which they were betrayed,
+when they imparted to the work of their hands _any_ power to contribute
+to the continuance of such a system. They can only palliate it, by
+supposing, that they thought, slavery was already a waning institution,
+destined soon to pass away. In their time, (1787) slaves were
+comparatively of little value--there being then no great slave-labor
+staple (as cotton is now) to make them profitable to their holders.[A]
+Had the circumstances of the country remained as they then were,
+slave-labor, always and every where the most expensive--would have
+disappeared before the competition of free labour. They had seen, too,
+the principle of universal liberty, on which the Revolution was
+justified, recognised and embodied in most of the State Constitutions;
+they had seen slavery utterly forbidden in that of Vermont
+--instantaneously abolished in that of Massachusetts--and laws
+enacted in the New-England States and in Pennsylvania, for its gradual
+abolition. Well might they have anticipated, that Justice and Humanity,
+now starting forth with fresh vigor, would, in their march, sweep away
+the whole system; more especially, as freedom of speech and of the
+press--the legitimate abolisher not only of the acknowledged vice of
+slavery, but of every other that time should reveal in our institutions
+or practices--had been fully secured to the people. Again; power was
+conferred on Congress to put a stop to the African slave-trade, without
+which it was thought, at that time, to be impossible to maintain
+slavery, as a system, on this continent,--so great was the havoc it
+committed on human life. Authority was also granted to Congress to
+prevent the transfer of slaves, as articles of commerce, from one State
+to another; and the introduction of slavery into the territories. All
+this was crowned by the power of refusing admission into the Union, to
+any new state, whose form of government was repugnant to the principles
+of liberty set forth in that of the United States. The faithful
+execution, by Congress, of these powers, it was reasonably enough
+supposed, would, at least, prevent the growth of slavery, if it did not
+entirely remove it. Congress did, at the set time, execute _one_ of
+them--deemed, then, the most effectual of the whole; but, as it has
+turned out, the least so.
+
+[Footnote A: The cultivation of cotton was almost unknown in the United
+States before 1787. It was not till two years afterward that it began to
+be raised or exported. (See Report of the Secretary of the Treasury,
+Feb. 29, 1836.)--See Appendix, D.]
+
+The effect of the interdiction of the African slave-trade was, not to
+diminish the trade itself, or greatly to mitigate its horrors; it only
+changed its name from African to American--transferred the seat of
+commerce from Africa to America--its profits from African princes to
+American farmers. Indeed, it is almost certain, if the African
+slave-trade had been left unrestrained, that slavery would not have
+covered so large a portion of our country as it does now. The cheap rate
+at which slaves might have been imported by the planters of the south,
+would have prevented the rearing of them for sale, by the farmers of
+Maryland, Virginia, and the other slave-selling states. If these states
+could be restrained from the _commerce_ in slaves, slavery could not be
+supported by them for any length of time, or to any considerable extent.
+They could not maintain it, as an economical system, under the
+competition of free labor. It is owing to the _non-user_ by Congress, or
+rather to their unfaithful application of their power to the other
+points, on which it was expected to act for the limitation or
+extermination of slavery, that the hopes of our fathers have not been
+realized; and that slavery has, at length, become so audacious, as
+openly to challenge the principles of 1776--to trample on the most
+precious rights secured to the citizen--to menace the integrity of the
+Union and the very existence of the government itself.
+
+Slavery has advanced to its present position by steps that were, at
+first, gradual, and, for a long time, almost unnoticed; afterward, it
+made its way by intimidating or corrupting those who ought to have been
+forward to resist its pretensions. Up to the time of the "Missouri
+Compromise," by which the nation was wheedled out of its honor, slavery
+was looked on as an evil that was finally to yield to the expanding and
+ripening influences of our Constitutional principles and regulations.
+Why it has not yielded, we may easily see, by even a slight glance at
+some of the incidents in our history.
+
+It has already been said, that we have been brought into our present
+condition by the unfaithfulness of Congress, in not _exerting_ the power
+vested in it, to stop the domestic slave-trade, and in the _abuse_ of
+the power of admitting "_new_ states" into the Union. Kentucky made
+application in 1792, with a slave-holding Constitution in her
+hand.--With what a mere _technicality_ Congress suffered itself to be
+drugged into torpor:--_She was part of one of the "Original States"--and
+therefore entitled to all their privileges._
+
+One precedent established, it was easy to make another. Tennessee was
+admitted in 1796, without scruple, on the same ground.
+
+The next triumph of slavery was in 1803, in the purchase of Louisiana,
+acknowledged afterward, even by Mr. Jefferson who made it, to be
+unauthorized by the Constitution--and in the establishment of slavery
+throughout its vast limits, actually and substantially under the
+auspices of that instrument which declares its only objects to be--"to
+form a more perfect union, establish JUSTICE, insure DOMESTIC
+TRANQUILITY, provide for the common defence, promote the general
+welfare, and secure the blessings of LIBERTY to ourselves and our
+posterity."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: It may be replied, The colored people were held as
+_property_ by the laws of Louisiana previously to the cession, and that
+Congress had no right to divest the newly acquired citizens of their
+property. This statement is evasive. It does not include, nor touch the
+question, which is this:--Had Congress, or the treaty-making power, a
+right to recognise, and, by recognising, to establish, in a territory
+that had no claim of privilege, on the ground of being part of one of
+the "Original States," a condition of things that it could not establish
+_directly_, because there was no grant in the constitution of power,
+direct or incidental, to do so--and because, _to do so_, was in
+downright oppugnancy to the principles of the Constitution itself? The
+question may be easily answered by stating the following case:--Suppose
+a law had existed in Louisiana, previous to the cession, by which the
+children--male and female--of all such parents as were not owners of
+real estate of the yearly value of $500, had been--no matter how
+long--held in slavery by their more wealthy land-holding
+neighbors:--would Congress, under the Constitution, have a right (by
+recognising) to establish, for ever, such a relation as one white
+person, under such a law, might hold to another? Surely not. And yet no
+substantial difference between the two cases can be pointed out.]
+
+In this case, the violation of the Constitution was suffered to pass
+with but little opposition, except from Massachusetts, because we were
+content to receive in exchange, multiplied commercial benefits and
+enlarged territorial limits.
+
+The next stride that slavery made over the Constitution was in the
+admission of the State of Louisiana into the Union. _She_ could claim no
+favor as part of an "Original State." At this point, it might have been
+supposed, the friends of Freedom and of the Constitution according to
+its original intent, would have made a stand. But no: with the exception
+of Massachusetts, they hesitated and were persuaded to acquiesce,
+because the country was just about entering into a war with England, and
+the crisis was unpropitious for discussing questions that would create
+divisions between different sections of the Union. We must wait till the
+country was at peace. Thus it was that Louisiana was admitted without a
+controversy.
+
+Next followed, in 1817 and 1820, Mississippi and Alabama--admitted after
+the example of Kentucky and Tennessee, without any contest.
+
+Meantime, Florida had given some uneasiness to the slaveholders of the
+neighboring states; and for their accommodation chiefly, a negociation
+was set on foot by the government to purchase it.
+
+Missouri was next in order in 1821. She could plead no privilege, on the
+score of being part of one of the original states; the country too, was
+relieved from the pressure of her late conflict with England; it was
+prosperous and quiet; every thing seemed propitious to a calm and
+dispassionate consideration of the claims of slaveholders to add props
+to their system, by admitting indefinitely, new slave states to the
+Union. Up to this time, the "EVIL" of slavery had been almost
+universally acknowledged and deplored by the South, and its termination
+(apparently) sincerely hoped for.[A] By this management its friends
+succeeded in blinding the confiding people of the North. They thought
+for the most part, that the slaveholders were acting in good faith. It
+is not intended by this remark, to make the impression, that the South
+had all along pressed the admission of new slave states, simply with a
+view to the increase of its own relative power. By no means: slavery had
+insinuated itself into favor because of its being mixed up with (other)
+supposed benefits--and because its ultimate influence on the government
+was neither suspected nor dreaded. But, on the Missouri question, there
+was a fair trial of strength between the friends of Slavery and the
+friends of the Constitution. The former triumphed, and by the prime
+agency of one whose raiment, the remainder of his days, ought to be
+sackcloth and ashes,--because of the disgrace he has continued on the
+name of his country, and the consequent injury that he has inflicted on
+the cause of Freedom throughout the world. Although all the different
+Administrations, from the first organization of the government, had, in
+the indirect manner already mentioned, favored slavery,--there had not
+been on any previous occasion, a direct struggle between its pretensions
+and the principles of liberty ingrafted on the Constitution. The friends
+of the latter were induced to believe, whenever they should be arrayed
+against each other, that _theirs_ would be the triumph. Tremendous
+error! Mistake almost fatal! The battle was fought. Slavery emerged from
+it unhurt--her hands made gory--her bloody plume still floating in the
+air--exultingly brandishing her dripping sword over her prostrate and
+vanquished enemy. She had won all for which she fought. Her victory was
+complete--THE SANCTION OF THE NATION WAS GIVEN TO SLAVERY![B]
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Clay, in conducting the Missouri compromise, found it
+necessary to argue, that the admission of Missouri, as a slaveholding
+state, would aid in bringing about the termination of slavery. His
+argument is thus stated by Mr. Sergeant, who replied to him:--"In this
+long view of remote and distant consequences, the gentleman from
+Kentucky (Mr. Clay) thinks he sees how slavery, when thus spread, is at
+last to find its end. It is to be brought about by the combined
+operation of the laws which regulate the price of labor, and the laws
+which govern population. When the country shall be filled with
+inhabitants, and the price of labor shall have reached a minimum, (a
+comparative minimum I suppose is meant,) free labor will be found
+cheaper than slave labor. Slaves will then be without employment, and,
+of course, without the means of comfortable subsistence, which will
+reduce their numbers, and finally extirpate them. This is the argument
+as I understand it," says Mr. Sergeant; and, certainly, one more
+chimerical or more inhuman could not have been urged.]
+
+[Footnote B: See Appendix, E.]
+
+Immediately after this achievement, the slaveholding interest was still
+more strongly fortified by the acquisition of Florida, and the
+establishment of slavery there, as it had already been in the territory
+of Louisiana. The Missouri triumph, however, seems to have extinguished
+every thing like a systematic or spirited opposition, on the part of the
+free states, to the pretensions of the slaveholding South.
+
+Arkansas was admitted but the other day, with nothing that deserves to
+be called an effort to prevent it--although her Constitution attempts to
+_perpetuate_ slavery, by forbidding the master to emancipate his bondmen
+without the consent of the Legislature, and the Legislature without the
+consent of the master. Emboldened, but not satisfied, with their success
+in every political contest with the people of the free states, the
+slaveholders are beginning now to throw off their disguise--to brand
+their former notions about the "_evil_, political and moral" of slavery,
+as "folly and delusion,"[A]--and as if to "make assurance double sure,"
+and defend themselves forever, by territorial power, against the
+progress of Free principles and the renovation of the Constitution, they
+now demand openly--scorning to conceal that their object is, to _advance
+and establish their political power in the country_,--that Texas, a
+foreign state, five or six times as large as all New England, with a
+Constitution dyed as deep in slavery, as that of Arkansas, shall be
+added to the Union.
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Calhoun is reported, in the National Intelligencer, as
+having used these words in a speech delivered in the Senate, the 10th
+day of January:--
+
+"Many in the South once believed that it [slavery] was a moral and
+political evil; that folly and delusion are gone. We see it now in its
+true light, and regard it as the most safe and stable basis for free
+institutions in the world."
+
+Mr. Hammond, formerly a Representative in Congress from South Carolina,
+delivered a speech (Feb. 1, 1836) on the question of receiving petitions
+for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. In answering
+those who objected to a slaveholding country, that it was "assimilated
+to an aristocracy," he says--"In this they are right. I accept the
+terms. _It is a government of the best._ Combining all the advantages,
+and possessing but few of the disadvantages, of the aristocracy of the
+old world--without fostering, to an unwarrantable extent, the pride, the
+exclusiveness, the selfishness, the thirst for sway, the contempt for
+the rights of others, which distinguish the nobility of Europe--it gives
+us their education, their polish, their munificence, their high honor,
+their undaunted spirit. Slavery does indeed create an aristocracy--an
+aristocracy of talents, of virtue, of generosity, of courage. In a slave
+country, every freeman is an aristocrat. Be he rich or poor, if he does
+not possess a single slave, he has been born to all the natural
+advantages of the society in which he is placed; and all its honors lie
+open before him, inviting his genius and industry. Sir, I do firmly
+believe, that domestic slavery, regulated as ours is, produces the
+highest toned, the purest, best organization of society, that has ever
+existed on the face of the earth."
+
+That this _retraxit_ of former _follies and delusions_ is not confined
+to the mere politician, we have the following proofs:--
+
+The CHARLESTON (S.C.) UNION PRESBYTERY--"Resolved. That in the opinion
+of this Presbytery, the holding of slaves, so far from being a sin in
+the sight of God, is nowhere condemned in his holy word; that it is in
+accordance with the example, or consistent with the precepts, of
+patriarchs, prophets, and apostles; and that it is compatible with the
+most fraternal regard to the good of the servants whom God has committed
+to our charge."--Within the last few months, as we learn from a late No.
+of the Charleston Courier, the late Synod of the Presbyterian Church, in
+Augusta, (Ga.) passed resolutions declaring "That slavery is a CIVIL
+INSTITUTION, with which the General Assembly [the highest ecclesiastical
+tribunal] has NOTHING TO DO."
+
+Again:--The CHARLESTON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, in a memorial to the
+Legislature of South Carolina, say--"The undersigned would further
+represent, that the said Association does not consider that the Holy
+Scriptures have made the FACT of slavery a question of morals at all."
+And further,--"The right of masters to dispose of the time of their
+slaves, has been distinctly recognised by the Creator of all things."
+
+Again:--The EDGEFIELD (S.C.) ASSOCIATION--"Resolved, That the practical
+question of slavery, in a country where the system has obtained as a
+part of its stated policy, is settled in the Scriptures by Jesus Christ
+and his apostles." "Resolved, That these uniformly recognised the
+relation of master and slave, and enjoined on both their respective
+duties, under a system of servitude more degrading and absolute than
+that which obtains in our country."
+
+Again we find, in a late No. of the Charleston Courier, the following:--
+
+"THE SOUTHERN CHURCH.--The Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
+Church, at a recent meeting in Athens, passed resolutions, declaring
+that slavery, as it exists in the United States, is not a moral evil,
+and is a civil and domestic institution, with which Christian ministers
+have nothing to do, further than to meliorate the condition of the
+slave, by endeavoring to impart to him and his master the benign
+influence of the religion of Christ, and aiding both on their way
+to heaven."]
+
+The abolitionists feel a deep regard for the integrity and union of the
+government, _on the principles of the Constitution_. Therefore it is,
+that they look with earnest concern on the attempt now making by the
+South, to do, what, in the view of multitudes of our citizens, would
+amount to good cause for the separation of the free from the slave
+states. Their concern is not mingled with any feelings of despair. The
+alarm they sounded on the "annexation" question has penetrated the free
+states; it will, in all probability, be favorably responded to by every
+one of them; thus giving encouragement to our faith, that the admission
+of Texas will be successfully resisted,--that this additional stain will
+not be impressed on our national escutcheon, nor this additional peril
+brought upon the South.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: See Appendix, F.]
+
+This, the present condition of the country, induced by a long train of
+usurpations on the part of the South, and by unworthy concessions to it
+by the North, may justly be regarded as one of the events of the last
+few years affecting in some way, the measures of the abolitionists. It
+has certainly done so. And whilst it is not to be denied, that many
+abolitionists feel painful apprehensions for the result, it has only
+roused them up to make more strenuous efforts for the preservation of
+the country.
+
+It may be replied--if the abolitionists are such firm friends of the
+Union, why do they persist in what must end in its rupture and
+dissolution? The abolitionists, let it be repeated _are_ friends of
+_the_ Union that was intended by the Constitution; but not of a Union
+from which is eviscerated, to be trodden under foot, the right to
+SPEAK,--to PRINT--to PETITION,--the rights of CONSCIENCE; not of a Union
+whose ligaments are whips, where the interest of the oppressor is the
+_great_ interest, the right to oppress the _paramount_ right. It is
+against the distortion of the glorious Union our fathers left us into
+one bound with despotic bands that the abolitionists are contending. In
+the political aspect of the question, they have nothing to ask, except
+what the Constitution authorizes--no change to desire, but that the
+Constitution may be restored to its pristine republican purity.
+
+But they have well considered the "dissolution of the Union." There is
+no just ground for apprehending that such a measure will ever be
+resorted to by the _South_. It is by no means intended by this, to
+affirm, that the South, like a spoiled child, for the first time denied
+some favourite object, may not fall into sudden frenzy and do herself
+some great harm. But knowing as I do, the intelligence and forecast of
+the leading men of the South--and believing that they will, if ever such
+a crisis should come, be judiciously influenced by the _existing_ state
+of the case, and by the _consequences_ that would inevitably flow from
+an act of dissolution--they would not, I am sure, deem it desirable or
+politic. They would be brought, in their calmer moments, to coincide
+with one who has facetiously, but not the less truly remarked, that it
+would be as indiscreet in the slave South to separate from the free
+North, as for the poor, to separate from the parish that supported them.
+In support of this opinion, I would say:
+
+First--A dissolution of the Union by the South would, in no manner,
+secure to her the object she has in view.--The _leaders_ at the South,
+both in the church and in the state, must, by this time, be too well
+informed as to the nature of the anti-slavery movement, and the
+character of those engaged in it, to entertain fears that, violence of
+any kind will be resorted to, directly or indirectly.[A] The whole
+complaint of the South is neither more nor less than this--THE NORTH
+TALKS ABOUT SLAVERY. Now, of all the means or appliances that could be
+devised, to give greater life and publicity to the discussion of
+slavery, none could be half so effectual as the dissolution of the Union
+_because of the discussion_. It would astonish the civilized world--they
+would inquire into the cause of such a remarkable event in its
+history;--the result would be not only enlarged _discussion_ of the
+whole subject, but it would bring such a measure of contempt on the
+guilty movers of the deed, that even with all the advantages of "their
+education, their polish, their munificence, their high honor, their
+undaunted spirit," so eloquently set forth by the Hon. Mr. Hammond, they
+would find it hard to withstand its influence. It is difficult for men
+in a _good_ cause, to maintain their steadfastness in opposition to an
+extensively corrupt public sentiment; in a _bad_ one, against public
+sentiment purified and enlightened, next to impossible, if not quite so.
+
+[Footnote A: "It is not," says Mr. Calhoun, "that we expect the
+abolitionists will resort to arms--will commence a crusade to deliver
+our slaves by force."--"Let me tell our friends of the South, who differ
+from us, that the war which the abolitionists wage against us is of a
+very different character, and _far more effective_. It is waged, not
+against our lives, but our character." More correctly, Mr. C. might have
+said against a _system_, with which the slaveholders have chosen to
+involve their characters, and which they have determined to defend, at
+the hazard of losing them.]
+
+Another result would follow the dissolution:--_Now_, the abolitionists
+find it difficult, by reason of the odium which the principal
+slaveholders and their friends have succeeded in attaching to their
+_name_, to introduce a knowledge of their principles and measures into
+the great mass of southern mind. There are multitudes at the South who
+would co-operate with us, if they could be informed of our aim.[A] Now,
+we cannot reach them--then, it would be otherwise. The united power of
+the large slaveholders would not be able longer to keep them in
+ignorance. If the Union were dissolved, they _would_ know the cause, and
+discuss it, and condemn it.
+
+[Footnote A: There is abundant evidence of this. Our limits confine us
+to the following, from the first No. of the Southern Literary Journal,
+(Charleston, S.C.):--"There are _many good men even among us_, who have
+begun to grow _timid_. They think, that what the virtuous and
+high-minded men of the North look upon as a crime and a plague-spot,
+cannot be perfectly innocent or quite harmless in a slaveholding
+community."
+
+This, also, from the North Carolina Watchman:--
+
+"It (the abolition party) is the growing party at the North. We are
+inclined to believe that there is even more of it at the South than
+prudence will permit to be openly avowed."
+
+"It is well known, Mr. Speaker, that there is a LARGE, RESPECTABLE and
+INTELLIGENT PARTY in Kentucky, who will exert every nerve and spare no
+efforts to dislodge the subsisting rights to our Slave population, or
+alter in some manner, and to some extent, at least, the tenure by which
+that species of property is held."--_Speech of the Hon. James T.
+Morehead in the Kentucky Legislature, last winter_.]
+
+A second reason why the South will not dissolve the Union is, that she
+would be exposed to the visitation of _real_ incendiaries, exciting her
+slaves to revolt. Now, it would cover any one with infamy, who would
+stir them up to vindicate their rights by the massacre of their masters.
+Dissolve the Union, and the candidates for "GLORY" would find in the
+plains of Carolina and Louisiana as inviting a theatre for their
+enterprise, as their prototypes, the Houstons, the Van Rennsselaers, and
+the Sutherlands did, in the prairies of Texas or the forests of Canada.
+
+A third reason why the South will not dissolve is, that the slaves would
+leave their masters and take refuge in the free states. The South would
+not be able to establish a _cordon_ along her wide frontier sufficiently
+strong to prevent it. Then, the slaves could not be reclaimed, as they
+now are, under the Constitution. Some may say, the free states would not
+permit them to come in and dwell among them.--Believe it not. The fact
+of separation on the ground supposed, would abolitionize the whole
+North. Beside this, in an economical point of view, the _demand for
+labor_ in the Western States would make their presence welcome. At all
+events, a passage through the Northern States to Canada would not be
+denied them.
+
+A fourth reason why the South will not dissolve is, that a large number
+of her most steady and effective population would emigrate to the free
+states. In the slave-_selling_ states especially, there has always been
+a class who have consented to remain there with their families, only in
+the hope that slavery would, in some way or other, be terminated. I do
+not say they are abolitionists, for many of them are slaveholders. It
+may be, too, that such would expect compensation for their slaves,
+should they be emancipated, and also that they should be sent out of the
+country. The particular mode of emancipation, however crude it may be,
+that has occupied their minds, has nothing to do with the point before
+us. _They look for emancipation--in this hope they have remained, and
+now remain, where they are_. Take away this hope, by making slavery the
+_distinctive bond of union_ of a new government, and you drive them to
+the North. These persons are not among the rich, the voluptuous, the
+effeminate; nor are they the despised, the indigent, the
+thriftless--they are men of moderate property, of intelligence, of
+conscience--in every way the "bone and sinew" of the South.
+
+A fifth reason why the South will not dissolve, is her _weakness_. It is
+a remarkable fact, that in modern times, and in the Christian world, all
+slaveholding countries have been united with countries that are free.
+Thus, the West Indian and Mexican and South American slaveholding
+colonies were united to England, France, Spain, Portugal, and other
+states of Europe. If England (before her Emancipation Act) and the
+others had at any time withdrawn the protection of their _power_ from
+their colonies, slavery would have been extinguished almost
+simultaneously with the knowledge of the fact. In the West Indies there
+could have been no doubt of this, from the disparity in numbers between
+the whites and the slaves, from the multiplied attempts made from time
+to time by the latter to vindicate their rights by insurrection, and
+from the fact, that all their insurrections had to be suppressed by the
+_force_ of the mother country. As soon as Mexico and the South American
+colonies dissolved their connexion with Spain, slavery was abolished in
+every one of them. This may, I know, be attributed to the necessity
+imposed on these states, by the wars in which they engaged to establish
+their independence. However this may be--the _fact_ still remains. The
+free states of this Union are to the slave, so far as the maintenance of
+slavery is concerned, substantially, in the relation of the European
+states to their slaveholding colonies. Slavery, in all probability,
+could not be maintained by the South disjoined from the North, a single
+year. So far from there existing any reason for making the South an
+exception, in this particular, to other slave countries, there are
+circumstances in her condition that seem to make her dependence more
+complete. Two of them are, the superior intelligence of her slaves on
+the subject of human rights, and the geographical connexion of the slave
+region in the United States. In the West Indies, in Mexico and South
+America the great body of the slaves were far below the slaves of this
+country in their intellectual and moral condition--and, in the former,
+their power to act in concert was weakened by the insular fragments into
+which they were divided.
+
+Again, the depopulation of the South of large numbers of its white
+inhabitants, from the cause mentioned under the fourth head, would, it
+is apprehended, bring the two classes to something like a numerical
+equality. Now, consider the present state of the moral sentiment of the
+Christianized and commercial world in relation to slavery; add to it the
+impulse that this sentiment, acknowledged by the South already to be
+wholly opposed to her, would naturally acquire by an act of separation
+on her part, with a single view to the perpetuation of slavery; bring
+this sentiment in all its accumulation and intensity to act upon a
+nation where one half are enslavers, the other the enslaved--and what
+must be the effect? From the nature of mind; from the laws of moral
+influence, (which are as sure in their operation, if not so well
+understood, as the laws of physical influence,) the party "whose
+conscience with injustice is oppressed," must become dispirited,
+weakened in courage, and in the end unnerved and contemptible. On the
+other hand, the sympathy that would be felt for the oppressed--the
+comfort they would receive--the encouragement that would be given them
+to assert their rights, would make it an impossibility, to keep them in
+slavish peace and submission.
+
+This state of things would be greatly aggravated by the peculiarly
+morbid sensitiveness of the South to every thing that is supposed to
+touch her _character_. Her highest distinction would then become her
+most troublesome one. How, for instance, could her chivalrous sons bear
+to be taunted, wherever they went, on business or for pleasure, out of
+their own limits, with the cry "the knights of the lash!" "Go home and
+pay your laborers!" "Cease from the scourging of husbands and wives in
+each others presence--from attending the shambles, to sell or buy as
+slaves those whom God has made of the same blood with yourselves--your
+brethren--your sisters! Cease, high minded sons of the 'ANCIENT
+DOMINION,' from estimating your revenue by the number of children you
+rear, to sell in the flesh market!" "Go home and pay your laborers!" "Go
+home and pay your laborers!" This would be a trial to which "southern
+chivalry" could not patiently submit. Their "high honor," their
+"undaunted spirit" would impel them to the field--only to prove that the
+"last resort" requires something more substantial than mere "honor" and
+"spirit" to maintain it. Suppose there should be a disagreement--as in
+all likelihood there soon would, leading to war between the North and
+the South? The North would scarcely have occasion to march a squadron to
+the field. She would have an army that could be raised up by the
+million, at the fireside of her enemy. It has been said, that during the
+late war with England, it was proposed to her cabinet, by some
+enterprising officers, to land five thousand men on the coast of South
+Carolina and proclaim liberty to the slates. The success of the scheme
+was well thought of. But then the example! England herself held nearly a
+million of slaves at no greater distance from the scene of action than
+the West Indies. _Now_, a restraint of this kind on such a scheme does
+not exist.
+
+It seems plain beyond the power of argument to make it plainer, that a
+slaveholding nation--one under the circumstances in which the South
+separated from the North would be placed--must be at the mercy of every
+free people having neither power to vindicate a right nor avenge
+a wrong.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Governor Hayne, of South Carolina, spoke in high terms, a
+few years ago, of the ability that the South would possess, in a
+military point of view, because her great wealth would enable her, at
+all times, to command the services of mercenary troops. Without stopping
+to dispute with him, as to her comparative wealth, I would remark, that
+he seemed entirely to have overlooked this truth--that whenever a
+government is under the necessity of calling in foreign troops, to keep
+in subjection one half of the people, the power of the government has
+already passed into the hands of the _Protectors_. They can and will, of
+course, act with whichever party will best subserve their purpose.]
+
+A sixth reason why the South will not dissolve the Union, is found in
+the difficulty of bringing about an _actual_ separation. Preparatory to
+such a movement, it would seem indispensable, that _Union_ among the
+seceding states themselves should be secured. A General Convention would
+be necessary to adjust its terms. This would, of course, be preceded by
+_particular_ conventions in the several states. To this procedure the
+same objection applies, that has been made, for the last two or three
+years, to holding an anti-abolition convention in the South:--It would
+give to the _question_ such notoriety, that the object of holding the
+convention could not be concealed from the slaves. The more sagacious in
+the South have been opposed to a convention; nor have they been
+influenced solely by the consideration just mentioned--which, in my
+view, is but of little moment--but by the apprehension, that the
+diversity of sentiment which exists among the slave states, themselves,
+in relation to the _system_, would be disclosed to the country; and that
+the slaveholding interest would be found deficient in that harmony
+which, from its perfectness heretofore, has made the slaveholders so
+successful in their action on the North.
+
+The slaveholding region may be divided into the _farming_ and the
+_planting_--or the slave-_selling_ and the slave-_buying_ districts.
+Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri and East Tennessee constitute the
+first. West Tennessee is somewhat equivocal. All the states south of
+Tennessee belong to the slave-_buying_ district. The first, with but few
+exceptions, have from the earliest times, felt slavery a reproach to
+their good name--an encumbrance on their advancement--at some period, to
+be cast off. This sentiment, had it been at all encouraged by the action
+of the General Government, in accordance with the views of the
+convention that formed the Constitution, would, in all probability, by
+this time, have brought slavery in Maryland and Virginia to an end.
+Notwithstanding the easy admission of slave states into the Union, and
+the _yielding_ of the free states whenever they were brought in
+collision with the South, have had a strong tendency to persuade the
+_farming_ slave states to continue their system, yet the sentiment in
+favor of emancipation in some form, still exists among them. Proof,
+encouraging proof of this, is found in the present attitude of Kentucky.
+Her legislature has just passed a law, proposing to the people, to hold
+a convention to alter the constitution. In the discussion of the bill,
+slavery as connected with some form of emancipation, seems to have
+constituted the most important element. The public journals too, that
+are _opposed_ to touching the subject at all, declare that the main
+object for recommending a convention was, to act on slavery in
+some way.
+
+Now, it would be in vain for the _planting_ South to expect, that
+Kentucky or any other of the _farming_ slave states would unite with
+her, in making slavery the _perpetual bond_ of a new political
+organization. If they feel the inconveniences of slavery _in their
+present condition_, they could not be expected to enter on another,
+where these inconveniences would be inconceivably multiplied and
+aggravated, and, by the very terms of their new contract, _perpetuated_.
+
+This letter is already so protracted, that I cannot stop here to develop
+more at large this part of the subject. To one acquainted with the state
+of public sentiment, in what I have called, the _farming_ district, it
+needs no further development. There is not one of these states embraced
+in it, that would not, when brought to the test, prefer the privileges
+of the Union to the privilege of perpetual slaveholding. And if there
+should turn out to be a single _desertion_ in this matter, the whole
+project of secession must come to nought.
+
+But laying aside all the obstacles to union among the seceding states,
+how is it possible to take the first step to _actual_ separation! The
+separation, at the worst, can only be _political_. There will be no
+chasm--no rent made in the earth between the two sections. The natural
+and ideal boundaries will remain unaltered. Mason and Dixon's line will
+not become a wall of adamant that can neither be undermined nor
+surmounted. The Ohio river will not be converted into flame, or into
+another Styx, denying a passage to every living thing.
+
+Besides this stability of natural things, the multiform interests of the
+two sections would, in the main, continue as they are. The complicate
+ties of commerce could not be suddenly unloosed. The breadstuffs, the
+beef, the pork, the turkies, the chickens, the woollen and cotton
+fabrics, the hats, the shoes, the socks, the "_horn flints and bark
+nutmegs_,"[A] the machinery, the sugar-kettles, the cotton-gins, the
+axes, the hoes, the drawing-chains of the North, would be as much needed
+by the South, the day after the separation as the day before. The
+newspapers of the North--its Magazines, its Quarterlies, its Monthlies,
+would be more sought after by the readers of the South than they now
+are; and the Southern journals would become doubly interesting to us.
+There would be the same lust for our northern summers and your southern
+winters, with all their health-giving influences; and last, though not
+least, the same desire of marrying and of being given in marriage that
+now exists between the North and South. Really it is difficult to say
+_where_ this long threatened separation is to _begin_; and if the place
+of beginning could be found, it would seem like a poor exchange for the
+South, to give up all these pleasant and profitable relations and
+connections for the privilege of enslaving an equal number of their
+fellow-creatures.
+
+[Footnote A: Senator Preston's Railroad Speech, delivered at Colombia,
+S.C., in 1836.]
+
+Thus much for the menace, that the "UNION WILL BE DISSOLVED" unless the
+discussion of the slavery question be stopped.
+
+But you may reply, "Do you think the South is not in earnest in her
+threat of dissolving the Union?" I rejoin, by no means;--yet she pursues
+a perfectly reasonable course (leaving out of view the justice or
+morality of it)--just such a course as I should expect she would pursue,
+emboldened as she must be by her multiplied triumphs over the North by
+the use of the same weapon. "We'll dissolve the Union!" was the cry,
+"unless Missouri be admitted!!" The North were frightened, and Missouri
+was admitted with SLAVERY engraved on her forehead. "We'll dissolve the
+Union!" unless the Indians be driven out of the South!! The North forgot
+her treaties, parted with humanity, and it is done--the defenceless
+Indians are forced to "consent" to be driven out, or they are left,
+undefended, to the mercies of southern land-jobbers and gold-hunters.
+"We'll dissolve the Union! If the Tariff" [established at her own
+suggestion] "be not repealed or modified so that our slave-labor may
+compete with your free-labor." The Tariff is accordingly modified to
+suit the South. "We'll dissolve the Union!" unless the freedom of speech
+and the press be put down in the North!!--With the promptness of
+commission-merchants, the alternative is adopted. Public assemblies met
+for deliberation are assailed and broken up at the North; her citizens
+are stoned and beaten and dragged through the streets of her cities; her
+presses are attacked by mobs, instigated and led on by men of influence
+and character; whilst those concerned in conducting them are compelled
+to fly from their homes, pursued as if they were noxious wild beasts;
+or, if they remain to defend, they are sacrificed to appease the
+southern divinity. "We'll dissolve the Union" if slavery be abolished in
+the District of Columbia! The North, frightened from her propriety,
+declares that slavery ought not to be abolished there NOW.--"We'll
+dissolve the Union!" if you read petitions from your constituents for
+its abolition, or for stopping the slave-trade at the Capital, or
+between the states. FIFTY NORTHERN REPRESENTATIVES respond to the cry,
+"down, then, with the RIGHT OF PETITION!!" All these assaults have
+succeeded because the North has been frightened by the war-cry, "WE'LL
+DISSOLVE THE UNION!"
+
+After achieving so much by a process so simple, why should not the South
+persist in it when striving for further conquests? No other course ought
+to be expected from her, till this has failed. And it is not at all
+improbable, that she will persist, till she almost persuades herself
+that she is serious in her menace to dissolve the Union. She may in her
+eagerness, even approach so near the verge of dissolution, that the
+earth may give way under her feet and she be dashed in ruins in the
+gulf below.
+
+Nothing will more surely arrest her fury, than the firm array of the
+North, setting up anew the almost forgotten principles of our fathers,
+and saying to the "dark spirit of slavery,"--"thus far shalt thou go,
+and no farther." This is the best--the only--means of saving the South
+from the fruits of her own folly--folly that has been so long, and so
+strangely encouraged by the North, that it has grown into intolerable
+arrogance--down right presumption.
+
+There are many other "events" of the last two or three years which have,
+doubtless, had their influence on the course of the abolitionists--and
+which might properly be dwelt upon at considerable length, were it not
+that this communication is already greatly protracted beyond its
+intended limits. I shall, therefore, in mentioning the remaining topics,
+do little more than enumerate them.
+
+The Legislature of Vermont has taken a decided stand in favor of
+anti-slavery principles and action. In the Autumn of 1836, the following
+resolutions were passed by an almost unanimous vote in both houses:--
+
+"Resolved, By the General Assembly of the State of Vermont, That neither
+Congress nor the State Governments have any constitutional right to
+abridge the free expressions of opinions, or the transmission of them
+through the medium of the public mails."
+
+"Resolved, That Congress do possess the power to abolish slavery in the
+District of Columbia."
+
+"Resolved, That His Excellency, the Governor, be requested to transmit a
+copy of the foregoing resolutions to the Executive of each of the
+States, and to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress."
+
+At the session held in November last, the following joint resolutions,
+preceded by a decisive memorial against the admission of Texas, were
+passed by both branches--with the exception of the _fifth_ which was
+passed only by the House of Representatives:--
+
+1. Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives, That our
+Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested,
+to use their influence in that body to prevent the annexation of Texas
+to the Union.
+
+2. Resolved, That, representing, as we do, the people of Vermont, we do
+hereby, in their name, SOLEMNLY PROTEST against such annexation in
+any form.
+
+3. Resolved, That, as the Representatives of the people of Vermont, we
+do solemnly protest against the admission, into this Union, of any state
+whose constitution tolerates domestic slavery.
+
+4. Resolved, That Congress have full power, by the Constitution, to
+abolish slavery and the slave-trade in the District of Columbia and in
+the territories of the United States.
+
+[5. Resolved, That Congress has the constitutional power to prohibit the
+slave-trade between the several states of this Union, and to make such
+laws as shall effectually prohibit such trade.]
+
+6. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our
+Representatives requested, to present the foregoing Report and
+Resolutions to their respective Houses in Congress, and use their
+influence to carry the same speedily into effect.
+
+7. Resolved, That the Governor of this State be requested to transmit a
+copy of the foregoing Report and Resolutions to the President of the
+United States, and to each of our Senators and Representatives
+in Congress.
+
+The influence of anti-slavery principles in Massachusetts has become
+decisive, if we are to judge from the change of sentiment in the
+legislative body. The governor of that commonwealth saw fit to introduce
+into his inaugural speech, delivered in January, 1836, a severe censure
+of the abolitionists, and to intimate that they were guilty of an
+offence punishable at common law. This part of the speech was referred
+to a joint committee of five, of which a member of the senate was
+chairman. To the same committee were also referred communications which
+had been received by the governor from several of the legislatures of
+the slaveholding states, requesting the Legislature of Massachusetts to
+enact laws, making it PENAL for citizens of that state to form societies
+for the abolition of slavery, or to speak or publish sentiments such as
+had been uttered in anti-slavery meetings and published in anti-slavery
+tracts and papers. The managers of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery
+Society, in a note addressed to the chairman of the committee, requested
+permission, as a party whose rights were drawn in question, to appear
+before it. This was granted. The gentlemen selected by them to appear on
+their behalf were of unimpeachable character, and distinguished for
+professional merit and general literary and scientific intelligence.
+Such was _then_ the unpopularity of abolitionism, that notwithstanding
+the personal influence of these gentlemen, they were ill--not to say
+rudely--treated, especially by the chairman of the committee; so much
+so, that respect for themselves, and the cause they were deputed to
+defend, persuaded them to desist before they had completed their
+remarks. A Report, including Resolutions unfavorable to the
+abolitionists was made, of which the following is a copy:--
+
+The Joint Special Committee, to whom was referred so much of the
+governor's message as related to the abolition of slavery, together with
+certain documents upon the same subject, communicated to the Executive
+by the several Legislatures of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
+Georgia, and Alabama, transmitted by his Excellency to the Legislature,
+and hereunto annexed, have considered the same, and ask leave,
+respectfully, to submit the following:--
+
+Resolved, That this Legislature distinctly disavow any right whatever in
+itself, or in the citizens of this commonwealth, to interfere in the
+institution of domestic slavery in the southern states: it having
+existed therein before the establishment of the Constitution; it having
+been recognised by that instrument; and it being strictly within their
+own keeping.
+
+Resolved, That this Legislature, regarding the agitation of the question
+of domestic slavery as having already interrupted the friendly relations
+which ought to exist between the several states of this Union, and as
+tending permanently to injure, if not altogether to subvert, the
+principles of the Union itself; and believing that the good effected by
+those who excite its discussion in the non-slaveholding states is, under
+the circumstances of the case, altogether visionary, while the immediate
+and future evil is great and certain; does hereby express its entire
+disapprobation of the doctrine upon this subject avowed, and the general
+measures pursued by such as agitate the question; and does earnestly
+recommend to them carefully to abstain from all such discussion, and all
+such measures, as may tend to disturb and irritate the public mind.
+
+The report was laid on the table, whence it was not taken up during the
+session--its friends being afraid of a lean majority on its passage; for
+the _alarm_ had already been taken by many of the members who otherwise
+would have favored it. From this time till the election in the
+succeeding autumn, the subject was much agitated in Massachusetts. The
+abolitionists again petitioned the Legislature at its session begun in
+January, 1837; especially, that it should remonstrate against the
+resolution of Mr. Hawes, adopted by the House of Representatives in
+Congress, by which all memorials, &c, in relation to slavery were laid,
+and to be laid, on the table, without further action on them. The
+abolitionists were again heard, in behalf of their petitions, before the
+proper committee.[A] The result was, the passage of the following
+resolutions with only 16 dissenting voices to 378, in the House of
+Representatives, and in the Senate with not more than one or two
+dissentients on any one of them:--
+
+[Footnote A: The gentleman who had been chairman of the committee the
+preceding year, was supposed, in consequence of the change in public
+opinion in relation to abolitionists, to have injured his political
+standing too much, even to be nominated as a candidate for re-election.]
+
+    "Whereas, The House of Representatives of the United States, in the
+    month of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
+    and thirty-seven, did adopt a resolution, whereby it was ordered
+    that all petitions, memorials, resolutions, propositions, or papers,
+    relating in any way, or to any extent whatever, to the subject of
+    slavery, or the abolition of slavery, without being either printed
+    or referred, should be laid upon the table, and that no further
+    action whatever should be had thereon; and whereas such a
+    disposition of petitions, then or thereafter to be received, is a
+    virtual denial of the right itself; and whereas, by the resolution
+    aforesaid, which is adopted as a standing rule in the present House
+    of Representatives, the petitions of a large number of the people of
+    this commonwealth, praying for the removal of a great social, moral,
+    and political evil, have been slighted and contemned: therefore,--
+
+    Resolved, That the resolution above named is an assumption of power
+    and authority at variance with the spirit and intent of the
+    Constitution of the United States, and injurious to the cause of
+    freedom and free institutions; that it does violence to the
+    inherent, absolute, and inalienable rights of man; and that it
+    tends, essentially, to impair those fundamental principles of
+    natural justice and natural law which are antecedent to any written
+    constitutions of government, independent of them all, and essential
+    to the security of freedom in a state.
+
+    Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives in Congress, in
+    maintaining and advocating the right of petition, have entitled
+    themselves to the cordial approbation of the people of this
+    commonwealth.
+
+    Resolved, That Congress, having exclusive legislation in the
+    District of Columbia, possess the right to abolish slavery in said
+    district, and that its exercise should only be restrained by a
+    regard to the public good."
+
+That you may yourself, judge what influence the abolition question
+exercised in the elections in Massachusetts _last_ autumn, I send you
+three numbers of the Liberator containing copies of letters addressed to
+many of the candidates, and their respective answers.
+
+The Legislature have passed, _unanimously_, at its present session,
+resolutions (preceded by a report of great ability) protesting
+"_earnestly and solemnly against the annexation of Texas to this
+Union_;" and declaring that, "_no act done, or compact made, for such
+purpose, by the government of the United States, will be binding on the
+states or the people_."
+
+Two years ago, Governor Marcy, of this state, showed himself willing, at
+the dictation of the South, to aid in passing laws for restraining and
+punishing the abolitionists, whenever the extremity of the case might
+call for it. Two weeks ago, at the request of the Young Men's
+Anti-Slavery Society of Albany, the Assembly-chamber, by a vote of the
+House (only two dissentient) was granted to Alvan Stewart, Esq., a
+distinguished lawyer, to lecture on the subject of abolition.
+
+Kentucky is assuming an attitude of great interest to the friends of
+Liberty and the Constitution. The blessings of "them that are ready to
+perish" throughout the land, the applause of the good throughout the
+world will be hers, if she should show moral energy enough to break
+every yoke that she has hitherto imposed on the "poor," and by which her
+own prosperity and true power have been hindered.
+
+In view of the late action in the Senate and House of Representatives in
+Congress--adverse as they may seem, to those who think more highly of
+the branches of the Legislature than of the SOURCE of their power--the
+abolitionists see nothing that is cause for discouragement. They find
+the PEOPLE sound; they know that they still cherish, as their fathers
+did, the right of petition--the freedom of the press--the freedom of
+speech--the rights of conscience; that they love the liberty of the
+North more than they love the slavery of the South. What care they for
+_Resolutions_ in the House, or Resolutions in the Senate, when the House
+and the Senate are but their ministers, their servants, and they know
+that they can discharge them at their pleasure? It may be, that Congress
+has yet to learn, that the people have but slight regard for their
+restraining resolutions. They ought to have known this from the history
+of such resolutions for the last two years. THIRTY-SEVEN THOUSAND
+petitioners for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia had
+their petitions laid on the table by the resolution of the House of
+Representatives in May, 1836. At the succeeding session, they had
+increased to ONE HUNDRED AND TEN THOUSAND.--The resolution of Jan. 18,
+1837, laid all _their_ petitions in the same way on the table. At the
+_called_, and at the present session, these 110,000 had multiplied to
+FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND[A]. Soon, Senators and Representatives will be
+sent from the free states who will need no petitions--they will know
+the prayer of their constituents _before they leave their homes_.
+
+[Footnote A: See Appendix, G.]
+
+In concluding this, my answer to your 13th interrogatory, I will say
+that I know of no event, that has transpired, either in or out of
+Congress, for the last two or three years, that has had any other
+influence on the efforts of abolitionists than to increase and stimulate
+them. Indeed, every thing that has taken place within that period, ought
+to excite to their utmost efforts all who are not despairing dastards.
+The Demon of oppression in this land is tenfold more fierce and rampant
+and relentless than he was supposed to be before roused from the quiet
+of his lair. To every thing that is precious the abolitionists have seen
+him lay claim. The religion of the Bible must be adulterated--the claims
+of Humanity must be smothered--the demands of justice must be
+nullified--a part of our Race must be shut out from the common sympathy
+of a common nature. Nor is this all: they see their _own_ rights and
+those of the people; the right to SPEAK--to WRITE--to PRINT--to
+PUBLISH--to ASSEMBLE TOGETHER--to PETITION THEIR OWN SERVANTS--all
+brought in peril. They feel that the final conflict between Popular
+liberty and Aristocratic slavery has come; that one or the other must
+fall; and they have made up their minds, with the blessing of God on
+their efforts, that their adversary shall die.
+
+"14. _Have you any permanent fund, and how much?_"
+
+ANSWER.--We have none. The contributions are anticipated. We are always
+in debt, and always getting out of debt.
+
+I have now, Sir, completed my answers to the questions proposed in your
+letter of the 16th ult. It gives me pleasure to have had such an
+auspicious opportunity of doing so. I cannot but hope for good to both
+the parties concerned, where candor and civility have characterized
+their representatives.
+
+Part of the answer to your 13th question may seem to wander from the
+strict terms of the question proposed. Let it be set down to a desire,
+on my part, to give you all the information I can, at all germain to the
+inquiry. The "proffer," made in my note to Mr. Calhoun, was not
+"unguarded;"--nor was it _singular_. The information I have furnished
+has been always accessible to our adversaries--even though the
+application for it might not have been clothed in the polite and
+gentlemanly terms which have so strongly recommended yours to the most
+respectful consideration of
+
+Your very obedient servant,
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[In the Explanatory Remarks placed at the beginning of this
+Correspondence, reasons were given, that were deemed sufficient, for not
+publishing more of the letters that passed between Mr. Elmore and myself
+than the two above. Since they were in type, I have received from Mr.
+Elmore a communication, in reply to one from me, informing him that I
+proposed limiting the publication to the two letters just mentioned. It
+is dated May 19. The following extract shows that he entertains a
+different opinion from mine, and thinks that justice to him requires
+that _another_ of his letters should be included in the
+Correspondence:--
+
+"The order you propose in the publication is proper enough; the omission
+of business and immaterial letters being perfectly proper, as they can
+interest nobody. I had supposed my last letter would have formed an
+exception to the rule, which excluded immaterial papers. It explained,
+more fully than my first, my reasons for this correspondence, defined
+the limits to _which I had prescribed myself_, and was a proper
+accompaniment to _a publication_ of what _I_ had not written for
+publication. Allow me, Sir, to say, that it will be but bare justice to
+me that it should be printed with the other papers. I only suggest this
+for your own consideration, for--adhering to my former opinions and
+decision--I ask nothing and complain of nothing."
+
+It is still thought that the publication of the letter alluded to is
+unnecessary to the purpose of enlightening the public, as to the state,
+prospects, &c, of the anti-slavery cause. It contains no denial of the
+facts, nor impeachment of the statements, nor answer to the arguments,
+presented in my communication. But as Mr. Elmore is personally
+interested in this matter, and as it is intended to maintain the
+consistent liberality which has characterized the Executive Committee in
+all their intercourse with their opponents, the suggestion made by Mr.
+Elmore is cheerfully complied with. The following is a copy of the
+letter alluded to.--J.G.B.]
+
+    "WASHINGTON, May 5, 1838.
+
+    To JAMES G. BIRNEY, Esq., Cor. Sec. A.A.S.S.
+
+    SIR,--I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st
+    instant, in which you again refer to the publication of the
+    Correspondence between us, in relation to the measures and designs
+    of the abolitionists. I would have certainly answered yours of the
+    2d ult., on the same subject, more fully before this, had it not
+    escaped my recollection, in consequence [of] having been more
+    engaged than usual in the business before the House. I hope the
+    delay has been productive of no inconvenience.
+
+    If I correctly understand your letters above referred to, the
+    control of these papers, and the decision as to their publication,
+    have passed into the 'Executive Committee of the American
+    Anti-Slavery Society;' and, from their tenor, I infer that their
+    determination is so far made, that nothing I could object would
+    prevent it, if I desired to do so. I was certainly not apprised,
+    when I entered into this Correspondence, that its disposition was to
+    depend on any other will than yours and mine,--but that matters
+    nothing now,--you had the power, and I am not disposed to question
+    the right or propriety of its exercise. I heard of you as a man of
+    intelligence, sincerity, and truth,--who, although laboring in a bad
+    cause, did it with ability, and from a mistaken conviction of its
+    justice. As one of the Representatives of a slave-holding
+    constituency, and one of a committee raised by the Representatives
+    of the slave-holding States, to ascertain the intentions and
+    progress of your associations, I availed myself of the opportunity
+    offered by your character and situation, to propose to you inquiries
+    _as to facts_, which would make those _developments so important to
+    be known by our people_. My inquiries were framed to draw out _full
+    and authentic details_ of the organization, numbers, resources, and
+    designs of the abolitionists, of the means they resorted to for the
+    accomplishment of their ends, and the progress made, and making, in
+    their dangerous work, that all such information might be laid before
+    the _four millions and a half of white inhabitants in the slave
+    States, whose lives and property are menaced and endangered_ by this
+    ill-considered, misnamed, and disorganizing philanthropy. They
+    should be informed of the full length and breadth and depth of this
+    storm which is gathering over their heads, before it breaks in its
+    desolating fury. Christians and civilized, they are _now_
+    industrious, prosperous, and happy; but should your schemes of
+    abolition prevail, it will bring upon them overwhelming ruin, and
+    misery unutterable. The two races cannot exist together upon terms
+    of equality--the extirpation of one and the ruin of the other _would
+    be inevitable_. This humanity, conceived in wrong and born in civil
+    strife, would be baptized in a people's blood. It was, that our
+    people might know, in time to guard against the mad onset, the full
+    extent of this gigantic conspiracy and crusade against their
+    institutions; and of necessity upon their lives with which they must
+    sustain them; and their fortunes and prosperity, which _exist only
+    while these institutions exist_, that I was induced to enter into a
+    correspondence with you, who by your official station and
+    intelligence were known to be well informed on these points, and
+    from your well established character for candor and fairness, would
+    make no statements of facts which were not known or believed by you
+    to be true. To a great extent, my end has been accomplished by your
+    replies to my inquiries. How far, or whether at all, your answers
+    have run, beyond _the facts inquired for_, into theories, arguments,
+    and dissertations, as erroneous as mischievous, is not a matter of
+    present consideration. We differed no wider than I expected, but
+    that difference has been exhibited courteously, and has nothing to
+    do with the question of publication. Your object, or rather the
+    object of your Committee, is to publish; and I, having no reason to
+    desire it, as you have put me in possession of the facts I wished,
+    and no reason not to desire it, as there is nothing to conceal, will
+    leave yourself and the Committee to take your own course, neither
+    assenting nor dissenting, in what you may finally decide to do.
+
+    Very respectfully,
+
+    Your obedient servant,
+
+    F.H. Elmore."
+
+[This letter of Mr. Elmore contains but little more than a reiteration
+of alarming cries on the part of the slaveholder;--cries that are as old
+as the earliest attempts of philanthropy to break the fetters of the
+enslaved, and that have been repeated up to the present day, with a
+boldness that seems to increase, as instances of emancipation multiply
+to prove them groundless. Those who utter them seem, in their panic, not
+only to overlook the most obvious laws of the human mind, and the lights
+of experience, but to be almost unconscious of the great events
+connected with slavery, that are now passing around them in the world,
+and conspiring to bring about its early abrogation among all civilized
+and commercial nations.
+
+However _Christian, and civilized, industrious, prosperous and happy_,
+the SLAVEHOLDERS of the South may be, this cannot be said of the SLAVES.
+A large religious denomination of the state in which Mr. Elmore resides,
+has deliberately pronounced them to be "HEATHEN." _Their_ "industry" is
+seen at the end of the lash--of "prosperity" they have none, for they
+cannot possess any thing that is an element of prosperity--their
+"happiness" they prove, by running away from their masters, whenever
+they think they can effect their escape. This is the condition of a
+large _majority_ of the people in South Carolina, Mississippi and
+Louisiana.
+
+The "two races" exist in peace in Mexico,--in all the former South
+American dependencies of Spain, in Antigua, in the Bermudas, in Canada,
+in Massachusetts, in Vermont, in fine, in every country where they enjoy
+_legal equality_. It is the _denial_ of this that produces discontent.
+MEN will never be satisfied without it. Let the slaveholders consult the
+irreversible laws of the human mind--make a full concession of right to
+those from whom they have withheld it, and they will be blessed with a
+peace, political, social, moral, beyond their present conceptions;
+without such concessions they never can possess it.
+
+A system that cannot withstand the assaults of truth--that replies to
+arguments with threats--that cannot be "talked about"--that flourishes
+in secrecy and darkness, and dies when brought forth into the light and
+examined, must in this time of inexorable scrutiny and relentless
+agitation, be a dangerous one. If _justice_ be done, all necessity for
+the extirpation of any part of the people will at once be removed.
+Baptisms _of blood_ are seen only when humanity has failed in her
+offices, and the suffering discern hope only in the brute efforts
+of despair.
+
+Mr. Elmore is doubtless well versed in general history. To his vigorous
+declamation, I reply by asking, if he can produce from the history of
+our race a single instance, where emancipation, full and immediate, has
+been followed, as a legitimate consequence, by insurrection or
+bloodshed. I may go further, and ask him for a well authenticated
+instance, where an emancipated slave, singly has imbrued his hands in
+his master's blood. The first record of such an act in modern times, is
+yet to be made.
+
+Mr. Elmore says "the white inhabitants in the slave states should be
+informed of the full length and breadth and depth of this storm which is
+gathering over their heads, before it breaks in its desolating fury." In
+this sentiment there is not a reasonable man in the country, be he
+abolitionist or not, who will not coincide with him. We rejoice at the
+evidence we here have, in a gentleman of the influence and intelligence
+of Mr. Elmore, of the returning sanity of the South. How wildly and
+mischievously has she been heretofore misled! Whilst the Governors of
+Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas, have been repelling offers,
+made in respectful terms, of the fullest and most authentic accounts of
+our movements; and whilst Governor Butler of South Carolina, has not
+only followed the example of his gubernatorial brethren just named, but
+is found corresponding with an obscure culprit in Massachusetts--bribing
+him with a few dollars, the sum he demanded for his fraudulent promise
+to aid in thwarting the abolitionists[A]; whilst too, Mr. Calhoun has
+been willing to pass laws to shut out from his constituents and the
+South generally information that concerned them more nearly than all
+others--we now have it from the highest source, from one selected by a
+state delegation as its _representative_ in a general committee of the
+whole slaveholding delegations, that the South ought to be "_informed of
+the full length and breadth and depth_" of the measures, intentions, &c,
+of the abolitionists. At this there is not an abolitionist who will not
+rejoice. We ask for nothing but access to the popular mind of the South.
+We feel full confidence in the eternal rectitude of our principles, and
+of their reception at the South, when once they are understood. Let the
+conflict come, let the truth of liberty fairly enter the lists with the
+error of slavery, and we have not a doubt of a glorious triumph.
+
+[Footnote A: Appendix H.]
+
+May we not, after this, expect the aid of Mr. Elmore and others of equal
+distinction in the South, in giving to their fellow-citizens the
+information that we have always believed, and that they now acknowledge,
+to be so, important to them?
+
+_May 24, 1838_.
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY.]
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX A.
+
+Extract from an article addressed to the editor of the Christian
+Register and Observer, signed W.E.C.--attributed to the Rev.
+Dr. Channing.
+
+    "Speaking of slavery, I wish to recommend to your readers a book
+    just from the press, entitled 'Emancipation in the West Indies,' and
+    written by J. A. Thome and J.H. Kimball, who had visited those
+    islands to inquire into the great experiment now going on there. I
+    regard it as the most important work which has appeared among us for
+    years. No man, without reading it, should undertake to pass judgment
+    on Emancipation. It is something more than a report of the
+    observation and opinions of the writers. It consists, chiefly, of
+    the opinions, conversations, letters, and other documents of the
+    very inhabitants of the islands whose judgments are most
+    trust-worthy; of the governors, special magistrates, police
+    officers, managers, attorneys, physicians, &c; and, in most cases,
+    the names of these individuals are given, so that we have the
+    strongest evidence of the correctness of the work.
+
+    The results of this great experiment surpass what the most sanguine
+    could have hoped. It is hardly possible that the trial could have
+    been made under more unfavorable circumstances. The planters on all
+    the islands were opposed to the Act of Emancipation, and, in most,
+    exceedingly and fiercely hostile to it, and utterly indisposed to
+    give it the best chance of success. The disproportion of the colored
+    race to the whites was fearfully great, being that of seven or eight
+    to one; whilst, in our slaveholding states, the whites outnumber the
+    colored people. The slaves of the West Indies were less civilized
+    than ours, and less fit to be trusted with their own support.
+    Another great evil was, that the proprietors, to a considerable
+    extent, were absentees; residing in England, and leaving the care of
+    their estates and slaves to managers and owners; the last people for
+    such a trust, and utterly unfit to carry the wretched victims of
+    their tyranny through the solemn transition from slavery to freedom.
+    To complete the unhappy circumstances under which the experiment
+    began, the Act of Emancipation was passed by a distant government,
+    having no intimate knowledge of the subject; and the consequence
+    was, that a system of 'Apprenticeship,' as it was called, was
+    adopted, so absurd, and betraying such ignorance of the principles
+    of human nature, that, did we not know otherwise, we might suspect
+    its author of intending to produce a failure. It was to witness the
+    results of an experiment promising so little good, that our authors
+    visited three islands, particularly worthy of examination--Antigua,
+    Barbadoes, and Jamaica.
+
+    Our authors went first to Antigua, an island which had been wise
+    enough to foresee the mischiefs of the proposed apprenticeship, and
+    had substituted for it immediate and unqualified emancipation. The
+    report given of this island is most cheering. It is, indeed, one of
+    the brightest records in history. The account, beginning page 143,
+    of the transition from slavery to freedom, can hardly be read by a
+    man of ordinary sensibility without a thrill of tender and holy joy.
+    Why is it not published in all our newspapers as among the most
+    interesting events of our age? From the accounts of Antigua, it
+    appears that immediate emancipation has produced only good. Its
+    fruits are, greater security, the removal of the fears which
+    accompany slavery, better and cheaper cultivation of the soil,
+    increased value of real estate, improved morals, more frequent
+    marriages, and fewer crimes. _The people proclaim, with one voice,
+    that emancipation is a blessing, and that nothing would tempt than
+    to revert to slavery._
+
+    Our authors proceeded next to Barbadoes, where the apprenticeship
+    system is in operation; and if any proof were needed of the docility
+    and good dispositions of the negroes, it would be found in their
+    acquiescence to so wonderful a degree in this unhappy arrangement.
+    The planters on this island have been more disposed, than could have
+    been anticipated, to make the best of this system, and here,
+    accordingly, the same fruits of the Act of Emancipation are found as
+    in Antigua, though less abundant; and a very general and strong
+    conviction prevails of the happiness of the change.
+
+    In Jamaica, apprenticeship manifests its worst tendencies. The
+    planters of this island were, from first to last, furious in their
+    hostility to the act of emancipation; and the effort seems to have
+    been, to make the apprenticeship bear as heavily as possible on the
+    colored people; so that, instead of preparing them for complete
+    emancipation, it has rather unfitted them for this boon. Still,
+    under all these disadvantages, there is strong reason for expecting,
+    that emancipation, when it shall come, will prove a great good. At
+    any rate, it is hardly possible for the slaves to fall into a more
+    deplorable condition, than that in which this interposition of
+    parliament found them.
+
+    The degree of success which has attended this experiment in the
+    West Indies, under such unfavorable auspices, makes us sure, that
+    emancipation in this country, accorded by the good will of the
+    masters, would be attended with the happiest effects. One thing is
+    plain, that it would be perfectly _safe_. Never were the West Indies
+    so peaceful and secure as since emancipation. So far from general
+    massacre and insurrection, not an instance is recorded or intimated
+    of violence of any kind being offered to a white man. Our authors
+    were continually met by assurances of security on the part of the
+    planters, so that, in this respect at least, emancipation has been
+    unspeakable gain. The only obstacle to emancipation is, therefore,
+    removed; for nothing but well grounded fears of violence and crime
+    can authorize a man to encroach one moment on another's freedom.
+
+    The subject of this book is of great interest at the present
+    moment. Slavery, in the abstract, has been thoroughly discussed
+    among us. We all agree that it is a great wrong. Not a voice is here
+    lifted up in defence of the system, when viewed in a general light.
+    We only differ when we come to apply our principles to a particular
+    case. The only question is, whether the Southern states can abolish
+    slavery consistently with the public safety, order, and peace? Many,
+    very many well disposed people, both at the North and South, are
+    possessed with vague fears of massacre and universal misrule, as the
+    consequences of emancipation. Such ought to inquire into the ground
+    of their alarm. They are bound to listen to the voice of _facts_,
+    and such are given in this book. None of us have a right to make up
+    our minds without inquiry, or to rest in opinions adopted indolently
+    and without thought. It is a great crime to doom millions of our
+    race to brutal degradation, on the ground of unreasonable fears. The
+    power of public opinion is here irresistible, and to this power
+    every man contributes something; so that every man, by his spirit
+    and language, helps to loosen or rivet the chains of the slave."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following sentiments are expressed by GOVERNOR EVERETT, of
+Massachusetts, in a letter to EDMUND QUINCY, Esq., dated
+
+    "Boston, April 29, 1838.
+
+    DEAR SIR,--I have your favor of the 21st, accompanied with the
+    volume containing the account of the tour of Messrs. Thome and
+    Kimball in the West Indies, for which you will be pleased to accept
+    my thanks. I have perused this highly interesting narrative with the
+    greatest satisfaction. From the moment of the passage of the law,
+    making provision for the immediate or prospective abolition of
+    slavery in the British colonial possessions, I have looked with the
+    deepest solicitude for tidings of its operation. The success of the
+    measure, as it seemed to me, would afford a better hope than had
+    before existed, that a like blessing might be enjoyed by those
+    portions of the United States where slavery prevails. The only
+    ground on which I had been accustomed to hear the continuance of
+    slavery defended at the South, was that of necessity, and the
+    impossibility of abolishing it without producing consequences of the
+    most disastrous character to both parties. The passage of a law
+    providing for the emancipation of nearly a million of slaves in the
+    British colonies, seemed to afford full opportunity of bringing this
+    momentous question to the decisive test of experience. _If the
+    result proved satisfactory, I have never doubted that it would seal
+    the fate of slavery throughout the civilised world_. As far as the
+    observations of Messrs. Thome and Kimball extended, the result is of
+    the most gratifying character. It appears to place beyond a doubt,
+    that the experiment of immediate emancipation, adopted by the
+    colonial Legislature of Antigua, has fully succeeded in that island;
+    and the plan of apprenticeship in other portions of the West Indies,
+    as well as could have been expected from the obvious inherent vices
+    of that measure. _It has given me new views of the practicability of
+    emancipation_. It has been effected in Antigua, as appears from
+    unquestionable authorities contained in the work of Messrs. Thome
+    and Kimball, not merely _without danger_ to the master, but without
+    any sacrifice of his _interest_. I cannot but think that the
+    information collected in the volume will have a powerful effect on
+    public opinion, not only in the northern states, but in the
+    slaveholding states."
+
+GOVERNOR ELLSWORTH, of Connecticut, writes thus to A.F. WILLIAMS, Esq.,
+of this city:--
+
+    "NEW HAVEN, _May_ 19, 1838.
+
+    MY DEAR SIR,--Just before I left home, I received from you the
+    Journal of Thome and Kimball, for which token of friendship I
+    intended to have made you my acknowledgments before this; but I
+    wished first to read the book. As far as time would permit, I have
+    gone over most of its pages; and let me assure you, it is justly
+    calculated to produce great effects, provided you can once get it
+    into the hands of the planters. Convince _them_ that their
+    interests, as well as their security, will be advanced by employing
+    free blacks, and emancipation will be accomplished without
+    difficulty or delay.
+
+    I have looked with great interest at the startling measure of
+    emancipation in Antigua; but if this book is correct, the question
+    is settled as to that island beyond a doubt, since there is such
+    accumulated testimony from all classes, that the business and real
+    estate of the island have advanced, by reason of the emancipation,
+    one fourth, at least, in value; while personal security, without
+    military force, is felt by the former masters, and contentment,
+    industry, and gratitude, are seen in those who were slaves.
+
+    The great moral example of England, in abolishing slavery in the
+    West Indies, will produce a revolution on this subject throughout
+    the world, and put down slavery in every Christian country.
+
+    With sentiments of high esteem, &c,
+
+    W. W. ELLSWORTH."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX B.
+
+A short time previous to the late election in Rhode Island for governor
+and lieutenant-governor, a letter was addressed to each of the
+candidates for those offices by Mr. Johnson, Corresponding Secretary of
+the Rhode Island Anti-Slavery Society, embodying the views of the
+abolitionists on the several subjects it embraced, in a series of
+queries. Their purport will appear from the answer of Mr. Sprague, (who
+was elected governor,) given below. The answer of Mr. Childs (elected
+lieutenant-governor) is fully as direct as that of governor Sprague.
+
+    "WARWICK, _March 28, 1838_.
+
+    DEAR SIR,--Your favor of the 19th inst. requesting of me, in
+    conformity to a resolution of the Executive Committee of the Rhode
+    Island Anti-Slavery Society, an expression of my opinions on certain
+    topics, was duly received. I have no motive whatever for withholding
+    my opinions on any subject which is interesting to any portion of my
+    fellow-citizens. I will, therefore, cheerfully proceed to reply to
+    the interrogatories proposed, and in the order in which they are
+    submitted.
+
+    1. Among the powers vested by the Constitution in Congress, is the
+    power to exercise exclusive legislation, 'in all cases whatsoever,'
+    over the District of Columbia? 'All cases' must, of course, include
+    the _case_ of slavery and the slave-trade. I am, therefore, clearly
+    of opinion, that the Constitution does confer upon Congress the
+    power to abolish slavery and the slave-trade in that District; and,
+    as they are great moral and political evils, the principles of
+    justice and humanity demand the exercise of that power.
+
+    2. The traffic in slaves, whether foreign or domestic, is equally
+    obnoxious to every principle of justice and humanity; and, as
+    Congress has exercised its powers to suppress the slave-trade
+    between this country and foreign nations, it ought, as a matter of
+    consistency and justice, to exercise the same powers to suppress the
+    slave-trade between the states of this Union. The slave-trade within
+    the states is, undoubtedly, beyond the control of Congress; as the
+    'sovereignty of each state, to legislate exclusively on the subject
+    of slavery, which is tolerated within its limits,' is, I believe,
+    universally conceded. The Constitution unquestionably recognises the
+    sovereign power of each state to legislate on the subject within its
+    limits; but it imposes on us no obligation to add to the evils of
+    the system by countenancing the traffic between the states. That
+    which our laws have solemnly pronounced to be piracy in our foreign
+    intercourse, no sophistry can make honorable or justifiable in a
+    domestic form. For a proof of the feelings which this traffic
+    naturally inspires, we need but refer to the universal execration in
+    which the slave-dealer is held in those portions of the country
+    where the institution of slavery is guarded with the most jealous
+    vigilance.
+
+    3. Congress has no power to abridge the right of petition. The
+    right of the people of the non-slaveholding states to petition
+    Congress for the abolition of slavery and the slave-trade in the
+    District of Columbia, and the traffic of human beings among the
+    states, is as undoubted as any right guarantied by the Constitution;
+    and I regard the Resolution which was adopted by the House of
+    Representatives on the 21st of December last as a virtual denial of
+    that right, inasmuch as it disposed of all such petitions, as might
+    be presented thereafter, in advance of presentation and reception.
+    If it was right thus to dispose of petitions on _one_ subject, it
+    would be equally right to dispose of them in the same manner on
+    _all_ subjects, and thus cut of all communication, by petition
+    between the people and their representatives. Nothing can be more
+    clearly a violation of the spirit of the Constitution, as it
+    rendered utterly nugatory a right which was considered of such vast
+    importance as to be specially guarantied in that sacred instrument.
+    A similar Resolution passed the House of Representatives at the
+    first session of the last Congress, and as I then entertained the
+    same views which I have now expressed, I recorded my vote
+    against it.
+
+    4. I fully concur in the sentiment, that 'every principle of
+    justice and humanity requires, that every human being, when personal
+    freedom is at stake, should have the benefit of a jury trial;' and I
+    have no hesitation in saying, that the laws of this state ought to
+    secure that benefit, so far as they can, to persons claimed as
+    fugitives from 'service or labor,' without interfering with the laws
+    of the United States. The course pursued in relation to this subject
+    by the Legislature of Massachusetts meets my approbation.
+
+    5. I am opposed to all attempts to abridge or restrain the freedom
+    of speech and the press, or to forbid any portion of the people
+    peaceably to assemble to discuss any subject--moral, political, or
+    religious.
+
+    6. I am opposed to the annexation of Texas to the United States.
+
+    7. It is undoubtedly inconsistent with the principles of a free
+    state, professing to be governed in its legislation by the
+    principles of freedom, to sanction slavery, in any form, within its
+    jurisdiction. If we have laws in this state which bear this
+    construction, they ought to be repealed. We should extend to our
+    southern brethren, whenever they may have occasion to come among us,
+    all the privileges and immunities enjoyed by our own citizens, and
+    all the rights and privileges guarantied to them by the Constitution
+    of the United States; but they cannot expect of us to depart from
+    the fundamental principles of civil liberty for the purpose of
+    obviating any temporal inconvenience which they may experience.
+
+    These are my views upon the topics proposed for my consideration.
+    They are the views which I have always entertained, (at least ever
+    since I have been awakened to their vast importance,) and which I
+    have always supported, so far as I could, by my vote in Congress;
+    and if, in any respect, my answers have not been sufficiently
+    explicit, it will afford me pleasure to reply to any other questions
+    which you may think proper to propose.
+
+    I am, Sir, very respectfully,
+
+    Your friend and fellow citizen,
+
+    WILLIAM SPRAGUE."
+
+Oliver Johnson, Esq., Cor. Sec. R.I.A.S. Society.
+
+APPENDIX C.
+
+The abolitionists in Connecticut petitioned the Legislature of that
+state at its late session on several subjects deemed by them proper for
+legislative action. In answer to these petitions--
+
+1. The law known as the "Black Act" or the "Canterbury law"--under which
+Miss Crandall was indicted and tried--was repealed, except a single
+provision, which is not considered objectionable.
+
+2. The right to _trial by jury_ was secured to persons who are claimed
+as slaves.
+
+3. Resolutions were passed asserting the power of Congress to abolish
+slavery in the District of Columbia, and recommending that it be done as
+soon as it can be, "consistently with the _best good_ of the _whole
+country_."(!)
+
+4. Resolutions were passed protesting against the annexation of Texas to
+the Union.
+
+5. Resolutions were passed asserting the right of petition as
+inalienable--condemning Mr. Patton's resolution of Dec. 21, 1837 as an
+invasion of the rights of the people, and calling on the Connecticut
+delegation in Congress to use their efforts to have the same rescinded.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX D.
+
+In the year 1793 there were but 5,000,000 pounds of cotton produced in
+the United States, and but 500,000 exported. Cotton never could have
+become an article of much commercial importance under the old method of
+preparing it for market. By hand-picking, or by a process strictly
+_manual_, a cultivator could not prepare for market, during the year,
+more than from 200 to 300 pounds; being only about one-tenth of what he
+could cultivate to maturity in the field. In '93 Mr. Whitney invented
+the Cotton-gin now in use, by which the labor of at least _one thousand_
+hands under the old system, is performed by _one_, in preparing the crop
+for market. Seven years after the invention (1800) 35,000,000 pounds
+were raised, and 17,800,000 exported. In 1834, 460,000,000 were
+raised--384,750,000 exported. Such was the effect of Mr. Whitney's
+invention. It gave, at once, extraordinary value to the _land_ in that
+part of the country where alone cotton could be raised; and to _slaves_,
+because it was the general, the almost universal, impression that the
+cultivation of the South could be carried on only by slaves. There being
+no _free_ state in the South, competition between free and slave labor
+never could exist on a scale sufficiently extensive to prove the
+superiority of the former in the production of cotton, and in the
+preparation of it for market.
+
+Thus, it has happened that Mr. Whitney has been the innocent occasion of
+giving to slavery in this country its present importance--of magnifying
+it into the great interest to which all others must yield. How he was
+rewarded by the South--especially by the planters of Georgia--the reader
+may see by consulting Silliman's Journal for January, 1832, and the
+Encyclopedia Americana, article, WHITNEY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX E.
+
+It is impossible, of course, to pronounce with precision, how great
+would have been the effect in favor of emancipation, if the effort to
+resist the admission of Missouri as a slaveholding state had been
+successful. We can only conjecture what it would have been, by the
+effect its admission has had in fostering slavery up to its present huge
+growth and pretensions. If the American people had shown, through their
+National legislature, a _sincere_ opposition to slavery by the rejection
+of Missouri, it is probable at least--late as it was--that the early
+expiration of the 'system' would, by this time, have been discerned
+by all men.
+
+When the Constitution was formed, the state of public sentiment even in
+the South--with the exception of South Carolina and Georgia, was
+favorable to emancipation. Under the influence of this public sentiment
+was the Constitution formed. No person at all versed in constitutional
+or legal interpretation--with his judgment unaffected by interest or any
+of the prejudices to which the existing controversy has given
+birth--could, it is thought, construe the Constitution, _in its letter_,
+as intending to perpetuate slavery. To come to such a conclusion with a
+full knowledge of what was the mind of this nation in regard to slavery,
+when that instrument was made, demonstrates a moral or intellectual flaw
+that makes all reasoning useless.
+
+Although it is a fact beyond controversy in our history, that the power
+conferred by the Constitution on Congress to "regulate commerce with
+foreign nations" was known to include the power of abolishing the
+African slave-trade--and that it was expected that Congress, at the end
+of the period for which the exercise of that power on this particular
+subject was restrained, would use it (as it did) _with a view to the
+influence that the cutting off of that traffic would have on the
+"system" in this country_--yet, such has been the influence of the action
+of Congress on all matters with which slavery has been mingled--more
+especially on the Missouri question, in which slavery was the sole
+interest--that an impression has been produced on the popular mind, that
+the Constitution of the United States _guaranties_, and consequently
+_perpetuates_, slavery to the South. Most artfully, incessantly, and
+powerfully, has this lamentable error been harped on by the
+slaveholders, and by their advocates in the free states. The impression
+of _constitutional favor_ to the slaveholders would, of itself,
+naturally create for them an undue and disproportionate influence in the
+control of the government; but when to this is added the arrogance that
+the possession of irresponsible power almost invariably engenders in its
+possessors--their overreaching assumptions--the contempt that the
+slaveholders entertain for the great body of the _people_ of the North,
+it has almost delivered over the government, bound neck and heels, into
+the hands of slaveholding politicians--to be bound still more
+rigorously, or unloosed, as may seem well in their discretion.
+
+Who can doubt that, as a nation, we should have been more honorable and
+influential abroad--more prosperous and united at home--if Kentucky, at
+the very outset of this matter, had been refused admission to the Union
+until she had expunged from her Constitution the covenant with
+oppression? She would not have remained out of the Union a single year
+on that account. If the worship of Liberty had not been exchanged for
+that of Power--if her principles had been successfully maintained in
+this first assault, their triumph in every other would have been easy.
+We should not have had a state less in the confederacy, and slavery
+would have been seen, at this time, shrunk up to the most contemptible
+dimensions, if it had not vanished entirely away. But we have furnished
+another instance to be added to the long and melancholy list already
+existing, to prove that,--
+
+                       "facilis descensus Averni,
+       Sed revocare gradum
+       Hoc opus hic labor est,"
+
+if _poetry_ is not _fiction_.
+
+Success in the Missouri struggle--late as it was--would have placed the
+cause of freedom in our country out of the reach of danger from its
+inexorable foe. The principles of liberty would have struck deeper root
+in the free states, and have derived fresh vigor from such a triumph. If
+these principles had been honored by the government from that period to
+the present, (as they would have been, had the free states, even then,
+assumed their just preponderance in its administration,) we should now
+have, in Missouri herself, a healthful and vigorous ally in the cause of
+freedom; and, in Arkansas, a free people--_twice_ her present
+numbers--pressing on the confines of slavery, and summoning the keepers
+of the southern charnel-house to open its doors, that its inmates might
+walk forth, in a glorious resurrection to liberty and life. Although
+young, as a people, we should be, among the nations, venerable for our
+virtue; and we should exercise an influence on the civilized and
+commercial world that we most despair of possessing, as long as we
+remain vulnerable to every shaft that malice, or satire, or philanthropy
+may find it convenient to hurl against us.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: A comic piece--the production of one of the most popular of
+the French writers in his way--had possession of the Paris stage last
+winter. When one of the personages SEPARATES HUSBAND AND WIFE, he cries
+out, "BRAVO! THIS IS THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED
+STATES!" [Bravo! C'est la Declaration d'Independence des Etats Unis.]
+
+One of our distinguished College-professors, lately on a tour in Europe,
+had his attention called, while passing along the street of a German
+city, to the pictorial representation of a WHITE MAN SCOURGING A
+SUPPLICATING COLORED FEMALE, with this allusion underwritten:--"A
+SPECIMEN OF EQUALITY--FROM REPUBLICAN AMERICA."
+
+Truly might our countryman have exclaimed in the language, if not with
+the generous emotions of the Trojan hero, when he beheld the noble deeds
+of his countrymen pencilled in a strange land--
+
+--"Quis jam locus--
+Quae regio in terris nostri non plena laboris?"
+]
+
+Instead of being thus seated on a "heaven-kissing hill," and seen of all
+in its pure radiance; instead of enjoying its delightful airs, and
+imparting to them the healthful savor of justice, truth, mercy,
+magnanimity, see what a picture we present;--our cannibal burnings of
+human beings--our Lynch courts--our lawless scourgings and capital
+executions, not only of slaves, but of freemen--our demoniac mobs raging
+through the streets of our cities and large towns at midday as well as
+at midnight, shedding innocent blood, devastating property, and applying
+the incendiaries' torch to edifices erected and dedicated to FREE
+DISCUSSION--the known friends of order, of law, of liberty, of the
+Constitution--citizens, distinguished for their worth at home, and
+reflecting honor on their country abroad, shut out from more than half
+our territory, or visiting it at the hazard of their lives, or of the
+most degrading and painful personal inflictions--freedom of speech and
+of the press overthrown and hooted at--the right of petition struck down
+in Congress, where, above all places, it ought to have been maintained
+to the last--the people mocked at, and attempted to be gagged by their
+own servants--the time the office-honored veteran, who fearlessly
+contended for the _right_, publicly menaced for words spoken in his
+place as a representative of the people, with an indictment by a
+slaveholding grand jury--in fine, the great principles of government
+asserted by our fathers in the Declaration of Independence, and embodied
+in our Constitution, with which they won for us the sympathy, the
+admiration of the world--all forgotten, dishonoured, despised, trodden
+under foot! And this for slavery!!
+
+Horrible catalogue!--yet by no means a complete one--for so young a
+nation, boasting itself, too, to be the freest on earth! It is the ripe
+fruit of that _chef d'oeuvre_ of political skill and patriotic
+achievement--the MISSOURI COMPROMISE.
+
+Another such compromise--or any compromise now with slavery--and the
+nation is undone.
+
+APPENDIX F.
+
+The following is believed to be a correct exhibit of the legislative
+resolutions against the annexation of Texas--of the times at which they
+were passed, and of the _votes_ by which they were passed:--
+
+1. VERMONT.
+
+    "1. _Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives_, That our
+    Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives
+    requested, to use their influence in that body to prevent the
+    annexation of Texas to the Union.
+
+    2. _Resolved_, That representing, as we do, the people of Vermont,
+    we do hereby, in their name, SOLEMNLY PROTEST against such
+    annexation in any form."
+
+[Passed unanimously, Nov. 1, 1837.]
+
+2. RHODE ISLAND.
+
+(_In General Assembly, October Session, A. D. 1837_.)
+
+    "Whereas the compact of the Union between these states was entered
+    into by the people thereof in their respective states, 'in order to
+    form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic
+    tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general
+    welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their
+    posterity;' and, therefore, a Representative Government was
+    instituted by them, with certain limited powers, clearly specified
+    and defined in the Constitution--all other powers, not therein
+    expressly relinquished, being 'reserved to the states respectively,
+    or to the people.'
+
+    And whereas this limited government possesses no power to extend
+    its jurisdiction over any foreign nation, and no foreign nation,
+    country, or people, can be admitted into this Union but by the
+    sovereign will and act of the free people of all and each of these
+    United States, nor without the formation of a new compact of
+    Union--and another frame of government radically different, in
+    objects, principles, and powers, from that which was framed for our
+    own self-government, and deemed to be adequate to all the exigencies
+    of our own free republic:--
+
+    Therefore, Resolved, That we have witnessed, with deep concern, the
+    indications of a disposition to bring into this Union, as a
+    constituent member thereof, the foreign province or territory
+    of Texas.
+
+    Resolved, That, although we are fully aware of the consequences
+    which must follow the accomplishment of such a project, could it be
+    accomplished--aware that it would lead speedily to the conquest and
+    annexation of Mexico itself, and its fourteen remaining provinces or
+    intendencies--which, together with the revolted province of Texas,
+    would furnish foreign territories and foreign people for at least
+    twenty members of the new Union; that the government of a nation so
+    extended and so constructed would soon become radically [changed] in
+    character, if not in form--would unavoidably become a military
+    government; and, under the plea of necessity, would free itself from
+    the restraints of the Constitution and from its accountability to
+    the people. That the ties of kindred, common origin and common
+    interests, which have so long bound this people together, and would
+    still continue to bind them: these ties, which ought to be held
+    sacred by all true Americans, would be angrily dissolved, and
+    sectional political combinations would be formed with the newly
+    admitted foreign states, unnatural and adverse to the peace and
+    prosperity of the country. The civil government, with all the
+    arbitrary powers it might assume, would be unable to control the
+    storm. The usurper would find himself in his proper element; and,
+    after acting the patriot and the hero for a due season, as the only
+    means of rescuing the country from the ruin which he had chiefly
+    contributed to bring upon it, would reluctantly and modestly allow
+    himself to be declared 'Protector of the Commonwealth.'
+
+    We are now fully aware of the deep degradation into which the
+    republic would sink itself in the eyes of the whole world, should it
+    annex to its own vast territories other and foreign territories of
+    immense though unknown extent, for the purpose of encouraging the
+    propagation of slavery, and giving aid to the raising of slaves
+    within its own bosom, the very bosom of freedom, to be esported and
+    sold in those unhallowed regions. Although we are fully aware of
+    these fearful evils, and numberless others which would come in their
+    train, yet we do not here dwell upon them; because we are here
+    firmly convinced that the free people of most, and we trust of all
+    these states, will never suffer the admission of the foreign
+    territory of Texas into this Union as a constituent member
+    thereof--will never suffer the integrity of this Republic to be
+    violated, either by the introduction and addition to it of foreign
+    nations or territories, one or many, or by dismemberment of it by
+    the transfer of any one or more of its members to a foreign nation.
+    The people will be aware, that should one foreign state or country
+    be introduced, another and another may be, without end, whether
+    situated in South America, in the West India islands, or in any
+    other part of the world; and that a single foreign state, thus
+    admitted, might have in its power, by holding the balance between
+    contending parties, to wrest their own government from the hands and
+    control of the people, by whom it was established for their own
+    benefit and self-government. We are firmly convinced, that the free
+    people of these states will look upon any attempt to introduce the
+    foreign territory of Texas, or any other foreign territory or nation
+    into this Union, as a constituent member or members thereof, as
+    manifesting a willingness to prostrate the Constitution and dissolve
+    the Union.
+
+    Resolved, That His Excellency, the Governor, be requested to
+    forward a copy of the foregoing resolutions to each of our Senators
+    and Representatives in Congress, and to each of the Executives of
+    the several states, with a request that the same may be laid before
+    the respective Legislatures of said states."
+
+[The Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted, Nov. 3, 1837.]
+
+3. OHIO.
+
+    "_Resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio_, That in
+    the name, and on behalf of the people of the State of Ohio, we do
+    hereby SOLEMNLY PROTEST against the annexation of Texas to the Union
+    of these United States.
+
+    _And be it further resolved_, That the Governor be requested to
+    transmit to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress,
+    and to the Governors of each of the States, a copy of the foregoing
+    resolution, with a statement of the votes by which it was passed in
+    each branch of the Legislature."
+
+[Passed by 64 out of 72, the whole number in the House of
+Representatives--unanomously in the Senate. Feb. 24, 1838.]
+
+4. MASSACHUSETTS.
+
+    "Resolves against the annexation of Texas to the United States.
+
+    Whereas a proposition to admit into the United States as a
+    constituent member thereof, the foreign nation of Texas, has been
+    recommended by the legislative resolutions of several States, and
+    brought before Congress for its approval and sanction; and whereas
+    such a measure would involve great wrong to Mexico, and otherwise be
+    of evil precedent, injurious to the interests and dishonorable to
+    the character of this country; and whereas its avowed objects are
+    doubly fraught with peril to the prosperity and permanence of this
+    Union, as tending to disturb and destroy the conditions of those
+    compromises and concessions, entered into at the formation of the
+    Constitution, by which the relative weights of different sections
+    and interests were adjusted, and to strengthen and extend the evils
+    of a system which is unjust in itself, in striking contrast with the
+    theory of our institutions, and condemned by the moral sentiment of
+    mankind; and whereas the people of these United States have not
+    granted to any or all of the departments of their Government, but
+    have retained in themselves, the only power adequate to the
+    admission of a foreign nation into this confederacy; therefore,
+
+    _Resolved_, That we, the Senate and House of Representatives, in
+    General Court assembled, do in the name of the people of
+    Massachusetts, earnestly and solemnly protest against the
+    incorporation of Texas into this Union, and declare, that no act
+    done or compact made, for such purpose by the government of the
+    United States, will be binding on the States or the People.
+
+    _Resolved_, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to
+    forward a copy of these resolutions and the accompanying report to
+    the Executive of the United States, and the Executive of each State
+    and also to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress,
+    with a request that they present the resolves to both Houses of
+    Congress."
+
+[Passed MARCH 16, 1838, UNANIMOUSLY, in both Houses.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+5. MICHIGAN.
+
+Whereas, propositions have been made for the annexation of Texas to the
+United States, with a view to its ultimate incorporation into the Union:
+
+    "And whereas, the extension of this General Government over so large
+    a country on the south-west, between which and that of the original
+    states, there is little affinity, and less identity of interest,
+    would tend, in the opinion of this Legislature, greatly to disturb
+    the safe and harmonious operations of the Government of the United
+    States, and put in imminent danger the continuance of this happy
+    Union: Therefore,
+
+    _Be it resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
+    State of Michigan_, That in behalf, and in the name of the State of
+    Michigan, this Legislature doth hereby dissent from, and solemnly
+    protest against the annexation, for any purpose, to this Union, of
+    Texas, or of any other territory or district of country, heretofore
+    constituting a part of the dominions of Spain in America, lying west
+    or south-west of Louisiana.
+
+    And be it further Resolved, by the Authority aforesaid, That the
+    Governor of this State be requested to transmit a copy of the
+    foregoing preamble and resolve, under the great seal of this state,
+    to the President of the United States; also, that he transmit one
+    copy thereof, authenticated in manner aforesaid, to the President of
+    the Senate of the United States, with the respectful request of this
+    Legislature, that the same may be laid before the Senate; also, that
+    he transmit one copy thereof to the Speaker of the House of
+    Representatives of the United States, authenticated in like manner,
+    with the respectful request of this Legislature, that the same may
+    be laid before the House of Representatives; and also, that he
+    transmit to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress,
+    one copy thereof, together with the Report adopted by this
+    Legislature, and which accompanies said preamble and resolves."
+
+[Passed nearly if not quite unanimously, April 2, 1838].
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+6. CONNECTICUT.
+
+    "_Resolved_, That we, the Senate and House of Representatives in
+    General Assembly convened, do, in the name of the people of this
+    State, solemnly _protest_ against the annexation of Texas to
+    this Union."
+
+[Passed, it is believed, unanimously in both houses.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+(Those which follow were passed by but one branch of the respective
+Legislatures in which they were introduced.)
+
+7. PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+    _Resolutions relative to the admission of Texas into the Union._
+
+    "_Whereas_ the annexation of Texas to the United States has been
+    advocated and strongly urged by many of our fellow-citizens,
+    particularly in the southern part of our country, and the president
+    of Texas has received authority to open a correspondence with, and
+    appoint, a commissioner to our government to accomplish the
+    object;--_And whereas_ such a measure would bring to us a dangerous
+    extension of territory, with a population generally not desirable,
+    and would probably involve us in war;--_And whereas_ the subject is
+    now pressed upon and agitated in Congress; therefore,
+
+    _Resolved_, &c, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and
+    our Representatives requested, to use their influence and vote
+    against the annexation of Texas to the territory of the
+    united States.
+
+    _Resolved_, That the Governor transmit to each of our Senators and
+    Representatives a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions."
+
+[Passed the Senate March 9, 1835, by 22 to 6. Postponed indefinitely in
+the House of Representatives, April 13, by 41 to 39.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+8. MAINE.
+
+    "_Resolved_, That the Legislature of the State of Maine, on behalf
+    of the people of said state, do earnestly and solemnly protest
+    against the annexation of the Republic of Texas to these United
+    States; and that our Senators and Representatives in Congress be,
+    and they hereby are, requested to exert their utmost influence to
+    prevent the adoption of a measure at once so clearly
+    unconstitutional, and so directly calculated to disturb our foreign
+    relations, to destroy our domestic peace, and to dismember our
+    blessed Union."
+
+[Passed in the House of Representatives, March 22, 1838, by 85 to 30.
+Senate (same day) refused to concur by 11 to 10.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+9. NEW-YORK.
+
+    "_Resolved_, (if the Senate concur,) That the admission of the
+    Republic of Texas into this Union would be entirely repugnant to the
+    will of the people of this state, and would endanger the union of
+    these United States.
+
+    _Resolved_, (if the Senate concur,) That this Legislature do, in
+    the name of the people of the State of New York, solemnly protest
+    against the admission of the Republic of Texas into this Union.
+
+    _Resolved_, (if the Senate concur.) That his Excellency the Governor
+    be requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to each
+    of our Senators and Representatives in Congress, and also to the
+    governors of each of the United States, with a request that the same
+    be laid before their respective Legislatures."
+
+[These resolutions passed the House of Representatives in April, by a
+large majority--the newspapers say, 83 to 13. They were indefinitely
+postponed in the Senate, by a vote of 21 to 9.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX G.
+
+The number of petitioners for abolition in the District of Columbia, and
+on other subjects allied to it, have been ascertained (in the House of
+Representatives) to be as follows:--
+
+                                        Men.     Women.     Total.
+For abolition in the District,         51,366    78,882    130,248
+Against the annexation of Texas,      104,973    77,419    182,392
+Rescinding the gag resolution,         21,015    10,821     31,836
+Against admitting any new slave state, 11,770    10,391     22,161
+For abolition of the slave-trade
+  between the states,                  11,864    11,541     23,405
+For abolition of slavery in the
+  territories,                          9,129    12,083     21,212
+At the extra session for rescinding
+the gag resolution of Jan. 21, 1837,    3,377                3,377
+                                      ----------------------------
+Total,                                213,494   201,137    414,631
+
+The number in the Senate, where some difficulty was interposed that
+prevented its being taken, is estimated to have been about two-thirds as
+great as that in the House.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX H.
+
+[On the 1st of December, one of the secretaries of the American
+Anti-Slavery Society addressed a note to each of the Governors of the
+slave states, in which he informed them, in courteous and respectful
+terms, that he had directed the Publishing Agent of this society,
+thereafter regularly to transmit to them, free of charge, the periodical
+publications issued from the office of the society. To this offer the
+following replies were received:--]
+
+GOVERNOR CAMPBELL'S LETTER.
+
+    JAMES G. BIRNEY, Esq., _New York_
+
+    "RICHMOND, _Dec. 4, 1837_.
+
+    SIR,--I received, by yesterday's mail, your letter of the 1st
+    instant, in which you state that you had directed the publishing
+    agent of the American Anti-Slavery Society, hereafter, regularly to
+    transmit, free of charge, by mail, to all the governors of the slave
+    states, the periodical publications issued from that office.
+
+    Regarding your society as highly mischievous, I decline receiving
+    any communications from it, and must request that no publications
+    from your office be transmitted to me.
+
+    I am, &c,
+
+    DAVID CAMPBELL."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GOVERNOR BAGBY'S LETTER.
+
+    "TUSCALOOSA, _Jan. 6, 1838_
+
+    SIR,--I received, by due course of mail, your favor of the 1st of
+    December, informing me that you had directed the publishing agent of
+    the American Anti-Slavery Society to forward to the governors of the
+    slaveholding states the periodicals issued from that office. Taking
+    it for granted, that the only object which the society or yourself
+    could have in view, in adopting this course, is, the dissemination
+    of the opinions and principles of the society--having made up my own
+    opinion, unalterably, in relation to the whole question of slavery,
+    as it exists in a portion of the United States, and feeling
+    confident that, in the correctness of this opinion, I am sustained
+    by the entire free white population of Alabama, as well as the great
+    body of the people of this Union, I must, with the greatest respect
+    for yourself, personally but not for the opinions or principles
+    advocated by the society--positively decline receiving said
+    publications, or any others of a similar character, either
+    personally or officially. Indeed, it is presuming a little too much,
+    to expect that the chief magistrate of a free people, elected by
+    themselves, would hold correspondence or give currency to the
+    publications of an organized society, openly engaged in a scheme
+    fraught with more mischievous consequences to their interest and
+    repose, than any that the wit or folly of mankind has
+    heretofore devised.
+
+    I am, very respectfully,
+
+    Your ob't servant,
+
+    A.P. BAGBY"
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY, _Esq., New York_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GOVERNOR CANNON'S LETTER.
+
+[This letter required so many alterations to bring it up to the ordinary
+standard of epistolary, grammatical, and orthographical accuracy, that
+it is thought best to give it in _word_ and _letter_, precisely as it
+was received at the office.]
+
+    "EXECUTIVE DEPT.--
+
+    NASHVILLE. _Dec. 12th, 1837_.
+
+    Sir
+
+    I have rec'd yours of the 1st Inst notifying me, that you had
+    directed, your periodical publications, on the subject of Slavery to
+    be sent to me free of charge &c--and you are correct, if sincere, in
+    your views, in supposing that we widely differ, on this subject, we
+    do indeed widely differ, on it, if the publications said to have
+    emanated from you, are honest and sincere, which, I admit,
+    is possible.
+
+    My opinions are fix'd and settled, and I seldom Look into or
+    examine, the, different vague notions of others who write and
+    theorise on that subject. Hence I trust you will not expect me to
+    examine, what you have printed on this subject, or cause to have
+    printed. If you or any other man are influenced by feelings of
+    humanity, and are laboring to relieve the sufferings, of the human
+    race, you may find objects enough immediately around you, where you
+    are, in any nonslaveholding State, to engage your, attention, and
+    all your exertions, in that good cause.
+
+    But if your aim is to make a flourish on the subject, before the
+    world, and to gain yourself some notoriety, or distinction, without,
+    doing good to any, and evil to many, of the human race, you are,
+    pursuing the course calculated to effect. Such an object, in which
+    no honest man need envy. Your honours, thus gaind, I know there are
+    many such in our country, but would fain hope, you are not one of
+    them. If you have Lived, as you state forty years in a Slave holding
+    State, you know that, that class of its population, are not the
+    most, miserable, degraded, or unhappy, either in their feelings or
+    habits, You know they are generally governd, and provided for by men
+    of information and understanding sufficient to guard them against
+    the most, odious vices, and hibets of the country, from which, you
+    know the slaves are in a far greater degree, exempt than, are other
+    portions of the population. That the slaves are the most happy,
+    moral and contented generally, and free from suffering of any kind,
+    having, each full confidence, in his masters, skill means and
+    disposition to provide well for him, knowing also at the same time
+    that _it is his interest to do it_. Hence in this State of Society
+    more than any other, Superior intelligence has the ascendency, in
+    governing and provideing, for the wants of those inferior, also in
+    giveing direction to their Labour, and industry, as should be the
+    case, superior intelligence Should govern, when united with Virtue,
+    and interest, that great predominating principle in all human
+    affairs. It is my rule of Life, when I see any man labouring to
+    produce effects, at a distance from him, while neglecting the
+    objects immediately around him, (in doing good) to suspect his
+    sincerity, to suspect him for some selfish, or sinister motive, all
+    is not gold that glitters, and every man is not what he, endeavours
+    to appear to be, is too well known. It is the duty of masters to
+    take care of there slaves and provide for them, and this duty I
+    believe is as generally and as fully complyd with as any other duty
+    enjoind on the human family, for next to their children their own
+    offspring, their slaves stand next foremost in their care and
+    attention, there are indeed very few instances of a contrary
+    character.
+
+    You can find around you, I doubt not a large number of persons
+    intemix'd, in your society, who are entirely destitute of that care,
+    and attention, towards them that is enjoyed by our slaves, and who
+    are destitute of that deep feeling of interest, in guarding their
+    morals and habits, and directing them through Life in all things,
+    which is here enjoyd by our slaves, to those let your efforts be
+    directed immediately around you and do not trouble with your vague
+    speculations those who are contented and happy, at a distance
+    from you.
+
+    Very respectfully yours,
+
+    N. CANNON."
+
+Mr. JAS. G. BIRNEY, _Cor. Sec._ &c.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[The letter of the Secretary to the governor of South Carolina was not
+_answered_, but was so inverted and folded as to present the
+_subscribed_ name of the secretary, as the _superscription_ of the same
+letter to be returned. The addition of _New York_ to the address brought
+it back to this office.
+
+Whilst governor Butler was thus refusing the information that was
+proffered to him in the most respectful terms from this office, he was
+engaged in another affair, having connection with the anti-slavery
+movement, as indiscreet, as it was unbecoming the dignity of the office
+he holds. The following account of it is from one of the Boston
+papers:--]
+
+    "_Hoaxing a Governor_.--The National Aegis says, that Hollis Parker,
+    who was sentenced to the state prison at the late term of the
+    criminal court for Worcester county, for endeavoring to extort money
+    from governor Everett, had opened an extensive correspondence,
+    previous to his arrest, with similar intent, with other
+    distinguished men of the country. Besides several individuals in New
+    York, governor Butler, of South Carolina, was honored with his
+    notice. A letter from that gentleman, directed to Parker, was lately
+    received at the post office in a town near Worcester, enclosing a
+    check for fifty dollars. So far as the character of Parker's letter
+    can be inferred from the reply of governor Butler, it would appear,
+    that Parker informed the governor, that the design was entertained
+    by some of our citizens, of transmitting to South Carolina a
+    quantity of 'incendiary publications,' and that with the aid of a
+    little money, he (Parker) would be able to unravel the plot, and
+    furnish full information concerning it to his excellency. The bait
+    took, and the money was forwarded, with earnest appeals to Parker to
+    be vigilant and active in thoroughly investigating the supposed
+    conspiracy against the peace and happiness of the South.
+
+    The Aegis has the following very just remarks touching this
+    case:--'Governor Butler belongs to a state loud in its professions
+    of regard for state rights and state sovereignty. We, also, are
+    sincere advocates of that good old republican doctrine. It strikes
+    us, that it would have comported better with the spirit of that
+    doctrine, the dignity, of his own station and character, the respect
+    and courtesy due to a sovereign and independent state, if governor
+    Butler had made the proper representation, if the subject was
+    deserving of such notice, to the acknowledged head and constituted
+    authorities of that state, instead of holding official
+    correspondence with a citizen of a foreign jurisdiction, and
+    employing a secret agent and informer, whose very offer of such
+    service was proof of the base and irresponsible character of him who
+    made it.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    GOVERNOR CONWAY'S LETTER.
+
+    EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, _March_ 1, 1838.
+
+    Sir--A newspaper, headed '_The Emancipator_,' in which you are
+    announced the 'publishing agent,' has, for some weeks past, arrived
+    at the post office in this city, to my address. Not having
+    subscribed, or authorized any individual to give my name as a
+    subscriber, for that or any such paper, it is entirely _gratuitous_
+    on the part of its publishers to send me a copy; and not having a
+    favorable opinion of the _intentions_ of the _authors and founders_
+    of the '_American Anti-Slavery Society_;' I have to request a
+    discontinuance of '_The Emancipator_.'
+
+    Your ob't servant, "J.S. CONWAY."
+
+R. G. WILLIAMS, Esq., New York.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[NOTE.--The following extract of a letter, from the late Chief Justice
+Jay to the late venerable Elias Boudinot, dated Nov. 17, 1819, might
+well have formed part of Appendix E. Its existence, however, was not
+known till it was too late to insert it in its most appropriate place.
+It shows the view taken of some of the _constitutional_ questions by a
+distinguished jurist,--one of the purest patriots too, by whom our early
+history was illustrated.]
+
+    "Little can be added to what has been said and written on the
+    subject of slavery. I concur in the opinion, that it ought not to be
+    _introduced, nor permitted_ in any of the _new_ states; and that it
+    ought to be gradually diminished, and finally, abolished, in all
+    of them.
+
+    To me, the _constitutional authority_ of the Congress to prohibit
+    the _migration_ and _importation_ of slaves into any of the states,
+    does not appear questionable.
+
+    The first article of the Constitution specifics the legislative
+    powers committed to Congress. The ninth section of that article has
+    these words:--'The _migration_ or _importation_ of such persons as
+    any of the _now existing_ states shall think proper to admit, shall
+    not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the year 1808--but a tax
+    or duty may be imposed on such importation not exceeding _ten
+    dollars_ for each person.'
+
+    I understand the sense and meaning of this clause to be, That the
+    power of the Congress, although _competent to prohibit such
+    migration and importation_, was not to be exercised with respect to
+    the THEN existing states, and _them only_, until the year 1808; but
+    that Congress were at liberty to make such prohibition as to any
+    _new state_ which might in the _meantime_ be established. And
+    further, that from and after _that_ period, they were authorized to
+    make such prohibition as to _all the states, whether new or old_.
+
+    Slaves were the persons intended. The word slaves was avoided, on
+    account of the existing toleration of slavery, and its discordancy
+    with the principles of the Revolution; and from a consciousness of
+    its being repugnant to those propositions to the Declaration of
+    Independence:--'We hold these truths to be self-evident--that all
+    men are created equal--that they are endowed by their Creator with
+    certain inalienable rights--and that, among these, are life,
+    liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NO. 9.
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+LETTER
+
+OF
+
+GERRIT SMITH,
+
+TO
+
+HON. HENRY CLAY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NEW YORK:
+
+PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, NO. 143 NASSAU STREET.
+----- 1839.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+This No. contains 3-1/2 sheets.--Postage, under 100 miles, 6 cts. over
+100, 10 cts.
+
+_Please Read and circulate_.
+
+
+
+LETTER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PETERBORO, MARCH 21, 1839.
+
+HON. HENRY CLAY:
+
+DEAR SIR,
+
+In the Annual Meeting of the American Colonization Society, held in the
+Capitol in the city of Washington, December, 1835, you commented on a
+speech made by myself, the previous autumn. Your objections to that
+speech formed the principal subject matter of your remarks. Does not
+this fact somewhat mitigate the great presumption of which I feel myself
+guilty, in undertaking, all unhonored and humble as I am, to review the
+production of one of the most distinguished statesmen of the age?
+
+Until the appearance of your celebrated speech on the subject of
+slavery, I had supposed that you cherished a sacred regard for the right
+of petition. I now find, that you value it no more highly than they do,
+who make open war upon it. Indeed, you admit, that, in relation to this
+right, "there is no substantial difference between" them and yourself.
+Instead of rebuking, you compliment them; and, in saying that "the
+majority of the Senate" would not "violate the right of petition in any
+case, in which, according to its judgment, the object of the petition
+could be safely or properly granted," you show to what destructive
+conditions you subject this absolute right. Your doctrine is, that in
+those cases, where the object of the petition is such, as the
+supplicated party can approve, previously to any discussion of its
+merits--there, and there only, exists the right of petition. For aught I
+see, you are no more to be regarded as the friend of this right, than is
+the conspicuous gentleman[A] who framed the Report on that subject,
+which was presented to the Senate of my state the last month. That
+gentleman admits the sacredness of "the right to petition on any
+subject;" and yet, in the same breath, he insists on the equal
+sacredness of the right to refuse to attend to a petition. He manifestly
+failed to bear in mind, that a right to petition implies the correlative
+right to be heard. How different are the statesmen, who insist "on the
+right to refuse to attend to a petition," from Him, who says, "Whoso
+stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but
+shall not be heard." And who are poor, if it be not those for whom the
+abolitionists cry? They must even cry by proxy. For, in the language of
+John Quincy Adams, the champion of the right of petition, "The slave is
+not permitted to cry for mercy--to plead for pardon--to utter the shriek
+of perishing nature for relief." It may be well to remark, that the
+error, which I have pointed out in the Report in question, lies in the
+premises of the principal argument of that paper; and that the
+correction of this error is necessarily attended with the destruction of
+the premises, and with the overthrow of the argument, which is built
+upon them.
+
+[Footnote A: Colonel Young.]
+
+I surely need not stop to vindicate the right of petition. It is a
+natural right--one that human laws can guarantee, but can neither create
+nor destroy. It is an interesting fact, that the Amendment to the
+Federal Constitution, which guarantees the right of petition, was
+opposed in the Congress of 1789 as superfluous. It was argued, that this
+is "a self-evident, inalienable right, which the people possess," and
+that "it would never be called in question." What a change in
+fifty years!
+
+You deny the power of Congress to abolish the inter-state traffic in
+human beings; and, inasmuch as you say, that the right "to regulate
+commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states," does not
+include the right to prohibit and destroy commerce; and, inasmuch as it
+is understood, that it was in virtue of the right to regulate commerce,
+that Congress enacted laws to restrain our participation in the "African
+slave trade," you perhaps also deny, that Congress had the power to
+enact such laws. The history of the times in which the Federal
+Constitution was framed and adopted, justifies the belief, that the
+clause of that instrument under consideration conveys the power, which
+Congress exercised. For instance, Governor Randolph, when speaking in
+the Virginia Convention of 1788, of the clause which declares, that "the
+migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now
+existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by
+Congress prior to the year 1808," said, "This is an exception from the
+power of regulating commerce, and the restriction is to continue only
+till 1808. Then Congress can, by the exercise of that power, prevent
+future importations."
+
+Were I, however, to admit that the right "to regulate commerce," does
+not include the right to prohibit and destroy commerce, it nevertheless
+would not follow, that Congress might not prohibit or destroy certain
+branches of commerce. It might need to do so, in order to preserve our
+general commerce with a state or nation. So large a proportion of the
+cloths of Turkey might be fraught with the contagion of the plague, as
+to make it necessary for our Government to forbid the importation of all
+cloths from that country, and thus totally destroy one branch of our
+commerce with it, to the end that the other branches might be preserved.
+No inconsiderable evidence that Congress has the right to prohibit or
+destroy a branch of commerce, is to be found in the fact, that it has
+done so. From March, 1794, to May, 1820, it enacted several laws, which
+went to prohibit or destroy, and, in the end, did prohibit or destroy
+the trade of this country with Africa in human beings. And, if Congress
+has the power to pass embargo laws, has it not the power to prohibit or
+destroy commerce altogether?
+
+It is, however, wholly immaterial, whether Congress could prohibit our
+participation in the "African slave trade," in virtue of the clause
+which empowers it "to regulate commerce." That the Constitution does, in
+some one or more of its passages, convey the power, is manifest from the
+testimony of the Constitution itself. The first clause of the ninth
+section says: "The migration or importation of such persons, as any of
+the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be
+prohibited by the Congress prior to they year 1808." Now the implication
+in this clause of the existence of the power in question, is as
+conclusive, as would be the express and positive grant of it. You will
+observe, too, that the power of Congress over "migration or
+importation," which this clause implies, is a power not merely to
+"regulate," as you define the word, but to "prohibit."
+
+It is clear, then, that Congress had the power to interdict our trade in
+human beings with Africa. But, in view of what has been said on that
+point--in view of the language of the Federal Constitution--of the
+proceedings of the Convention, which framed it--and of the cotemporary
+public sentiment--is it any less clear, that Congress has the power to
+interdict the inter-state traffic in human beings?
+
+There are some, who assert that the words "migration" and "importation,"
+instead of referring, as I maintain they do--the former to the removal
+of slaves from state to state, and the latter to their introduction from
+Africa--are used in the Constitution as synonyms, and refer exclusively
+to the "African slave trade." But there is surely no ground for the
+imputation of such utter tautology, if we recollect that the
+Constitution was written by scholars, and that remarkable pains were
+taken to clear it of all superfluous words--a Committee having been
+appointed for that special purpose. But, it may be asked, Why, in
+reference to the taking of slaves from one state to another, use the
+word "migration," which denotes voluntary removal? One answer is--that
+it can be used with as much propriety in that case, as in the removal of
+slaves from Africa--the removal in the one case being no less
+involuntary than in the other. Another answer is--that the framers of
+the Constitution selected the word "migration," because of its congruity
+with that of "persons," under which their virtuous shame sought to
+conceal from posterity the existence of seven hundred thousand slaves
+amongst a people, who had but recently entered upon their national
+career, with the solemn declaration, that "all men are created equal."
+
+John Jay, whose great celebrity is partly owing to his very able
+expositions of the Constitution, says: "To me, the constitutional
+authority of the Congress to prohibit the migration _and_ importation of
+slaves into any of the states, does not appear questionable." If the
+disjunctive between "migration" and "importation" in the Constitution,
+argues their reference to the same thing, Mr. Jay's copulative argues
+more strongly, that, in his judgment, they refer to different things.
+
+The law of Congress constituting the "Territory of Orleans," was enacted
+in 1804. It fully recognizes the power of that body to prohibit the
+trade in slaves between a territory and the states. But, if Congress had
+this power, why had it not as clear a power to prohibit, at that time,
+the trade in slaves between any two of the states? It might have
+prohibited it, but for the constitutional suspension of the exercise of
+the power. The term of that suspension closed, however, in 1808; and,
+since that year, Congress has had as full power to abolish the whole
+slave trade between the states, as it had in 1804 to abolish the like
+trade between the Territory of Orleans and the states.
+
+But, notwithstanding the conclusive evidence, that the Constitution
+empowers Congress to abolish the inter-state slave trade, it is
+incomprehensible to many, that such states as Virginia and Maryland
+should have consented to deprive themselves of the benefit of selling
+their slaves into other states. It is incomprehensible, only because
+they look upon such states in the light of their present character and
+present interests. It will no longer be so, if they will bear in mind,
+that slave labor was then, as it is now, unprofitable for ordinary
+agriculture, and that Whitney's cotton-gin, which gave great value to
+such labor, was not yet invented, and that the purchase of Louisiana,
+which has had so great an effect to extend and perpetuate the dominion
+of slavery, was not yet made. It will no longer be incomprehensible to
+them, if they will recollect, that, at the period in question, American
+slavery was regarded as a rapidly decaying, if not already expiring
+institution. It will no longer be so, if they will recollect, how small
+was the price of slaves then, compared with their present value; and
+that, during the ten years, which followed the passage of the Act of
+Virginia in 1782, legalizing manumissions, her citizens emancipated
+slaves to the number of nearly one-twentieth of the whole amount of her
+slaves in that year. To learn whether your native Virginia clung in the
+year 1787 to the inter-state traffic in human flesh, we must take our
+post of observation, not amongst her degenerate sons, who, in 1836, sold
+men, women, and children, to the amount of twenty-four millions of
+dollars--not amongst her President Dews, who write books in favor of
+breeding human stock for exportation--but amongst her Washingtons, and
+Jeffersons, and Henrys, and Masons, who, at the period when the
+Constitution was framed, freely expressed their abhorrence of slavery.
+
+But, however confident you may be, that Congress has not the lawful
+power to abolish the branch of commerce in question; nevertheless, would
+the abolition of it be so clearly and grossly unconstitutional, as to
+justify the contempt with which the numerous petitions for the measure
+are treated, and the impeachment of their fidelity to the Constitution,
+and of their patriotism and purity, which the petitioners are made
+to endure?
+
+I was about to take it for granted, that, although you deny the power of
+Congress to abolish the inter-state traffic in human beings, you do not
+justify the traffic--when I recollected the intimation in your speech,
+that there is no such traffic. For, when you speak of "the slave trade
+between the states," and add--"or, as it is described in abolition
+petitions, the traffic in human beings between the states"--do you not
+intimate there is no such traffic? Whence this language? Do you not
+believe slaves are human beings? And do you not believe that they suffer
+under the disruption of the dearest earthly ties, as human beings
+suffer? I will not detain you to hear what we of the North think of this
+internal slave trade. But I will call your attention to what is thought
+of it in your own Kentucky and in your native Virginia. Says the
+"Address of the Presbyterian Synod of Kentucky to the Churches in
+1835:"--"Brothers and sisters, parents and children, husbands and wives,
+are torn asunder, and permitted to see each other no more. Those acts
+are daily occurring in the midst of us. The shrieks and the agony often
+witnessed on such occasions, proclaim with a trumpet tongue the iniquity
+and cruelty of the system. There is not a neighborhood where these
+heart-rending scenes are not displayed. There is not a village or road
+that does not behold the sad procession of manacled outcasts, whose
+chains and mournful countenances tell that they are exiled by force from
+all that their hearts hold dear." Says Thomas Jefferson Randolph, in the
+Virginia Legislature in 1832, when speaking of this trade: "It is a
+practice, and an increasing practice, in parts of Virginia, to rear
+slaves for market. How can an honourable mind, a patriot, and a lover of
+his country, bear to see this ancient dominion, rendered illustrious by
+the noble devotion and patriotism of her sons in the cause of liberty,
+converted into one grand menagerie, where men are to be reared for the
+market like oxen for the shambles. Is it better--is it not worse than
+the (foreign) slave trade--that trade which enlisted the labor of the
+good and wise of every creed and every clime to abolish? The (foreign)
+trader receives the slave, a stranger in language, aspect, and manner,
+from the merchant who has brought him from the interior. The ties of
+father, mother, husband, and child, have already been rent in twain;
+before he receives him, his soul has become callous. But here, sir,
+individuals whom the master has known from infancy, whom he has seen
+sporting in the innocent gambols of childhood--who have been accustomed
+to look to him for protection, he tears from the mother's arms, and
+sells into a strange country--among strange people, subject to cruel
+taskmasters."
+
+You are in favor of increasing the number of slave states. The terms of
+the celebrated "Missouri compromise" warrant, in your judgment, the
+increase. But, notwithstanding you admit, that this unholy compromise,
+in which tranquillity was purchased at the expense of humanity and
+righteousness, does not "in terms embrace the case," and "is not
+absolutely binding and obligatory;" you, nevertheless, make no attempt
+whatever to do away any one of the conclusive objections, which are
+urged against such increase. You do not attempt to show how the
+multiplication of slave states can consist with the constitutional duty
+of the "United States to guarantee to every state in the Union a
+republican form of government," any more than if it were perfectly
+clear, that a government is republican under which one half of the
+people are lawfully engaged in buying and selling the other half; or
+than if the doctrine that "all men are created equal" were not the
+fundamental and distinctive doctrine of a republican government. You no
+more vindicate the proposition to enlarge the realm of slavery, than if
+the proposition were as obviously in harmony with, as it is opposed to
+the anti-slavery tenor and policy of the Constitution--the rights of
+man--and the laws of God.
+
+You are perhaps of the number of those, who, believing, that a state can
+change its Constitution as it pleases, deem it futile in Congress to
+require, that States, on entering the Union, shall have anti-slavery
+Constitutions. The Framers of the Federal Constitution doubtless foresaw
+the possibility of treachery, on the part of the new States, in the
+matter of slavery: and the restriction in that instrument to the old
+States--"the States now existing"--of the right to participate in the
+internal and "African slave trade" may be ascribed to the motive of
+diminishing, if not indeed of entirely preventing, temptation to such
+treachery. The Ordinance concerning the North-west Territory, passed by
+the Congress of 1787, and ratified by the Congress of 1790, shows, so
+far as those bodies can be regarded as correct interpreters of the
+Constitution which was framed in 1787, and adopted in 1789, that slavery
+was not to have a constitutional existence in the new States. The
+Ordinance continues the privilege of recapturing fugitive slaves in the
+North-west Territory to the "existing States." Slaves in that territory,
+to be the subjects of lawful recapture, must in the language of the
+Ordinance, owe "labour or service in one of the _original_ States."
+
+I close what I have to say on this topic, with the remark, that were it
+admitted, that the reasons for the increase of the number of slave
+States are sound and satisfactory, it nevertheless would not follow,
+that the moral and constitutional wrong of preventing that increase is
+so palpable, as to justify the scorn and insult, which are heaped by
+Congress upon this hundred thousand petitioners for this measure.
+
+It has hitherto been supposed, that you distinctly and fully admitted
+the Constitutional power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District
+of Columbia. But, on this point, as on that of the right of petition,
+you have for reasons known to yourself, suddenly and greatly changed
+your tone. Whilst your speech argues, at no small length, that Congress
+has not the right to abolish slavery in the District, all that it says
+in favor of the Constitutional power to abolish it, is that "the
+language (of the Constitution) may _possibly_ be sufficiently
+comprehensive to include a power of abolition." "Faint praise dams;" and
+your very reluctant and qualified concession of the Constitutional power
+under consideration, is to be construed, rather as a denial than a
+concession.
+
+Until I acquire the skill of making white whiter, and black blacker, I
+shall have nothing to say in proof of the Constitutional power of
+Congress over slavery in the District of Columbia, beyond referring to
+the terms, in which the Constitution so plainly conveys this power. That
+instrument authorises Congress "to exercise exclusive legislation in all
+cases whatsoever over such District." If these words do not confer the
+power, it is manifest that no words could confer it. I will add that,
+never, until the last few years, had doubts been expressed, that these
+words do fully confer that power.
+
+You will, perhaps, say, that Virginia and Maryland made their cessions
+of the territory, which constitutes the District of Columbia, with
+reservations on the subject of slavery. We answer, that none were
+expressed;[A] and that if there had been, Congress would not, and in
+view of the language of the Constitution, could not, have accepted the
+cessions. You may then say, that they would not have ceded the
+territory, had it occurred to them, that Congress would have cleared it
+of slavery; and that, this being the fact, Congress could not thus clear
+it, without being guilty of bad faith, and of an ungenerous and
+unjustifiable surprise on those States. There are several reasons for
+believing, that those States, not only did not, at the period in
+question, cherish a dread of the abolition of slavery; but that the
+public sentiment within them was decidedly in favor of its speedy
+abolition. At that period, their most distinguished statesmen were
+trumpet-tongued against slavery. At that period, there was both a
+Virginia and a Maryland society "for promoting the abolition of
+slavery;" and, it was then, that, with the entire consent of Virginia
+and Maryland, effectual measures were adopted to preclude slavery from
+that large territory, which has since given Ohio and several other
+States to the Union. On this subject, as on that of the inter-state
+slave trade, we misinterpret Virginia and Maryland, by not considering,
+how unlike was their temper in relation to slavery, amidst the decays
+and dying throes of that institution half a century ago, to what it is
+now, when slavery is not only revivified, but has become the predominant
+interest and giant power of the nation. We forget, that our whole
+country was, at that time, smitten with love for the holy cause of
+impartial and universal liberty. To judge correctly of the view, which
+our Revolutionary fathers took of oppression, we must go back and stand
+by their side, in their struggles against it,--we must survey them
+through the medium of the anti-slavery sentiment of their own times, and
+not impute to them the pro-slavery spirit so rampant in ours.
+
+[Footnote A: There is a proviso in the Act of Virginia. It was on this,
+that three years ago, in the Senate of the United States, Benjamin
+Watkins Leigh built his argument against the constitutional power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia. I well remember
+that you then denied the soundness of his argument. This superfluous
+proviso virtually forbids Congress to pass laws, which shall "affect the
+rights of individuals" in the ceded territory. Amongst the inviolable
+"rights" was that of holding slaves, as Mr. Leigh contended. I regret,
+that, in replying to him, you did not make use of the fact, that all the
+members of Congress from Virginia voted in favor of the Ordinance, which
+abolished slavery in the North-West Territory; and this too,
+notwithstanding, that, in the Act of 1784, by which she ceded the
+North-West Territory to the Confederacy, she provided, that the
+"citizens of Virginia" in the said Territory, many of whom held slaves,
+should "be protected in the enjoyment of their rights." This fact
+furnishes striking evidence that at, or about, the time of the cession
+by Virginia of her portion of the District of Columbia, her statesmen
+believed, that the right to hold slaves in those portions of our country
+under the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress, was not beyond the reach
+of the controlling power of Congress.]
+
+I will, however, suppose it true, that Virginia and Maryland would not
+have made the cessions in question, had they foreseen, that Congress
+would abolish slavery in the District of Columbia:--and yet, I affirm,
+that it would be the duty of Congress to abolish it. Had there been
+State Prisons in the territory, at the time Congress acquired
+jurisdiction over it, and had Congress immediately opened their doors,
+and turned loose hundreds of depraved and bloody criminals, there would
+indeed have been abundant occasion for complaint. But, had the exercise
+of its power in the premises extended no farther than to the liberation
+of such convicts, as, on a re-examination of their cases, were found to
+be clearly guiltless of the crimes charged upon them; the sternest
+justice could not have objected to such an occasion for the rejoicing of
+mercy. And are not the thousands in the District, for whose liberation
+Congress is besought, unjustly deprived of their liberty? Not only are
+they guiltless, but they are even unaccused of such crimes, as in the
+judgment of any, justly work a forfeiture of liberty. And what do
+Virginia and Maryland ask? Is it, that Congress shall resubject to their
+control those thousands of deeply wronged men? No--for this Congress
+cannot do. They ask, that Congress shall fulfil the tyrant wishes of
+these States. They ask, that the whole people of the United
+States--those who hate, as well as those who love slavery, shall, by
+their representatives, assume the guilty and awful responsibility of
+perpetuating the enslavement of their innocent fellow men:--of chaining
+the bodies and crushing the wills, and blotting out the minds of such,
+as have neither transgressed, nor even been accused of having
+transgressed, a single human law. And the crime, which Virginia and
+Maryland, and they, who sympathise with them, would have the nation
+perpetrate, is, not simply that of prolonging the captivity of those,
+who were slaves before the cession--for but a handful of them are now
+remaining in the District. Most of the present number became slaves
+under the authority of this guilty nation. Their wrongs originated with
+Congress: and Congress is asked, not only to perpetuate their
+oppression, but to fasten the yoke of slavery on generations yet unborn.
+
+There are those, who advocate the recession of the District of Columbia.
+If the nation were to consent to this, without having previously
+exercised her power to "break every yoke" of slavery in the District,
+the blood of those so cruelly left there in "the house of bondage,"
+would remain indelible and damning upon her skirts:--and this too,
+whether Virginia and Maryland did or did not intend to vest Congress
+with any power over slavery. It is enough, that the nation has the power
+"to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to
+be slain," to make her fearfully guilty before God, if she "forbear" to
+exercise it.
+
+Suppose, I were to obtain a lease of my neighbor's barn for the single
+and express purpose of securing my crops; and that I should find,
+chained up in one of its dark corners, an innocent fellow man, whom that
+neighbor was subjecting to the process of a lingering death; ought I to
+pause and recall President Wayland's, "Limitations of Human
+Responsibility," and finally let the poor sufferer remain in his chains;
+or ought I not rather, promptly to respond to the laws of my nature and
+my nature's God, and let him go free? But, to make this case analogous
+to that we have been considering--to that, which imposes its claims on
+Congress--we must strike out entirely the condition of the lease, and
+with it all possible doubts of my right to release the victim of my
+neighbor's murderous hate.
+
+I am entirely willing to yield, for the sake of argument, that Virginia
+and Maryland, when ceding the territory which constitutes the District
+of Columbia, did not anticipate, and did not choose the abolition of
+slavery in it. To make the admission stronger, I will allow, that these
+States were, at the time of the cession, as warmly opposed to the
+abolition of slavery in the District as they are said to be now: and to
+make it stronger still, I will allow, that the abolition of slavery in
+the District would prove deeply injurious, not only to Virginia and
+Maryland but to the nation at large. And, after all these admissions, I
+must still insist, that Congress is under perfectly plain moral
+obligation to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia.
+
+They, who are deterred from favoring the abolition of slavery in the
+District by the apprehension, that Virginia and Maryland, if not,
+indeed, the nation at large, might suffer injurious consequences from
+the measure, overlook the fact, that there is a third party in the case.
+It is common to regard the nation as constituting one of the
+parties--Virginia and Maryland another, and the only other. But in point
+of fact, there is a third party. Of what does it consist? Of horses,
+oxen, and other brutes? Then we need not be greatly concerned about
+it--since its rights in that case, would be obviously subordinate to
+those of the other parties. Again, if such be the composition of this
+third party, we are not to be greatly troubled, that President Wayland
+and thousands of others entirely overlook its rights and interests;
+though they ought to be somewhat mindful even of brutes. But, this third
+party is composed, not of brutes--but of men--of the seven thousand men
+in the District, who have fallen under the iron hoofs of slavery--and
+who, because they are men, have rights equal to, and as sacred as the
+rights of any other men--rights, moreover, which cannot be innocently
+encroached on, even to the breadth of one hair, whether under the plea
+of "state necessity"--of the perils of emancipation--or under any other
+plea, which conscience-smitten and cowardly tyranny can suggest.
+
+If these lines shall ever be so favored, as to fall under the eye of the
+venerable and beloved John Quincy Adams, I beg, that, when he shall have
+read them, he will solemnly inquire of his heart, whether, if he should
+ever be left to vote against the abolition of slavery in the District of
+Columbia, and thus stab deeply the cause of civil liberty, of humanity,
+and of God; the guilty act would not result from overlooking the rights
+and interests, and even the existence itself, of a third party in the
+case--and from considering the claims of the nation and those of
+Virginia and Maryland, as the only claims on which he was called to
+pass, because they were the claims of the only parties, of which he
+was aware.
+
+You admit that "the first duty of Congress in relation to the District,
+of Columbia, is to render it available, comfortable, and convenient as a
+seat of the government of the whole Union." I thank you for an
+admission, which can be used, with great effect, against the many, who
+maintain, that Congress is as much bound to consult the interests and
+wishes of the inhabitants of the District, and be governed by them, as a
+State Legislature is to study and serve the interests and wishes of its
+constituents. The inhabitants of the District have taken up their
+residence in it, aware, that the paramount object of Congressional
+legislation is not their, but the nation's advantage. They judge, that
+their disfranchisement and the other disadvantages attending their
+residence are more than balanced by their favorable position for
+participating in Governmental patronage and other benefits. They know,
+that they have no better right to complain, that the legislation of
+Congress is not dictated by a primary regard to their interests, than
+has the Colonization Society, of which you are President, to complain,
+that the Capitol, in which it holds its annual meetings, is not
+constructed and fitted up in the best possible manner for such
+occasions. They know, that to sacrifice the design and main object of
+that building to its occasional and incidental uses, would be an
+absurdity no greater than would Congress be guilty of in shaping its
+legislation to the views of the thirty thousand white inhabitants of the
+District of Columbia, at the expense of neglecting the will and
+interests of the nation.
+
+You feel, that there is no hazard in your admission, that the paramount
+object in relation to the District of Columbia, is its suitableness for
+a seat of Government, since you accompany that admission with the
+denial, that the presence of slavery interferes with such suitableness.
+But is it not a matter of deep regret, that the place, in which our
+national laws are made--that the place from which the sentiment and
+fashion of the whole country derive so much of their tone and
+direction--should cherish a system, which you have often admitted, is at
+war with the first principles of our religion and civil polity;[A] and
+the influences of which are no less pervading and controlling than
+corrupting? Is it not a matter of deep regret, that they, whom other
+governments send to our own, and to whom, on account of their superior
+intellect and influence, it is our desire, as it is our duty, to commend
+our free institutions, should be obliged to learn their lessons of
+practical republicanism amidst the monuments and abominations of
+slavery? Is it no objection to the District of Columbia, as the seat of
+our Government, that slavery, which concerns the political and moral
+interests of the nation, more than any other subject coming within the
+range of legislation, is not allowed to be discussed there--either
+within or without the Halls of Congress? It is one of the doctrines of
+slavery, that slavery shall not be discussed. Some of its advocates are
+frank enough to avow, as the reason for this prohibition, that slavery
+cannot bear to be discussed. In your speech before the American
+Colonization Society in 1835, to which I have referred, you distinctly
+take the ground, that slavery is a subject not open to general
+discussion. Very far am I from believing, that you would employ, or
+intentionally countenance violence, to prevent such discussion.
+Nevertheless, it is to this doctrine of non-discussion, which you and
+others put forth, that the North is indebted for her pro-slavery mobs,
+and the South for her pro-slavery Lynchings. The declarations of such
+men as Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, that slavery is a question not to
+be discussed, are a license to mobs to burn up halls and break up
+abolition meetings, and destroy abolition presses, and murder abolition
+editors. Had such men held the opposite doctrine, and admitted, yea, and
+insisted, as it was their duty to do, that every question in morals and
+politics is a legitimate subject of free discussion--the District of
+Columbia would be far less objectionable, as the seat of our Government.
+In that case the lamented Dr. Crandall would not have been seized in the
+city of Washington on the suspicion of being an abolitionist, and thrown
+into prison, and subjected to distresses of mind and body, which
+resulted in his premature death. Had there been no slavery in the
+District, this outrage would not have been committed; and the murders,
+chargeable on the bloodiest of all bloody institutions, would have been
+one less than they now are. Talk of the slaveholding District of
+Columbia being a suitable locality for the seat of our Government! Why,
+Sir, a distinguished member of Congress was threatened there with an
+indictment for the _crime_ of presenting, or rather of proposing to
+present, a petition to the body with which he was connected! Indeed the
+occasion of the speech, on which I am now commenting, was the _impudent_
+protest of inhabitants of that District against the right of the
+American people to petition their own Congress, in relation to matters
+of vital importance to the seat of their own Government! I take occasion
+here to admit, that I have seen but references to this protest--not the
+protest itself. I presume, that it is not dissimilar, in its spirit, to
+the petition presented about the same time by Mr. Moore in the other
+House of Congress--his speech on which, he complains was ungenerously
+anticipated by yours on the petition presented by yourself. As the
+petition presented by Mr. Moore is short, I will copy it, that I may say
+to you with the more effect--how unfit is the spirit of a slaveholding
+people, as illustrated in this petition, to be the spirit of the people
+at the seat of a free Government!
+
+[Footnote A: "It (slavery) is a sin and a curse both to the master and
+the slave:"--_Henry Clay_.]
+
+"_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The petition of the undersigned, citizens of the District of Columbia
+represents--That they have witnessed with deep regret the attempts which
+are making _to disturb the integrity_ of the Union by a BAND OF
+FANATICS, embracing men, women, and children, who cease not day and
+night to crowd the tables of your halls with SEDITIOUS MEMORIALS--and
+solicit your honorable bodies that you will, in your wisdom, henceforth
+give neither support nor countenance to such UNHALLOWED ATTEMPTS, but
+that you will, in the most emphatic manner, set the seal of your
+disapprobation upon all such FOUL AND UNNATURAL EFFORTS, by refusing not
+only to READ and REFER, but also to RECEIVE any papers which either
+directly or indirectly, or by implication, aim at any interference with
+the rights of your petitioners, or of those of any citizen of any of the
+States or Territories of the United States, or of this District of which
+we are inhabitants."
+
+A Legislature should be imbued with a free, independent, fearless
+spirit. But it cannot be, where discussion is overawed and interdicted,
+or its boundaries at all contracted. Wherever slavery reigns, the
+freedom of discussion is not tolerated: and whenever slavery exists,
+there slavery reigns;--reigns too with that exclusive spirit of Turkish
+despotism, that, "bears no brother near the throne."
+
+You agree with President Wayland, that it is as improper for Congress to
+abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, as to create it in some
+place in the free States, over which it has jurisdiction. As improper,
+in the judgment of an eminent statesman, and of a no less eminent
+divine, to destroy what they both admit to be a system of
+unrighteousness, as to establish it! As improper to restrain as to
+practice, a violation of God's law! What will other countries and coming
+ages think of the politics of our statesmen and the ethics of
+our divines?
+
+But, besides its immorality, Congress has no Constitutional right to
+create slavery. You have not yet presumed to deny positively, that
+Congress has the right to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia;
+and, notwithstanding the intimation in your speech, you will not presume
+to affirm, that Congress has the Constitutional right to enact laws
+reducing to, or holding in slavery, the inhabitants of West Point, or
+any other locality in the free States, over which it has exclusive
+jurisdiction. I would here remark, that the law of Congress, which
+revived the operation of the laws of Virginia and Maryland in the
+District of Columbia, being, so far as it respects the slave laws of
+those States, a violation of the Federal Constitution, should be held of
+no avail towards legalizing slavery in the District--and the subjects of
+that slavery, should, consequently, be declared by our Courts
+unconditionally free.
+
+You will admit that slavery is a system of surpassing injustice:--but
+an avowed object of the Constitution is to "establish justice." You will
+admit that it utterly annihilates the liberty of its victims:--but
+another of the avowed objects of the Constitution is to "secure the
+blessings of liberty." You will admit, that slavery does, and
+necessarily must, regard its victims as _chattels_. The Constitution, on
+the contrary, speaks of them as nothing short of _persons_. Roger
+Sherman, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a framer of the
+Federal Constitution, and a member of the first Congress under it,
+denied that this instrument considers slaves "as a species of property."
+Mr. Madison, in the 54th No. of the Federalist admits, that the
+Constitution "regards them as inhabitants." Many cases might be cited,
+in which Congress has, in consonance with the Constitution, refused to
+recognize slaves as property. It was the expectation, as well as the
+desire of the framers of the Constitution, that slavery should soon
+cease to exist is our country; and, but for the laws, which both
+Congress and the slave States, have, in flagrant violation of the letter
+and spirit and obvious policy of the Constitution, enacted in behalf of
+slavery, that vice would, ere this, have disappeared from our land.
+Look, for instance, at the laws enacted in the fact of the clause: "The
+citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and
+immunities of citizens in the several States"--laws too, which the
+States that enacted them, will not consent to repeal, until they consent
+to abandon slavery. It is by these laws, that they shut out the colored
+people of the North, the presence of a single individual of whom so
+alarms them with the prospect of a servile insurrection, that they
+immediately imprison him. Such was the view of the Federal Constitution
+taken by James Wilson one of its framers, that, without, as I presume,
+claiming for Congress any direct power over slavery in the slave States,
+he declared that it possessed "power to exterminate slavery from within
+our borders." It was probably under a like view, that Benjamin Franklin,
+another of its framers, and Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration
+of Independence, and other men of glorious and blessed memory,
+petitioned the first Congress under the Constitution to "countenance the
+restoration to liberty of those unhappy men," (the slaves of our
+country). And in what light that same Congress viewed the Constitution
+may be inferred from the fact, that, by a special act, it ratified the
+celebrated Ordinance, by the terms of which slavery was forbidden for
+ever in the North West Territory. It is worthy of note, that the avowed
+object of the Ordinance harmonizes with that of the Constitution: and
+that the Ordinance was passed the same year that the Constitution was
+drafted, is a fact, on which we can strongly rely to justify a reference
+to the spirit of the one instrument for illustrating the spirit of the
+other. What the spirit of the Ordinance is, and in what light they who
+passed it, regarded "republics, their laws and constitutions," may be
+inferred from the following declaration in the Ordinance of its grand
+object: "For extending the fundamental principles of civil and religious
+liberty, which form the basis wherever these Republics, their laws and
+constitutions are erected; to fix and establish those principles as the
+basis of all laws, constitutions, and governments, which forever
+hereafter shall be formed in the said territory, &c.; it is hereby
+ordained and declared that the following articles, &c." One of these
+articles is that, which has been referred to, and which declares that
+"there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said
+Territory."
+
+You will perhaps make light of my reference to James Wilson and Benjamin
+Franklin, for I recollect you say, that, "When the Constitution was
+about going into operation, its powers were not well understood by the
+community at large, and remained to be accurately interpreted and
+defined." Nevertheless, I think it wise to repose more confidence in the
+views, which the framers of the Constitution took of the spirit and
+principles of that instrument, than in the definitions and
+interpretations of the pro-slavery generation, which has succeeded them.
+
+It should be regarded as no inconsiderable evidence of the anti-slavery
+genius and policy of the Constitution, that Congress promptly
+interdicted slavery in the first portion of territory, and that, too, a
+territory of vast extent, over which it acquired jurisdiction. And is it
+not a perfectly reasonable supposition, that the seat of our Government
+would not have been polluted by the presence of slavery, had Congress
+acted on that subject by itself, instead of losing sight of it in the
+wholesale legislation, by which the laws of Virginia and Maryland were
+revived in the District?
+
+If the Federal Constitution be not anti-slavery in its general scope and
+character; if it be not impregnated with the principles of universal
+liberty; why was it necessary, in order to restrain Congress, for a
+limited period, from acting against the slave trade, which is but a
+branch or incident of slavery, to have a clause to that end in the
+Constitution? The fact that the framers of the Constitution refused to
+blot its pages with the word "slave" or "slavery;" and that, by
+periphrase and the substitution of "persons" for "slaves," they sought
+to conceal from posterity and the world the mortifying fact, that
+slavery existed under a government based on the principle, that
+governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed,"
+contains volumes of proof, that they looked upon American slavery as a
+decaying institution; and that they would naturally shape the
+Constitution to the abridgment and the extinction, rather than the
+extension and perpetuity of the giant vice of the country.
+
+It is not to be denied, that the Constitution tolerates a limited
+measure of slavery: but it tolerates this measure only as the exception
+to its rule of impartial and universal liberty. Were it otherwise, the
+principles of that instrument could be pleaded to justify the holding of
+men as property, in cases, other than those specifically provided for in
+it. Were it otherwise, these principles might be appealed to, as well to
+sanction the enslavement of men, as the capture of wild beasts. Were it
+otherwise, the American people might be Constitutionally realizing the
+prophet's declaration: "they all lie in wait for blood: they hunt every
+man his brother with a net." But mere principles, whether in or out of
+the Constitution, do not avail to justify and uphold slavery. Says Lord
+Mansfield in the famous Somerset case: "The state of slavery is of such
+a nature, that it is incapable of being now introduced by courts of
+justice upon mere reasoning or inferences from any principles, natural
+or political; it must take its rise from _positive law_; the origin of
+it can in no country or age be traced back to any other source. A case
+so odious as the condition of slaves, must be taken strictly." Grotius
+says, that "slavery places man in an unnatural relation to man--a
+relation which nothing but positive law can sustain." All are aware,
+that, by the common law, man cannot have property in man; and that
+wherever that law is not counteracted on this point by positive law,
+"slaves cannot breathe," and their "shackles fall." I scarcely need add,
+that the Federal Constitution does, in the main, accord with the common
+law. In the words of a very able writer: "The common law is the grand
+element of the United States Constitution. All its fundamental
+provisions are instinct with its spirit; and its existence, principles,
+and paramount authority, are presupposed and assumed throughout
+the whole."
+
+To argue the anti-slavery character of the Federal Constitution, it is
+not necessary to take the high ground of some, that whatever in the
+Constitution favors slavery is void, because opposed to the principles
+and general tenor of that instrument. Much less is it necessary to take
+the still higher ground, that every law in favor of slavery, in whatever
+code or connection it may be found, is utterly invalid because of its
+plain contravention of the law of nature. To maintain my position, that
+the Constitution is anti-slavery in its general character, and that
+constitutional slavery is, at the most, but an exception to that general
+character, it was not necessary to take either of these grounds; though,
+had I been disposed to take even the higher of them, I should not have
+lacked the countenance of the most weighty authorities. "The law of
+nature," says Blackstone, "being coeval with mankind, and dictated by
+God himself, is of course superior in obligation to any other. It is
+binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times: no human
+laws are of any validity if contrary to this." The same writer says,
+that "The law of nature requires, that man should pursue his own true
+and substantial happiness." But that slavery allows this pursuit to its
+victims, no one will pretend. "There is a law," says Henry Brougham,
+"above all the enactments of human codes. It is the law written by the
+finger of God on the heart of man; and by that law, unchangeable and
+eternal, while men despise fraud, and loathe rapine, and abhor blood,
+they shall reject with indignation the wild and guilty phantasy, that
+man can hold property in man."
+
+I add no more to what I have said on the subject of slavery in the
+District of Columbia, than to ask, as I have done in relation to the
+inter-state slave trade and the annexation of slave states, whether
+petitions for its abolition argue so great a contempt of the
+Constitution, and so entire a recklessness of propriety, as to merit the
+treatment which they receive at the hands of Congress. Admitting that
+Congress has not the constitutional power to abolish slavery in the
+District--admitting that it has not the constitutional power to destroy
+what itself has established--admitting, too, that if it has the power,
+it ought not to exercise it;--nevertheless, is the case so perfectly
+clear, that the petitioners for the measure deserve all the abuse and
+odium which their representatives in Congress heap upon them? In a word,
+do not the three classes of petitions to which you refer, merit, at the
+hands of those representatives, the candid and patient consideration
+which, until I read your acknowledgment, that, in relation to these
+petitions, "there is no substantial difference between" yourself and
+those, who are in favor of thrusting them aside undebated, unconsidered,
+and even unread, I always supposed you were willing to have bestowed
+on them?
+
+I pass to the examination of your charges against the abolitionists.
+
+_They contemn the "rights of property."_
+
+This charge you prefer against the abolitionists, not because they
+believe that a Legislature has the right to abolish slavery, nor because
+they deny that slaves are legally property; for this obvious truth they
+do not deny. But you prefer it, because they believe that man cannot
+rightfully be a subject of property.
+
+Abolitionists believe, to use words, which I have already quoted, that
+it is "a wild and guilty phantasy, that man can hold property in man."
+They believe, that to claim property in the exalted being, whom God has
+made in His own image, and but "a little lower than the angels," is
+scarcely less absurd than to claim it in the Creator himself. You take
+the position, that human laws can rightfully reduce a race of men to
+property; and that the outrage, to use your own language, is "sanctioned
+and sanctified" by "two hundred years" continuance of it. Abolitionists,
+on the contrary, trace back man's inalienable self-ownership to
+enactments of the Divine Legislator, and to the bright morning of time,
+when he came forth from the hand of his Maker, "crowned with glory and
+honor," invested with self-control, and with dominion over the brute and
+inanimate creation. You soothe the conscience of the slaveholder, by
+reminding him, that the relation, which he has assumed towards his
+down-trodden fellow-man, is lawful. The abolitionist protests, that the
+wickedness of the relation is none the less, because it is legalized. In
+charging abolitionists with condemning "the rights of property," you
+mistake the innocent for the guilty party. Were you to be so unhappy as
+to fall into the hands of a kidnapper, and be reduced to a slave, and
+were I to remonstrate, though in vain, with your oppressor, who would
+you think was the despiser of "the rights of property"--myself, or the
+oppressor? As you would judge in that case, so judges every slave in his
+similar case.
+
+The man-stealer's complaint, that his "rights of property" in his stolen
+fellow men are not adequately respected by the abolitionist, recalls to
+my mind a very similar, and but little more ludicrous case of
+conscientious regard for the "rights of property." A traveler was
+plundered of the whole of his large sum of money. He pleaded
+successfully with the robber for a little of it to enable him to reach
+his home. But, putting his hand rather deeper into the bag of stolen
+coins than comported with the views of the robber, he was arrested with
+the cry, "Why, man, have you no conscience?" You will perhaps inquire,
+whether abolitionists regard all the slaves of the South as stolen--as
+well those born at the South, as those, who were confessedly stolen from
+Africa? I answer, that we do--that every helpless new-born infant, on
+which the chivalry of the South pounces, is, in our judgment, the owner
+of itself--that we consider, that the crime of man-stealing which is so
+terribly denounced in the Bible, does not consist, as is alleged, in
+stealing a slave from a third person, but in stealing him from
+himself--in depriving him of self control, and subjecting him, as
+property, to the absolute control of another. Joseph's declaration, that
+he "was stolen," favors this definition of man-stealing. Jewish
+Commentators authorise it. Money, as it does not own itself, cannot be
+stolen from itself But when we reflect, that man is the owner of
+himself, it does not surprise us, that wresting away his inalienable
+rights--his very manhood--should have been called man-stealing.
+
+Whilst on this subject of "the rights of property," I am reminded of
+your "third impediment to abolition." This "impediment" consists in the
+fact of the great value of the southern slaves--which, according to your
+estimation, is not less than "twelve hundred millions of dollars." I
+will adopt your estimate, and thus spare myself from going into the
+abhorrent calculation of the worth in dollars and cents of immortal
+man--of the worth of "the image of God." I thank you for your virtual
+admission, that this wealth is grasped with a tenacity proportioned to
+its vast amount. Many of the wisest and best men of the North have been
+led into the belief that the slaveholders of the South are too humane
+and generous to hold their slaves fur the sake of gain. Even Dr.
+Channing was a subject of this delusion; and it is well remembered, that
+his too favorable opinions of his fellow men, made it difficult to
+disabuse him of it. Northern Christians have been ready to believe, that
+the South would give up her slaves, because of her conscious lack of
+title to them. But in what age of the world have impenitent men failed
+to cling as closely to that, which they had obtained by fraud, as to
+their honest acquisitions? Indeed, it is demonstrable on philosophical
+principles, that the more stupendous the fraud, the more tenacious is
+the hold upon that, which is gotten by it. I trust, that your admission
+to which I have just referred, will have no small effect to prevent the
+Northern apologist for slavery from repeating the remark that the South
+would gladly liberate her slaves, if she saw any prospect of bettering
+the condition of the objects of her tender and solicitous benevolence. I
+trust, too, that this admission will go far to prove the emptiness of
+your declaration, that the abolitionists "have thrown back for half a
+century the prospect of any species of emancipation of the African race,
+gradual or immediate, in any of the states," and the emptiness of your
+declaration, that, "prior to the agitation of this subject of abolition,
+there was a progressive melioration in the condition of slaves
+throughout all the slave states," and that "in some of them, schools of
+instruction were opened," &c.; and I further trust, that this admission
+will render harmless your intimation, that this "melioration" and these
+"schools" were intended to prepare the slaves for freedom. After what
+you have said of the great value of the slaves, and of the obstacle it
+presents to emancipation, you will meet with little success in your
+endeavors to convince the world, that the South was preparing to give up
+the "twelve hundred millions of dollars," and that the naughty
+abolitionists have postponed her gratification "for half a century." If
+your views of the immense value of the slaves, and of the consequent
+opposition to their freedom, be correct, then the hatred of the South
+towards the abolitionists must be, not because their movements tend to
+lengthen, but because they tend to shorten the period of her possession
+of the "twelve hundred millions of dollars." May I ask you, whether,
+whilst the South clings to these "twelve hundred millions of dollars,"
+it is not somewhat hypocritical in her to be complaining, that the
+abolitionists are fastening the "twelve hundred millions of dollars" to
+her? And may I ask you, whether there is not a little inconsistency
+between your own lamentations over this work of the abolitionists, and
+your intimation that the South will never consent to give up her slaves,
+until the impossibility, of paying her "twelve hundred millions of
+dollars" for them, shall have been accomplished? Puerile and insulting
+as is your proposition to the abolitionists to raise "twelve hundred
+millions of dollars" for the purchase of the slaves, it is nevertheless
+instructive; inasmuch as it shows, that, in your judgment, the South is
+as little willing to give up her slaves, as the abolitionists are able
+to pay "twelve hundred millions of dollars" for them; and how unable the
+abolitionists are to pay a sum of money far greater than the whole
+amount of money in the world, I need not explain.
+
+But if the South must have "twelve hundred millions of dollars" to
+induce her to liberate her present number of slaves, how can you expect
+success fur your scheme of ridding her of several times the present
+number, "in the progress of some one hundred and fifty, or two hundred
+years?" Do you reply, that, although she must have "four hundred
+dollars" a-piece for them, if she sell them to the abolitionists, she
+is, nevertheless, willing to let the Colonization Society have them
+without charge? There is abundant proof, that she is not. During the
+twenty-two years of the existence of that Society, not so many slaves
+have been emancipated and given to it for expatriation, as are born in a
+single week. As a proof that the sympathies of the South are all with
+the slaveholding and _real_ character of this two-faced institution, and
+not at all with the abolition purposes and tendencies, which it
+professes at the North, none of its Presidents, (and slave-holders only
+are deemed worthy to preside over it,) has ever contributed from his
+stock of slaves to swell those bands of emigrants, who, leaving our
+shores in the character of "nuisances," are instantly transformed, to
+use your own language, into "missionaries, carrying with them
+credentials in the holy cause of Christianity, civilization, and free
+institutions." But you were not in earnest, when you held up the idea in
+your recent speech, that the rapidly multiplying millions of our colored
+countrymen would be expatriated. What you said on that point was but to
+indulge in declamation, and to round off a paragraph. It is in that part
+of your speech where you say that "no practical scheme for their removal
+or separation from us has yet been devised or proposed," that you
+exhibit your real sentiments on this subject, and impliedly admit the
+deceitfulness of the pretensions of the American Colonization Society.
+
+Before closing my remarks on the topic of "the rights of property," I
+will admit the truth of your charge, that _Abolitionists deny, that the
+slaveholder is entitled to "compensation" for his slaves_.
+
+Abolitionists do not know, why he, who steals men is, any more than he,
+who steals horses, entitled to "compensation" for releasing his plunder.
+They do not know, why he, who has exacted thirty years' unrequited toil
+from the sinews of his poor oppressed brother, should be paid for
+letting that poor oppressed brother labor for himself the remaining ten
+or twenty years of his life. But, it is said, that the South bought her
+slaves of the North, and that we of the North ought therefore to
+compensate the South for liberating them. If there are individuals at
+the North, who have sold slaves, I am free to admit, that they should
+promptly surrender their ill-gotten gains; and no less promptly should
+the inheritors of such gains surrender them. But, however this may be,
+and whatever debt may be due on this score, from the North to the South,
+certain it is, that on no principle of sound ethics, can the South hold
+to the persons of the innocent slaves, as security for the payment of
+the debt. Your state and mine, and I would it were so with all others,
+no longer allow the imprisonment of the debtor as a means of coercing
+payment from him. How much less, then, should they allow the creditor to
+promote the security of his debt by imprisoning a third person--and one
+who is wholly innocent of contracting the debt? But who is imprisoned,
+if it be not he, who is shut up in "the house of bondage?" And who is
+more entirely innocent than he, of the guilty transactions between his
+seller and buyer?
+
+Another of your charges against abolitionists is, _that, although
+"utterly destitute of Constitutional or other rightful power--living in
+totally distinct communities--as alien to the communities in which the
+subject on which they would operate resides, so far as concerns
+political power over that subject, as if they lived in Africa or Asia;
+they nevertheless promulgate to the world their purpose to be, to
+manumit forthwith, and without compensation, and without moral
+preparation, three millions of negro slaves, under jurisdictions
+altogether separated from those under which they live."_
+
+I will group with this charge several others of the same class.
+
+_1._ _Abolitionists neglect the fact, that "the slavery which exists
+amongst us (southern people) is our affair--not theirs--and that they
+have no more just concern with it, than they have with slavery as it
+exists throughout the world."_
+
+_2._ _They are regardless of the "deficiency of the powers of the
+General Government, and of the acknowledged and incontestable powers of
+the States."_
+
+_3._ "Superficial men (meaning no doubt abolitionists) confound the
+totally different cases together of the powers of the British Parliament
+and those of the Congress of the United States in the matter of
+slavery."_
+
+Are these charges any thing more than the imagery of your own fancy, or
+selections from the numberless slanders of a time-serving and corrupt
+press? If they are founded on facts, it is in your power to state the
+facts. For my own part, I am utterly ignorant of any, even the least,
+justification for them. I am utterly ignorant that the abolitionists
+hold any peculiar views in relation to the powers of the General or
+State Governments. I do not believe, that one in a hundred of them
+supposes, that slavery in the states is a legitimate subject of federal
+legislation. I believe, that a majority of the intelligent men amongst
+them accord much more to the claims of "state sovereignty," and approach
+far more nearly to the character of "strict constructionists," than does
+the distinguished statesman, who charges them with such latitudinarian
+notions. There may be persons in our country, who believe that Congress
+has the absolute power over all American slavery, which the British
+Parliament had over all British slavery; and that Congress can abolish
+slavery in the slave states, because Great Britain abolished it in her
+West India Islands; but, I do not know them; and were I to look for
+them, I certainly should not confine my search to abolitionists--for
+abolitionists, as it is very natural they should be, are far better
+instructed in the subject of slavery and its connections with civil
+government, than are the community in general.
+
+It is passing strange, that you, or any other man, who is not playing a
+desperate game, should, in the face of the Constitution of the American
+Anti-Slavery Society, which "admits, that each state, in which slavery
+exists, has, by the Constitution of the United States, the exclusive
+right to legislate in regard to the abolition of slavery in said state;"
+make such charges, as you have done.
+
+In an Address "To the Public," dated September 3, 1835, and subscribed
+by the President, Treasurer, the three Secretaries, and the other five
+members of the Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society,
+we find the following language. 1. "We hold that Congress has no more
+right to abolish slavery in the Southern states than in the French West
+India Islands. Of course we desire no national legislation on the
+subject. 2. We hold that slavery can only be lawfully abolished by the
+legislatures of the several states in which it prevails, and that the
+exercise of any other than moral influence to induce such abolition is
+unconstitutional."
+
+But what slavery is it that the abolitionists call on Congress to
+abolish? Is it that in the slave states? No--it is that in the District
+of Columbia and in the territories--none other. And is it not a fair
+implication of their petitions, that this is the only slavery, which, in
+the judgment of the petitioners, Congress has power to abolish?
+Nevertheless, it is in the face of this implication, that you make your
+array of charges.
+
+Is it true, however, that the North has nothing more to do with slavery
+in the states, than with slavery in a foreign country? Does it not
+concern the North, that, whilst it takes many thousands of her voters to
+be entitled to a representative in Congress, there are districts at the
+South, where, by means of slavery, a few hundred voters enjoy this
+benefit. Again, since the North regards herself as responsible in common
+with the South, for the continuance of slavery in the District of
+Columbia and in the Territories, and for the continuance of the
+interstate traffic in human beings; and since she believes slavery in
+the slave states to be the occasion of these crimes, and that they will
+all of necessity immediately cease when slavery ceases--is it not right,
+that she should feel that she has a "just concern with slavery?" Again,
+is it nothing to the people of the North, that they may be called on, in
+obedience to a requirement of the federal constitution, to shoulder
+their muskets to quell "domestic violence?" But, who does not know, that
+this requirement owes its existence solely to the apprehension of
+servile insurrections?--or, in other words, to the existence of slavery
+in the slave states? Again, when our guiltless brothers escape from the
+southern prison-house, and come among us, we are under constitutional
+obligation to deliver them up to their stony-hearted pursuers. And is
+not slavery in the slave states, which is the occasion of our obligation
+to commit this outrage on humanity and on the law of God, a matter of
+"just concern to us?" To what too, but slavery, in the slave states, is
+to be ascribed the long standing insult of our government towards that
+of Hayti? To what but that, our national disadvantages and losses from
+the want of diplomatic relations between the two governments? To what so
+much, as to slavery in the slave states, are owing the corruption in our
+national councils, and the worst of our legislation? But scarcely any
+thing should go farther to inspire the North with a sense of her "just
+concern" in the subject of slavery in the slave states, than the fact,
+that slavery is the parent of the cruel and murderous prejudice, which
+crushes and kills her colored people; and, that it is but too probable,
+that the child will live as long as its parent. And has the North no
+"just concern" with the slavery of the slave states, when there is so
+much reason to fear that our whole blood-guilty nation is threatened
+with God's destroying wrath on account of it?
+
+There is another respect in which we of the North have a "just concern"
+with the slavery of the slave states. We see nearly three millions of
+our fellow men in those states robbed of body, mind, will, and
+soul--denied marriage and the reading of the Bible, and marketed as
+beasts. We see them in a word crushed in the iron folds of slavery. Our
+nature--the laws written upon its very foundations--the Bible, with its
+injunctions "to remember them that are in bonds as bound with them," and
+to "open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are
+appointed to destruction"--all require us to feel and to express what we
+feel for these wretched millions. I said, that we see this misery. There
+are many amongst us--they are anti-abolitionists--who do not see it; and
+to them God says; "but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."
+
+I add, that we of the North must feel concerned about slavery in the
+slave states, because of our obligation to pity the deluded,
+hard-hearted, and bloody oppressors in those states: and to manifest our
+love for them by rebuking their unsurpassed sin. And, notwithstanding
+pro-slavery statesmen at the North, who wink at the iniquity of slave
+holding, and pro-slavery clergymen at the North, who cry, "peace, peace"
+to the slaveholder, and sew "pillows to armholes," tell us, that by our
+honest and open rebuke of the slaveholder, we shall incur his enduring
+hatred; we, nevertheless, believe that "open rebuke is better than
+secret love," and that, in the end, we shall enjoy more Southern favor
+than they, whose secret love is too prudent and spurious to deal
+faithfully with the objects of its regard. "He that rebuketh a man,
+afterward shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the
+tongue." The command, "thou shall in any wise rebuke thy neighbor and
+not suffer sin upon him," is one, which the abolitionist feels, that he
+is bound to obey, as well in the case of the slaveholder, as in that of
+any other sinner. And the question: "who is my neighbor," is so answered
+by the Savior, as to show, that not he of our vicinity, nor even he of
+our country, is alone our "neighbor."
+
+The abolitionists of the North hold, that they have certainly as much
+"just concern" with slavery in the slave states, as the temperance men
+of the North have with "intemperance" at the South. And I would here
+remark, that the weapons with which the abolitionists of the North
+attack slavery in the slave states are the same, and no other than the
+same, with those, which the North employs against the vice of
+intemperance at the South. I add too, that were you to say, that
+northern temperance men disregard "the deficiency of the powers of the
+General Government," and also "the acknowledged and incontestable powers
+of the states;" your charge would be as suitable as when it is applied
+to northern abolitionists.
+
+You ascribe to us "the purpose to manumit the three millions of negro
+slaves." Here again you greatly misrepresent us, by holding us up as
+employing coercive, instead of persuasive, means for the accomplishment
+of our object. Our "purpose" is to persuade others to "manumit." The
+slaveholders themselves are to "manumit." It is evident, that others
+cannot "manumit" for them. If the North were endeavoring to persuade the
+South to give up the growing of cotton, you would not say, it is the
+purpose of the North to give it up. But, as well might you, as to say,
+that it is the "purpose" of the abolitionists to "manumit." It is very
+much by such misrepresentations, that the prejudices against
+abolitionists are fed and sustained. How soon they would die of atrophy,
+if they, who influence the public mind and mould public opinion, would
+tell but the simple truth about abolitionists.
+
+You say, that the abolitionists would have the slaves manumitted
+"without compensation and without moral preparation." I have already
+said enough on the point of "compensation." It is true, that they would
+have them manumitted immediately:--for they believe slavery is sin, and
+that therefore the slaveholder has no right to protract the bondage of
+his slaves for a single year, or for a single day or hour;--not even,
+were he to do so to afford them "a moral preparation" for freedom, or to
+accomplish any other of the kindest and best purposes. They believe,
+that the relation of slaveholder, as it essentially and indispensably
+involves the reduction of men to chattelship, cannot, under any plea
+whatever, be continued with innocence, for a single moment. If it can
+be--if the plain laws of God, in respect to marriage and religious
+instruction and many other blessings, of which chattelized man is
+plundered, can be innocently violated--why credit any longer the
+assertion of the Bible, that "sin is the transgression of the law?"--why
+not get a new definition of sin?
+
+Another reason with abolitionists in favor of immediate manumission, is,
+that the slaves do not, as a body, acquire, whilst in slavery, any
+"moral preparation" for freedom. To learn to swim we must be allowed the
+use of water. To learn the exercises of a freeman, we must enjoy he
+element of liberty. I will not say, that slaves cannot be taught, to
+some extent, the duties of freemen. Some knowledge of the art of
+swimming may be acquired before entering the water. I have not forgotten
+what you affirm about the "progressive melioration in the condition of
+slaves," and the opening of "schools of instruction" for them "prior to
+the agitation of the subject of abolition;" nor, have I forgotten, that
+I could not read it without feeling, that the creations of your fancy,
+rather than the facts of history, supplied this information. Instances,
+rare instances, of such "melioration" and of such "schools of
+instruction," I doubt not there have been: but, I am confident, that the
+Southern slaves have been sunk in depths of ignorance proportioned to
+the profits of their labor. I have not the least belief, that the
+proportion of readers amongst them is one half so great, as it was
+before the invention of Whitney's cotton gin.
+
+Permit me to call your attention to a few of the numberless evidences,
+that slavery is a poor school for "moral preparation" for freedom. 1st.
+Slavery turns its victims into thieves. "Who should be astonished," says
+Thomas S. Clay, a very distinguished slaveholder of Georgia, "if the
+negro takes from the field or corn-house the supplies necessary for his
+craving appetite and then justifies his act, and denies that it is
+stealing?" What debasement in the slave does the same gentleman's remedy
+for theft indicate? "If," says he, "the negro is informed, that if he
+does not steal, he shall receive rice as an allowance; and if he does
+steal, he shall not, a motive is held out which will counteract the
+temptation to pilfer." 2nd. Slavery reeks with licentiousness. Another
+son of the South says, that the slaveholder's kitchen is a brothel, and
+a southern village a Sodom. The elaborate defence of slavery by
+Chancellor Harper of South Carolina justifies the heaviest accusations,
+that have been brought against it on the score of licentiousness. How
+could you blame us for deeply abhorring slavery, even were we to view it
+in no other light than that in which the Dews and Harpers and its other
+advocates present it? 3rd. Slavery puts the master in the place of God,
+and the master's law in the place of God's law! "The negro," says Thomas
+S. Clay, "is seldom taught to feel, that he is punished for breaking
+God's law! He only knows his master as law-giver and executioner, and
+the sole object held up to his view is to make him a more obedient and
+profitable slave. He oftener hears that he shall be punished if he
+steals, than if he breaks the Sabbath or swears; and thus he sees the
+very threatenings of God brought to bear on his master's interests. It
+is very manifest to him, that his own good is very far from forming the
+primary reason for his chastisement: his master's interests are to be
+secured at all events;--God's claims are secondary, or enforced merely
+for the purpose of advancing those of his owner. His own benefit is the
+residuum after this double distillation of moral motive--a mere
+accident." 4th. The laws of nearly all the slave-states forbid the
+teaching of the slaves to read. The abundant declarations, that those
+laws are without exception, a consequence of the present agitation of
+the question of slavery are glaringly false. Many of these laws were
+enacted long before this agitation; and some of them long before you and
+I were born. Say the three hundred and fifty-three gentlemen of the
+District of Abbeville and Edgefield in South Carolina, who, the last
+year, broke up a system of oral religious instruction, which the
+Methodist Conference of that State had established amongst their slaves:
+"Intelligence and slavery have no affinity for each other." And when
+those same gentlemen declare, that "verbal and lecturing instruction
+will increase a desire with the black population to learn"--that "the
+progress and diffusion of knowledge will be a consequence"--and that "a
+progressive system of improvement will be introduced, that will
+ultimately revolutionize our civil institutions," they admit, that the
+prohibition of "intelligence" to the slaves is the settled and necessary
+policy of slavery, and not, as you would have us believe, a temporary
+expedient occasioned by the present "agitation of this subject of
+abolition." 5th. Slavery--the system, which forbids marriage and the
+reading of the Bible--does of necessity turn its subjects into heathens.
+A Report of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, made five years
+ago, says: "Who could credit it, that in these years of revival and
+benevolent effort--that, in this Christian Republic, there are over two
+millions of human beings in the condition of heathen, and in some
+respects in a worse condition? They may be justly considered the heathen
+of this Christian country, and will bear comparison with heathen in any
+country in the world." I will finish what I have to say on this point of
+"moral preparation" for freedom, with the remark, that the history of
+slavery in no country warrants your implication, that slaves acquire
+such "moral preparation." The British Parliament substituted an
+apprenticeship for slavery with the express design, that it should
+afford a "moral preparation" for freedom. And yet, if you will read the
+reports of late visitors to the British West Indies, you will find, that
+the planters admit, that they made no use of the advantages of the
+apprenticeship to prepare their servants for liberty. Their own
+gain--not the slaves'--was their ruling motive, during the term of the
+apprenticeship, as well as preceding it.
+
+Another of your charges is, _that the abolitionists "have increased the
+rigors of legislation against slaves in most if not all the
+slave States_."
+
+And suppose, that our principles and measures have occasioned this
+evil--are they therefore wrong?--and are we, therefore, involved in sin?
+The principles and measures of Moses and Aaron were the occasion of a
+similar evil. Does it follow, that those principles and measures were
+wrong, and that Moses and Aaron were responsible for the sin of
+Pharaoh's increased oppressiveness? The truth, which Jesus Christ
+preached on the earth, is emphatically peace: but its power on the
+depravity of the human heart made it the occasion of division and
+violence. That depravity was the guilty cause of the division and
+violence. The truth was but the innocent occasion of them. To make it
+responsible for the effects of that depravity would be as unreasonable,
+as it is to make the holy principles of the anti-slavery cause
+responsible for the wickedness which they occasion: and to make the
+great Preacher Himself responsible for the division and violence, would
+be but to carry out the absurdity, of which the public are guilty, in
+holding abolitionists responsible for the mobs, which are got up against
+them. These mobs, by the way, are called "abolition mobs." A similar
+misnomer would pronounce the mob, that should tear down your house and
+shoot your wife, "Henry Clay's mob." Harriet Martineau, in stating the
+fact, that the mobs of 1834, in the city of New York, were set down to
+the wrong account, says, that the abolitionists were told, that "they
+had no business to scare the city with the sight of their burning
+property and demolished churches!"
+
+No doubt the light of truth, which the abolitionists are pouring into
+the dark den of slavery, greatly excites the monster's wrath: and it may
+be, that he vents a measure of it on the helpless and innocent victims
+within his grasp. Be it so;--it is nevertheless, not the Ithuriel spear
+of truth, that is to be held guilty of the harm:--it is the monster's
+own depravity, which cannot
+
+
+                              "endure
+Touch of celestial temper, but returns
+Of force to its own likeness."[A]
+
+
+[Footnote A: This is a reference to a passage in Milton's Paradise Lost,
+in which Satan in disguise is touched by the spear of the archangel
+Ithuriel and is thereby forced to return to his own form.]
+
+I am, however, far from believing, that the treatment of the slaves is
+rendered any more rigorous and cruel by the agitation of the subject of
+slavery. I am very far from believing, that it is any harsher now than
+it was before the organization of the American Anti-Slavery Society.
+Fugitive slaves tell us, it is not: and, inasmuch as the slaveholders
+are, and, by both words and actions, abundantly show, that they feel
+that they are, arraigned by the abolitionists before the bar of the
+civilized world, to answer to the charges of perpetrating cruelties on
+their slaves, it would, unless indeed, they are of the number of those
+"whose glory is in their shame," be most unphilosophical to conclude,
+that they are multiplying proofs of the truth of those charges, more
+rapidly than at any former stage of their barbarities. That slaveholders
+are not insensible to public opinion and to the value of a good
+character was strikingly exhibited by Mr. Calhoun, in his place in the
+Senate of the United States, when he followed his frank disclaimer of
+all suspicion, that the abolitionists are meditating a war against the
+slaveholder's person, with remarks evincive of his sensitiveness under
+the war, which they are waging against the slaveholder's character.
+
+A fact occurs to me, which goes to show, that the slaveholders feel
+themselves to be put upon their good behavior by the abolitionists.
+Although slaves are murdered every day at the South, yet never, until
+very recently, if at all, has the case occurred, in which a white man
+has been executed at the South for the murder of a slave. A few months
+ago, the Southern newspapers brought us copies of the document,
+containing the refusal of Governor Butler of South Carolina to pardon a
+man, who had been convicted of the murder of a slave. This document
+dwells on the protection due to the slave; and, if I fully recollect its
+character, an abolitionist himself could hardly have prepared a more
+appropriate paper for the occasion. Whence such a document--whence, in
+the editorial captions to this document, the exultation over its
+triumphant refutations of the slanders of the abolitionists against the
+South--but, that Governor Butler feels--but, that the writes of those
+captions feel--that the abolitionists have put the South upon her
+good behavior.
+
+Another of your charges is, _that the abolitionists oppose "the project
+of colonisation."_
+
+Having, under another head, made some remarks on this "project," I will
+only add, that we must oppose the American Colonization Society, because
+it denies the sinfulness of slavery, and the duty of immediate,
+unqualified emancipation. Its avowed doctrine is, that, unless
+emancipation he accompanied by expatriation, perpetual slavery is to be
+preferred to it. Not to oppose that Society, would be the guiltiest
+treachery to our holy religion, which requires immediate and
+unconditional repentance of sin. Not to oppose it, would be to uphold
+slavery. Not to oppose it, would be to abandon the Anti-Slavery Society.
+Do you ask, why, if this be the character of the American Colonization
+Society, many, who are now abolitionists, continued in it so long? I
+answer for myself, that, until near the period of my withdrawal from it,
+I had very inadequate conceptions of the wickedness, both of that
+Society, and of slavery. For having felt the unequalled sin of slavery
+no more deeply--for feeling it now no more deeply, I confess myself to
+be altogether without excuse. The great criminality of my long
+continuance in the Colonization Society is perhaps somewhat palliated by
+the fact, that the strongest proofs of the wicked character and
+tendencies of the Society were not exhibited, until it spread out its
+wing over slavery to shelter the monster from the earnest and effective
+blows of the American Anti-Slavery Society.
+
+Another of your charges is, that the abolitionists, in declaring "that
+their object is not to stimulate the action of the General Government,
+_but to operate upon the States themselves, in which the institution of
+domestic slavery exists," are evidently insincere, since the "abolition
+societies and movements are all confined to the free Slates_."
+
+I readily admit, that our object is the abolition of slavery, as well in
+the slave States, as in other portions of the Nation, where it exists.
+But, does it follow, because only an insignificant share of our
+"abolition societies and movements" is in those States, that we
+therefore depend for the abolition of slavery in them on the General
+Government, rather than on moral influence? I need not repeat, that the
+charge of our looking to the General Government for such abolition is
+refuted by the language of the Constitution of the Anti-Slavery Society.
+You may, however, ask--"why, if you do not look to the General
+Government for it, is not the great proportion of your means of moral
+influence in the slave States, where is the great body of the slaves?" I
+answer that, in the first place, the South does not permit us to have
+them there; and that, in the words of one of your fellow Senators, and
+in the very similar words of another--both uttered on the floor of the
+Senate--"if the abolitionists come to the South, the South will hang
+them." Pardon the remark, that it seems very disingenuous in you to draw
+conclusions unfavorable to the sincerity of the abolitionists from
+premises so notoriously false, as are those which imply, that it is
+entirely at their own option, whether the abolitionists shall have their
+"societies and movements" in the free or slave States. I continue to
+answer your question, by saying, in the second place, that, had the
+abolitionists full liberty to multiply their "societies and movements"
+in the slave States, they would probably think it best to have the great
+proportion of them yet awhile in the free States. To rectify public
+opinion on the subject of slavery is a leading object with
+abolitionists. This object is already realized to the extent of a
+thorough anti-slavery sentiment in Great Britain, as poor Andrew
+Stevenson, for whom you apologise, can testify. Indeed, the great power
+and pressure of that sentiment are the only apology left to this
+disgraced and miserable man for uttering a bald falsehood in vindication
+of Virginia morals. He above all other men, must feel the truth of the
+distinguished Thomas Fowel Buxton's declaration, that "England is turned
+into one great Anti-Slavery Society." Now, Sir, it is such a change, as
+abolitionists have been the instruments of producing in Great Britain,
+that we hope to see produced in the free States. We hope to see public
+sentiment in these States so altered, that such of their laws, as uphold
+and countenance slavery, will be repealed--so altered, that the present
+brutal treatment of the colored population in them will give place to a
+treatment dictated by justice, humanity, and brotherly and Christian
+love;--so altered, that there will be thousands, where now there are not
+hundreds, to class the products of slave labor with other stolen goods,
+and to refuse to eat and to wear that, which is wet with the tears, and
+red with the blood of "the poor innocents," whose bondage is continued,
+because men are more concerned to buy what is cheap, than what is
+honestly acquired;--so altered, that our Missionary and other religious
+Societies will remember, that God says: "I hate robbery for
+burnt-offering," and will forbear to send their agents after that
+plunder, which, as it is obtained at the sacrifice of the body and soul
+of the plundered, is infinitely more unfit, than the products of
+ordinary theft, to come into the Lord's treasury. And, when the warm
+desires of our hearts, on these points, shall be realized, the fifty
+thousand Southerners, who annually visit the North, for purposes of
+business and pleasure, will not all return to their homes,
+self-complacent and exulting, as now, when they carry with them the
+suffrages of the North in favor of slavery: but numbers of them will
+return to pursue the thoughts inspired by their travels amongst the
+enemies of oppression--and, in the sequel, they will let their
+"oppressed go free."
+
+It were almost as easy for the sun to call up vegetation by the side of
+an iceberg, as for the abolitionists to move the South extensively,
+whilst their influence is counteracted by a pro-slavery spirit at the
+North. How vain would be the attempt to reform the drunkards of your
+town of Lexington, whilst the sober in it continue to drink intoxicating
+liquors! The first step in the reformation is to induce the sober to
+change their habits, and create that total abstinence-atmosphere, in the
+breathing of which, the drunkard lives,--and, for the want of which, he
+dies. The first step, in the merciful work of delivering the slaveholder
+from his sin, is similar. It is to bring him under the influence of a
+corrected public opinion--of an anti-slavery sentiment:--and they, who
+are to be depended on to contribute to this public opinion--to make up
+this anti-slavery sentiment--are those, who are not bound up in the iron
+habits, and blinded by the mighty interests of the slaveholder. To
+depend on slaveholders to give the lead to public opinion in the
+anti-slavery enterprise, would be no less absurd, than to begin the
+temperance reformation with drunkards, and to look to them to produce
+the influences, which are indispensable to their own redemption.
+
+You say of the abolitionists, _that "they are in favor of
+amalgamation."_
+
+The Anti-Slavery Society is, as its name imports, a society to oppose
+slavery--not to "make matches." Whether abolitionists are inclined to
+amalgamation more than anti-abolitionists are, I will not here take upon
+myself to decide. So far, as you and I may be regarded as
+representatives of these two parties, and so far as our marriages argue
+our tastes in this matter, the abolitionists and anti-abolitionists may
+be set down, as equally disposed to couple white with white and black
+with black--for our wives, as you are aware, are both white. I will here
+mention, as it may further argue the similarity in the matrimonial
+tastes of abolitionists and anti-abolitionists, the fact so grateful to
+us in the days, when we were "workers together" in promoting the "scheme
+of Colonization," that our wives are natives of the same town.
+
+I have a somewhat extensive acquaintance at the North; and I can truly
+say, that I do not know a white abolitionist, who is the reputed father
+of a colored child. At the South there are several hundred thousand
+persons, whose yellow skins testify, that the white man's blood courses
+through their veins. Whether the honorable portion of their parentage is
+to be ascribed exclusively to the few abolitionists scattered over the
+South--and who, under such supposition, must, indeed, be prodigies of
+industry and prolificness--or whether anti-abolitionists there have,
+notwithstanding all their pious horror of "amalgamation," been
+contributing to it, you can better judge than myself.
+
+That slavery is a great amalgamator, no one acquainted with the blended
+colors of the South will, for a moment, deny. But, that an increasing
+amalgamation would attend the liberation of the slaves, is quite
+improbable, when we reflect, that the extensive occasions of the present
+mixture are the extreme debasement of the blacks and their entire
+subjection to the will of the whites; and that even should the
+debasement continue under a state of freedom, the subjection would not.
+It is true, that the colored population of our country might in a state
+of freedom, attain to an equality with the whites; and that a
+multiplication of instances of matrimonial union between the two races
+might be a consequence of this equality: but, beside, that this would be
+a lawful and sinless union, instead of the adulterous and wicked one,
+which is the fruit of slavery, would not the improved condition of our
+down-trodden brethren be a blessing infinitely overbalancing all the
+violations of our taste, which it might occasion? I say violations of
+_our_ taste;--for we must bear in mind that, offensive as the
+intermixture of different races may be to us, the country or age, which
+practices it, has no sympathy whatever with our feeling on this point.
+
+How strongly and painfully it argues the immorality and irreligion of
+the American people, that they should look so complacently on the
+"amalgamation," which tramples the seventh commandment under foot, and
+yet be so offended at that, which has the sanction of lawful wedlock!
+When the Vice President of this Nation was in nomination for his present
+office, it was objected to him, that he had a family of colored
+children. The defence, set up by his partisans, was, that, although he
+had such a family, he nevertheless was not married to their mother! The
+defence was successful; and the charge lost all its odiousness; and the
+Vice President's popularity was retrieved, when, it turned out, that he
+was only the adulterous, and not the married father of his children!
+
+I am aware, that many take the ground, that we must keep the slaves in
+slavery to prevent the matrimonial "amalgamation," which, they
+apprehend, would be a fruit of freedom. But, however great a good,
+abolitionists might deem the separation of the white and black races,
+and however deeply they might be impressed with the power of slavery to
+promote this separation, they nevertheless, dare not "do evil, that good
+may come:"--they dare not seek to promote this separation, at the
+fearful expense of upholding, or in anywise, countenancing a
+humanity-crushing and God-defying system of oppression.
+
+Another charge against the abolitionists is implied in the inquiry you
+make, _whether since they do not "furnish in their own families or
+persons examples of intermarriage, they intend to contaminate the
+industrious and laborious classes of society of the North by a revolting
+admixture of the black element."_
+
+This inquiry shows how difficult it is for southern minds, accustomed as
+they have ever been to identify labor with slavery, to conceive the true
+character and position of such "classes" at the North; and also how
+ignorant they are of the composition of our Anti-Slavery societies. To
+correct your misapprehensions on these points, I will briefly say, in
+the first place, that the laborers of the North are freemen and not
+slaves;--that they marry whom they please, and are neither paired nor
+unpaired to suit the interests of the breeder, or seller, or buyer, of
+human stock:--and, in the second place, that the abolitionists, instead
+of being a body of persons distinct from "the industrious and laborious
+classes," do, more than nineteen twentieths of them, belong to those
+"classes." You have fallen into great error in supposing, that
+_abolitionists_ generally belong to the wealthy and aristocratic
+classes. This, to a great extent, is true of _anti-abolitionists_. Have
+you never heard the boast, that there have been anti-abolition mobs,
+which consisted of "gentlemen of property and standing?"
+
+You charge upon abolitionists "_the purpose to create a pinching
+competition between black labor and white labor;" and add, that "on the
+supposition of abolition the black class, migrating into the free
+states, would enter into competition with the white class, diminishing
+the wages of their labor_."
+
+In making this charge, as well as in making that which immediately
+precedes it, you have fallen into the error, that abolitionists do not
+belong to "the industrious and laborious classes." In point of fact, the
+abolitionists belong so generally to these classes, that if your charge
+be true, they must have the strange "purpose" of "pinching" themselves.
+
+Whether "the black class" would, or would not migrate, I am much more
+pleased to have you say what you do on this point, though it be at the
+expense of your consistency, than to have you say, as you do in another
+part of your speech, that abolition "would end in the extermination or
+subjugation of the one race or the other."
+
+It appears to me highly improbable, that emancipation would be followed
+by the migration of the emancipated. Emancipation, which has already
+added fifty per cent. to the value of estates in the British West
+Indies, would immediately add as much to the value of the soil of the
+South. Much more of it would be brought into use; and, notwithstanding
+the undoubted truth, that the freedman performs twice as much labor as
+when a slave, the South would require, instead of any diminution, a very
+great increase of the number of her laborers. The laboring population of
+the British West India Islands, is one-third as large as that of the
+southern states; and yet, since these islands have got rid of slavery,
+and have entered on their career of enterprize and industry, they find
+this population, great as it is, insufficient to meet the increased
+demand for labor. As you are aware, they are already inviting laborers
+of this and other countries to supply the deficiency. But what is the
+amount of cultivable land in those islands, compared with that in all
+the southern states? It is not so extensive as the like land in your
+single state.
+
+But you may suppose, that, in the event of the emancipation of her
+slaves, the South would prefer white laborers. I know not why she
+should. Such are, for the most part, unaccustomed to her kinds of labor,
+and they would exact, because they would need, far greater wages than
+those, who had never been indulged beyond the gratification of their
+simplest wants. There is another point of view, in which it is still
+more improbable, that the black laborers of the South would be displaced
+by immigrations of white laborers. The proverbial attachment of the
+slave to his "bornin-ground," (the place of his nativity,) would greatly
+contribute to his contentment with low wages, at the hands of his old
+master. As an evidence of the strong attachment of our southern colored
+brethren to their birth-places, I remark, that, whilst the free colored
+population of the free states increased from 1820 to 1830 but nineteen
+per cent., the like population in the slave states increased, in the
+same period, thirty five per cent;--and this, too, notwithstanding the
+operation of those oppressive and cruel laws, whose enactment was
+dictated by the settled policy of expelling the free blacks from
+the South.
+
+That, in the event of the abolition of southern slavery, the emancipated
+slaves would migrate to the North, rather than elsewhere, is very
+improbable. Whilst our climate would be unfriendly to them, and whilst
+they would be strangers to our modes of agriculture, the sugar and
+cotton fields of Texas, the West Indies, and other portions of the
+earth, would invite them to congenial employments beneath congenial
+skies. That, in case southern slavery is abolished, the colored
+population of the North would be drawn off to unite with their race at
+the South, is, for reasons too obvious to mention, far more probable
+than the reverse.
+
+It will be difficult for you to persuade the North, that she would
+suffer in a pecuniary point of view by the extirpation of slavery. The
+consumption of the laborers at the South would keep pace with the
+improvement and elevation of their condition, and would very soon impart
+a powerful impulse to many branches of Northern industry.
+
+Another of your charges is in the following words: "The subject of
+slavery within the District of Florida," and that "of the right of
+Congress to prohibit the removal of slaves from one state to another,"
+are, with abolitionists, "but so many masked batteries, concealing the
+real and ultimate point of attack. That point of attack is the
+institution of domestic slavery, as it exists in those states."
+
+If you mean by this charge, that abolitionists think that the abolition
+of slavery in the District of Columbia and in Florida, and the
+suppression of the interstate traffic in human beings are, in
+themselves, of but little moment, you mistake. If you mean, that they
+think them of less importance than the abolition of slavery in the slave
+states, you are right; and if you further mean, that they prize those
+objects more highly, and pursue them more zealously, because they think,
+that success in them will set in motion very powerful, if not indeed
+resistless influences against slavery in the slave states, you are right
+in this also. I am aware, that the latter concession brings
+abolitionists under the condemnation of that celebrated book, written by
+a _modern_ limiter of "human responsibility"--not by the _ancient_ one,
+who exclaimed, "Am I my brother's keeper?" In that book, to which, by
+the way, the infamous Atherton Resolutions are indebted for their
+keynote, and grand pervading idea, we find the doctrine, that even if it
+were the duty of Congress to abolish slavery in the District of
+Columbia, the North nevertheless should not seek for such abolition,
+unless the object of it be "ultimate within itself." If it be "for the
+sake of something ulterior" also--if for the sake of inducing the
+slaveholders of the slave states to emancipate their slaves--then we
+should not seek for it. Let us try this doctrine in another
+application--in one, where its distinguished author will not feel so
+much delicacy, and so much fear of giving offence. His reason why we
+should not go for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia,
+unless our object in it be "ultimate within itself," and unaccompanied
+by the object of producing an influence against slavery in the slave
+states, is, that the Federal Constitution has left the matter of slavery
+in the slave states to those states themselves. But will President
+Wayland say, that it has done so to any greater extent, than it has left
+the matter of gambling-houses and brothels in those states to those
+states themselves? He will not, if he consider the subject:--though, I
+doubt not, that when he wrote his bad book, he was under the prevailing
+error, that the Federal Constitution tied up the hands and limited the
+power of the American people in respect to slavery, more than to any
+other vice.
+
+But to the other application. We will suppose, that Great Britain has
+put down the gambling-houses and brothels in her wide dominions--that
+Mexico has done likewise; and that the George Thompsons, and Charles
+Stuarts, and other men of God, have come from England to beseech the
+people of the northern states to do likewise within their respective
+jurisdictions;--and we will further suppose, that those foreign
+missionaries, knowing the obstinate and infatuated attachment of the
+people of the southern states to their gambling-houses and brothels,
+should attempt, and successfully, too, to blend with the motive of the
+people of the northern states to get rid of their own gambling houses
+and brothels, the motive of influencing the people of the southern
+states to get rid of theirs--what, we ask, would this eminent divine
+advise in such a case? Would he have the people of the northern states
+go on in their good work, and rejoice in the prospect, not only that
+these polluting and ruinous establishments would soon cease to exist
+within all their limits, but that the influence of their overthrow would
+be fatal to the like establishments in the southern states? To be
+consistent with himself--with the doctrine in question--he must reply in
+the negative. To be consistent with himself, he must advise the people
+of the northern states to let their own gambling-houses and brothels
+stand, until they can make the object of their abolishment "ultimate
+within itself;"--until they can expel from their hearts the cherished
+hope, that the purification of their own states of these haunts of
+wickedness would exert an influence to induce the people of their sister
+states to enter upon a similar work of purity and righteousness. But I
+trust, that President Wayland would not desire to be consistent with
+himself on this point. I trust that he would have the magnanimity to
+throw away this perhaps most pernicious doctrine of a pernicious book,
+which every reader of it must see was written to flatter and please the
+slaveholder and arrest the progress of the anti-slavery cause. How great
+the sin of seizing on this very time, when special efforts are being
+made to enlist the world's sympathies in behalf of the millions of our
+robbed, outraged, crushed countrymen--how great the sin, of seizing on
+such a time to attempt to neutralize those efforts, by ascribing to the
+oppressors of these millions a characteristic "nobleness"--"enthusiastic
+attachment to personal right"--"disinterestedness which has always
+marked the southern character"--and a superiority to all others "in
+making any sacrifice for the public good!" It is this sin--this heinous
+sin--of which President Wayland has to repent. If he pities the slave,
+it is because he knows, that the qualities, which he ascribes to the
+slaveholder, do not, in fact, belong to him. On the other hand, if he
+believes the slaveholder to be, what he represents him to be, he does
+not--in the very nature of things, he cannot--pity the slave. He must
+rather rejoice, that the slave has fallen into the hands of one, who,
+though he has the name, cannot have the heart, and cannot continue in
+the relation of a slaveholder. If John Hook, for having mingled his
+discordant and selfish cries with the acclamations of victory and then
+general joy, deserved Patrick Henry's memorable rebuke, what does he not
+deserve, who finds it in his heart to arrest the swelling tide of pity
+for the oppressed by praises of the oppressor, and to drown the public
+lament over the slave's subjection to absolute power, in the
+congratulation, that the slaveholder who exercises that power, is a
+being of characteristic "nobleness," "disinterestedness," and
+"sacrifice" of self-interest?
+
+President Wayland may perhaps say, that the moral influence, which he is
+unwilling to have exerted over the slaveholder, is not that, which is
+simply persuasive, but that, which is constraining--not that, which is
+simply inducing, but that, which is compelling. I cheerfully admit, that
+it is infinitely better to induce men to do right from their own
+approbation of the right, than it is to shame them, or in any other wise
+constrain them, to do so; but I can never admit, that I am not at
+liberty to effect the release of my colored brother from the fangs of
+his murderous oppressor, when I can do so by bringing public opinion to
+bear upon that oppressor, and to fill him with uneasiness and shame.
+
+I have not, overlooked the distinction taken by the reverend gentleman;
+though, I confess that, to a mind no less obtuse than my own, it is very
+little better than "a distinction without a difference." Whilst he
+denies, that I can, as an American citizen, rightfully labor for the
+abolition of slavery in the slave states, or even in the District of
+Columbia; he would perhaps, admit that, as a man, I might do so. But am
+I not interested, as an American citizen, to have every part of my
+country cleared of vice, and of whatever perils its free institutions?
+Am I not interested, as such, to promote the overthrow of gambling and
+rum drinking establishments in South Carolina?--but why any more than to
+promote the overthrow of slavery? In fine, am I not interested, as an
+American citizen, to have my country, and my whole country, "right in
+the sight of God?" If not, I had better not be an American citizen.
+
+I say no more on the subject of the sophistries of President Wayland's
+book on, "The limitations of human responsibility;" nor would I have
+said what I have, were it not that it is in reply to the like
+sophistries couched in that objection of yours, which I have now been
+considering.
+
+Another of your charges against the abolitionists is, _that they seek to
+"stimulate the rage of the people of the free states against the people
+of the slave states. Advertisements of fugitive slaves and of slaves to
+be sold are carefully collected and blazoned forth to infuse a spirit of
+detestation and hatred against one entire and the largest section of
+the Union."_
+
+The slaveholders of the South represent slavery as a heaven-born
+institution--themselves as patriarchs and patterns of benevolence--and
+their slaves, as their tenderly treated and happy dependents. The
+abolitionists, on the contrary, think that slavery is from hell--that
+slaveholders are the worst of robbers--and that their slaves are the
+wretched victims of unsurpassed cruelties. Now, how do abolitionists
+propose to settle the points at issue?--by fanciful pictures of the
+abominations of slavery to countervail the like pictures of its
+blessedness?--by mere assertions against slavery, to balance mere
+assertions in its favor? No--but by the perfectly reasonable and fair
+means of examining slavery in the light of its own code--of judging of
+the character of the slaveholder in the light of his own conduct--and of
+arguing the condition of the slave from unequivocal evidences of the
+light in which the slave himself views it. To this end we publish
+extracts from the southern slave code, which go to show that slavery
+subjects its victims to the absolute control of their erring fellow
+men--that it withholds from them marriage and the Bible--that it classes
+them with brutes and things--and annihilates the distinctions between
+mind and matter. To this end we republish in part, or entirely,
+pamphlets and books, in which southern men exhibit, with their own pens,
+some of the horrid features of slavery. To this end we also republish
+such advertisements as you refer to--advertisements in which immortal
+beings, made in the image of God, and redeemed by a Savior's blood, and
+breathed upon by the Holy Spirit, are offered to be sold, at public
+auction, or sheriff's sale, in connection with cows, and horses, and
+ploughs: and, sometimes we call special attention to the common fact,
+that the husband and wife, the parent and infant child, are advertised
+to be sold together or separately, as shall best suit purchasers. It is
+to this end also, that we often republish specimens of the other class
+of advertisements to which you refer. Some of the advertisements of this
+class identify the fugitive slave by the scars, which the whip, or the
+manacles and fetters, or the rifle had made on his person. Some of them
+offer a reward for his head!--and it is to this same end, that we often
+refer to the ten thousands, who have fled from southern slavery, and the
+fifty fold that number, who have unsuccessfully attempted to fly from
+it. How unutterable must be the horrors of the southern prison house,
+and how strong and undying the inherent love of liberty to induce these
+wretched fellow beings to brave the perils which cluster so thickly and
+frightfully around their attempted escape? That love is indeed
+_undying_. The three hundred and fifty-three South Carolina gentlemen,
+to whom I have referred, admit, that even "the old negro man, whose head
+is white with age, raises his thoughts to look through the vista which
+will terminate his bondage."
+
+I put it to your candor--can you object to the reasonableness and
+fairness of these modes, which abolitionists have adopted for
+establishing the truth on the points at issue between themselves and
+slaveholders? But, you may say that our republication of your own
+representations of slavery proceeds from unkind motives, and serves to
+stir up the "hatred," and "rage of the people of the free states against
+the people of the slave states." If such be an effect of the
+republication, although not at all responsible for it, we deeply regret
+it; and, as to our motives, we can only meet the affirmation of their
+unkindness with a simple denial. Were we, however, to admit the
+unkindness of our motives, and that we do not always adhere to the
+apostolic motto, of "speaking the truth in love"--would the admission
+change the features of slavery, or make it any the less a system of
+pollution and blood? Is the accused any the less a murderer, because of
+the improper motives with which his accuser brings forward the
+conclusive proof of his blood-guiltiness?
+
+We often see, in the speeches and writings of the South, that
+slaveholders claim as absolute and as rightful a property in their
+slaves, as in their cattle. Whence then their sensitiveness under our
+republication of the advertisements, is which they offer to sell their
+human stock? If the south will republish the advertisements of our
+property, we will only not be displeased, but will thank her; and any
+rebukes she may see fit to pour upon us, for offering particular kinds
+of property, will be very patiently borne, in view of the benefit we
+shall reap from her copies of our advertisements.
+
+A further charge in your speech is, _that the abolitionists pursue their
+object "reckless of all consequences, however calamitous they may be;"
+that they have no horror of a "civil war," or "a dissolution of the
+Union;" that theirs is "a bloody road," and "their purpose is abolition,
+universal abolition, peaceably if it can, forcibly if it must."_
+
+It is true that, the abolitionists pursue their object, undisturbed by
+apprehensions of consequences; but it is not true, that they pursue it
+"reckless of consequences." We believe that they, who unflinchingly
+press the claims of God's truth, deserve to be considered as far less
+"reckless of consequences," than they, who, suffering themselves to be
+thrown into a panic by apprehensions of some mischievous results, local
+or general, immediate or remote, are guilty of compromising the truth,
+and substituting corrupt expediency for it. We believe that the
+consequences of obeying the truth and following God are good--only
+good--and that too, not only in eternity, but in time also. We believe,
+that had the confidently anticipated deluge of blood followed the
+abolition of slavery in the British West Indies, the calamity would have
+been the consequence, not of abolition, but of resistance to it. The
+insanity, which has been known to follow the exhibition of the claims of
+Christianity, is to be charged on the refusal to fall in with those
+claims, and not on our holy religion.
+
+But, notwithstanding, we deem it our duty and privilege to confine
+ourselves to the word of the Lord, and to make that word suffice to
+prevent all fears of consequences; we, nevertheless, employ additional
+means to dispel the alarms of those, who insist on walking "by sight;"
+and, in thus accommodating ourselves to their want of faith, we are
+justified by the example of Him, who, though he said, "blessed are they
+that have not seen and yet have believed," nevertheless permitted an
+unbelieving disciple, both to see and to touch the prints of the nails
+and the spear. When dealing with such unbelievers, we do not confine
+ourselves to the "thus saith the Lord"--to the Divine command, to "let
+the oppressed go free and break every yoke"--to the fact, that God is an
+abolitionist: but we also show how contrary to all sound philosophy is
+the fear, that the slave, on whom have been heaped all imaginable
+outrages, will, when those outrages are exchanged for justice and mercy,
+turn and rend his penitent master. When dealing with such unbelievers,
+we advert to the fact, that the insurrections at the South have been the
+work of slaves--not one of them of persons discharged from slavery: we
+show how happy were the fruits of emancipation in St. Domingo: and that
+the "horrors of St. Domingo," by the parading of which so many have been
+deterred from espousing our righteous cause, were the result of the
+attempt to re-establish slavery. When dealing with them, we ask
+attention to the present peaceful, prosperous, and happy condition of
+the British West India Islands, which so triumphantly falsifies the
+predictions, that bankruptcy, violence, bloodshed, and utter ruin would
+follow the liberation of their slaves. We point these fearful and
+unbelieving ones to the fact of the very favorable influence of the
+abolition of slavery on the price of real estate in those islands; to
+that of the present rapid multiplication of schools and churches in
+them; to the fact, that since the abolition of slavery, on the first day
+of August 1834, not a white man in all those islands has been struck
+down by the arm of a colored man; and then we ask them whether in view
+of such facts, they are not prepared to believe, that God connects
+safety with obedience, and that it is best to "trust in the Lord with
+all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding."
+
+On the subject of "a dissolution of the Union," I have only to say,
+that, on the one hand, there is nothing in my judgment, which, under
+God, would tend so much to preserve our Republic, as the carrying out
+into all our social, political and religious institutions of its great
+foundation principle, that "all men are created equal;" and that, on the
+other hand, the flagrant violation of that principle in the system of
+slavery, is doing more than all thing, else to hasten the destruction of
+the Republic. I am aware, that one of the doctrines of the South is,
+that "slavery is the corner-stone of the republican edifice." But, if it
+be true, that our political institutions harmonize with, and are
+sustained by slavery, then the sooner we exchange them for others the
+better. I am aware, that it is said, both at the North and at the South,
+that it is essential to the preservation of the Union. But, greatly as I
+love the Union, and much as I would sacrifice for its righteous
+continuance, I cannot hesitate to say, that if slavery be an
+indispensable cement, the sooner it is dissolved the better.
+
+I am not displeased, that you call ours "a bloody road"--for this
+language does not necessarily implicate our motives; but I am greatly
+surprised that you charge upon us the wicked and murderous "purpose" of
+a forcible abolition. In reply to this imputation, I need only refer you
+to the Constitution of the American Anti-Slavery Society--to the
+Declaration of the Convention which framed it--and to our characters,
+for pledges, that we design no force, and are not likely to stain our
+souls with the crime of murder. That Constitution says: "This society
+will never, in any way, countenance the oppressed in vindicating their
+rights by resorting to physical force." The Declaration says "Our
+principles forbid the doing of evil that good may come, and lead us to
+reject, and to entreat the oppressed to reject, the use of all carnal
+weapons for deliverance from bondage. Our measures shall be such only,
+as the opposition of moral purity to moral corruption--the destruction
+of error by the potency of truth--the overthrow of prejudice by the
+power of love--and the abolition of slavery by the spirit of
+repentance." As to our characters they are before the world. You would
+probably look in vain through our ranks for a horse-racer, a gambler, a
+profane person, a rum-drinker, or a duellist. More than nine-tenths of
+us deny the rightfulness of offensive, and a large majority, even that
+of defensive national wars. A still larger majority believe, that deadly
+weapons should not be used in cases of individual strife. And, if you
+should ask, "where in the free States are the increasing numbers of men
+and women, who believe, that the religion of the unresisting 'Lamb of
+God' forbids recourse to such weapons, in all circumstances, either by
+nations or individuals?"--the answer is, "to a man, to a woman, in the
+ranks of the abolitionists." You and others will judge for yourselves,
+how probable it is, that the persons, whom I have described, will prove
+worthy of being held up as murderers.
+
+The last of your charges against the abolitionists, which I shall
+examine, is the following: _Having begun "their operations by professing
+to employ only persuasive means," they "have ceased to employ the
+instruments of reason and persuasion," and "they now propose to
+substitute the powers of the ballot box;" and "the inevitable tendency
+of their proceedings is if these should be found insufficient, to invoke
+finally the more potent powers of the bayonet."_
+
+If the slaveholders would but let us draw on them for the six or eight
+thousand dollars, which we expend monthly to sustain our presses and
+lecturers, they would then know, from an experience too painful to be
+forgotten, how truthless is your declaration, that we "have ceased to
+employ the instruments of reason and persuasion."
+
+You and your friends, at first, employed "persuasive means" against "the
+sub-treasury system." Afterwards, you rallied voters against it. Now, if
+this fail, will you resort to "the more potent powers of the bayonet?"
+You promptly and indignantly answer, "No." But, why will you not? Is it
+because the prominent opposers of that system have more moral
+worth--more religious horror of blood--than Arthur Tappan, William Jay,
+and their prominent abolition friends? Were such to be your answer, the
+public would judge, whether the men of peace and purity, who compose the
+mass of abolitionists, would be more likely than the Clays and Wises and
+the great body of the followers of these Congressional leaders to betake
+themselves from a disappointment at "the ballot-box" to "the more potent
+powers of the bayonet?"
+
+You say, that we "_now_ propose to substitute the powers of the
+ballot-box," as if it were only of late, that we had proposed to do so.
+What then means the following language in our Constitution: "The society
+will also endeavor in a Constitutional way to influence Congress to put
+an end to the domestic slave-trade, and to abolish slavery in all those
+portions of our common country, which come under its control--especially
+in the District of Columbia--and likewise to prevent the extension of it
+to any State, that may be hereafter admitted to the Union?" What then
+means the following language in the "Declaration" of the Convention,
+which framed our Constitution: "We also maintain, that there are at the
+present time the highest obligations resting upon the people of the Free
+States to remove slavery by moral and political action, as prescribed in
+the Constitution of the United States?" If it be for the first time,
+that we "_now_ propose" "political action," what means it, that
+anti-slavery presses have, from year to year, called on abolitionists to
+remember the slave at the polls?
+
+You are deceived on this point; and the rapid growth of our cause has
+been the occasion of your deception. You suppose, because it is only
+within the last few months, that you have heard of abolitionists in this
+country carrying their cause to "the ballot box," that it is only within
+the last few months that they have done so. But, in point of fact, some
+of them have done so for several years. It was not, however, until the
+last year or two, when the number of abolitionists had become
+considerable, and their hope of producing an impression on the Elections
+proportionately strong, that many of them were seen bringing their
+abolition principles to the "ballot-box." Nor was it until the Elections
+of the last Autumn, that abolition action at "the ballot-box" had become
+so extensive, as to apprise the Nation, that it is a principle with
+abolitionists to "remember" in one place as well as in another--at the
+polls as well as in the closet--"them that are in bonds." The fact that,
+at the last State Election, there were three or four hundred abolition
+votes given in the County in which I reside, is no more real because of
+its wide spread interest, than the comparatively unheard of fact, that
+about one hundred such votes were given the year before. By the way,
+when I hear complaints of abolition action at the "ballot-box," I can
+hardly refrain from believing, that they are made ironically. When I
+hear complaints, that the abolitionists of this State rallied, as such,
+at the last State Election, I cannot easily avoid suspecting, that the
+purpose of such complaints is the malicious one of reviving in our
+breasts the truly stinging and shame-filling recollection, that some
+five-sixths of the voters in our ranks, either openly apostatized from
+our principles, or took it into their heads, that the better way to vote
+for the slave and the anti-slavery cause was to vote for their
+respective political parties. You would be less afraid of the
+abolitionists, if I should tell you that more than ten thousand of them
+in this State voted at the last State Election, for candidates for law
+makers, who were openly in favor of the law of this State, which creates
+slavery, and of other laws, which countenance and uphold it. And you
+would owe me for one of your heartiest laughs, were I to tell you, that
+there are abolitionists--professed abolitionists--yes, actual members of
+the Anti-Slavery Society--who, carrying out this delusion of helping the
+slave by helping their "party," say, that they would vote even for a
+slaveholder, if their party should nominate him. Let me remark, however,
+that I am happy to be able to inform you, that this delusion--at least
+in my own State--is fast passing away; and that thousands of the
+abolitionists who, in voting last Autumn for Gov. Marey or Gov. Seward,
+took the first step in the way, that leads to voting for the slaveholder
+himself, are now not only refusing to take another step in that
+inconsistent and wicked way, but are repenting deeply of that, which
+they have already taken in it.
+
+Much as you dislike, not to say _dread_, abolition action at "the
+ballot-box," I presume, that I need not spend any time in explaining to
+you the inconsistency of which an abolitionist is guilty, who votes for
+an upholder of slavery. A wholesome citizen would not vote fur a
+candidate for a law maker, who is in favor of laws, which authorize
+gaming-houses or _groggeries_. But, in the eye of one, who his attempted
+to take the "guage and dimensions" of the hell of slavery, the laws,
+which authorize slaveholding, far transcend in wickedness, those, which
+authorize gaming-houses or _groggeries_. You would not vote for a
+candidate for a law-maker, who is in favor of "the sub-treasury system."
+But compared with the evil of slavery, what is that of the most
+pernicious currency scheme ever devised? It is to be "counted as the
+small dust of the balance." If you would withhold your vote in the case
+supposed--how gross in your eyes must be the inconsistency of the
+abolitionist, who casts his vote on the side of the system of
+fathomless iniquity!
+
+I have already remarked on "the third" of the "impediments" or
+"obstacles" to emancipation, which you bring to view. _"The first
+impediment," you say, "is the utter and absolute want of all power on
+the part of the General Government to effect the purpose."_
+
+But because there is this want on the part of the General Government, it
+does not follow, that it also exists on the part of the States: nor does
+it follow, that it also exists on the part of the slaveholders
+themselves. It is a poor plea of your neighbor for continuing to hold
+his fellow man in slavery, that neither the Federal Government nor the
+State of Kentucky has power to emancipate them. Such a plea is about as
+valid, as that of the girl for not having performed the task, which her
+mistress had assigned to her. "I was tied to the table." "Who tied you
+there?" "I tied myself there."
+
+_"The next obstacle," you say, "in the way of abolition arises out of
+the fact of the presence in the slave states of three millions
+of slaves."_
+
+This is, indeed a formidable "obstacle:" and I admit, that it is as much
+more difficult for the impenitent slaveholder to surmount it, than it
+would be if there were but one million of slaves, as it is for the
+impenitent thief to restore the money he has stolen, than it would be,
+if the sum were one third as great. But, be not discouraged, dear sir,
+with this view of the case. Notwithstanding the magnitude of the
+obstacle, the warmest desires of your heart for the abolition of
+slavery, may yet be realized. Be thankful, that repentance can avail in
+every case of iniquity; that it can loosen the grasp of the man-thief,
+as well as that of the money-thief: of the oppressors of thousands as
+well as of hundreds:--of "three millions," as well as of one million.
+
+But, were I to allow, that the obstacle in question, is as great, as you
+regard it--nevertheless will it not increase with the lapse of years,
+and become less superable the longer the work of abolition is postponed?
+I suppose, however, that it is not to be disguised, that,
+notwithstanding the occasional attempts in the course of your speech to
+create a different impression, you are in favor of perpetual slavery;
+and that all you say about "ultra abolitionists" in distinction from
+"abolitionists," and about "gradual emancipation," in distinction from
+"immediate emancipation," is said, but to please those, who sincerely
+make, and are gulled by, such distinctions. I do not forget, that you
+say, that the abolition of slavery in Pennsylvania was proper. But, most
+obviously, you say it, to win favor with the anti-slavery portion of the
+North, and to sustain the world's opinion of your devotion to the cause
+of universal liberty;--for, having made this small concession to that
+holy cause--small indeed, since Pennsylvania never at any one time, had
+five thousand slaves--you, straightway, renew your claims to the
+confidence of slaveholders, by assuring them, that you are opposed to
+"any scheme whatever of emancipation, gradual or immediate," in States
+where the slave population is extensive;--and, for proof of the
+sincerity of your declaration, you refer them to the fact of your recent
+open and effective opposition to the overthrow of slavery in your
+own State.
+
+The South is opposed to gradual, as well as to immediate emancipation:
+and, were she, indeed, to enter upon a scheme of gradual emancipation,
+she would speedily abandon it. The objections to swelling the number of
+her free colored population, whilst she continued to hold their brethren
+of the same race in bondage, would be found too real and alarming to
+justify her perseverance in the scheme. How strange, that men at the
+North, who think soundly on other subjects, should deduce the
+feasibility of gradual emancipation in the slave states--in some of
+which the slaves outnumber the free--from the fact of the like
+emancipation of the comparative handful of slaves in New York and
+Pennsylvania!
+
+You say, "_It is frequently asked, what will become of the African race
+among us? Are they forever to remain in bondage? That question was asked
+more than half a century ago. It has been answered by fifty years of
+prosperity_."
+
+The wicked man, "spreading himself like the green bay tree," would
+answer this question, as you have. They, who "walk after their own
+lusts, saying, where is the promise of his coming--for since the fathers
+fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the
+creation?" would answer it, as you have. They, whose "heart is fully set
+in them to do evil, because sentence against an evil work is not
+executed speedily," would answer it, as you have. But, however you or
+they may answer it, and although God may delay his "coming" and the
+execution of his "sentence," it, nevertheless, remains true, that "it
+shall be well with them that fear God, but it shall not be well with
+the wicked."
+
+"Fifty years of prosperity!" On whose testimony do we learn, that the
+last "fifty years" have been "years of prosperity" to the South?--on the
+testimony of oppressors or on that of the oppressed?--on that of her two
+hundred and fifty thousand slaveholders--for this is the sum total of
+the tyrants, who rule the South and rule this nation--or on that of her
+two millions and three quarters of bleeding and crushed slaves? It may
+well be, that those of the South, who "have lived in pleasure on the
+earth and been wanton and have nourished their hearts as in a day of
+slaughter," should speak of "prosperity:" but, before we admit, that the
+"prosperity," of which they speak, is that of the South, instead of
+themselves merely, we must turn our weeping eyes to the "laborers, who
+have reaped down" their oppressors' "fields without wages," and the
+"cries" of whom "are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth;" and
+we must also take into the account the tears, and sweat, and groans, and
+blood, of the millions of similar laborers, whom, during the last "fifty
+years," death has mercifully released from Southern bondage. Talks the
+slaveholder of the "prosperity" of the South? It is but his own
+"prosperity"--and a "prosperity," such as the wolf may boast, when
+gorging on the flock.
+
+You say, _that the people of the North would not think it "neighborly
+and friendly" if "the people of the slave states were to form societies,
+subsidize presses, make large pecuniary contributions, &c. to burn the
+beautiful capitals, destroy the productive manufactories, and sink the
+gallant ships of the northern states_."
+
+Indeed, they would not! But, if you were to go to such pains, and
+expense for the purpose of relieving our poor, doubling our wealth, and
+promoting the spiritual interests of both rich and poor--then we should
+bless you for practising a benevolence towards us, so like that, which
+abolitionists practise towards you; and then our children, and
+children's children, would bless your memories, even as your children
+and children's children will, if southern slavery be peacefully
+abolished, bless our memories, and lament that their ancestors had been
+guilty of construing our love into hatred, and our purpose of naught but
+good into a purpose of unmingled evil.
+
+Near the close of your speech is the remark: "_I prefer the liberty of
+my own country to that of any other people_."
+
+Another distinguished American statesman uttered the applauded
+sentiment: "My country--my whole country--and nothing but my
+country;"--and a scarcely less distinguished countryman of ours
+commanded the public praise, by saying: "My country right--but my
+country, right or wrong." Such are the expressions of _patriotism_ of
+that idolized compound of selfish and base affections!
+
+Were I writing for the favor, instead of the welfare of my fellow-men, I
+should praise rather than denounce patriotism. Were I writing in
+accordance with the maxims of a corrupt world, instead of the truth of
+Jesus Christ, I should defend and extol, rather than rebuke the
+doctrine, that we may prefer the interests of one section of the human
+family to those of another. If patriotism, in the ordinary acceptation
+of the word, be right, then the Bible is wrong--for that blessed book
+requires us to love all men, even as we love ourselves. How contrary to
+its spirit and precepts, that,
+
+  "Lands intersected by a narrow frith,
+  Abhor each other, Mountains interposed
+  Make enemies of nations, who had else,
+  Like kindred drops, been mingled into one."
+
+There are many, who consider that the doctrine of loving all our fellow
+men as ourselves, belongs, to use your words, "to a sublime but
+impracticable philosophy." Let them, however, but devoutly ask Him, who
+enjoins it, to warm and expand their selfish and contracted hearts with
+its influences; and they will know, by sweet experience, that under the
+grace of God, the doctrine is no less "practicable" than "sublime." Not
+a few seem to suppose, that he, who has come to regard the whole world
+as his country, and all mankind as his countrymen, will have less love
+of home and country than the patriot has, who makes his own nation, and
+no other, the cherished object of his affections. But did the Saviour,
+when on earth, love any individual the less, because the love of His
+great heart was poured out, in equal tides, over the whole human family?
+And would He not, even in the eyes of the patriot himself, be stamped
+with imperfection, were it, to appear, that one nation shares less than
+another in His "loving-kindness" and that "His tender mercies are (not)
+over all his works?" Blessed be His holy name, that He was cast down the
+"middle wall of partition" between the Jew and Gentile!--that there is
+no respect of persons with Him!--that "Greek" and "Jew, circumcision and
+uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond" and "free," are equal
+before Him!
+
+Having said, "_I prefer the liberty of my own country to that of any
+other people_," you add--"_and the liberty of my own race to that of any
+other race."_
+
+How perfectly natural, that the one sentiment should follow the other!
+How perfectly natural, that he who can limit his love by state or
+national lines, should be also capable of confining it to certain
+varieties of the human complexion! How perfectly natural, that, he who
+is guilty of the insane and wicked prejudice against his fellow men,
+because they happen to be born a dozen, or a hundred, or a thousand
+miles from the place of his nativity, should foster the no less insane
+and wicked prejudice against the "skin not colored like his own!" How
+different is man from God! "He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on
+the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." But were man
+invested with supreme control, he would not distribute blessings
+impartially even amongst the "good" and the "just."
+
+You close your speech with advice and an appeal to abolitionists. Are
+you sure that an appeal, to exert the most winning influence upon our
+hearts, would not have come from some other source better than from one
+who, not content with endeavoring to show the pernicious tendency of our
+principles and measures, freely imputes to us bloody and murderous
+motives? Are you sure, that you, who ascribe to us designs more
+diabolical than those of burning "beautiful capitals," and destroying
+"productive manufactories," and sinking "gallant ships," are our most
+suitable adviser? We have, however, waved all exception on this score to
+your appeal and advice, and exposed our minds and hearts to the whole
+power and influence of your speech. And now we ask, that you, in turn,
+will hear us. Presuming that you are too generous to refuse the
+reciprocation, we proceed to call on you to stay your efforts at
+quenching the world's sympathy for the slave--at arresting the progress
+of liberal, humane, and Christian sentiments--at upholding slavery
+against that Almighty arm, which now, "after so long a time," is
+revealed for its destruction. We urge you to worthier and more hopeful
+employments. Exert your great powers for the repeal of the matchlessly
+wicked laws enacted to crush the Saviour's poor. Set a happy and an
+influential example to your fellow slaveholders, by a righteous
+treatment of those, whom you unrighteously hold in bondage. Set them
+this example, by humbling yourself before God and your assembled slaves,
+in unfeigned penitence for the deep and measureless wrongs you have done
+the guiltless victims of your oppression--by paying those _men_, (speak
+of them, think of them, no longer, as _brutes_ and _things_)--by paying
+these, who are my brother men and your brother men, the "hire" you have
+so long withheld from them, and "which crieth" to Heaven, because it "is
+of you kept back"--by breaking the galling yoke from their necks, and
+letting them "go free."
+
+Do you shrink from our advice--and say, that obedience to its just
+requirements would impoverish you? Infinitely better, that you be
+honestly poor than dishonestly rich. Infinitely better to "do justly,"
+and be a Lazarus; than to become a Croesus, by clinging to and
+accumulating ill-gotten gains. Do you add to the fear of poverty, that
+of losing your honors--those which are anticipated, as well as those,
+which already deck your brow? Allow us to assure you, that it will be
+impossible for you to redeem "Henry Clay, the statesman," and "Henry
+Clay, the orator," or even "Henry Clay, the President of the United
+States," from the contempt of a slavery-loathing posterity, otherwise
+than by coupling with those designations the inexpressibly more
+honorable distinction of "HENRY CLAY, THE EMANCIPATOR."
+
+I remain,
+
+Your friend,
+
+GERRIT SMITH.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4
+by American Anti-Slavery Society
+
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01//EN"
+	   "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/strict.dtd">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1">
+<title>THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER, Part 2 of 4</title>
+</head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4
+by American Anti-Slavery Society
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4
+
+Author: American Anti-Slavery Society
+
+Release Date: February 25, 2004 [EBook #11272]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER, PART 2 OF 4 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stan Goodman, Amy Overmyer and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<H1>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER
+<br>
+<br>
+NUMBERS <a href="#AE_5">5</a>, <a href="#AE_6">6</a>, <a href="#AE_7">7</a>, <a href="#AE_8">8</a>, <a href="#AE_9">9</a> &amp; <a href="#AE_Ex1">EXTRA</a>
+</h1>
+<h2>
+Plus <a href="#AE_Ex2">THE CHATTEL PRINCIPLE THE ABHORRENCE OF
+JESUS CHRIST AND THE APOSTLES; OR NO REFUGE FOR AMERICAN SLAVERY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT</a>
+<br>
+</H2>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+<H2>THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER
+<a name="AE_5"></a>
+<br>
+<br>
+NO. 5
+<br>
+<br>
+THE POWER OF CONGRESS
+<br>
+OVER THE
+<br>
+DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
+<br>
+</H2>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE NEW-YORK EVENING POST,<br>
+UNDER THE SIGNATURE OF "WYTHE."</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>WITH ADDITIONS BY THE AUTHOR.</p>
+
+<p>FOURTH EDITION.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY,<br>
+No. 143 NASSAU STREET. 1838.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>This No. contains 3-1/2 sheets.--Postage,
+under 100 miles, 6 cts. over 100, 10 cts.</p>
+
+<p><b>POWER OF CONGRESS OVER THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.</b></p>
+
+<p>A civilized community presupposes a government of
+law. If that government be a republic, its citizens
+are the sole <i>sources</i>, as well as the <i>subjects</i>
+of its power. Its constitution is their bill of directions
+to their own agents--a grant authorizing
+the exercise of certain powers, and prohibiting that
+of others. In the Constitution of the United States,
+whatever else may be obscure, the clause granting
+power to Congress over the Federal District may well
+defy misconstruction. Art. 1, Sec. 8, Clause 18: "The
+Congress shall have power to exercise exclusive legislation,
+<i>in all cases whatsoever</i>, over such District."
+Congress may make laws for the District "in all
+<i>cases</i>," not of all <i>kinds</i>.
+The grant respects the <i>subjects</i> of legislation,
+<i>not</i> the moral nature of the laws. The law-making
+power every where, is subject to <i>moral</i>
+restrictions, whether limited by constitutions or
+not. No legislature can authorize murder, nor make
+honesty penal, nor virtue a crime, nor exact impossibilities.
+In these and similar respects, the power of Congress
+is held in check by principles existing in the nature
+of things, not imposed by the Constitution, but presupposed
+and assumed by it. The power of Congress over the
+District is restricted only by those principles that
+limit ordinary legislation, and, in some respects,
+it has even wider scope.</p>
+
+<p>In common with the legislatures of the States, Congress
+cannot constitutionally pass ex post facto laws in
+criminal cases, nor suspend the writ of habeas corpus,
+nor pass a bill of attainder, nor abridge the freedom
+of speech and of the press, nor invade the right of
+the people to be secure in their persons, houses,
+papers, and effects, nor enact laws respecting an
+establishment of religion. These are general limitations.
+Congress cannot do these things <i>any where</i>.
+The exact import, therefore, of the clause "in
+all cases whatsoever," is, <i>on all subjects
+within the appropriate sphere of legislation</i>.
+Some legislatures are restrained by constitutions
+from the exercise of powers strictly within the proper
+sphere of legislation. Congressional power over the
+District has no such restraint. It traverses the whole
+field of legitimate legislation. All the power which
+any legislature has within its own jurisdiction, Congress
+holds over the District of Columbia.</p>
+
+<p>It has been asserted that the clause in question respects
+merely police regulations, and that its sole design
+was to enable Congress to protect itself against popular
+tumults. But if the framers of the Constitution aimed
+to provide for a <i>single</i> case only, why
+did they provide for "<i>all</i> cases
+whatsoever?" Besides, this clause was opposed
+in many of the state conventions, because the grant
+of power was not restricted to police regulations
+<i>alone</i>. In the Virginia Convention, George
+Mason, the father of the Virginia Constitution, said,
+"This clause gives an unlimited authority in
+every possible case within the District. He would
+willingly give them exclusive power as far as respected
+the police and good government of the place, but he
+would give them no more." Mr. Grayson said,
+that control over the <i>police</i> was all-sufficient,
+and that the "Continental Congress never had
+an idea of exclusive legislation in all cases."
+Patrick Henry said. "Is it consistent with any
+principle of prudence or good policy, to grant <i>unlimited,
+unbounded authority?</i>" Mr. Madison said
+in reply: "I did conceive that the clause under
+consideration was one of those parts which would speak
+its own praise. When any power is given, its delegation
+necessarily involves authority to make laws to execute
+it. * * * * The powers which are found necessary to
+be given, are therefore delegated <i>generally</i>,
+and particular and minute specification is left to
+the legislature. * * * It is not within the limits
+of human capacity to delineate on paper all those
+particular cases and circumstances, in which legislation
+by the general legislature would be necessary."
+Governor Randolph said: "Holland has no ten
+miles square, but she has the Hague where the deputies
+of the States assemble. But the influence which it
+has given the province of Holland, to have the seat
+of government within its territory, subject in some
+respects to its control, has been injurious to the
+other provinces. The wisdom of the Convention is therefore
+manifest in granting to Congress exclusive jurisdiction
+over the place of their session." [<i>Deb.
+Va. Con.</i>, p. 320.] In the forty-third number
+of the "Federalist," Mr. Madison says:
+"The indispensable necessity of <i>complete</i>
+authority at the seat of government, carries its own
+evidence with it."</p>
+
+<p>Finally, that the grant in question is to be interpreted
+according to the obvious import of its <i>terms</i>,
+is proved by the fact, that Virginia proposed an amendment
+to the United States' Constitution at the time
+of its adoption, providing that this clause "should
+be so construed as to give power only over the <i>police
+and good government</i> of said District,"
+<i>which amendment was rejected</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The former part of the clause under consideration,
+"Congress shall have power to exercise <i>exclusive</i>
+legislation," gives <i>sole</i> jurisdiction,
+and the latter part, "in all cases whatsoever,"
+defines the <i>extent</i> of it. Since, then,
+Congress is the <i>sole</i> legislature within
+the District, and since its power is limited only
+by the checks common to all legislatures, it follows
+that what the law-making power is intrinsically competent
+to do <i>any</i> where, Congress is competent
+to do in the District of Columbia. Having disposed
+of preliminaries, we proceed to state and argue the
+<i>real</i> question at issue.</p>
+
+<p>IS THE LAW-MAKING POWER COMPETENT TO ABOLISH SLAVERY
+WHEN NOT RESTRICTED IN THAT PARTICULAR BY CONSTITUTIONAL
+PROVISIONS--or, IS THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY
+WITHIN THE APPROPRIATE SPHERE OF LEGISLATION?</p>
+
+<p>1. In every government, absolute sovereignty exists
+<i>somewhere</i>. In the United States it exists primarily
+with the <i>people</i>, and <i>ultimate</i>
+sovereignty <i>always</i> exists with them. In
+each of the States, the legislature possesses a <i>representative</i>
+sovereignty, delegated by the people through the Constitution--the
+people thus committing to the legislature a portion
+of their sovereignty, and specifying in their constitutions
+the amount of the grant and its conditions. That the
+<i>people</i> in any state where slavery exists,
+have the power to abolish it, none will deny. If the
+legislature have not the power, it is because <i>the
+people</i> have reserved it to themselves. Had they
+lodged with the legislature "power to exercise
+exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever,"
+they would have parted with their sovereignty over
+the legislation of the State, and so far forth, the
+legislature would have become <i>the people</i>,
+clothed with all their functions, and as such competent,
+<i>during the continuance of the grant</i>, to
+do whatever the people might have done before the
+surrender of their power: consequently, they would
+have the power to abolish slavery. The sovereignty
+of the District of Columbia exists <i>somewhere</i>--where
+is it lodged? The citizens of the District have no
+legislature of their own, no representation in Congress,
+and no political power whatever. Maryland and Virginia
+have surrendered to the United States their "full
+and absolute right and entire sovereignty,"
+and the people of the United States have committed
+to Congress by the Constitution, the power to "exercise
+exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever over
+such District."</p>
+
+<p>Thus, the sovereignty of the District of Columbia,
+is shown to reside solely in the Congress of the United
+States; and since the power of the people of a state
+to abolish slavery within their own limits, results
+from their entire sovereignty within that state, so
+the power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District,
+results from its entire sovereignty within the District.
+If it be objected that Congress can have no more power
+over the District, than was held by the legislatures
+of Maryland and Virginia, we ask what clause of the
+constitution graduates the power of Congress by the
+standard of those legislatures? Was the United States'
+constitution worked into its present shape under the
+measuring line and square of Virginia and Maryland?
+and is its power to be bevelled down till it can run
+in the grooves of state legislation? There is a deal
+of prating about constitutional power over the District,
+as though Congress were indebted for it to Maryland
+and Virginia. The powers of those states, whether
+prodigies or nullities, have nothing to do with the
+question. As well thrust in the powers of the Grand
+Lama to join issue upon, or twist papal bulls into
+constitutional tether, with which to curb congressional
+action. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES gives
+power to Congress, and takes it away, and <i>it alone</i>.
+Maryland and Virginia adopted the Constitution <i>before</i>
+they ceded to the United States the territory of the
+District. By their acts of cession, they abdicated
+their own sovereignty over the District, and thus
+made room for that provided by the United States'
+constitution, which sovereignty was to commence as
+soon as a cession of territory by states, and its
+acceptance by Congress, furnished a sphere for its
+exercise. That the abolition of slavery is within the
+sphere of legislation, I argue.</p>
+
+<p>2. FROM THE FACT, THAT SLAVERY, AS A LEGAL SYSTEM,
+IS THE CREATURE OF LEGISLATION. The law, by <i>creating</i>
+slavery, not only affirmed its <i>existence</i>
+to be within the sphere and under the control of legislation,
+but also, the conditions and terms of its existence,
+and the <i>question</i> whether or not it should
+exist. Of course legislation would not travel <i>out</i>
+of its sphere, in abolishing what is <i>within</i>
+it, and what had been recognized to be within it,
+by its own act. Cannot legislatures repeal their own
+laws? If law can take from a man his rights, it can
+give them back again. If it can say, "your body
+belongs to your neighbor," it can say, "it
+belongs to <i>yourself</i>." If it can
+annul a man's right to himself, held by express
+grant from his Maker, and can create for another an
+<i>artificial</i> title to him, can it not annul
+the artificial title, and leave the original owner
+to hold himself by his original title?</p>
+
+<p>3. THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDERED
+WITHIN THE APPROPRIATE SPHERE OF LEGISLATION. Almost
+every civilized nation has abolished slavery by law.
+The history of legislation since the revival of letters,
+is a record crowded with testimony to the universally
+admitted competency of the law-making power to abolish
+slavery. It is so manifestly an attribute not merely
+of absolute sovereignty, but even of ordinary legislation,
+that the competency of a legislature to exercise it,
+may well nigh be reckoned among the legal axioms of
+the civilized world. Even the night of the dark ages
+was not dark enough to make this invisible.</p>
+
+<p>The Abolition decree of the great council of England
+was passed in 1102. The memorable Irish decree, "that
+all the English slaves in the whole of Ireland, be
+immediately emancipated and restored to their former
+liberty," was issued in 1171. Slavery in England
+was abolished by a general charter of emancipation
+in 1381. Passing over many instances of the abolition
+of slavery by law, both during the middle ages and
+since the reformation, we find them multiplying as
+we approach our own times. In 1776 slavery was abolished
+in Prussia by special edict. In St. Domingo, Cayenne,
+Guadaloupe, and Martinique, in 1794, where more than
+600,000 slaves were emancipated by the French government.
+In Java, 1811; in Ceylon, 1815; in Buenos Ayres, 1816;
+in St. Helena, 1819; in Colombia, 1821; by the Congress
+of Chili in 1821; in Cape Colony, 1823; in Malacca,
+1825; in the southern provinces of Birmah, 1826; in
+Bolivia, 1826; in Peru, Guatemala, and Monte Video,
+1828; in Jamaica, Barbados, the <i>Bermudas</i>, the
+Bahamas, Anguilla, Mauritius, St. Christopers, Nevis,
+the Virgin Islands, (British), Antigua, Montserrat,
+Dominica, St. Vincents, Grenada, Berbice, Tobago,
+St. Lucia, Trinidad, Honduras, Demerara, Essequibo
+and the Cape of Good Hope, on the 1st of August, 1834.
+But waving details, suffice it to say, that England,
+France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Russia, Austria,
+Prussia, and Germany, have all and often given their
+testimony to the competency of the legislative power
+to abolish slavery. In our own country, the Legislature
+of Pennsylvania passed an act of abolition in 1780,
+Connecticut in 1784; Rhode Island, 1784; New-York,
+1799; New-Jersey, in 1804; Vermont, by Constitution,
+in 1777; Massachusetts, in 1780; and New-Hampshire,
+in 1784.</p>
+
+<p>When the competency of the law-making power to abolish
+slavery has thus been recognized every where and for
+ages, when it has been embodied in the highest precedents,
+and celebrated in the thousand jubilees of regenerated
+liberty, is it an achievement of modern discovery,
+that such a power is a nullity?--that all
+these acts of abolition are void, and that the millions
+disenthralled by them, are, either themselves or their
+posterity, still legally in bondage?</p>
+
+<p>4. LEGISLATIVE POWER HAS ABOLISHED SLAVERS IN ITS
+PARTS. The law of South Carolina prohibits the working
+of slaves more than fifteen hours in the twenty-four.
+In other words, it takes from the slaveholder his
+power over nine hours of the slave's time daily;
+and if it can take nine hours it may take twenty-four.
+The laws of Georgia prohibit the working of slaves
+on the first day of the week; and if they can do it
+for the first, they can for the six following. The
+law of North Carolina prohibits the "immoderate"
+correction of slaves. If it has power to prohibit
+<i>immoderate</i> correction, it can prohibit
+<i>moderate</i> correction--<i>all</i>
+correction, which would be virtual emancipation; for,
+take from the master the power to inflict pain, and
+he is master no longer. Cease to ply the slave with
+the stimulus of fear, and he is free.</p>
+
+<p>The Constitution of Mississippi gives the General
+Assembly power to make laws "to oblige the owners
+of slaves to <i>treat them with humanity</i>."
+The Constitution of Missouri has the same clause,
+and an additional one making it the DUTY of the legislature
+to pass such laws as may be necessary to secure the
+<i>humane</i> treatment of the slaves. This grant
+to those legislatures, empowers them to decide what
+<i>is</i> and what is <i>not</i> "humane
+treatment." Otherwise it gives no "power"--the
+clause is mere waste paper, and flouts in the face
+of a befooled legislature. A clause giving power to
+require "humane treatment" covers all the
+<i>particulars</i> of such treatment--gives
+power to exact it in <i>all respects--requiring</i>
+certain acts, and <i>prohibiting</i> others--maiming,
+branding, chaining together, separating families,
+floggings for learning the alphabet, for reading the
+Bible, for worshiping God according to conscience--the
+legislature has power to specify each of these acts--declare
+that it is not "<i>humane</i> treatment,"
+and PROHIBIT it.--The legislature may also
+believe that driving men and women into the field,
+and forcing them to work without pay, is not "humane
+treatment," and being constitutionally bound
+"to <i>oblige</i>" masters to practise
+"humane treatment"--they have
+the <i>power</i> to <i>prohibit such</i>
+treatment, and are bound to do it.</p>
+
+<p>The law of Louisiana makes slaves real estate, prohibiting
+the holder, if he be also a <i>land</i> holder,
+to separate them from the soil.[<a name="AE2_FR1"></a><a href="#AE2_FN1">A</a>] If it has power
+to prohibit the sale <i>without</i> the soil,
+it can prohibit the sale <i>with</i> it; and
+if it can prohibit the <i>sale</i> as property,
+it can prohibit the <i>holding</i> as property.
+Similar laws exist in the French, Spanish, and Portuguese
+colonies. The law of Louisiana requires the master
+to give his slaves a certain amount of food and clothing.
+If it can oblige the master to give the slave <i>one</i>
+thing, it can oblige him to give him another: if food
+and clothing, then wages, liberty, his own body. By
+the laws of Connecticut, slaves may receive and hold
+property, and prosecute suits in their own name as
+plaintiffs: [This last was also the law of Virginia
+in 1795. See Tucker's "Dissertation on
+Slavery," p. 73.] There were also laws making
+marriage contracts legal, in certain contingencies,
+and punishing infringements of them, ["<i>Reeve's
+Law of Baron and Femme</i>," p. 340-1.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN1"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR1">A</a>: Virginia made slaves real estate by a
+law passed in 1705. (<i>Beverly's Hist. of
+Va.</i>, p. 98.) I do not find the precise time
+when this law was repealed, probably when Virginia
+became the chief slave breeder for the cotton-growing
+and sugar-planting country, and made young men and
+women "from fifteen to twenty-five" the
+main staple production of the State.]</p>
+
+<p>Each of the laws enumerated above, does, <i>in principle</i>,
+abolish slavery; and all of them together abolish
+it <i>in fact</i>. True, not as a <i>whole</i>,
+and at a <i>stroke</i>, nor all in one place;
+but in its <i>parts</i>, by piecemeal, at divers
+times and places; thus showing that the abolition
+of slavery is within the boundary of legislation.</p>
+
+<p>In the "Washington (D.C.) City Laws,"
+page 138, is "AN ACT to prevent horses from
+being cruelly beaten or abused." Similar laws
+have been passed by corporations in many of the slave
+states, and throughout the civilized world, such acts
+are punishable either as violations of common law
+or of legislative enactments. If a legislature can
+pass laws "to prevent <i>horses</i> from
+being cruelly abused," it can pass laws to prevent
+<i>men</i> from being cruelly abused, and if it
+can <i>prevent</i> cruel abuse, it can define
+<i>what it is</i>. It can declare that to make
+men <i>work without pay</i> is cruel abuse, and
+can PROHIBIT it.</p>
+
+<p>5. THE COMPETENCY OF THE LAW-MAKING POWER TO ABOLISH
+SLAVERY, HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY ALL THE SLAVEHOLDING
+STATES, EITHER DIRECTLY OR BY IMPLICATION. Some States
+recognize it in their <i>Constitutions</i>, by
+giving the legislature power to emancipate such slaves
+as may "have rendered the state some distinguished
+service," and others by express prohibitory
+restrictions. The Constitution of Mississippi, Arkansas,
+and other States, restrict the power of the legislature
+in this respect. Why this express prohibition, if
+the law-making power <i>cannot</i> abolish slavery?
+A stately farce indeed, with appropriate rites to induct
+into the Constitution a special clause, for the express
+purpose of restricting a nonentity!--to
+take from the law-making power what it <i>never
+had</i>, and what <i>cannot</i> pertain to
+it! The legislatures of those States have no power
+to abolish slavery, simply because their Constitutions
+have expressly <i>taken away</i> that power. The
+people of Arkansas, Mississippi, &amp;c. well knew the
+competency of the law-making power to abolish slavery,
+and hence their zeal to <i>restrict</i> it.</p>
+
+<p>The slaveholding States have recognised this power
+in their <i>laws</i>. Virginia passed a law in
+1786 to prevent the importation of Slaves, of which
+the following is an extract: "And be it further
+enacted that every slave imported into this commonwealth
+contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act,
+shall upon such importation become <i>free</i>."
+By a law of Virginia, passed Dec. 17, 1792, a slave
+brought into the state and kept <i>there a year</i>,
+was <i>free</i>. The Maryland Court of Appeals,
+Dec., 1813 [case of Stewart vs. Oakes,] decided that
+a slave owned in Maryland, and sent by his master
+into Virginia to work at different periods, making
+one year in the whole, became <i>free</i>, being
+<i>emancipated</i> by the above law. North Carolina
+and Georgia in their acts of cession, transferring
+to the United States the territory now constituting
+the States of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, made
+it a condition of the grant, that the provisions of
+the ordinance of '87 should be secured to the
+inhabitants, <i>with the exception of the sixth
+article which prohibits slavery</i>; thus conceding,
+both the competency of law to abolish slavery, and
+the power of Congress to do it, within its jurisdiction.
+(These acts show the prevalent belief at that time,
+in the slaveholding States, that the general government
+had adopted a line of policy aiming at the exclusion
+of slavery from the entire territory of the United
+States, not included within the original States, and
+that this policy would be pursued unless prevented
+by specific and formal stipulation.)</p>
+
+<p>Slaveholding States have asserted this power <i>in
+their judicial decisions</i>. In numerous cases
+their highest courts have decided that if the legal
+owner of slaves takes them into those States where
+slavery has been abolished either by law or by the
+constitution, such removal emancipates them, such
+law or constitution abolishing their slavery. This
+principle is asserted in the decision of the Supreme
+Court of Louisiana, Lunsford vs. Coquillon, 14 Martin's
+La. Reps. 401. Also by the Supreme Court of Virginia,
+Hunter vs. Fulcher, 1 Leigh's Reps. 172. The
+same doctrine was laid down by Judge Washington, of
+the U. S. Sup. Court, Butler vs. Hopper, Washington's
+C. C. Reps. 508; also, by the Court of Appeals in
+Kentucky, Rankin vs. Lydia, 2 Marshall's Reps.
+407; see also, Wilson vs. Isbell, 5 Call's Reps.
+425, Spotts vs. Gillespie, 6 Randolph's Reps.
+566. The State vs. Lasselle, 1 Blackford's Reps.
+60, Marie Louise vs. Mariot, 8 La. Reps. 475. In this
+case, which was tried in 1836, the slave had been
+taken by her master to France and brought back; Judge
+Matthews, of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, decided
+that "residence for one moment" under
+the laws of France emancipated her.</p>
+
+<p>6. EMINENT STATESMEN, THEMSELVES SLAVEHOLDERS, HAVE
+CONCEDED THIS POWER. Washington, in a letter to Robert
+Morris, April 12, 1786, says: "There is not
+a man living, who wishes more sincerely than I do,
+to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery;
+but there is only one proper and effectual mode by
+which it can be accomplished, and that is by <i>legislative</i>
+authority." In a letter to Lafayette, May 10,
+1786, he says: "It (the abolition of slavery)
+certainly might, and assuredly ought to be effected,
+and that too by <i>legislative</i> authority."
+In a letter to John Fenton Mercer, Sept. 9, 1786,
+he says: "It is among my first wishes to see
+some plan adopted by which slavery in this country
+may be abolished by <i>law</i>." In a letter
+to Sir John Sinclair, he says: "There are in
+Pennsylvania, <i>laws</i> for the gradual abolition
+of slavery, which neither Maryland nor Virginia have
+at present, but which nothing is more certain than
+that they <i>must have</i>, and at a period not
+remote." Jefferson, speaking of movements in
+the Virginia Legislature in 1777, for the passage
+of a law emancipating the slaves, says: "The
+principles of the amendment were agreed on, that is
+to say, the freedom of all born after a certain day;
+but it was found that the public mind would not bear
+the proposition, yet the day is not far distant when
+<i>it must bear and adopt it</i>."--Jefferson's
+Memoirs, v. i. p. 35. It is well known that Jefferson,
+Pendleton, Mason, Wythe and Lee, while acting as a
+committee of the Virginia House of Delegates to revise
+the State Laws, prepared a plan for the gradual emancipation
+of the slaves by law. These men were the great lights
+of Virginia. Mason, the author of the Virginia Constitution;
+Pendleton, the President of the memorable Virginia
+Convention in 1787, and President of the Virginia Court
+of Appeals; Wythe was the Blackstone of the Virginia
+bench, for a quarter of a century Chancellor of the
+State, the professor of law in the University of William
+and Mary, and the preceptor of Jefferson, Madison,
+and Chief Justice Marshall. He was the author of the
+celebrated remonstrance to the English House of Commons
+on the subject of the stamp act. As to Jefferson,
+his <i>name</i> is his biography.</p>
+
+<p>Every slaveholding member of Congress from the States
+of Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and
+Georgia, voted for the celebrated ordinance of 1787,
+which abolished the slavery then existing in the Northwest
+Territory. Patrick Henry, in his well known letter
+to Robert Pleasants, of Virginia, January 18, 1773,
+says: "I believe a time will come when an opportunity
+will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil." William
+Pinkney, of Maryland, advocated the abolition of slavery
+by law, in the legislature of that State, in 1789.
+Luther Martin urged the same measure both in the Federal
+Convention, and in his report to the Legislature of
+Maryland. In 1796, St. George Tucker, of Virginia,
+professor of law in the University of William and Mary,
+and Judge of the General Court, published a dissertation
+on slavery, urging the abolition of slavery by <i>law</i>.</p>
+
+<p>John Jay, while New-York was yet a slave State, and
+himself in law a slaveholder, said in a letter from
+Spain, in 1786, "An excellent law might be made
+out of the Pennsylvania one, for the gradual abolition
+of slavery. Were I in your legislature, I would present
+a bill for the purpose, and I would never cease moving
+it till it became a law, or I ceased to be a member."</p>
+
+<p>Governor Tompkins, in a message to the Legislature
+of New-York, January 8, 1812, said: "To devise
+the means for the gradual and ultimate <i>extermination</i>
+from amongst us of slavery, is a work worthy the <i>representatives</i>
+of a polished and enlightened nation."</p>
+
+<p>The Virginia Legislature asserted this power in 1832.
+At the close of a month's debate, the following
+proceedings were had. I extract from an editorial
+article in the Richmond Whig, Jan. 26, 1832.</p>
+
+<p>"The report of the Select Committee, adverse
+to legislation on the subject of Abolition, was in
+these words: <i>Resolved</i>, as the opinion of
+this Committee, that it is INEXPEDIENT FOR THE PRESENT,
+to make any <i>legislative enactments for the abolition
+of slavery</i>." This Report Mr. Preston
+moved to reverse, and thus to declare that it <i>was</i>
+expedient, <i>now</i> to make legislative enactments
+for the abolition of slavery. This was meeting the
+question in its strongest form. It demanded action,
+and immediate action. On this proposition the vote
+was 58 to 73. Many of the most decided friends of
+abolition voted against the amendment, because they
+thought public opinion not sufficiently prepared for
+it, and that it might prejudice the cause to move
+too rapidly. The vote on Mr. Witcher's motion
+to postpone the whole subject indefinitely, indicates
+the true state of opinion in the House. That was the
+test question, and was so intended and proclaimed
+by its mover. That motion was <i>negatived</i>,
+71 to 60; showing a majority of 11, who by that vote,
+declared their belief that at the proper time, and
+in the proper mode, Virginia ought to commence a system
+of gradual abolition.</p>
+
+<p>7. THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES HAVE ASSERTED
+THIS POWER. The ordinance of '87, declaring
+that there should be "neither slavery nor involuntary
+servitude," in the North Western Territory, abolished
+the slavery then existing there. The Sup. Court of
+Mississippi, [Harvey vs. Decker, Walker's Mi.
+Reps. 36,] declared that the ordinance of '87
+emancipated the slaves then held there. In this decision
+the question is argued ably and at great length. The
+Supreme Court of La. made the same decision in the
+case of Forsyth vs. Nash, 4 Martin's La. Reps.
+385. The same doctrine was laid down by Judge Porter,
+(late United States Senator from La.,) in his decision
+at the March term of the La. Supreme Court, 1830,
+Merry vs. Chexnaider, 20 Martin's Reps. 699.</p>
+
+<p>That the ordinance abolished the slavery then existing
+there is also shown by the fact, that persons holding
+slaves in the territory petitioned for the repeal
+of the article abolishing slavery, assigning <i>that</i>
+as a reason. "The petition of the citizens of
+Randolph and St. Clair counties in the Illinois country,
+stating that they were in possession of slaves, and
+praying the repeal of that act (the 6th article of
+the ordinance of '87) and the passage of a law
+legalizing slavery there." [Am. State papers,
+Public Lands, v. 1. p. 69.] Congress passed this ordinance
+before the United States' Constitution was adopted,
+when it derived all its authority from the articles
+of Confederation, which conferred powers of legislation
+far more restricted than those committed to Congress
+over the District and Territories by the United States'
+Constitution. Now, we ask, how does the Constitution
+<i>abridge</i> the powers which Congress possessed
+under the articles of confederation?</p>
+
+<p>The abolition of the slave trade by Congress, in 1808,
+is another illustration of the competency of legislative
+power to abolish slavery. The African slave trade
+has become such a mere <i>technic</i>, in common
+parlance, that the fact of its being <i>proper slavery</i>
+is overlooked. The buying and selling, the transportation,
+and the horrors of the middle passage, were mere <i>incidents</i>
+of the slavery in which the victims were held. Let
+things be called by their own names. When Congress
+abolished the African slave trade, it abolished SLAVERY--supreme
+slavery--power frantic with license, trampling
+a whole hemisphere scathed with its fires, and running
+down with blood. True, Congress did not, in the abolition
+of the slave trade, abolish all the slavery within
+its jurisdiction, but it did abolish <i>all</i>
+the slavery <i>in one</i> part of its jurisdiction.
+What has rifled it of power to abolish slavery in
+<i>another</i> part of its jurisdiction, especially
+in that part where it has "exclusive legislation
+in all cases whatsoever?"</p>
+
+<p>8. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES RECOGNIZES
+THIS POWER BY THE MOST CONCLUSIVE IMPLICATION. In
+Art. 1, sec. 3, clause 1, it prohibits the abolition
+of the slave trade previous to 1808: thus implying
+the power of Congress to do it at once, but for the
+restriction; and its power to do it <i>unconditionally</i>,
+when that restriction ceased. Again; In Art. 4, sec.
+2, "No person held to service or labor in one
+state under the laws thereof, escaping into another,
+shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein,
+be discharged from said service or labor." This
+clause was inserted, as all admit, to prevent the runaway
+slave from being emancipated by the <i>laws</i>
+of the free states. If these laws had <i>no power</i>
+to emancipate, why this constitutional guard to prevent
+it?</p>
+
+<p>The insertion of the clause, was the testimony of
+the eminent jurists that framed the Constitution,
+to the existence of the <i>power</i>, and their
+public proclamation, that the abolition of slavery
+was within the appropriate sphere of legislation.
+The right of the owner to that which is rightfully
+property, is founded on a principle of <i>universal
+law</i>, and is recognized and protected by all
+civilized nations; property in slaves is, by general
+consent, an <i>exception</i>; hence slaveholders
+insisted upon the insertion of this clause in the United
+States' Constitution, that they might secure
+by an <i>express provision</i>, that from which
+protection is withheld, by the acknowledged principles
+of universal law.[<a name="AE2_FR2"></a><a href="#AE2_FN2">A</a>] By demanding this provision,
+slaveholders consented that their slaves should not
+be recognized as property by the United States'
+Constitution, and hence they found their claim, on
+the fact of their being "<i>persons</i>,
+and <i>held</i> to service."</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN2"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR2">A</a>: The fact, that under the articles of
+Confederation, slaveholders, whose slaves had escaped
+into free states, had no legal power to force them
+back,--that <i>now</i> they have no
+power to recover, by process of law, their slaves
+who escape to Canada, the South American States, or
+to Europe--the case already cited, in which
+the Supreme Court of Louisiana decided, that residence
+"<i>for one moment</i>," under the
+laws of France emancipated an American slave--the
+case of Fulton, <i>vs.</i> Lewis, 3 Har. and
+John's Reps., 56, where the slave of a St. Domingo
+slaveholder, who brought him to Maryland in '93,
+was pronounced free by the Maryland Court of Appeals--are
+illustrations of the acknowledged truth here asserted,
+that by the consent of the civilized world, and on
+the principles of universal law, slaves are not "<i>property</i>,"
+and that whenever held as property under <i>law</i>,
+it is only by <i>positive legislative acts</i>,
+forcibly setting aside the law of nature, the common
+law, and the principles of universal justice and right
+between man and man,--principles paramount
+to all law, and from which alone, law derives its
+intrinsic authoritative sanction.]</p>
+
+<p>9. CONGRESS HAS UNQUESTIONABLE POWER TO ADOPT THE
+COMMON LAW, AS THE LEGAL SYSTEM, WITHIN ITS EXCLUSIVE
+JURISDICTION.--This has been done, with
+certain restrictions, in most of the States, either
+by legislative acts or by constitutional implication.
+THE COMMON LAW KNOWS NO SLAVES. Its principles annihilate
+slavery wherever they touch it. It is a universal,
+unconditional, abolition act. Wherever slavery is a
+legal system, it is so only by <i>statute</i>
+law, and in violation of the common law. The declaration
+of Lord Chief Justice Holt, that, "by the common
+law, no man can have property in another," is
+an acknowledged axiom, and based upon the well known
+common law definition of property. "The subjects
+of dominion or property are <i>things</i>, as
+<i>contra</i>-distinguished from <i>persons</i>."
+Let Congress adopt the common law in the District of
+Columbia, and slavery there is abolished. Congress
+may well be at home in common law legislation, for
+the common law is the grand element of the United
+States' Constitution. All its <i>fundamental</i>
+provisions are instinct with its spirit; and its existence,
+principles, and paramount authority, are presupposed
+and assumed throughout the whole. The preamble of
+the Constitution plants the standard of the Common
+Law immovably in its foreground. "We, the people
+of the United States, in order to ESTABLISH JUSTICE,
+&amp;c., do ordain and establish this Constitution;"
+thus proclaiming <i>devotion</i> to JUSTICE, as
+the controlling motive in the organization of the
+Government, and its secure establishment the chief
+object of its aims. By this most solemn recognition,
+the common law, that grand legal embodyment of "justice"
+and fundamental right--was made the groundwork
+of the Constitution, and intrenched behind its strongest
+munitions. The second clause of Sec. 9, Art. 1; Sec.
+4, Art. 2, and the last clause of Sec. 2, Art. 3, with
+Articles 7, 8, 9, and 13 of the Amendments, are also
+express recognitions of the common law as the presiding
+Genius of the Constitution.</p>
+
+<p>By adopting the common law within its exclusive jurisdiction
+Congress would carry out the principles of our glorious
+Declaration, and follow the highest precedents in
+our national history and jurisprudence. It is a political
+maxim as old as civil legislation, that laws should
+be strictly homogeneous with the principles of the
+government whose will they express, embodying and
+carrying them out--being indeed the <i>principles
+themselves</i>, in preceptive form--representatives
+alike of the nature and power of the Government--standing
+illustrations of its genius and spirit, while they
+proclaim and enforce its authority. Who needs be told
+that slavery makes war upon the principles of the
+Declaration, and the spirit of the Constitution, and
+that these and the principles of the common law gravitate
+towards each other with irrepressible affinities,
+and mingle into one? The common law came hither with
+our pilgrim fathers; it was their birthright, their
+panoply, their glory, and their song of rejoicing
+in the house of their pilgrimage. It covered them
+in the day of their calamity, and their trust was
+under the shadow of its wings. From the first settlement
+of the country, the genius of our institutions and
+our national spirit have claimed it as a common possession,
+and exulted in it with a common pride. A century ago,
+Governor Pownall, one of the most eminent constitutional
+jurists of colonial times, said of the common law,
+"In all the colonies the common law is received
+as the foundation and main body of their law."
+In the Declaration of Rights, made by the Continental
+Congress at its first session in '74, there was
+the following resolution: "Resolved, That the
+respective colonies are entitled to the common law
+of England, and especially to the great and inestimable
+privilege of being tried by their peers of the vicinage
+according to the course of that law." Soon after
+the organization of the general government, Chief
+Justice Ellsworth, in one of his decisions on the
+bench of the U. S. Sup. Court, said: "The common
+law of this country remains the same as it was before
+the revolution." Chief Justice Marshall, in
+his decision in the case of Livingston <i>vs.</i>
+Jefferson, said: "When our ancestors migrated
+to America, they brought with them the common law
+of their native country, so far as it was applicable
+to their new situation, and I do not conceive that
+the revolution in any degree changed the relations
+of man to man, or the law which regulates them. In
+breaking our political connection with the parent state,
+we did not break our connection with each other."
+[<i>Hall's Law Journal, new series</i>.]
+Mr. Duponceau, in his "Dissertation on the Jurisdiction
+of Courts in the United States," says, "I
+consider the common law of England the <i>jus commune</i>
+of the United States. I think I can lay it down as
+a correct principle, that the common law of England,
+as it was at the time of the Declaration of Independence,
+still continues to be the national law of this country,
+so far as it is applicable to our present state, and
+subject to the modifications it has received here in
+the course of nearly half a century." Chief Justice
+Taylor of North Carolina, in his decision in the case
+of the State <i>vs.</i> Reed, in 1823, Hawkes'
+N.C. Reps. 454, says, "a law of <i>paramount,
+obligation to the statute</i>, was violated by
+the offence--COMMON LAW, founded upon the
+law of nature, and confirmed by revelation."
+The legislation of the United States abounds in recognitions
+of the principles of the common law, asserting their
+paramount binding power. Sparing details, of which
+our national state papers are full, we illustrate
+by a single instance. It was made a condition of the
+admission of Louisiana into the Union, that the right
+of trial by jury should be secured to all her citizens,--the
+United States government thus employing its power to
+enlarge the jurisdiction of the common law in this
+its great representative.</p>
+
+<p>Having shown that the abolition of slavery is within
+the competency of the law-making power, when unrestricted
+by constitutional provisions, and that the legislation
+of Congress over the District is thus unrestricted,
+its power to abolish slavery there is established.
+We argue it further, from the fact that,</p>
+
+<p>10. SLAVERY NOW EXISTS IN THE DISTRICT BY AN ACT OF
+CONGRESS. In the act of 16th July, 1790, Congress
+accepted portions of territory offered by the states
+of Maryland and Virginia, and enacted that the laws,
+as they then were, should continue in force, "until
+Congress shall otherwise by law provide." Under
+these laws, adopted by Congress, and in effect re-enacted
+and made laws of the District, the slaves there are
+now held.</p>
+
+<p>Is Congress so impotent in its own "exclusive
+jurisdiction" that it cannot "otherwise
+by law provide?" If it can say, what <i>shall</i>
+be considered property, it can say what shall <i>not</i>
+be considered property. Suppose a legislature should
+enact that marriage contracts should be mere bills
+of sale, making a husband the proprietor of his wife,
+as his <i>bona fide</i> property; and suppose
+husbands should herd their wives in droves for the
+market as beasts of burden, or for the brothel as victims
+of lust, and then prate about their inviolable legal
+property, and deny the power of the legislature, which
+stamped them "property," to undo its own
+wrong, and secure to wives by law the rights of human
+beings. Would such cant about "legal rights"
+be heeded where reason and justice held sway, and
+where law, based upon fundamental morality, received
+homage? If a frantic legislature pronounces woman
+a chattel, has it no power, with returning reason,
+to take back the blasphemy? Is the impious edict irrepealable?
+Be it, that with legal forms it has stamped wives "wares."
+Can no legislation blot out the brand? Must the handwriting
+of Deity on human nature be expunged for ever? Has
+LAW no power to stay the erasing pen, and tear off
+the scrawled label that covers up the IMAGE OF GOD?</p>
+
+<p>II. THE POWER OF CONGRESS TO ABOLISH SLAVERY IN THE
+DISTRICT HAS BEEN, TILL RECENTLY, UNIVERSALLY CONCEDED.</p>
+
+<p>1. It has been assumed by Congress itself. The following
+record stands on the journals of the House of Representatives
+for 1804, p. 225: "On motion made and seconded
+that the House do come to the following resolution:
+'Resolved, That from and after the 4th day of
+July, 1805, all blacks and people of color that shall
+be born within the District of Columbia, or whose
+mothers shall be the property of any person residing
+within the said District, shall be free, the males
+at the age of ----, and the females
+at the age of ----. The main question being
+taken that the House do agree to said motions as originally
+proposed, it was negatived by a majority of 46.'"
+Though the motion was lost, it was on the ground of
+its alleged <i>inexpediency</i> alone. In the
+debate which preceded the vote, the power of Congress
+was conceded. In March, 1816, the House of Representatives
+passed the following resolution: "Resolved,
+That a committee be appointed to inquire into the existence
+of an inhuman and illegal traffic in slaves, carried
+on in and through the District of Columbia, and to
+report whether any and what measures are necessary
+for <i>putting a stop to the same</i>."</p>
+
+<p>On the 9th of January, 1829, the House of Representatives
+passed the following resolution by a vote of 114 to
+66: "Resolved, That the Committee on the District
+of Columbia, be instructed to inquire into the <i>expediency</i>
+of providing by <i>law</i> for the gradual abolition
+of slavery within the District, in such a manner that
+the interests of no individual shall be injured thereby."
+Among those who voted in the affirmative were Messrs.
+Barney of <i>Md</i>., Armstrong of Va., A.H. Shepperd
+of N.C., Blair of Tenn., Chilton and Lyon of Ky., Johns
+of Del., and others from slave states.</p>
+
+<p>2. IT HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS,
+ON THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.--In a report
+of the committee on the District, Jan. 11, 1837, by
+their chairman, Mr. Powell of Va., there is the following
+declaration: "The Congress of the United States,
+has by the constitution exclusive jurisdiction over
+the District, and has power upon this subject (<i>slavery</i>,)
+as upon all other subjects of legislation, to exercise
+<i>unlimited discretion</i>." Reports of
+Comms. 2d Sess. 19th Cong. v. iv. No. 43. In December,
+1831, the committee on the District, Mr. Doddridge
+of Va., Chairman, reported, "That until the adjoining
+states act on the subject, (<i>slavery</i>) it
+would be (not <i>unconstitutional</i> but) unwise
+and impolitic, if not unjust, for Congress to interfere."
+In April, 1836, a special committee on abolition memorials
+reported the following resolutions by their Chairman,
+Mr. Pinckney of South Carolina: "Resolved, That
+Congress possesses no constitutional authority to
+interfere in any way with the institution of slavery
+in any of the states of this confederacy."</p>
+
+<p>"Resolved, That Congress <i>ought not to interfere</i>
+in any way with slavery in the District of Columbia."
+"Ought not to interfere," carefully avoiding
+the phraseology of the first resolution, and thus in
+effect conceding the constitutional power. In a widely
+circulated "Address to the electors of the Charleston
+District," Mr. Pinkney is thus denounced by
+his own constituents: "He has proposed a resolution
+which is received by the plain common sense of the
+whole country as a concession that Congress has authority
+to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia."</p>
+
+<p>3. IT HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY THE CITIZENS OF THE DISTRICT.
+A petition for the gradual abolition of slavery in
+the District, signed by nearly eleven hundred of its
+citizens, was presented to Congress, March 24, 1827.
+Among the signers to this petition, were Chief Justice
+Cranch, Judge Van Ness, Judge Morsel, Prof. J.M. Staughton,
+and a large number of the most influential inhabitants
+of the District. Mr. Dickson, of New York, asserted
+on the floor of Congress in 1835, that the signers
+to this petition owned more than half the property
+in the District. The accuracy of this statement has
+never been questioned.</p>
+
+<p>THIS POWER HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY GRAND JURIES OF THE
+DISTRICT. The grand jury of the county of Alexandria,
+at the March term, 1802, presented the domestic slaves
+trade as a grievance, and said, "We consider
+these grievances demanding <i>legislative</i>
+redress." Jan. 19, 1829, Mr. Alexander, of Virginia,
+presented a representation of the grand jury in the
+city of Washington, remonstrating against "any
+measure for the abolition of slavery within said District,
+unless accompanied by measures for the removal of
+the emancipated from the same;" thus, not only
+conceding the power to emancipate slaves, but affirming
+an additional power, that of <i>excluding them when
+free</i>. Journal H. R. 1828-9, p. 174.</p>
+
+<p>4. THIS POWER HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY STATE LEGISLATURES.
+In 1828 the Legislature of Pennsylvania instructed
+their Senators in Congress "to procure, if practicable,
+the passage of a law to abolish slavery in the District
+of Columbia." Jan. 28, 1829, the House of Assembly
+of New York passed a resolution, that their "Senators
+in Congress be instructed to make every possible exertion
+to effect the passage of a law for the abolition of
+Slavery in the District of Columbia." In February,
+1837, the Senate of Massachusetts "Resolved,
+That Congress having exclusive legislation in the
+District of Columbia, possess the right to abolish
+slavery and the slave trade therein." The House
+of Representatives passed the following resolution
+at the same session: "Resolved, That Congress
+having exclusive legislation in the District of Columbia,
+possess the right to abolish slavery in said District."
+November 1, 1837, the Legislature of Vermont, "Resolved
+that Congress have the full power by the constitution
+to abolish slavery and the slave trade in the District
+of Columbia, and in the territories."</p>
+
+<p>In May, 1838, the Legislature of Connecticut passed
+a resolution asserting the power of Congress to abolish
+slavery in the District of Columbia.</p>
+
+<p>In January, 1836, the Legislature of South Carolina
+"Resolved, That we should consider the abolition
+of Slavery in the District of Columbia as a violation
+of the rights of the citizens of that District derived
+from the <i>implied</i> conditions on which that
+territory was ceded to the General Government."
+Instead of denying the constitutional power, they
+virtually admit its existence, by striving to smother
+it under an <i>implication</i>. In February,
+1836, the Legislature of North Carolina "Resolved,
+That, although by the Constitution <i>all legislative
+power</i> over the District of Columbia is vested
+in the Congress of the United States, yet we would
+deprecate any legislative action on the part of that
+body towards liberating the slaves of that District,
+as a breach of faith towards those States by whom
+the territory was originally ceded. Here is a full
+concession of the <i>power</i>. February 2, 1836,
+the Virginia Legislature passed unanimously the following
+resolution: "Resolved, by the General Assembly
+of Virginia, that the following article be proposed
+to the several states of this Union, and to Congress,
+as an amendment of the Constitution of the United
+States:" "The powers of Congress shall not be
+so construed as to authorize the passage of any law
+for the emancipation of slaves in the District of
+Columbia, without the consent of the individual proprietors
+thereof, unless by the sanction of the Legislatures
+of Virginia and Maryland, and under such conditions
+as they shall by law prescribe."</p>
+
+<p>Fifty years after the formation of the United States'
+constitution the states are solemnly called upon by
+the Virginia Legislature, to amend that instrument
+by a clause asserting that, in the grant to Congress
+of "exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever"
+over the District, the "case" of slavery
+is not included!! What could have dictated such a
+resolution but the conviction that the power to abolish
+slavery is an irresistible inference from the constitution
+<i>as it is?</i> The fact that the same legislature,
+passed afterward a resolution, though by no means
+unanimously, that Congress does not possess the power,
+abates not a title of the testimony in the first resolution.
+March 23d, 1824, "Mr. Brown presented the resolutions
+of the General Assembly of Ohio, recommending to Congress
+the consideration of a system for the gradual emancipation
+of persons of color held in servitude in the United
+States." On the same day, "Mr. Noble, of
+Indiana, communicated a resolution from the legislature
+of that state, respecting the gradual emancipation
+of slaves within the United States." Journal
+of the United States' Senate, for 1824-5, p.231.</p>
+
+<p>The Ohio and Indiana resolutions, by taking for granted
+the <i>general</i> power of Congress over the
+subject of slavery, do virtually assert its <i>special</i>
+power within its <i>exclusive</i> jurisdiction.</p>
+
+<p>5. THIS POWER HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY BODIES OF CITIZENS
+IN THE SLAVE STATES. The petition of eleven hundred
+citizens of the District, has been already mentioned.
+"March 5,1830, Mr. Washington presented a memorial
+of inhabitants of the county of Frederick, in the state
+of Maryland, praying that provision be made for the
+gradual abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia."
+Journal H.R. 1829-30, p. 358.</p>
+
+<p>March 30, 1828. Mr. A.H. Shepperd, of North Carolina,
+presented a memorial of citizens of that state, "praying
+Congress to take measures for the entire abolition
+of slavery in the District of Columbia." Journal
+H.R. 1829-30, p. 379.</p>
+
+<p>January 14, 1822. Mr. Rhea, of Tennessee, presented
+a memorial of citizens of that state, praying that
+"provision may be made, whereby all slaves that
+may hereafter be born in the District of Columbia,
+shall be free at a certain period of their lives."
+Journal H.R. 1821-22, p.142.</p>
+
+<p>December 13, 1824. Mr. Saunders of North Carolina,
+presented a memorial of the citizens of that state,
+praying "that measures may be taken for the
+gradual abolition of slavery in the United States."
+Journal H.R. 1824-25, p.27.</p>
+
+<p>December 16, 1828. "Mr. Barnard presented the
+memorial of the American Convention for promoting
+the abolition of slavery, held in Baltimore, praying
+that slavery may be abolished in the District of Columbia."
+Journal U.S. Senate, 1828-29, p.24.</p>
+
+<p>6. DISTINGUISHED STATESMEN AND JURISTS IN THE SLAVEHOLDING
+STATES, HAVE CONCEDED THIS POWER. The testimony Of
+Messrs. Doddridge, and Powell, of Virginia, Chief
+Justice Cranch, and Judges Morsel and Van Ness, of
+the District, has already been given. In the debate
+in Congress on the memorial of the Society of Friends,
+in 1790, Mr. Madison, in speaking of the territories
+of the United States, explicitly declared, from his
+own knowledge of the views of the members of the convention
+that framed the constitution, as well as from the
+obvious import of its terms, that in the territories,
+"Congress have certainly the power to regulate
+the subject of slavery." Congress can have no
+more power over the territories than that of "exclusive
+legislation in all cases whatsoever," consequently,
+according to Mr. Madison, "it has certainly
+the power to regulate the subject of slavery in the"
+<i>District</i>. In March, 1816, Mr. Randolph
+of Virginia, introduced a resolution for putting a
+stop to the domestic slave trade within the District.
+December 12, 1827, Mr. Barney, of Maryland, presented
+a memorial for abolition in the District, and moved
+that it be printed. Mr. McDuffie, of S.C., objected
+to the printing, but "expressly admitted the
+right of Congress to grant to the people of the District
+any measure which they might deem necessary to free
+themselves from the deplorable evil."--[See
+letter of Mr. Claiborne of Miss. to his constituents
+published in the Washington Globe, May 9, 1836.] The
+sentiments of Mr. Clay of Kentucky, on the subject
+are well known. In a speech before the U.S. Senate,
+in 1836, he declared the power of Congress to abolish
+slavery in the District "unquestionable."
+Messrs. Blair, of Tennessee, and Chilton, Lyon, and
+R.M. Johnson, of Kentucky, A.H. Shepperd, of N.C.,
+Messrs. Armstrong and Smyth of Va., Messrs. Dorsey,
+Archer, and Barney, of <i>Md</i>., and Johns, of Del.,
+with numerous others from slave states have asserted
+the power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District.
+In the speech of Mr. Smyth, of Virginia, on the Missouri
+question, January 28, 1820, he says on this point:
+"If the future freedom of the blacks is your
+real object, and not a mere pretence, why do you begin
+<i>here</i>? Within the ten miles square, you
+have <i>undoubted power</i> to exercise exclusive
+legislation. <i>Produce a bill to emancipate the
+slaves in the District of Columbia</i>, or, if you
+prefer it, to emancipate those born hereafter."</p>
+
+<p>To this may be added the testimony of the present
+Vice President of the United States, Hon. Richard
+M. Johnson, of Kentucky. In a speech before the U.S.
+Senate, February 1, 1820, (National Intelligencer,
+April 29, 1829,) he says: "In the District of
+Columbia, containing a population of 30,000 souls,
+and probably as many slaves as the whole territory
+of Missouri, THE POWER OF PROVIDING FOR THEIR EMANCIPATION
+RESTS WITH CONGRESS ALONE. Why then, this heart-rending
+sympathy for the slaves of Missouri, and this cold
+insensibility, this eternal apathy, towards the slaves
+in the District of Columbia?"</p>
+
+<p>It is quite unnecessary to add, that the most distinguished
+northern statesmen of both political parties, have
+always affirmed the power of Congress to abolish slavery
+in the District. President Van Buren in his letter
+of March 6, 1836, to a committee of Gentlemen in North
+Carolina, says, "I would not, from the light
+now before me, feel myself safe in pronouncing that
+Congress does not possess the power of abolishing
+slavery in the District of Columbia." This declaration
+of the President is consistent with his avowed sentiments
+touching the Missouri question, on which he coincided
+with such men as Daniel D. Thompkins, De Witt Clinton,
+and others, whose names are a host.[<a name="AE2_FR3"></a><a href="#AE2_FN3">A</a>] It is consistent,
+also with his recommendation in his last message,
+in which speaking of the District, he strongly urges
+upon Congress "a thorough and careful revision
+of its local government," speaks of the "entire
+independence" of the people of the District
+"upon Congress," recommends that a "uniform
+system of local government" be adopted, and adds,
+that "although it was selected as the seat of
+the General Government, the site of its public edifices,
+the depository of its archives, and the residences
+of officers intrusted with large amounts of public
+property, and the management of public business, yet
+it never has been subjected to, or received, that
+<i>special</i> and <i>comprehensive</i> legislation
+which these circumstances peculiarly demanded."</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN3"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR3">A</a>: Mr. Van Buren, when a member of the Senate
+of New-York, voted for the following preamble and
+resolutions, which passed unanimously:--Jan.
+28th, 1820. "Whereas the inhibiting the further
+extension of slavery in the United States, is a subject
+of deep concern to the people of this state: and whereas,
+we consider slavery as an evil much to be deplored,
+and that <i>every constitutional barrier should be
+interposed to prevent its further extension</i>:
+and that the constitution of the United States <i>clearly
+gives Congress the right</i> to require new states,
+not comprised within the original boundary of the United
+States, to <i>make the prohibition of slavery</i>
+a condition of their admission into the Union: Therefore,</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Resolved, That our Senators
+be instructed, and our members of
+Congress be requested, to
+oppose the admission as a state into the
+Union, of any territory not
+comprised as aforesaid, without making
+<i>the prohibition of slavery</i>
+therein an indispensible condition of
+admission."</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>]</p>
+
+<p>The tenor of Mr. Tallmadge's speech on the right
+of petition, and of Mr. Webster's on the reception
+of abolition memorials, may be taken as universal
+exponents of the sentiments of northern statesmen as
+to the power of Congress to abolish slavery in the
+District of Columbia.</p>
+
+<p>An explicit declaration, that an "<i>overwhelming
+majority</i>" of the <i>present</i>
+Congress concede the power to abolish slavery in the
+District has just been made by Robert Barnwell Rhett,
+a member of Congress from South Carolina, in a letter
+published in the Charleston Mercury of Dec. 27, 1837.
+The following is an extract:</p>
+
+<p>"The time has arrived when we must have new
+guaranties under the constitution, or the Union must
+be dissolved. <i>Our views of the constitution are
+not those of the majority</i>. AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY
+<i>think that by the constitution, Congress may abolish
+slavery in the District of Columbia--may
+abolish the slave trade between the States; that is,
+it may prohibit their being carried out of the State
+in which they are--and prohibit it in all
+the territories, Florida among them. They think</i>,
+NOT WITHOUT STRONG REASONS, <i>that the power of
+Congress extends to all of these subjects</i>."</p>
+
+<p><i>Direct testimony</i> to show that the power
+of Congress to abolish slavery in the District, has
+always till recently been <i>universally conceded</i>,
+is perhaps quite superfluous. We subjoin, however,
+the following:</p>
+
+<p>The Vice-President of the United States in his speech
+on the Missouri question, quoted above, after contending
+that the restriction of slavery in Missouri would
+be unconstitutional, declares, that the power of Congress
+over slavery in the District "COULD NOT BE QUESTIONED."
+In the speech of Mr. Smyth, of Va., also quoted above,
+he declares the power of Congress to abolish slavery
+in the District to be "UNDOUBTED."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sutherland, of Penn., in a speech in the House
+of Representatives, on the motion to print Mr. Pinckney's
+Report, is thus reported in the Washington Globe,
+of May 9th, '36. "He replied to the remark
+that the report conceded that Congress had a right
+to legislate upon the subject in the District of Columbia,
+and said that SUCH A RIGHT HAD NEVER BEEN, TILL RECENTLY,
+DENIED."</p>
+
+<p>The American Quarterly Review, published at Philadelphia,
+with a large circulation and list of contributors
+in the slave states, holds the following language
+in the September No. 1833, p. 55: "Under this
+'exclusive jurisdiction,' granted by the
+constitution, Congress has power to abolish slavery
+and the slave trade in the District of Columbia. It
+would hardly be necessary to state this as a distinct
+proposition, had it not been occasionally questioned.
+The truth of the assertion, however, is too obvious
+to admit of argument--and we believe has
+NEVER BEEN DISPUTED BY PERSONS WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH
+THE CONSTITUTION."</p>
+
+<p><b>OBJECTIONS TO THE FOREGOING CONCLUSIONS CONSIDERED.</b></p>
+
+<p>We now proceed to notice briefly the main arguments
+that have been employed in Congress and elsewhere
+against the power of Congress to abolish slavery in
+the District. One of the most plausible is, that "the
+conditions on which Maryland and Virginia ceded the
+District to the United States, would be violated,
+if Congress should abolish slavery there." The
+reply to this is, that Congress had no power to <i>accept</i>
+a cession coupled with conditions restricting that
+"power of exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever, over such District," which was given
+it by the constitution.</p>
+
+<p>To show the futility of the objection, we insert here
+the acts of cession. The cession of Maryland was made
+in November, 1788, and is as follows: "An act
+to cede to Congress a district of ten miles square
+in this state for the seat of the government of the
+United States."</p>
+
+<p>"Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland,
+that the representatives of this state in the House
+of Representatives of the Congress of the United States,
+appointed to assemble at New-York, on the first Wednesday
+of March next, be, and they are; hereby authorized
+and required on the behalf of this state, to cede
+to the Congress of the United States, any district
+in this state, not exceeding ten miles square, which
+the Congress may fix upon, and accept for the seat
+of government of the United States." Laws of
+<i>Md</i>., v. 2., c. 46.</p>
+
+<p>The cession of Virginia was made on the 3d of December,
+1788, in the following words:</p>
+
+<p>"Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That
+a tract of country, not exceeding ten miles square,
+or any lesser quantity, to be located within the limits
+of the State, and in any part thereof; as Congress
+may, by law, direct, shall be, and the same is hereby
+forever ceded and relinquished to the Congress and
+Government of the United States, in full and absolute
+right, and exclusive jurisdiction, as well of soil,
+as of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant
+to the tenor and effect of the eighth section of the
+first article of the government of the constitution
+of the United States."</p>
+
+<p>But were there no provisos to these acts? The Maryland
+act had <i>none</i>. The Virginia act had this
+proviso: "Sect. 2. Provided, that nothing herein
+contained, shall be construed to vest in the United
+States any right of property in the soil, or to affect
+the rights of individuals <i>therein</i>, otherwise
+than the same shall or may be transferred by such
+individuals to the United States."</p>
+
+<p>This specification touching the soil was merely definitive
+and explanatory of that clause in the act of cession,
+"<i>full and absolute right</i>."
+Instead of restraining the power of Congress on <i>slavery</i>
+and other subjects, it even gives it freer course;
+for exceptions to <i>parts</i> of a rule, give
+double confirmation to those parts not embraced in
+the exceptions. If it was the <i>design</i> of
+the proviso to restrict congressional action on the
+subject of <i>slavery</i>, why is the <i>soil
+alone</i> specified? As legal instruments are not
+paragons of economy in words, might not "John
+Doe," out of his abundance, and without spoiling
+his style, have afforded an additional word--at
+least a hint--that slavery was <i>meant</i>,
+though nothing was said about it?</p>
+
+<p>But again, Maryland and Virginia, in their acts of
+cession, declare them to be made "in pursuance
+of" that clause of the constitution which gives
+to Congress "exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever" over the ten miles square--thus,
+instead of <i>restricting</i> that clause, both
+States <i>confirm</i> it. Now, their acts of
+cession either accorded with that clause of the constitution,
+or they conflicted with it. If they conflicted with
+it, <i>accepting</i> the <i>cessions</i> was a violation
+of the constitution. The fact that Congress accepted
+the <i>cessions</i>, proves that in its views their
+<i>terms</i> did not conflict with its constitutional
+grant of power. The inquiry whether these acts of cession
+were consistent or inconsistent with the United Status'
+constitution, is totally irrelevant to the question
+at issue. What with the CONSTITUTION? That is the
+question. Not, what with Virginia, or Maryland, or--equally
+to the point--John Bull! If Maryland and
+Virginia had been the authorized interpreters of the
+constitution for the Union, these acts of cession
+could hardly have been more magnified than they have
+been recently by the southern delegation in Congress.
+A true understanding of the constitution can be had,
+forsooth, only by holding it up in the light of Maryland
+and Virginia legislation!</p>
+
+<p>We are told, again, that those States would not have
+ceded the District if they had supposed the constitution
+gave Congress power to abolish slavery in it.</p>
+
+<p>This comes with an ill grace from Maryland and Virginia.
+They <i>knew</i> the constitution. They were
+parties to it. They had sifted it, clause by clause,
+in their State conventions. They had weighed its words
+in the balance--they had tested them as
+by fire; and, finally, after long pondering, they
+adopted the constitution. And <i>afterward</i>,
+self-moved, they ceded the ten miles square, and declared
+the cession made "in pursuance of" that
+oft-cited clause, "Congress shall have power
+to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever
+over such District." And now verily "they
+would not have ceded if they had <i>supposed</i>!"
+&amp;c. Cede it they <i>did</i>, and in "full
+and absolute right both of soil and persons."
+Congress accepted the cession--state power
+over the District ceased, and congressional power over
+it commenced,--and now, the sole question
+to be settled is, the <i>amount of power over the
+District lodged in Congress by the constitution</i>.
+The constitution--THE CONSTITUTION--that
+is the point. Maryland and Virginia "suppositions"
+must be potent suppositions to abrogate a clause of
+the United States' Constitution! That clause
+either gives Congress power to abolish slavery in
+the District, or it does <i>not</i>--and
+that point is to be settled, not by state "suppositions,"
+nor state usages, nor state legislation, but <i>by
+the terms of the clause themselves</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Southern members of Congress, in the recent discussions,
+have conceded the power of a contingent abolition
+in the District, by suspending it upon the <i>consent</i>
+of the people. Such a doctrine from <i>declaimers</i>
+like Messrs. Alford, of Georgia, and Walker, of Mississippi,
+would excite no surprise; but that it should be honored
+with the endorsement of such men as Mr. Rives and
+Mr. Calhoun, is quite unaccountable. Are attributes
+of sovereignty mere creatures of contingency? Is delegated
+authority mere conditional permission? Is a constitutional
+power to be exercised by those who hold it, only by
+popular sufferance? Must it lie helpless at the pool
+of public sentiment, waiting the gracious troubling
+of its waters? Is it a lifeless corpse, save only
+when popular "consent" deigns to puff
+breath into its nostrils? Besides, if the consent of
+the people of the District be necessary, the consent
+of the <i>whole</i> people must be had--not
+that of a majority, however large. Majorities, to be
+authoritative, must be <i>legal</i>--and
+a legal majority without legislative power, or right
+of representation, or even the electoral franchise,
+would be truly an anomaly! In the District of Columbia,
+such a thing as a majority in a legal sense is unknown
+to law. To talk of the power of a majority, or the
+will of a majority there, is mere mouthing. A majority?
+Then it has an authoritative will, and an organ to
+make it known, and an executive to carry it into effect--Where
+are they? We repeat it--if the consent of
+the people of the District be necessary, the consent
+of <i>every one</i> is necessary--and
+<i>universal</i> consent will come only with
+the Greek Kalends and a "perpetual motion."
+A single individual might thus perpetuate slavery
+in defiance of the expressed will of a whole people.
+The most common form of this fallacy is given by Mr.
+Wise, of Virginia, in his speech, February 16, 1835,
+in which he denied the power of Congress to abolish
+slavery in the District, unless the inhabitants owning
+slaves petitioned for it!! Southern members of Congress
+at the present session (1837-8) ring changes almost
+daily upon the same fallacy. What! pray Congress <i>to
+use</i> a power which it <i>has not</i>? "It
+is required of a man according to what he <i>hath</i>,"
+saith the Scripture. I commend Mr. Wise to Paul for
+his ethics. Would that he had got his <i>logic</i>
+of him! If Congress does not possess the power, why
+taunt it with its weakness, by asking its exercise?
+Petitioning, according to Mr. Wise, is, in matters
+of legislation, omnipotence itself; the very <i>source</i>
+of all constitutional power; for, <i>asking</i>
+Congress to do what it <i>cannot</i> do, gives
+it the power!--to pray the exercise of a
+power that is <i>not, creates</i> it! A beautiful
+theory! Let us work it both ways. If to petition for
+the exercise of a power that is <i>not</i>, creates
+it--to petition against the exercise of
+a power that <i>is</i>, annihilates it. As southern
+gentlemen are partial to summary processes, pray, sirs,
+try the virtue of your own recipe on "exclusive
+legislation in all cases whatsoever;" a better
+subject for experiment and test of the prescription
+could not be had. But if the petitions of the citizens
+of the District give Congress the <i>right</i>
+to abolish slavery, they impose the <i>duty</i>;
+if they confer constitutional <i>authority</i>,
+they create constitutional <i>obligation</i>.
+If Congress <i>may</i> abolish because of an
+expression of their will, it <i>must</i> abolish
+at the bidding of that will. If the people of the
+District are a <i>source of power</i> to Congress,
+their <i>expressed will</i> has the force of
+a constitutional provision, and has the same binding
+power upon the National Legislature. To make Congress
+dependent on the District for authority, is to make
+it a <i>subject</i> of its authority, restraining
+the exercise of its own discretion, and sinking it
+into a mere organ of the District's will. We
+proceed to another objection.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>The southern states would not have ratified
+the constitution, if they had supposed that it gave
+this power</i>." It is a sufficient answer
+to this objection, that the northern states would
+not have ratified it, if they had supposed that it
+<i>withheld</i> the power. If "suppositions"
+are to take the place of the constitution--coming
+from both sides, they neutralize each other. To argue
+a constitutional question by <i>guessing</i>
+at the "suppositions" that might have been
+made by the parties to it would find small favor in
+a court of law. But even a desperate shift is some
+easement when sorely pushed. If this question is to
+be settled by "suppositions," suppositions
+shall be forthcoming, and that without stint.</p>
+
+<p>First, then, I affirm that the North ratified the
+constitution, "supposing" that slavery
+had begun to wax old, and would speedily vanish away,
+and especially that the abolition of the slave trade,
+which by the constitution was to be surrendered to
+Congress after twenty years, would plunge it headlong.</p>
+
+<p>Would the North have adopted the constitution, giving
+three-fifths of the "slave property" a
+representation, if it had "supposed" that
+the slaves would have increased from half a million
+to two millions and a half by 1838--and
+that the census of 1840 would give to the slave states
+thirty representatives of "slave property?"</p>
+
+<p>If they had "supposed" that this representation
+would have controlled the legislation of the government,
+and carried against the North every question vital
+to its interests, would Hamilton, Franklin, Sherman,
+Gerry, Livingston, Langdon, and Rufus King have been
+such madmen, as to sign the constitution, and the
+Northern States such suicides as to ratify it? Every
+self-preserving instinct would have shrieked at such
+an infatuate immolation. At the adoption of the United
+States constitution, slavery was regarded as a fast
+waning system. This conviction was universal. Washington,
+Jefferson, Henry, Grayson, Tucker, Madison, Wythe,
+Pendleton, Lee, Blair, Mason, Page, Parker, Randolph,
+Iredell, Spaight, Ramsey, Pinkney, Martin, McHenry,
+Chase, and nearly all the illustrious names south
+of the Potomac, proclaimed it before the sun. A reason
+urged in the convention that formed the United States'
+constitution, why the word slave should not be used
+in it, was, <i>that when slavery should cease</i>
+there might remain upon the National Charter no record
+that it had ever been. (See speech of Mr. Burrill,
+of R.I., on the Missouri question.)</p>
+
+<p>I now proceed to show by testimony, that at the date
+of the United States' constitution, and for
+several years before and after that period, slavery
+was rapidly on the wane; that the American Revolution
+with the great events preceding, accompanying, and
+following it, had wrought an immense and almost universal
+change in the public sentiment of the nation on the
+subject, powerfully impelling it toward the entire
+abolition of the system--and that it was
+the <i>general belief</i> that measures for its
+abolition throughout the Union, would be commenced
+by the States generally before the lapse of many years.
+A great mass of testimony establishing this position
+might be presented, but narrow space, and the importance
+of speedy publication, counsel brevity. Let the following
+proofs suffice. First, a few dates as points of observation.</p>
+
+<p>In 1757, Commissioners from seven colonies met at
+Albany, resolved upon a Union and proposed a plan
+of general government. In 1765, delegates from nine
+colonies met at New York and sent forth a bill of rights.
+The first <i>general</i> Congress met in 1774.
+The first Congress of the <i>thirteen</i> colonies
+met in 1775. The revolutionary war commenced in '75.
+Independence was declared in '76. The articles
+of confederation were adopted by the thirteen states
+in '77 and '78. Independence acknowledged
+in '83. The convention for forming the U.S. constitution
+was held in '87, the state conventions for considering
+it in '87 and '88. The first Congress
+under the constitution in '89.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Rush, of Pennsylvania, one of the signers of the
+Declaration of Independence, in a letter to Granville
+Sharpe, May 1, 1773, says: "A spirit of humanity
+and religion begins to awaken in several of the colonies
+in favor of the poor negroes. Great events have been
+brought about by small beginnings. <i>Anthony B&egrave;n&egrave;zet
+stood alone a few years</i> <i>ago in opposing
+negro slavery in Philadelphia</i>, and NOW THREE-FOURTHS
+OF THE PROVINCE AS WELL AS OF THE CITY CRY OUT AGAINST
+IT."--[Stuart's Life of Granville
+Sharpe, p. 21.]</p>
+
+<p>In the preamble to the act prohibiting the importation
+of slaves into Rhode Island, June, 1774, is the following:
+"Whereas the inhabitants of America are generally
+engaged in the preservation of their own rights and
+liberties, among which that of personal freedom must
+be considered the greatest, and as those who are desirous
+of enjoying all the advantages of liberty themselves,
+<i>should be willing to extend personal liberty
+to others</i>, therefore," &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>October 20, 1774, the Continental Congress passed
+the following: "We, for ourselves and the inhabitants
+of the several colonies whom we represent, <i>firmly
+agree and associate under the sacred ties of virtue,
+honor, and love of our country</i>, as follows:"</p>
+
+<p>"2d Article. <i>We will neither import nor
+purchase any slaves imported</i> after the first
+day of December next, after which time we will <i>wholly
+discontinue</i> the slave trade, and we will neither
+be concerned in it ourselves, nor will we hire our
+vessels nor <i>sell our commodities or manufactures</i>
+to those who are concerned in it."</p>
+
+<p>The Continental Congress, in 1775, setting forth the
+causes and the necessity for taking up arms, say:
+"<i>If it were possible</i> for men who
+exercise their reason to believe that the divine Author
+of our existence intended a part of the human race
+<i>to hold an absolute property in</i>, and <i>unbounded
+power over others</i>," &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>In 1776, Dr. Hopkins, then at the head of New England
+divines, in "An Address to the owners of negro
+slaves in the American colonies," says: "The
+conviction of the unjustifiableness of this practice
+(slavery) has been <i>increasing</i>, and <i>greatly
+spreading of late</i>, and <i>many</i> who
+have had slaves, have found themselves so unable to
+justify their own conduct in holding them in bondage,
+as to be induced to <i>set them at liberty</i>.
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*</p>
+<p>Slavery is <i>in every instance</i>, wrong, unrighteous,
+and oppressive--a very great and crying
+sin--<i>there being nothing of the kind
+equal to it on the face of the earth</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The same year the American Congress issued a solemn
+MANIFESTO to the world. These were its first words:
+"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that
+<i>all</i> men are created equal, that they are
+endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable
+rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the
+pursuit of happiness." <i>Once</i>, these
+were words of power; <i>now</i>, "a rhetorical
+flourish."</p>
+
+<p>The Virginia Gazette of March 19, 1767, in an essay
+on slavery says: "<i>There cannot be in nature,
+there is not in all history, an instance in which
+every right of man is more flagrantly violated</i>.
+Enough I hope has been effected to prove that slavery
+is a violation of justice and religion."</p>
+
+<p>The celebrated Patrick Henry of Virginia, in a letter,
+Jan. 18, 1773, to Robert Pleasants, afterwards president
+of the Virginia Abolition Society, says: "Believe
+me, I shall honor the Quakers for their noble efforts
+to abolish slavery. It is a debt we owe to the purity
+of our religion to show that it is at variance with
+that law that warrants slavery. I exhort you to persevere
+in so worthy a resolution."</p>
+
+<p>The Pennsylvania Chronicle of Nov. 21, 1768, says:
+"Let every black that shall henceforth be born
+amongst us be deemed free. One step farther would
+be to emancipate the whole race, restoring that liberty
+we have so long unjustly detained from them. Till
+some step of this kind be taken we shall justly be
+the derision of the whole world."</p>
+
+<p>In 1779, the Continental Congress ordered a pamphlet
+to be published, entitled, "Observations on
+the American Revolution," from which the following
+is an extract: "The great principle (of government)
+is and ever will remain in force, <i>that men are
+by Nature free</i>; and so long as we have any
+idea of divine <i>justice</i>, we must associate
+that of <i>human freedom</i>. It is <i>conceded
+	on all hands, that the right to be free</i> CAN NEVER
+BE ALIENATED."</p>
+
+<p>Extract from the Pennsylvania act for the abolition
+of slavery, passed March 1, 1780: * * * "We
+conceive that it is our duty, and we rejoice that
+it is in our power, to extend a portion of that freedom
+to others which has been extended to us. Weaned by
+a long course of experience from those narrow prejudices
+and partialities we had imbibed, we find our hearts
+enlarged with kindness and benevolence towards men
+of all conditions and nations: * * * Therefore be
+it enacted, that no child born hereafter be a slave,"
+&amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, written just
+before the close of the Revolutionary War, says: "I
+think a change already perceptible since the origin
+of the present revolution. The spirit of the master
+is abating, that of the slave is rising from the dust,
+his condition mollifying, <i>and the way I hope
+preparing, under the auspices of heaven</i>, FOR
+A TOTAL EMANCIPATION."</p>
+
+<p>In a letter to Dr. Price, of London, who had just
+published a pamphlet in favor of the abolition of
+slavery, Mr. Jefferson, then minister at Paris, (August
+7, 1785,) says: "From the mouth to the head of
+the Chesapeake, <i>the bulk of the people will approve
+of your pamphlet in theory</i>, and it will find
+a respectable minority ready to <i>adopt it in practice</i>--a
+minority which, for weight and worth of character,
+<i>preponderates against the greater number</i>."
+Speaking of Virginia, he says: "This is the
+next state to which we may turn our eyes for the interesting
+spectacle of justice in conflict with avarice and
+oppression,--a conflict in which the SACRED
+SIDE IS GAINING DAILY RECRUITS. Be not, therefore,
+discouraged--what you have written will do
+a <i>great deal of good</i>; and could you still
+trouble yourself with our welfare, no man is more
+able to give aid to the laboring side. The College
+of William and Mary, since the remodelling of its plan,
+is the place where are collected together all the
+young men of Virginia, under preparation for public
+life. They are there under the direction (most of
+them) of a Mr. Wythe, one of the most virtuous of characters,
+and <i>whose sentiments on the subject of slavery
+are unequivocal</i>. I am satisfied, if you could
+resolve to address an exhortation to those young men
+with all that eloquence of which you are master, that
+<i>its influence on the future decision of this
+important question would be great, perhaps decisive</i>.
+Thus. you see, that so far from thinking you have cause
+to repent of what you have done, <i>I wish you to
+do more, and I wish it on an assurance of its effect</i>."--Jefferson's
+Posthumous Works, <i>vol</i>. 1, p. 268.</p>
+
+<p>In 1786, John Jay drafted and signed a petition to
+the Legislature of New York, on the subject of slavery,
+beginning with these words: "Your memorialists
+being deeply affected by the situation of those, who,
+although, FREE BY THE LAWS OF GOD, are held in slavery
+by the laws of the State," &amp;c. This memorial
+bore also the signatures of the celebrated Alexander
+Hamilton; Robert R. Livingston, afterwards Secretary
+of Foreign Affairs of the United States, and Chancellor
+of the State of New York; James Duane, Mayor of the
+City of New York, and many others of the most eminent
+individuals in the State.</p>
+
+<p>In the preamble of an instrument, by which Mr. Jay
+emancipated a slave in 1784, is the following passage:</p>
+
+<p>"Whereas, the children of men are by nature
+equally free, and cannot, without injustice, be either
+reduced to or HELD in slavery."</p>
+
+<p>In his letter while Minister at Spain, in 1786, he
+says, speaking of the abolition of slavery: "Till
+America comes into this measure, her prayers to heaven
+will be IMPIOUS. I believe God governs the world; and
+I believe it to be a maxim in his, as in our court,
+that those who ask for equity <i>ought to do it</i>."</p>
+
+<p>In 1785, the New York Manumission Society was formed.
+John Jay was chosen its first President, and held
+the office five years. Alexander Hamilton was its
+second President, and after holding the office one
+year, resigned upon his removal to Philadelphia as
+Secretary of the United States' Treasury. In
+1787, the Pennsylvania Abolition Society was formed.
+Benjamin Franklin, warm from the discussions of the
+convention that formed the U.S. constitution, was
+chosen President, and Benjamin Rush Secretary--both
+signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1789,
+the Maryland Abolition Society was formed. Among its
+officers were Samuel Chase, Judge of the U.S. Supreme
+Court, and Luther Martin, a member of the convention
+that formed the U.S. constitution. In 1790, the Connecticut
+Abolition Society was formed. The first President was
+Rev. Dr. Stiles, President of Yale College, and the
+Secretary, Simeon Baldwin, (late Judge Baldwin of
+New Haven.) In 1791, this Society sent a memorial
+to Congress, from which the following is an extract:</p>
+
+<p>"From a sober conviction of the unrighteousness
+of slavery, your petitioners have long beheld, with
+grief, our fellow men doomed to perpetual bondage,
+in a country which boasts of her freedom. Your petitioners
+were led, by motives, we conceive, of general philanthropy,
+to associate ourselves for the protection and assistance
+of this unfortunate part of our fellow men; and, though
+this Society has been <i>lately</i> established,
+it has now become <i>generally extensive</i> through
+this state, and, we fully believe, <i>embraces, on
+this subject, the sentiments of a large majority of
+its citizens</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The same year the Virginia Abolition Society was formed.
+This Society, and the Maryland Society, had auxiliaries
+in different parts of those States. Both societies
+sent up memorials to Congress. The memorial of the
+Virginia Society is headed--"The memorial
+of the <i>Virginia Society</i>, for promoting
+the Abolition of Slavery," &amp;c. The following
+is an extract:</p>
+
+<p>"Your memorialists, fully believing that slavery
+is not only an odious degradation, but an <i>outrageous
+violation of one of the most essential rights of human
+nature, and utterly repugnant to the precepts of the
+gospel</i>," &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>About the same time a Society was formed in New-Jersey.
+It had an acting committee of five members in each
+county in the State. The following is an extract from
+the preamble to its constitution:</p>
+
+<p>"It is our boast, that we live under a government,
+wherein <i>life, liberty</i>, and the <i>pursuit
+of happiness</i>, are recognized as the universal
+rights of men. We <i>abhor that inconsistent, illiberal,
+and interested policy, which withholds those rights
+from an unfortunate and degraded class of our fellow
+creatures</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Among other distinguished individuals who were efficient
+officers of these Abolition Societies, and delegates
+from their respective state societies, at the annual
+meetings of the American convention for promoting
+the abolition of slavery, were Hon. Uriah Tracy, United
+States' Senator, from Connecticut; Hon. Zephaniah
+Swift, Chief Justice of the same State; Hon. Cesar
+A. Rodney, Attorney General of the United States;
+Hon. James A. Bayard, United States' Senator,
+from Delaware; Governor Bloomfield, of New-Jersey;
+Hon. Wm. Rawle, the late venerable head of the Philadelphia
+bar; Dr. Caspar Wistar, of Philadelphia; Messrs. Foster
+and Tillinghast, of Rhode Island; Messrs. Ridgely,
+Buchanan, and Wilkinson, of Maryland; and Messrs. Pleasants,
+McLean, and Anthony, of Virginia.</p>
+
+<p>In July, 1787, the old Congress passed the celebrated
+ordinance abolishing slavery in the northwestern territory,
+and declaring that it should never thereafter exist
+there. This ordinance was passed while the convention
+that formed the United States' constitution was
+in session. At the first session of Congress under
+the constitution, this ordinance was ratified by a
+special act. Washington, fresh from the discussions
+of the convention, in which <i>more than forty days
+had been spent in adjusting the question of slavery,
+gave it his approval</i>. The act passed with only
+one dissenting voice, (that of Mr. Yates, of New York,)
+<i>the South equally with the North avowing the
+fitness and expediency of the measure on general considerations,
+and indicating thus early the line of national policy,
+to be pursued by the United States' Government
+on the subject of slavery</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In the debates in the North Carolina Convention, Mr.
+Iredell, afterward a Judge of the United States'
+Supreme Court, said, "<i>When the entire abolition
+of slavery takes place</i>, it will be an event
+which must be pleasing to every generous mind and
+every friend of human nature." Mr. Galloway
+said, "I wish to see this abominable trade put
+an end to. I apprehend the clause (touching the slave
+trade) means <i>to bring forward manumission</i>."
+Luther Martin, of Maryland, a member of the convention
+that formed the United States' Constitution,
+said, "We ought to authorize the General Government
+to make such regulations as shall be thought most
+advantageous for <i>the gradual abolition of slavery</i>,
+and the <i>emancipation of the slaves</i> which
+are already in the States." Judge Wilson, of
+Pennsylvania, one of the framers of the constitution,
+said, in the Pennsylvania convention of '87,
+[Deb. Pa. Con. p. 303, 156:] "I consider this
+(the clause relative to the slave trade) as laying
+the foundation for <i>banishing slavery out of this
+country</i>. It will produce the same kind of gradual
+change which was produced in Pennsylvania; the new
+States which are to be formed will be under the control
+of Congress in this particular, and <i>slaves will
+never be introduced</i> among them. It presents
+us with the pleasing prospect that the rights of mankind
+will be acknowledged and established <i>throughout
+the Union</i>. Yet the lapse of a few years, and
+Congress will have power to <i>exterminate slavery</i>
+within our borders." In the Virginia convention
+of '87, Mr. Mason, author of the Virginia constitution,
+said, "The augmentation of slaves weakens the
+States, and such a trade is <i>diabolical</i>
+in itself, and disgraceful to mankind. As much as
+I value a union of all the States, I would not admit
+the Southern States, (i.e., South Carolina and Georgia,)
+into the union, <i>unless they agree to a discontinuance
+of this disgraceful trade</i>." Mr. Tyler
+opposed with great power the clause prohibiting the
+abolition of the slave trade till 1808, and said, "My
+earnest desire is, that it shall be handed down to
+posterity that I oppose this wicked clause."
+Mr. Johnson said, "The principle of emancipation
+<i>has begun since the revolution. Let us do what
+we will, it will come round</i>."--[Deb.
+Va. Con. p. 463.] Patrick Henry, arguing the power
+of Congress under the United States' constitution
+to abolish slavery in the States, said, in the same
+convention, "Another thing will contribute to
+bring this event (the abolition of slavery) about.
+Slavery is <i>detested</i>. We feel its fatal
+effects; we deplore it with all the pity of humanity."
+Governor Randolph said: "They insist that the
+<i>abolition of slavery will result from this Constitution</i>.
+I hope that there is no one here, who will advance
+<i>an objection so dishonorable</i> to Virginia--I
+hope that at the moment they are securing the rights
+of their citizens, an objection will not be started,
+that those unfortunate men now held in bondage, <i>by
+the operation of the general government</i> may
+be made free!" [<i>Deb. Va. Con.</i> p.
+421.] In the Mass. Con. of '88, Judge Dawes
+said, "Although slavery is not smitten by an
+apoplexy, yet <i>it has received a mortal wound</i>,
+and will die of consumption."--[<i>Deb.
+Mass. Con.</i> p. 60.] General Heath said that,
+"Slavery was confined to the States <i>now
+existing</i>, it <i>could not be extended</i>.
+By their ordinance, Congress had declared that the
+new States should be republican States, <i>and have
+no slavery</i>."--p. 147.</p>
+
+<p>In the debate, in the first Congress, February 11th
+and 12th, 1789, on the petitions of the Society of
+Friends, and the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, Mr.
+Parker, of Virginia, said, "I cannot help expressing
+the pleasure I feel in finding <i>so considerable
+a part</i> of the community attending to matters
+of such a momentous concern to the <i>future prosperity</i>
+and happiness of the people of America. I think it
+my duty, as a citizen of the Union, to <i>espouse
+their cause</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Page, of Virginia, (afterwards Governor)--"Was
+<i>in favor</i> of the commitment: he hoped that
+the designs of the respectable memorialists would
+not be stopped at the threshold, in order to preclude
+a fair discussion of the prayer of the memorial. He
+placed himself in the case of a slave, and said, that
+on hearing that Congress had refused to listen to
+the decent suggestions of the respectable part of the
+community, he should infer, that the general government,
+<i>from which was expected great good would result
+to</i> EVERY CLASS <i>of citizens</i>, had
+shut their ears against the voice of humanity, and
+he should despair of any alleviation of the miseries
+he and his posterity had in prospect; if any thing
+could induce him to rebel, it must be a stroke like
+this, impressing on his mind all the horrors of despair.
+But if he was told, that application was made in his
+behalf, and that Congress were willing to hear what
+could be urged in favor of discouraging the practice
+of importing his fellow-wretches, he would trust in
+their justice and humanity, and <i>wait the decision
+patiently</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Scott of Pennsylvania: "I cannot, for my
+part, conceive how any person <i>can be said to
+acquire a property in another. I do not know how far
+I might go, if I was one of the judges of the United
+States, and those people were to come before me and
+claim their emancipation, but I am sure I would go
+as far as I could</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Burke, of South Carolina, said, "He <i>saw
+the disposition of the House</i>, and he feared
+it would be referred to a committee, maugre all their
+opposition."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Baldwin of Georgia said that the clause in the
+U.S. Constitution relating to direct taxes "was
+intended to prevent Congress from laying any special
+tax upon negro slaves, <i>as they might, in this
+way, so burthen the possessors of them, as to induce
+a</i> GENERAL EMANCIPATION."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Smith of South Carolina, said, "That on
+entering into this government, they (South Carolina
+and Georgia) apprehended that the other states, *
+* * <i>would, from motives of humanity and benevolence,
+be led to vote for a general emancipation</i>."</p>
+
+<p>In the debate, at the same session, May 13th, 1789,
+on the petition of the society of Friends respecting
+the slave trade, Mr. Parker, of Virginia, said, "He
+hoped Congress would do all that lay in their power
+<i>to restore to human nature its inherent privileges</i>.
+The inconsistency in our principles, with which we
+are justly charged <i>should be done away</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Jackson, of Georgia, said, "IT WAS THE FASHION
+OF THE DAY TO FAVOR THE LIBERTY OF THE SLAVES. * *
+* * * Will Virginia set her negroes free? <i>When
+this practice comes to be tried, then the sound of
+liberty will lose those charms which make it grateful
+to the ravished ear</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Madison of Virginia,--"The dictates
+of humanity, the principles of the people, the national
+safety and happiness, and prudent policy, require
+it of us. * * * * * * * I conceive the constitution
+in this particular was formed in order that the Government,
+whilst it was restrained from laying a total prohibition,
+might be able to <i>give some testimony of the sense
+of America</i>, with respect to the African trade.
+* * * * * * It is to be hoped, that by expressing a
+national disapprobation of this trade, we may destroy
+it, and save ourselves from reproaches, AND OUR PROSPERITY
+THE IMBECILITY EVER ATTENDANT ON A COUNTRY FILLED
+WITH SLAVES."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gerry, of Massachusetts, said, "he highly
+commended the part the Society of Friends had taken;
+it was the cause of humanity they had interested themselves
+in."--Cong. <i>Reg</i>. v. 1, p. 308-12.</p>
+
+<p>A writer in the "Gazette of the Unites States,"
+Feb. 20th, 1790, (then the government paper,) who
+opposes the abolition of slavery, and avows himself
+a <i>slaveholder</i>, says, "I have seen
+in the papers accounts of <i>large associations</i>,
+and applications to Government for <i>the abolition
+of slavery</i>. Religion, humanity, and the generosity
+natural to a free people, are the <i>noble principles
+which dictate those measures</i>. SUCH MOTIVES
+COMMAND RESPECT, AND ARE ABOVE ANY EULOGIUM WORDS CAN
+BESTOW."</p>
+
+<p>In the convention that formed the constitution of
+Kentucky in 1790, the effort to prohibit slavery was
+nearly successful. A decided majority of that body
+would undoubtedly have voted for its exclusion, but
+for the great efforts and influence of two large slaveholders--men
+of commanding talents and sway--Messrs.
+Breckenridge and Nicholas. The following extract from
+a speech made in that convention by a member of it,
+Mr. Rice a native Virginian, is a specimen of the
+<i>free discussion</i> that prevailed on that
+"delicate subject." Said Mr. Rice: "I
+do a man greater injury, when I deprive him of his
+liberty, than when I deprive him of his property.
+It is vain for me to plead that I have the sanction
+of law; for this makes the injury the greater--it
+arms the community against him, and makes his case
+desperate. The owners of such slaves then are <i>licensed
+robbers</i>, and not the just proprietors of what
+they claim. Freeing them is not depriving them of
+property, but <i>restoring it to the right owner</i>.
+The master is the enemy of the slave; he <i>has made
+open war upon him</i>, AND IS DAILY CARRYING IT
+ON in unremitted efforts. Can any one imagine, then,
+that the slave is indebted to his master, and <i>bound
+to serve him?</i> Whence can the obligation arise?
+What is it founded upon? What is my duty to an enemy
+that is carrying on war against me? I do not deny,
+but in some circumstances, it is the duty of the slave
+to serve; but it is a duty he owes himself, and not
+his master."</p>
+
+<p>President Edwards, the younger, said, in a sermon
+preached before the Connecticut Abolition Society,
+Sept. 15, 1791: "Thirty years ago, scarcely
+a man in this country thought either the slave trade
+or the slavery of negroes to be wrong; but now how
+many and able advocates in private life, in our legislatures,
+in Congress, have appeared, and have openly and irrefragably
+pleaded the rights of humanity in this as well as
+other instances? And if we judge of the future by the
+past, <i>within fifty years from this time, it will
+be as shameful for a man to hold a negro slave, as
+to be guilty of common robbery or theft</i>."</p>
+
+<p>In 1794, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
+church adopted its "Scripture proofs,"
+notes, and comments. Among these was the following:</p>
+
+<p>"1 Tim. i. 10. The law is made for manstealers.
+This crime among the Jews exposed the perpetrators
+of it to capital punishment. Exodus xxi. 16. And the
+apostle here classes them with <i>sinners of the
+first rank</i>. The word he uses, in its original
+import comprehends all who are concerned in bringing
+any of the human race into slavery, or in <i>retaining</i>
+them in it. <i>Stealers of men</i> are all those
+who bring off slaves or freemen, and <i>keep</i>,
+sell, or buy them."</p>
+
+<p>In 1794, Dr. Rush declared: "Domestic slavery
+is repugnant to the principles of Christianity. It
+prostrates every benevolent and just principle of
+action in the human heart. It is rebellion against
+the authority of a common Father. It is a practical
+denial of the extent and efficacy of the death of
+a common Saviour. It is an usurpation of the prerogative
+of the great Sovereign of the universe, who has solemnly
+claimed an exclusive property in the souls of men."</p>
+
+<p>In 1795, Mr. Fiske, then an officer of Dartmouth College,
+afterward a Judge in Tennessee, said, in an oration
+published that year, speaking of slaves: "I
+steadfastly maintain, that we must bring them to <i>an
+equal standing, in point of privileges, with the whites!</i>
+They must enjoy all the rights belonging to human
+nature."</p>
+
+<p>When the petition on the abolition of the slave trade
+was under discussion in the Congress of '89,
+Mr. Brown, of North Carolina, said, "The emancipation
+of the slaves <i>will be effected</i> in time;
+it ought to be a gradual business, but he hoped that
+Congress would not <i>precipitate</i> it to the
+great injury of the southern States." Mr. Hartley,
+of Pennsylvania, said, in the same debate, "<i>He
+was not a little surprised to hear the cause of slavery
+advocated in that house</i>." WASHINGTON,
+in a letter to Sir John Sinclair, says, "There
+are, in Pennsylvania, laws for the gradual abolition
+of slavery which neither Maryland nor Virginia have
+at present, but which <i>nothing is more certain</i>
+than that they <i>must have</i>, and at a period
+NOT REMOTE." In 1782, Virginia passed her celebrated
+manumission act. Within nine years from that time
+nearly eleven thousand slaves were voluntarily emancipated
+by their masters. [Judge Tucker's "Dissertation
+on Slavery," p. 72.] In 1787, Maryland passed
+an act legalizing manumission. Mr. Dorsey, of Maryland,
+in a speech in Congress, December 27th, 1826, speaking
+of <i>manumissions</i> under that act, said, that "<i>The
+progress of emancipation was astonishing</i>, the
+State became crowded with a free black population."</p>
+
+<p>The celebrated William Pinkney, in a speech before
+the Maryland House of Delegates, in 1789, on the emancipation
+of slaves, said, "Sir, by the eternal principles
+of natural justice, <i>no master in the state has
+a right to hold his slave in bandage for a single
+hour</i>... Are we apprehensive that these men
+will become more dangerous by becoming freemen? Are
+we alarmed, lest by being admitted into the enjoyment
+of civil rights, they will be inspired with a deadly
+enmity against the rights of others? Strange, unaccountable
+paradox! How much more rational would it be, to argue
+that the natural enemy of the privileges of a freeman,
+is he who is robbed of them himself!"</p>
+
+<p>Hon. James Campbell, in an address before the Pennsylvania
+Society of Cincinnati, July 4, 1787, said, "Our
+separation from Great Britain has extended the empire
+of <i>humanity</i>. The time <i>is not far distant</i>
+when our sister states, in imitation of our example,
+<i>shall turn their vassals into freemen</i>."
+The Convention that formed the United States'
+constitution being then in session, attended on the
+delivery of this oration with General Washington at
+their head.</p>
+
+<p>A Baltimore paper of September 8th, 1780, contains
+the following notice of Major General Gates: "A
+few days ago passed through this town the Hon. General
+Gates and lady. The General, previous to leaving Virginia,
+summoned his numerous family of slaves about him, and
+amidst their tears of affection and gratitude, gave
+them their <b>Freedom</b>."</p>
+
+<p>In 1791, the university of William and Mary, in Virginia,
+conferred upon Granville Sharpe the degree of Doctor
+of Laws. Sharpe was at that time the acknowledged
+head of British abolitionists. His indefatigable exertions,
+prosecuted for years in the case of Somerset, procured
+that memorable decision in the Court of King's
+Bench, which settled the principle that no slave could
+be held in England. He was most uncompromising in
+his opposition to slavery, and for twenty years previous
+he had spoken, written, and accomplished more against
+it than any man living.</p>
+
+<p>In the "Memoirs of the Revolutionary War in
+the Southern Department," by Gen. Lee, of Va.,
+Commandant of the Partizan Legion, is the following:
+"The Constitution of the United States, adopted
+lately with so much difficulty, has effectually provided
+against this evil (by importation) after a few years.
+It is much to be lamented that having done so much
+in this way, <i>a provision had not been made for
+the gradual abolition of slavery</i>."--<i>pp</i>.
+233, 4.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Tucker, of Virginia, Judge of the Supreme Court
+of that state, and professor of law in the University
+of William and Mary, addressed a letter to the General
+Assembly of that state, in 1796, urging the abolition
+of slavery, from which the following is an extract.
+Speaking of the slaves in Virginia, he says: "Should
+we not, at the time of the revolution, have broken
+their fetters? Is it not our duty <i>to embrace
+the first moment</i> of constitutional health and
+vigor to effectuate so desirable an object, and to
+remove from us a stigma with which our enemies will
+never fail to upbraid us, nor our consciences to reproach
+us?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Faulkner, in a speech before the Virginia House
+of Delegates, Jan. 20, 1832, said: "The idea
+of a gradual emancipation and removal of the slaves
+from this commonwealth, is coeval with the declaration
+of our independence from the British yoke. When Virginia
+stood sustained in her legislation by the pure and
+philosophic intellect of Pendleton, by the patriotism
+of Mason and Lee, by the searching vigor and sagacity
+of Wythe, and by the all-embracing, all-comprehensive
+genius of Thomas Jefferson! Sir, it was a committee
+composed of those five illustrious men, who, in 1777,
+submitted to the general assembly of this state, then
+in session, <i>a plan for the gradual emancipation
+of the slaves of this commonwealth</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Hon. Benjamin Watkins Leigh, late United States'
+senator from Virginia, in his letters to the people
+of Virginia, in 1832, signed Appomattox, p. 43, says:
+"I thought, till very lately, that it was known
+to every body that during the revolution, <i>and
+for many years after, the abolition of slavery was
+a favorite topic with many of our ablest statesmen</i>,
+who entertained, with respect, all the schemes which
+wisdom or ingenuity could suggest for accomplishing
+the object. Mr. Wythe, to the day of his death, <i>was
+for a simple abolition, considering the objection to
+color as founded in prejudice</i>. By degrees,
+all projects of the kind were abandoned. Mr. Jefferson
+<i>retained</i> his opinion, and now we have these
+projects revived."</p>
+
+<p>Governor Barbour, of Virginia, in his speech in the
+U.S. Senate, on the Missouri question, Jan. 1820,
+said: "We are asked why has Virginia changed
+her policy in reference to slavery? That the sentiments
+of our most distinguished men, for thirty years <i>entirely
+corresponded</i> with the course which the friends
+of the restriction (of slavery in Missouri) now advocated;
+and that the Virginia delegation, one of whom was the
+late President of the United States, voted for the
+restriction (of slavery) in the northwestern territory,
+and that Mr. Jefferson has delineated a gloomy picture
+of the baneful effects of slavery. When it is recollected
+that the Notes of Mr. Jefferson were written during
+the progress of the revolution, it is no matter of
+surprise that the writer should have imbibed a large
+portion of that enthusiasm which such an occasion
+was so well calculated to produce. As to the consent
+of the Virginia delegation to the restriction in question,
+whether the result of a disposition to restrain the
+slave-trade indirectly, or the influence of that enthusiasm
+to which I have just alluded, * * * * it is not now
+important to decide. We have witnessed its effects.
+The liberality of Virginia, or, as the result may
+prove, her folly, which submitted to, or, if you will,
+PROPOSED <i>this measure</i> (abolition of slavery
+in the N.W. territory) has eventuated in effects which
+speak a monitory lesson. <i>How is the representation
+from this quarter on the present question</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Imlay, in his early history of Kentucky, p. 185,
+says: "We have disgraced the fair face of humanity,
+and trampled upon the sacred privileges of man, at
+the very moment that we were exclaiming against the
+tyranny of your (the English) ministry. But in contending
+for the birthright of freedom, we have learned to
+feel <i>for the bondage of others</i>, and in
+the libations we offer to the goddess of liberty, we
+contemplate an <i>emancipation of the slaves of this
+country</i>, as honorable to themselves as it will
+be glorious to us."</p>
+
+<p>In the debate in Congress, Jan. 20, 1806, on Mr. Sloan's
+motion to lay a tax on the importation of slaves,
+Mr. Clark of Va. said: "He was no advocate for
+a system of slavery." Mr. Marion, of S. Carolina,
+said: "He never had purchased, nor should he
+ever purchase a slave." Mr. Southard said: "Not
+revenue, but an expression of the <i>national sentiment</i>
+is the principal object." Mr. Smilie--"I
+rejoice that the word (slave) is not in the constitution;
+its not being there does honor to the worthies who
+would not suffer it to become a <i>part</i> of
+it." Mr. Alston, of N. Carolina--"In
+two years we shall have the power to prohibit the trade
+altogether. Then this House will be unanimous. No one
+will object to our exercising our full constitutional
+powers." National Intelligencer, Jan. 24, 1806.</p>
+
+<p>These witnesses need no vouchers to entitle them to
+credit; nor their testimony comments to make it intelligible--their
+<i>names</i> are their <i>endorsers</i>,
+and their strong words their own interpreters. We waive
+all comments. Our readers are of age. Whosoever hath
+ears to <i>hear</i>, let him HEAR. And whosoever
+will not hear the fathers of the revolution, the founders
+of the government, its chief magistrates, judges, legislators
+and sages, who dared and perilled all under the burdens,
+and in the heat of the day that tried men's
+souls--then "neither will he be persuaded
+though THEY rose from the dead."</p>
+
+<p>Some of the points established by this testimony are--The
+universal expectation that Congress, state legislatures,
+seminaries of learning, churches, ministers of religion,
+and public sentiment widely embodied in abolition
+societies, would act against slavery, calling forth
+the moral sense of the nation, and creating a power
+of opinion that would abolish the system throughout
+the Union. In a word, that free speech and a free
+press would be wielded against it without ceasing and
+without restriction. Full well did the South know,
+not only that the national government would probably
+legislate against slavery wherever the constitution
+placed it within its reach, but she knew also that
+Congress had already marked out the line of national
+policy to be pursued on the subject--had
+committed itself before the world to a course of action
+against slavery, wherever she could move upon it without
+encountering a conflicting jurisdiction--that
+the nation had established by solemn ordinance a memorable
+precedent for subsequent action, by abolishing slavery
+in the northwest territory, and by declaring that it
+should never thenceforward exist there; and this too,
+as soon as by cession of Virginia and other states,
+the territory came under congressional control. The
+South knew also that the sixth article in the ordinance
+prohibiting slavery, was first proposed by the largest
+slaveholding state in the confederacy--that
+in the Congress of '84, Mr. Jefferson, as chairman
+of the committee on the N.W. territory, reported a
+resolution abolishing slavery there--that
+the chairman of the committee that reported the ordinance
+of '87 was also a slaveholder--that
+the ordinance was enacted by Congress during the session
+of the convention that formed the United States'
+Constitution--that the provisions of the
+ordinance were, both while in prospect and when under
+discussion, matters of universal notoriety and <i>approval</i>
+with all parties, and when finally passed, received
+the vote of <i>every member of Congress from each
+of the slaveholding states</i>. The South also
+had every reason for believing that the first Congress
+under the constitution would <i>ratify</i> that
+ordinance--as it did unanimously.</p>
+
+<p>A crowd of reflections, suggested by the preceding
+testimony, presses for utterance. The right of petition
+ravished and trampled by its constitutional guardians,
+and insult and defiance hurled in the faces of the
+SOVEREIGN PEOPLE while calmly remonstrating <i>with
+their</i> SERVANTS for violence committed on the
+nation's charter and their own dearest rights!
+Added to this "the right of peaceably assembling"
+violently wrested--the rights of minorities,
+<i>rights</i> no longer--free speech
+struck dumb--free <i>men</i> outlawed
+and murdered--free presses cast into the
+streets and their fragments strewed with shoutings,
+or flourished in triumph before the gaze of approving
+crowds as proud mementos of prostrate law! The spirit
+and power of our fathers, where are they? Their deep
+homage always and every where rendered to FREE THOUGHT,
+with its <i>inseparable signs--free speech
+and a free press</i>--their reverence
+for justice, liberty, <i>rights</i> and all-pervading
+law, where are they?</p>
+
+<p>But we turn from these considerations--though
+the times on which we have fallen, and those toward
+which we are borne with headlong haste, call for their
+discussion as with the voices of departing life--and
+proceed to topics relevant to the argument before
+us.</p>
+
+<p>The seventh article of the amendments to the constitution
+is alleged to withhold from Congress the power to
+abolish slavery in the District. "No person
+shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without
+due process of law." All the slaves in the District
+have been "deprived of liberty" by legislative
+acts. Now, these legislative acts "depriving"
+them "of liberty," were either "due
+process of law," or they were <i>not</i>.
+If they <i>were</i>, then a legislative act, taking
+from the master that "property" which
+is the identical "liberty" previously taken
+from the slave, would be "due process of law"
+<i>also</i>, and of course a <i>constitutional</i>
+act; but if the legislative acts "depriving"
+them of "liberty" were <i>not</i>
+"due process of law," then the slaves were
+deprived of liberty <i>unconstitutionally</i>,
+and these acts are <i>void</i>. In that case
+the <i>constitution emancipates them</i>.</p>
+
+<p>If the objector reply, by saying that the import of
+the phrase "due process of law," is <i>judicial</i>
+process solely, it is granted, and that fact is our
+rejoinder; for no slave in the District <i>has</i>
+been deprived of his liberty by "a judicial
+process," or, in other words, by "due
+process of law;" consequently, upon the objector's
+own admission, every slave in the District has been
+deprived of liberty <i>unconstitutionally</i>,
+and is therefore <i>free by the constitution</i>.
+This is asserted only of the slaves under the "exclusive
+legislation" of Congress.</p>
+
+<p>The last clause of the article under consideration
+is quoted for the same purpose: "Nor shall private
+property he taken for public use without just compensation."
+Each of the state constitutions has a clause of similar
+purport. The abolition of slavery in the District by
+Congress, would not, as we shall presently show; violate
+this clause either directly or by implication. Granting
+for argument's sake, that slaves are "private
+property," and that to emancipate them, would
+be to "take private property" for "public
+use," the objector admits the power of Congress
+to do <i>this</i>, provided it will do something
+<i>else</i>, that is, <i>pay</i> for them.
+Thus, instead of denying the <i>power</i>, the
+objector not only admits, but <i>affirms</i>
+it, as the ground of the inference that compensation
+must accompany it. So far from disproving the existence
+of <i>one</i> power, he asserts the existence
+of <i>two</i>--one, the power to take
+the slaves from their masters, the other, the power
+to take the property of the United States to pay for
+them.</p>
+
+<p>If Congress cannot constitutionally impair the right
+of private property, or take it without compensation,
+it cannot constitutionally, <i>legalize</i> the
+perpetration of such acts, by <i>others</i>, nor
+<i>protect</i> those who commit them. Does the
+power to rob a man of his earnings, rob the earner
+of his <i>right</i> to them? Who has a better
+right to the <i>product</i> than the producer?--to
+the <i>interest</i>, than the owner of the <i>principal</i>?--to
+the hands and arms, than he from whose shoulders they
+swing?--to the body and soul, than he whose
+they are? Congress not only impairs but annihilates
+the right of private property, while it withholds
+from the slaves of the District their title to <i>themselves</i>.
+What! Congress powerless to protect a man's right
+to <i>himself</i>, when it can make inviolable
+the right to a <i>dog</i>! But, waiving this,
+I deny that the abolition of slavery in the District
+would violate this clause. What does the clause prohibit?
+The "taking" of "private property"
+for "public use." Suppose Congress should
+emancipate the slaves in the District, what would
+it "<i>take</i>?" Nothing. What would
+it <i>hold</i>? Nothing. What would it put to
+"public use?" Nothing. Instead of <i>taking</i>
+"private property," Congress, by abolishing
+slavery, would say "<i>private property</i>
+shall not be taken; and those who have been robbed
+of it already, shall be kept out of it no longer;
+and every man's right to his own body shall
+be protected." True, Congress may not arbitrarily
+take property, <i>as</i> property, from one man
+and give it to another--and in the abolition
+of slavery no such thing is done. A legislative act
+changes the <i>condition</i> of the slave--makes
+him his own <i>proprietor</i>, instead of the
+property of another. It determines a question of <i>original
+right</i> between two classes of persons--doing
+an act of justice to one, and restraining the other
+from acts of injustice; or, in other words, preventing
+one from robbing the other, by granting to the injured
+party the protection of just and equitable laws.</p>
+
+<p>Congress, by an act of abolition, would change the
+condition of seven thousand "persons"
+in the District, but would "take" nothing.
+To construe this provision so as to enable the citizens
+of the District to hold as property, and in perpetuity,
+whatever they please, or to hold it as property in
+all circumstances--all necessity, public
+welfare, and the will and power of the government
+to the contrary notwithstanding--is a total
+perversion of its whole <i>intent</i>. The <i>design</i>
+of the provision, was to throw up a barrier against
+Governmental aggrandizement. The right to "take
+property" for <i>State uses</i> is one thing;--the
+right so to adjust the <i>tenures</i> by which
+property is held, that <i>each may have his own
+secured to him</i>, is another thing, and clearly
+within the scope of legislation. Besides, if Congress
+were to "take" the slaves in the District,
+it would be <i>adopting</i>, not abolishing slavery--becoming
+a slaveholder itself, instead of requiring others
+to be such no longer. The clause in question, prohibits
+the "taking" of individual property for
+public use, to be employed or disposed of <i>as</i>
+property for governmental purposes. Congress, by abolishing
+slavery in the District, would do no such thing. It
+would merely change the <i>condition</i> of that
+which has been recognized as a qualified property by
+congressional acts, though previously declared "persons"
+by the constitution. More than this is done continually
+by Congress and every other Legislature. Property
+the most absolute and unqualified, is annihilated by
+legislative acts. The embargo and non-intercourse
+act, levelled at a stroke a forest of shipping, and
+sunk millions of capital. To say nothing of the power
+of Congress to take hundreds of millions from the
+people by direct taxation, who doubts its power to
+abolish at once the whole tariff system, change the
+seat of Government, arrest the progress of national
+works, prohibit any branch of commerce with the Indian
+tribes or with foreign nations, change the locality
+of forts, arsenals, magazines and dock yards; abolish
+the Post Office system, and the privilege of patents
+and copyrights? By such acts Congress might, in the
+exercise of its acknowledged powers, annihilate property
+to an incalculable amount, and that without becoming
+liable to claims for compensation.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, this clause prohibits the taking for public
+use of "<i>property</i>." The constitution
+of the United States does not recognize slaves as
+"PROPERTY" any where, and it does not recognize
+them in <i>any sense</i> in the District of Columbia.
+All allusions to them in the constitution recognize
+them as "persons." Every reference to them
+points <i>solely</i> to the element of <i>personality</i>;
+and thus, by the strongest implication, declares that
+the constitution <i>knows</i> them only as "persons,"
+and <i>will</i> not recognize them in any other
+light. If they escape into free States, the constitution
+authorizes their being taken back. But how? Not as
+the property of an "owner," but as "persons;"
+and the peculiarity of the expression is a marked
+recognition of their <i>personality</i>--a
+refusal to recognize them as chattels--"persons
+<i>held</i> to service." Are <i>oxen
+"held</i> to service?" That can be affirmed
+only of <i>persons</i>. Again, slaves give political
+power as "persons." The constitution,
+in settling the principle of representation, requires
+their enumeration in the census. How? As property?
+Then why not include race horses and game cocks? Slaves,
+like other inhabitants, are enumerated as "persons."
+So by the constitution, the government was pledged
+to non-interference with "the migration or importation
+of such <i>persons</i>" as the States might
+think proper to admit until 1808, and authorized the
+laying of a tax on each "person" so admitted.
+Further, slaves are recognized as <i>persons</i>
+by the exaction of their <i>allegiance</i> to
+the government. For offences against the government
+slaves are tried as <i>persons</i>; as persons
+they are entitled to counsel for their defence, to
+the rules of evidence, and to "due process of
+law," and as <i>persons</i> they are punished.
+True, they are loaded with cruel disabilities in courts
+of law, such as greatly obstruct and often inevitably
+defeat the ends of justice, yet they are still recognized
+as <i>persons</i>. Even in the legislation of
+Congress, and in the diplomacy of the general government,
+notwithstanding the frequent and wide departures from
+the integrity of the constitution on this subject,
+slaves are not recognized as <i>property</i>
+without qualification. Congress has always refused
+to grant compensation for slaves killed or taken by
+the enemy, even when these slaves had been impressed
+into the United States' service. In half a score
+of cases since the last war, Congress has rejected
+such applications for compensation. Besides, both
+in Congressional acts, and in our national diplomacy,
+slaves and property are not used as convertible terms.
+When mentioned in treaties and state papers it is in
+such a way as to distinguish them from mere property,
+and generally by a recognition of their <i>personality</i>.
+In the invariable recognition of slaves as <i>persons</i>,
+the United States' constitution caught the mantle
+of the glorious Declaration, and most worthily wears
+it. It recognizes all human beings as "men,"
+"persons," and thus as "equals."
+In the original draft of the Declaration, as it came
+from the hand of Jefferson, it is alleged that Great
+Britain had "waged a cruel war against <i>human</i>
+nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of
+life and liberty in the persons of a distant people,
+carrying them into slavery, * * determined to keep
+up a market where MEN should be bought and sold,"--thus
+disdaining to make the charter of freedom a warrant
+for the arrest of <i>men</i>, that they might
+be shorn both of liberty and humanity.</p>
+
+<p>The celebrated Roger Sherman, one of the committee
+of five appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence,
+and a member of the convention that formed the United
+States' constitution, said, in the first Congress
+after its adoption: "The constitution <i>does
+not consider these persons, (slaves,) as a species
+of property</i>."--[Lloyd's
+Cong. <i>Reg</i>. v. 1, p. 313.] That the United States'
+Constitution does not make slaves "property,"
+is shown in the fact, that no person, either as a citizen
+of the United States, or by having his domicile within
+the United States' government, can hold slaves.
+He can hold them only by deriving his power from <i>state</i>
+laws, or from the laws of Congress, if he hold slaves
+within the District. But no person resident within
+the United States' jurisdiction, and <i>not</i>
+within the District, nor within a state whose laws
+support slavery, nor "held to service"
+under the laws of such a state or district, having
+escaped therefrom, <i>can be held as a slave</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Men can hold <i>property</i> under the United
+States' government though residing beyond the
+bounds of any state, district, or territory. An inhabitant
+of the Iowa Territory can hold property there under
+the laws of the United States, but he cannot hold
+<i>slaves</i> there under the United States'
+laws, nor by virtue of the United States' Constitution,
+nor upon the ground of his United States' citizenship,
+nor by having his domicile within the United States'
+jurisdiction. The constitution no where recognizes
+the right to "slave property," <i>but
+merely the fact that the states have jurisdiction
+each in its own limits, and that there are certain
+"persons" within their jurisdictions "held
+to service" by their own laws</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, in the clause under consideration "private
+property" is not to be taken "without
+just compensation." "JUST!" If justice
+is to be appealed to in determining the <i>amount</i>
+of compensation, let her determine the <i>grounds</i>
+also. If it be her province to say <i>how much</i>
+compensation is "just," it is hers to say
+whether <i>any</i> is "just,"--whether
+the slave is "just" property <i>at all</i>,
+rather than a "<i>person</i>". Then,
+if justice adjudges the slave to be "private
+property," it adjudges him to be <i>his own</i>
+property, since the right to one's self is the
+first right--the source of all others--the
+original stock by which they are accumulated--the
+principal, of which they are the interest. And since
+the slave's "private property" has
+been "taken," and since "compensation"
+is impossible--there being no <i>equivalent</i>
+for one's self--the least that can
+be done is to restore to him his original private
+property.</p>
+
+<p>Having shown that in abolishing slavery, "property"
+would not be "taken for public use," it
+may be added that, in those states where slavery has
+been abolished by law, no claim for compensation has
+been allowed. Indeed the manifest absurdity of demanding
+it seems to have quite forestalled the <i>setting
+up</i> of such a claim.</p>
+
+<p>The abolition of slavery in the District instead of
+being a legislative anomaly, would proceed upon the
+principles of every day legislation. It has been shown
+already, that the United States' Constitution
+does not recognize slaves as "property."
+Yet ordinary legislation is full of precedents, showing
+that even <i>absolute</i> property is in many
+respects wholly subject to legislation. The repeal
+of the law of entailments--all those acts
+that control the alienation of property, its disposal
+by will, its passing to heirs by descent, with the
+question, who shall be heirs, and what shall be the
+rule of distribution among them, or whether property
+shall be transmitted at all by descent, rather than
+escheat to the estate--these, with statutes
+of limitation, and various other classes of legislative
+acts, serve to illustrate the acknowledged scope of
+the law-making power, even where property <i>is in
+every sense absolute</i>. Persons whose property
+is thus affected by public laws, receive from the
+government no compensation for their losses; unless
+the state has been put in possession of the property
+taken from them.</p>
+
+<p>The preamble of the United States' Constitution
+declares it to be a fundamental object of the organization
+of the government "to ESTABLISH JUSTICE."
+Has Congress <i>no power</i> to do that for which
+it was made the depository of power? CANNOT the United
+States' Government fulfil the purpose for which
+it was brought into being?</p>
+
+<p>To abolish slavery, is to take from no rightful owner
+his property; but to "establish justice"
+between two parties. To emancipate the slave, is to
+"establish justice" between him and his
+master--to throw around the person, character,
+conscience; liberty, and domestic relations of the
+one, <i>the same law</i> that secures and blesses
+the other. In other words, to prevent by legal restraints
+one class of men from seizing upon another class,
+and robbing them at pleasure of their earnings, their
+time, their liberty, their kindred, and the very use
+and ownership of their own persons. Finally, to abolish
+slavery is to proclaim and <i>enact</i> that
+innocence and helplessness--now <i>free
+plunder</i>--are entitled to <i>legal
+protection</i>; and that power, avarice, and lust,
+shall no longer revel upon their spoils under the
+license, and by the ministration of <i>law</i>!
+Congress, by possessing "exclusive legislation
+in all cases whatsoever," has a <i>general
+protective power for</i> ALL the inhabitants of
+the District. If it has no power to protect <i>one</i>
+man in the District it has none to protect another--none
+to protect <i>any</i>--and if it <i>can</i>
+protect one man and is <i>bound</i> to do it,
+it <i>can</i> protect <i>every</i> man--and
+is <i>bound</i> to do it. All admit the power
+of Congress to protect the masters in the District
+against their slaves. What part of the constitution
+gives the power? The clause so often quoted,--"power
+of legislation in all cases whatsoever," equally
+in the "<i>case</i>" of defending
+blacks against whites, as in that of defending whites
+against blacks. The power is also conferred by Art.
+1, Sec. 8, clause 15--"Congress shall
+have power to suppress insurrections"--a
+power to protect, as well blacks against whites, as
+whites against blacks. If the constitution gives power
+to protect <i>one</i> class against the other,
+it gives power to protect <i>either</i> against
+the other. Suppose the blacks in the District should
+seize the whites, drive them into the fields and kitchens,
+force them to work without pay, flog them, imprison
+them, and sell them at their pleasure, where would
+Congress find power to restrain such acts? Answer;
+a <i>general</i> power in the clause so often
+cited, and an <i>express</i> one in that cited
+above--"Congress shall have power to
+suppress insurrections." So much for a supposed
+case. Here follows a real one. The whites in the District
+are <i>perpetrating these identical acts</i>
+upon seven thousand blacks daily. That Congress has
+power to restrain these acts in <i>one</i> case,
+all assert, and in so doing they assert the power
+"in <i>all</i> cases whatsoever."
+For the grant of power to suppress insurrections,
+is an <i>unconditional</i> grant, not hampered
+by provisos as to the color, shape, size, sex, language,
+creed, or condition of the insurgents. Congress derives
+its power to suppress this <i>actual</i> insurrection,
+from the same source whence it derived its power to
+suppress the <i>same</i> acts in the case supposed.
+If one case is an insurrection, the other is. The
+<i>acts</i> in both are the same; the <i>actors</i>
+only are different. In the one case, ignorant and
+degraded--goaded by the memory of the past,
+stung by the present, and driven to desperation by
+the fearful looking for of wrongs for ever to come.
+In the other, enlightened into the nature of <i>rights</i>,
+the principles of justice, and the dictates of the
+law of love, unprovoked by wrongs, with cool deliberation,
+and by system, they perpetrate these acts upon those
+to whom they owe unnumbered obligations for <i>whole
+lives</i> of unrequited service. On which side may
+palliation be pleaded, and which party may most reasonably
+claim an abatement of the rigors of law? If Congress
+has power to suppress such acts <i>at all</i>,
+it has power to suppress them <i>in</i> all.</p>
+
+<p>It has been shown already that <i>allegiance</i>
+is exacted of the slave. Is the government of the
+United States unable to grant <i>protection</i>
+where it exacts <i>allegiance</i>? It is an axiom
+of the civilized world, and a maxim even with savages,
+that allegiance and protection are reciprocal and
+correlative. Are principles powerless with us which
+exact homage of barbarians? <i>Protection is the</i>
+CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT <i>of every human. being under
+the exclusive legislation of Congress who has not forfeited
+it by crime</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In conclusion, I argue the power of Congress to abolish
+slavery in the District, from Art. 1, sec. 8, clause
+1, of the constitution; "Congress shall have
+power to provide for the common defence and the general
+welfare of the United States." Has the government
+of the United States no power under this grant to
+legislate within its own exclusive jurisdiction on
+subjects that vitally affect its interest? Suppose
+the slaves in the district should rise upon their
+masters, and the United States' government,
+in quelling the insurrection, should kill any number
+of them. Could their masters claim compensation of
+the government? Manifestly not; even though no proof
+existed that the particular slaves killed were insurgents.
+This was precisely the point at issue between those
+masters, whose slaves were killed by the State troops
+at the time of the Southampton insurrection, and the
+Virginia Legislature: no evidence was brought to show
+that the slaves killed by the troops were insurgents;
+yet the Virginia Legislature decided that their masters
+were <i>not entitled to compensation.</i> They
+proceeded on the sound principle, that the government
+may in self-protection destroy the claim of its subjects
+even to that which has been recognized as property
+by its own acts. If in providing for the common defence,
+the United States' government, in the case supposed,
+would have power to destroy slaves both as <i>property</i>
+and <i>persons</i>, it surely might stop <i>half-way</i>,
+destroy them <i>as property</i> while it legalized
+their existence as <i>persons</i>, and thus provided
+for the common defence by giving them a personal and
+powerful interest in the government, and securing their
+strength for its defence.</p>
+
+<p>Like other Legislatures, Congress has power to abate
+nuisances--to remove or tear down unsafe
+buildings--to destroy infected cargoes--to
+lay injunctions upon manufactories injurious to the
+public health--and thus to "provide
+for the common defence and general welfare" by
+destroying individual property, when such property
+puts in jeopardy the public weal.</p>
+
+<p>Granting, for argument's sake, that slaves are
+"property" in the District of Columbia--if
+Congress has a right to annihilate property there
+when the public safety requires it, it may annihilate
+its existence <i>as</i> property when the public
+safety requires it, especially if it transform into
+a <i>protection</i> and <i>defence</i> that
+which as <i>property</i> perilled the public
+interests. In the District of Columbia there are,
+besides the United States' Capitol, the President's
+house, the national offices, and archives of the Departments
+of State, Treasury, War, and Navy, the General Post-office,
+and Patent office. It is also the residence of the
+President, of all the highest officers of the government,
+of both houses of Congress, and of all the foreign
+ambassadors. In this same District there are also seven
+thousand slaves. Jefferson, in his Notes on Va. p.
+241, says of slavery, that "the State permitting
+one half of its citizens to trample on the rights of
+the other, transforms them into <i>enemies</i>;"
+and Richard Henry Lee, in the Va. House of Burgesses
+in 1758, declared that to those who held them, "<i>slaves
+must be natural enemies</i>." Is Congress
+so impotent that it <i>cannot</i> exercise that
+right pronounced both by municipal and national law,
+the most sacred and universal--the right
+of self-preservation and defence? Is it shut up to
+the <i>necessity</i> of keeping seven thousand
+"enemies" in the heart of the nation's
+citadel? Does the iron fiat of the constitution doom
+it to such imbecility that it <i>cannot</i> arrest
+the process that <i>made</i> them "enemies,"
+and still goads to deadlier hate by fiery trials,
+and day by day adds others to their number? Is <i>this</i>
+providing for the common defence and general welfare?
+If to rob men of rights excites their hate, freely
+to restore them and make amends, will win their love.</p>
+
+<p>By emancipating the slaves in the District, the government
+of the United States would disband an army of "enemies,"
+and enlist "for the common defence and general
+welfare," a body guard of <i>friends</i>
+seven thousand strong. In the last war, a handful
+of British soldiers sacked Washington city, burned
+the capitol, the President's house, and the national
+offices and archives; and no marvel, for thousands
+of the inhabitants of the District had been "TRANSFORMED
+INTO ENEMIES." Would <i>they</i> beat back
+invasion? If the national government had exercised
+its constitutional "power to provide for the
+common defence and to promote the general welfare,"
+by turning those "enemies" into friends,
+then, instead of a hostile ambush lurking in every
+thicket inviting assault, and secret foes in every
+house paralyzing defence, an army of allies would have
+rallied in the hour of her calamity, and shouted defiance
+from their munitions of rocks; whilst the banner of
+the republic, then trampled in dust, would have floated
+securely over FREEMEN exulting amidst bulwarks of
+strength.</p>
+
+<p>To show that Congress can abolish slavery in the District,
+under the grant of power "to provide for the
+common defence and to promote the general welfare,"
+I quote an extract from a speech of Mr. Madison, of
+Va., in the first Congress under the constitution,
+May 13, 1789. Speaking of the abolition of the slave
+trade, Mr. Madison says: "I should venture to
+say it is as much for the interests of Georgia and
+South Carolina, as of any state in the union. Every
+addition they receive to their number of slaves tends
+to <i>weaken</i> them, and renders them less
+capable of self-defence. In case of hostilities with
+foreign nations, they will be the means of <i>inviting</i>
+attack instead of repelling invasion. It is a necessary
+duty of the general government to protect every part
+of the empire against danger, as well <i>internal</i>
+as external. <i>Every thing, therefore, which tends
+to increase this danger, though it may be a local
+affair, yet if it involves national expense or safety,
+it becomes of concern to every part of the union, and
+is a proper subject for the consideration of those
+charged with the general administration of the government.</i>"
+Cong. <i>Reg</i>. <i>vol</i>. 1, p. 310, 11.</p>
+
+<p>WYTHE.</p>
+
+<h3>POSTSCRIPT</h3>
+
+<p>My apology for adding a <i>postscript</i>, to
+a discussion already perhaps too protracted, is the
+fact that the preceding sheets were in the hands of
+the printer, and all but the concluding pages had gone
+through the press, before the passage of Mr. Calhoun's
+late resolutions in the Senate of the United States.
+A proceeding so extraordinary,--if indeed
+henceforward <i>any</i> act of Congress in derogation
+of freedom and in deference to slavery, can be deemed
+extraordinary,--should not be passed in
+silence at such a crisis as the present; especially
+as the passage of one of the resolutions by a vote
+of 36 to 9, exhibits a shift of position on the part
+of the South, as sudden as it is unaccountable, being
+nothing less than the surrender of a fortress which
+until then, they had defended with the pertinacity
+of a blind and almost infuriated fatuity. Upon the
+discussions during the pendency of the resolutions,
+and upon the vote, by which they were carried, I make
+no comment, save only to record my exultation in the
+fact there exhibited, that great emergencies are <i>true
+touchstones</i>, and that henceforward, until this
+question is settled, whoever holds a seat in Congress
+will find upon, and around him, a pressure strong
+enough to test him--a focal blaze that will
+find its way through the carefully adjusted cloak of
+fair pretension, and the sevenfold brass of two faced
+political intrigue, and <i>no</i>-faced <i>non-committalism</i>,
+piercing to the dividing asunder of joints and marrow.
+Be it known to every northern man who aspires to a
+seat in our national councils, that hereafter congressional
+action on this subject will be a MIGHTY REVELATOR--making
+secret thoughts public property, and proclaiming on
+the house-tops what is whispered in the ear--smiting
+off masks, and bursting open sepulchres beautiful
+outwardly, and up-heaving to the sun their dead men's
+bones. To such we say,--<i>Remember the
+Missouri Question, and the fate of those who then
+sold the free states and their own birthright!</i></p>
+
+<p>Passing by the resolutions generally without remark--the
+attention of the reader is specially solicited to
+Mr. Clay's substitute for Mr. Calhoun's
+fifth resolution.</p>
+
+<p>"Resolved, That when the District of Columbia
+was ceded by the states of Virginia and Maryland to
+the United States, domestic slavery existed in both
+of these states, including the ceded territory, and
+that, as it still continues in both of them, it could
+not be abolished within the District without a violation
+of that good faith, which was implied in the cession
+and in the acceptance of the territory; nor, unless
+compensation were made to the proprietors of slaves,
+without a manifest infringement of an amendment to
+the constitution of the United States; nor without
+exciting a degree of just alarm and apprehension in
+the states recognizing slavery, far transcending in
+mischievous tendency, any possible benefit which could
+be accomplished by the abolition."</p>
+
+<p>By advocating this resolution, the south shifted its
+mode of defence, not by taking a position entirely
+new, but by attempting to refortify an old one--abandoned
+mainly long ago, as being unable to hold out against
+assault however unskillfully directed. In the debate
+on this resolution, the southern members of Congress
+silently drew off from the ground hitherto maintained
+by them, <i>viz</i>.--that Congress has no
+power by the constitution to abolish slavery in the
+District.</p>
+
+<p>The passage of this resolution--with the
+vote of every southern senator, forms a new era in
+the discussion of this question. We cannot join in
+the lamentations of those who bewail it. We hail it,
+and rejoice in it. It was as we would have had it--offered
+by a southern senator, advocated by southern senators,
+and on the ground that it "was no compromise"--that
+it embodied the true southern principle--that
+"this resolution stood on as high ground as
+Mr. Calhoun's."--(Mr. Preston)--"that
+Mr. Clay's resolution was as strong as Mr. Calhoun's"--(Mr.
+Rives)--that "the resolution he (Mr.
+Calhoun) now refused to support, was as strong as
+his own, and that in supporting it, there was no abandonment
+of principle by the south."--(Mr. Walker,
+of Mi.)--further, that it was advocated
+by the southern senators generally as an expression
+of their views, and as setting the question of slavery
+in the District on its <i>true</i> ground--that
+finally, when the question was taken, every slaveholding
+senator, including Mr. Calhoun himself, voted for
+the resolution.</p>
+
+<p>By passing this resolution, and with such avowals,
+the south has unwittingly but explicitly, conceded
+the main point argued in the preceding pages, and
+surrendered the whole question at issue between them
+and the petitioners for abolition in the District.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>only</i> ground taken against the right
+of Congress to abolish slavery in the District is,
+that it existed in Maryland and Virginia when the
+cession was made, and "<i>as it still continues
+in both of them</i>, it could not be abolished
+without a violation of that good faith which was implied
+in the cession," &amp;c. The argument is not that
+exclusive <i>sovereignty</i> has no power to
+abolish slavery within its jurisdiction, nor that
+the powers of even ordinary legislation cannot do it,
+nor that the clause granting Congress "exclusive
+legislation in all cases what soever over such District,"
+gives no power to do it; but that the <i>unexpressed
+expectation</i> of one of the parties that the other
+would not "in all cases" use the power
+which said party had consented might be used "<i>in
+all cases," prohibits</i> the use of it. The
+only cardinal point in the discussion, is here not
+only yielded, but formally laid down by the South
+as the leading article in their creed on the question
+of Congressional jurisdiction over slavery in the
+District. The reason given why Congress should not
+abolish, and the sole evidence that if it did, such
+abolition would be a violation of "good faith,"
+is that "<i>slavery still continues in those
+states</i>,"--thus admitting, that
+if slavery did <i>not</i> "still continue"
+in those States, Congress could abolish it in the
+District. The same admission is made also in the <i>premises</i>,
+which state that slavery existed in those states <i>at
+the time of the cession</i>, &amp;c. Admitting that
+if it had not existed there then, but had grown up
+in the District under United States' laws, Congress
+might constitutionally abolish it. Or that if the ceded
+parts of those states had been the <i>only</i>
+parts in which slaves were held under their laws,
+Congress might have abolished in such a contingency
+also. The cession in that case leaving no slaves in
+those states,--no "good faith"
+would be "implied" in it, nor any "violated"
+by an act of abolition. The resolution makes virtually
+this further admission, that if Maryland and Virginia
+should at once abolish their slavery, Congress might
+at once abolish it in the District. The principle goes
+even further than this, and <i>requires</i> Congress
+in such case to abolish slavery in the District "by
+the <i>good faith implied</i> in the cession and
+acceptance of the territory." Since, according
+to the spirit and scope of the resolution, this "implied
+good faith" of Maryland and Virginia in making
+the cession, was, that Congress would do nothing within
+the District which should counteract the policy, or
+discredit the "institutions," or call
+in question the usages, or even in any way ruffle
+the prejudices of those states, or do what <i>they</i>
+might think would unfavorably bear upon their interests;
+<i>themselves</i> of course being the judges.</p>
+
+<p>But let us dissect another limb of the resolution.
+What is to be understood by "that good faith
+which was IMPLIED?" It is of course an admission
+that such a condition was not <i>expressed</i>
+in the acts of cession--that in their terms
+there is nothing restricting the power of Congress
+on the subject of slavery in the District. This "implied
+faith," then, rests on no clause or word in the
+United States' Constitution, or in the acts
+of cession, or in the acts of Congress accepting the
+cession, nor on any declarations of the legislatures
+of Maryland and Virginia, nor on any <i>act</i>
+of theirs, nor on any declaration of the <i>people</i>
+of those states, nor on the testimony of the Washingtons,
+Jeffersons, Madisons, Chases, Martins, and Jennifers,
+of those states and times. The assertion rests <i>on
+itself alone!</i> Mr. Clay <i>guesses</i>
+that Maryland and Virginia <i>supposed</i> that
+Congress would by no means <i>use</i> the power
+given them by the Constitution, except in such ways
+as would be well pleasing in the eyes of those states;
+especially as one of them was the "Ancient Dominion!"
+And now after half a century, this <i>assumed expectation</i>
+of Maryland and Virginia, the existence of which is
+mere matter of conjecture with the 36 senators, is
+conjured up and duly installed upon the judgment-seat
+of final appeal, before whose nod constitutions are
+to flee away, and with whom, solemn grants of power
+and explicit guaranties are, when weighed in the balance,
+altogether lighter than vanity!</p>
+
+<p>But survey it in another light. Why did Maryland and
+Virginia leave so much to be "<i>implied?</i>?"
+Why did they not in some way <i>express</i> what
+lay so near their hearts? Had their vocabulary run
+so low that a single word could not be eked out for
+the occasion? Or were those states so bashful of a
+sudden that they dare not speak out and tell what they
+wanted? Or did they take it for granted that Congress
+would always know their wishes by intuition, and always
+take them for law? If, as honorable senators tell
+us, Maryland and Virginia did verily travail with such
+abounding <i>faith</i>, why brought they forth
+no <i>works</i>?</p>
+
+<p>It is as true in legislation as in religion, that
+the only evidence of "faith" is works,
+and that "faith" <i>without</i> works
+is <i>dead</i>, <i>i.e</i>. has no <i>power</i>.
+But here, forsooth, a blind implication with nothing
+<i>expressed</i>, an "implied" faith
+without works, is omnipotent! Mr. Clay is lawyer enough
+to know that Maryland and Virginia notions of constitutional
+power, <i>abrogate no grant</i>, and that to plead
+them in a court of law, would be of small service,
+except to jostle "their Honors'"
+gravity! He need not be told that the Constitution
+gives Congress "power to exercise exclusive
+legislation in all cases whatsoever over such District;"
+nor that Maryland and Virginia constructed their acts
+of cession with this clause <i>before their eyes</i>,
+and declared those acts made "in <i>pursuance</i>"
+of it. Those states knew that the U.S. Constitution
+had left nothing to be "<i>implied</i>"
+as to the power of Congress over the District; an
+admonition quite sufficient, one would think, to put
+them on their guard, and lead them to eschew vague
+implications, and to resort to <i>stipulations</i>.
+They knew, moreover, that those were times when, in
+matters of high import, <i>nothing</i> was left
+to be "implied." The colonies were then
+panting from a twenty years' conflict with the
+mother country, about bills of rights, charters, treaties,
+constitutions, grants, limitations, and <i>acts of
+cession</i>. The severities of a long and terrible
+discipline had taught them to guard at all points
+<i>legislative grants</i>, that their exact import
+and limit might be self-evident--leaving
+no scope for a blind "faith" that <i>somehow</i>
+in the lottery of chances, every ticket would turn
+up a prize. Toil, suffering, blood, and treasure outpoured
+like water over a whole generation, counselled them
+to make all sure by the use of explicit terms, and
+well chosen words, and just enough of them. The Constitution
+of the United States, with its amendments, those of
+the individual states, the national treaties, and
+the public documents of the general and state governments
+at that period, show the universal conviction of legislative
+bodies, that nothing should be left to be "implied,"
+when great public interests were at stake.</p>
+
+<p>Further: suppose Maryland and Virginia had expressed
+their "implied faith" in <i>words</i>,
+and embodied it in their acts of cession as a proviso,
+declaring that Congress should not "exercise
+exclusive legislation in <i>all</i> cases whatsoever
+over the District," but that the "case"
+of <i>slavery</i> should be an exception: who
+does not know that Congress, if it had accepted the
+cession on those terms, would have violated the Constitution;
+and who that has studied the free mood of those times
+in its bearings on slavery--proofs of which
+are given in scores on the preceding pages--[See
+pp. 25-37.] can be made to believe that the people
+of the United States would have re-modelled their
+Constitution for the purpose of providing for slavery
+an inviolable sanctuary; that when driven in from
+its outposts, and everywhere retreating discomfited
+before the march of freedom, it might be received
+into everlasting habitations on the common homestead
+and hearth-stone of the republic? Who can believe
+that Virginia made such a condition, or cherished
+such a purpose, when Washington, Jefferson, Wythe,
+Patrick Henry, St. George Tucker, and all her most
+illustrious men, were at that moment advocating the
+abolition of slavery by law; when Washington had said,
+two years before, that Maryland and Virginia "must
+have laws for the gradual abolition of slavery, and
+at a period <i>not remote</i>;" and when
+Jefferson in his letter to Dr. Price, three years before
+the cession, had said, speaking of Virginia, "This
+is the next state to which we may turn our eyes for
+the interesting spectacle of justice in conflict with
+avarice and oppression--a conflict in which
+THE SACRED SIDE IS GAINING DAILY RECRUITS;"
+when voluntary <i>emancipations</i> on the soil were
+then progressing at the rate of between one and two
+thousand annually, (See Judge Tucker's "Dissertation
+on Slavery," p. 73;) when the public sentiment
+of Virginia had undergone, so mighty a revolution that
+the idea of the continuance of slavery as a permanent
+system could not be tolerated, though she then contained
+about half the slaves in the Union. Was this the time
+to stipulate for the <i>perpetuity</i> of slavery
+under the exclusive legislation of Congress? and that
+too when at the <i>same</i> session <i>every
+one</i> of her delegation voted for the abolition
+of slavery in the North West Territory; a territory
+which she herself had ceded to the Union, and surrendered
+along with it her jurisdiction over her citizens,
+inhabitants of that territory, who held slaves there--and
+whose slaves were emancipated by that act of Congress,
+in which all her delegation with one accord participated?</p>
+
+<p>Now in view of the universal belief then prevalent,
+that slavery in this country was doomed to short life,
+and especially that in Maryland and Virginia it would
+be <i>speedily</i> abolished--must we
+adopt the monstrous conclusion that those states <i>designed</i>
+to bind Congress <i>never</i> to terminate it?--that
+it was the <i>intent</i> of the Ancient Dominion
+thus to <i>bind</i> the United States by an "implied
+faith," and that when the national government
+<i>accepted</i> the cession, she did solemnly
+thus plight her troth, and that Virginia did then
+so <i>understand</i> it? Verily, honorable senators
+must suppose themselves deputed to do our <i>thinking</i>
+for us as well as our legislation, or rather, that
+they are themselves absolved from such drudgery by
+virtue of their office!</p>
+
+<p>Another absurdity of this "implied faith"
+dogma is, that where there was no power to exact an
+<i>express</i> pledge, there was none to demand
+an <i>implied</i> one, and where there was no
+power to give the one, there was none to give the
+other. We have shown already that Congress could not
+have accepted the cession with such a condition. To
+have signed away a part of its constitutional grant
+of power would have been a <i>breach</i> of the
+Constitution. The Congress which accepted the cession
+was competent to pass a resolution pledging itself
+not to <i>use all</i> the power over the District
+committed to it by the Constitution. But here its power
+ended. Its resolution could only bind <i>itself</i>.
+It had no authority to bind a subsequent Congress.
+Could the members of one Congress say to those of
+another, because we do not choose to exercise all the
+authority vested in us by the Constitution, therefore
+you <i>shall</i> not? This would, have been a
+prohibition to do what the Constitution gives power
+to do. Each successive Congress would still have gone
+to THE CONSTITUTION for its power, brushing away in
+its course the cobwebs stretched across its path by
+the officiousness of an impertinent predecessor. Again,
+the legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, had no
+power to bind Congress, either by an express or an
+implied pledge, never to abolish slavery in the District.
+Those legislatures had no power to bind <i>themselves</i>
+never to abolish slavery within their own territories--the
+ceded parts included. Where then would they get power
+to bind <i>another</i> not to do what they had
+no power to bind <i>themselves</i> not to do?
+If a legislature could not in this respect control
+the successive legislatures of its own State, could
+it control the successive Congresses of the United
+States?</p>
+
+<p>But perhaps we shall be told, that the "implied
+faith" of Maryland and Virginia was <i>not</i>
+that Congress should <i>never</i> abolish slavery
+in the District, but that it should not do it until
+<i>they</i> had done it within their bounds!
+Verily this "faith" comes little short
+of the faith of miracles! Maryland and Virginia have
+"good faith" that Congress will not abolish
+until <i>they</i> do; and then just as "good
+faith" that Congress <i>will</i> abolish
+<i>when</i> they do! Excellently accommodated!
+Did those states suppose that Congress would legislate
+over the national domain, for Maryland and Virginia
+alone? And who, did they suppose, would be judges
+in the matter?--themselves merely? or the
+whole Union?</p>
+
+<p>This "good faith implied in the cession"
+is no longer of doubtful interpretation. The principle
+at the bottom of it, when fairly stated, is this:--That
+the Government of the United States are bound in "good
+faith" to do in the District of Columbia, without
+demurring, just what and when, Maryland and Virginia
+do within their own bounds. In short, that the general
+government is eased of all the burdens of legislation
+within its exclusive jurisdiction, save that of hiring
+a scrivener to copy off the acts of the Maryland and
+Virginia legislatures as fast as they are passed,
+and engross them, under the title of "Laws of
+the United States for the District of Columbia!"
+A slight additional expense would also be incurred
+in keeping up an express between the capitols of those
+States and Washington city, bringing Congress from
+time to time its "<i>instructions</i>"
+from head quarters!</p>
+
+<p>What a "glorious Union" this doctrine
+of Mr. Clay bequeaths to the people of the United
+States! We have been permitted to set up at our own
+expense, and on our own territory, two great <i>sounding-boards</i>
+called "Senate Chamber" and "Representatives'
+Hall," for the purpose of sending abroad "by
+authority" <i>national</i> echoes of <i>state</i>
+legislation! --permitted also to keep in
+our pay a corps of pliant <i>national</i> musicians,
+with peremptory instructions to sound on any line of
+the staff according as Virginia and Maryland may give
+the sovereign key note!</p>
+
+<p>A careful analysis of Mr. Clay's resolution
+and of the discussions upon it, will convince every
+fair mind that this is but the legitimate carrying
+out of the <i>principle</i> pervading both. They
+proceed virtually upon the hypothesis that the will
+and pleasure of Virginia and Maryland are paramount
+to those of the Union. If the original design of setting
+apart a federal district had been for the sole accommodation
+of the south, there could hardly have been higher
+assumption or louder vaunting. The only object of
+<i>having</i> such a District was in effect totally
+perverted in the resolution of Mr. Clay, and in the
+discussions of the entire southern delegation, upon
+its passage. Instead of taking the ground, that the
+benefit of the whole Union was the sole <i>object</i>
+of a federal district, and that it was to be legislated
+over <i>for this end</i>--the resolution
+proceeds upon an hypothesis totally the reverse. It
+takes a single point of <i>state</i> policy, and
+exalts it above NATIONAL interests, utterly overshadowing
+them; abrogating national rights; making void a clause
+of the Constitution; humbling the general government
+into a subject crouching for favors to a superior,
+and that too within its own exclusive jurisdiction.
+All the attributes of sovereignty vested in Congress
+by the Constitution, it impales upon the point of
+an alleged <i>implication</i>. And this is Mr.
+Clay's peace-offering, to the lust of power
+and the ravenings of state encroachment! A "compromise,"
+forsooth! that sinks the general government on <i>its
+own territory</i>, into a mere colony, with Virginia
+and Maryland for its "mother country!"
+It is refreshing to turn from these shallow, distorted
+constructions and servile cringings, to the high bearing
+of other southern men in other times; men, who as legislators
+and lawyers, scorned to accommodate their interpretations
+of constitutions and charters to geographical lines,
+or to bend them to the purposes of a political canvass.
+In the celebrated case of Cohens <i>vs.</i> the
+State of Virginia, Hon. William Pinkney, late of Baltimore,
+and Hon. Walter Jones, of Washington city, with other
+eminent constitutional lawyers, prepared an elaborate
+opinion, from which the following is an extract: "Nor
+is there any danger to be apprehended from allowing
+to Congressional legislation with regard to the District
+of Columbia, its FULLEST EFFECT. Congress is responsible
+to the States, and to the people for that legislation.
+It is in truth the legislation of the states over
+a district placed under their control FOR THEIR OWN
+BENEFIT, not for that of the District, except as the
+prosperity of the District is involved, and <i>necessary
+to the general advantage</i>."--[Life
+of Pinkney, p. 612.]</p>
+
+<p>This profound legal opinion asserts, 1st, that Congressional
+legislation over the District, is "the legislation
+of the <i>states</i> and the <i>people</i>."
+(not of <i>two</i> states, and a mere <i>fraction</i>
+of the people;) 2d. "Over a District placed
+under <i>their</i> control," <i>i.e</i>. under
+the control of <i>all</i> the States, not of
+<i>two twenty-sixths</i> of them. 3d. That it
+was thus put under their control "<i>for</i>
+THEIR OWN <i>benefit</i>." 4th. It asserts
+that the design of this exclusive control of Congress
+over the District was "not for the benefit of
+the <i>District</i>," except as that is
+<i>connected</i> with, and <i>a means of promoting</i>
+the <i>general</i> advantage. If this is the
+case with the <i>District</i>, which is <i>directly</i>
+concerned, it is pre-eminently so with Maryland and
+Virginia, which are but <i>indirectly</i> interested.
+The argument of Mr. Madison in the Congress of '89,
+an extract from which has been given on a preceding
+page, lays down the same principle; that though any
+matter "<i>may be a local affair, yet if it
+involves national</i> EXPENSE or SAFETY, <i>it
+becomes of concern to every part of the union, and
+is a proper subject for the consideration of those
+charged with the general administration of the government</i>."--Cong.
+<i>Reg</i>. <i>vol</i>. 1. p. 310.</p>
+
+<p>But these are only the initiatory absurdities of this
+"good faith <i>implied</i>." Mr.
+Clay's resolution aptly illustrates the principle,
+that error not only conflicts with truth, but is generally
+at issue with itself: For if it would be a violation
+of "good faith" to Maryland and Virginia,
+for Congress to abolish slavery in the District, it
+would be <i>equally</i> a violation for Congress
+to do it <i>with the consent</i>, or even at
+the unanimous petition of the people of the District:
+yet for years it has been the southern doctrine, that
+if the people of the District demand of Congress relief
+in this respect, it has power, as their local legislature,
+to grant it, and by abolishing slavery there, carry
+out the will of the citizens. But now new light has
+broken in! The optics of Mr. Clay have pierced the
+millstone with a deeper insight, and discoveries thicken
+faster than they can be telegraphed! Congress has no
+power, O no, not a modicum! to help the slaveholders
+of the District, however loudly they may clamor for
+it. The southern doctrine, that Congress is to the
+District a mere local Legislature to do its pleasure,
+is tumbled from the genitive into the vocative! Hard
+fate--and that too at the hands of those
+who begat it! The reasonings of Messrs. Pinckney and
+Wise, are now found to be wholly at fault, and the
+chanticleer rhetoric of Messrs. Glascock and Garland
+stalks featherless and crest-fallen. For the resolution
+sweeps by the board all those stereotyped common-places,
+such as "Congress a local Legislature,"
+"consent of the District," "bound
+to consult the wishes of the District," with
+other catch phrases, which for the last two sessions
+of Congress have served to eke out scanty supplies.
+It declares, that as slavery existed in <i>Maryland
+and Virginia at the time of the cession, and as</i>
+it still continues <i>in both those states</i>,
+it could not be abolished in the District without a
+violation of "that good faith," &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>But let us see where this principle will lead us.
+If "implied faith" to Maryland and Virginia
+<i>restrains</i> Congress from the abolition of
+slavery in the District, because those states have
+not abolished <i>their</i> slavery, it <i>requires</i>
+Congress to do in the District what those states have
+done within their own limits, <i>i.e</i>., restrain <i>others</i>
+from abolishing it. Upon the same principle Congress
+is <i>bound</i> to <i>prohibit emancipation</i>
+within the District. There is no <i>stopping place</i>
+for this plighted "faith." Congress must
+not only refrain from laying violent hands on slavery,
+and see to it that the slaveholders themselves do not,
+but it is bound to keep the system up to the Maryland
+and Virginia standard of vigor!</p>
+
+<p>Again, if the good faith of Congress to Virginia and
+Maryland requires that slavery should exist in the
+District, while it exists in those states, it requires
+that it should exist there as it exists in those states.
+If to abolish <i>every</i> form of slavery in
+the District would violate good faith, to abolish
+<i>the</i> form existing in those states, and
+to substitute a different one, would also violate it.
+The Congressional "good faith" is to be
+kept not only with <i>slavery</i>, but with the
+<i>Maryland and Virginia systems</i> of slavery.
+The faith of those states being not that Congress
+would maintain a system, but <i>their</i> system;
+otherwise instead of <i>sustaining</i>, Congress
+would counteract their policy--principles
+would be brought into action there conflicting with
+their system, and thus the true sprit of the "implied"
+pledge would be violated. On this principle, so long
+as slaves are "chattels personal" in Virginia
+and Maryland, Congress could not make them <i>real
+estate</i> in the District, as they are in Louisiana;
+nor could it permit slaves to read, nor to worship
+God according to conscience; nor could it grant them
+trial by jury, nor legalize marriage; nor require the
+master to give sufficient food and clothing; nor prohibit
+the violent sundering of families--because
+such provisions would conflict with the existing slave
+laws of Virginia and Maryland, and thus violate the
+"good faith implied," &amp;c. So the principle
+of the resolution binds Congress in all these particulars:
+1st. Not to abolish slavery in the District <i>until</i>
+Virginia and Maryland abolish. 2d. Not to abolish any
+<i>part</i> of it that exists in those states.
+3d. Not to abolish any <i>form</i> or <i>appendage</i>
+of it still existing in those states. 4th. To <i>abolish</i>
+when they do. 5th. To increase or abate its rigors
+<i>when, how,</i> and <i>as</i> the same
+are modified by those states. In a word, Congressional
+action in the District is to float passively in the
+wake of legislative action on the subject in those
+states.</p>
+
+<p>But here comes a dilemma. Suppose the legislation
+of those states should steer different courses--then
+there would be <i>two</i> wakes! Can Congress
+float in both? Yea, verily! Nothing is too hard for
+it! Its obsequiousness equals its "power of
+legislation in <i>all</i> cases whatsoever."
+It can float <i>up</i> on the Virginia tide, and
+ebb down on the Maryland. What Maryland does, Congress
+will do in the Maryland part. What Virginia does,
+Congress will do in the Virginia part. Though it might
+not always be able to run at the bidding of both <i>at
+once</i>, especially in different directions, yet
+if it obeyed orders cheerfully, and "kept in
+its place," according to its "good faith
+implied," impossibilities might not be rigidly
+exacted. True, we have the highest sanction for the
+maxim that no <i>man</i> can serve two masters--but
+if "corporations have no souls," analogy
+would absolve Congress on that score, or at most give
+it only a <i>very small soul</i>--not
+large enough to be at all in the way, as an exception
+to the universal rule laid down in the maxim!</p>
+
+<p>In following out the absurdities of this "implied
+good faith," it will be seen at once that the
+doctrine of Mr. Clay's Resolution extends to
+<i>all the subjects of legislation</i> existing
+in Maryland and Virginia, which exist also within
+the District. Every system, "institution,"
+law, and established usage there, is placed beyond
+Congressional control equally with slavery, and by
+the same "implied faith." The abolition
+of the lottery system in the District as an immorality,
+was a flagrant breach of this "good faith"
+to Maryland and Virginia, as the system "still
+continued in those states." So to abolish imprisonment
+for debt, or capital punishment, to remodel the bank
+system, the power of corporations, the militia law,
+laws of limitation, &amp;c., in the District, <i>unless
+Virginia and Maryland took the lead,</i> would violate
+the "good faith implied in the cession."</p>
+
+<p>That in the acts of cession no such "good faith"
+was "implied" by Virginia and Maryland
+as is claimed in the Resolution, we argue from the
+fact, that in 1784 Virginia ceded to the United States
+all her north-west territory, with the special proviso
+that her citizens inhabiting that territory should
+"have their <i>possessions</i> and <i>titles</i>
+confirmed to them, and be <i>protected</i> in
+the enjoyment of their <i>rights</i> and liberties."
+(See Journals of Congress, <i>vol</i>. 9, p. 63.) The
+cession was made in the form of a deed, and signed
+by Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Hardy, Arthur Lee, and
+James Munroe. Many of these inhabitants <i>held
+slaves.</i> Three years after the cession, the Virginia
+delegation in Congress <i>proposed</i> the passage
+of an ordinance which should abolish slavery, in that
+territory, and declare that it should never thereafter
+exist there. All the members of Congress from Virginia
+and Maryland voted for this ordinance. Suppose some
+member of Congress had during the passage of the ordinance
+introduced the following resolution: "Resolved,
+that when the northwest territory was ceded by Virginia
+to the United States, domestic slavery existed in
+that State, including the ceded territory, and as
+it still continues in that State, it could not be
+abolished within the territory without a violation
+of that good faith, which was implied in the cession
+and in the acceptance of the territory." What
+would have been the indignant response of Grayson,
+Griffin, Madison, and the Lees, in the Congress of
+'87, to such a resolution, and of Carrington,
+Chairman of the Committee, who reported the ratification
+of the ordinance in the Congress of '89, and
+of Page and Parker, who with every other member of
+the Virginia delegation supported it?</p>
+
+<p>But to enumerate all the absurdities into which those
+interested for this resolution have plunged themselves,
+would be to make a quarto inventory. We decline the
+task; and in conclusion merely add, that Mr. Clay,
+in presenting it, and each of the thirty-six Senators
+who voted for it, entered on the records of the Senate,
+and proclaimed to the world, a most unworthy accusation
+against the millions of American citizens who have
+during nearly half a century petitioned the national
+legislature to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia,--charging
+them either with the ignorance or the impiety of praying
+the nation to violate its "Plighted Faith."
+The resolution virtually indicts at the bar of public
+opinion, and brands with odium, all the early Manumission
+Societies, the <i>first</i> petitioners for the
+abolition of slavery in the District, and for a long
+time the only ones, petitioning from year to year
+through evil report and good report, still petitioning,
+by individual societies and in their national conventions.</p>
+
+<p>But as if it were not enough to table the charge against
+such men as Benjamin Rush, William Rawle, John Sergeant,
+Roberts Vaux, Cadwallader Colden, and Peter A. Jay,--to
+whom we may add Rufus King, James Hillhouse, William
+Pinkney, Thomas Addis Emmett, Daniel D. Tompkins, De
+Witt Clinton, James Kent, and Daniel Webster, besides
+eleven hundred citizens of the District itself, headed
+by their Chief Justice and Judges--even
+the sovereign States of Pennsylvania, New-York, Massachusetts,
+Vermont, and Connecticut, whose legislatures have either
+memorialized Congress to abolish slavery in the District,
+or instructed their Senators to move such a measure,
+must be gravely informed by Messrs. Clay, Norvell,
+Niles, Smith, Pierce, Benton, Black, Tipton, and other
+honorable Senators, either that their perception is
+so dull, they know not whereof they affirm, or that
+their moral sense is so blunted they can demand without
+compunction a violation of the nation's faith!</p>
+
+<p>We have spoken already of the concessions unwittingly
+made in this resolution to the true doctrine of Congressional
+power over the District. For that concession, important
+as it is; we have small thanks to render. That such
+a resolution, passed with such an <i>intent</i>,
+and pressing at a thousand points on relations and
+interests vital to the free states, should be hailed,
+as it has been, by a portion of the northern press
+as a "compromise" originating in deference
+to northern interests, and to be received by us as
+a free-will offering of disinterested benevolence,
+demanding our gratitude to the mover,--may
+well cover us with shame. We deserve the humiliation
+and have well earned the mockery. Let it come!</p>
+
+<p>If, after having been set up at auction in the public
+sales-room of the nation, and for thirty years, and
+by each of a score of "compromises," treacherously
+knocked off to the lowest bidder, and that without
+money and without price, the North, plundered and
+betrayed, <i>will not</i>, in this her accepted
+time, consider the things that belong to her peace
+before they are hidden from her eyes, then let her
+eat of the fruit of her own way, and be filled with
+her own devices! Let the shorn and blinded giant grind
+in the prison-house of the Philistines, till taught
+by weariness and pain the folly of entrusting to Delilahs
+the secret and the custody of his strength.</p>
+
+<p>Have the free States bound themselves by an oath never
+to profit by the lessons of experience? If lost to
+reason, are they dead to <i>instinct</i> also?
+Can nothing rouse them to cast about for self preservation?
+And shall a life of tame surrenders be terminated
+by suicidal sacrifice?</p>
+
+<p>A "COMPROMISE!" Bitter irony! Is the plucked
+and hoodwinked North to be wheedled by the sorcery
+of another Missouri compromise? A compromise in which
+the South gained all, and the North lost all, and lost
+it forever. A compromise which embargoed the free
+laborer of the North and West, and, clutched at the
+staff he leaned upon, to turn it into a bludgeon and
+fell him with its stroke. A compromise which wrested
+from liberty her boundless birthright domain, stretching
+westward to the sunset, while it gave to slavery loose
+reins and a free coarse, from the Mississippi to the
+Pacific.</p>
+
+<p>The resolution, as it finally passed, is here inserted.</p>
+
+<p>"Resolved, That the interference by the citizens
+of any of the states, with the view to the abolition
+of slavery in the District, is endangering the rights
+and security of the people of the District; and that
+any act or measure of Congress designed to abolish
+slavery in the District, would be a violation of the
+faith implied in the <i>cessions</i> by the states of
+Virginia and Maryland, a just cause of alarm to the
+people of the slaveholding states, and have a direct
+and inevitable tendency to disturb and endanger the
+Union."</p>
+
+<p>The vote upon the resolution stood as follows:</p>
+
+<p><i>Yeas</i>.--Messrs. Allen, Bayard,
+Benton, Black, Buchanan, Brown, Calhoun, Clay of Alabama,
+Clay of Kentucky, Clayton, Crittenden, Cuthbert, Fulton,
+Grundy, Hubbard, King, Lumpkin, Lyon, Nicholas. Niles,
+Norvell, Pierce, Preston, Rives, Roane, Robinson,
+Sevier, Smith, of Connecticut, Strange, Tallmadge,
+Tipton, Walker, White, Williams, Wright, Young--36.</p>
+
+<p><i>Nays</i>.--Messrs. DAVIS, KNIGHT,
+McKEAN, MORRIS, PRENTISS, RUGGLES, SMITH, of Indiana,
+SWIFT, WEBSTER--9.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+<H2>ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER. No. 6.
+<a name="AE_6"></a>
+<br>
+<br>
+NARRATIVE OF JAMES WILLIAMS, AN AMERICAN SLAVE.</H2>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+ONE DOLLAR PER 100] [143 NASSAU ST. N.Y.
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+
+<h3>PREFACE.</h3>
+
+<p>"American Slavery," said the celebrated
+John Wesley, "is the <i>vilest</i> beneath
+the sun!" Of the truth of this emphatic remark,
+no other proof is required, than an examination of
+the statute books of the American slave states. Tested
+by its own laws, in all that facilitates and protects
+the hateful process of converting a man into a "<i>chattel
+personal</i>;" in all that stamps the law-maker,
+and law-upholder with meanness and hypocrisy, it certainly
+has no present rival of its "bad eminence,"
+and we may search in vain the history of a world's
+despotism for a parallel. The civil code of Justinian
+never acknowledged, with that of our democratic despotisms,
+the essential equality of man. The dreamer in the
+gardens of Epicurus recognized neither in himself,
+nor in the slave who ministered to his luxury, the
+immortality of the spiritual nature. Neither Solon
+nor Lycurgus taught the inalienability of human rights.
+The Barons of the Feudal System, whose maxim was emphatically
+that of Wordsworth's robber,</p>
+<blockquote>
+<p>"That he should take who had the power,<br>
+And he should keep who can."</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>while trampling on the necks of their vassals, and
+counting the life of a man as of less value than that
+of a wild beast, never appealed to God for the sincerity
+of their belief, that all men were created equal. It
+was reserved for American slave-holders to present
+to the world the hideous anomaly of a code of laws,
+beginning with the emphatic declaration of the inalienable
+rights of all men to life, liberty, and the pursuit
+of happiness, and closing with a deliberate and systematic
+denial of those rights, in respect to a large portion
+of their countrymen; engrossing on the same parchment
+the antagonist laws of liberty and tyranny. The very
+nature of this unnatural combination has rendered
+it necessary that American slavery, in law and in practice,
+should exceed every other in severity and cool atrocity.
+The masters of Greece and Rome permitted their slaves
+to read and write and worship the gods of paganism
+in peace and security, for there was nothing in the
+laws, literature, or religion of the age to awaken
+in the soul of the bondman a just sense of his rights
+as a man. But the American slaveholder cannot be thus
+lenient. In the excess of his benevolence, as a political
+propagandist, he has kindled a fire for the oppressed
+of the old world to gaze at with hope, and for crowned
+heads and dynasties to tremble at; but a due regard
+to the safety of his "peculiar institution,"
+compels him to put out the eyes of his own people,
+lest they too should see it. Calling on all the world
+to shake off the fetters of oppression, and wade through
+the blood of tyrants to freedom, he has been compelled
+to smother, in darkness and silence, the minds of
+his own bondmen, lest they too should hear and obey
+the summons, by putting the knife to his own throat.--Proclaiming
+the truths of Divine Revelation, and sending the Scriptures
+to the four quarters of the earth, he has found it
+necessary to maintain heathenism at home by special
+enactments; and to make the second offence of teaching
+his slaves the message of salvation punishable with
+<i>death</i>!</p>
+
+<p>What marvel then that American slavery even on the
+<i>statute book</i> assumes the right to transform
+moral beings into brutes:[<a name="AE2_FR4"></a><a href="#AE2_FN4">A</a>] that it legalizes man's
+usurpation of Divine authority; the substitution of
+the will of the master, for the moral government of
+God: that it annihilates the rights of conscience;
+debars from the enjoyment of religious rights and
+privileges by specific enactments; and enjoins disobedience
+to the Divine lawgiver: that it discourages purity
+and chastity, encourages crime, legalizes concubinage;
+and, while it places the slave entirely in the hands
+of his master, provides no real protection for his
+life or his person.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN4"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR4">A</a>: The <i>cardinal principle</i> of
+slavery, that a slave is not to be ranked among sentient
+beings, but among things, as an article of property,
+a chattel personal, obtains as undoubted law, in all
+the slave states. (Judge Stroud's Sketch of
+Slave Laws, p. 22.)]</p>
+
+<p>But it may be said, that these laws afford no certain
+evidence of the actual condition of the slaves: that,
+in judging the system by its code, no allowance is
+made for the humanity of individual masters. It was
+a just remark of the celebrated Priestley, that "<i>no
+people ever were found to be better than their laws,
+though many have been known to be worse.</i>"
+All history and common experience confirm this. Besides,
+admitting that the legal severity of a system may be
+softened in the practice of the humane, may it not
+also be aggravated by that of the avaricious and cruel?</p>
+
+<p>But what are the testimony and admissions of slaveholders
+themselves on this point? In an Essay published in
+Charleston, S.C., in 1822, and entitled "A Refutation
+of the Calumnies circulated against the Southern and
+Western States," by the late Edwin C. Holland,
+Esq., it is stated, that "all slaveholders have
+laid down non-resistance, and perfect and uniform
+<i>obedience</i> to their orders as fundamental
+principles in the government of their slaves:"
+that this is "a <i>necessary</i> result
+of the relation," and "<i>unavoidable</i>."
+Robert J. Turnbull, Esq., of South Carolina, in remarking
+upon the management of slaves, says, "The only
+principle upon which may authority over them, (the
+slaves,) can be maintained is <i>fear</i>, and
+he who denies this has little knowledge of them."
+To this may be added the testimony of Judge Ruffin,
+of North Carolina, as quoted in Wheeler's Law
+of Slavery, p. 217. "The slave, to remain a
+slave, must feel that there is <i>no appeal from
+his master</i>. No man can anticipate the provocations
+which the slave would give, nor the consequent wrath
+of the master, prompting him to BLOODY VENGEANCE on
+the turbulent traitor, a vengeance <i>generally</i>
+practised with impunity by reason of its <i>privacy</i>."</p>
+
+<p>In an Essay on the "improvement of negroes on
+plantations," by Rev. Thomas S. Clay, a slaveholder
+of Bryan county, Georgia, and Printed at the request
+of the Georgia Presbytery, in 1833, we are told "that
+the present economy of the slave system is <i>to
+get all you can</i> from the slave, and give him
+in return <i>as little as will barely support him
+in a working condition</i>!" Here, in a few
+words, the whole enormity of slavery is exposed to
+view: "to <i>get all you can</i> from the
+slave"--by means of whips and forks
+and irons--by every device for torturing
+the body, without destroying its capability of labor;
+and in return give him as little of his coarse fare
+as will keep him, like a mere beast of burden, in
+a "<i>working condition</i>;" this
+is slavery, as explained by the slaveholder himself.
+Mr. Clay further says: "<i>Offences against
+the master</i> are more severely punished than
+violations of the law of God, a fault which affects
+the slave's personal character a good deal. As
+examples we may notice, that <i>running away</i>
+is more severely punished than adultery." "He
+(the slave) only knows his master as lawgiver and
+executioner, and the <i>sole object of punishment</i>
+held up to his view, is to make him <i>a more obedient
+and profitable slave</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Hon. W.B. Seabrook, in an address before the Agricultural
+Society of St. John's, Colleton, published by
+order of the Society, at Charleston, in 1834, after
+stating that "as Slavery exists in South Carolina,
+the action of the citizens should rigidly conform
+to that state of things:" and, that "no
+<i>abstract opinions of the rights of man</i>
+should be allowed in any instance to modify the <i>police
+system of a plantation</i>," proceeds as
+follows. "<i>He</i> (the slave) <i>should
+be practically treated as a slave</i>; and thoroughly
+taught the true cardinal principle on which our peculiar
+institutions are founded, <i>viz</i>.; that to his owner
+he is bound by the law of God and man; and that no
+human authority can sever the link which unites them.
+The great aim of the slaveholder, then, should be
+to keep his people in strict <i>subordination</i>.
+In this, it may in truth be said, lies his <i>entire
+duty</i>." Again, in speaking of the punishments
+of slaves, he remarks: "If to our army the disuse
+of THE LASH has been prejudicial, to the slaveholder
+it would operate to deprive him of the MAIN SUPPORT
+of his authority. For the first class of offences,
+I consider imprisonment in THE STOCKS[<a name="AE2_FR5"></a><a href="#AE2_FN5">A</a>] at night,
+with or without hard labor by day, as a powerful auxiliary
+in the cause of <i>good</i> government."
+"<i>Experience</i> has convinced me that
+there is no punishment to which the slave looks with
+more horror, than that upon which I am commenting,
+(the stocks,) and none which has been attended with
+happier results."</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN5"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR5">A</a>: Of the nature of this punishment in the
+stocks, something may be learned by the following
+extract of a letter from a gentleman in Tallahassee,
+Florida, to the editor of the Ohio Atlas, dated June
+9, 1835: "A planter, a <i>professer</i> of religion,
+in conversing upon the universality of whipping, remarked,
+that a planter in G____, who had whipped a great deal,
+at length got tired of it, and invented the following
+<i>excellent</i> method of punishment, which I
+saw practised while I was paying him a visit. The
+negro was placed in a sitting position, with his hands
+made fast above his head, and his feet in the stocks,
+so that he could not move any part of the body. The
+master retired, intending to leave him till morning,
+but we were awakened in the night by the groans of
+the negro, which were so doleful that we feared he
+was dying. We went to him, and found him covered with
+a cold sweat, and almost gone. He could not have lived
+an hour longer. Mr. ---- found the
+'stocks' such an effective punishment,
+that it almost superseded the whip."]</p>
+
+<p>There is yet another class of testimony quite as pertinent
+as the foregoing, which may at any time be gleaned
+from the newspapers of the slave states--the
+advertisements of masters for their runaway slaves,
+and casual paragraphs coldly relating cruelties, which
+would disgrace a land of Heathenism. Let the following
+suffice for a specimen:</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>To the Editors of the Constitutionalist.</p>
+
+<p><i>Aiken, S.C., Dec.</i> 20, 1836.</p>
+
+<p>I have just returned from an inquest I held over the
+dead body of a negro man, a runaway, that was shot
+near the South Edisto, in this district, (Barnwell,)
+on Saturday morning last. He came to his death by
+his own recklessness. He refused to be taken alive;
+and said that other attempts to take him had been
+made, and he was determined that he would not be taken.
+When taken he was nearly naked--had a large
+dirk or knife and a heavy club. He was at first, (when
+those who were in pursuit of him found it absolutely
+necessary,) shot at with small shot, with the intention
+of merely crippling him. He was shot at several times,
+and at last he was so disabled as to be compelled
+to surrender. He kept in the run of a creek in a very
+dense swamp all the time that the neighbors were in
+pursuit of him. As soon as the negro was taken, the
+best medical aid was procured, but he died on the
+same evening. One of the witnesses at the inquisition
+stated that the negro boy said that he was from Mississippi,
+and belonged to so many persons he did not know who
+his master was; but again he said his master's
+name was <i>Brown</i>. He said his own name was
+Sam; and when asked by another witness who his master
+was, he muttered something like Augusta or Augustine.
+The boy was apparently above 35 or 40 years of age--about
+six feet high--slightly yellow in the face--very
+long beard or whiskers--and very stout built,
+and a stern countenance; and appeared to have been
+run away a long time.</p>
+
+<p>WILLIAM H. PRITCHARD,</p>
+
+<p><i>Coroner, (ex officio,) Barnwell Dist., S.C</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Mississippi and other papers will please copy
+the above.--<i>Georgia<br>
+Constitutionalist</i>.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>$100 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber,
+living on Herring Bay, Ann Arundel county, <i>Md</i>.,
+on Saturday, 28th January, negro man Elijah, who calls
+himself Elijah Cook, is about 21 years of age, well
+made, of a very dark complexion has an impediment
+in his speech, and <i>a scar on his left cheek bone,
+apparently occasioned by a shot</i>.</p>
+
+<p>J. SCRIVENER. Annapolis (<i>Md</i>.) Rep., Feb., 1837.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>$40 REWARD.--Ran away from my residence
+near Mobile, two negro men, Isaac and Tim. Isaac is
+from 25 to 30 years old, dark complexion, scar on
+the right side of the head, and also one on the right
+side of the body, occasioned by BUCK SHOT. Tim is
+22 years old, dark complexion, scar on the right cheek,
+as also another on the back of the neck. Captains
+and owners of steamboats, vessels, and water crafts
+of every description, are cautioned against taking
+them on board under the penalty of the law; and all
+other persons against harboring or in any manner favoring
+the escape of said negroes under like penalty.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mobile, Sept</i>. 1. SARAH WALSH. Montgomery
+(Ala.) Advertiser, Sept. 29, 1837.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>$200 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber,
+about three years ago, a certain negro man named Ben,
+(commonly known by the name of Ben Fox.) He is about
+five feet five or six inches high, chunky made, yellow
+complexion, and has but one eye. Also, one other negro,
+by the name of Rigdon, who ran away on the 8th of
+this month. He is stout made, tall, and very black,
+with large lips.</p>
+
+<p>I will give the reward of one hundred dollars for
+each of the above negroes, to be delivered to me or
+confined in the jail of Lenoir or Jones county, or
+<i>for the killing of them so that I can see them</i>.
+Masters of vessels and all others are cautioned against
+harboring, employing, or carrying them away, under
+the penalty of the law.</p>
+
+<p>W.D. COBB. <i>Lenoir county, N.C., Nov</i>. 12,
+1836.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"A negro who had absconded from his master,
+and for who a reward was offered of $100, has been
+apprehended and committed to prison in Savannah, Georgia.
+The Editor who states the fact, adds, with as much
+coolness as though there was no barbarity in the matter,
+that he did not surrender until he was considerably
+<i>maimed by the dogs</i>[<a name="AE2_FR6"></a><a href="#AE2_FN6">A</a>] that had been set
+on him,--desperately fighting them, one of
+which he cut badly with a sword."</p>
+
+<p><i>New-York Commercial Advertiser, June</i>,
+8, 1827.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN6"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR6">A</a>: In regard to the use of bloodhounds,
+for the recapture of runaway slaves, we insert the
+following from the New-York Evangelist, being an extract
+of a letter from Natchez (Miss.) under date of January
+31, 1835: "An instance was related to me in Claiborne
+County, in Mississippi. A runaway was heard about
+the house in the night. The hound was put upon his
+track, and in the morning was found watching the dead
+body of the negro. The dogs are trained to this service
+when young. A negro is directed to go into the woods
+and secure himself upon a tree. When sufficient time
+has elapsed for doing this, the hound is put upon
+his track. The blacks are compelled to worry them until
+they make them their implacable enemies: and it is
+common to meet with dogs which will take no notice
+of whites, though entire strangers, but will suffer
+no blacks beside the house servants to enter the yard."]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>From the foregoing evidence on the part of slaveholders
+themselves, we gather the following facts:</p>
+
+<p>1. That perfect obedience is required of the slave--that
+he is made to feel that there is no appeal from his
+master.</p>
+
+<p>2. That the authority of the master is only maintained
+by fear--a "<i>reign of terror</i>."</p>
+
+<p>3. That "the economy of slavery is to <i>get
+all you can</i> from the slave, and give him in
+return as little as will barely support him in a working
+condition."</p>
+
+<p>4. That runaway slaves may be shot down with impunity
+by any white person.</p>
+
+<p>5. That masters offer rewards for "<i>killing</i>"
+their slaves, "<i>so that they may see them</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>6. That slaves are branded with hot irons, and very
+much scarred with the whip.</p>
+
+<p>7. That <i>iron collars</i>, with projecting
+prongs, rendering it almost impossible for the wearer
+to lie down, are fastened upon the <i>necks of women</i>.</p>
+
+<p>8. That the LASH is the MAIN SUPPORT of the slaveholder's
+authority: but, that the <i>stocks</i> are "a
+powerful auxiliary" to his government.</p>
+
+<p>9. That runaway slaves are chased with dogs--men
+hunted like beasts of prey.</p>
+
+<p>Such is American Slavery in practice.</p>
+
+<p>The testimony thus far adduced is only that of the
+slaveholder and wrong-doer himself: the admission
+of men who have a direct interest in keeping out of
+sight the horrors of their system. It is besides no
+voluntary admission. Having "framed iniquity
+by law," it is out of their power to hide it.
+For the recovery of their runaway property, they are
+compelled to advertise in the public journals, and
+that it may be identified, they are under the necessity
+of describing the marks of the whip on the backs of
+women, the iron collars about the neck--the
+gun-shot wounds, and the traces of the branding-iron.
+Such testimony must, in the nature of things, be partial
+and incomplete. But for a full revelation of the secrets
+of the prison-house, we must look to the slave himself.
+The Inquisitors of Goa and Madrid never disclosed the
+peculiar atrocities of their "hall of horrors."
+It was the escaping heretic, with his swollen and
+disjointed limbs, and bearing about him the scars of
+rack and fire, who exposed them to the gaze and abhorrence
+of Christendom.</p>
+
+<p>The following pages contain the simple and unvarnished
+story of an AMERICAN SLAVE,--of one, whose
+situation, in the first place, as a favorite servant
+in an aristocratic family in Virginia; and afterwards
+as the sole and confidential driver on a large plantation
+in Alabama, afforded him rare and peculiar advantages
+for accurate observation of the practical workings
+of the system. His intelligence, evident candor, and
+grateful remembrance of those kindnesses, which in
+a land of Slavery, made his cup of suffering less
+bitter; the perfect accordance of his statements,
+(made at different times, and to different individuals),[<a name="AE2_FR7"></a><a href="#AE2_FN7">B</a>]
+one with another, as well as those statements themselves,
+all afford strong confirmation of the truth and accuracy
+of his story. There seems to have been no effort,
+on his part to make his picture of Slavery one of
+entire darkness--he details every thing of
+a mitigating character which fell under his observation;
+and even the cruel deception of his master has not
+rendered him unmindful of his early kindness.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN7"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR7">B</a>: The reader is referred to JOHN G. WHITTIER,
+of Philadelphia, or to the following gentlemen, who
+have heard the whole, or a part of his story, from
+his own lips: Emmor Kimber, of Kimberton, Pa., Lindley
+Coates, of Lancaster Co., do.; James Mott, of Philadelphia,
+Lewis Tappan, Elizur Wright Jun., Rev. Dr. Follen,
+and James G. Birney, of New York. The latter gentleman,
+who was a few years ago, a citizen of Alabama, assures
+us that the statements made to him by James Williams,
+were such as he had every reason to believe, from his
+own knowledge of slavery in that State.]</p>
+
+<p>The editor is fully aware that he has not been able
+to present this affecting narrative in the simplicity
+and vivid freshness with which it fell from the lips
+of the narrator. He has, however, as closely as possible,
+copied his manner, and in many instances his precise
+language. THE SLAVE HAS SPOKEN FOR HIMSELF. Acting
+merely as his amanuensis, he has carefully abstained
+from comments of his own.[<a name="AE2_FR8"></a><a href="#AE2_FN8">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN8"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR8">A</a>: As the narrator was unable to read or
+write, it is quite possible that the orthography of
+some of the names of individuals mentioned in his
+story may not be entirely correct. For instance, the
+name of his master may have been either Larrimer, or
+Larrrimore.]</p>
+
+<p>The picture here presented to the people of the free
+states, is, in many respects, a novel one. We all
+know something of Virginia and Kentucky Slavery. We
+have heard of the internal slave trade--the
+pangs of separation--the slave ship with
+its "cargo of despair" bound for the New-Orleans
+market--the weary journey of the chained
+Coffle to the cotton country. But here, in a great
+measure, we have lost sight of the victims of avarice
+and lust. We have not studied the dreadful economy
+of the cotton plantation, and know but little of the
+secrets of its unlimited despotism.</p>
+
+<p>But in this narrative the scenes of the plantation
+rise before us, with a distinctness which approaches
+reality. We hear the sound of the horn at daybreak,
+calling the sick and the weary to toil unrequited.
+Woman, in her appealing delicacy and suffering, about
+to become a mother, is fainting under the lash, or
+sinking exhausted beside her cotton row. We hear the
+prayer for mercy answered with sneers and curses. We
+look on the instruments of torture, and the corpses
+of murdered men. We see the dogs, reeking hot from
+the chase, with their jaws foul with human blood.
+We see the meek and aged Christian scarred with the
+lash, and bowed down with toil, offering the supplication
+of a broken heart to his Father in Heaven, for the
+forgiveness of his brutal enemy. We hear, and from
+our inmost hearts repeat the affecting interrogatory
+of the aged slave, <i>"How long, Oh Lord! how long!"</i></p>
+
+<p>The editor has written out the details of this painful
+narrative with feelings of sorrow. If there be any
+who feel a morbid satisfaction in dwelling upon the
+history of outrage and cruelty, he at least is not
+one of them. His taste and habits incline him rather
+to look to the pure and beautiful in our nature--the
+sunniest side of humanity--its kindly sympathies--its
+holy affections--its charities and its love.
+But, it is because he has seen that all which is thus
+beautiful and excellent in mind and heart, perishes
+in the atmosphere of slavery: it is because humanity
+in the slave sinks down to a level with the brute and
+in the master gives place to the attributes of a fiend--that
+he has not felt at liberty to decline the task. He
+cannot sympathize with that abstract and delicate
+philanthropy, which hesitates to bring itself in contact
+with the sufferer, and which shrinks from the effort
+of searching out the extent of his afflictions. The
+emblem of Practical Philanthropy is the Samaritan
+stooping over the wounded Jew. It must be no fastidious
+hand which administers the oil and the wine, and binds
+up the unsightly gashes.</p>
+
+<p>Believing, as he does, that this narrative is one
+of truth; that it presents an unexaggerated picture
+of Slavery as it exists on the cotton plantations
+of the South and West, he would particularly invite
+to its perusal, those individuals, and especially
+those professing Christians at the North, who have
+ventured to claim for such a system, the sanction
+and approval of the Religion of Jesus Christ. In view
+of the facts here presented, let these men seriously
+inquire of themselves, whether in advancing such a
+claim, they are not uttering a higher and more audacious
+blasphemy than any which ever fell from the pens of
+Voltaire and Paine. As if to cover them with confusion,
+and leave them utterly without excuse for thus libelling
+the character of a just God, these developments are
+making, and the veil rising, which for long years of
+sinful apathy has rested upon the abominations of American
+Slavery. Light is breaking into it's dungeons,
+disclosing the wreck of buried intellect--of
+hearts broken--of human affections outraged--of
+souls ruined. The world will see it as God has always
+seen it; and when He shall at length make inquisition
+for blood, and His vengeance kindle over the habitations
+of cruelty, with a destruction more terrible than
+that of Sodom and Gomorrah, His righteous dealing will
+be justified of man, and His name glorified among
+the nations, and there will be a voice of rejoicing
+in Earth and in Heaven. ALLELUIA!--THE PROMISE
+IS FULFILLED!--FOR THE SIGHING OF THE POOR
+AND THE OPPRESSION OF THE NEEDY, GOD HATH RISEN!</p>
+
+<p>It is the earnest desire of the Editor, that this
+narrative may be the means, under God, of awakening
+in the hearts of all who read it, a sympathy for the
+oppressed which shall manifest itself in immediate,
+active, self-sacrificing exertion for their deliverance;
+and, while it excites abhorrence of his crimes, call
+forth pity for the oppressor. May it have the effect
+to prevent the avowed and associated friends of the
+slave, from giving such an undue importance to their
+own trials and grievances, as to forget in a great
+measure the sorrows of the slave. Let its cry of <i>wo</i>,
+coming up from the plantations of the South, suppress
+every feeling of selfishness in our hearts. Let our
+regret and indignation at the denial of the right
+of petition, be felt only because we are thereby prevented
+from pleading in the Halls of Congress for the "suffering
+and the dumb." And let the fact, that we are
+shut out from half the territory of our country, be
+lamented only because it prevents us from bearing
+personally to the land of Slavery, the messages of
+hope for the slave, and of rebuke and warning for
+the oppressor.</p>
+
+<p><i>New-York, 24th 1st mo.</i>, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h3>NARRATIVE</h3>
+
+<p>I was born in Powhatan County, Virginia, on the plantation
+of George Larrimore. Sen., at a place called Mount
+Pleasant, on the 16th of May 1805. May father was
+the slave of an orphan family whose name I have forgotten,
+and was under the care of a Mr. Brooks, guardian of
+the family. He was a native of Africa, and was brought
+over when a mere child, with his mother. My mother
+was the slave of George Larrimore, Sen. She was nearly
+white, and is well known to have been the daughter
+of Mr. Larrimore himself. She died when myself and
+my twin brother Meshech were five years of age--I
+can scarcely remember her. She had in all eight children,
+of whom only five are now living. One, a brother,
+belongs to the heirs of the late Mr. Brockenbrough
+of Charlottesville; of whom he hires his time, and
+pays annually $120 for it. He is a member of the Baptist
+church, and used to preach occasionally. His wife is
+a free woman from Philadelphia, and being able to
+read and write, taught her husband. The whites do
+not know that he can write, and have often wondered
+that he could preach so well without learning. It is
+the practice when a church is crowded, to turn the
+blacks out of their seats. My brother did not like
+this, and on one occasion preached a sermon from a
+text, showing that all are of one blood. Some of the
+whites who heard it, said that such preaching would
+raise an insurrection among the negroes. Two of them
+told him that if he would prove his doctrine by Scripture,
+they would let him go, but if he did not, he should
+have nine and thirty lashes. He accordingly preached
+another sermon and spoke with a great deal of boldness.
+The two men who were in favor of having him whipped,
+left before the sermon was over; those who remained,
+acknowledged that he had proved his doctrine, and
+preached a good sermon, and many of them came up and
+shook hands with him. The two opposers, Scott and
+Brockley, forbid my brother, after this, to come upon
+their estates. They were both Baptists, and my brother
+had before preached to their people. During the cholera
+at Richmond, my brother preached a sermon, in which
+he compared the pestilence to the plagues, which afflicted
+the Egyptian slaveholders, because they would not
+let the people go. After the sermon some of the whites
+threatened to whip him. Mr. Valentine, a merchant on
+Shocko Hill prevented them; and a young lawyer named
+Brooks said it was wrong to threaten a man for preaching
+the truth. Since the insurrection of Nat. Turner he
+has not been allowed to preach much.</p>
+
+<p>My twin brother was for some time the property of
+Mr. John Griggs, of Richmond, who sold him about three
+years since, to an Alabama Cotton Planter, with whom
+he staid one year, and then ran away and in all probability
+escaped into the free states or Canada, as he was seen
+near the Maryland line. My other brother lives in
+Fredericksburg, and belongs to a Mr. Scott, a merchant
+formerly of Richmond. He was sold from Mr. Larrimore's
+plantation because his wife was a slave of Mr. Scott.
+My only sister is the slave of John Smith, of King
+William. Her husband was the slave of Mr. Smith, when
+the latter lived in Powhatan county, and when he removed
+to King William, she was taken with her husband.</p>
+
+<p>My old master, George Larrimore, married Jane Roane,
+the sister of a gentleman named John Roane, one of
+the most distinguished men in Virginia, who in turn
+married a sister of my master. One of his sisters
+married a Judge Scott, and another married Mr. Brockenbrough
+of Charlottesville. Mr. Larrimore had three children;
+George, Jane, and Elizabeth. The former was just ten
+days older than myself; and I was his playmate and
+constant associate in childhood. I used to go with
+him to his school, and carry his books for him as
+far as the door, and meet him there when the school
+was dismissed. We were very fond of each other, and
+frequently slept together. He taught me the letters
+of the alphabet, and I should soon have acquired a
+knowledge of reading, had not George's mother
+discovered her son in the act of teaching me. She took
+him aside and severely reprimanded him. When I asked
+him, not long after, to tell me more of what he had
+learned at school, he said that his mother had forbidden
+him to do so any more, as her father had a slave, who
+was instructed in reading and writing, and on that
+account proved very troublesome. He could, they said,
+imitate the hand-writing of the neighboring planters,
+and used to write passes and certificates of freedom
+for the slaves, and finally wrote one for himself,
+and went off to Philadelphia, from whence her father
+received from him a saucy letter, thanking him for
+his education.</p>
+
+<p>The early years of my life went by pleasantly. The
+bitterness of my lot I had not yet realized. Comfortably
+clothed and fed, kindly treated by my old master and
+mistress and the young ladies, and the playmate and
+confidant of my young master, I did not dream of the
+dark reality of evil before me.</p>
+
+<p>When he was fourteen years of age, master George went
+to his uncle Brockenbrough's at Charlottesville,
+as a student of the University. After his return from
+College, he went to Paris and other parts of Europe,
+and spent three or four years in study and travelling.
+In the mean time I was a waiter in the house, dining-room
+servant, &amp;c. My old master visited and received visits
+from a great number of the principal families in Virginia.
+Each summer, with his family, he visited the Sulphur
+Springs and the mountains. While George was absent,
+I went with him to New-Orleans, in the winter season,
+on account of his failing health. We spent three days
+in Charleston, at Mr. McDuffie's, with whom
+my master was on intimate terms. Mr. McDuffie spent
+several days on one occasion at Mt. Pleasant. He took
+a fancy to me, and offered my master the servant whom
+he brought with him and $500 beside, for me. My master
+considered it almost an insult, and said after he was
+gone, that Mr. McDuffie needed money to say the least,
+as much as he did.</p>
+
+<p>He had a fine house in Richmond, and used to spend
+his winters there with his family, taking me with
+him. He was not there much at other times, except
+when the Convention of 1829 for amending the State
+Constitution, was held in that city. He had a quarrel
+with Mr. Neal of Richmond Co., in consequence of some
+remarks upon the subject of Slavery. It came near
+terminating in a duel. I recollect that during the
+sitting of the Convention, my master asked me before
+several other gentlemen, if I wished to be free and
+go back to my own country. I looked at him with surprise,
+and inquired what country?</p>
+
+<p>"Africa, to be sure," said he, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>I told him that was not my country--that
+I was born in Virginia.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes," said he, "but your father
+was born in Africa." He then said that there
+was a place on the African coast called Liberia where
+a great many free blacks were going; and asked me
+to tell him honestly, whether I would prefer to be
+set free on condition of going to Africa, or live
+with him and remain a slave. I replied that I had rather
+be as I was.</p>
+
+<p>I have frequently heard him speak against slavery
+to his visitors. I heard him say on one occasion,
+when some gentlemen were arguing in favor of sending
+the free colored people to Africa, that this was as
+really the black man's country as the white's,
+and that it would be as humane to knock the free negroes,
+at once, on the head, as to send them to Liberia.
+He was a kind man to his slaves. He was proud of them,
+and of the reputation he enjoyed of feeding and clothing
+them well. They were as near as I can judge about
+300 in number. He never to my knowledge sold a slave,
+unless to go with a wife or husband, and at the slave's
+own request. But all except the very wealthiest planters
+in his neighborhood sold them frequently. John Smoot
+of Powhatan Co. has sold a great number. Bacon Tait[<a name="AE2_FR9"></a><a href="#AE2_FN9">A</a>]
+used to be one of the principal purchasers. He had
+a jail at Richmond where he kept them. There were many
+others who made a business of buying and selling slaves.
+I saw on one occasion while travelling with my master,
+a gang of nearly two hundred men fastened with chains.
+The women followed unchained and the children in wagons.
+It was a sorrowful sight. Some were praying, some crying,
+and they all had a look of extreme wretchedness. It
+is an awful thing to a Virginia slave to be sold for
+the Alabama and Mississippi country. I have known
+some of them to die of grief, and others to commit
+suicide, on account of it.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN9"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR9">A</a>: Bacon Tait's advertisement of "new
+and commodious buildings" for the keeping of
+negroes, situated at the corner of 15th and Carey
+streets, appears in the Richmond Whig of Sept. 1896.--EDITOR.]</p>
+
+<p>In my seventeenth year, I was married to a girl named
+Harriet, belonging to John Gatewood, a planter living
+about four miles from Mr. Pleasant. She was about
+a year younger than myself--was a tailoress,
+and used to cut out clothes for the hands.</p>
+
+<p>We were married by a white clergyman named Jones;
+and were allowed to or three weeks to ourselves, which
+we spent in visiting and other amusements.</p>
+
+<p>The field hands are seldom married by a clergyman.
+They simply invite their friends together, and have
+a wedding party.</p>
+
+<p>Our two eldest children died in their infancy: two
+are now living. The youngest was only two months old
+when I saw him for the last time. I used to visit
+my wife on Saturday and Sunday evenings.</p>
+
+<p>My young master came back from Europe in delicate
+health. He was advised by his physicians to spend
+the winter in New-Orleans, whither he accordingly
+went, taking me with him. Here he became acquainted
+with a French lady of one of the first families in
+the city. The next winter he also spent in New-Orleans,
+and on his third visit, three years after his return
+from Europe, he was married to the lady above mentioned.
+In May he returned to Mt. Pleasant, and found the
+elder Larrimore on his sick bed, from which he never
+rose again. He died on the 14th of July. There was
+a great and splendid funeral, as his relatives and
+friends were numerous.</p>
+
+<p>His large property was left principally in the hands
+of his widow until her decease, after which it was
+to be divided among the three children. In February
+Mrs. Larrimore also died. The administrators upon the
+estate were John Green, Esq., and Benjamin Temple.
+My young master came back from Europe in delicate
+health. He way advised by his physicians to spend
+the winter in New-Orleans, whither he accordingly went,
+taking me with him. Here he became acquainted with
+a French lady of one of the first families in the
+city. The next winter he also spent in New-Orleans,
+and on his third visit, three years after his return
+from Europe, he was married to the lady above mentioned.
+In May he returned to Mt. Pleasant, and found the
+elder Larrimore on his sick bed, from which he never
+rose again. He died on the 14th of July. There was
+a great and splendid funeral, as his relatives and
+friends were numerous.</p>
+
+<p>His large property was left principally in the hands
+of his widow until her decease, after which it was
+to be divided among the three children. In February
+Mrs. Larrimore also died. The administrators upon the
+estate were John Green, Esq., and Benjamin Temple.</p>
+
+<p>My young mistresses, Jane and Elizabeth, were very
+kind to the servants. They seemed to feel under obligations
+to afford them every comfort and gratification, consistent
+with the dreadful relation of ownership which they
+sustained towards them. Whipping was scarcely known
+on the estate; and, whenever it did take place, it
+was invariably against the wishes of the young ladies.</p>
+
+<p>But the wife of master George was of a disposition
+entirely the reverse. Feeble, languid, and inert,
+sitting motionless for hours at her window, or moving
+her small fingers over the strings of her guitar, to
+some soft and languishing air, she would have seemed
+to a stranger incapable of rousing herself from that
+indolent repose, in which mind as well as body participated.
+But, the slightest disregard of her commands--and
+sometimes even the neglect to anticipate her wishes,
+on the part of the servants; was sufficient to awake
+her. The inanimate and delicate beauty then changed
+into a stormy virago. Her black eyes flawed and sparkled
+with a snaky fierceness, her full lips compressed,
+and her brows bent and darkened. Her very voice, soft
+and sweet when speaking to her husband, and exquisitely
+fine and melodious, when accompanying her guitar,
+was at such times, shrill, keen, and loud. She would
+order the servants of my young mistresses upon her
+errands, and if they pleaded their prior duty to obey
+the calls of another, would demand that they should
+be forthwith whipped for their insolence. If the young
+ladies remonstrated with her, she met them with a
+perfect torrent of invective and abuse. In these paroxysms
+of fury she always spoke in French, with a vehemence
+and volubility, which strongly contrasted with the
+calmness and firmness of the young ladies. She would
+boast of what she had done in New-Orleans, and of
+the excellent discipline of her father's slaves.
+She said she had gone down in the night to the cell
+under her father's house, and whipped the slaves
+confined there with her own hands. I had heard the
+same thing from her father's servants at New-Orleans,
+when I was there with my master. She brought with
+her from New-Orleans a girl named Frances. I have
+seen her take her by the ear, lead her up to the side
+of the room, and beat her head against it. At other
+times she would snatch off her slipper and strike
+the girl on her face and head with it.</p>
+
+<p>She seldom manifested her evil temper before master
+George. When she did, he was greatly troubled, and
+he used to speak to his sisters about it. Her manner
+towards him was almost invariably that of extreme
+fondness. She was dark complexioned, but very beautiful;
+and the smile of welcome with which she used to meet
+him was peculiarly fascinating. I did not marvel that
+<i>he</i> loved her; while at the same time, in
+common with all the house servants, I regarded her
+as a being possessed with an evil spirit,--half
+woman, and half fiend.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the settlement of the estate, I heard my
+master speak of going out to Alabama. His wife had
+1500 acres of wild land in Greene County in that State:
+and he had been negociating for 500 more. Early in
+the summer of 1833, he commenced making preparations
+for removing to that place a sufficient number of
+hands to cultivate it. He took great pains to buy
+up the wives and husbands of those of his own slaves
+who had married out of the estate, in order, as he
+said, that his hands might be contented in Alabama,
+and not need chaining together while on their journey.
+It is always found necessary by the regular slave-traders,
+in travelling with their slaves to the far South, to
+handcuff and chain their wretched victims, who have
+been bought up as the interest of the trader, and
+the luxury or necessities of the planter may chance
+to require, without regard to the ties sundered or
+the affections made desolate, by these infernal bargains.
+About the 1st of September, after the slaves destined
+for Alabama had taken a final farewell of their old
+home, and of the friends they were leaving behind,
+our party started on their long journey. There were
+in all 214 slaves, men, women and children. The men
+and women travelled on foot--the small children
+in the wagons, containing the baggage, &amp;c. Previous
+to my departure, I visited my wife and children at
+Mr. Gatewood's. I took leave of them with the
+belief that I should return with my master, as soon
+as he had seen his hands established on his new plantation.
+I took my children in my arms and embraced them; my
+wife, who was a member of the Methodist church, implored
+the blessing of God upon me, during my absence, and
+I turned away to follow my master.</p>
+
+<p>Our journey was a long and tedious one, especially
+to those who were compelled to walk the whole distance.
+My master rode in a sulky, and I, as his body servant,
+on horseback: When we crossed over the Roanoke, and
+were entering upon North Carolina, I remember with
+what sorrowful countenances and language the poor
+slaves looked back for the last time upon the land
+of their nativity. It was their last farewell to Old
+Virginia. We passed through Georgia, and crossing the
+Chattahoochee, entered Alabama. Our way for many days
+was through a sandy tract of country, covered with
+pine woods, with here and there the plantation of
+an Indian or a half-breed. After crossing what is called
+Line Creek, we found large plantations along the road,
+at intervals of four or five miles. The aspect of
+the whole country was wild and forbidding, save to
+the eye of a cotton-planter. The clearings were all
+new, and the houses rudely constructed of logs. The
+cotton fields, were skirted with an enormous growth
+of oak, pine, and other wood. Charred stumps stood
+thickly in the clearings, with here and there a large
+tree girdled by the axe and left to decay. We reached
+at last the place of our destination. It was a fine
+tract of land with a deep rich soil. We halted on
+a small knoll, where the tents were pitched, and the
+wagons unladen. I spent the night with my master at
+a neighboring plantation, which was under the care
+of an overseer named Flincher.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning my master received a visit from a
+man named Huckstep, who had undertaken the management
+of his plantation as an overseer. He had been an overseer
+on cotton plantations many years in Georgia and North
+Carolina. He was apparently about forty years of age,
+with a sunburnt and sallow countenance. His thick
+shock of black hair was marked in several places with
+streaks of white, occasioned as he afterwards told
+me by blows received from slaves whom he was chastising.</p>
+
+<p>After remaining in the vicinity for about a week,
+my master took me aside one morning--told
+me he was going to Selma in Dallas County, and wished
+me to be in readiness on his return the next day, to
+start for Virginia. This was to me cheering news.
+I spent that day and the next among my old fellow
+servants who had lived with me in Virginia. Some of
+them had messages to send by me to their friends and
+acquaintances. In the afternoon of the second day
+after my master's departure, I distributed,
+among them all the money which I had about me, <i>viz</i>.,
+fifteen dollars. I noticed that the overseer Huckstep
+laughed at this and called me a fool: and that whenever
+I spoke of going home with my master, his countenance
+indicated something between a smile and a sneer.</p>
+
+<p>Night came; but contrary to his promise, my master
+did not come. I still however expected him the next
+day. But another night came, and he had not returned.
+I grew uneasy, and inquired of Huckstep where be thought
+my master was.</p>
+
+<p>"On his way to Old Virginia," said he,
+with a malicious laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"But," said I. "Master George told
+me that he should come back and take me with him to
+Virginia."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, boy," said the overseer, "I'll
+now tell ye what master George, as you call him, told
+me. You are to stay here and act as driver of the
+field hands. That was the order. So you may as well
+submit to it at once."</p>
+
+<p>I stood silent and horror-struck. Could it be that
+the man whom I had served faithfully from our mutual
+boyhood, whose slightest wish had been my law, to
+serve whom I would have laid down my life, while I
+had confidence in his integrity--could it
+be that he had so cruelly and wickedly deceived me?
+I looked at the overseer. He stood laughing at me
+in my agony.</p>
+
+<p>"Master George gave you no such orders,"
+I exclaimed, maddened by the overseer's look
+and manner.</p>
+
+<p>The overseer looked at me with a fiendish grin. "None
+of your insolence," said he, with a dreadful
+oath. "I never saw a Virginia nigger that I
+couldn't manage, proud as they are. Your master
+has left you in my hands, and you must obey my orders.
+If you don't, why I shall have to make you '<i>hug
+the widow there</i>,'" pointing to a
+tree, to which I afterwards found the slaves were
+tied when they were whipped.</p>
+
+<p>That night was one of sleepless agony. Virginia--the
+hills and the streams of my birth-place; the kind
+and hospitable home; the gentle-hearted sisters, sweetening
+with their sympathy the sorrows of the slave--my
+wife--my children--all that had
+thus far made up my happiness, rose in contrast with
+my present condition. Deeply as he has wronged me,
+may my master himself never endure such a night of
+misery!</p>
+
+<p>At daybreak, Huckstep told me to dress myself, and
+attend to his directions. I rose, subdued and wretched,
+and at his orders handed the horn to the headmen of
+the gang, who summoned the hands to the field. They
+were employed in clearing land for cultivation, cutting
+trees and burning. I was with them through the day,
+and at night returned once more to my lodgings to
+be laughed at by the overseer. He told me that I should
+do well, he did not doubt, by and by, but that a Virginia
+driver generally had to be whipped a few times himself
+before he could be taught to do justice to the slaves
+under his charge. They were not equal to those raised
+in North Carolina, for keeping the lazy hell-hounds,
+as he called the slaves, at work.</p>
+
+<p>And this was my condition!--a driver set
+over more than one hundred and sixty of my kindred
+and friends, wish orders to apply the whip unsparingly
+to every one, whether man or woman, who faltered in
+the task, or was careless in the execution of it,
+myself subject at any moment to feel the accursed
+lash upon my own back, if feelings of humanity should
+perchance overcome the selfishness of misery, and induce
+me to spare and pity.</p>
+
+<p>I lived in the same house with Huckstep,--a
+large log house, roughly finished; where we were waited
+upon by an old woman, whom we used to call aunt Polly.
+Huckstep was, I soon found, inordinately fond of peach
+brandy; and once or twice in the course of a month
+he had a drunken debauch, which usually lasted from
+two to four days. He was then full of talk, laughed
+immoderately at his own nonsense and would keep me
+up until late at night listening to him. He was at
+these periods terribly severe to his hands, and would
+order me to use up the cracker of my whip every day
+upon the poor creatures, who were toiling in the field,
+and in order to satisfy him, I used to tear it off
+when returning home at night. He would then praise
+me for a good fellow, and invite me to drink with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>He used to tell me at such times, that if I would
+only drink as he did, I should be worth a thousand
+dollars more for it. He would sit hours with his peach
+brandy, cursing and swearing, laughing and telling
+stories full of obscenity and blasphemy. He would sometimes
+start up, take my whip, and rush out to the slave
+quarters, flourish it about and frighten the inmates
+and often cruelly beat them. He would order the women
+to pull up their clothes, in Alabama style, as he called
+it, and then whip them for not complying. He would
+then come back roaring and shouting to the house,
+and tell me what he had done; if I did not laugh with
+him, he would get angry and demand what the matter
+was. Oh! how often I have laughed, at such times,
+when my heart ached within me; and how often, when
+permitted to retire to my bed, have I found relief
+in tears!</p>
+
+<p>He had no wife, but kept a colored mistress in a house
+situated on a gore of land between the plantation
+and that of Mr. Goldsby. He brought her with him from
+North Carolina, and had three children by her.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes in his fits of intoxication, he would come
+riding into the field, swinging his whip, and crying
+out to the hands to strip off their shirts, and be
+ready to take a whipping: and this too when they were
+all busily at work. At another time, he would gather
+the hands around him and fall to cursing and swearing
+about the neighboring overseers. They were, he said,
+cruel to their hands, whipped them unmercifully, and
+in addition starved them. As for himself, he was the
+kindest and best fellow within forty miles; and the
+hands ought to be thankful that they had such a good
+man for their overseer.</p>
+
+<p>He would frequently be very familiar with me, and
+call me his child; he would tell me that our people
+were going to get Texas, a fine cotton country, and
+that he meant to go out there and have a plantation
+of his own, and I should go with him and be his overseer.</p>
+
+<p>The houses in the "<i>negro quarters</i>"
+were constructed of logs, and from twelve to fifteen
+feet square; they had no glass, but there were holes
+to let in the light and air. The furniture consisted
+of a table, a few stools, and dishes made of wood,
+and an iron pot, and some other cooking utensils.
+The houses were placed about three or four rods apart,
+with a piece of ground attached to each of them for
+a garden, where the occupant could raise a few vegetables.
+The "quarters" were about three hundred
+yards from the dwelling of the overseer.</p>
+
+<p>The hands were occupied in clearing land and burning
+brush, and in constructing their houses, through the
+winter. In March we commenced ploughing: and on the
+first of April began planting seed for cotton. The
+hoeing season commenced about the last of May. At the
+earliest dawn of day, and frequently before that time,
+the laborers were roused from their sleep by the blowing
+of the horn. It was blown by the headman of the gang
+who led the rest in the work and acted under my direction,
+as my assistant.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to the blowing of the horn the hands generally
+rose and eat what was called the "morning's
+bit," consisting of ham and bread. If exhaustion
+and fatigue prevented their rising before the dreaded
+sound of the horn broke upon their slumbers, they
+had no time to snatch a mouthful, but were harried
+out at once.</p>
+
+<p>It was my business to give over to each of the hands
+his or her appropriate implement of labor, from the
+toolhouse where they were deposited at night. After
+all had been supplied, they were taken to the field,
+and set at work as soon as it was sufficiently light
+to distinguish the plants from the grass and weeds.
+I was employed in passing from row to row, in order
+to see that the work was well done, and to urge forward
+the laborers. At 12 o'clock, the horn was blown
+from the overseer's house, calling the hands
+to dinner, each to his own cabin. The intermission
+of labor was one hour and a half to hoers and pickers,
+and two hours to the ploughmen. At the expiration of
+this interval, the horn again summoned them to thus
+labor. They were kept in the field until dark, when
+they were called home to supper.</p>
+
+<p>There was little leisure for any of the hands on the
+plantation. In the evenings, after it was too dark
+for work in the field, the men were frequently employed
+in burning brush and in other labors until late at
+night. The women after toiling in the field by day,
+were compelled to card, spin, and weave cotton for
+their clothing, in the evening. Even on Sundays there
+was little or no respite from toil. Those who had not
+been able to work out all their tasks during the week
+were allowed by the overseer to finish it on the Sabbath,
+and thus save themselves from a whipping on Monday
+morning. Those whose tasks were finished frequently
+employed most of that day in cultivating their gardens.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the female hands were delicate young women,
+who in Virginia had never been accustomed to field
+labor. They suffered greatly from the extreme heat
+and the severity of the toil. Oh! how often have I
+seen them dragging their weary limbs from the cotton
+field at nightfall, faint and exhausted. The overseer
+used to laugh at their sufferings. They were, he said,
+Virginia ladies, and altogether too delicate for Alabama
+use: but they must be made to do their tasks notwithstanding.
+The recollection of these things even now is dreadful.
+I used to tell the poor creatures, when compelled
+by the overseer to urge them forward with the whip,
+that I would much rather take their places, and endure
+the stripes than inflict them.</p>
+
+<p>When but three months old, the children born on the
+estate were given up to the care of the old women
+who were not able to work out of doors. Their mothers
+were kept at work in the field.</p>
+
+<p>It was the object of the overseer to separate me in
+feeling and interest as widely as possible from my
+suffering brethren and sisters. I had relations among
+the field hands, and used to call them my cousins.
+He forbid my doing so; and told me if I acknowledged
+relationship with any of the hands I should be flogged
+for it. He used to speak of them as devils and hell-hounds,
+and ridicule them in every possible way; and endeavoured
+to make me speak of them and regard them in the same
+manner. He would tell long stories about hunting and
+shooting "runaway niggers," and detail
+with great apparent satisfaction the cruel and horrid
+punishments which he had inflicted. One thing he said
+troubled him. He had once whipped a slave so severely
+that he died in consequence of it, and it was soon
+after ascertained that he was wholly innocent of the
+offence charged against him. That slave, he said, had
+haunted him ever since.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after we commenced weeding our cotton, some of
+the hands who were threatened with a whipping for
+not finishing their tasks, ran away. The overseer
+and myself went out after them, taking with us five
+bloodhounds, which were kept on the Estate for the
+sole purpose of catching runaways. There were no other
+hounds in the vicinity, and the overseers of the neighboring
+plantations used to borrow them to hunt their runaways.
+A Mr. Crop, who lived about ten miles distant, had
+two packs, and made it his sole business to catch
+slaves with them. We used to set the dogs upon the
+track of the fugitives, and they would follow them
+until, to save themselves from being torn in pieces,
+they would climb into a tree, where the dogs kept
+them until we came up and secured them.</p>
+
+<p>These hounds, when young, are taught to run after
+the negro boys; and being always kept confined except
+when let out in pursuit of runaways, they seldom fail
+of overtaking the fugitive, and seem to enjoy the sport
+of hunting men as much as other dogs do that of chasing
+a fox or a deer. My master gave a large sum for his
+five dogs,--a slut and her four puppies.</p>
+
+<p>While going over our cotton picking for the last time,
+one of our hands named Little John, ran away. The
+next evening the dogs were started on his track. We
+followed them awhile, until we knew by their ceasing
+to bark that they had found him. We soon met the dogs
+returning. Their jaws, heads, and feet, were bloody.
+The overseer looked at them and said, "he was
+afraid the dogs had killed the nigger." It being
+dark, we could not find him that night. Early the
+next morning, we started off with our neighbors, Sturtivant
+and Flincher; and after searching about for some time,
+we found the body of Little John lying in the midst
+of a thicket of cane. It was nearly naked, and dreadfully
+mangled and gashed by the teeth of the dogs. They
+had evidently dragged it some yards through the thicket:
+blood, tatters of clothes, and even the entrails of
+the unfortunate man, were clinging to the stubs of
+the old and broken cane. Huckstep stooped over his
+saddle, looked at the body, and muttered an oath.
+Sturtivant swore it was no more than the fellow deserved.
+We dug a hole in the cane-brake, where he lay, buried
+him, and returned home.</p>
+
+<p>The murdered young man had a mother and two sisters
+on the plantation, by whom he was dearly loved. When
+I told the old woman of what had befallen her son,
+she only said that it was better for poor John than
+to live in slavery.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the fall of this year, a young man, who had
+already run away several times, was missing from his
+task. It was four days before we found him. The dogs
+drove him at last up a tree, where he was caught,
+and brought home. He was then fastened down to the
+ground by means of forked sticks of wood selected
+for the purpose, the longest fork being driven into
+the ground until the other closed down upon the neck,
+ancles, and wrists. The overseer then sent for two
+large cats belonging to the house. These he placed
+upon the naked shoulders of his victim, and dragged
+them suddenly by their tails downward. At first they
+did not scratch deeply. He then ordered me to strike
+them with a small stick after he had placed them once
+more upon the back of the sufferer. I did so; and
+the enraged animals extended their claws, and tore
+his back deeply and cruelly as they were dragged along
+it. He was then whipped and placed in the stocks,
+where he was kept for three days. On the third morning
+as I passed the stocks, I stopped to look at him. His
+head hung down over the chain which supported his
+neck. I spoke, but he did not answer. <i>He was
+dead in the stocks</i>! The overseer on seeing him
+seemed surprised, and, I thought, manifested some
+remorse. Four of the field hands took him out of the
+stocks and buried him: and every thing went on as
+usual.</p>
+
+<p>It is not in my power to give a narrative of the daily
+occurrences on the plantation. The history of one
+day was that of all. The gloomy monotony of our slavery,
+was only broken by the overseer's periodical
+fits of drunkenness, at which times neither life nor
+limb on the estate were secure from his caprice or
+violence.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1835, the overseer brought me a letter
+from my wife, written for her by her young mistress,
+Mr. Gateweed's daughter. He read it to me: it
+stated that herself and children were well--spoke
+of her sad and heavy disappointment in consequence
+of my not returning with my master; and of her having
+been told by him that I should come back the next
+fall.</p>
+
+<p>Hope for a moment lightened my heart; and I indulged
+the idea of once more returning to the bosom of my
+family. But I recollected that my master had already
+cruelly deceived me; and despair again took hold on
+me.</p>
+
+<p>Among our hands was one whom we used to call Big Harry.
+He was a stout, athletic man--very intelligent,
+and an excellent workman; but he was of a high and
+proud spirit, which the weary and crushing weight of
+a life of slavery had not been able to subdue. On
+almost every plantation at the South you may find
+one or more individuals, whose look and air show that
+they have preserved their self-respect as <i>men</i>;--that
+with them the power of the tyrant ends with the coercion
+of the body--that the soul is free, and
+the inner man retaining the original uprightness of
+the image of God. You may know them by the stern sobriety
+of their countenances, and the contempt with which
+they regard the jests and pastimes of their miserable
+and degraded companions, who, like Samson, make sport
+for the keepers of their prison-house. These men are
+always feared as well as hated by their task-masters.
+Harry had never been whipped, and had always said
+that he would die rather than submit to it. He made
+no secret of his detestation of the overseer. While
+most of the slaves took off their hats, with cowering
+submission, in his presence, Harry always refused
+to do so. He never spoke to him except in a brief
+answer to his questions. Master George, who knew, and
+dreaded the indomitable spirit of the man, told the
+overseer, before he left the plantation, to beware
+how he attempted to punish him. But, the habits of
+tyranny in which Huckstep had so long indulged, had
+accustomed him to abject submission, on the part of
+his subjects; and he could not endure this upright
+and unbroken manliness. He used frequently to curse
+and swear about him, and devise plans for punishing
+him on account of his impudence as he called it.</p>
+
+<p>A pretext was at last afforded him. Sometime in August
+of this year, there was a large quantity of yellow
+unpicked cotton lying in the gin house. Harry was
+employed at night in removing the cotton see, which
+has been thrown out by the gin. The rest of the male
+hands were engaged during the day in weeding the cotton
+for the last time, and in the nigh, in burning brush
+on the new lands clearing for the next year's
+crop. Harry was told one evening to go with the others
+and assist in burning the brush. He accordingly went
+and the next night a double quantity of seed had accumulated
+in the gin house: and although he worked until nearly
+2 o'clock in the morning, he could not remove
+it all.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning the overseer came into the field,
+and demanded of me why I had not whipped Harry for
+not removing all the cotton seed. He then called aloud
+to Harry to come forward and be whipped. Harry answered
+somewhat sternly that he would neither be struck by
+overseer nor driver; that he had worked nearly all
+night, and had scarcely fallen asleep when the horn
+blew to summon him to his toil in the field. The overseer
+raved and threatened, but Harry paid no farther attention
+to him. He then turned to me and asked me for my pistols,
+with a pair of which he had furnished me. I told him
+they were not with me. He growled an oath, threw himself
+on his horse and left us. In the evening I found him
+half drunk and raving like a madman. He said he would
+no longer bear with that nigger's insolence;
+but would whip him if it cost him his life. He at
+length fixed upon a plan for seizing him; and told
+me that he would go out in the morning, ride along
+by the side of Harry and talk pleasantly to him, and
+then, while Harry was attending to him, I was to steal
+upon him and knock him down, by a blow on the head,
+from the loaded and heavy handle of my whip. I was
+compelled to promise to obey his directions.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning when we got to the field I told Harry
+of the overseer's plan, and advised him by all
+means to be on his guard and watch my motions. His
+eye glistened with gratitude. "Thank you James",
+said he, "I'll take care that you don't
+touch me."</p>
+
+<p>Huckstep came into the field about 10 o'clock.
+He rode along by the side of Harry talking and laughing.
+I was walking on the other side. When I saw that Harry's
+eye was upon me I aimed a blow at him intending however
+to miss him. He evaded the blow and turned fiercely
+round with his hoe uplifted, threatening to cut down
+any one who again attempted to strike him. Huckstep
+cursed my awkwardness, and told Harry to put down his
+hoe and came to him. He refused to do so and swore
+he would kill the first man who tried to lay hands
+on him. The cowardly tyrant shrank away from his enraged
+bondman, and for two weeks Harry was not again molested.</p>
+
+<p>About the first of September, the overseer had one
+of his drunken fits. He made the house literally an
+earthly hell. He urged me to drink, quarrelled and
+swore at me for declining, and chased the old woman
+round the house, with his bottle of peach brandy.
+He then told me that Harry had forgotten the attempt
+to seize him, and that is the morning we must try
+our old game over again.</p>
+
+<p>On the following morning, as I was handing to each
+of the hands their hoes from the tool house, I caught
+Harry's eye. "Look out," said I to
+him. "Huckstep will be after you again to day."
+He uttered a deep curse against the overseer and passed
+on to his work. After breakfast Huckstep came riding
+out to the cotton field. He tied his horse to a tree,
+and came towards us. His sallow and haggard countenance
+was flushed, and his step unsteady. He came up by
+the side of Harry and began talking about the crops
+and the weather; I came at the same time on the other
+side, and in striking at him, beat off his hat. He
+sprang aside and stepped backwards. Huckstep with
+a dreadful oath commanded him to stop, saying that
+he had determined to whip him, and neither earth nor
+hell should prevent him. Harry defied him: and said
+he had always done the work allotted to him and that
+was enough: he would sooner die than have the accursed
+lash touch him. The overseer staggered to his horse,
+mounted him and rode furiously to the house, and soon
+made his appearance, returning, with his gun in his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Yonder comes the devil!" said one of
+the women whose row was near Harry's.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said another, "He's
+trying to scare Harry with his gun."</p>
+
+<p>"Let him try as he pleases," said Harry,
+in his low, deep, determined tones, "He may
+shoot me, but he can't whip me."</p>
+
+<p>Huckstep came swearing on: when within a few yards
+of Harry he stopped, looked at him with a stare of
+mingled rage and drunken imbecility; and bid him throw
+down his hoe and come forward. The undaunted slave
+refused to comply, and continuing his work told the
+drunken demon to shoot if he pleased. Huckstep advanced
+within a few steps of him when Harry raised his hoe
+and told him to stand back. He stepped back a few paces,
+leveled his gun and fired. Harry received the charge
+in his breast, and fell instantly across a cotton
+row. He threw up his hands wildly, and groaned, "Oh,
+Lord!"</p>
+
+<p>The hands instantly dropped their hoes. The women
+shrieked aloud. For my own part I stood silent with
+horror. The cries of the women enraged the overseer,
+he dropped his gun, and snatching the whip from my
+hand, with horrid oaths, and imprecations fell to
+whipping them, laying about him like a maniac. Upon
+Harry's sister he bestowed his blows without
+mercy, commanding her to quit her screaming and go
+to work. The poor girl, whose brother had thus been
+murdered before her eyes, could not wrestle down the
+awful agony of her feelings, and the brutal tormentor
+left her without effecting his object. He then, without
+going to look of his victim, told four of the hands
+to carry him to the house, and taking up his gun left
+the field. When we got to the poor fellow, he was alive,
+and groaning faintly. The hands took him up, but before
+they reached the house he was dead. Huckstep came
+out, and looked at him, and finding him dead, ordered
+the hands to bury him. The burial of a slave in Alabama
+is that of a brute. No coffin--no decent
+shroud--no prayer. A hole is dug, and the
+body (sometimes enclosed in a rude box,) is thrown
+in without further ceremony.</p>
+
+<p>From this time the overseer was regarded by the whole
+gang with detestation and fear--as a being
+to whose rage and cruelty there were no limits. Yet
+he was constantly telling us that he was the kindest
+of overseers--that he was formerly somewhat
+severe in managing his hands, but that now he was,
+if any thing, too indulgent. Indeed he had the reputation
+of being a good overseer, and an excellent manager,
+when sober. The slaves on some of the neighboring
+plantations were certainly worse clothed and fed,
+and more frequently and cruelly whipped than ours.
+Whenever the saw them they complained of over working
+and short feeding. One of Flincher's, and one
+of Sturtivant's hands ran away, while I was
+in Alabama: and after remaining in the woods awhile,
+and despairing of being able to effect their escape,
+resolved to put an end to their existence and their
+slavery together. Each twisted himself a vine of the
+muscadine grape, and fastened one end around the limb
+of an oak, and made a noose in the other. Jacob, Flincher's
+man, swung himself off first, and expired after a
+long struggle. The other, horrified by the contortions
+and agony of his comrade, dropped his noose, and was
+retaken. When discovered, two or three days afterwards,
+the body of Jacob was dreadfully torn and mangled,
+by the buzzards, those winged hyenas and <i>goules</i>
+of the Southwest.</p>
+
+<p>Among the slaves who were brought from Virginia, were
+two young and bright mulatto women, who were always
+understood throughout the plantation to have been
+the daughters of the elder Larrimore, by one of his
+slaves. One was named Sarah and the other Hannah. Sarah,
+being in a state of pregnancy, failed of executing
+her daily allotted task of hoeing cotton. I was ordered
+to whip her, and on my remonstrating with the overseer,
+and representing the condition of the woman, I was
+told that my business was to obey orders, and that
+if I was told "to whip a dead nigger I must
+do it." I accordingly gave her fifty lashes.
+This was on Thursday evening. On Friday she also failed
+through weakness, and was compelled to lie down in
+the field. That night the overseer himself whipped
+her. On Saturday the wretched woman dragged herself
+once more to the cotton field. In the burning sun,
+and in a situation which would have called forth pity
+in the bosom of any one save a cotton-growing overseer,
+she struggled to finish her task. She failed--nature
+could do no more--and sick and despairing,
+she sought her cabin. There the overseer met her and
+inflicted fifty more lashes upon her already lacerated
+back.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning was the Sabbath. It brought no joy
+to that suffering woman. Instead of the tones of the
+church bell summoning to the house of prayer, she
+heard the dreadful sound of the lash falling upon the
+backs of her brethren and sisters in bondage. For
+the voice of prayer she heard curses. For the songs
+of Zion obscene and hateful blasphemies. No bible
+was there with its consolations for the sick of heart.
+Faint and fevered, scarred and smarting from the effects
+of her cruel punishment, she lay upon her pallet of
+moss--dreading the coming of her relentless
+persecutor,--who, in the madness of one of
+his periodical fits of drunkenness, was now swearing
+and cursing through the quarters.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the poor woman's friends on the evening
+before, had attempted to relieve her of the task which
+had been assigned her, but exhausted nature, and the
+selfishness induced by their own miserable situation,
+did not permit them to finish it and the overseer,
+on examination, found that the week's work of
+the woman, was still deficient. After breakfast, he
+ordered her to be tied up to the limb of a tree, by
+means of a rope fastened round her wrists, so as to
+leave her feet about six inches from the ground. She
+begged him to let her down for she was very sick.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well!" he exclaimed with a sneer
+and a laugh,--"I shall bleed you then,
+and take out some of your Virginia blood. You are too
+proud a miss for Alabama."</p>
+
+<p>He struck her a few blows. Swinging thus by her arms,
+she succeeded in placing one of her feet against the
+body of the tree, and thus partly supported herself,
+and relieved in some degree the painful weight upon
+her wrists. He threw down his whip--took
+a rail from the garden fence, ordered her feet to
+be tied together, and thrust the rail between them.
+He then ordered one of the hands to sit upon it. Her
+back at this time was bare, but the strings of the
+only garment which she wore passed over her shoulders
+and prevented the full force of the whip from acting
+on her flesh. These he cut off with his pen-knife,
+and thus left her entirely naked. He struck her only
+two blows, for the second one cut open her side and
+abdomen with a frightful gash. Unable to look on any
+longer in silence, I entreated him to stop, as I feared
+he had killed her. The overseer looked at the wound--dropped
+his whip, and ordered her to be untied. She was carried
+into the house in a state of insensibility, and died
+in three days after.</p>
+
+<p>During the whole season of picking cotton, the whip
+was frequently and severely plied. In his seasons
+of intoxication, the overseer made no distinction
+between the stout man and the feeble and delicate woman--the
+sick and the well. Women in a far advanced state of
+pregnancy were driven out to the cotton field. At
+other times he seemed to have some consideration;
+and to manifest something like humanity. Our hands
+did not suffer for food--they had a good
+supply of ham and corn-meal, while on Flincher's
+plantation the slaves had meat but once a year, at
+Christmas.</p>
+
+<p>Near the commencement of the weeding season of 1835,
+I was ordered to whip a young woman, a light mustee,
+for not performing her task. I told the overseer that
+she was sick. He said he did not care for that, she
+should be made to work. A day or two afterwards, I
+found him in the house half intoxicated. He demanded
+of me why I had not whipped the girl; and I gave the
+same reason as before. He flew into a dreadful rage,
+but his miserable situation made him an object of contempt
+rather than fear. He sat shaking his fist at me, and
+swearing for nearly half an hour. He said he would
+teach the Virginia lady to sham sickness; and that
+the only reason I did not whip her was, that she was
+a white woman, and I did not like to cut up her delicate
+skin. Some time after I was ordered to give two of
+our women, named Hannah and big Sarah, 150 lashes
+each, for not performing their tasks. The overseer
+stood by until he saw Hannah whipped, and until Sarah
+had been tied up to the tree. As soon as his back
+was turned I struck the tree instead of the woman,
+who understanding my object, shrieked as if the whip
+at every blow was cutting into her flesh. The overseer
+heard the blows and the woman's cries, and supposing
+that all was going on according to his mind, left
+the field. Unfortunately the husband of Hannah stood
+looking on; and indignant that his wife should be
+whipped and Sarah spared, determined to revenge himself
+by informing against me.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning Huckstep demanded of me whether I had
+whipped Sarah the day before; I replied in the affirmative.
+Upon this he called Sarah forward and made her show
+her back, which bore no traces of recent whipping.
+He then turned upon me and told me that the blows
+intended for Sarah should be laid on my back. That
+night the overseer, with the help of three of the
+hands, tied me up to a large tree--my arms
+and legs being clasped round it, and my body drawn
+up hard against it by two men pulling at my arms and
+one pushing against my back. The agony occasioned by
+this alone was almost intolerable. I felt a sense
+of painful suffocation, and could scarcely catch my
+breath.</p>
+
+<p>A moment after I felt the first blow of the overseer's
+whip across my shoulders. It seemed to cut into my
+very heart. I felt the blood gush, and run down my
+back. I fainted at length under the torture, and on
+being taken down, my shoes contained blood which ran
+from the gashes in my back. The skin was worn off
+from by breast, arms, and thighs, against the rough
+bark of the tree. I was sick and feverish, and in great
+pain for three weeks afterwards; most of which time
+I was obliged to lie with my face downwards, in consequence
+of the extreme soreness of my sides and back, Huckstep
+himself seemed concerned about me, and would come
+frequently to see me, and tell me that he should not
+have touched me had it not been for "the cursed
+peach brandy."</p>
+
+<p>Almost the first person that I was compelled to whip
+after I recovered, was the man who pushed at my back
+when I was tied up to the tree. The hands who were
+looking on at that time, all thought he pushed me much
+harder than was necessary: and they expected that I
+would retaliate upon him the injury I had received.
+After he was tied up, the overseer told me to give
+him a severe flogging, and left me. I struck the tree
+instead of the man. His wife, who was looking on,
+almost overwhelmed me with her gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>At length one morning, late in the fall of 1835, I
+saw Huckstep, and a gentleman ride out to the field.
+As they approached, I saw the latter was my master.
+The hands all ceased their labor, and crowded around
+him, inquiring about old Virginia. For my own part,
+I could not hasten to greet him. He had too cruelly
+deceived me. He at length came towards me, and seemed
+somewhat embarrassed. "Well James," said
+he, "how do you stand it here?" "Badly
+enough," I replied. "I had no thought that
+you could be so cruel as to go away and leave me as
+you did." "Well, well, it was too bad,
+but it could not be helped--you must blame
+Huckstep for it." "But," said I,
+"I was not his servant; I belonged to you, and
+you could do as you pleased." "Well,"
+said he, "we will talk about that by and by."
+He then inquired of Huckstep where big Sarah was. "She
+was sick and died," was the answer. He looked
+round amoung the slaves again, and inquired for Harry.
+The overseer told him that Harry undertook to kill
+him, and that, to save his life, he was obliged to
+fire upon him, and that he died of the wound. After
+some further inquiries, he requested me to go into
+the house with him. He then asked me to tell him how
+things had been managed during his absence. I gave
+him a full account of the overseer's cruelty.
+When he heard of the manner of Harry's death,
+he seemed much affected and shed tears. He was a favorite
+servant of his father's. I showed him the deep
+scars on my back occasioned by the whipping I had
+received. He was, or professed to be, highly indignant
+with Huckstep; and said he would see to it that he
+did not lay hands on me again. He told me he should
+be glad to take me with him to Virginia, but he did
+not know where he should find a driver who would be
+so kind to the hands as I was. If I would stay ten
+years, he would give me a thousand dollars, and a
+piece of land to plant on my own account. "But,"
+said I, "my wife and children." "Well,"
+said he, "I will do my best to purchase them,
+and send them on to you." I now saw that my destiny
+was fixed: and that I was to spend my days in Alabama,
+and I retired to my bed that evening with a heavy
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>My master staid only three or four days on the plantation.
+Before he left, he cautioned Huckstep to be careful
+and not strike me again, as he would on no account
+permit it. He told him to give the hands food enough,
+and not over-work them, and, having thus satisfied
+his conscience, left us to our fate.</p>
+
+<p>Out of the two hundred and fourteen slaves who were
+brought out from Virginia, at least one-third of them
+were members of the Methodist and Baptist churches
+in that State. Of this number five or six could read.
+Then had been torn away from the care and discipline
+of their respective churches, and from the means of
+instruction, but they retained their love for the
+exercises of religion; and felt a mournful pleasure
+in speaking of the privileges and spiritual blessings
+which they enjoyed in Old Virginia. Three of them
+had been preachers, or exhorters, <i>viz</i>. Solomon,
+usually called Uncle Solomon, Richard and David. Uncle
+Solomon was a grave, elderly man, mild and forgiving
+in his temper, and greatly esteemed among the more
+serious portion of our hands. He used to snatch every
+occasion to talk to the lewd and vicious about the
+concerns of their souls, and to advise them to fix
+their minds upon the Savior, as their only helper.
+Some I have heard curse and swear in answer, and others
+would say that they could not keep their minds upon
+God and the devil (meaning Huckstep) at the same time:
+that it was of no use to try to be religious--they
+had no time--that the overseer wouldn't
+let them meet to pray--and that even Uncle
+Solomon, when he prayed, had to keep one eye open
+all the time, to see if Huckstep was coming. Uncle
+Solomon could both read and write, and had brought
+out with him from Virginia a Bible, a hymn-book, and
+some other religious books, which he carefully concealed
+from the overseer, Huckstep was himself an open infidel
+as well as blasphemer. He used to tell the hands that
+there was no hell hereafter for white people, but
+that they had their punishment on earth in being obliged
+to take care of the negroes. As for the blacks, he
+was sure there was a hell for them. He used frequently
+to sit with his bottle by his side, and a Bible in
+his hand; and read passages and comment on them, and
+pronounce them lies. Any thing like religious feeling
+among the slaves irritated him. He said that so much
+praying and singing prevented the people from doing
+their tasks, as it kept them up nights, when they
+should be asleep. He used to mock, and in every possible
+way interrupt the poor slaves, who after the toil of
+the day, knelt in their lowly cabins to offer their
+prayers and <i>supplications</i> to Him whose ear is
+open to the sorrowful sighing of the prisoner, and
+who hath promised in His own time to come down and
+deliver. In his drunken seasons he would make excursions
+at night through the slave-quarters, enter the cabins,
+and frighten the inmates, especially if engaged in
+prayer or singing. On one of these occasions he came
+back rubbing his hands and laughing. He said he had
+found Uncle Solomon in his garden, down on his knees,
+praying like an old owl, and had tipped him over, and
+frightened him half out of his wits. At another time
+he found Uncle David sitting on his stool with his
+face thrust up the chimney, in order that his voice
+might not be heard by his brutal persecutor. He was
+praying, giving utterance to these words, probably
+in reference to his bondage:--"<i>How
+long, oh, Lord, how long</i>?" "As long
+as my whip!" cried the overseer, who had stolen
+behind him, giving him a blow. It was the sport of
+a demon.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after my master had left us, the overseer
+ascertained for the first time that some of the hands
+could read, and that they had brought books with them
+from Virginia. He compelled them to give up the keys
+of their chests, and on searching found several Bibles
+and hymn-books. Uncle Solomon's chest contained
+quite a library, which he could read at night by the
+light of knots of the pitchpine. These books he collected
+together, and in the evening called Uncle Solomon into
+the house. After jeering him for some time, he gave
+him one of the Bibles and told him to name his text
+and preach him a sermon. The old man was silent. He
+then made him get up on the table, and ordered him
+to pray. Uncle Solomon meekly replied, that "forced
+prayer was not good for soul or body." The overseer
+then knelt down himself, and in a blasphemous manner,
+prayed that the Lord would send his spirit into Uncle
+Solomon; or else let the old man fall from the table
+and break his neck, and so have an end of "nigger
+preaching." On getting up from his knees he went
+to the cupboard, poured out a glass of brandy for
+himself, and brought another to the table. "James,"
+said he, addressing me, "Uncle Solomon stands
+there, for all the world, like a Hickory Quaker. His
+spirit don't move. I'll see if another
+spirit wont move it." He compelled the old preacher
+to swallow the brandy; and then told him to preach
+and exhort, for the spirit was in him. He set one
+of the Bibles on fire, and after it was consumed,
+mixed up the ashes of it in a glass of water, and compelled
+the old man to drink it, telling him that as the spirit
+and the word were now both in him, there was no longer
+any excuse for not preaching. After tormenting the
+wearied old man in this way until nearly midnight
+he permitted him to go to his quarters.</p>
+
+<p>The next day I saw Uncle Solomon, and talked with
+him about his treatment. He said it would not always
+be so--that slavery was to come to an end,
+for the Bible said so--that there would then
+be no more whippings and fightings, but the lion the
+lamb would lie down together, and all would be love.
+He said he prayed for Huckstep--that it was
+not he but the devil in him who behaved so. At his
+request, I found means to get him a Bible and a hymn-book
+from the overseer's room; and the old man ever
+afterwards kept them concealed in the hen-house.</p>
+
+<p>The weeding season of 1836, was marked by repeated
+acts of cruelty on the part of Huckstep. One of the
+hands, Priscilla, was, owing to her delicate situation,
+unable to perform her daily task. He ordered her to
+be tied up against a tree, in the same manner that
+I had been. In this situation she was whipped until
+<i>she was delivered of a dead infant, at the foot
+of the tree</i>! Our men took her upon a sheet,
+and carried her to the house, where she lay sick for
+several months, but finally recovered. I have heard
+him repeatedly laugh at the circumstance.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after this, we were surprised, one morning
+about ten o'clock, by hearing the horn blown
+at the house. Presently Aunt Polly came screaming
+into the field. "What is the matter, Aunty?"
+I inquired. "Oh Lor!" said she, "Old
+Huckstep's pitched off his horse and broke his
+head, and is e'en about dead."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God!" said little Simon, "The
+devil will have him at last."</p>
+
+<p>"God-a-mighty be praised!" exclaimed half
+a dozen others.</p>
+
+<p>The hands, with one accord dropped their hoes; and
+crowded round the old woman, asking questions. "Is
+he dead?"--"Will he die?"
+"Did you feel of him--was he cold?"</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Polly explained as well as she could, that Huckstep,
+in a state of partial intoxication, had attempted
+to leap his horse over a fence, had fallen and cut
+a deep gash in his head, and that he was now lying
+insensible.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to describe the effect produced by
+this news among the hands. Men, women and children
+shouted, clapped their hands, and laughed aloud. Some
+cursed the overseer, and others thanked the Lord for
+taking him away. Little Simon got down on his knees,
+and called loudly upon God to finish his work, and
+never let the overseer again enter a cotton field.
+"Let him die, Lord," said he, "let
+him. He's killed enough of us: Oh, good Lord,
+let him die and not live."</p>
+
+<p>"Peace, peace! it is a bad spirit," said
+Uncle Solomon, "God himself willeth not the
+death of a sinner."</p>
+
+<p>I followed the old woman to the house; and found Huckstep
+at the foot of one of those trees, so common at the
+South, called the Pride of China. His face was black,
+and there was a frightful contusion on the side of
+his head. He was carried into the house, where, on
+my bleeding him, he revived. He lay in great pain
+for several days, and it was nearly three weeks before
+he was able to come out to the cotton fields.</p>
+
+<p>On returning to the field after Huckstep had revived,
+I found the hands sadly disappointed to hear that
+he was still living. Some of them fell to cursing
+and swearing, and were enraged with me for trying to
+save his life. Little Simon said I was a fool; if
+he had bled him he would have done it to some purpose.
+He would at least, have so disable his arm that he
+would never again try to swing a whip. Uncle Solomon
+remonstrated with Simon, and told that I had done
+right.</p>
+
+<p>The neighbouring overseers used frequently to visit
+Huckstep, and he, in turn, visited them. I was sometimes
+present during their interviews, and heard them tell
+each other stories of horse-racing, negro-huntings,
+&amp;c. Some time during this season, Ludlow, who was
+overseer of a plantation about eight miles from ours,
+told of a slave of his named Thornton, who had twice
+attempted to escape with his wife and one child. The
+first time he was caught without much difficulty,
+chained to the overseer's horse, and in that
+way brought back. The poor man, to save his wife from
+a beating, laid all the blame upon himself; and said
+that his wife had no wish to escape, and tried to
+prevent him from attempting it. He was severely whipped;
+but soon ran away again, and was again arrested. The
+overseer, Ludlow, said he was determined to put a stop
+to the runaway, and accordingly had resort to a somewhat
+unusual method of punishment.</p>
+
+<p>There is a great scarcity of good water in that section
+of Alabama; and you will generally see a large cistern
+attached to the corners of the houses to catch water
+for washing &amp;c. Underneath this cistern is frequently
+a tank from eight to ten feet deep, into which, when
+the former is full the water is permitted to run.
+From this tank the water is pumped out for use. Into
+one of these tanks the unfortunate slave was placed,
+and confined by one of his ancles to the bottom of
+it; and the water was suffered to flow in from above.
+He was compelled to pump out the water as fast as
+it came in, by means of a long rod or handle connected
+with the pump above ground. He was not allowed to begin
+until the water had risen to his middle. Any pause
+or delay after this, from weakness and exhaustion,
+would have been fatal, as the water would have risen
+above his head. In this horrible dungeon, toiling for
+his life, he was kept for twenty-four hours without
+any sustenance. Even Huckstep said that this was too
+bad--that he had himself formerly punished
+runaways in that way--but should not do it
+again.</p>
+
+<p>I rejoice to be able to say that this sufferer has
+at last escaped with his wife and child, into a free
+state. He was assisted by some white men, but I do
+not know all the particulars of his escape.</p>
+
+<p>Our overseer had not been long able to ride about
+the plantation after his accident, before his life
+was again endangered. He found two of the hands, Little
+Jarret and Simon, fighting with each other, and attempted
+to chastise both of them. Jarret bore it patiently,
+but Simon turned upon him, seized a stake or pin from
+a cart near by, and felled him to the ground. The
+overseer got up--went to the house, and told
+aunt Polly that he had nearly been killed by the 'niggers,'
+and requested her to tie up his head, from which the
+blood was streaming. As soon as this was done, he
+took down his gun, and went out in pursuit of Simon,
+who had fled to his cabin, to get some things which
+he supposed necessary previous to attempting his escape
+from the plantation. He was just stepping out of the
+door when he met the enraged overseer with his gun
+in his hand. Not a word was spoken by either. Huckstep
+raised his gun and fired. The man fell without a groan
+across the door-sill. He rose up twice on his hands
+and knees, but died in a few minutes. He was dragged
+off and buried. The overseer told me that there was
+no other way to deal with such a fellow. It was Alabama
+law, if a slave resisted to shoot him at once. He
+told me of a case which occurred in 1834, on a plantation
+about ten miles distant, and adjoining that where Crop,
+the negro hunter, boarded with his hounds. The overseer
+had bought some slaves at Selma, from a drove or coffle
+passing through the place. They proved very refractory.
+He whipped three of them, and undertook to whip a
+fourth who was from Maryland. The man raised his hoe
+in a threatening manner, and the overseer fired upon
+him. The slave fell, but instantly rose up on his
+hands and knees, and was beaten down again by the stock
+of the overseer's gun. The wounded wretch raised
+himself once more, drew a knife from the waistband
+of his pantaloons, and catching hold of the overseer's
+coat, raised himself high enough to inflict a fatal
+wound upon the latter. Both fell together, and died
+immediately after.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing more of special importance occurred until
+July, of last year, when one of our men named John,
+was whipped three times for not performing his task.
+On the last day of the month, after his third whipping,
+he ran away. On the following morning, I found that
+he was missing at his row. The overseer said we must
+hunt him up; and he blew the "nigger horn,"
+as it is called, for the dogs. This horn was only
+used when we went out in pursuit of fugitives. It is
+a cow's horn, and makes a short, loud sound.
+We crossed Flincher's and Goldsby's plantations,
+as the dogs had got upon John's track, and went
+of barking in that direction, and the two overseers
+joined us in the chase. The dogs soon caught sight
+of the runaway, and compelled him to climb a tree.
+We came up; Huckstep ordered him down, and secured
+him upon my horse by tying him to my back. On reaching
+home he was stripped entirely naked and lashed up
+to a tree. Flincher then volunteered to whip him on
+one side of his legs, and Goldsby on the other. I had,
+in the meantime, been ordered to prepare a wash of
+salt and pepper, and wash his wounds with it. The
+poor fellow groaned, and his flesh shrunk and quivered
+as the burning solution was applied to it. This wash,
+while it adds to the immediate torment of the sufferer,
+facilitates the cure of the wounded parts. Huckstep
+then whipped him from his neck down to his thighs,
+making the cuts lengthwise of his back. He was very
+expert with the whip, and could strike, at any time,
+within an inch of his mark. He then gave the whip
+to me and told me to strike directly across his back.
+When I had finished, the miserable sufferer, from
+his neck to his heel, was covered with blood and bruises.
+Goldsby and Flincher now turned to Huckstep, and told
+him, that I deserved a whipping as much as John did:
+that they had known me frequently disobey his orders,
+and that I was partial to the "Virginia ladies,"
+and didn't whip them as I did the men. They
+said if I was a driver of theirs they would know what
+to do with me. Huckstep agreed with them; and after
+directing me to go to the house and prepare more of
+the wash for John's back, he called after me
+with an oath, to see to it that I had some for myself,
+for he meant to give me, at least, two hundred and
+fifty lashes. I returned to the house, and scarcely
+conscious of what I was doing, filled an iron vessel
+with water, put in the salt and pepper; and placed
+it over the embers.</p>
+
+<p>As I stood by the fire watching the boiling of the
+mixture, and reflecting upon the dreadful torture
+to which I was about to he subjected, the thought
+of <i>escape</i> flashed upon my mind. The chance
+was a desperate one; but I resolved to attempt it.
+I ran up stairs, tied my shirt in a handkerchief,
+and stepped out of the back door of the house, telling
+Aunt Polly to take care of the wash at the fire until
+I returned. The sun was about one hour high, but luckily
+for me the hands as well as the three overseers, were
+on the other side of the house. I kept the house between
+them and myself, and ran as fast as I could for the
+woods. On reaching them I found myself obliged to proceed
+slowly as there was a thick undergrowth of cane and
+reeds. Night came on. I straggled forward by a dim
+star-light, amidst vines and reed beds. About midnight
+the horizon began to be overcast; and the darkness
+increased until in the thick forest, I could scarcely
+see a yard before me. Fearing that I might lose my
+way and wander towards the plantation, instead of
+from it, I resolved to wait until day. I laid down
+upon a little hillock, and fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>When I awoke it was broad day. The clouds had vanished,
+and the hot sunshine fell through the trees upon my
+face. I started up, realizing my situation, and darted
+onward. My object was to reach the great road by which
+we had travelled when we came out from Virginia. I
+had, however, very little hope of escape. I knew that
+a hot pursuit would be made after me, and what I most
+dreaded was, that the overseer would procure Crop's
+bloodhounds to follow my track. If only the hounds
+of our plantation were sent after me, I had hopes
+of being able to make friends of them, as they were
+always good-natured and obedient to me. I travelled
+until, as near as I could judge, about ten o'clock,
+when a distant sound startled me. I stopped and listened.
+It was the deep bay of the bloodhound, apparently
+at a great distance. I hurried on until I came to
+a creek about fifteen yards wide, skirted by an almost
+impenetrable growth of reeds and cane. Plunging into
+it, I swam across and ran down by the side of it a
+short distance, and, in order to baffle the dogs,
+swam back to the other side again. I stopped in the
+reed-bed and listened. The dogs seemed close at hand,
+and by the loud barking I felt persuaded that Crop's
+hounds were with them. I thought of the fate of Little
+John, who had been torn in pieces by the hounds, and
+of the scarcely less dreadful condition of those who
+had escaped the dogs only to fall into the hands of
+the overseer. The yell of the dogs grew louder. Escape
+seemed impossible. I ran down to the creek with a
+determination to drown myself. I plunged into the water
+and went down to the bottom; but the dreadful strangling
+sensation compelled me to struggle up to the surface.
+Again I heard the yell of the bloodhounds; and again
+desperately plunged down into the water. As I went
+down I opened my mouth, and, choked and gasping, I
+found myself once more struggling upward. As I rose
+to the top of the water and caught a glimpse of the
+sunshine and the trees, the love of life revived in
+me. I swam to the other side of the creek, and forced
+my way through the reeds to a large tree, and stood
+under one of its lowest limbs, ready in case of necessity,
+to spring up into it. Here panting and exhausted, I
+stood waiting for the dogs. The woods seemed full
+of them. I heard a bell tinkle, and, a moment after,
+our old hound Venus came bounding through the cane,
+dripping wet from the creek. As the old hound came
+towards me, I called to her as I used to do when out
+hunting with her. She stopped suddenly, looked up
+at me, and then came wagging her tail and fawning
+around me. A moment after the other dog came up hot
+in the chase, and with their noses to the ground.
+I called to them, but they did not look up, but came
+yelling on. I was just about to spring into the tree
+to avoid them when Venus the old hound met them, and
+stopped them. They then all came fawning and playing
+and jumping about me. The very creatures whom a moment
+before I had feared would tear me limb from limb,
+were now leaping and licking my hands, and rolling
+on the leaves around me. I listened awhile in the
+fear of hearing the voices of men following the dogs,
+but there was no sound in the forest save the gurgling
+of the sluggish waters of the creek, and the chirp
+of black squirrels in the trees. I took courage and
+started onward once more, taking the dogs with me.
+The bell on the neck of the old dog, I feared might
+betray me, and, unable to get it off her neck, I twisted
+some of the long moss of the trees around it, so as
+to prevent its ringing. At night I halted once more
+with the dogs by my side. Harassed with fear, and
+tormented with hunger, I laid down and tried to sleep.
+But the dogs were uneasy, and would start up and bark
+at the cries or the footsteps of wild animals, and
+I was obliged, to use my utmost exertions to keep
+them quiet, fearing that their barking would draw my
+pursuers upon me. I slept but little; and as soon
+as daylight, started forward again. The next day towards
+evening, I reached a great road which, I rejoiced to
+find, was the same which my master and myself had travelled
+on our way to Greene county. I now thought it best
+to get rid of the dogs, and accordingly started them
+in pursuit of a deer. They went off, yelling on the
+track, and I never saw them again. I remembered that
+my master told me, near this place, that we were in
+the Creek country, and that there were some Indian
+settlements not far distant. In the course of the
+evening I crossed the road, and striking into a path
+through the woods, soon came to a number of Indian
+cabins. I went into one of them and begged for some
+food. The Indian women received me with a great deal
+of kindness, and gave me a good supper of venison,
+corn bread, and stewed pumpkin. I remained with them
+till the evening of the next day, when I started afresh
+on my journey. I kept on the road leading to Georgia.
+In the latter part of the night I entered into a long
+low bottom, heavily timbered--sometimes
+called Wolf Valley. It was a dreary and frightful
+place. As I walked on, I heard on all sides the howling
+of the wolves, and the quick patter of their feet
+on the leaves and sticks, as they ran through the
+woods. At daylight I laid down, but had scarcely closed
+my eyes when I was roused up by the wolves snarling
+and howling around me. I started on my feet, and saw
+several of them running by me. I did not again close
+my eyes during the whole day. In the afternoon, a bear
+with her two cubs came to a large chestnut tree near
+where I lay. She crept up the tree, went out on one
+of the limbs, and broke off several twigs in trying
+to shake down the nuts. They were not ripe enough to
+fall, and, after several vain attempts to procure
+some of them, she crawled down the tree again and
+went off with her young.</p>
+
+<p>The day was long and tedious. As soon as it was dark,
+I once more resumed my journey. But fatigue and the
+want of food and sleep rendered me almost incapable
+of further effort. It was not long before I fell asleep,
+while walking, and wandered out of the road. I was
+awakened by a bunch of moss which hung down from the
+limb of a tree and met my face. I looked up and saw,
+as I thought, a large man standing just before me.
+My first idea was that some one had struck me over
+the face, and that I had been at last overtaken by
+Huckstep. Rubbing my eyes once more, I saw the figure
+before me sink down upon its hands and knees. Another
+glance assured me that it was a bear and not a man.
+He passed across the road and disappeared. This adventure
+kept me awake for the remainder of the night. Towards
+morning I passed by a plantation, on which was a fine
+growth of peach trees, full of ripe fruit. I took as
+many of them as I could conveniently carry in my hands
+and pockets, and retiring a little distance into the
+woods, laid down and slept till evening, when I again
+went forward.</p>
+
+<p>Sleeping thus by day and travelling by night, in a
+direction towards the North Star, I entered Georgia.
+As I only travelled in the night time, I was unable
+to recognize rivers and places which I had seen before
+until I reached Columbus, where I recollected I had
+been with my master. From this place I took the road
+leading to Washington, and passed directly through
+that village. On leaving the village, I found myself
+contrary to my expectation, in an open country with
+no woods in view. I walked on until day broke in the
+east. At a considerable distance ahead, I saw a group
+of trees, and hurried on towards it. Large and beautiful
+plantations were on each side of me, from which I could
+hear dogs bark, and the driver's horn sounding.
+On reaching the trees, I found that they afforded
+but a poor place of concealment. On either hand, through
+its openings, I could see the men turning out to the
+cotton fields. I found a place to lie down between
+two oak stumps, around which the new shoots had sprung
+up thickly, forming a comparatively close shelter.
+After eating some peaches, which since leaving the
+Indian settlement had constituted my sole food, I
+fell asleep. I was waked by the barking of a dog.
+Raising my head and looking through the bushes, I found
+that the dog was barking at a black squirrel who was
+chattering on a limb almost directly above me. A moment
+after, I heard a voice speaking to the dog, and soon
+saw a man with a gun in his hand, stealing through
+the wood. He passed close to the stumps, where I lay
+trembling with terror lest he should discover me.
+He kept his eye however upon the tree, and raising
+his gun, fired. The squirrel dropped dead close by
+my side. I saw that any further attempt at concealment
+would be in vain, and sprang upon my feet. The man
+started forward on seeing me, struck at me with his
+gun and beat my hat off. I leaped into the road; and
+he followed after, swearing he would shoot me if I
+didn't stop. Knowing that his gun was not loaded,
+I paid no attention to him, but ran across the road
+into a cotton field where there was a great gang of
+slaves working. The man with the gun followed, and
+called to the two colored drivers who were on horseback,
+to ride after me and stop me. I saw a large piece of
+woodland at some distance ahead, and directed my course
+towards it. Just as I reached it, I looked back, and
+saw my pursuer far behind me; and found, to my great
+joy, that the two drivers had not followed me. I got
+behind a tree, and soon heard the man enter the woods
+and pass me. After all had been still for more than
+an hour, I crept into a low place in the depth of
+the woods and laid down amidst a bed of reeds, where
+I again fell asleep. Towards evening, on awaking,
+I found the sky beginning to be cloudy, and before
+night set in it was completely overcast. Having lost
+my hat, I tied an old handkerchief over my head, and
+prepared to resume my journey. It was foggy and very
+dark, and involved as I was in the mazes of the forest,
+I did not know in what direction I was going. I wandered
+on until I reached a road, which I supposed to be the
+same one which I had left. The next day the weather
+was still dark and rainy, and continued so for several
+days. During this time I slept only by leaning against
+the body of a tree, as the ground was soaked with rain.
+On the fifth night after my adventure near Washington,
+the clouds broke away, and the clear moonlight and
+the stars shone down upon me.</p>
+
+<p>I looked up to see the North Star, which I supposed
+still before me. But I sought it in vain in all that
+quarter of the heavens. A dreadful thought came over
+me that I had been travelling out of my way. I turned
+round and saw the North Star, which had been shining
+directly upon my back. I then knew that I had been
+travelling away from freedom, and towards the place
+of my captivity ever since I left the woods into which
+I had been pursued on the 21st, five days before. Oh,
+the keen and bitter agony of that moment! I sat down
+on the decaying trunk of a fallen tree, and wept like
+a child. Exhausted in mind and body, nature came at
+last to my relief, and I fell asleep upon the log.
+When I awoke it was still dark. I rose and nerved
+myself for another effort for freedom. Taking the
+North Star for my guide, I turned upon my track, and
+left once more the dreaded frontiers of Alabama behind
+me. The next night, after crossing the one on which
+I travelled, and which seemed to lead more directly
+towards the North. I took this road, and the next
+night after, I came to a large village. Passing through
+the main street, I saw a large hotel which I at once
+recollected. I was in Augusta, and this was the hotel
+at which my master had spent several days when I was
+with him, on one of his southern visits. I heard the
+guards patrolling the town cry the hour of twelve;
+and fearful of being taken up, I turned out of the
+main street, and got upon the road leading to Petersburg.
+On reaching the latter place, I swam over the Savannah
+river into South Carolina, and from thence passed
+into North Carolina.</p>
+
+<p>Hitherto I had lived mainly upon peaches, which were
+plenty on almost all the plantations in Alabama and
+Georgia; but the season was now too far advanced for
+them, and I was obliged to resort to apples. These
+I obtained without much difficulty until within two
+or three days journey of the Virginia line. At this
+time I had had nothing to eat but two or three small
+and sour apples for twenty-four hours, and I waited
+impatiently for night, in the hope of obtaining fruit
+from the orchards along the road. I passed by several
+plantations, but found no apples. After midnight,
+I passed near a large house, with fruit trees around
+it. I searched under, and climbed up and shook several
+of them to no purpose. At last I found a tree on which
+there were a few apples. On shaking it, half a dozen
+fell. I got down, and went groping and feeling about
+for them in the grass, but could find only two, the
+rest were devoured by several hogs who were there
+on the same errand with myself. I pursued my way until
+day was about breaking, when I passed another house.
+The feeling of extreme hunger was here so intense,
+that it required all the resolution I was master of
+to keep myself from going, up to the house and breaking
+into it in search of food. But the thought of being
+again made a slave, and of suffering the horrible punishment
+of a runaway restrained me. I lay in the worlds all
+that day without food. The next evening, I soon found
+a large pile of excellent apples, from which I supplied
+myself.</p>
+
+<p>The next evening I reached Halifax Court House, and
+I then knew that I was near Virginia. On the 7th of
+October, I came to the Roanoke, and crossed it in
+the midst of a violent storm of rain and thunder. The
+current ran so furiously that I was carried down with
+it, and with great difficulty, and in a state of complete
+exhaustion, reached the opposite shore.</p>
+
+<p>At about 2 o'clock, on the night of the 15th,
+I approached Richmond, but not daring to go into the
+city at that hour, on account of the patrols, I lay
+in the woods near Manchester, until the next evening,
+when I started in the twilight, in order to enter
+before the setting of the watch. I passed over the
+bridge unmolested, although in great fear, as my tattered
+clothes and naked head were well calculated to excite
+suspicion; and being well acquainted with the localities
+of the city, made my way to the house of a friend.
+I was received with the utmost kindness, and welcomed
+as one risen from the dead. Oh, how inexpressibly
+sweet were the tones of human sympathy, after the dreadful
+trials to which I had been subjected--the
+wrongs and outrages which I witnessed and suffered!
+For between two and three months I had not spoken with
+a human being, and the sound even of my own voice
+now seemed strange to my ears. During this time, save
+in two or three instances I had tasted of no food
+except peaches and apples. I was supplied with some
+dried meat and coffee, but the first mouthful occasioned
+nausea and faintness. I was compelled to take my bed,
+and lay sick for several days. By the assiduous attention
+and kindness of my friends, I was supplied with every
+thing which was necessary during my sickness. I was
+detained in Richmond nearly a month. As soon as I
+had sufficiently recovered to be able to proceed on
+my journey, I bade my kind host and his wife an affectionate
+farewell, and set forward once more towards a land
+of freedom. I longed to visit my wife and children
+in Powhatan county, but the dread of being discovered
+prevented me from attempting it. I had learned from
+my friends in Richmond that they were living and in
+good health, but greatly distressed on my account.</p>
+
+<p>My friends had provided me with a fur cap, and with
+as much lean ham, cake and biscuit, as I could conveniently
+carry. I proceeded in the same way as before, travelling
+by night and lying close and sleeping by day. About
+the last of November I reached the Shenandoah river.
+It was very cold; ice had already formed along the
+margin, and in swimming the river I was chilled through;
+and my clothes froze about me soon after I had reached
+the opposite side. I passed into Maryland, and on the
+5th of December, stepped across the line which divided
+the free state of Pennsylvania from the land of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>I had a few shillings in money which were given me
+at Richmond, and after travelling nearly twenty-four
+hours from the time I crossed the line, I ventured
+to call at a tavern, and buy a dinner. On reaching
+Carlisle, I enquired of the ostler in a stable if he
+knew of any one who wished to hire a house servant
+or coachman. He said he did not. Some more colored
+people came in, and taking me aside told me that they
+knew that I was from Virginia, by my pronunciation
+of certain words--that I was probably a
+runaway slave--but that I need not be alarmed,
+as they were friends, and would do all in their power
+to protect me. I was taken home by one of them, and
+treated with the utmost kindness; and at night he
+took me in a wagon, and carried me some distance on
+my way to Harrisburg, where he said I should meet
+with friends.</p>
+
+<p>He told me that I had better go directly to Philadelphia,
+as there would be less danger of my being discovered
+and retaken there than in the country, and there were
+a great many persons there who would exert themselves
+to secure me from the slaveholders. In parting he cautioned
+me against conversing or stopping with any man on the
+road, unless he wore a plain, straight collar on a
+round coat, and said, "thee," and "thou."
+By following his directions I arrived safely in Philadelphia,
+having been kindly entertained and assisted on my journey,
+by several benevolent gentlemen and ladies, whose
+compassion for the wayworn and hunted stranger I shall
+never forget, and whose names will always be dear
+to me. On reaching Philadelphia, I was visited by a
+large number of the Abolitionists, and friends of
+the colored people, who, after hearing my story, thought
+it would not be safe for me to remain in any part of
+the United States. I remained in Philadelphia a few
+days; and then a gentleman came on to New-York with
+me, I being considered on board the steam-boat, and
+in the cars, as his servant. I arrived at New-York,
+on the 1st of January. The sympathy and kindness which
+I have every where met with since leaving the slave
+states, has been the more grateful to me because it
+was in a great measure unexpected. The slaves are always
+told that if they escape into a free state, they will
+be seized and put in prison, until their masters send
+for them. I had heard Huckstep and the other overseers
+occasionally speak of the Abolitionists, but I did
+not know or dream that they were the friends of the
+slave. Oh, if the miserable men and women, now toiling
+on the plantations of Alabama, could know that thousands
+in the free states are praying and striving for their
+deliverance, how would the glad tidings be whispered
+from cabin to cabin, and how would the slave-mother
+as she watches over her infant, bless God, on her
+knees, for the hope that this child of her day of
+sorrow, might never realize in stripes, and toil, and
+grief unspeakable, what it is to be a slave?</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>This Narrative can he had at the Depository of the
+American Anti-Slavery Society, No 143 Nassau Street,
+New York, in a neat <i>volume</i>, 108 <i>pp</i>. 12mo.,
+embellished with an elegant and accurate steel engraved
+likeness of James Williams, price 25 cts. single copy,
+$17 per hundred.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="AE_7"></a>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<h2>NO. 7
+<br>
+<br>
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER.
+<br>
+<br>
+
+EMANCIPATION IN THE WEST INDIES.</h2>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>A SIX MONTHS' TOUR IN ANTIGUA, BARBADOES, AND
+JAMAICA IN THE YEAR 1837.</p>
+
+<p>BY JAS. A. THOME, AND J. HORACE KIMBALL.</p>
+
+<p>NEW YORK:</p>
+
+<p>PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, No.
+143 NASSAU-STREET. 1838.</p>
+
+<p>This periodical contains 4 sheets.--Postage
+under 100 miles, 6 cents; over 100 miles, 10 cents.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+ENTERED, according to the act of
+Congress, in the year 1838, by JOHN RANKIN, Treasurer,
+of the American, Anti-Slavery Society, in the Clerk's
+Office of the District Court of the United States,
+for the Southern District of New York.
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Price $12 50 per hundred copies, 18-3/4 cents single
+copy, <i>in sheets</i>: $13 25 per hundred, and
+20 cents single, <i>if stitched</i>.</p>
+
+<p>NOTE.--This work is published in this cheap
+form, to give it a wide circulation. Please, <i>after
+perusal</i>, to send it to some friend.</p>
+
+<p>This work, as originally published, can be had at
+the Depository of the American Anti-Slavery Society,
+No. 143, Nassau Street, New York, on fine paper, handsomely
+bound, in a volume of 489 pages, price one dollar per
+copy, $75 per hundred.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<h3>CONTENTS.</h3>
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h4>ANTIGUA.--CHAPTER I.</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><a href="#I_1">Geography and Statistics of the Island</a>,--<a href="#I_2">Reflections on arrival</a>,--<a href="#I_3">Interview with Clergymen</a>,--<a href="#I_4">with the Governor</a>,--<a href="#I_5">with a member of Assembly</a>, --<a href="#I_6">Sabbath</a>,--<a href="#I_7">Service at the Moravian Chapel</a>,--<a href="#I_8">Sabbath School</a>,--<a href="#I_9">Service at the Episcopal Church</a>,--<a href="#I_10">Service at the Wesleyan Chapel</a>,--<a href="#I_11">Millar's Estate</a>,--<a href="#I_12">Cane-holing</a>,--<a href="#I_13">Colored planter</a>,--<a href="#I_14">Fitch's Creek Estate</a>,--<a href="#I_15">Free Villages</a>,--<a href="#I_16">Dinner at the Governor's</a>,--<a href="#I_17">Donovan's Estate</a>,--<a href="#I_18">Breakfast at Mr. Watkins</a>,--<a href="#I_19">Dr. Ferguson</a>,--<a href="#I_20">Market</a>,--<a href="#I_21">Lockup house</a>,--<a href="#I_22">Christmas Holidays</a>,--<a href="#I_23">Colored Population</a>,--<a href="#I_24">Thibou Jarvis's Estate</a>,--<a href="#I_25">Testimony of the Manager</a>,--<a href="#I_26">Anniversary of the Friendly Society</a>,--<a href="#I_27">A negro patriarch</a>,--<a href="#I_28">Green Castle Estate</a>,--<a href="#I_29">Testimony of the Manager</a>,--<a href="#I_30">Anniversary of the Juvenile Association</a>,--<a href="#I_31">Wetherill Estate</a>,--<a href="#I_32">Testimony of the Manager</a>,--<a href="#I_33">Conversation with a boatman</a>,--<a href="#I_34">Moravian station at Newfield</a>,--<a href="#I_35">Testimony of the Missionaries</a>,--<a href="#I_36">School for Adults</a>,--<a href="#I_37">Interview with the Speaker of the Assembly</a>,--<a href="#I_38">Moravian "Speaking,"</a>--<a href="#I_39">Conversation with Emancipated Slaves</a>,--<a href="#I_40">The Rector of St. Philip's</a>,--<a href="#I_41">Frey's Estate</a>,--<a href="#I_42">Interview with the American Consul</a>,--<a href="#I_43">Sabbath at Millar's</a>,--<a href="#I_44">Breakfast at the Villa Estate</a>,--<a href="#I_45">A Fair</a>,--<a href="#I_46">Breakfast at Mr. Cranstoun's</a>,--<a href="#I_47">His Testimony</a>,--<a href="#I_48">Moravian Station at Cedar Hall</a>,--<a href="#I_49">Conversation with Emancipated Slaves</a>,--<a href="#I_50">Moravian Station at Grace Bay</a>,--<a href="#I_51">Testimony of the Missionaries</a>,--<a href="#I_52">Grandfather Jacob</a>,--<a href="#I_53">Mr. Scotland's Estate</a>.--<a href="#I_54">A day at Fitch's Creek</a>,--<a href="#I_55">Views of the Manager</a>,--<a href="#I_56">A call from the Archdeacon</a>,--<a href="#I_57">from Rev. Edward Fraser</a>,--<a href="#I_58">Wesleyan District Meeting</a>,--<a href="#I_59">Social interviews with the Missionaries</a>,--<a href="#I_60">Their Views and Testimony</a>,--<a href="#I_61">Religious Anniversaries</a>,--<a href="#I_62">Temperance Society</a>,--<a href="#I_63">Bible Society,--Wesleyan Missionary Society</a>.--<a href="#I_64">Resolution of the Meeting</a>,--<a href="#I_65">Laying the Corner Stone of a Wesleyan Chapel</a>,--<a href="#I_66">Resolutions of the Missionaries.</a></p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+<h4>ANTIGUA.--CHAPTER II.</h4>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>GENERAL RESULTS.</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><a href="#II_1">Religion,--Statistics of Denominations</a>,--<a href="#II_2">Morality</a>,--<a href="#II_3">Reverence for the Lord's Day</a>,--<a href="#II_4">Marriage</a>,--<a href="#II_5">Conjugal faithfulness</a>,--<a href="#II_6">Concubinage decreasing</a>,--<a href="#II_7">Temperance</a>,--<a href="#II_8">Profane Language rare</a>,--<a href="#II_9">Statistics of the Bible Society</a>,--<a href="#II_10">Missionary Associations</a>,--<a href="#II_11">Temperance
+Societies</a>,--<a href="#II_12">Friendly Societies</a>,--<a href="#II_13">Daily
+Meal Society</a>,--<a href="#II_14">Distressed Females'
+Friend Society</a>,--<a href="#II_15">Education</a>,--<a href="#II_16">Annual
+Examination of the Parochial School</a>,--<a href="#II_17">Infant
+Schools in the Country</a>,--<a href="#II_18">Examination at
+Parham</a>,--<a href="#II_19">at Willoughby Bay</a>,--<a href="#II_20">Mr.
+Thwaite's Replies to Queries on Education</a>,--<a href="#II_21">Great
+Ignorance before Emancipation</a>,--<a href="#II_22">Aptness of
+the Negroes to learn</a>,--<a href="#II_23">Civil and Political
+Condition of the Emancipated</a>.</p></blockquote>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4>ANTIGUA.--CHAPTER III.</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><a href="#III_0">FACTS AND TESTIMONY</a>.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><a href="#III_1">IMMEDIATE ABOLITION</a>--<a href="#III_2">an immense
+change to the condition of the Slave</a>,--<a href="#III_3">Adopted
+from Political and Pecuniary Considerations</a>,--<a href="#III_4">Went
+into operation peaceably</a>,--<a href="#III_5">gave additional
+security to Persons and Property</a>,--<a href="#III_6">Is
+regarded by all as a great blessing to the Island</a>,--<a href="#III_7">Free,
+cheaper than Slave labor</a>,--<a href="#III_8">More work done,
+and better done, since Emancipation</a>,--<a href="#III_9">Freemen
+more easily managed than Slaves</a>,--<a href="#III_10">The
+Emancipated more Trustworthy than when Slaves</a>,--<a href="#III_11">They
+appreciate and reverence Law</a>,--<a href="#III_12">They stay
+at home and mind their own business</a>,--<a href="#III_13">Are
+less "insolent" than when Slaves</a>,--<a href="#III_14">Gratitude
+a strong trait of their character</a>,--<a href="#III_15">Emancipation
+has elevated them</a>,--<a href="#III_16">It has raised the
+price of Real Estate, given new life to Trade, and
+to all kinds of business</a>,--<a href="#III_17">Wrought a
+total change in the views of the Planters</a>,--<a href="#III_18">Weakened
+Prejudice against Color</a>,--<a href="#III_19">The Discussions
+preceding Emancipation restrained Masters from
+Cruelties</a>,--<a href="#III_20">Concluding Remarks</a>.</p></blockquote>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4>BARBADOES.</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><a href="#IV_1">Passage to Barbadoes</a>,--<a href="#IV_2">Bridgetown</a>,--<a href="#IV_3">Visit
+to the Governor</a>,--<a href="#IV_4">To the Archdeacon</a>,--<a href="#IV_5">Lear's
+Estate</a>,--<a href="#IV_6">Testimony of the Manager</a>,--<a href="#IV_7">Dinner
+Party at Lear's</a>,--<a href="#IV_8">Ride to Scotland</a>,--<a href="#IV_9">The
+Red Shanks</a>,--<a href="#IV_10">Sabbath at Lear's; Religious
+Service</a>,--<a href="#IV_11">Tour to the Windward</a>,--<a href="#IV_12">Breakfast
+Party at the Colliton Estate</a>,--<a href="#IV_13">Testimony
+to the Working of the Apprenticeship</a>,--<a href="#IV_14">The
+Working of it in Demerara</a>,--<a href="#IV_15">The Codrington
+Estate</a>,--<a href="#IV_16">Codrington College</a>,--<a href="#IV_17">The
+"Horse,"</a>--<a href="#IV_18">An Estate on Fire</a>,--<a href="#IV_19">The
+Ridge Estate; Dinner with a Company of Planters</a>,--<a href="#IV_20">A
+Day at Colonel Ashby's; his Testimony to
+the Working of the Apprenticeship</a>,--<a href="#IV_21">Interviews
+with Planters</a>; <a href="#IV_22">their Testimony</a>,--<a href="#IV_23">The Belle
+Estate</a>,--<a href="#IV_24">Edgecombe Estate; Colonel Barrow</a>,--<a href="#IV_25">Horton
+Estate</a>,--<a href="#IV_26">Drax Hall Estate</a>,--<a href="#IV_27">Dinner
+Party at the Governor's</a>,--<a href="#IV_28">Testimony
+concerning the Apprenticeship</a>,--<a href="#IV_29">Market People</a>,--<a href="#IV_30">Interview
+with Special Justice Hamilton; his Testimony</a>,--<a href="#IV_31">Station
+House, District A; Trials of Apprentices before Special
+Magistrate Colthurst</a>,--<a href="#IV_32">Testimony of the Superintendent
+of the Rural Police</a>,--<a href="#IV_33">Communication
+from Special Justice Colthurst</a>,--<a href="#IV_34">Communication
+from Special Justice Hamilton</a>,--<a href="#IV_35">Testimony
+of Clergymen and Missionaries</a>,--<a href="#IV_36">Curate
+of St. Paul's</a>,--<a href="#IV_37">A FREE Church</a>,--<a href="#IV_38">A
+Sabbath School Annual Examination</a>,--<a href="#IV_39">Interview
+with Episcopal Clergymen; their Testimony</a>,--<a href="#IV_40">Visit
+to Schools</a>,--<a href="#IV_41">Interview with the Superintendent
+of the Wesleyan Mission</a>,--<a href="#IV_42">Persecution of
+the Methodists by Slaveholders</a>,--<a href="#IV_43">The
+Moravian Mission</a>,--<a href="#IV_44">Colored Population</a>,--<a href="#IV_45">Dinner
+Party at Mr. Harris's</a>,--<a href="#IV_46">Testimony concerning
+the objects of our Mission</a>,--<a href="#IV_47">A New Englander</a>,--<a href="#IV_48">History
+of an Emancipated Slave</a>,--<a href="#IV_49">Breakfast
+Party at Mr. Thorne's</a>,--<a href="#IV_50">Facts and Testimony
+concerning Slavery and the Apprenticeship</a>,--<a href="#IV_51">History
+of an Emancipated Slave</a>,--<a href="#IV_52">Breakfast
+Party at Mr. Prescod's</a>,--<a href="#IV_53">Character
+and History of the late Editor of the New Times</a>,--<a href="#IV_54">Breakfast
+Party at Mr. Bourne's</a>,--<a href="#IV_55">Prejudice</a>,--<a href="#IV_56">History
+and Character of an Emancipated Slave</a>,--<a href="#IV_57">Prejudice,
+vincible</a>,--<a href="#IV_58">Concubinage</a>,--<a href="#IV_59">Barbadoes
+as it was; "Reign of Terror;"</a>--<a href="#IV_60">Testimony;
+Cruelties</a>,--<a href="#IV_61">Insurrection of 1816</a>,--<a href="#IV_62">Licentiousness</a>,--<a href="#IV_63">Prejudice</a>--<a href="#IV_64">Indolence
+and Inefficiency of the Whites</a>,--<a href="#IV_65">Hostility
+to Emancipation</a>,--<a href="#IV_66">Barbadoes as it is</a>,--<a href="#IV_67">The
+Apprenticeship System; Provisions respecting the
+Special Magistrates</a>,--<a href="#IV_68">Provisions respecting
+the Master</a>,--<a href="#IV_69">Provisions respecting the
+Apprentice</a>,--<a href="#IV_70">The Design of the Apprenticeship</a>,--<a href="#IV_71">Practical
+Operation of the Apprenticeship</a>,--<a href="#IV_72">Sympathy
+of the Special Magistrates with the Masters</a>,--<a href="#IV_73">Apprenticeship,
+modified Slavery</a>,--<a href="#IV_74">Vexatious to the Master</a>,--<a href="#IV_75">No
+Preparation for Freedom</a>,--<a href="#IV_76">Begets hostility
+between Master and Apprentice</a>,--<a href="#IV_77">Has
+illustrated the Forbearance of the Negroes</a>,--<a href="#IV_78">Its
+tendency to exasperate them</a>,--<a href="#IV_79">Testimony to
+the Working of the Apprenticeship in the Windward
+Islands generally</a>.</p></blockquote>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4>JAMAICA.</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><a href="#V_1">Sketch of its Scenery</a>,--<a href="#V_2">Interview
+with the Attorney General</a>,--<a href="#V_3">The
+Solicitor General; his Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_4">The
+American Consul; his
+Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_5">The
+Superintendent of the Wesleyan Missions</a>,--<a href="#V_6">The
+Baptist Missionaries; Sabbath;
+Service in a Baptist
+Chapel</a>,--<a href="#V_7">Moravians;
+Episcopalians; Scotch Presbyterians</a>,--<a href="#V_8">Schools
+in
+Kingston</a>,--<a href="#V_9">Communication
+from the Teacher of the Wolmer Free School;
+Education; Statistics</a>,--<a href="#V_10">The
+Union School</a>,--<a href="#V_11">"Prejudice
+Vincible</a>,"--<a href="#V_12">Disabilities
+and <i>Persecutions</i> of Colored People</a>,--<a href="#V_13">Edward
+Jordan, Esq.</a>,--<a href="#V_14">Colored
+Members of Assembly</a>,--<a href="#V_15">Richard Hill,
+Esq.</a>,--<a href="#V_16">Colored Artisans
+and Merchants in Kingston</a>,--<a href="#V_17">Police Court
+of
+Kingston</a>,--<a href="#V_18">American
+Prejudice in the "limbos,"</a>--<a href="#V_19">"Amalgamation!"</a>--<a href="#V_20">St.
+Andrew's House of Correction;
+Tread-mill</a>,--<a href="#V_21">Tour through "St. Thomas
+in the East,"</a>--<a href="#V_22">Morant
+Bay; Local Magistrate; his lachrymal
+forebodings</a>,--<a href="#V_23">Proprietor
+of Green Wall Estate; his
+Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_24">Testimony
+of a Wesleyan Missionary</a>,--<a href="#V_25">Belvidere Estate;
+Testimony of the Manager</a>,--<a href="#V_26">Chapel
+built by Apprentices</a>,--<a href="#V_27">House of
+Correction</a>,--<a href="#V_28">Chain-Gang</a>,--<a href="#V_29">A
+call from Special Justice Baines; his
+Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_30">Bath</a>,--<a href="#V_31">Special
+Justice's Office; his
+Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_32">"Alarming
+Rebellion,"</a>--<a href="#V_33">Testimony of a Wesleyan
+Missionary</a>,--<a href="#V_34">Principal
+of the Mico Charity School; his
+Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_35">Noble
+instance of Filial Affection in a Negro
+Girl</a>,--<a href="#V_36">Plantain
+Garden River Valley; Alexander Barclay,
+Esq.</a>,--<a href="#V_37">Golden Grove
+Estate; Testimony of the Manager</a>,--<a href="#V_38">The Custos
+of
+the Parish; his Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_39">Amity
+Hall Estate; Testimony of the
+Manager</a>,--<a href="#V_40">Lord Belmore's
+Prophecy</a>,--<a href="#V_41">Manchioneal; Special Magistrate
+Chamberlain; his Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_42">his
+Weekly Court</a>,--<a href="#V_43">Pro slavery
+gnashings</a>,--<a href="#V_44">Visit
+with the Special Magistrate to the Williamsfield
+Estate; Testimony of the Manager</a>,--<a href="#V_45">Oppression
+of
+Book-keepers</a>,--<a href="#V_46">Sabbath;
+Service at a Baptist Chapel</a>,--<a href="#V_47">Interview with
+Apprentices; their Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_48">Tour
+through St. Andrew's and Port
+Royal</a>,--<a href="#V_49">Visit to
+Estates in company with Special Justice
+Bourne</a>,--<a href="#V_50">White Emigrants
+to Jamaica</a>,--<a href="#V_51">Dublin Castle Estate; Special
+Justice Court</a>,--<a href="#V_52">A
+Despot in convulsions; arbitrary power dies
+hard</a>,--<a href="#V_53">Encounter
+with Mules in a mountain pass</a>,--<a href="#V_54">Silver Hill
+Estate;
+cases tried; Appraisement
+of an Apprentice</a>,--<a href="#V_55">Peter's Rock
+Estate</a>,--<a href="#V_56">Hall's
+Prospect Estate</a>,--<a href="#V_57">Female Traveling Merchant</a>,--<a href="#V_58">Negro
+Provision Grounds</a>,--<a href="#V_59">Apprentices
+eager to work for Money</a>,--<a href="#V_60">Jury of
+Inquest</a>,--<a href="#V_61">Character
+of Overseers</a>,--<a href="#V_62">Conversation with Special
+Justice
+Hamilton</a>,--<a href="#V_63">With
+a Proprietor of Estates and Local Magistrate;
+Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_64">Spanishtown</a>,--<a href="#V_65">Richard
+Hill, Esq., Secretary of the
+Special Magistracy</a>,--<a href="#V_66">Testimony
+of Lord Sligo concerning him</a>,--<a href="#V_67">Lord
+Sligo's Administration;
+its independence and
+impartiality</a>,--<a href="#V_68">Statements
+of Mr. Hill</a>,--<a href="#V_69">Statements of Special
+Justice Ramsey</a>,--<a href="#V_70">Special
+Justice's Court</a>,--<a href="#V_71">Baptist Missionary
+at
+Spanishtown; his Testimony</a>,--<a href="#V_72">Actual
+Working of the Apprenticeship;
+no Insurrection; no fear of
+it; no Increase of Crime; Negroes
+improving; Marriage increased;
+Sabbath better kept; Religious
+Worship better attended; Law
+obeyed</a>,--<a href="#V_73">Apprenticeship vexatious to
+both parties</a>,--<a href="#V_74">Atrocities
+perpetrated by Masters and
+Magistrates</a>,--<a href="#V_75">Causes
+of the ill-working of the
+Apprenticeship</a>--<a href="#V_76">Provisions
+of the Emancipation Act defeated by
+Planters and Magistrates</a>,--<a href="#V_77">The
+present Governor a favorite with the
+Planters</a>,--<a href="#V_78">Special
+Justice Palmer suspended by him</a>,--<a href="#V_79">Persecution
+of
+Special Justice Bourne</a>,--<a href="#V_80">Character
+of the Special
+Magistrates</a>,--<a href="#V_81">Official
+Cruelty; Correspondence between a Missionary
+and Special Magistrate</a>,--<a href="#V_82">Sir
+Lionel Smith's Message to the House of
+Assembly</a>,--<a href="#V_83">Causes
+of the Diminished Crops since
+Emancipation</a>,--<a href="#V_84">Anticipated
+Consequences of full Emancipation in
+1840</a>,--<a href="#V_85">Examination
+of the grounds of such anticipations</a>,--<a href="#V_86">Views
+of
+Missionaries and Colored People,
+Magistrates and
+Planters</a>;--<a href="#V_87">Concluding
+Remarks</a>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>APPENDIX.</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><a href="#VI_1">Official Communication from Special
+Justice Lyon</a>,--<a href="#VI_2">Communication from the
+Solicitor General of Jamaica</a>,--<a href="#VI_3">Communication
+from Special Justice Colthurst</a>,--<a href="#VI_4">Official
+Returns of the Imports and Exports of Barbadoes</a>,--<a href="#VI_5">Valuations
+of Apprentices in Jamaica</a>,--<a href="#VI_6">Tabular View
+of the Crops in Jamaica for fifty-three years
+preceding 1836; Comments of the Jamaica Watchman
+on the foregoing Table</a>,--<a href="#VI_7">Comments of the
+Spanishtown Telegraph</a>,--<a href="#VI_8">Brougham's
+Speech in Parliament</a>.</p></blockquote>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>It is hardly possible that the success of British
+West India Emancipation should be more conclusively
+proved, than it has been by the absence among us of
+the exultation which awaited its failure. So many
+thousands of the citizens of the United States, without
+counting slaveholders, would not have suffered their
+prophesyings to be falsified, if they could have found
+whereof to manufacture fulfilment. But it is remarkable
+that, even since the first of August, 1834, the evils
+of West India emancipation on the lips of the advocates
+of slavery, or, as the most of them nicely prefer
+to be termed, the opponents of abolition, have remained
+in the future tense. The bad reports of the newspapers,
+spiritless as they have been compared with the predictions,
+have been traceable, on the slightest inspection, not
+to emancipation, but to the illegal continuance of
+slavery, under the cover of its legal substitute.
+Not the slightest reference to the rash act, whereby
+the thirty thousand slaves of Antigua were immediately
+"turned loose," now mingles with the croaking
+which strives to defend our republican slavery against
+argument and common sense.</p>
+
+<p>The Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery
+Society, deemed it important that the silence which
+the pro-slavery press of the United States has seemed
+so desirous to maintain in regard to what is strangely
+enough termed the "great experiment of freedom,"
+should be thoroughly broken up by a publication of
+facts and testimony collected on the spot. To this
+end, REV. JAMES A. THOME, and JOSEPH H. KIMBALL, ESQ.,
+were deputed to the West Indies to make the proper
+investigations. Of their qualifications for the task,
+the subsequent pages will furnish the best evidence:
+it is proper, however, to remark, that Mr. Thome is
+thoroughly acquainted with our own system of slavery,
+being a native and still a resident of Kentucky, and
+the son of a slaveholder, (happily no longer so,)
+and that Mr. Kimball is well known as the able editor
+of the Herald of Freedom, published at Concord, New
+Hampshire.</p>
+
+<p>They sailed from New York, the last of November, 1836,
+and returned early in June, 1837. They improved a
+short stay at the Danish island of St. Thomas, to
+give a description of slavery as it exists there, which,
+as it appeared for the most part in the anti-slavery
+papers, and as it is not directly connected with the
+great question at issue, has not been inserted in
+the present volume. Hastily touching at some of the
+other British islands, they made Antigua, Barbadoes,
+and Jamaica, successively the objects of their deliberate
+and laborious study--as fairly presenting
+the three grand phases of the "experiment"--Antigua,
+exemplifying immediate unrestricted abolition; Barbadoes,
+the best working of the apprenticeship, and Jamaica
+the worst. Nine weeks were spent in Antigua, and the
+remainder of their time was divided between the other
+two islands.</p>
+
+<p>The reception of the delegates was in the highest
+degree favorable to the promotion of their object,
+and their work will show how well they have used the
+extraordinary facilities afforded them. The committee
+have, in some instances, restored testimonials which
+their modesty led them to suppress, showing in what
+estimation they themselves, as well as the object
+of their mission, were held by some of the most distinguished
+persons in the islands which they visited.</p>
+
+<p>So wide was the field before them, and so rich and
+various the fruit to be gathered, that they were tempted
+to go far beyond the strength supplied by the failing
+health they carried with them. Most nobly did they
+postpone every personal consideration to the interests
+of the cause, and the reader will, we think, agree
+with us, that they have achieved a result which undiminished
+energies could not have been expected to exceed--a
+result sufficient, if any thing could be, to justify
+the sacrifice it cost them. We regret to add that the
+labors and exposures of Mr. Kimball, so far prevented
+his recovery from the disease[<a name="AE2_FRA"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA">A</a>] which obliged him
+to resort to a milder climate, or perhaps we should
+say aggravated it, that he has been compelled to leave
+to his colleague, aided by a friend, nearly the whole
+burden of preparing for the press--which,
+together with the great labor of condensing from the
+immense amount of collected materials, accounts for
+the delay of the publication. As neither Mr. Thome
+nor Mr. Kimball were here while the work was in the
+press, it is not improbable that trivial errors have
+occurred, especially in the names of individuals.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA">A</a>: We learn that Mr. Kimball closed his
+mortal career at Pembroke, N.H. April 12th, in the
+25th year of his age. Very few men in the Anti-Slavery
+cause have been more distinguished, than this lamented
+brother, for the zeal, discretion and ability with
+which he has advocated the cause of the oppressed.
+"Peace to the memory of a man of worth!"]</p>
+
+<p>It will be perceived that the delegates rest nothing
+of importance on their own unattested observation.
+At every point they are fortified by the statements
+of a multitude of responsible persons in the islands,
+whose names, when not forbidden, they leave taken the
+liberty to use in behalf of humanity. Many of these
+statements were given in the handwriting of the parties,
+and are in the possession of the Executive Committee.
+Most of these island authorities are as unchallengeable
+on the score of previous leaning towards abolitionism,
+as Mr. McDuffie of Mr. Calhoun would be two years
+hence, if slavery were to be abolished throughout
+the United States tomorrow.</p>
+
+<p>Among the points established in this work, beyond
+the power of dispute or cavil, are the following:</p>
+
+<p>1. That the act of IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION in Antigua,
+was not attended with any disorder whatever.</p>
+
+<p>2. That the emancipated slaves have readily, faithfully,
+and efficiently worked for wages from the first.</p>
+
+<p>3. That wherever there has been any disturbance in
+the working of the apprenticeship, it has been invariably
+by the fault of the masters, or of the officers charged
+with the execution of the "Abolition Act."</p>
+
+<p>4. That the prejudice of caste is fast disappearing
+in the emancipated islands.</p>
+
+<p>5. That the apprenticeship was not sought for by the
+planters as a <i>preparation for freedom</i>.</p>
+
+<p>6. That no such preparation was needed.</p>
+
+<p>7. That the planters who have fairly made the "experiment,"
+now greatly prefer the new system to the old.</p>
+
+<p>8. That the emancipated people are perceptibly rising
+in the scale of civilization, morals, and religion.</p>
+
+<p>From these established facts, reason cannot fail to
+make its inferences in favor of the two and a half
+millions of slaves in our republic. We present the
+work to our countrymen who yet hold slaves, with the
+utmost confidence that its perusal will not leave
+in their minds a doubt, either of the duty or perfect
+safety of <i>immediate emancipation</i>, however
+it may fail to persuade their hearts--which
+God grant it may not!</p>
+
+<p>By order of the Executive Committee of the American
+Anti-Slavery Society.</p>
+
+<p>New York, April 28th, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED IN THE NARRATIVE.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>1. The words 'Clergy' and 'Missionary'
+are used to distinguish between the ministers of the
+English or Scotch church, and those of all other denominations.</p>
+
+<p>2. The terms 'church' and 'chapel'
+denote a corresponding distinction in the places of
+worship, though the English Church have what are technically
+called 'chapels of ease!'</p>
+
+<p>3. 'Manager' and 'overseer'
+are terms designating in different islands the same
+station. In Antigua and Barbadoes, <i>manager</i>
+is the word in general use, in Jamaica it is <i>overseer</i>--both
+meaning the practical conductor or immediate superintendent
+of an estate. In our own country, a peculiar odium
+is attached to the latter term. In the West Indies,
+the station of manager or overseer is an honorable
+one; proprietors of estates, and even men of rank,
+do not hesitate to occupy it.</p>
+
+<p>4. The terms 'colored' and 'black'
+or 'negro' indicate a distinction long
+kept up in the West Indies between the mixed blood
+and the pure negro. The former as a body were few
+previous to the abolition act; and for this reason
+chiefly we presume the term of distinction was originally
+applied to them. To have used these terms interchangeably
+in accordance with the usage in the United States,
+would have occasioned endless confusion in the narrative.</p>
+
+<p>5. 'Praedial' and 'non-praedial'
+are terms used in the apprenticeship colonies to mark
+the difference between the agricultural class and the
+domestic; the former are called <i>praedials</i>,
+the latter <i>non-praedials</i>.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>POPULATION OF THE BRITISH (FORMERLY SLAVE) COLONIES.</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Compiled from recent authentic documents.</i>)</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<TABLE summary="population of British colonies" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="2" CELLPADDING="2">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+British Colonies.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+White.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+Slave.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+F. Col'd.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Anguilla
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+365
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+2,388
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+357
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+3,110
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Antigua[<a href="#AE2_FNB">A</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+1,980
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+29,839
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+3,895
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+35,714
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Bahamas
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+4,240
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+9,268
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+2,991
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+16,499
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Barbadoes
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+15,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+82,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+5,100
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+102,100
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Berbicel
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+550
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+21,300
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+1,150
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+23,000
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Bermuda[<a href="#AE2_FNB">A</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+3,900
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+4,600
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+740
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+9,240
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Cape of Good Hope[<a href="#AE2_FNC">B</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+43,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+35,500
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+29,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+107,500
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Demerara[<a href="#AE2_FNC">B</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+3,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+70,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+6,400
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+79,400
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Dominica
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+850
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+15,400
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+3,600
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+19,850
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Grenada
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+800
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+24,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+2,800
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+27,600
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Honduras[<a href="#AE2_FNC">B</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+250
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+2,100
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+2,300
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+4,650
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Jamaica
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+37,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+323,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+55,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+415,000
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Mauritius[<a href="#AE2_FNC">B</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+8,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+76,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+15,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+99,000
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Montserrat
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+330
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+6,200
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+800
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+7,330
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Nevis
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+700
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+6,600
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+2,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+9,300
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+St. Christophers,St. Kitts
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+1,612
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+19,310
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+3,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+23,922
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+St. Lucia[<a href="#AE2_FNC">B</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+980
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+13,600
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+3,700
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+18,280
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+St. Vincent
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+1,300
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+23,500
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+2,800
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+27,600
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Tobago
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+320
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+12,500
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+1,200
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+14,020
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Tortola
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+480
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+5,400
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+1,300
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+7,180
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Trinidad[<a href="#AE2_FNC">B</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+4,200
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+24,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+16,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+44,200
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Virgin Isles
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+800
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+5,400
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+600
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+6,800
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+131,257
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+831,105
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+162,733
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="TOP">
+1,125,095
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</Table>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB"></a>
+[Footnote A: These islands adopted immediate emancipation,
+Aug 1, 1834.]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FNC"></a>
+[Footnote B: These are crown colonies, and have no
+local legislature.]</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>ANTIGUA.</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER I.</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_1"></a>
+Antigua is about eighteen miles long and fifteen broad;
+the interior is low and undulating, the coast mountainous.
+From the heights on the coast the whole island may
+be taken in at one view, and in a clear day the ocean
+can be seen entirely around the land, with the exception
+of a few miles of cliff in one quarter. The population
+of Antigua is about 37,000, of whom 30,000 are negroes--lately
+slaves--4500 are free people of color, and
+2500 are whites.</p>
+
+<p>The cultivation of the island is principally in sugar,
+of which the average annual crop is 15,000 hogsheads.
+Antigua is one of the oldest of the British West India
+colonies, and ranks high in importance and influence.
+Owing to the proportion of proprietors resident in
+the Island, there is an accumulation of talent, intelligence
+and refinement, greater, perhaps, than in any English
+colony, excepting Jamaica.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_2"></a>
+Our solicitude on entering the Island of Antigua was
+intense. Charged with a mission so nearly concerning
+the political and domestic institutions of the colony,
+we might well be doubtful as to the manner of our
+reception. We knew indeed that slavery was abolished,
+that Antigua had rejected the apprenticeship, and
+adopted entire emancipation. We knew also, that the
+free system had surpassed the hopes of its advocates.
+But we were in the midst of those whose habits and
+sentiments had been formed under the influences of
+slavery, whose prejudices still clinging to it might
+lead them to regard our visit with indifference at
+least, if not with jealousy. We dared not hope for
+aid from men who, not three years before, were slaveholders,
+and who, as a body, strenuously resisted the abolition
+measure, finally yielding to it only because they
+found resistance vain.</p>
+
+<p>Mingled with the depressing anxieties already referred
+to, were emotions of pleasure and exultation, when
+we stepped upon the shores of an unfettered isle.
+We trod a soil from which the last vestige of slavery
+had been swept away! To us, accustomed as we were to
+infer the existence of slavery from the presence of
+a particular hue, the numbers of negroes passing to
+and fro, engaged in their several employments, denoted
+a land of oppression; but the erect forms, the active
+movements, and the sprightly countenances, bespoke
+that spirit of disinthrallment which had gone abroad
+through Antigua.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_3"></a>
+On the day of our arrival we had an interview with
+the Rev. James Cox, the superintendent of the Wesleyan
+mission in the island. He assured us that we need
+apprehend no difficulty in procuring information, adding,
+"We are all free here now; every man can speak
+his sentiments unawed. We have nothing to conceal
+in our present system; had you come here as the <i>advocates
+of slavery</i> you might have met with a very different
+reception."</p>
+
+<p>At the same time we met the Rev. N. Gilbert, a clergyman
+of the English Church, and proprietor of an estate.
+Mr. G. expressed the hope that we might gather such
+facts during our stay in the island, as would tend
+effectually to remove the curse of slavery from the
+United States. He said that the failure of the crops,
+from the extraordinary drought which was still prevailing,
+would, he feared, be charged by persons abroad to
+the new system. "The enemies of freedom,"
+said he, "will not ascribe the failure to the
+proper cause. It will be in vain that we solemnly
+declare, that for more than thirty years the island
+has not experienced such a drought. Our enemies will
+persist in laying all to the charge of our free system;
+men will look only at the amount of sugar exported,
+which will be less than half the average. They will
+run away with this fact, and triumph over it as the
+disastrous consequence of abolition."</p>
+
+<p>On the same day we were introduced to the Rev. Bennet
+Harvey, the principal of the Moravian mission, to
+a merchant, an agent for several estates, and to an
+intelligent manager. Each of these gentlemen gave us
+the most cordial welcome, and expressed a warm sympathy
+in the objects of our visit. On the following day
+we dined, by invitation, with the superintendent of
+the Wesleyan mission, in company with several missionaries.
+<i>Freedom in Antigua</i> was the engrossing and
+delightful topic. They rejoiced in the change, not
+merely from sympathy with the disinthralled negroes,
+but because it had emancipated them from a disheartening
+surveillance, and opened new fields of usefulness.
+They hailed the star of freedom "with exceeding
+great joy," because it heralded the speedy dawning
+of the Sun of Righteousness.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_4"></a>
+We took an early opportunity to call on the Governor,
+whom we found affable and courteous. On learning that
+we were from the United States, he remarked, that
+he entertained a high respect for our country, but
+its slavery was a stain upon the whole nation. He
+expressed his conviction that the instigators of northern
+mobs must be implicated in some way, pecuniary or
+otherwise, with slavery. The Governor stated various
+particulars in which Antigua had been greatly improved
+by the abolition of slavery. He said, the planters
+all conceded that emancipation had been a great blessing
+to the island, and he did not know of a single individual
+who wished to return to the old system.</p>
+
+<p>His excellency proffered us every assistance in his
+power, and requested his secretary--<i>a
+colored gentleman</i>--to furnish us with
+certain documents which he thought would be of service
+to us. When we rose to leave, the Governor followed
+us to the door, repeating the advice that we should
+"see with our own eyes, and hear with our own
+ears." The interest which his Excellency manifested
+in our enterprise, satisfied us that the prevalent
+feeling in the island was opposed to slavery, since
+it was a matter well understood that the Governor's
+partialities, if he had any, were on the side of the
+planters rather than the people.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_5"></a>
+On the same day we were introduced to a barrister,
+a member of the assembly and proprietor of an estate.
+He was in the assembly at the time the abolition act
+was under discussion. He said that it was violently
+opposed, until it was seen to be inevitable. Many were
+the predictions made respecting the ruin which would
+be brought upon the colony; but these predictions
+had failed, and abolition was now regarded as the
+salvation of the island.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_6"></a>
+SABBATH.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>The morning of our first Sabbath in Antigua came with
+that hushed stillness which marks the Sabbath dawn
+in the retired villages of New England. The arrangements
+of the family were conducted with a studied silence
+that indicated habitual respect for the Lord's
+day. At 10 o'clock the streets were filled with
+the church-going throng. The rich rolled along in
+their splendid vehicles with liveried outriders and
+postillions. The poor moved in lowlier procession,
+yet in neat attire, and with the serious air of Christian
+worshippers. We attended the Moravian service. In
+going to the chapel, which is situated on the border
+of the town, we passed through and across the most
+frequented streets. No persons were to be seen, excepting
+those whose course was toward some place of worship.
+The shops were all shut, and the voices of business
+and amusement were hushed. The market place, which
+yesterday was full of swarming life, and sent forth
+a confused uproar, was deserted and dumb--not
+a straggler was to be seen of all the multitude.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_7"></a>
+On approaching the Moravian chapel we observed the
+negroes, wending their way churchward, from the surrounding
+estates, along the roads leading into town.</p>
+
+<p>When we entered the chapel the service had begun,
+and the people were standing, and repeating their
+liturgy. The house, which was capable of holding about
+a thousand persons, was filled. The audience were all
+black and colored, mostly of the deepest Ethiopian
+hue, and had come up thither from the estates, where
+once they toiled as slaves, but now as freemen, to
+present their thank-offerings unto Him whose truth
+and Spirit had made them free. In the simplicity and
+tidiness of their attire, in its uniformity and freedom
+from ornament, it resembled the dress of the Friends.
+The females were clad in plain white gowns, with neat
+turbans of cambric or muslin on their heads. The males
+were dressed in <i>spencers</i>, vests, and pantaloons,
+all of white. All were serious in their demeanor,
+and although the services continued more than two hours,
+they gave a wakeful attention to the end. Their responses
+in the litany were solemn and regular.</p>
+
+<p>Great respect was paid to the aged and infirm. A poor
+blind man came groping his way, and was kindly conducted
+to a seat in an airy place. A lame man came wearily
+up to the door, when one within the house rose and
+led him to the seat he himself had just occupied. As
+we sat facing the congregation, we looked around upon
+the multitude to find the marks of those demoniac
+passions which are to strew carnage through our own
+country when its bondmen shall be made free. The countenances
+gathered there, bore the traces of benevolence, of
+humility, of meekness, of docility, and reverence;
+and we felt, while looking on them, that the doers
+of justice to a wronged people "shall surely
+dwell in safety and be quiet from fear of evil."</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_8"></a>
+After the service, we visited the Sabbath school.
+The superintendent was an interesting young colored
+man. We attended the recitation of a Testament class
+of children of both sexes from eight to twelve. They
+read, and answered numerous questions with great sprightliness.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_9"></a>
+In the afternoon we attended the Episcopal church,
+of which the Rev. Robert Holberton is rector. We here
+saw a specimen of the aristocracy of the island. A
+considerable number present were whites,--rich
+proprietors with their families, managers of estates,
+officers of government, and merchants. The greater
+proportion of the auditory, however, were colored
+people and blacks. It might be expected that distinctions
+of color would be found here, if any where;--however,
+the actual distinction, even in this the most fashionable
+church in Antigua, amounted only to this, that the
+body pews on each side of the broad aisle were occupied
+by the whites, the side pews by the colored people,
+and the broad aisle in the middle by the negroes.
+The gallery, on one side, was also appropriated to
+the colored people, and on the other to the blacks.
+The finery of the negroes was in sad contrast with
+the simplicity we had just seen at the Moravian chapel.
+Their dresses were of every color and style; their
+hats were of all shapes and sizes, and fillagreed
+with the most tawdry superfluity of ribbons. Beneath
+these gaudy bonnets were glossy ringlets, false and
+real, clustering in tropical luxuriance. This fantastic
+display was evidently a rude attempt to follow the
+example set them by the white aristocracy.</p>
+
+<p>The choir was composed chiefly of colored boys, who
+were placed on the right side of the organ, and about
+an equal number of colored girls on the left. In front
+of the organ were eight or ten white children. The
+music of this colored, or rather "amalgamated"
+choir, directed by a colored chorister, and accompanied
+by a colored organist, was in good taste.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_10"></a>
+In the evening, we accompanied a friend to the Wesleyan
+chapel, of which the Rev. James Cox is pastor. The
+minister invited us to a seat within the altar, where
+we could have a full view of the congregation. The
+chapel was crowded. Nearly twelve hundred persons were
+present. All sat promiscuously in respect of color.
+In one pew was a family of whites, next a family of
+colored persons, and behind that perhaps might be seen,
+side by side, the ebon hue of the negro, the mixed
+tint of the mulatto, and the unblended whiteness of
+the European. Thus they sat in crowded contact, seemingly
+unconscious that they were outraging good taste, violating
+natural laws, and "confounding distinctions of
+divine appointment!" In whatever direction we
+turned, there was the same commixture of colors. What
+to one of our own countrymen whose contempt for the
+oppressed has defended itself with the plea of <i>prejudice
+against color</i>, would have been a combination
+absolutely shocking, was to us a scene as gratifying
+as it was new.</p>
+
+<p>On both sides, the gallery presented the same unconscious
+blending of colors. The choir was composed of a large
+number, mostly colored, of all ages. The front seats
+were filled by children of various ages--the
+rear, of adults, rising above these tiny choristers,
+and softening the shrillness of their notes by the
+deeper tones of mature age.</p>
+
+<p>The style of the preaching which we heard on the different
+occasions above described, so far as it is any index
+to the intelligence of the several congregations,
+is certainly a high commendation. The language used,
+would not offend the taste of any congregation, however
+refined.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, the fixed attention of the people
+showed that the truths delivered were understood and
+appreciated.</p>
+
+<p>We observed, that in the last two services the subject
+of the present drought was particularly noticed in
+prayer.</p>
+
+<p>The account here given is but a fair specimen of the
+solemnity and decorum of an Antigua sabbath.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_11"></a>
+<b>VISIT TO MILLAR'S ESTATE.</b></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>Early in the week after our arrival, by the special
+invitation of the manager, we visited this estate.
+It is situated about four miles from the town of St.
+John's.</p>
+
+<p>The smooth MacAdamized road extending across the rolling
+plains and gently sloping hill sides, covered with
+waving cane, and interspersed with provision grounds,
+contributed with the fresh bracing air of the morning
+to make the drive pleasant and animating.</p>
+
+<p>At short intervals were seen the buildings of the
+different estates thrown together in small groups,
+consisting of the manager's mansion and out-houses,
+negro huts, boiling house, cooling houses, distillery,
+and windmill. The mansion is generally on an elevated
+spot, commanding a view of the estate and surrounding
+country. The cane fields presented a novel appearance--being
+without fences of any description. Even those fields
+which lie bordering on the highways, are wholly unprotected
+by hedge, ditch, or rails. This is from necessity.
+Wooden fences they cannot have, for lack of timber.
+Hedges are not used, because they are found to withdraw
+the moisture from the canes. To prevent depredations,
+there are watchmen on every estate employed both day
+and night. There are also stock keepers employed by
+day in keeping the cattle within proper grazing limits.
+As each estate guards its own stock by day and folds
+them by night, the fields are in little danger.</p>
+
+<p>We passed great numbers of negroes on the road, loaded
+with every kind of commodity for the town market.
+<i>The head is the beast of burthen</i> among
+the negroes throughout the West Indies. Whatever the
+load, whether it be trifling or valuable, strong or
+frail, it is consigned to the head, both for safe
+keeping and for transportation. While the head is
+thus taxed, the hands hang useless by the side, or
+are busied in gesticulating, as the people chat together
+along the way. The negroes we passed were all decently
+clad. They uniformly stopped as they came opposite
+to us, to pay the usual civilities. This the men did
+by touching their hats and bowing, and the women,
+by making a low courtesy, and adding, sometimes, "howdy,
+massa," or "mornin', massa."
+We passed several loaded wagons, drawn by three, four,
+or five yoke of oxen, and in every instance the driver,
+so far from manifesting any disposition "insolently"
+to crowd us off the road, or to contend for his part
+of it, turned his team aside, leaving us double room
+to go by, and sometimes stopping until we had passed.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_12"></a>
+We were kindly received at Millar's by Mr. Bourne,
+the manager. Millar's is one of the first estates
+in Antigua. The last year it made the largest sugar
+crop on the island. Mr. B. took us before breakfast
+to view the estate. On the way, he remarked that we
+had visited the island at a very unfavorable time
+for seeing the cultivation of it, as every thing was
+suffering greatly from the drought. There had not been
+a single copious rain, such as would "make the
+water run," since the first of March previous.
+As we approached the laborers, the manager pointed
+out one company of ten, who were at work with their
+hoes by the side of the road, while a larger one of
+thirty were in the middle of the field. They greeted
+us in the most friendly manner. The manager spoke kindly
+to them, encouraging them to be industrious He stopped
+a moment to explain to us the process of cane-holing.
+The field is first ploughed[<a name="AE2_FRD"></a><a href="#AE2_FND">A</a>] in one direction, and
+the ground thrown up in ridges of about a foot high.
+Then similar ridges are formed crosswise, with the
+hoe, making regular squares of two-feet-sides over
+the field. By raising the soil, a clear space of six
+inches square is left at the bottom. In this space
+the <i>plant</i> is placed horizontally, and
+slightly covered with earth. The ridges are left about
+it, for the purpose of conducting the rain to the
+roots, and also to retain the moisture. When we came
+up to the large company, they paused a moment, and
+with a hearty salutation, which ran all along the
+line, bade us "good mornin'," and
+immediately resumed their labor. The men and women
+were intermingled; the latter kept pace with the former,
+wielding their hoes with energy and effect. The manager
+addressed them for a few moments, telling them who
+we were, and the object of our visit. He told them
+of the great number of slaves in America, and appealed
+to them to know whether they would not be sober, industrious,
+and diligent, so as to prove to American slaveholders
+the benefit of freeing all their slaves. At the close
+of each sentence, they all responded, "Yes,
+massa," or "God bless de massas,"
+and at the conclusion, they answered the appeal, with
+much feeling, "Yes, massa; please God massa,
+we will all do so." When we turned to leave,
+they wished to know what we thought of their industry.
+We assured them that we were much pleased, for which
+they returned their "thankee, massa."
+They were working at a <i>job</i>. The manager
+had given them a piece of ground "to hole,"
+engaging to pay them sixteen dollars when they had
+finished it. He remarked that he had found it a good
+plan to give <i>jobs</i>. He obtained more work
+in this way than he did by giving the ordinary wages,
+which is about eleven cents per day. It looked very
+much like slavery to see the females working in the
+field; but the manager said they chose it generally
+"<i>for the sake of the wages</i>."
+Mr. B. returned with us to the house, leaving the
+gangs in the field, with only an aged negro in charge
+of the work, as <i>superintendent.</i> Such now
+is the name of the overseer. The very <i>terms</i>,
+<i>driver</i> and <i>overseer</i>, are banished
+from Antigua; and the <i>whip</i> is buried beneath
+the soil of freedom.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FND"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRD">A</a>: In those cases where the plough is used
+at all. It is not yet generally introduced throughout
+the West Indies. Where the plough is not used, the
+whole process of holing is done with the hoe, and is
+extremely laborious]</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_13"></a>
+When we reached the house we were introduced to Mr.
+Watkins, a <i>colored</i> planter, whom Mr. B.
+had invited to breakfast with us. Mr. Watkins was
+very communicative, and from him and Mr. B., who was
+equally free, we obtained information on a great variety
+of points, which we reserve for the different heads
+to which they appropriately belong.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_14"></a>
+<b>FITCH'S CREEK ESTATE.</b></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>From Millar's we proceeded to Fitch's
+Creek Estate, where we had been invited to dine by
+the intelligent manager, Mr. H. Armstrong. We three
+met several Wesleyan missionaries. Mr. A. is himself
+a local preacher in the Wesleyan connection. When
+a stranger visits an estate in the West Indies, almost
+the first thing is an offer from the manager to accompany
+him through the sugar works. Mr. A. conducted us first
+to a new boiling house, which he was building after
+a plan of his own devising. The house is of brick,
+on a very extensive scale. It has been built entirely
+by negroes--chiefly those belonging to the
+estate who were emancipated in 1834. Fitch's
+Creek Estate is one of the largest on the Island,
+consisting of 500 acres, of which 300 are under cultivation.
+The number of people employed and living on the property
+is 260. This estate indicates any thing else than
+an apprehension of approaching ruin. It presents the
+appearance, far more, of a <i>resurrection</i>,
+from the grave. In addition to his improved sugar
+and boiling establishment, he has projected a plan
+<a name="I_15"></a>
+for a new village, (as the collection of negro houses
+is called,) and has already selected the ground and
+begun to build. The houses are to be larger than those
+at present in use, they are to be built of stone instead
+of mud and sticks, and to be neatly roofed. Instead
+of being huddled together in a bye place, as has mostly
+been the case, they are to be built on an elevated
+site, and ranged at regular intervals around three
+sides of a large square, in the centre of which a
+building for a chapel and school house is to be erected.
+Each house is to have a garden. This and similar improvements
+are now in progress, with the view of adding to the
+comforts of the laborers, and attaching them to the
+estate. It has become the interest of the planter to
+make it for the <i>interest of the people</i>
+to remain on his estate. This <i>mutual interest</i>
+is the only sure basis of prosperity on the one hand
+and of industry on the other.</p>
+
+<p>The whole company heartily joined in assuring us that
+a knowledge of the actual working of abolition in
+Antigua, would be altogether favorable to the cause
+of freedom, <i>and that the more thorough our knowledge
+of the facts in the case, the more perfect would be
+our confidence in the safety of</i> IMMEDIATE <i>emancipation</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. A. said that the spirit of enterprise, before
+dormant, had been roused since emancipation, and planters
+were now beginning to inquire as to the best modes
+of cultivation, and to propose measures of general
+improvement. One of these measures was the establishing
+of <i>free villages</i>, in which the laborers
+might dwell by paying a small rent. When the adjacent
+planters needed help they could here find a supply
+for the occasion. This plan would relieve the laborers
+from some of that dependence which they must feel
+so long as they live on the estate and in the houses
+of the planters. Many advantages of such a system were
+specified. We allude to it here only as an illustration
+of that spirit of inquiry, which freedom has kindled
+in the minds of the planters.</p>
+
+<p>No little desire was manifested by the company to
+know the state of the slavery question in this country.
+They all, planters and missionaries, spoke in terms
+of abhorrence of our slavery, our snobs, our prejudice,
+and our Christianity. One of the missionaries said
+it would never do for him to go to America, for he
+should certainly be excommunicated by his Methodist
+brethren, and Lynched by the advocates of slaver. He
+insisted that slaveholding professors and ministers
+should be cut off from the communion of the Church.</p>
+
+<p>As we were about to take leave, the <i>proprietor</i>
+of the estate rode up, accompanied by the governor,
+who he had brought to see the new boiling-house, and
+the other improvements which were in progress. The
+proprietor reside in St. John's, is a gentleman
+of large fortune, and a member of the assembly. He
+said he would be happy to aid us in any way--but
+added, that in all details of a practical kind, and
+in all matters of fact, the planters were the best
+witnesses, for they were the conductors of the present
+system. We were glad to obtain the endorsement of
+an influential proprietor to the testimony of practical
+planters.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+<a name="I_16"></a>
+</p>
+<p><b>DINNER AT THE GOVERNOR'S.</b></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>On the following day having received a very courteous
+invitation[<a name="AE2_FRE"></a><a href="#AE2_FNE">A</a>] from the governor, to dine at the government
+house, we made our arrangements to do so. The Hon.
+Paul Horsford, a member of the council, called during
+the day, to say, that he expected to dine with us at
+the government house and that he would be happy to
+call for us at the appointed hour, and conduct us
+thither. At six o'clock Mr. H.'s carriage
+drove up to our door, and we accompanied him to the
+governor's, where we were introduced to Col.
+Jarvis, a member of the privy council, and proprietor
+of several estates in the island, Col. Edwards, a
+member of the assembly and a barrister, Dr. Musgrave,
+a member of the assembly, and Mr. Shiel, attorney
+general. A dinner of state, at a Governor's house,
+attended by a company of high-toned politicians, professional
+gentlemen, and proprietors, could hardly be expected
+to furnish large accessions to our stock of information,
+relating to the object of our visit. Dinner being
+announced, we were hardly seated at the table when
+his excellency politely offered to drink a glass of
+Madeira with us. We begged leave to decline the honor.
+In a short time he proposed a glass of Champaign--again
+we declined. "Why, surely, gentlemen,"
+exclaimed the Governor, "you must belong to
+the temperance society." "Yes, sir, we
+do." "Is it possible? but you will surely
+take a glass of liqueur?" "Your excellency
+must pardon us if we again decline the honor; we drink
+no wines." This announcement of ultra temperance
+principles excited no little surprise. Finding that
+our allegiance to cold water was not to be shaken,
+the governor condescended at last to meet us on middle
+ground, and drink his wine to our water.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNE"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRE">A</a>: We venture to publish the note in which
+the governor conveyed his invitation, simply because,
+though a trifle in itself, it will serve to show the
+estimation in which our mission was held.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"If Messrs. Kimball and Thome
+are not engaged Tuesday next, the Lieut. Governor
+will be happy to see them at dinner, at six o'clock,
+when he will endeavor to facilitate their philanthropic
+inquiries, by inviting two or three proprietors
+to met them."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>"<i>Government House, St. John's,
+Dec. 18th</i>, 1836." ]</p>
+
+<p>The conversation on the subject of emancipation served
+to show that the prevailing sentiment was decidedly
+favorable to the free system. Col. Jarvis, who is
+the proprietor of three estates, said that he was in
+England at the time the bill for immediate emancipation
+passed the legislature. Had he been in the island
+he should have opposed it; but <i>now</i> he
+was glad it had prevailed. The evil consequences which
+he apprehended had not been realized, and he was now
+confident that they never would be.</p>
+
+<p>As to prejudice against the black and colored people,
+all thought it was rapidly decreasing--indeed,
+they could scarcely say there was now any such thing.
+To be sure, there was an aversion among the higher
+classes of the whites, and especially among <i>females</i>,
+to associating in parties with colored people; but
+it was not on account of their <i>color</i>, but
+chiefly because of their <i>illegitimacy</i>.
+This was to us a new <i>source</i> of prejudice:
+but subsequent information fully explained its bearings.
+The whites of the West Indies are themselves the authors
+of that <i>illegitimacy</i>, out of which their
+aversion springs. It is not to be wondered at that
+they should be unwilling to invite the colored people
+to their social parties, seeing they might not unfrequently
+be subjected to the embarrassment of introducing to
+their white wives a colored mistress or an <i>illegitimate</i>
+daughter. This also explains the special prejudice
+which the <i>ladies</i> of the higher classes
+feel toward those among whom are their guilty rivals
+in a husband's affections, and those whose every
+feature tells the story of a husband's unfaithfulness!</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_17"></a>
+A few days after our dinner with the governor and
+his friends, we took breakfast, by invitation, with
+Mr. Watkins, the <i>colored</i> planter whom
+we had the pleasure of meeting at Millar's, on
+a previous occasion. Mr. W. politely sent in his chaise
+for us, a distance of five miles, At an early hour
+we reached Donovan's, the estate of which he
+is manager. We found the sugar works in active operation:
+the broad wings of the windmill were wheeling their
+stately revolutions, and the smoke was issuing in
+dense volumes from the chimney of the boiling house.
+Some of the negroes were employed in carrying cane
+to the mill, others in carrying away the <i>trash</i>
+or <i>megass</i>, as the cane is called after
+the juice is expressed from it. Others, chiefly the
+old men and women, were tearing the megass apart,
+and strewing it on the ground to dry. It is the only
+fuel used for boiling the sugar.</p>
+
+<p>On entering the house we found three planters whom
+Mr. W. had invited to breakfast with us. The meeting
+of a number of intelligent practical planters afforded
+a good opportunity for comparing their views. On all
+the main points, touching the working of freedom, there
+was a strong coincidence.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_18"></a>
+When breakfast was ready, Mrs. W. entered the room,
+and after our introduction to her, took her place
+at the head of the table. Her conversation was intelligent,
+her manners highly polished, and she presided at the
+table with admirable grace and dignity.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_19"></a>
+On the following day, Dr. Ferguson, of St. John's,
+called on us. Dr. Ferguson is a member of the assembly,
+and one of the first physicians in the island. The
+Doctor said that freedom had wrought like a magician,
+and had it not been for the unprecedented drought,
+the island would now be in a state of prosperity unequalled
+in any period of its history. Dr. F. remarked that
+a general spirit of improvement was pervading the
+island. The moral condition of the whites was rapidly
+brightening; formerly concubinage was <i>respectable</i>;
+it had been customary for married men--those
+of the highest standing--to keep one or two
+colored mistresses. This practice was now becoming
+disreputable. There had been a great alteration as
+to the observance of the Sabbath; formerly more business
+was done in St. John's on Sunday, by the merchants,
+than on all the other days of the week together. The
+mercantile business of the town had increased astonishingly;
+he thought that the stores and shops had multiplied
+in a <i>ratio of ten to one</i>. Mechanical pursuits
+were likewise in a flourishing condition. Dr. F. said
+that a greater number of buildings had been erected
+since emancipation, than had been put up for twenty
+years before. Great improvements had also been made
+in the streets and roads in town and country.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<a name="I_20"></a></p>
+<p><b>MARKET.</b></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>SATURDAY.--This is the regular market-day here. The
+negroes come from all parts of the island; walking
+sometimes ten or fifteen miles to attend the St. John's
+market. We pressed our way through the dense mass of
+all hues, which crowded the market. The ground was
+covered with wooden trays filled with all kinds of
+fruits, grain, vegetables, fowls, fish, and flesh.
+Each one, as we passed, called attention to his or
+her little stock. We passed up to the head of the
+avenue, where men and women were employed in cutting
+up the light fire-wood which they had brought from
+the country on their heads, and in binding it into
+small bundles for sale. Here we paused a moment and
+looked down upon the busy multitude below. The whole
+street was a moving mass. There were broad Panama hats,
+and gaudy turbans, and uncovered heads, and heads laden
+with water pots, and boxes, and baskets, and trays--all
+moving and mingling in seemingly inextricable confusion.
+There could not have been less than fifteen hundred
+people congregated in that street--all, or
+nearly all, emancipated slaves. Yet, amidst all the
+excitements and competitions of trade, their conduct
+toward each other was polite and kind. Not a word,
+or look, or gesture of insolence or indecency did we
+observe. Smiling countenances and friendly voices
+greeted us on every side, and we felt no fears either
+of having our pockets picked or our throats cut!</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_21"></a>
+At the other end of the market-place stood the <i>Lock-up
+House</i>, the <i>Cage</i>, and the <i>Whipping
+Post</i>, with stocks for feet and wrists. These
+are almost the sole relics of slavery which still linger
+in the town. The Lock-up House is a sort of jail,
+built of stone--about fifteen feet square,
+and originally designed as a place of confinement for
+slaves taken up by the patrol. The Cage is a smaller
+building, adjoining the former, the sides of which
+are composed of strong iron bars--fitly
+called a <i>cage!</i> The prisoner was exposed
+to the gaze and insult of every passer by, without
+the possibility of concealment. The Whipping Post
+is hard by, but its occupation is gone. Indeed, all
+these appendages of slavery have gone into entire
+disuse, and Time is doing his work of dilapidation
+upon them. We fancied we could see in the marketers,
+as they walked in and out at the doorless entrance
+of the Lock-up House, or leaned against the Whipping
+Post, in careless chat, that harmless defiance which
+would prompt one to beard the dead lion.</p>
+
+<p>Returning from the market we observed a negro woman
+passing through the street, with several large hat
+boxes strung on her arm. She accidentally let one
+of them fall. The box had hardly reached the ground,
+when a little boy sprang from the back of a carriage
+rolling by, handed the woman the box, and hastened
+to remount the carriage.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+<a name="I_22"></a>
+</p>
+<p><b>CHRISTMAS.</b></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>During the reign of slavery, the Christmas holidays
+brought with them general alarm. To prevent insurrections,
+the militia was uniformly called out, and an array
+made of all that was formidable in military enginery.
+This custom was dispensed with at once, after emancipation.
+As Christmas came on the Sabbath, it tested the respect
+for that day. The morning was similar, in all respects,
+to the morning of the Sabbath described above; the
+same serenity reigning everywhere--the same
+quiet in the household movements, and the same tranquillity
+prevailing through the streets. We attended morning
+service at the Moravian chapel. Notwithstanding the
+descriptions we had heard of the great change which
+emancipation had wrought in the observance of Christmas,
+we were quite unprepared for the delightful reality
+around us. Though thirty thousand slaves had but lately
+been "turned loose" upon a white population
+of less than three thousand! instead of meeting with
+scenes of disorder, what were the sights which greeted
+our eyes? The neat attire, the serious demeanor, and
+the thronged procession to the place of worship. In
+every direction the roads leading into town were lined
+with happy beings--attired for the house
+of God. When groups coming from different quarters
+met at the corners, they stopped a moment to exchange
+salutations and shake hands, and then proceeded on
+together.</p>
+
+<p>The Moravian chapel was slightly decorated with green
+branches. They were the only adorning which marked
+the plain sanctuary of a plain people. It was crowded
+with black and colored people, and very many stood
+without, who could not get in. After the close of the
+service in the chapel, the minister proceeded to the
+adjacent school room, and preached to another crowded
+audience. In the evening the Wesleyan chapel was crowded
+to overflowing. The aisles and communion place were
+full. On all festivals and holidays, which occur on
+the Sabbath, the churches and chapels are more thronged
+than on any other Lord's day.</p>
+
+<p>It is hardly necessary to state that there was no
+instance of a dance or drunken riot, nor wild shouts
+of mirth during the day. The Christmas, instead of
+breaking in upon the repose of the Sabbath, seemed
+only to enhance the usual solemnity of the day.</p>
+
+<p>The holidays continued until the next Wednesday morning,
+and the same order prevailed to the close of them.
+On Monday there were religious services in most of
+the churches and chapels, where sabbath-school addresses,
+discourses on the relative duties of husband and wife,
+and on kindred subjects, were delivered.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_23"></a>
+An intelligent gentleman informed us that the negroes,
+while slaves, used to spend during the Christmas holidays,
+the extra money which they got during the year. Now
+they save it--<i>to buy small tracts of
+land for their own cultivation</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor informed us that the police returns did
+not report a single case of arrest during the holidays.
+He said he had been well acquainted with the country
+districts of England, he had also travelled extensively
+in Europe, yet he had never found such a <i>peaceable,
+orderly, and law-abiding people as those of Antigua</i>.</p>
+
+<p>An acquaintance of nine weeks with the colored population
+of St. John's, meeting them by the wayside,
+in their shops, in their parlors, and elsewhere, enables
+us to pronounce them a people of general intelligence,
+refinement of manners, personal accomplishments, and
+true politeness. As to their style of dress and mode
+of living, were we disposed to make any criticism,
+we should say that they were extravagant. In refined
+and elevated conversation, they would certainly bear
+a comparison with the white families of the island.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+<a name="I_24"></a></p>
+<p><b>VISIT TO THIBOU JARVIS'S ESTATE.</b></p>
+<p>
+<br>
+
+<a name="I_25"></a>
+</p>
+<p>After the Christmas holidays were over, we resumed
+our visits to the country. Being provided with a letter
+to the manager of Thibou Jarvis's estate, Mr.
+James Howell, we embraced the earliest opportunity
+to call on him. Mr. H. has been in Antigua for thirty-six
+years, and has been a practical planter during the
+whole of that time. He has the management of two estates,
+on which there are more than five hundred people. The
+principal items of Mr. Howell's testimony will
+be found in another place. In this connection we shall
+record only miscellaneous statements of a local nature.</p>
+
+<p>1. The severity of the drought. He had been in Antigua
+since the year 1800, and he had never known so long
+a continuance of dry weather, although the island
+is subject to severe droughts. He stated that a field
+of yams, which in ordinary seasons yielded ten cart-loads
+to the acre, would not produce this year more than
+<i>three</i>. The failure in the crops was not
+in the least degree chargeable upon the laborers, for
+in the first place, the cane plants for the present
+crop were put in earlier and in greater quantities
+than usual, and <i>until</i> the drought commenced,
+the fields promised a large return.</p>
+
+<p>2. <i>The religious condition</i> of the negroes,
+during slavery, was extremely low. It seemed almost
+impossible to teach them any higher <i>religion</i>
+than <i>obedience to their masters</i>. Their
+highest notion of God was that he was a <i>little
+above</i> their owner. He mentioned, by way of
+illustration, that the slaves of a certain large proprietor
+used to have this saying, "Massa only want he
+little finger to touch God!" that is, <i>their
+master was lower than God only by the length of his
+little finger</i>. But now the religious and moral
+condition of the people was fast improving.</p>
+
+<p>3. A great change in the use of <i>rum</i> had
+been effected on the estates under his management
+since emancipation. He formerly, in accordance with
+the prevalent custom, gave his people a weekly allowance
+of rum, and this was regarded as essential to their
+health and effectiveness. But he has lately discontinued
+this altogether, and his people had not suffered any
+inconvenience from it. He gave them in lieu of the
+rum, an allowance of molasses, with which they appeared
+to be entirely satisfied. When Mr. H. informed the
+people of his intention to discontinue the spirits,
+he told them that he should <i>set them the example</i>
+of total abstinence, by abandoning wine and malt liquor
+also, which he accordingly did.</p>
+
+<p>4. There had been much less <i>pretended sickness</i>
+among the negroes since freedom. They had now a strong
+aversion to going to the sick house[<a name="AE2_FRF"></a><a href="#AE2_FNF">A</a>], so much so
+that on many estates it had been put to some other
+use.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNF"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRF">A</a>: The <i>estate hospital</i>, in which,
+during slavery, all sick persons were placed for medical
+attendance and nursing. There was one on every estate.]</p>
+
+<p>We were taken through the negro village, and shown
+the interior of several houses. One of the finest
+looking huts was decorated with pictures, printed
+cards, and booksellers' advertisements in large
+letters. Amongst many ornaments of this kind, was an
+advertisement not unfamiliar to our eyes--"THE
+GIRL'S OWN BOOK. BY MRS. CHILD."</p>
+
+<p>We generally found the women at home. Some of them
+had been informed of our intention to visit them,
+and took pains to have every thing in the best order
+for our reception. The negro village on this estate
+contains one hundred houses, each of which is occupied
+by a separate family. Mr. H. next conducted us to
+a neighboring field, where the <i>great gang</i>[<a name="AE2_FR10"></a><a href="#AE2_FN10">B</a>]
+were at work. There were about fifty persons in the
+gang--the majority females--under
+two inspectors or superintendents, men who take the
+place of the <i>quondam drivers</i>, though their
+province is totally different. They merely direct
+the laborers in their work, employing with the loiterers
+the stimulus of persuasion, or at farthest, no more
+than the violence of the tongue.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN10"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR10">B</a>: The people on most estates are divided
+into three gangs; first, the great gang, composed
+of the principal effective men and women; second,
+the weeding gang, consisting of younger and weekly
+persons; and third, the grass gang, which embraces
+all the children able to work.]</p>
+
+<p>Mr. H. requested them to stop their work, and told
+them who we were, and as we bowed, the men took off
+their hats and the women made a low courtesy. Mr.
+Howell then informed them that we had come from America,
+where there were a great many slaves: that we had visited
+Antigua to see how freedom was working, and whether
+the people who were made free on the first of August
+were doing well--and added, that he "hoped
+these gentlemen might be able to carry back such a
+report as would induce the masters in America to set
+their slaves free." They unanimously replied,
+"Yes, massa, we hope <i>dem</i> will gib <i>um</i>
+free." We spoke a few words: told them of the
+condition of the slaves in America, urged them to pray
+for them that they might be patient under their sufferings,
+and that they might soon be made free. They repeatedly
+promised to pray for the poor slaves in America. We
+then received their hearty "Good bye, massa,"
+and returned to the house, while they resumed their
+work.</p>
+
+<p>We took leave of Mr. Howell, grateful for his kind
+offices in furtherance of the objects of our mission.</p>
+
+<p>We had not been long in Antigua before we perceived
+the distress of the poor from the scarcity of water.
+As there are but few springs in the island, the sole
+reliance is upon rain water. Wealthy families have
+cisterns or tanks in their yards, to receive the rain
+from the roofs. There are also a few public cisterns
+in St. John's. These ordinarily supply the whole
+population. During the present season many of these
+cisterns have been dry, and the supply of water has
+been entirely inadequate to the wants of the people.
+There are several large open ponds in the vicinity
+of St. John's, which are commonly used to water
+"stock." There are one or more on every
+estate, for the same purpose. The poor people were
+obliged to use the water from these ponds both for
+drinking and cooking while we were in Antigua. In taking
+our morning walks, we uniformly met the negroes either
+going to, or returning from the ponds, with their
+large pails balanced on their heads, happy apparently
+in being able to get even such foul water.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_26"></a>
+Attended the anniversary of the "Friendly Society,"
+connected with the church in St. John's. Many
+of the most respectable citizens, including the Governor,
+were present. After the services in the church, the
+society moved in procession to the Rectory school-room.
+We counted one hundred males and two hundred and sixty
+females in the procession. Having been kindly invited
+by the Rector to attend at the school-room, we followed
+the procession. We found the house crowded with women,
+many others, besides those in the procession, having
+convened. The men were seated without under a canvass,
+extended along one side of the house. The whole number
+present was supposed to be nine hundred. Short addresses
+were made by the Rector, the Archdeacon, and the Governor.</p>
+
+<p>The Seventh Annual Report of the Society, drawn up
+by the secretary, a colored man, was read. It was
+creditable to the author. The Rector in his address
+affectionally warned the society, especially the female
+members, against extravagance in dress.</p>
+
+<p>The Archdeacon exhorted them to domestic and conjugal
+faithfulness. He alluded to the prevalence of inconstancy
+during past years, and to the great improvement in
+this particular lately; and concluded by wishing them
+all "a happy new-year and <i>many</i> of
+them, and a blessed immortality in the end."
+For this kind wish they returned a loud and general
+"thankee, massa."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor then said, that he rose merely to remark,
+that this society might aid in the emancipation of
+millions of slaves, now in bondage in other countries.
+A people who are capable of forming such societies
+as this among themselves, deserve to be free, and
+ought no longer to be held in bondage. You, said he,
+are showing to the world what the negro race are capable
+of doing. The Governor's remarks were received
+with applause. After the addresses the audience were
+served with refreshments, previous to which the Rector
+read the following lines, which were sung to the tune
+of Old Hundred, the whole congregation standing.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Lord at our table now appear<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;And bless us here, as every where;<br>
+&nbsp;Let manna to our souls be given,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bread of life sent down from heaven."</p></blockquote>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>The simple refreshment was then handed round. It consisted
+merely of buns and lemonade. The Governor and the
+Rector, each drank to the health and happiness of
+the members. The loud response came up from all within
+and all around the house--"thankee--thankee--thankee--massa--thankee
+<i>good</i> massa." A scene of animation
+ensued. The whole concourse of black, colored and
+white, from the humblest to the highest, from the
+unlettered apprentice to the Archdeacon and the Governor
+of the island, joined in a common festivity.</p>
+
+<p>After the repast was concluded, thanks were returned
+in the following verse, also sung to Old Hundred.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<blockquote><p>"We thank thee, Lord, for
+this our food,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;But bless thee more for Jesus' blood;<br>
+Let manna to our souls be given,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;The bread of life sent down from heaven."</p></blockquote>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>The benediction was pronounced, and the assembly retired.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_27"></a>
+There was an aged negro man present, who was noticed
+with marked attention by the Archdeacon, the Rector
+and other clergymen. He is sometimes called the African
+Bishop. He was evidently used to familiarity with
+the clergy, and laid his hand on their shoulders as
+he spoke to them. The old patriarch was highly delighted
+with the scene. He said, when he was young he "never
+saw nothing, but sin and Satan. <i>Now I just begin
+to live</i>."</p>
+
+<p>On the same occasion the Governor remarked to us that
+the first thing to be done in our country, toward
+the removal of slavery, was to discard the absurd
+notion that <i>color</i> made any difference,
+intellectually or morally, among men. "All distinctions,"
+said he, "founded in color, must be abolished
+everywhere. We should learn to talk of men not as <i>colored</i>
+men, but as MEN <i>as fellow citizens and fellow
+subjects</i>." His Excellency certainly showed
+on this occasion a disposition to put in practice
+his doctrine. He spoke affectionately to the children,
+and conversed freely with the adults.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<a name="I_28"></a>
+</p>
+<p><b>VISIT TO GREEN CASTLE.</b></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>According to a previous engagement, a member of the
+assembly called and took us in his carriage to Green
+Castle estate.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_29"></a>
+Green Castle lies about three miles south-east from
+St. John's, and contains 940 acres. The mansion
+stands on a rocky cliff; overlooking the estate, and
+commanding a wide view of the island. In one direction
+spreads a valley, interspersed with fields of sugar-cane
+and provisions. In another stretches a range of hills,
+with their sides clad in culture, and their tops covered
+with clouds. At the base of the rock are the sugar
+Houses. On a neighboring upland lies the negro village,
+in the rear of which are the provision grounds. Samuel
+Bernard, Esq., the manager, received us kindly. He
+said, he had been on the island forty-four years,
+most of the time engaged in the management of estates.
+He is now the manager of two estates, and the attorney
+for six, and has lately purchased an estate himself.
+Mr. B. is now an aged man, grown old in the practice
+of slave holding. He has survived the wreck of slavery,
+and now stripped of a tyrant's power, he still
+lives among the people, who were lately his slaves,
+and manages an estate which was once his empire. The
+testimony of such a man is invaluable. Hear him.</p>
+
+<p>1. Mr. B. said, that the negroes throughout the island
+were very peaceable when they received their freedom.</p>
+
+<p>2. He said he had found no difficulty in getting his
+people to work after they had received their freedom.
+Some estates had suffered for a short time; there
+was a pretty general fluctuation for a month or two,
+the people leaving one estate and going to another.
+But this, said Mr. B., was chargeable to the <i>folly</i>
+of the planters, who <i>overbid</i> each other
+in order to secure the best hands and enough of them.
+The negroes had a <i>strong attachment to their
+homes</i>, and they would rarely abandon them unless
+harshly treated.</p>
+
+<p>3. He thought that the assembly acted very wisely
+in rejecting the apprenticeship. He considered it
+absurd. It took the chains partly from off the slave,
+and fastened them on the master, <i>and enslaved
+them both</i>. It withdrew from the latter the
+power of compelling labor, and it supplied to the
+former no incentive to industry.</p>
+
+<p>He was opposed to the measures which many had adopted
+for further securing the benefits of emancipation.--He
+referred particularly to the system of education which
+now prevailed. He thought that the education of the
+emancipated negroes should combine industry with study
+even in childhood, so as not to disqualify the taught
+for cultivating the ground. It will be readily seen
+that this prejudice against education, evidently the
+remains of his attachment to slavery, gives additional
+weight to his testimony.</p>
+
+<p>The Mansion on the Rock (which from its elevated and
+almost inaccessible position, and from the rich shrubbery
+in perpetual foliage surrounding it, very fitly takes
+the name of Green Castle) is memorable as the scene
+of the murder of the present proprietor's grandfather.
+He refused to give his slaves holiday on a particular
+occasion. They came several times in a body and asked
+for the holiday, but he obstinately refused to grant
+it. They rushed into his bedroom, fell upon him with
+their hoes, and killed him.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_30"></a>
+On our return to St. John's, we received a polite
+note from a colored lady, inviting us to attend the
+anniversary of the "Juvenile Association,"
+at eleven o'clock. We found about forty children
+assembled, the greater part of them colored girls,
+but some were white. The ages of these juvenile philanthropists
+varied from four to fourteen. After singing and prayer,
+the object of the association was stated, which was
+to raise money by sewing, soliciting contributions,
+and otherwise, for charitable purposes.</p>
+
+<p>From the annual report it appeared that this was the
+<i>twenty-first anniversary</i> of the society.
+The treasurer reported nearly &pound;60 currency (or about
+$150) received and disbursed during the year. More
+than one hundred dollars had been given towards the
+erection of the new Wesleyan chapel in St. John's.
+Several resolutions were presented by little misses,
+expressive of gratitude to God for continued blessings,
+which were adopted unanimously--every child
+holding up its right hand in token of assent.</p>
+
+<p>After the resolutions and other business were despatched,
+the children listened to several addresses from the
+gentlemen present. The last speaker was a member of
+the assembly. He said that his presence there was
+quite accidental; but that he had been amply repaid
+for coming by witnessing the goodly work to which
+this juvenile society was engaged. As there was a
+male branch association about to be organized, he begged
+the privilege of enrolling his name as an honorary
+member, and promised to be a constant contributor
+to its funds. He concluded by saying, that though
+he had not before enjoyed the happiness of attending
+their anniversaries, he should never again fail to
+be present (with the permission of their worthy patroness)
+at the future meetings of this most interesting society.
+We give the substance of this address, as one of the
+signs of the times. The speaker was a wealthy merchant
+of St. John's.</p>
+
+<p>This society was organized in 1815. The <i>first
+proposal</i> came from a few <i>little colored
+girls</i>, who, after hearing a sermon on the blessedness
+of doing good, wanted to know whether they might not
+have a society for raising money to give to the poor.</p>
+
+<p>This Juvenile Association has, since its organization,
+raised the sum of <i>fourteen hundred dollars</i>!
+Even this little association has experienced a great
+impulse from the free system. From a table of the annual
+receipts since 1815, we found that the amount raised
+the two last years, is nearly equal to that received
+during any three years before.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_31"></a>
+<b>DR. DANIELL--WEATHERILL ESTATE.</b></p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_32"></a>
+On our return from Thibou Jarvis's estate, we
+called at Weatherill's; but the manager, Dr.
+Daniell, not being at home, we left our names, with
+an intimation of the object of our visit. Dr. D. called
+soon after at our lodgings. As authority, he is unquestionable.
+Before retiring from the practice of medicine, he
+stood at the head of his profession in the island.
+He is now a member of the council, is proprietor of
+an estate, manager of another, and attorney for six.</p>
+
+<p>The fact that such men as Dr. D., but yesterday large
+slaveholders, and still holding high civil and political
+stations, should most cheerfully facilitate our anti-slavery
+investigations, manifesting a solicitude to furnish
+us with all the information in their power, is of itself
+the highest eulogy of the new system. The testimony
+of Dr. D. will be found mainly in a subsequent part
+of the work. We state, in passing, a few incidentals.
+He was satisfied that immediate emancipation was better
+policy than a temporary apprenticeship. The apprenticeship
+was a middle state--kept the negroes in
+suspense--vexed and harrassed them--<i>fed
+them on a starved hope</i>; and therefore they
+would not be so likely, when they ultimately obtained
+freedom, to feel grateful, and conduct themselves
+properly. The reflection that they had been cheated
+out of their liberty for six years would <i>sour
+their minds</i>. The planters in Antigua, by giving
+immediate freedom, had secured the attachment of their
+people.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor said he did not expect to make more than
+two thirds of his average crop; but he assured us
+that this was owing solely to the want of rain. There
+had been no deficiency of labor. The crops were <i>in</i>,
+in season, throughout the island, and the estates
+were never under better cultivation than at the present
+time. Nothing was wanting but RAIN--RAIN.</p>
+
+<p>He said that the West India planters were very anxious
+to <i>retain</i> the services of the negro population.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. D. made some inquiries as to the extent of slavery
+in the United States, and what was doing for its abolition.
+He thought that emancipation in our country would
+not be the result of a slow process. The anti-slavery
+feeling of the civilized world had become too strong
+to wait for a long course of "preparations"
+and "<i>ameliorations</i>." And besides,
+continued he, "the arbitrary control of a master
+can never be a preparation for freedom;--<i>sound
+and wholesome legal restraints are the only preparative</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor also spoke of the absurdity and wickedness
+of the caste of color which prevailed in the United
+States. It was the offspring of slavery, and it must
+disappear when slavery is abolished.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_33"></a>
+<b>CONVERSATION WITH A NEGRO.</b></p>
+
+<p>We had a conversation one morning with a boatman,
+while he was rowing us across the harbor of St. John's.
+He was a young negro man. Said he was a slave until
+emancipation. We inquired whether he heard any thing
+about emancipation before it took place. He said,
+yes--the slaves heard of it, but it was
+talked about so long that many of them lost all <i>believement</i>
+in it, got tired waiting, and bought their freedom;
+but he had more patience, and got his for nothing.
+We inquired of him, what the negroes did on the first
+of August, 1834. He said they all went to church and
+chapel. "Dare was more <i>religious</i>
+on dat day <i>dan</i> you could tire of." Speaking
+of the <i>law</i>, he said it was his <i>friend</i>.
+If there was no law to take his part, a man, who was
+stronger than he, might step up and knock him down.
+But now no one dare do so; all were afraid of the
+<i>law</i>,--the law would never hurt
+any body who behaved well; but a master would <i>slash
+a fellow, let him do his best</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_34"></a>
+<b>VISIT TO NEWFIELD.</b></p>
+
+<p>Drove out to Newfield, a Moravian station, about eight
+miles from St. John's. The Rev. Mr. Morrish,
+the missionary at that station, has under his charge
+two thousand people. Connected with the station is
+a day school for children, and a night school for
+adults twice in each week.</p>
+
+<p>We looked in upon the day school, and found one hundred
+and fifteen children. The teacher and assistant were
+colored persons. Mr. M. superintends. He was just
+dismissing the school, by singing and prayer, and
+the children marched out to the music of one of their
+little songs. During the afternoon, Mr. Favey, manager
+of a neighboring estate, (Lavicount's,) called
+on us.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_35"></a>
+He spoke of the tranquillity of the late Christmas
+holidays. They ended Tuesday evening, and his people
+were all in the field at work on Wednesday morning--there
+were no stragglers. Being asked to specify the chief
+advantages of the new system over slavery, he stated
+at once the following things: 1st. It (free labor)
+is less <i>expensive</i>. 2d. It costs a planter
+far less <i>trouble</i> to manage free laborers,
+than it did to manage slaves. 3d. It had <i>removed
+all danger of insurrection, conflagration, and conspiracies</i>.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_36"></a>
+<b>ADULT SCHOOL.</b></p>
+
+<p>In the evening, Mr. Morrish's adult school for
+women was held. About thirty women assembled from
+different estates--some walking several
+miles. Most of them were just beginning to read. They
+had just begun to learn something about figures, and
+it was no small effort to add 4 and 2 together. They
+were incredibly ignorant about the simplest matters.
+When they first came to the school, they could not
+tell which was their right arm or their right side,
+and they had scarcely mastered that secret, after
+repeated showing. We were astonished to observe that
+when Mr. M. asked them to point to their cheeks, they
+laid their finger upon their chins. They were much
+pleased with the evolutions of a dumb clock, which
+Mr. M. exhibited, but none of them could tell the time
+of day by it. Such is a specimen of the intelligence
+of the Antigua negroes. Mr. M. told us that they were
+a pretty fair sample of the country negroes generally.
+It surely cannot be said that they were uncommonly
+well prepared for freedom; yet with all their ignorance,
+and with the merest infantile state of intellect,
+they prove the peaceable subjects of law. That they
+have a great desire to learn, is manifest from their
+coming such distances, after working in the field
+all day. The school which they attend has been established
+since the abolition of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, we visited the day school. It was
+opened with singing and prayer. The children knelt
+and repeated the Lord's Prayer after Mr. M.
+They then formed into a line and marched around the
+room, singing and keeping the step. A tiny little
+one, just beginning to walk, occasionally straggled
+out of the line. The next child, not a little displeased
+with such disorderly movements, repeatedly seized the
+straggler by the frock, and pulled her into the ranks;
+but finally despaired of reducing her to subordination.
+When the children had taken their seats, Mr. M., at
+our request, asked all those who were free before
+August, 1834, to rise. Only one girl arose, and she
+was in no way distinguishable from a white child.
+The first exercise, was an examination of a passage
+of scripture. The children were then questioned on
+the simple rules of addition and subtraction, and their
+answers were prompt and accurate.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_37"></a>
+<b>DR. NUGENT.</b></p>
+
+<p>The hour having arrived when we were to visit a neighboring
+estate, Mr. M. kindly accompanied us to Lyon's,
+the estate upon which Dr. Nugent resides. In respect
+to general intelligence, scientific acquirements,
+and agricultural knowledge, no man in Antigua stands
+higher than Dr. Nugent. He has long been speaker of
+the house of assembly, and is favorably known in Europe
+as a geologist and man of science. He is manager of
+the estate on which he resides, and proprietor of another.</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor informed us that the crop on his estate
+had almost totally failed, on account of the drought--being
+reduced from one hundred and fifty hogsheads, the
+average crop, to <i>fifteen</i>! His provision
+grounds had yielded almost nothing. The same soil
+which ordinarily produced ten cart-loads of yams to
+the acre--the present season barely averaged
+<i>one load to ten acres</i>! Yams were reduced
+from the dimensions of a man's head, to the
+size of a radish. The <i>cattle were dying</i>
+from want of water and grass. He had himself lost
+<i>five oxen</i> within the past week.</p>
+
+<p>Previous to emancipation, said the Doctor, no man
+in the island dared to avow anti-slavery sentiments,
+if he wished to maintain a respectable standing. Planters
+might have their hopes and aspirations; but they could
+not make them public without incurring general odium,
+and being denounced as the enemies of their country.</p>
+
+<p>In allusion to the motives which prompted the legislature
+to reject the apprenticeship and adopt immediate emancipation,
+Dr. N. said, "When we saw that abolition was
+<i>inevitable</i>, we began, to inquire what would
+be the safest course for getting rid of slavery. <i>We
+wished to let ourselves down in the easiest manner
+possible</i>--THEREFORE WE CHOSE IMMEDIATE
+EMANCIPATION!" These were his words.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_38"></a>
+On returning to the hospitable mansion of Mr. Morrish,
+we had an opportunity of witnessing a custom peculiar
+to the Moravians. It is called 'speaking.'
+All the members of the church are required to call
+on the missionary once a month, and particular days
+are appropriated to it. They come singly or in small
+companies, and the minister converses with each individual.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_39"></a>
+Mr. M. manifested great faithfulness in this duty.
+He was affectionate in manner--entered into
+all the minutiae of individual and family affairs,
+and advised with them as a father with his children.
+We had an opportunity of conversing with some of those
+who came. We asked one old man what he did on the
+"First of August?"[<a name="AE2_FR11"></a><a href="#AE2_FN11">A</a>] His reply was, "Massa,
+we went to church, and tank de Lord for make a we
+all free."</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN11"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR11">A</a>: By this phrase the freed people always
+understand the 1st of August, 1834, when slavery was
+abolished.]</p>
+
+<p>An aged infirm woman said to us, among other things,
+"Since de <i>free</i> come de massa give
+me no--no, nothing to eat--gets
+all from my cousins." We next conversed with
+two men, who were masons on an estate. Being asked
+how they liked liberty, they replied, "O, it
+very comfortable, Sir--very comfortable
+indeed." They said, "that on the day when
+freedom came, they were as happy, as though they had
+just been going to heaven." They said, now they
+had got free, they never would be slaves again. They
+were asked if they would not be willing to sell themselves
+to a man who would treat them well. They replied immediately
+that they would be very willing to <i>serve</i>
+such a man, but they would not <i>sell themselves</i>
+to the best person in the world! What fine logicians
+a slave's experience had made these men! Without
+any effort they struck out a distinction, which has
+puzzled learned men in church and state, the difference
+between <i>serving</i> a man and <i>being his
+property</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Being asked how they conducted themselves on the 1st
+of August they said they had no frolicking, but they
+all went to church to "<i>tank God for make
+a we free</i>." They said, they were very
+desirous to have their children learn all they could
+while they were young. We asked them if they did not
+fear that their children would become lazy if they
+went to school all the time. One said, shrewdly, "Eh!
+nebber mind--dey <i>come to</i> by'm
+by--<i>belly 'blige 'em</i>
+to work."</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_40"></a>
+In the evening Mr. M. held a religious meeting in
+the chapel; the weekly meeting for exhortation. He
+stated to the people the object of our visit, and
+requested one of us to say a few words. Accordingly,
+a short time was occupied in stating the number of
+slaves in America, and in explaining their condition,
+physical, moral, and spiritual; and the congregation
+were urged to pray for the deliverance of the millions
+of our bondmen. They manifested much sympathy, and
+promised repeatedly to pray that they might be "free
+like we." At the close of the meeting they pressed
+around us to say "howdy, massa;" and when
+we left the chapel, they showered a thousand blessings
+upon us. Several of them, men and women, gathered
+about Mr. M.'s door after we went in, and wished
+to talk with us. The men were mechanics, foremen,
+and watchmen; the women were nurses. During our interview,
+which lasted nearly an hour, these persons remained
+standing.</p>
+
+<p>When we asked them how they liked freedom, and whether
+it was better than slavery, they answered with a significant
+<i>umph</i> and a shrug of the shoulders, as
+though they would say, "Why you ask dat question,
+massa?"</p>
+
+<p>They said, "all the people went to chapel on
+the first of August, to tank God for make such poor
+undeserving sinners as we free; we no nebber expect
+to <i>hab</i> it. But it please de Lord to gib we free,
+and we tank him good Lord for it."</p>
+
+<p>We asked them if they thought the wages they got (a
+shilling per day, or about eleven cents,) was enough
+for them. They said it seemed to be very small, and
+it was as much as they could do to get along with it;
+but they could not get any more, and they had to be
+"satify and conten."</p>
+
+<p>As it grew late and the good people had far to walk,
+we shook hands with them, and bade them good bye,
+telling them we hoped to meet them again in a world
+where all would be free. The next morning Mr. M. accompanied
+us to the residence of the Rev. Mr. Jones, the rector
+of St. Phillip's.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. J. informed us that the planters in that part
+of the island were gratified with the working of the
+new system. He alluded to the prejudices of some against
+having the children educated, lest it should foster
+indolence. But, said Mr. J., the planters have always
+been opposed to improvements, until they were effected,
+and their good results began to be manifest. They
+first insisted that the abolition of the slave-trade
+would ruin the colonies--next the <i>abolition
+of slavery</i> was to be the certain destruction
+of the islands--and now the education of
+children is deprecated as fraught with disastrous consequences.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_41"></a>
+<b>FREY'S ESTATE--MR. HATLEY.</b></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Morrish accompanied us to a neighboring estate
+called Frey's, which lies on the road from Newfield
+to English Harbor. Mr. Hatley, the manager, showed
+an enthusiastic admiration of the new system. Most
+of his testimony will be found in Chapter III. He
+said, that owing to the dry weather he should not
+make one third of his average crop. Yet his people
+had acted their part well. He had been encouraged by
+their improved industry and efficiency, to bring into
+cultivation lands that had never before been tilled.</p>
+
+<p>It was delightful to witness the change which had
+been wrought in this planter by the abolition of slavery.
+Although accustomed for years to command a hundred
+human beings with absolute authority, he could rejoice
+in the fact that his power was wrested from him, and
+when asked to specify the advantages of freedom over
+slavery, he named emphatically and above all others
+<i>the abolition of flogging</i>. Formerly, he said,
+it was "<i>whip--whip--whip--incessantly</i>,
+but now we are relieved from this disagreeable task."</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_42"></a>
+<b>THE AMERICAN CONSUL.</b></p>
+
+<p>We called on the American Consul, Mr. Higginbotham,
+at his country residence, about four miles from St.
+John's. Shortly after we reached his elevated
+and picturesque seat, we were joined by Mr. Cranstoun,
+a planter, who had been invited to dine with us. Mr.
+C. is a <i>colored gentleman</i>. The Consul received
+him in such a manner as plainly showed that they were
+on terms of intimacy. Mr. C. is a gentleman of intelligence
+and respectability, and occupies a station of trust
+and honor in the island. On taking leave of us, he
+politely requested our company at breakfast on a following
+morning, saying, he would send his gig for us.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_43"></a>
+At the urgent request of Mr. Bourne, of Miller's,
+we consented to address the people of his estate,
+on Sabbath evening. He sent in his gig for us in the
+afternoon, and we drove out.</p>
+
+<p>At the appointed hour we went to the place of meeting.
+The chapel was crowded with attentive listeners. Whenever
+allusions were made to the grout blessings which God
+had conferred upon them in delivering them from bondage,
+the audience heartily responded in their rough but
+earnest way to the sentiments expressed. At the conclusion
+of the meeting, they gradually withdrew, bowing or
+courtesying as they passed us, and dropping upon our
+ear their gentle "good bye, massa." During
+slavery every estate had its <i>dungeon</i> for refractory
+slaves. Just as we were leaving Miller's, me
+asked Mr. B. what had become of these dungeons. He
+instantly replied, "I'll show you one,"
+In a few moments we stood at the door of the old prison,
+a small stone building, strongly built, with two cells.
+It was a dismal looking den, surrounded by stables,
+pig-styes, and cattlepens. The door was off its hinges,
+and the entrance partly filled up with mason work.
+The sheep and goats went in and out at pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_44"></a>
+We breakfasted one morning at the Villa estate, which
+lies within half a mile of St. John's. The manager
+was less sanguine in his views of emancipation than
+the planters generally. We were disposed to think
+that, were it not for the force of public sentiment,
+he might declare himself against it. His feelings
+are easily accounted for. The estate is situated so
+near the town; that his people are assailed by a variety
+of temptations to leave their work; from which those
+on other estates are exempt. The manager admitted
+that the danger of insurrection was removed--crime
+was lessened--and the moral condition of
+society was rapidly improving.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_45"></a>
+A few days after, we went by invitation to a bazaar,
+or fair, which was held in the court-house in St.
+John's. The avails were to be appropriated to
+the building of a new Wesleyan chapel in the town.
+The council chamber and the assembly's call
+were given for the purpose. The former spacious room
+was crowded with people of every class and complexion.
+The fair was got up by the <i>colored</i> members
+of the Wesleyan church; nevertheless, some of the
+first ladies and gentlemen in town attended it, and
+mingled promiscuously in the throng. Wealthy proprietors,
+lawyers legislators, military officers in their uniform,
+merchants, etc. swelled the crowd. We recognised a
+number of ladies whom we had previously met at a fashionable
+dinner in St. John's. Colored ladies presided
+at the tables, and before them was spread a profusion
+of rich fancy articles. Among a small number of books
+exhibited for sale were several copies of a work entitled
+"COMMEMORATIVE WREATH," being a collection
+of poetical pieces relating to the abolition of slavery
+in the West Indies.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_46"></a>
+<b>VISIT TO MR. CRANSTOUN'S.</b></p>
+
+<p>On the following morning Mr. C.'s gig came for
+us, and we drove out to his residence. We were met
+at the door by the American Consul, who breakfasted
+with us. When he had taken leave, Mr. C. proposed that
+we should go over his grounds. To reach the estate,
+which lies in a beautiful valley far below Mr. C.'s
+mountainous residence, we were obliged to go on foot
+by a narrow path that wound along the sides of the
+precipitous hills. This estate is the property of Mr.
+Athill, a colored gentleman now residing in England.
+Mr. A. is post-master general of Antigua, one of the
+first merchants in St. John's, and was a member
+of the assembly until the close of 1836, when, on
+account of his continued absence, he resigned his
+seat. A high-born white man, the Attorney General,
+now occupies the same chair which this colored member
+vacated. Mr. C. was formerly attorney for several
+estates, is now agent for a number of them, and also
+a magistrate.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_47"></a>
+He remarked, that since emancipation the nocturnal
+disorders and quarrels in the negro villages, which
+were incessant during slavery, had nearly ceased.
+The people were ready and willing to work. He had
+frequently given his gang jobs, instead of paying them
+by the day. This had proved a gear stimulant to industry,
+and the work of the estate was performed so much quicker
+by this plan that it was less expensive than daily
+wages. When they had jobs given them, they would sometimes
+go to work by three o'clock in the morning,
+and work by moonlight. When the moon was not shining,
+he had known them to kindle fires among the trash
+or dry cane leaves to work by. They would then continue
+working all day until four o clock, stopping only
+for breakfast, and dispensing with the usual intermission
+from twelve to two.</p>
+
+<p>We requested him to state briefly what were in his
+estimation the advantages of the free system over
+slavery. He replied thus: 1st. The diminished expense
+of free labor. 2d. <i>The absence of coercion</i>.
+3d. The greater facility in managing an estate. Managers
+had not half the perplexity and trouble in watching,
+driving, &amp;c. They could leave the affairs of the estate
+in the hands of the people with safety. 4th. <i>The
+freedom from danger</i>. They had now put away all fears
+of insurrections, robbery, and incendiarism.</p>
+
+<p>There are two reflections which the perusal of these
+items will probably suggest to most minds: 1st. The
+coincidence in the replies of different planters to
+the question--What are the advantages of
+freedom over slavery? These replies are almost identically
+the same in every case, though given by men who reside
+in different parts of the island, and have little
+communication with each other. 2d. They all speak
+exclusively of the advantages to the <i>master</i>,
+and say nothing of the benefit accruing to the emancipated.
+We are at some loss to decide whether this arose from
+indifference to the interests of the emancipated,
+or from a conviction that the blessings of freedom
+to them were self-evident and needed no specification.</p>
+
+<p>While we were in the boiling-house we witnessed a
+scene which illustrated one of the benefits of freedom
+to the slave; it came quite opportunely, and supplied
+the deficiency in the manager's enumeration of
+advantages. The head boiler was performing the work
+of 'striking off;' <i>i.e</i>. of removing
+the liquor, after it had been sufficiently boiled,
+from the copper to the coolers. The liquor had been
+taken out of the boiler by the skipper, and thence
+was being conducted to the coolers by a long open
+spout. By some means the spout became choaked, and
+the liquor began to run over. Mr. C. ordered the man
+to let down the valve, but he became confused, and
+instead of letting go the string which lifted the valve,
+he pulled on it the more. The consequence was that
+the liquor poured over the sides of the spout in a
+torrent. The manager screamed at the top of his voice--"<i>let
+down the valve, let it down</i>!" But the
+poor man, more and more frightened, hoisted it still
+higher,--and the precious liquid--pure
+sugar--spread in a thick sheet over the earthen
+floor. The manager at last sprang forward, thrust
+aside the man, and stopped the mischief, but not until
+many gallons of sugar were lost. Such an accident
+as this, occurring during slavery, would have cost
+the negro a severe flogging. As it was, however, in
+the present case, although Mr. C. 'looked daggers,'
+and exclaimed by the workings of his countenance,
+'a kingdom for a <i>cat</i>,'[<a name="AE2_FR12"></a><a href="#AE2_FN12">A</a>] yet
+the severest thing which he could say was, "You
+bungling fellow--if you can't manage
+better than this, I shall put some other person in
+your place--that's all." '<i>That</i>'s
+ALL' indeed, but it would not have been all,
+three years ago. The negro replied to his chidings
+in a humble way, saying 'I couldn't help
+it, sir, I couldn't help it' Mr. C. finally
+turned to us, and said in a calmer tone, "The
+poor fellow got confused, and was frightened half to
+death."</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN12"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR12">A</a>: A species of whip, well know in the West
+Indies.]</p>
+
+<p><b>VISIT TO GRACE BAY.</b></p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_48"></a>
+We made a visit to the Moravian settlement at Grace
+Bay, which is on the opposite side of the island.
+We called, in passing, at Cedar Hall, a Moravian establishment
+four miles from town. Mr. Newby, one of the missionaries
+stationed at this place, is the oldest preacher of
+the Gospel in the island. He has been in Antigua for
+twenty-seven years. He is quite of the <i>old way
+of thinking</i> on all subjects, especially the
+divine right of kings, and the scriptural sanction
+of slavery. Nevertheless, he was persuaded that emancipation
+had been a great blessing to the island and to all
+parties concerned. When he first came to Antigua in
+1809, he was not suffered to teach the slaves. After
+some time he ventured to keep an evening school <i>in
+a secret way</i>. Now there is a day school of
+one hundred and twenty children connected with the
+station. It has been formed since emancipation.</p>
+
+<p>From Cedar Hail we proceeded to Grace Bay. On the
+way we met some negro men at work on the road, and
+stopped our chaise to chat with them. They told us
+that they lived on Harvey's estate, which they
+pointed out to us. Before emancipation that estate
+had four hundred slaves on it, but a great number
+had since left because of ill usage during slavery.
+They would not live on the estate, because the same
+manager remained, and they could not trust him.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_49"></a>
+They told us they were Moravians, and that on the
+first of August they all went to the Moravian chapel
+at Grace Bay, 'to tank and praise de good Savior
+for make a we free.' We asked them if they still
+liked liberty; they said, "Yes, massa, we all
+quite <i>proud</i> to be free." The negroes
+use the word <i>proud</i> to express a strong
+feeling of delight. One man said, "One morning
+as I was walking along the road all alone, I prayed
+that the Savior would make me free, for then I could
+be so happy. I don't know what made me pray
+so, for I wasn't looking for de free; but please
+massa, <i>in one month de free come</i>."</p>
+
+<p>They declared that they worked a great deal better
+since emancipation, because they were <i>paid for
+it</i>. To be sure, said they, we get very little
+wages, but it is better than none. They repeated it
+again and again, that men could not be made to work
+well by <i>flogging</i> them, "<i>it
+was no use to try it</i>."</p>
+
+<p>We asked one of the men, whether he would not be willing
+to be a slave again provided he was <i>sure</i>
+of having a kind master. "Heigh! me massa,"
+said he, "me neber slave no more. A good massa
+a very good ting, <i>but freedom till better</i>."
+They said that it was a great blessing to them to
+have their children go to school. After getting them
+to show us the way to Grace Bay, we bade them good
+bye.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_50"></a>
+We were welcomed at Grace Bay by the missionary, and
+his wife, Mr. and Mrs. M&ouml;hne.[<a name="AE2_FR13"></a><a href="#AE2_FN13">B</a>] The place where these
+missionaries reside is a beautiful spot. Their dwelling-house
+and the chapel are situated on a high promontory,
+almost surrounded by the sea. A range of tall hills
+in the rear cuts off the view of the island, giving
+to the missionary station an air of loneliness and
+seclusion truly impressive. In this sequestered spot,
+the found Mr. and Mrs. M. living alone. They informed
+us that they rarely have white visiters, but their
+house is the constant resort of the negroes, who gather
+there after the toil of the day to 'speak'
+about their souls. Mr. and Mrs. M. are wholly engrossed
+in their labors of love. They find their happiness
+in leading their numerous flock "by the still
+waters and the green pastures" of salvation.
+Occupied in this delightful work, they covet not other
+employments, nor other company, and desire no other
+earthly abode than their own little hill-embosomed,
+sea-girt missionary home.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN13"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR13">B</a>: Pronounced Maynuh.]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_51"></a>
+There are a thousand people belonging to the church
+at this station, each of whom, the missionaries see
+once every month. A day school has been lately established,
+and one hundred children are already in attendance.
+After dinner we walked out accompanied by the missionaries
+to enjoy the beautiful sunset. It is one of the few
+<i>harmless</i> luxuries of a West India climate,
+to go forth after the heat of the day is spent and
+the sun is sinking in the sea, and enjoy the refreshing
+coolness of the air. The ocean stretched before us,
+motionless after the turmoil of the day, like a child
+which has rocked itself asleep, yet indicating by
+its mighty breathings as it heaved along the beach,
+that it only slumbered. As the sun went down, the
+full moon arose, only less luminous, and gradually
+the stars began to light up their beaming fires. The
+work of the day now being over, the weary laborers
+were seen coming from different directions to have
+a 'speak' with the missionaries. Mr. M.
+stated a fact illustrative of the influence of the
+missionaries over the negroes. Some time ago, the
+laborers on a certain estate became dissatisfied with
+the wages they were receiving, and refused to work
+unless they were increased. The manager tried in vain
+to reconcile his people to the grievance of which
+they complained, and then sent to Mr. M., requesting
+him to visit the estate, and use his influence to
+persuade the negroes, most of whom belonged to his
+church, to work at the usual terms. Mr. M. sent word
+to the manager that it was not his province, as minister,
+to interfere with the affairs of any estate; but he
+would talk with the people about it individually, when
+they came to 'speak.' Accordingly he spoke
+to each one, as he came, in a kind manner, advising
+him to return to his work, and live as formerly. In
+a short time peace and confidence were restored, and
+the whole gang to a man were in the field.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. and Mrs. M. stated that notwithstanding the very
+low rate of wages, which was scarcely sufficient to
+support life, they had never seen a single individual
+who desired to return to the condition of a slave.
+Even the old and infirm, who were sometimes really
+in a suffering state from neglect of the planters
+and from inability of their relatives adequately to
+provide for them, expressed the liveliest gratitude
+for the great blessing which the Savior had given
+them. They would often say to Mrs. M. "Why,
+Missus, old sinner just sinkin in de grave, but God
+let me old eyes see <i>dis</i> blessed sun."</p>
+
+<p>The missionaries affirmed that the negroes were an
+affectionate people--remarkably so. Any
+kindness shown them by a white person, was treasured
+up and never forgotten. On the other hand, the slightest
+neglect or contempt from a white person, was keenly
+felt. They are very fond of saying '<i>howdy</i>'
+to white people; but if the salutation is not returned,
+or noticed kindly, they are not likely to repeat it
+to the same individual. To shake hands with a white
+person is a gratification which they highly prize.
+Mrs. M. pleasantly remarked, that after service on
+Sabbath, she was usually wearied out with saying <i>howdy</i>,
+and <i>shaking hands</i>.</p>
+
+<p>During the evening we had some conversation with two
+men who came to 'speak.' They spoke about
+the blessings of liberty, and their gratitude to God
+for making them free. They spoke also, with deep feeling,
+of the still greater importance of being free from
+<i>sin</i>. That, they said, was better. <i>Heaven
+was the first best, and freedom was the next best</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_52"></a>
+They gave us some account, in the course of the evening,
+of an aged saint called Grandfather Jacob, who lived
+on a neighboring estate. He had been a <i>helper</i>[<a name="AE2_FR14"></a><a href="#AE2_FN14">A</a>]
+in the Moravian church, until he became too infirm
+to discharge the duties connected with that station.
+Being for the same reason discharged from labor on
+the estate, he now occupied himself in giving religious
+instruction to the other superannuated people on the
+estate.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN14"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR14">A</a>: An office somewhat similar to that of
+deacon]</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. M. said it would constitute an era in the life
+of the old man, if he could have an interview with
+two strangers from a distant land; accordingly, she
+sent a servant to ask him to come to the mission-house
+early the next morning. The old man was prompt to obey
+the call. He left home, as he said, 'before
+the gun fire'--about five o'clock--and
+came nearly three miles on foot. He was of a slender
+form, and had been tall, but age and slavery had bowed
+him down. He shook us by the hand very warmly, exclaiming,
+"God bless you, God bless you--me bery
+glad to see you." He immediately commenced giving
+us an account of his conversion. Said he, putting
+his hand on his breast, "You see old Jacob? de
+old <i>sinner</i> use to go on <i>drinkin',
+swearin', dancin', fightin'!</i>
+No God-- no Savior--no soul! <i>When
+old England and de Merica fall out de first time</i>,
+old Jacob was a man--a wicked sinner!--drink
+rum, fight--love to fight! Carry coffin
+to de grabe on me head; put dead body under ground--dance
+over it--den fight and knock man down--go
+'way, drink rum, den take de fiddle. And so
+me went on, just so, till me get sick and going to
+die--thought when me die, dat be de end of
+me;--<i>den de Savior come to me!</i>
+Jacob love de Savior, and been followin' de good
+Savior ever since." He continued his story,
+describing the opposition he had to contend with,
+and the sacrifices he made to go to church. After working
+on the estate till six o'clock at night, he and
+several others would each take a large stone on his
+head and start for St. John's; nine miles over
+the hills. They carried the stones to aid is building
+the Moravian chapel at Spring Garden, St. John's.
+After he had finished this account, he read to us,
+in a highly animated style, some of the hymns which
+he taught to the old people, and then sung one of
+them. These exercises caused the old man's heart
+to burn within him, and again he ran over his past
+life, his early wickedness, and the grace that snatched
+him from ruin, while the mingled tides of gratitude
+burst forth from heart, and eyes, and tongue.</p>
+
+<p>When we turned his attention to the temporal freedom
+he had received, he instantly caught the word FREE,
+and exclaimed vehemently, "O yes, me Massa--dat
+is anoder kind blessin from de Savior! Him make we
+all <i>free</i>. Can never praise him too much
+for dat." We inquired whether he was now provided
+for by the manager. He said he was not--never
+received any thing from him--his <i>children</i>
+supported him. We then asked him whether it was not
+better to be a slave if he could get food and clothing,
+than to be free and not have enough. He darted his
+quick eye at us and said `<i>rader</i> be free <i>still</i>.'
+He had been severely flogged twice since his conversion,
+for leaving his post as watchman to bury the dead.
+The minister was sick, and he was applied to, in his
+capacity of <i>helper</i>, to perform funeral
+rites, and he left his watch to do it. He said, his
+heavenly Master called him, and he <i>would</i>
+go though he expected a flogging. He must serve his
+Savior whatever come. "Can't put we in
+dungeon <i>now</i>," said Grandfather Jacob
+with a triumphant look.</p>
+
+<p>When told that there were slaves in America, and that
+they were not yet emancipated, he exclaimed, "Ah,
+de Savior make we free, and he will make <i>dem</i>
+free too. He come to Antigo first--he'll
+be in Merica soon."</p>
+
+<p>When the time had come for him to leave, he came and
+pressed our hands, and fervently gave us his patriarchal
+blessing. Our interview with Grandfather Jacob can
+never be forgotten. Our hearts, we trust, will long
+cherish his heavenly savor--well assured
+that if allowed a part in the resurrection of the
+just, we shall behold his tall form, erect in the
+vigor of immortal youth, amidst the patriarchs of past
+generations.</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast we took leave of the kind-hearted
+missionaries, whose singular devotedness and delightful
+spirit won greatly upon our affections, and bent our
+way homeward by another route.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_53"></a>
+<b>MR. SCOTLAND'S ESTATE.</b></p>
+
+<p>We called at the estate of Mr. J. Scotland, Jr., barrister,
+and member of the assembly. We expected to meet with
+the proprietor, but the manager informed us that pressing
+business at court had called him to St. John's
+on the preceding day. The testimony of the manager
+concerning the dry weather, the consequent failure
+in the crop, the industry of the laborers, and so
+forth, was similar to that which we had heard before.
+He remarked that he had not been able to introduce
+job-work among his people. It was a new thing with
+them, and they did not understand it. He had lately
+made a proposal to give the gang four dollars per acre
+for holding a certain field. They asked a little time
+to consider upon so novel a proposition. He gave them
+half a day, and at the end of that time asked them
+what their conclusion was. One, acting as spokesman
+for the rest, said, "We rada <i>hab</i> <i>de</i>
+<i>shilling</i> wages." That was <i>certain</i>;
+the job might yield them more, and it might fall short--quite
+a common sense transaction!</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_54"></a>
+At the pressing request of Mr. Armstrong we spent
+a day with him at Fitch's Creek. Mr. A. received
+us with the most cordial hospitality, remarking that
+he was glad to have another opportunity to state some
+things which he regarded as obstacles to the complete
+success of the experiment in Antigua. One was the
+entire want of concert among the planters. There was
+no disposition to meet and compare views respecting
+different modes of agriculture, treatment of laborers,
+and employment of machinery. Another evil was, allowing
+people to live on the estates who took no part in
+the regular labor of cultivation. Some planters had
+adapted the foolish policy of encouraging such persons
+to remain on the estates, in order that they might
+have help at hand in cases of emergency. Mr. A. strongly
+condemned this policy. It withheld laborers from the
+estates which needed them; it was calculated to make
+the regular field hands discontented, and it offered
+a direct encouragement to the negroes to follow irregular
+modes of living. A third obstacle to the successful
+operation of free labor, was the absence of the most
+influential proprietors. The consequences of absenteeism
+were very serious. The proprietors were of all men
+the most deeply interested in the soil; and no attorneys,
+agents, or managers, whom they could employ, would
+feel an equal interest in it, nor make the same efforts
+to secure the prosperous workings of the new system.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_55"></a>
+In the year 1833, when the abolition excitement was
+at its height in England, and the people were thundering
+at the doors of parliament for emancipation, Mr. A.
+visited that country for his health. To use his own
+expressive words, he "got a terrible scraping
+wherever he went." He said he could not travel
+in a stage-coach, or go into a party, or attend a
+religious meeting, without being attacked. No one the
+most remotely connected with the system could have
+peace there. He said it was astonishing to see what
+a feeling was abroad, how mightily the mind of the
+whole country, peer and priest and peasant, was wrought
+up. The national heart seemed on fire.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. A. said, he became a religious man whilst the
+manager of a slave estate, and when he became a Christian,
+he became an abolitionist. Yet this man, while his
+conscience was accusing him--while he was
+longing and praying for abolition--did not
+dare open his mouth in public to urge it on! How many
+such men are there in our southern states--men
+who are inwardly cheering on the abolitionist in his
+devoted work, and yet send up no voice to encourage
+him, but perhaps are traducing and denouncing him!</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_56"></a>
+We received a call at our lodgings in St. John's
+from the Archdeacon. He made interesting statements
+respecting the improvement of the negroes in dress,
+morals, education and religion, since emancipation.
+He had resided in the island some years previous to
+the abolition of slavery, and spoke from personal
+observation.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_57"></a>
+Among many other gentlemen who honored us with a call
+about the same time, was the Rev. Edward Fraser, Wesleyan
+missionary, and a colored gentleman. He is a native
+of Bermuda, and ten years ago was a <i>slave</i>.
+He received a mercantile education, and was for several
+years the confidential clerk of his master. He was
+treated with much regard and general kindness. He
+said he was another Joseph--every thing which
+his master had was in his hands. The account books
+and money were all committed to him. He had servants
+under him, and did almost as he pleased--except
+becoming free. Yet he must say, as respected himself,
+kindly as he was treated, that slavery was a <i>grievous
+wrong, most unjust and sinful</i>. The very thought--and
+it often came over him--that he was a slave,
+brought with it a terrible sense of degradation. It
+came over the soul like a frost. His sense of degradation
+grew more intense in proportion as his mind became
+more cultivated. He said, <i>education was a disagreeable
+companion for a slave</i>. But while he said this,
+Mr. F. spoke very respectfully and tenderly of his
+master. He would not willingly utter a word which
+would savor of unkindness towards him. Such was the
+spirit of one whose best days had been spent under
+the exactions of slavery. He was a local preacher
+in the Wesleyan connection while he was a slave, and
+was liberated by his master, without remuneration,
+at the request of the British Conference, who wished
+to employ him as an itinerant. He is highly esteemed
+both for his natural talents and general literary
+acquisitions and moral worth. The Conference have
+recently called him to England to act as an agent in
+that country, to procure funds for educational and
+religious purposes in these islands.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_58"></a>
+<b>MEETING OF WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES.</b></p>
+
+<p>As we were present at the annual meeting of the Wesleyan
+missionaries for this district, we gained much information
+concerning the object of our mission, as there were
+about twenty missionaries, mostly from Dominica, Montserrat,
+Nevis, St. Christophers, Anguilla, and Tortola.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_59"></a>
+Not a few of them were men of superior acquirements,
+who had sacrificed ease and popular applause at home,
+to minister to the outcast and oppressed. They are
+the devoted friends of the black man. It was soul-cheering
+to hear them rejoice over the abolition of slavery.
+It was as though their own limbs had been of a sudden
+unshackled, and a high wall had fallen from around
+them. Liberty had broken upon them like the bursting
+forth of the sun to the watchman on his midnight tower.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_60"></a>
+During the session, the mission-house was thrown open
+to us, and we frequently dined with the numerous company
+of missionaries, who there ate at a common table.
+Mrs. F., wife of the colored clergyman mentioned above,
+presided at the social board. The missionaries and
+their wives associated with Mr. and Mrs. F. as unreservedly
+as though they wore the most delicate European tint.
+The first time we took supper with them, at one side
+of a large table, around which were about twenty missionaries
+with their wives, sat Mrs. F., with the furniture of
+a tea table before her. On the other side, with the
+coffee urn and its accompaniments, sat the wife of
+a missionary, with a skin as lily-hued as the fairest
+Caucasian. Nearly opposite to her, between two white
+preachers, sat a colored missionary. Farther down,
+with the chairman of the district on his right, sat
+another colored gentleman, a merchant and local preacher
+in Antigua. Such was the uniform appearance of the
+table, excepting that the numbers were occasionally
+swelled by the addition of several other colored gentlemen
+and ladies. On another occasion, at dinner, we had
+an interesting conversation, in which the whole company
+of missionaries participated. The Rev. M. Banks, of
+St. Bartholomews, remarked, that one of the grossest
+of all absurdities was that of <i>preparing men for
+freedom</i>. Some, said he, pretend that immediate
+emancipation is unsafe, but it was evident to him
+that if men <i>are peaceable while they are slaves</i>,
+they might be trusted in any other condition, for they
+could not possibly be placed in one more aggravating.
+If <i>slavery</i> is a safe system, <i>freedom</i>
+surely will be. There can be no better evidence that
+a people are prepared for liberty, <i>than their
+patient endurance of slavery</i>. He expressed
+the greatest regret at the conduct of the American
+churches, particularly that of the Methodist church.
+"Tell them," said he, "on your return,
+that the missionaries in these islands are cast down
+and grieved when they think of their brethren in America.
+We feel persuaded that they are holding back the car
+of freedom; they are holding up the gospel."
+Rev. Mr. Cheesbrough, of St. Christopher's,
+said, "Tell them that much as we desire to visit
+the United States, we cannot go so long as we are
+prohibited from speaking against slavery, or while
+that <i>abominable prejudice</i> is encouraged
+in the churches. <i>We could not administer the
+sacrament to a church in which the distinction of
+colors was maintained.</i>" "Tell our brethren
+of the Wesleyan connection," said Mr. B. again,
+"that slavery must be abolished by <i>Christians</i>,
+and the church ought to take her stand at once against
+it." We told him that a large number of Methodists
+and other Christians had engaged already in the work,
+and that the number was daily increasing. "That's
+right," he exclaimed, "agitate, <i>agitate</i>,
+AGITATE! <i>You must succeed</i>: the Lord is
+with you." He dwelt particularly on the obligations
+resting upon Christians in the free states. He said,
+"Men must be at a distance from slavery to judge
+of its real character. Persons living in the midst
+of it, gradually become familiarized with its horrors
+and woes, so that they can view calmly, exhibitions
+from which they would once have shrunk in dismay."</p>
+
+<p>We had some conversation with Rev. Mr. Walton, of
+Montserrat. After making a number of statements in
+reference to the apprenticeship there, Mr. W. stated
+that there had been repeated instances of planters
+<i>emancipating all their apprentices</i>. He
+thought there had been a case of this kind every month
+for a year past. The planters were becoming tired
+of the apprenticeship, and from mere considerations
+of interest and comfort, were adopting free labor.</p>
+
+<p>A new impulse had been given to education in Montserrat,
+and schools were springing up in all parts of the
+island. Mr. W. thought there was no island in which
+education was so extensive. Religious influences were
+spreading among the people of all classes. Marriages
+were occurring every week.</p>
+
+<p>We had an interview with the Rev. Mr. H., an aged
+colored minister. He has a high standing among his
+brethren, for talents, piety, and usefulness. There
+are few ministers in the West Indies who have accomplished
+more <i>for the cause of Christ</i> than has Mr.
+H.[<a name="AE2_FR15"></a><a href="#AE2_FN15">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN15"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR15">A</a>: It is a fact well known in Antigua and
+Barbadoes, that this colored missionary has been instrumental
+in the conversion of several clergymen of the Episcopal
+Church in those islands, who are now currently devoted
+men.]</p>
+
+<p>He said he had at different periods been stationed
+in Antigua, Anguilla, Tortola, and some other islands.
+He said that the negroes in the other islands in which
+he had preached, were as intelligent as those in Antigua,
+and in every respect as well prepared for freedom.
+He was in Anguilla when emancipation took place. The
+negroes there were kept at work on the very <i>day
+that freedom came!</i> They worked as orderly as
+on any other day. The Sabbath following, he preached
+to them on their new state, explaining the apprenticeship
+to them. He said the whole congregation were in a
+state of high excitement, weeping and shouting. One
+man sprang to his feet, and exclaimed, 'Me never
+forget God and King William.' This same man
+was so full that he went out of the chapel, and burst
+into loud weeping.</p>
+
+<p>The preaching of the missionaries, during their stay
+in Antigua, was full of allusions to the abolition
+of slavery in the West Indies, and especially to the
+entire emancipation in Antigua. Indeed, we rarely
+attended a meeting in Antigua, of any kind, in which
+the late emancipation was not in some way alluded
+to with feelings of gratitude and exultation. In the
+ordinary services of the Sabbath, this subject was
+almost uniformly introduced, either in the prayer or
+sermon. Whenever thanksgiving was rendered to God
+for favors, <i>freedom</i> was among the number.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_61"></a>
+The meeting of the district afforded an opportunity
+for holding a number of anniversary meetings. We notice
+them here, believing that they will present the most
+accurate view that can be given of the religious and
+moral condition of Antigua.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="I_62"></a>
+On the evening of the 1st of February, the first anniversary
+of the Antigua Temperance Society was held in the
+Wesleyan chapel. We had been invited to attend and
+take a part in the exercises. The chapel was crowded
+with a congregation of all grades and <i>complexions</i>.
+Colored and white gentlemen appeared together on the
+platform. We intimated to a member of the committee,
+that we could not conscientiously speak without advocating
+<i>total abstinence</i>, which doctrine, we concluded
+from the nature of the pledge, (which only included
+ardent spirits,) would not be well received. We were
+assured that we might use the most perfect freedom
+in avowing our sentiments.</p>
+
+<p>The speakers on this occasion were two planters, a
+Wesleyan missionary, and ourselves. All advocated
+the doctrine of total abstinence. The first speaker,
+a planter, concluded by saying, that it was commonly
+believed that wine and malt were rendered absolutely
+indispensable in the West Indies, by the exhausting
+nature of the climate. But facts disprove the truth
+of this notion. "I am happy to say that I can
+now present this large assembly with ocular demonstration
+of the fallacy of the popular opinion. I need only
+point you to the worthy occupants of this platform.
+Who are the healthiest among them? <i>The cold water
+drinkers--the teetotallers</i>! We can assure
+you that we have not lost a pound of flesh, by abandoning
+our cups. We have tried the cold water experiment
+faithfully, and we can testify that since we became
+cold water men, <i>we work better, we eat better,
+we sleep better, and we do every thing better than
+before.</i>" The next speaker, a planter also,
+dwelt on the inconsistency of using wine and malt,
+and at the same time calling upon the poor to give
+up ardent spirits. He said this inconsistency had been
+cast in his teeth by his negroes. He never could prevail
+upon them to stop drinking rum, until he threw away
+his wine and porter. Now he and all his people were
+teetotallists. There were two other planters who had
+taken the same course. He stated, as the result of
+a careful calculation which he had made, that he and
+the two planters referred to, had been in the habit
+of giving to their people not less than <i>one thousand
+gallons of rum annually</i>. The whole of this was
+now withheld, and molasses and sugar were given instead.
+The missionary who followed them was not a whit behind
+in boldness and zeal, and between them, they left us
+little to say in our turn on the subject of total
+abstinence.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_63"></a>
+On the following evening the anniversary of the Bible
+Society was held in the Moravian school-room. During
+the day we received a note from the Secretary of the
+Society, politely requesting us to be present. The
+spacious school-room was filled, and the broad platform
+crowded with church clergymen, Moravian ministers,
+and Wesleyan missionaries, colored and white. The
+Secretary, a Moravian minister, read the twenty-first
+annual report. It spoke emphatically of 'the
+joyful event of emancipation', and in allusion
+to an individual in England, of whom it spoke in terms
+of high commendation, it designated him, as one "who
+was distinguished for his efforts in the abolition
+of slavery." The adoption of the report was
+moved by one of the Wesleyan missionaries, who spoke
+at some length. He commenced by speaking of "the
+peculiar emotions with which he always arose to address
+an assembly of the free people of Antigua."
+It had been his lot for a year past to labor in a colony[<a name="AE2_FR16"></a><a href="#AE2_FN16">A</a>]
+where slavery still reigned, and he could not but thank
+God for the happiness of setting his foot once more
+on the free soil of an emancipated island.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN16"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR16">A</a>: St. Martin's]</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the most interesting meeting in the series,
+was the anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society
+of Antigua. Both parts of the day were devoted to
+this anniversary. The meetings were held in the Wesleyan
+chapel, which was filled above and below, with the
+usual commixture of white, colored, and black. We
+saw, as on former occasions, several colored gentlemen
+seated among the ministers. After the usual introductory
+exercises of singing and prayer, the annual report
+was read by the Secretary, Rev. E. Fraser, the colored
+minister already mentioned. It was terse, direct,
+and business like. The meeting was then addressed
+by a Moravian missionary. He dwelt upon the decrease
+of the sectarian spirit, and hailed the coming of
+Christian charity and brotherly communion. He opened
+his Bible, and read about the middle wall of partition
+being broken down. "Yes, brother," said
+Mr. Horne, "and every other wall." "The
+rest are but paper walls," responded the speaker,
+"and when once the middle wall is removed, these
+will soon be burned up by the fire of Christian love."</p>
+
+<p>The next speaker was a Wesleyan missionary of Nevis.
+He spoke of the various instrumentalities which were
+now employed for the conversion of the world. "We
+welcome," said he, "the co-operation of
+America, and with all our hearts do we rejoice that
+she is now beginning to put away from her that vile
+system of oppression which has hitherto crippled her
+moral energy and her religious enterprise."
+Then turning and addressing himself to us, he said,
+"We hail you, dear brethren, as co-workers with
+us. Go forward in your blessed undertaking. Be not
+dismayed with the huge dimensions of that vice which
+you are laboring to overthrow! Be not disheartened
+by the violence and menaces of your enemies! Go forward.
+Proclaim to the church and to your countrymen the sinfulness
+of slavery, and be assured that soon the fire of truth
+will melt down the massy chains of oppression."
+He then urged upon the people of Antigua <i>their</i>
+peculiar obligations to extend the gospel to other
+lands. It was the <i>Bible</i> that made them
+free, and he begged them to bear in mind that there
+were millions of their countrymen <i>still in the
+chains of slavery</i>. This appeal was received
+with great enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>We then spoke on a resolution which had been handed
+us by the Secretary, and which affirmed "that
+the increasing and acknowledged usefulness of Christian
+missions was a subject of congratulation." We
+spoke of the increase of missionary operations in
+our own country, and of the spirit of self-denial
+which was widely spreading, particularly among young
+Christians. We spoke of that accursed thing in our
+midst, which not only tended greatly to kill the spirit
+of missions in the church, but which directly withheld
+<i>many</i> young men from foreign missionary
+fields. It had made more than two millions of heathen
+in our country; and so long as the cries of these
+<i>heathen at home</i> entered the ears of our
+young men and young women, they could not, dare not,
+go abroad. How could they go to Ceylon, to Burmah,
+or to Hindostan, with the cry of their <i>country's
+heathen</i> ringing their ears! How could they tear
+themselves away from famished millions kneeling at
+their feet in chains and begging for the bread of
+life, and roam afar to China or the South Sea Islands!
+Increasing numbers filed with a missionary spirit felt
+that their obligations were at home, and they were
+resolved that if they could not carry the gospel <i>forthwith</i>
+to the slaves, they would labor for the overthrow
+of that system which made it a crime punishable with
+death to preach salvation to the poor. In conclusion,
+the hope was expressed that the people of Antigua--so
+highly favored with freedom, education, and religion,
+would never forget that in the nation whence we came,
+there were <i>two millions and a half of
+heathen</i>, who, instead of bread, received stones
+and scorpions; instead of the Bible, bolts and bars;
+instead of the gospel, chains and scourgings; instead
+of the hope of salvation thick darkness and despair.
+They were entreated to remember that in the gloomy
+dungeon, from which they had lately escaped there
+were deeper and more dismal cells, <i>yet filled</i>
+with millions of their countrymen. The state of feeling
+produced by this reference to slavery, was such as
+might be anticipated in an audience, a portion of which
+were once slaves, and still remembered freshly the
+horrors of their late condition.</p>
+
+<p>The meeting was concluded after a sitting of more
+than four hours. The attendance in the evening was
+larger than on any former occasion. Many were unable
+to get within the chapel. We were again favored with
+an opportunity of urging a variety of considerations
+touching the general cause, as well as those drawn
+from the condition of our own country, and the special
+objects of our mission.</p>
+
+<p>The Rev. Mr. Horne spoke very pointedly on the subject
+of slavery. He began by saying that he had been <i>so
+long accustomed</i> to speak cautiously about slavery
+that he was even now almost afraid of his own voice
+when he alluded to it. [General laughter.] But he would
+remember that he was in a <i>free island</i>,
+and that he spoke to <i>freemen</i>, and therefore
+he had nothing to fear.</p>
+
+<p>He said the peace and prosperity of these colonies
+is a matter of great moment in itself considered,
+but it was only when viewed as an example to the rest
+of the slaveholding world that its real magnitude and
+importance was perceived. The influence of abolition,
+and especially of entire emancipation in Antigua,
+must be very great. The eyes of the world were fixed
+upon her. The great nation of America must now soon
+<i>toll the knell</i> of slavery, and this event
+will be hastened by the happy operation of freedom
+here.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. H. proceeded to say, that during the agitation
+of the slavery question at home, he had been suspected
+of not being a friend to emancipation; and it would
+probably be remembered by some present that his name
+appeared in the report of the committee of the House
+of Commons, where it stood in <i>no enviable society</i>.
+But whatever might be thought of his course at that
+time, he felt assumed that the day was not far distant
+when he should be able to clear up every thing connected
+with it. It was not a little gratifying to us to see
+that the time had come in the West Indies, when the
+suspicion of having been opposed to emancipation is
+a stain upon the memory from which a public man is
+glad to vindicate himself.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_64"></a>
+<b>RESOLUTION OF THE MEETING.</b></p>
+
+<p>After a few other addresses were delivered, and just
+previous to the dismission of the assembly, Rev. Mr.
+Cox, Chairman of the District, arose and said, that
+as this was the last of the anniversary meetings,
+he begged to move a resolution which he had no doubt
+would meet with the hearty and unanimous approval
+of that large assembly. He then read the following
+resolution, which we insert here as an illustration
+of the universal sympathy in the objects of our mission.
+As the resolution is not easily divisible, we insert
+the whole of it, making no ado on the score of modesty.</p>
+
+<p>"Resolved, that this meeting is deeply impressed
+with the importance of the services rendered this
+day to the cause of missions by the acceptable addresses
+of Mr. ----, from America, and begs
+especially to express to him and his friend Mr. ----,
+the assurance of their sincere sympathy in the object
+of their visit to Antigua."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. C. said he would make no remarks in support of
+the resolution he had just read for he did not deem
+them necessary. He would therefore propose at once
+that the vote be taken by rising. The Chairman read
+the resolution accordingly, and requested those who
+were in favor of adopting it, to rise. Not an individual
+in the crowded congregation kept his seat. The masters
+and the slaves of yesterday--all rose together--a
+phalanx of freemen, to testify "their sincere
+sympathy" in the efforts and objects of American
+abolitionists.</p>
+
+<p>After the congregation had resumed their seats, the
+worthy Chairman addressed us briefly in behalf of
+the congregation, saying, that it was incumbent on
+him to convey to us the unanimous expression of sympathy
+on the part of this numerous assembly in the object
+of our visit to the island. We might regard it as
+an unfeigned assurance that we were welcomed among
+them, and that the cause which we were laboring to
+promote was dear to the hearts of the people of Antigua.</p>
+
+<p>This was the testimonial of an assembly, many of whom,
+only three years before, were themselves slaveholders.
+It was not given at a meeting specially concerted
+and called for the purpose, but grew up unexpectedly
+and spontaneously out of the feelings of the occasion,
+a free-will offering, the cheerful impulsive gush
+of <i>free</i> sympathies. We returned our acknowledgments
+in the best manner that our excited emotions permitted.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_65"></a>
+<b>LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A WESLEYAN CHAPEL.</b></p>
+
+<p>The corner stone of a new Wesleyan Chapel was laid
+in St. John's, during the district meeting.
+The concourse of spectators was immense. At eleven
+o'clock religious exercises were held in the
+old chapel. At the close of the service a procession
+was formed, composed of Wesleyan missionaries, Moravian
+ministers, clergymen of the church, members of the
+council and of the assembly, planters, merchants,
+and other gentlemen, and the children of the Sunday
+and infant schools, connected with the Wesleyan Chapel.</p>
+
+<p>As the procession moved to the new site, a hymn was
+sung, in which the whole procession united. Our position
+in the procession, to which we were assigned by the
+marshal, and much to our satisfaction, was at either
+side of two colored gentlemen, with whom we walked,
+four abreast.</p>
+
+<p>On one side of the foundation a gallery had been raised,
+which was covered with an awning, and was occupied
+by a dense mass of white and colored ladies. On another
+side the gentlemen of the procession stood. The other
+sides were thronged with a promiscuous multitude of
+all colors. After singing and prayer, the Hon. Nicholas
+Nugent, speaker of the house of assembly, descended
+from the platform by a flight of stairs into the cellar,
+escorted by two missionaries. The sealed phial was
+then placed in his hand, and Mr. P., a Wesleyan missionary,
+read from a paper the inscription written on the parchment
+within the phial. The closing words of the inscription
+alluded to the present condition of the island, thus:
+"The demand for a new and larger place of worship
+was pressing, and the progress of public liberality
+advancing on a scale highly creditable to this FREE,
+enlightened, and evangelized colony." The Speaker
+then placed the phial in the cavity of the rock. When
+it was properly secured, and the corner stone lowered
+down by pullies to its place, he struck three blows
+upon it with a mallet, and then returned to the platform.
+The most eager curiosity was exhibited on every side
+to witness the ceremony.</p>
+
+<p>At the conclusion of it, several addresses were delivered.
+The speakers were, Rev. Messrs. Horne and Harvey,
+and D.B. Garling, Esq. Mr. Horne, after enumerating
+several things which were deserving of praise, and
+worthy of imitation, exclaimed, "The grand crowning
+glory of all--that which places Antigua
+above all her sister colonies--was the magnanimous
+measure of the legislature in entirely abolishing slavery."
+It was estimated that there were more than two thousand
+persons assembled on this occasion. The <i>order</i>
+which prevailed among such a concourse was highly
+creditable to the island. It was pleasing to see the
+perfect intermixture of colors and conditions; not
+less so to observe the kindly bearing of the high
+toward the low.[<a name="AE2_FR17"></a><a href="#AE2_FN17">A</a>] After the exercises were finished,
+the numerous assembly dispersed quietly. Not an instance
+of drunkenness, quarrelling, or anger, fell under
+our notice during the day.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN17"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR17">A</a>: During Mr. Home's address, we observed
+Mr. A., a planter, send his umbrella to a negro man
+who stood at the corner-stone, exposed to the sun.]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="I_66"></a>
+<b>RESOLUTIONS OF THE MISSIONARIES.</b></p>
+
+<p>Toward the close of the district meeting, we received
+a kind note from the chairman, inviting us to attend
+the meeting, and receive in person, a set of resolutions
+which had been drawn up at our request, and signed
+by all the missionaries. At the hour appointed, we
+repaired to the chapel. The missionaries all arose
+as we entered, and gave us a brotherly salutation.
+We were invited to take our seats at the right hand
+of the chairman. He then, in the presence of the meeting,
+read to us the subjoined resolutions; we briefly expressed,
+in behalf of ourselves and our cause, the high sense
+we had of the value of the testimony, which the meeting
+had been pleased to give us. The venerable father
+Horne then prayed with us, commending our cause to
+the blessing of the Head of the church, and ourselves
+to the protection and guidance of our heavenly Father.
+After which we shook hands with the brethren, severally,
+receiving their warmest assurances of affectionate
+regard, and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p><i>"Resolutions passed at the meeting of the Wesleyan
+Missionaries of the Antigua District, assembled at
+St. John's, Antigua, February 7th, 1837.</i></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>1. That the emancipation of the slaves
+of the West Indies, while it was an act of undoubted
+justice to that oppressed people, has operated
+most favorably in furthering the triumphs of the gospel,
+by removing one prolific source of unmerited suspicion
+of religious teachers, and thus opening a door
+to their more extensive labors and usefulness--by
+furnishing a greater portion of time for the service
+of the negro, and thus preventing the continuance
+of unavoidable Sabbath desecrations, in labor
+and neglect of the means of grace--and
+in its operation as a stimulus to proprietors and other
+influential gentlemen, to encourage religious education,
+and the wide dissemination of the Scriptures,
+as an incentive to industry and good order.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>2. That while the above statements are
+true with reference to all the islands, even where
+the system of apprenticeship prevails, they are
+especially applicable to Antigua, where the results
+of the great measure, of entire freedom, so humanely
+and judiciously granted by the legislature, cannot
+be contemplated without the most devout thanks
+givings to Almighty God.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>3. That we regard with much gratification,
+the great diminution among all classes in these
+islands, of the most unchristian prejudice of
+color the total absence of it in the government and
+ordinances of the churches of God, with which we
+are connected, and the prospect of its complete
+removal, by the abolition of slavery, by the increased
+diffusion of general knowledge, and of that religion
+which teaches to "honor <i>all</i> men,"
+and to love our neighbor as ourselves.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>4. That we cannot but contemplate with
+much humiliation and distress, the existence,
+among professing Christians in America, of this
+partial, unseemly, and unchristian system of <i>caste</i>,
+so distinctly prohibited in the word of God, and
+so utterly irreconcileable with Christian charity.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>5. That regarding slavery as a most
+unjustifiable infringement of the rational and
+inalienable rights of men, and in its moral consequences,
+(from our own personal observation as well as other
+sources,) as one of the greatest curses with which
+the great Governor of the nations ever suffered
+this world to be blighted: we cannot but deeply
+regret the connection which so intimately exists between
+the various churches of Christ in the United States
+of America, and this unchristian system. With
+much sorrow do we learn that the <i>principle</i>
+of the lawfulness of slavery has been defended by
+some who are ministers of Christ, that so large a proportion
+of that body in America, are exerting their influence
+in favor of the continuance of so indefensible
+and monstrous a system--and that these
+emotions of sorrow are especially occasioned with reference
+to our own denomination.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>6. That while we should deprecate and
+condemn any recourse on the part of the slaves,
+to measures of rebellion, as an unjustifiable mode
+of obtaining their freedom, we would most solemnly,
+and affectionately, and imploringly, adjure our
+respected fathers and brethren in America, to
+endeavor, in every legitimate way, to wipe away
+this reproach from their body, and thus act in perfect
+accordance with the deliberate and recorded sentiments
+of our venerated founder on this subject, and
+in harmony with the feelings and proceedings of
+their brethren in the United Kingdom, who have had
+the honor to take a distinguished part in awakening
+such a determined and resistless public feeling
+in that country, as issued in the abolition of
+slavery among 800,000 of our fellow subjects.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>7. That we hail with the most lively
+satisfaction the progress in America of anti-slavery
+principles, the multiplication of anti-slavery
+societies, and the diffusion of correct views on this
+subject. We offer to the noble band of truly patriotic,
+and enlightened, and philanthropic men, who are
+combating in that country with such a fearful
+evil, the assurance of our most cordial and fraternal
+sympathy, and our earnest prayers for their complete
+success. We view with pity and sorrow the vile
+calumnies with which they have been assailed.
+We welcome with Christian joyfulness, in the success
+which has already attended their efforts, the dawn
+of a cloudless day of light and glory, which shall
+presently shine upon that vast continent, when
+the song of universal freedom shall sound in its
+length and breadth.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>8. That these sentiments have been increased
+and confirmed by the intercourse, which some of
+our body Have enjoyed with our beloved brethren,
+the Rev. James A. Thome, and Joseph Horace Kimball,
+Esq., the deputation to these islands, front the
+Anti-Slavery Society in America. We regard this
+appointment, and the nomination of such men to
+fulfil it, as most judicious. We trust we can appreciate
+the spirit of entire devotedness to this cause,
+which animates our respected brethren, and breathes
+throughout their whole deportment, and rejoice
+in such a manifestation of the fruits of that divine
+charity, which flow from the constraining love
+of Christ, and which many waters cannot quench.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>9. That the assurance of the affectionate
+sympathy of the twenty-five brethren who compose
+this district meeting, and our devout wishes for
+their success in the objects of their mission, are
+hereby presented, in our collective and individual
+capacity, to our endeared and Christian friends
+from America.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>(Signed) JAMES COX, chairman
+of the district, and resident in
+Antigua.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Jonathan Cadman, St. Martin's.  James Horne, St. Kitts. Matthew
+Banks, St. Bartholomew's.  E. Frazer, Antigua. Charles Bates, do.
+John Keightley, do. Jesse
+Pilcher, do. Benjamin Tregaskiss, do.
+Thomas Edwards, St. Kitts.
+Robert Hawkins, Tortola. Thomas Pearson,
+Nevis. George Craft, do. W.S.
+Wamouth, St. Kitts. John Hodge,
+Tortola. William Satchel,
+Dominica. John Cullingford, Dominica. J.
+Cameron, Nevis. B. Gartside,
+St. Kitts. John Parker, do. Hilton
+Cheeseborough, do. Thomas
+Jeffery, do. William Rigglesworth,
+Tortola. Daniel Stepney, Nevis.
+James Walton, Montserrat."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+<h4>CHAPTER II.</h4>
+
+<p><b>GENERAL RESULTS.</b></p>
+
+<p>Having given a general outline of our sojourn in Antigua,
+we proceed to a mere minute account of the results
+of our investigations. We arrange the testimony in
+two general divisions, placing that which relates to
+the past and present condition of the colony in one,
+and that which bears directly upon the question of
+slavery in America in another.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_1"></a>
+<b>RELIGION.</b></p>
+
+<p>There are three denominations of Christians in Antigua:
+the Established Church; the Moravians, and Wesleyans.
+The Moravians number fifteen thousand--almost
+exclusively negroes. The Wesleyans embrace three thousand
+members, and about as many more attendants. Of the
+three thousand members, says a Wesleyan missionary,
+"not fifty are whites--a larger number
+are colored; but the greater part black." "The
+attendance of the negro population at the churches
+and chapels," (of the established order,) says
+the Rector of St. John's, "amounts to four
+thousand six hundred and thirty-six." The whole
+number of blacks receiving religious instruction from
+these Christian bodies, making allowance for the proportion
+of white and colored included in the three thousand
+Wesleyans, is about twenty-two thousand--leaving
+a population of eight thousand negroes in Antigua
+who are unsupplied with religious instruction.</p>
+
+<p>The Established Church has six parish churches, as
+many "chapels of ease," and nine clergymen.
+The Moravians have five settlements and thirteen missionaries.
+The Wesleyans have seven chapels, with as many more
+small preaching places on estates, and twelve ministers;
+half of whom are itinerant missionaries, and the other
+half, local preachers, employed as planters, or in
+mercantile, and other pursuits, and preaching only
+occasionally. From the limited number of chapels and
+missionaries, it may be inferred that only a portion
+of the twenty-two thousand can enjoy stated weekly
+instruction. The superintendent of the Moravian mission
+stated that their chapels could not accommodate more
+than <i>one third</i> of their members.</p>
+
+<p>Each of the denominations complains of the lack of
+men and houses. The Wesleyans are now building a large
+chapel in St. John's. It will accommodate two
+thousand persons. "Besides free sittings, there
+will be nearly two hundred pews, every one of which
+is now in demand."</p>
+
+<p>However much disposed the churches of different denominations
+might have been during slavery to maintain a strict
+discipline, they found it exceedingly difficult to
+do so. It seems impossible to elevate a body of slaves,
+<i>remaining such,</i> to honesty and purity.
+The reekings of slavery will almost inevitably taint
+the institutions of religion, and degrade the standard
+of piety. Accordingly the ministers of every denomination
+in Antigua, feel that in the abolition of slavery their
+greatest enemy has been vanquished, and they now evince
+a determination to assume higher ground than they
+ever aspired to during the reign of slavery. The motto
+of all creeds is, "<i>We expect great things
+of freemen</i>." A report which we obtained
+from the Wesleyan brethren, states, "Our own
+brethren preach almost daily." "We think
+the negroes are uncommonly punctual and regular in
+their attendance upon divine worship, particularly
+on the Sabbath." "They always show a readiness
+to contribute to the support of the gospel. With the
+present low wages, and the entire charge of self-maintenance,
+they have little to spare." Parham and Sion Hill
+(taken as specimens) have societies almost entirely
+composed of rural blacks--about thirteen
+hundred and fifty in number. These have contributed
+this year above &pound;330 sterling, or sixteen hundred and
+fifty dollars, in little weekly subscriptions; besides
+giving to special objects occasionally, and contributing
+for the support of schools.[<a name="AE2_FR18"></a><a href="#AE2_FN18">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN18"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR18">A</a>: The superintendent of the Wesleyan mission
+informed us that the collection in the several Wesleyan
+chapels last year, independent of occasional contributions
+to Sunday schools, Missionary objects, &amp;c., amounted
+to &pound;850 sterling, or more than $4000!]</p>
+
+<p>In a letter dated December 2d, 1834, but four months
+after emancipation, and addressed to the missionary
+board in England, the Rev. B. Harvey thus speaks of
+the Moravian missions: "With respect to our people,
+I believe; I may say that in all our places here,
+they attend the meetings of the church more numerously
+than ever, and that many are now in frequent attendance
+who <i>could very seldom appear amongst us during
+slavery</i>." The same statements substantially
+were made to us by Mr. H., showing that instead of
+any falling off the attendance was still on the increase.</p>
+
+<p>In a statement drawn up at our request by the Rector
+of St. John's, is the following: "Cases
+of discipline are more frequent than is usual in English
+congregations, but at the same time it should be observed,
+that a <i>closer oversight</i> is maintained
+by the ministers, and a <i>greater readiness to
+submit themselves</i> (to discipline) is manifested
+by the late slaves here than by those who have always
+been a free people." "I am able to speak
+very favorably of the attendance at church--it
+is regular and crowded." "The negroes
+on some estates have been known to contribute willingly
+to the Bible Society, since 1832. They are now beginning
+to pay a penny and a half currency per week for their
+children's instruction."</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_2"></a>
+<b>MORALITY.</b></p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="II_3"></a>
+The condition of Antigua, but a very few years previous
+to emancipation, is represented to have been truly
+revolting. It has already been stated that the Sabbath
+was the market day up to 1832, and this is evidence
+enough that the Lord's day was utterly desecrated
+by the mass of the population. Now there are few parts
+of our own country, equal in population, which can
+vie with Antigua in the solemn and respectful observance
+of the Sabbath. Christians in St. John's spoke
+with joy and gratitude of the tranquillity of the
+Sabbath. They had long been shocked with its open
+and abounding profanation--until they had
+well-nigh forgot the aspect of a Christian Sabbath.
+At length the full-orbed blessing beamed upon them,
+and they rejoiced in its brightness, and thanked God
+for its holy repose.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_4"></a>
+All persons of all professions testify to the fact
+that <i>marriages</i> are rapidly increasing. In
+truth, there was scarcely such a thing as marriage
+before the abolition of slavery. Promiscuous intercourse
+of the sexes was almost universal. In a report of
+the Antigua Branch Association of the Society for
+advancing the Christian Faith in the British West
+Indies, (for 1836,) the following statements are made:</p>
+
+<p>"The number of marriages in the six parishes
+of the island, in the year 1835, the first entire
+year of freedom, was 476; all of which, excepting
+about 50, were between persons formerly slaves. The
+total number of marriages between slaves solemnized
+in the Church during the nine years ending December
+31, 1832, was 157; in 1833, the last entire year of
+slavery, it was 61."</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="II_5"></a>
+Thus it appears that the whole number of marriages
+during <i>ten years</i> previous to emancipation
+(by far the most favorable ten years that could have
+been selected) was but <i>half</i> as great as the
+number for a single year following emancipation!</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="II_6"></a>
+The Governor, in one of our earliest interviews with
+him, said, "the great crime of this island,
+as indeed of all the West India Colonies, has been
+licentiousness, but we are certainly fast improving
+in this particular." An aged Christian, who
+has spent many years in the island, and is now actively
+engaged in superintending several day schools for
+the negro children, informed us that there was not
+<i>one third</i> as much concubinage as formerly.
+This he said was owing mainly to the greater frequency
+of marriages, and the cessation of late night work
+on the estates, and in the boiling houses, by which
+the females were constantly exposed during slavery.
+Now they may all be in their houses by dark. Formerly
+the mothers were the betrayers of their daughters,
+encouraging them to form unhallowed connections, and
+even <i>selling</i> them to licentious white and colored
+men, for their own gain. Now they were using great
+strictness to preserve the chastity of their daughters.</p>
+
+<p>A worthy planter, who has been in the island since
+1800, stated, that it used to be a common practice
+for mothers to <i>sell their daughters</i> to the
+highest bidder!--generally a manager or overseer.
+"But now;" said he, "the mothers
+<i>hold their daughters up for marriage</i>, and take
+pains to let every body know that their virtue is
+not to be bought and sold any longer." He also
+stated that those who live unmarried now are uniformly
+neglected and suffer great deprivations. Faithfulness
+after marriage, exists also to a greater extent than
+could have been expected from the utter looseness
+to which they had been previously accustomed, and with
+their ignorance of the nature and obligations of the
+marriage relation. We were informed both by the missionaries
+and the planters, that every year and month they are
+becoming more constant, as husband and wife, more
+faithful as parents, and more dutiful as children.
+One planter said that out of a number who left his
+employ after 1834, nearly all had companions on other
+estates, and left for the purpose of being with them.
+He was also of the opinion that the greater proportion
+of changes of residence among the emancipated which
+took place at that time, were owing to the same cause.[<a name="AE2_FR19"></a><a href="#AE2_FN19">A</a>]
+In an address before the Friendly Society in St. John's,
+the Archdeacon stated that during the previous year
+(1835) several individuals had been expelled from
+that society for domestic unfaithfulness; but he was
+happy to say that he had not heard of a single instance
+of expulsion for this cause during the year then ended.
+Much inconvenience is felt on account of the Moravian
+and Wesleyan missionaries being prohibited from performing
+the marriage service, even for their own people. Efforts
+are now making to obtain the repeal of the law which
+makes marriages performed by sectarians (as all save
+the established church are called) void.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN19"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR19">A</a>: What a resurrection to domestic life
+was that, when long severed families flocked from
+the four corners of the island to meet their kindred
+members! And what a glorious resurrection will that
+be in our own country, when the millions of emancipated
+beings scattered over the west and south, shall seek
+the embraces of parental and fraternal and conjugal
+love.]</p>
+
+<p>That form of licentiousness which appears among the
+higher classes in every slaveholding country, abounded
+in Antigua during the reign of slavery. It has yielded
+its redundant fruits in a population of four thousand
+colored people; double the number of whites. The planters,
+with but few exceptions, were unmarried and licentious.
+Nor was this vice confined to the unmarried. Men with
+large families, kept one or more mistresses without
+any effort at concealment. We were told of an "Honorable"
+gentleman, who had his English wife and two concubines,
+a colored and a black one. The governor himself stated
+as an apology for the prevalence of licentiousness
+among the slaves, that the example was set them constantly
+by their masters, and it was not to be wondered at
+if they copied after their superiors. But it is now
+plain that concubinage among the whites is nearly
+at an end. An unguarded statement of a public man
+revealed the conviction which exists among his class
+that concubinage must soon cease. He said that the
+present race of colored people could not be received
+into the society of the whites, <i>because of illegitimacy</i>;
+but the next generation would be fit associates for
+the whites, <i>because they would be chiefly born
+in wedlock.</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="II_7"></a>
+The uniform testimony respecting <i>intemperance</i>
+was, that it <i>never had been one of the vices of
+the negroes</i>. Several planters declared that they
+had rarely seen a black person intoxicated. The report
+of the Wesleyan missionaries already referred to,
+says, "Intemperance is most uncommon among the
+rural negroes. Many have joined the Temperance Society,
+and many act on tee-total principles." The only
+<i>colored</i> person (either black or brown) whom
+we saw drunk during a residence of nine weeks in Antigua,
+was a carpenter in St. John's, who as he reeled
+by, stared in our faces and mumbled out his sentence
+of condemnation against wine bibbers, "--Gemmen--you
+sees I'se a little bit drunk, but 'pon
+honor I only took th--th-ree bottles of wine--that's
+all." It was "Christmas times,"
+and doubtless the poor man thought he would venture
+for once in the year to copy the example of the whites.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="II_8"></a>
+In conclusion, on the subject of morals in Antigua,
+we are warranted in stating, 1st., That during the
+continuance of slavery, immoralities were rife.</p>
+
+<p>2d. That the repeated efforts of the home Government
+and the local Legislature, for several successive
+years previous to 1834, to <i>ameliorate</i>
+the system of slavery, seconded by the labors of clergymen
+and missionaries, teachers and catechists, to improve
+the character of the slaves, failed to arrest the
+current of vice and profligacy. What few reformations
+were effected were very partial, leaving the more
+enormous immoralities as shameless and defiant as ever,
+up to the very day of abolition; demonstrating the
+utter impotence of all attempts to purify the <i>streams</i>
+while the <i>fountain</i> is poison.</p>
+
+<p>3d. That the abolition of slavery gave the death blow
+to open vice, overgrown and emboldened as it had become.
+Immediate emancipation, instead of lifting the flood-gates,
+was the only power strong enough to shut them down!
+It restored the proper restraints upon vice, and supplied
+the incentives to virtue. Those great controllers of
+moral action, <i>self-respect, attachment to law,
+and veneration for God</i>, which slavery annihilated,
+<i>freedom has resuscitated</i>, and now they
+stand round about the emancipated with flaming swords
+deterring from evil, and with cheering voices exhorting
+to good. It is explicitly affirmed that the grosser
+forms of immorality, which in every country attend
+upon slavery, have in Antigua either shrunk into concealment
+or become extinct.</p>
+
+<p><b>BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.</b></p>
+
+<p>We insert here a brief account of the benevolent institutions
+of Antigua. Our design in giving it, is to show the
+effect of freedom in bringing into play those charities
+of social life, which slavery uniformly stifles. Antigua
+abounds in benevolent societies, all of which have
+been <i>materially revived</i> since emancipation,
+and some of them have been formed since that event.</p>
+
+<p><b>THE BIBLE SOCIETY.</b></p>
+
+<p>This is the oldest society in the island. It was organized
+in 1815. All denominations in the island cordially
+unite in this cause. The principal design of this
+society is to promote the Circulation of the Scriptures
+among the laboring population of the island. To secure
+this object numerous branch associations--amounting
+to nearly fifty--have been organized throughout
+the island <i>among the negroes themselves.</i>
+The society has been enabled not only to circulate
+the Scriptures among the people of Antigua, but to
+send them extensively to the neighboring islands.</p>
+
+<p>The following table, drawn up at our request by the
+Secretary of the Society, will show the extent of
+foreign operations:</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_9"></a>
+</p>
+<TABLE summary="foreign operation details" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="2" CELLPADDING="2">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Years.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Colonies Supplied.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Bibles.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Test's.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1822
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Anguilla
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+94
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+156
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1823
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Demerara
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+18
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+18
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1824
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Dominica
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+89
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+204
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1825
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Montserrat
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+57
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+149
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1827
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Nevis
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+79
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+117
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1832
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Saba
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+6
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+12
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1833
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+St. Bart's
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+111
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+65
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1834
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+St. Eustatius
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+97
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+148
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1835
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+St. Kitts
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+227
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+487
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1835
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+St. Martins
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+48
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+37
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1836
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Tortola
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+69
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+136
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+To 1837
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Trinidad
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+25
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+67
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+920
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1596
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</Table>
+
+<p>From the last annual report we quote the following
+cheering account, touching the events of 1834:</p>
+
+<p>"The next event of importance in or annals is
+the magnificent grant of the parent society, on occasion
+of the emancipation of the slaves, and the perpetual
+banishment of slavery from the shores of Antigua, on
+the first of August, 1834; by which a choice portion
+of the Holy Scriptures was gratuitously circulated
+to about one third of the inhabitants of this colony.
+Nine thousand seven hundred copies of the New Testament,
+bound together with the book of Psalms, were thus placed
+at the disposal of your committee."</p>
+
+<p>* * * "Following hard upon this joyful event
+another gratifying circumstance occurred among us.
+The attention of the people was roused, and their
+gratitude excited towards the Bible Society, and they
+who had freely received, now freely gave, and thus
+a considerable sum of money was presented to the parent
+society in acknowledgment of its beneficent grant."</p>
+
+<p>We here add an extract from the annual report for
+1826. Its sentiments contrast strongly with the congratulations
+of the last report upon 'the joyful event'
+of emancipation.</p>
+
+<p>"Another question of considerable delicacy and
+importance still remains to be discussed. Is it advisable,
+under all the circumstances of the case, to circulate
+the Holy Scriptures, without note of comment, among
+the slave population of these islands? Your Committee
+can feel no hesitation in affirming that such a measure
+is not merely expedient, but one of almost indispensable
+necessity. The Sacred Volume is in many respects peculiarly
+adapted to the slave. It enjoins upon him precepts
+so plain, that the most ignorant cannot fail to understand
+them: 'Slaves, obey in all things your masters,
+not with eye service, as men pleasers, but in singleness
+of heart, fearing God.' It furnishes him with
+motives the most impressive and consoling: 'Ye
+serve,' says the Apostle, 'the Lord Christ.'
+It promises him rewards sufficient to stimulate the
+most indolent to exertion: 'Whatsoever good thing
+any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord,
+whether he be bond or free.' And it holds forth
+to him an example so glorious, that it would ennoble
+even angels to imitate it: 'Let this mind be
+in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who made himself
+of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
+<i>slave</i>!'"</p>
+
+<p>"It may here be proper to observe, that the
+precise import of the word, which in general throughout
+the English Bible is translated <i>servant</i>,
+is strictly that which has been assigned it in the
+foregoing quotations; (!) and so understood, the Sacred
+Volume will be found to hold out to our slaves, both
+by precept and example the most persuasive and the
+most compelling motives to industry, obedience, and
+submission."</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could more plainly show the corrupting influences
+of slavery, upon all within its reach, than this spectacle
+of a noble, religious institution, prostituted to
+the vile work of defending oppression, and, in the
+zeal of its advocacy, blasphemously degrading the Savior
+into a self-made slave!</p>
+
+<p>The receipts of the Antigua Branch Society have greatly
+increased since emancipation. From receipts for the
+year 1836, in each of the British islands, it appears
+that the contributions from Antigua and Bermuda, the
+only two islands which adopted entire emancipation,
+are about <i>double</i> those from any other
+two islands.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="II_10"></a>
+<b>MISSIONARY ASSOCIATIONS.</b></p>
+
+<p>These associations are connected with the Wesleyan
+mission, and have been in existence since 1820. Their
+object is to raise funds for the parent society in
+England. Although it has been in existence for several
+years, yet it was mostly confined to the whites and
+free people of color, during slavery. The calling
+together assemblies of rural negroes, and addressing
+them on the subject of missions, and soliciting contributions
+in aid of the cause, is a new feature in the missionary
+operations to which nothing but freedom could give
+birth.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_11"></a>
+<b>TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.</b></p>
+
+<p>The first temperance society in Antigua was formed
+at the beginning of 1836. We give an extract from
+the first annual report: "Temperance societies
+have been formed in each town, and on many of the estates.
+A large number of persons who once used spirituous
+liquors moderately, have entirely relinquished the
+use. Some who were once intemperate have been reclaimed,
+and in some instances an adoption of the principles
+of the temperance society, has been followed by the
+pursuit and enjoyment of vital religion. Domestic
+peace and quietness have superseded discord and strife,
+and a very general sense of astonishment at the gross
+delusion which these drinks have long produced on the
+human species is manifest."</p>
+
+<p>"The numbers on the various books of the society
+amount to about 1700. One pleasing feature in their
+history, is the very small number of those who have
+violated their pledge."</p>
+
+<p>"On several estates, the usual allowance of
+spirits has been discontinued, and sugar or molasses
+substituted."</p>
+
+<p>The temperance society in Antigua may be specially
+regarded as a result of emancipation. It is one of
+the guardian angels which hastened to the island as
+soon as the demon of slavery was cast out.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_12"></a>
+<b>FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.</b></p>
+
+<p>The friendly societies are designed exclusively for
+the benefit of the negro population. The general object
+is thus stated in the constitution of one of these
+societies: "The object of this society is to
+assist in the purchase of articles of mourning for
+the dead; to give relief in cases of unlooked for
+distress; to help those who through age or infirmities
+are incapable of helping themselves by marketing, or
+working their grounds; <i>to encourage sobriety
+and industry, and to check disorderly and immoral
+conduct."</i></p>
+
+<p>These societies obtain their funds by laying a tax
+of one shilling per month on every member above eighteen
+years of age, and of six pence per month on all members
+under that age and above twelve, which is the minimum
+of membership. The aged members are required to pay
+no more than the sum last mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>The first society of this kind was established in
+St. John's by the present rector, in 1829. Subsequently
+the Moravians and Wesleyans formed similar societies
+among their own people. Independent of the pecuniary
+assistance which these societies bestow, they encourage
+in a variety of ways the good order of the community.
+For example, no one is allowed to receive assistance
+who is "disabled by drunkenness, debauchery,
+or disorderly living;" also, "if any member
+of the society, male or female, is guilty of adultery
+or fornication, the offending member shall be suspended
+for so long a time as the members shall see fit, and
+shall lose all claim on the society for any benefit
+during the suspension, and shall not be readmitted
+until clear and satisfactory evidence is given of
+penitence." Furthermore, "If any member
+of the society shall be expelled from the church to
+which he or she belongs, or shall commit any offence
+punishable by a magistrate, that member forfeits his
+membership in the society." Again, the society
+directly encourages marriage, by "making a present
+of a young pig to every child born in wedlock, and
+according as their funds will admit of it, giving rewards
+to those married persons living faithfully, or single
+persons living virtuously, who take a pride in keeping
+their houses neat and tidy, and their gardens flourishing."</p>
+
+<p>These societies have been more than doubled, both
+in the number of members and in the annual receipts,
+since emancipation.</p>
+
+<p>Of the societies connected with the established church,
+the rector of St. John's thus speaks: "At
+the beginning of 1834 there were eleven societies,
+embracing 1602 members. At the beginning of 1835 they
+numbered 4197; and in 1836 there were 4560 members,"
+<i>almost quadrupled in two years!</i></p>
+
+<p>The societies connected with the Moravian church,
+have more than doubled, both in members and funds,
+since emancipation. The funds now amount to $10,000
+per year.</p>
+
+<p>The Wesleyans have four Friendly societies. The largest
+society, which contained six hundred and fifty members,
+was organized in the <i>month of August</i>,
+1834. The last year it had expended &pound;700 currency,
+and had then in its treasury &pound;600 currency.</p>
+
+<p>Now, be it remembered that the Friendly societies
+exist solely among the freed negroes, <i>and that
+the moneys are raised exclusively among them.</i>
+Among whom? A people who are said to be so proverbially
+improvident, that to emancipate them, would be to
+abandon them to beggary, nakedness, and starvation;--a
+people who "cannot take care of themselves;"
+who "will not work when freed from the fear
+of the lash;" who "would squander the
+earnings of the day in debaucheries at night;"
+who "would never provide for to-morrow for the
+wants of a family, or for the infirmities of old age."
+Yea, among <i>negroes</i> these things are done;
+and that, too, where the wages are but one shilling
+per day--less than sufficient, one would
+reasonably suppose, to provide daily food.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_13"></a>
+<b>DAILY MEAL SOCIETY.</b></p>
+
+<p>The main object of this society is denoted by its
+name. It supplies a daily meal to those who are otherwise
+unprovided for. A commodious house had just been completed
+in the suburbs of the town, capable of lodging a considerable
+number of beneficiaries. It is designed to shelter
+those who are diseased, and cannot walk to and fro
+for their meals. The number now fed at this house
+is from eighty to a hundred. The diseased, who live
+at the dispensary, are mostly those who are afflicted
+with the elephantiasis, by which they are rendered
+entirely helpless. Medical aid is supplied free of
+expense. It is worthy of remark, that there is no
+<i>public poor-house</i> in Antigua,--a
+proof of the industry and prosperity of the emancipated
+people.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_14"></a>
+<b>DISTRESSED FEMALES' FRIEND SOCIETY.</b></p>
+
+<p>This is a society in St. John's: there is also
+a similar one, called the Female Refuge Society, at
+English Harbor. Both these societies were established
+and are conducted by colored ladies. They are designed
+to promote two objects: the support of destitute aged
+females of color, and the rescue of poor young colored
+females from vice. The necessity for special efforts
+for the first object, arose out of the fact, that the
+colored people were allowed no parochial aid whatever,
+though they were required to pay their parochial taxes;
+hence, the support of their own poor devolved upon
+themselves. The demand for vigorous action in behalf
+of the young, grew out of the prevailing licentiousness
+of slave-holding times. The society in St. John's
+has been in existence since 1815. It has a large and
+commodious asylum, and an annual income, by subscriptions,
+of &pound;350, currency. This society, and the Female Refuge
+Society established at English Harbor, have been instrumental
+in effecting a great reform in the morals of females,
+and particularly in exciting reprobation against that
+horrid traffic--the sale of girls by their
+mothers for purposes of lust. We were told of a number
+of cases in which the society in St. John's
+had rescued young females from impending ruin. Many
+members of the society itself, look to it as the guardian
+of their orphanage. Among other cases related to us,
+was that of a lovely girl of fifteen, who was bartered
+away to a planter by her mother, a dissolute woman.
+The planter was to give her a quantity of cloth to
+the value of &pound;80 currency, and two young slaves; he
+was also to give the grandmother, for her interest
+in the girl, <i>one gallon of rum</i>! The night
+was appointed, and a gig in waiting to take away the
+victim, when a female friend was made acquainted with
+the plot, just in time to save the girl by removing
+her to her own house. The mother was infuriated, and
+endeavored to get her back, but the girl had occasionally
+attended a Sabbath school, where she imbibed principles
+which forbade her to yield even to her mother for
+such an unhallowed purpose. She was taken before a
+magistrate, and indentured herself to a milliner for
+two years. The mother made an attempt to regain her,
+and was assisted by some whites with money to commence
+a suit for that purpose. The lady who defended her
+was accordingly prosecuted, and the whole case became
+notorious. The prosecutors were foiled. At the close
+of her apprenticeship, the young woman was married
+to a highly respectable colored gentleman, now resident
+in St. John's. The notoriety which was given
+to the above case had a happy effect. It brought the
+society and its object more fully before the public,
+and the contributions for its support greatly increased.
+Those for whose benefit the asylum was opened, heard
+of it, and came begging to be received.</p>
+
+<p>This society is a signal evidence that the colored
+people neither lack the ability to devise, nor the
+hearts to cherish, nor the zeal to execute plans of
+enlarged benevolence and mercy.</p>
+
+<p>The Juvenile Association, too, of which we gave some
+account in describing its anniversary, originated
+with the colored people, and furnishes additional
+evidence of the talents and charities of that class
+of the community. Besides the societies already enumerated,
+there are two associations connected with the Established
+Church, called the "Society for the Promotion
+of Christian Knowledge," and the "Branch
+Association of the Society for Advancing the Christian
+Faith in the British West Indies, &amp;c." These
+societies are also designed chiefly for the benefit
+of the negro population.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_15"></a>
+<b>EDUCATION.</b></p>
+
+<p>Our inquiries under this head were directed to three
+principal points--first, The extent to which
+education prevailed previous to emancipation; second,
+The improvements introduced since; and third, The
+comparative capacity of negroes for receiving instruction.</p>
+
+<p>Being providentially in the island at the season of
+the year when all the schools have their annual examinations,
+we enjoyed the most favorable opportunities for procuring
+intelligence on the subject of education. From various
+quarters we received invitations to attend school
+examinations. We visited the schools at Parham, Willoughby
+Bay, Newfield; Cedar Hall, Grace Bay, Fitch's
+Creek, and others: besides visiting the parochial
+school, the rectory school, the Moravian and Wesleyan
+schools, in St. John's. All the schools, save
+those in St. John's, were almost exclusively
+composed of emancipated children from the estates.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_16"></a>
+<b>VISIT TO THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.</b></p>
+
+<p>At the invitation of the Governor, we accompanied
+him to the annual examination of the parochial school,
+in St. John's, under the superintendance of
+the Episcopal church. It has increased greatly, both
+in scholars and efficiency, since emancipation, and
+contributions are made to its support by the parents
+whose children receive its benefits. We found one
+hundred and fifty children, of both sexes, assembled
+in the society's rooms. There was every color
+present, from the deepest hue of the Ethiopian, to
+the faintest shadowing of brown.</p>
+
+<p>The boys constituting the first class, to the number
+of fifty, were called up. They read with much fluency
+and distinctness, equalling white boys of the same
+age anywhere. After reading, various questions were
+put to them by the Archdeacon, which they answered
+with promptness and accuracy. Words were promiscuously
+selected from the chapter they had read, and every
+one was promptly spelled. The catechism was the next
+exercise, and they manifested a thorough acquaintance
+with its contents.</p>
+
+<p>Our attention was particularly called to the examination
+in arithmetic. Many of the children solved questions
+readily in the compound rules, and several of them
+in Practice, giving the different parts of the pound,
+shilling, and penny, used in that rule, and all the
+whys and wherefores of the thing, with great promptness.
+One lad, only ten years of age, whose attendance had
+been very irregular on account of being employed in
+learning a trade, performed intricate examples in Practice,
+with a facility worthy the counting-house desk. We
+put several inquiries on different parts of the process,
+in order to test their real knowledge, to which we
+always received clear answers.</p>
+
+<p>The girls were then examined in the same studies and
+exercises, except arithmetic, and displayed the same
+gratifying proficiency. They also presented specimens
+of needlework and strawbraiding, which the ladies,
+on whose better judgment we depend, pronounced very
+creditable. We noticed several girls much older than
+the others, who had made much less advance in their
+studies, and on inquiry learned, that they had been
+members of the school but a short time, having formerly
+been employed to wield the heavy hoe in the cane field.
+The parents are very desirous to give their children
+education, and make many sacrifices for that purpose.
+Many who are field-laborers in the country, receiving
+their shilling a day, have sent their children to
+reside with some relations or friends in town, for
+the purpose of giving them the benefits of this school.
+Several such children were pointed out to us. The increase
+of female scholars during the first year of emancipation,
+was in this school alone, about eighty.</p>
+
+<p>For our gratification, the Governor requested that
+all the children emancipated on the <i>first of
+August</i>, might be called up and placed on our
+side of the room. Nearly one hundred children, of both
+sexes, who two years ago were <i>slaves</i>,
+now stood up before us FREE. We noticed one little
+girl among the rest, about ten years old, who bore
+not the least tinge of color. Her hair was straight
+and light, and her face had that mingling of vermilion
+and white, which Americans seem to consider, not only
+the nonpareil standard of beauty, but the immaculate
+test of human rights. At her side was another with
+the deepest hue of the native African. There were
+high emotions on the countenances of those redeemed
+ones, when we spoke to them of emancipation. The undying
+principle of freedom living and burning in the soul
+of the most degraded slave, like lamps amid the darkness
+of eastern sepulchres, was kindling up brilliantly
+within them, young as they were, and flashing in smiles
+upon their ebon faces.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor made a few remarks, in which he gave
+some good advice, and expressed himself highly pleased
+with the appearance and proficiency of the school.</p>
+
+<p>His excellency remarked to us in a tone of pleasantry,
+"You see, gentlemen, these children have <i>souls</i>."</p>
+
+<p>During the progress of the examination; he said to
+us, "You perceive that it is our policy to give
+these children every chance to make <i>men</i>
+of themselves. We look upon them as our <i>future
+citizens</i>." He had no doubt that the rising
+generation would assume a position in society above
+the contempt or opposition of the whites.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_17"></a>
+<b>INFANT SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY.</b></p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_18"></a>
+We had the pleasure of attending one of the infant
+schools in the vicinity of Parham, on the east side
+of the island. Having been invited by a planter, who
+kindly sent his horse and carriage for our conveyance,
+to call and take breakfast with him on our way, we
+drove out early in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>While we were walking about the estate, our attention
+was arrested by distant singing. As we cast our eyes
+up a road crossing the estate, we discovered a party
+of children! They were about twenty in number, and
+were marching hand in hand to the music of their infant
+voices. They were children from a neighboring estate,
+on their way to the examination at Parham, and were
+singing the hymns which they had learned at school.
+All had their Testaments in their hands, and seemed
+right merry-hearted.</p>
+
+<p>We were received at the gate of the chapel by the
+Wesleyan missionary located in this distinct, a highly
+respectable and intelligent colored man, who was ten
+years since a <i>slave</i>. He gave us a cordial
+welcome, and conducted us to the chapel, where we
+found the children, to the number of <i>four hundred</i>,
+assembled, and the examination already commenced.
+There were six schools present, representing about
+twenty estates, and arranged under their respective
+teachers. The ages of the pupils were from three to
+ten or twelve. They were all, with the exception of
+two or three, the children of emancipated slaves.</p>
+
+<p>They came up by classes to the superintendent's
+desk, where they read and were examined. They read
+correctly; some of them too, who had been in school
+only a few mouths, in any portion of the New Testament
+selected for them. By request of the superintendent,
+we put several inquiries to them, which they answered
+in a way which showed that they <i>thought</i>.
+They manifested an acquaintance with the Bible and
+the use of language which was truly surprising. It
+was delightful to see so many tiny beings stand around
+you, dressed in their tidy gowns and frocks, with
+their bright morning faces, and read with the self-composure
+of manhood, any passage chosen for them. They all,
+large and small, bore in their hands the charter of
+their freedom, the book by the influence of which
+they received all the privileges they were enjoying.
+On the cover of each was stamped in large capitals--"PRESENTED
+BY THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY, IN COMMEMORATION
+OF THE FIRST OF AUGUST, 1834."</p>
+
+<p>At the close of the examination, the rewards, consisting
+of books, work-bags, &amp;c. &amp;c., chiefly sent by a society
+of females in England, were distributed. It was impossible
+to repress the effervescence of the little expectants.
+As a little one four years old came up for her reward,
+the superintendent said to her--"Well,
+little Becky, what do you want?" "Me wants
+a bag," said Becky, "and me wants a pin-cushion,
+and me wants a little book." Becky's desires
+were large, but being a good girl, she was gratified.
+Occasionally the girls were left to choose between
+a book and a work-bag, and although the bag might
+be gaudy and tempting, they invariably took the book.</p>
+
+<p>The teachers were all but one blacks, and were formerly
+slaves. They are very devoted and faithful, but are
+ill-qualified for their duties, having obtained all
+the learning they possess in the Sabbath school. They
+are all pious, and exert a harpy influence on the morals
+of their pupils.</p>
+
+<p>The number of scholars has very greatly increased
+since emancipation, and their morals have essentially
+improved. Instances of falsehood and theft, which
+at first were fearfully frequent and bold, have much
+lessened. They begin to have a regard for <i>character</i>.
+Their sense of right and wrong is enlightened, and
+their power of resisting temptation, and adhering
+to right, manifestly increased.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole, we know not where we have looked on
+a more delightful scene. To stand in front of the
+pulpit and look around on a multitude of negro children,
+gathered from the sordid huts into which slavery had
+carried ignorance and misery--to see them
+coming up, with their teachers of the same proscribed
+hue, to hear them read the Bible, answer with readiness
+the questions of their superintendent, and lift up
+together their songs of infant praise, and then to
+remember that two years ago these four hundred children
+were <i>slaves</i>, and still more to remember
+that in our own country, boasting its republicanism
+and Christian institutions, there are thousands of
+just such children under the yoke and scourge, in
+utter heathenism, the victims of tyrannic <i>law</i>
+or of more tyrannic public opinion--caused
+the heart to swell with emotions unutterable. There
+were as many intelligent countenances, and as much
+activity and sprightliness, as we ever saw among an
+equal number of children anywhere. The correctness
+of their reading, the pertinence of their replies,
+the general proofs of talent which they showed through
+all the exercises, evinced that they are none inferior
+to the children of their white oppressors.</p>
+
+<p>After singing a hymn they all kneeled down, and the
+school closed with a prayer and benediction. They
+continued singing as they retired from the house,
+and long after they had parted on their different ways
+home, their voices swelled on the breeze at a distance
+as the little parties from the estates chanted on
+their way the songs of the school room.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_19"></a>
+<b>WILLOUGHBY BAY EXAMINATION.</b></p>
+
+<p>When we entered the school house at Willoughby Bay,
+which is capable of containing a thousand persons,
+a low murmur, like the notes of preparation, ran over
+the multitude. One school came in after we arrived,
+marching in regular file, with their teacher, a negro
+man, at their head, and their <i>standard bearer</i>
+following; next, a sable girl with a box of Testaments
+on her head. The whole number of children was three
+hundred and fifty. The male division was first called
+out, and marched several times around the room, singing
+and keeping a regular step. After several rounds,
+they came to a halt, filing off and forming into ranks
+four rows deep--in quarter-circle shape.
+The music still continuing, the girls sallied forth,
+went through the same evolutions, and finally formed
+in rows corresponding with those of the boys, so as
+to compose with the latter a semicircle.</p>
+
+<p>The schools were successively examined in spelling,
+reading, writing, cyphering, &amp;c., after the manner
+already detailed. In most respects they showed equal
+proficiency with the children of Parham; and in reading
+the Testament, their accuracy was even greater. In
+looking over the writing, several "incendiary"
+copies caught our eyes. One was, "<i>Masters,
+give unto your servants that which is just and equal</i>."
+Another, "<i>If I neglect the cause of my
+servant, what shall I do when I appear before my Master</i>!"
+A few years ago, <i>had children been permitted to
+write at all</i>, one such copy as the above would
+have exploded the school, and perchance sent the teacher
+to jail for sedition. But now, thanks to God! the
+Negro children of Antigua are taught liberty from their
+Bibles, from their song books, and from their <i>copy
+books</i> too; they read of liberty, they sing
+of it, and they write of it; they chant to liberty
+in their school rooms, and they resume the strains
+on their homeward way, till every rustling lime-grove,
+and waving cane-field, is alive with their notes,
+and every hillock and dell rings with "free"
+echoes.</p>
+
+<p>The girls, in their turn, pressed around us with the
+liveliest eagerness to display their little pieces
+of needle-work. Some had samplers marked with letters
+and devices in <i>vari</i>-colored silk. Others showed
+specimens of stitching; while the little ones held
+up their rude attempts at hemming handkerchiefs, aprons,
+and so on.</p>
+
+<p>During the exercises we spoke to several elderly women,
+who were present to witness the scene. They were laborers
+on the estates, but having children in the school,
+they had put on their Sunday dresses, and "come
+to see." We spoke to one, of the privileges which
+the children were enjoying, since freedom. Her eyes
+filled, and she exclaimed, "Yes, massa, we do
+tank de good Lord for bring de free--never
+can be too tankful." She said she had seven
+children present, and it made her feel happy to know
+that they were learning to read. Another woman said,
+when she heard the children reading so finely, she
+wanted to "take de word's out of <i>da</i>
+<i>mouts</i> and put em in her own." In the morning,
+when she first entered the school house, she felt
+quite sick, but all the pleasant things she saw and
+heard, had made her well, and she added, "I tell
+you, me massa, it do my old heart good to come here."
+Another aged woman, who had grand-children in the
+school, said, when she saw what advantages the children
+enjoyed, she almost cried to think she was not a child
+too. Besides these there were a number of adult men
+and women, whom curiosity or parental solicitude had
+brought together, and they were thronging about the
+windows and doors witnessing the various exercises
+with the deepest interest. Among the rest was one
+old patriarch, who, anxious to bear some part however
+humble in the exercises of the occasion, walked to
+and fro among the children, with a six feet pole in
+his hand, to keep order.</p>
+
+<p>These schools, and those examined at Parham, are under
+the general supervision of Mr. Charles Thwaites, an
+indefatigable and long tried friend of the negroes.</p>
+
+<p>We here insert a valuable communication which we received
+from Mr. T. in reply to several queries addressed
+to him. It will give further information relative
+to the schools.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_20"></a>
+<i>Mr. Charles Thwaites' Replies to Queries
+on Education in Antigua.</i></p>
+
+<p>1. What has been your business for some years past
+in Antigua?</p>
+
+<p>A superintendent of schools, and catechist to the
+negroes.</p>
+
+<p>2. How long have you been engaged in this business?</p>
+
+<p>Twenty-four years. The first four years engaged gratuitously,
+ten years employed by the Church Missionary Society,
+and since, by the Wesleyan Missionary Society.</p>
+
+<p>3. How many schools have you under your charge?</p>
+
+<p>Sunday schools, (including all belonging to the Wesleyan
+Missionary Society,) eight, with 1850 scholars; day
+schools, seventeen with 1250 scholars; night schools
+on twenty-six estates, 336 scholars. The total number
+of scholars under instruction is about 3500.</p>
+
+<p>4. Are the scholars principally the children who were
+emancipated in August, 1834?</p>
+
+<p>Yes, except the children in St. John's, most
+of whom were free before.</p>
+
+<p>5. Are the teachers negroes, colored, or white?</p>
+
+<p>One white, four colored, and sixteen black.[<a name="AE2_FR1A"></a><a href="#AE2_FN1A">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN1A"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR1A">A</a>: This number includes only salaried teachers,
+and not the gratuitous.]</p>
+
+<p>6. How many of the teachers were slaves prior to the
+first of August, 1834?</p>
+
+<p>Thirteen.</p>
+
+<p>7. What were their opportunities for learning?</p>
+
+<p>The Sunday and night schools; and they have much improved
+themselves since they have been in their present employment.</p>
+
+<p>8. What are their qualifications for teaching, as
+to education, religion, zeal, perseverance, &amp;c.?</p>
+
+<p>The white and two of the colored teachers, I presume,
+are well calculated, in all respects, to carry on
+a school in the ablest manner. The others are deficient
+in education, but are zealous, and very persevering.</p>
+
+<p>9. What are the wages of these teachers?</p>
+
+<p>The teachers' pay is, some four, and some three
+dollars per month. This sum is far too small, and
+would be greater if the funds were sufficient.</p>
+
+<p>10. How and by whom are the expenses of superintendent,
+teachers, and schools defrayed?</p>
+
+<p>The superintendent's salary, &amp;c., is paid by
+the Wesleyan Missionary Society. The expenses of teachers
+and schools are defrayed by charitable societies and
+friends in England, particularly the Negro Education
+Society, which grants 50l. sterling per annum towards
+this object, and pays the rent of the Church Missionary
+Society's premises in Willoughby Bay for use
+of the schools. About 46l. sterling per annum is also
+raised from the children; each child taught writing
+and needle-work, pays 1-1/2d. sterling per week.</p>
+
+<p>11. Is it your opinion that the negro children are
+as ready to receive instruction as white children?</p>
+
+<p>Yes, perfectly so.</p>
+
+<p>12. Do parents manifest interest in the education
+of their children?</p>
+
+<p>They do. Some of the parents are, however, still very
+ignorant, and are not aware how much their children
+lose by irregular attendance at the schools.</p>
+
+<p>13. Have there been many instances of <i>theft</i>
+among the scholars?</p>
+
+<p>Not more than among any other class of children.</p>
+
+<p><b>RESULTS.</b></p>
+
+<p>Besides an attendance upon the various schools, we
+procured specific information from teachers, missionaries,
+planters, and others, with regard to the past and
+present state of education, and the weight of testimony
+was to the following effect:</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_21"></a>
+First, That education was by no means extensive previous
+to emancipation. The testimony of one planter was,
+that not a <i>tenth part</i> of the present adult
+population knew the letters of the alphabet. Other
+planters, and some missionaries, thought the proportion
+might be somewhat larger; but all agreed that it was
+very small. The testimony of the venerable Mr. Newby,
+the oldest Moravian missionary in the island, was,
+that such was the opposition among the planters, it
+was impossible to teach the slaves, excepting by night,
+secretly. Mr. Thwaites informed us that the children
+were not allowed to attend day school after they were
+six years old. All the instruction they obtained after
+that age, was got at night--a very unsuitable
+time to study, for those who worked all day under
+an exhausting sun. It is manifest that the instruction
+received under six years of age, would soon be effaced
+by the incessant toil of subsequent life. The account
+given in a former connection of the adult school under
+the charge of Mr. Morrish, at Newfield, shows most
+clearly the past inattention to education. And yet
+Mr. M. stated that his school was a <i>fair specimen
+of the intelligence of the negroes generally</i>.
+One more evidence in point is the acknowledged ignorance
+of Mr. Thwaites' teachers. After searching through
+the whole freed population for a dozen suitable teachers
+of children. Mr. T. could not find even that number
+who could <i>read well</i>. Many children in the
+schools of six years old read better than their teachers.</p>
+
+<p>We must not be understood to intimate that up to the
+period of the Emancipation, the planters utterly prohibited
+the education of their slaves. Public sentiment had
+undergone some change previous to that event. When
+the public opinion of England began to be awakened
+against slavery, the planters were indured, for peace
+sake, to <i>tolerate</i> education to some extent;
+though they cannot be said to have <i>encouraged</i>
+it until after Emancipation. This is the substance
+of the statements made to us. Hence it appears that
+when the active opposition of the planters to education
+ceased, it was succeeded by a general indifference,
+but little less discouraging. We of course speak of
+the planters as a body; there were some honorable
+exceptions.</p>
+
+<p>Second, Education has become very extensive <i>since</i>
+emancipation. There are probably not less than <i>six
+thousand</i> children who now enjoy daily instruction.
+These are of all ages under twelve. All classes feel
+an interest in <i>knowledge</i>. While the schools
+previously established are flourishing in newness
+of life, additional ones are springing up in every
+quarter. Sabbath schools, adult and infant schools,
+day and evening schools, are all crowded. A teacher
+in a Sabbath school in St. John's informed us,
+that the increase in that school immediately after
+emancipation was so sudden and great, that he could
+compare it to nothing but the rising of the mercury
+when the thermometer is removed <i>out of the shade
+into the sun</i>.</p>
+
+<p>We learned that the Bible was the principal book taught
+in all the schools throughout the island. As soon
+as the children have learned to read, the Bible is
+put into their hands. They not only read it, but commit
+to memory portions of it every day:--the
+first lesson in the morning is an examination on some
+passage of scripture. We have never seen, even among
+Sabbath school children, a better acquaintance with
+the characters and events recorded in the Old and
+New Testaments, than among the negro children in Antigua.
+Those passages which inculcate <i>obedience to law</i>
+are strongly enforced; and the prohibitions against
+stealing, lying, cheating, idleness, &amp;c., are reiterated
+day and night.</p>
+
+<p>Great attention is paid to <i>singing</i> in
+all the schools.</p>
+
+<p>The songs which they usually sung, embraced such topics
+as Love to God--the presence of God--obedience
+to parents--friendship for brothers and
+sisters and schoolmates--love of school--the
+sinfulness of sloth, of lying, and of stealing. We
+quote the following hymn as a specimen of the subjects
+which are introduced into their songs: often were we
+greeted with this sweet hymn, while visiting the different
+schools throughout the island.</p>
+
+<p><b>BROTHERLY LOVE.</b></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>CHORUS.</p></blockquote>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<blockquote><p>We're all brothers, sisters, brothers,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We're sisters and brothers,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And heaven is our home.<br>
+We're all brothers, sisters, brothers,<br>
+&nbsp;We're sisters and brothers,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;And heaven is our home.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The God of heaven is pleased to see<br>
+That little children all agree;<br>
+And will not slight the praise they bring,<br>
+When loving children join to sing:<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &amp;c.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>For love and kindness please him more<br>
+Than if we gave him all our store;<br>
+And children here, who dwell in love,<br>
+Are like his happy ones above.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &amp;c.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The gentle child that tries to please,<br>
+That hates to quarrel, fret, and teaze,<br>
+And would not say an angry word--<br>
+That child is pleasing to the Lord.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &amp;c.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>O God! forgive, whenever we<br>
+Forget thy will, and disagree;<br>
+And grant that each of us, may find<br>
+The sweet delight of being kind.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &amp;c.</p></blockquote>
+<p>
+<a name="II_22"></a>
+</p>
+<p>We were convinced that the negroes were as capable
+of receiving instruction as any people in the world.
+The testimony of teachers, missionaries, clergymen,
+and planters, was uniform on this point.</p>
+
+<p>Said one planter of age and long experience on the
+island, "The negroes are as capable of culture
+as any people on earth. <i>Color makes no difference
+in minds</i>. It is slavery alone that has degraded
+the negro."</p>
+
+<p>Another planter, by way of replying to our inquiry
+on this subject, sent for a negro child of five years,
+who read with great fluency in any part of the Testament
+to which we turned her. "Now," said the
+gentleman, "I should be ashamed to let you hear
+my own son, of the same age with that little girl,
+read after her." We put the following questions
+to the Wesleyan missionaries: "Are the negroes
+as <i>apt to learn</i>, as other people in similar
+circumstances?" Their written reply was this:
+"We think they are; the same diversified qualities
+of intellect appear among them, as among other people."
+We put the same question to the Moravian missionaries,
+to the clergymen, and to the teachers of each denomination,
+some of whom, having taught schools in England, were
+well qualified to judge between the European children
+and the negro children; and we uniformly received
+substantially the same answer. Such, however, was
+the air of surprise with which our question was often
+received, that it required some courage to repeat
+it. Sometimes it excited a smile, as though we could
+not be serious in the inquiry. And indeed we seldom
+got a direct and explicit answer, without previously
+stating by way of explanation that we had no doubts
+of our own, but wished to remove those extensively
+entertained among our countrymen. After all, we were
+scarcely credited in Antigua. Such cases as the following
+were common in every school: children of four and
+five years old reading the Bible; children beginning
+in their A, B, C's, and learning to read in four
+months; children of five and six, answering a variety
+of questions on the historical parts of the Old Testament;
+children but a little older, displaying fine specimens
+of penmanship, performing sums in the compound rules,
+and running over the multiplication table, and the
+pound, shilling, and pence table, without mistake.</p>
+
+<p>We were grieved to find that most of the teachers
+employed in the instruction of the children, were
+exceedingly unfit for the work. They are very ignorant
+themselves, and have but little skill in the management
+of children. This however is a necessary evil. The
+emancipated negroes feel a great anxiety for the education
+of their children. They encourage them to go to school,
+and they labor to support them, while they have strong
+temptation to detain them at home to work. They also
+pay a small sum every week for the maintenance of the
+schools.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="II_23"></a>
+In conclusion, we would observe, that one of the prominent
+features of <i>regenerated</i> Antigua, is its
+<i>education</i>. An intelligent religion, and
+a religious education, are the twin glories of this
+emancipated colony. It is comment enough upon the
+difference between slavery and freedom, that the same
+agents which are deprecated as the destroyers of the
+one, are cherished as the defenders of the other.</p>
+
+<p>Before entering upon a detail of the testimony which
+bears more directly upon slavery in America, we deem
+it proper to consider the inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the amount of freedom in Antigua, as
+regulated by law?"</p>
+
+<p>1st. The people are entirely free from the whip, and
+from all compulsory control of the master.</p>
+
+<p>2d. They can change employers whenever they become
+dissatisfied with their situation, by previously giving
+a month's notice.</p>
+
+<p>3d. They have the right of trial by jury in all cases
+of a serious nature, while for small offences, the
+magistrate's court is open. They may have legal
+redress for any wrong or violence inflicted by their
+employers.</p>
+
+<p>4th. Parents have the entire control of their children.
+The planter cannot in any way interfere with them.
+The parents have the whole charge of their support.</p>
+
+<p>5th. By an express provision of the legislature, it
+was made obligatory upon every planter to support
+all the superannuated, infirm, or diseased on the
+estate, <i>who were such at this time of emancipation</i>.
+Those who have become so since 1834, fall upon the
+hands of their relatives for maintenance.</p>
+
+<p>6th. The amount of wages is not determined by law.
+By a general understanding among the planters, the
+rate is at present fixed at a shilling per day, or
+a little more than fifty cents per week, counting
+five working days. This matter is wisely left to be
+regulated by the character of the seasons, and the
+mutual agreement of the parties concerned. As the
+island is suffering rather from a paucity of laborers,
+than otherwise, labor must in good seasons command
+good wages. The present rate of wages is extremely
+low, though it is made barely tolerable by the additional
+perquisites which the people enjoy. They have them
+houses rent free, and in connection with them small
+premises forty feet square, suitable for gardens,
+and for raising poultry, and pigs, &amp;c.; for which
+they always find a ready market. Moreover, they are
+burthened with no taxes whatever; and added to this,
+they are supplied with medical attendance at the expense
+of the estates.</p>
+
+<p>7th. The master is authorized in case of neglect of
+work, or turning out late in the morning, or entire
+absence from labor, to reduce the wages, or withhold
+them for a time, not exceeding a week.</p>
+
+<p>8th. The agricultural laborers may leave the field
+whenever they choose, (provided they give a month's
+previous notice,) and engage in any other business;
+or they may purchase land and become cultivators themselves,
+though in either case they are of course liable to
+forfeit their houses on the estates.</p>
+
+<p>9th. They may leave the island, if they choose, and
+seek their fortunes in any other part of the world,
+by making provision for their near relatives left
+behind. This privilege has been lately tested by the
+emigration of some of the negroes to Demerara. The
+authorities of the island became alarmed lest they
+should lose too many of the laboring population, and
+the question was under discussion, at the time we were
+in Antigua, whether it would not be lawful to prohibit
+the emigration. It was settled, however, that such
+a measure would be illegal, and the planters were
+left to the alternative of either being abandoned by
+their negroes, or of securing their continuance by
+adding to their comforts and treating them kindly.</p>
+
+<p>10. The right of suffrage, and eligibility to office
+are subject to no restrictions, save the single one
+of property, which is the same with all colors. The
+property qualification, however, is so great, as effectually
+to exclude the whole agricultural negro population
+for many years.</p>
+
+<p>11th. <i>The main constabulary force is composed
+of emancipated negroes, living on the estates</i>.
+One or two trust-worthy men on each estate are empowered
+with the authority of constables in relation to the
+people on the same estate, and much reliance is placed
+upon these men, to preserve order and to bring offenders
+to trial.</p>
+
+<p>12th. A body of police has been established, whose
+duty it is to arrest all disorderly or riotous persons,
+to repair to the estates in case of trouble, and co-operate
+with the constables, in arraigning all persons charged
+with the violation of law.</p>
+
+<p>13th. The punishment for slight offences, such as
+stealing sugar-canes from the field, is confinement
+in the house of correction, or being sentenced to
+the tread-mill, for any period from three days to three
+months. The punishment for burglary, and other high
+offences, is solitary confinement in chains, or transportation
+for life to Botany Bay.</p>
+
+<p>Such are the main features in the statutes, regulating
+the freedom of the emancipated population of Antigua.
+It will be seen that there is no enactment which materially
+modifies, or unduly restrains, the liberty of the
+subject. There are no secret reservations or postscript
+provisoes, which nullify the boon of freedom. Not
+only is slavery utterly abolished, but all its appendages
+are scattered to the winds; and a system of impartial
+laws secures justice to all, of every color and condition.</p>
+
+<p>The measure of success which has crowned the experiment
+of emancipation in Antigua--an experiment
+tried under so many adverse circumstances, and with
+comparatively few local advantages--is highly
+encouraging to slaveholders in our country. It must
+be evident that the balance of advantages between
+the situation of Antigua and that of the South, <i>is
+decidedly in favor of the latter</i>. The South
+has her resident proprietors, her resources of wealth,
+talent, and enterprise, and her preponderance of white
+population; she also enjoys a regularity of seasons,
+but rarely disturbed by desolating droughts, a bracing
+climate, which imparts energy and activity to her
+laboring population, and comparatively numerous wants
+to stimulate and press the laborer up to the <i>working
+mark</i>; she has close by her side the example
+of a free country, whose superior progress in internal
+improvements, wealth, the arts and sciences, morals
+and religion, all ocular demonstration to her of her
+own wretched policy, and a moving appeal in favor of
+abolition; and above all, site has the opportunity
+of choosing her own mode, and of ensuring all the
+blessings of a <i>voluntary and peaceable manumission</i>,
+while the energies, the resources, the sympathies,
+and the prayers of the North, stand pledged to her
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>CHAPTER III.</h4>
+<p>
+<a name="III_0"></a>
+<b>FACTS AND TESTIMONY.</b></p>
+
+<p>We have reserved the mass of facts and testimony,
+bearing immediately upon slavery in America, in order
+that we might present them together in a condensed
+furor, under distinct heads. These heads, it will be
+perceived, consist chiefly of propositions which are
+warmly contested in our country. Will the reader examine
+these principles in the light of facts? Will the candid
+of our countrymen--whatever opinions they
+may hitherto hate entertained on this subject--hear
+the concurrent testimony of numerous planters, legislators,
+lawyers, physicians, and merchants, who have until
+three years past been wedded to slavery by birth,
+education, prejudice, associations, and supposed interest,
+but who have since been divorced from all connection
+with the system?</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_1"></a>
+In most cases we shall give the names, the stations,
+and business of our witnesses; in a few instances,
+in which we were requested to withhold the name, we
+shall state such circumstances as will serve to show
+the standing and competency of the individuals. If
+the reader should find in what follows, very little
+testimony unfavorable to emancipation, he may know
+the reason to be, that little was to be gleaned from
+any part of Antigua. Indeed, we may say that, with
+very few exceptions, the sentiments here recorded
+as coming from individuals, are really the sentiments
+of the whole community. There is no such thing known
+in Antigua as an <i>opposing, disaffected party</i>.
+So complete and thorough has been the change in public
+opinion, that it would be now <i>disreputable</i>
+to speak against emancipation.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_2"></a>
+FIRST PROPOSITION.--The transition from
+slavery to freedom is represented as a greet revolution,
+by which a prodigious change was effected in <i>the
+condition of the negroes</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In conversation with us, the planters often spoke
+of the greatness and suddenness of the change. Said
+Mr. Barnard, of Green Castle estate, "The transition
+from slavery to freedom, was like passing suddenly
+out of a dark dungeon into the light of the sun."</p>
+
+<p>R.B. Eldridge, Esq., a member of the assembly, remarked,
+that, "There never had been in the history of
+the world so great and instantaneous a change in the
+condition of so large a body of people."</p>
+
+<p>The Honorable Nicholas Nugent, speaker of the house
+of assembly, and proprietor, said, "There never
+was so sudden a transition from one state to another,
+by so large a body of people. When the clock began
+to strike the hour of twelve on the last night of
+July, 1834, the negroes of Antigua were <i>slaves</i>--when
+it ceased they were all <i>freemen!</i> It was
+a stupendous change," he said, "and it
+was one of the sublimest spectacles ever witnessed,
+to see the subjects of the change engaged at the very
+moment it occurred, in worshipping God."</p>
+
+<p>These, and very many similar ones, were the spontaneous
+expressions of men <i>who had long contended against
+the change</i> of which they spoke.</p>
+
+<p>It is exceedingly difficult to make slaveholders see
+that there is any material difference between slavery
+and freedom; but when they have once renounced slavery,
+they <i>will magnify this distinction</i> more
+than any other class of men.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="III_3"></a>
+SECOND PROPOSITION.--Emancipation in Antigua
+was the result of political and pecuniary considerations
+merely.</p>
+
+<p>Abolition was seen to be inevitable, and there were
+but two courses left to the colonists--to
+adopt the apprenticeship system, or immediate emancipation.
+Motives of convenience led them to choose the latter.
+Considerations of general philanthropy, of human rights,
+and of the sinfulness of slavery, were scarcely so
+much as thought of.</p>
+
+<p>Some time previous to the abolition of slavery, a
+meeting of the influential men of the island was called
+in St. John's, to memorialize parliament against
+the measure of abolition. When the meeting convened,
+the Hon. Samuel O. Baijer, who had been the champion
+of the opposition, was called upon to propose a plan
+of procedure. To the consternation of the pro-slavery
+meeting, their leader arose and spoke to the following
+effect:--"Gentlemen, my previous sentiments
+on this subject are well known to you all; be not
+surprised to learn that they have undergone an entire
+change, I have not altered my views without mature
+deliberation. I have been making calculations with
+regard to the probable results of emancipation, and
+<i>I have ascertained beyond a doubt, that I can
+cultivate my estate at least one third cheaper by free
+labor than by slave labor</i>." After Mr.
+B. had finished his remarks, Mr. S. Shands, member
+of assembly, and a wealthy proprietor, observed that
+he entertained precisely the same views with those
+just expressed; but he thought that the honorable
+gentleman had been unwise in uttering them in so public
+a manner; "for," said he, "should
+these sentiments reach the ear of parliament, as coming
+from us, <i>it might induce them to withhold the
+compensation</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Col. Edwards, member of the assembly, then arose and
+said, that he had long been opposed to slavery, but
+he had not <i>dared to avow his sentiments</i>.</p>
+
+<p>As might be supposed, the meeting adjourned without
+effecting the object for which it was convened.</p>
+
+<p>When the question came before the colonial assembly,
+similar discussions ensued, and finally the bill for
+immediate emancipation passed both bodies <i>unanimously</i>.
+It was an evidence of the spirit of selfish expediency,
+which prompted the whole procedure, that they clogged
+the emancipation bill with the proviso that a certain
+governmental tax on exports, called the four and a
+half per cent tax[<a name="AE2_FR1B"></a><a href="#AE2_FN1B">A</a>], should be repealed. Thus clogged,
+the bill was sent home for sanction, but it was rejected
+by parliament, and sent back with instructions, that
+before it could receive his majesty's seal,
+it must appear wholly unencumbered with extraneous
+provisoes. This was a great disappointment to the
+legislature, and it so chagrined them that very many
+actually withdrew their support from the bill for
+emancipation, which passed finally in the assembly
+only by the casting vote of the speaker.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN1B"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR1B">A</a>: We subjoin the following brief history
+of the four and a half per cent. tax, which we procured
+from the speaker of the assembly. In the rein of Charles
+II., Antigua was conquered by the French, and the
+inhabitants were forced to swear allegiance to the
+French government. In a very short time the French
+were driven off the island and the English again took
+possession of it. It was then declared, by order of
+the king, that as the people had, by swearing allegiance
+to another government, forfeited the protection of
+the British government, and all title to their lands,
+they should not again receive either, except on condition
+of paying to the king a duty of four and a half per
+cent on every article exported from the island--and
+that they were to do in <i>perpetuity</i>. To
+this hard condition they were obliged to submit, and
+they have groaned under the onerous duty ever since.
+On every occasion, which offered any hope, they have
+sought the repeal of the tax, but have uniformly been
+defeated. When they saw that the abolition question
+was coming to a crisis, they resolved to make a last
+effort for the repeal of the four and a half percent
+duty. They therefore adopted immediate emancipation,
+and then, covered as they were, with the laurels of
+so magnanimous an act, they presented to parliament
+their cherished object. The defeat was a humiliating
+one, and it produced such a reaction in the island,
+as well nigh led to the rescinding of the abolition
+bill.]</p>
+
+<p>The verbal and written statements of numerous planters
+also confirm the declaration that emancipation was
+a measure solely of selfish policy.</p>
+
+<p>Said Mr. Bernard, of Green Castle estate "Emancipation
+was preferred to apprenticeship, because it was attended
+with less trouble, and left the planters independent,
+instead of being saddled with a legion of stipendiary
+magistrates."</p>
+
+<p>Said Dr. Daniell, member of the council, and proprietor--"The
+apprenticeship was rejected by us solely from motives
+of policy. We did not wish to be annoyed with stipendiary
+magistrates."</p>
+
+<p>Said Hon. N. Nugent--"We wished to
+let ourselves down in the easiest manner possible;
+<i>therefore</i> we chose immediate freedom in
+preference to the apprenticeship."</p>
+
+<p>"Emancipation was preferred to apprenticeship,
+because of the inevitable and endless perplexities
+connected with the latter system."--<i>David
+Cranstoun, Esq., colonial magistrate and planter</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not pretended that emancipation was produced
+by the influence of religious considerations. It was
+a measure of mere convenience and interest."--<i>A
+Moravian Missionary</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The following testimony is extracted from a letter
+addressed to us by a highly respectable merchant of
+St. John's--a gentleman of long experience
+on the island, and now agent for several estates.
+"Emancipation was an act of mere policy, adopted
+as <i>the safest and most economic</i> measure."</p>
+
+<p>Our last item of testimony under this head is from
+a written statement by the Hon. N. Nugent, speaker
+of the assembly, at the time of emancipation. His
+remarks on this subject, although long, we are sure
+will be read with interest. Alluding to the adoption
+of immediate emancipation in preference to the apprenticeship,
+he observes:--</p>
+
+<p>"The reasons and considerations which led to
+this step were various, of course impressing the minds
+of different individuals in different degrees. As
+slave emancipation could not be averted, and must inevitably
+take place very shortly, it was better to meet the
+crisis at once, than to have it hanging over our heads
+for six years, with all its harassing doubts and anxieties;
+better to give an air of grace to that which would
+be ultimately unavoidable; the slaves should rather
+have a motive of gratitude and kind reciprocation,
+than to feel, on being declared free, that their emancipation
+could neither be withheld nor retarded by their owners.
+The projected apprenticeship, while it destroyed the
+means of an instant coercion in a state of involuntary
+labor, equally withdrew or neutralized all those urgent
+motives which constrain to industrious exertion in
+the case of freemen. It abstracted from the master,
+in a state of things then barely remunerative, one
+fourth of the time and labor required in cultivation,
+and gave it to the servant, while it compelled the
+master to supply the same allowances as before. With
+many irksome restraints, conditions, and responsibilities
+imposed on the master, it had no equivalent advantages.
+There appeared no reason, in short, why general emancipation
+would not do as well in 1834 as in 1840. Finally,
+a strong conviction existed that from peculiarity of
+climate and soil, the physical wants and necessities
+of the peasantry would compel them to labor for their
+subsistence, to seek employment and wages from the
+proprietors of the soil; and if the <i>transformation</i>
+could be safely and quietly brought about, that the
+<i>free</i> system might be cheaper and more
+profitable than the other."</p>
+
+<p>The general testimony of planters, missionaries, clergymen,
+merchants, and others, was in confirmation of the
+same truth.</p>
+
+<p>There is little reason to believe that the views of
+the colonists on this subject have subsequently undergone
+much change. We did not hear, excepting occasionally
+among the missionaries and clergy, the slightest insinuation
+thrown out that <i>slavery was sinful</i>; that
+the slaves had a right to freedom, or that it would
+have been wrong to have continued them in bondage.
+The <i>politics</i> of anti-slavery the Antiguans
+are exceedingly well versed in, but of its <i>religion</i>,
+they seem to feel but little. They seem never to have
+examined slavery in its moral relations; never to
+have perceived its monstrous violations of right and
+its impious tramplings upon God and man. The Antigua
+planters, it would appear, have <i>yet</i> to
+repent of the sin of slaveholding.</p>
+
+<p>If the results of an emancipation so destitute of
+<i>principle</i>, so purely selfish, could produce
+such general satisfaction, and be followed by such
+happy results, it warrants us in anticipating still
+more decided and unmingled blessings in the train
+of a voluntary, conscientious, and religious abolition.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_4"></a>
+THIRD PROPOSITION.--The <i>event</i>
+of emancipation passed PEACEFULLY. The first of August,
+1834, is universally regarded in Antigua, as having
+presented a most imposing and sublime moral spectacle.
+It is almost impossible to be in the company of a
+missionary, a planter, or an emancipated negro, for
+ten minutes, without hearing some allusion to that
+occasion. Even at the time of our visit to Antigua,
+after the lapse of nearly three years, they spoke
+of the event with an admiration apparently unabated.</p>
+
+<p>For some time previous to the first of August, forebodings
+of disaster lowered over the island. The day was fixed!
+Thirty thousand degraded human beings were to be brought
+forth from the dungeon of slavery and "turned
+loose on the community!" and this was to be done
+"in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye."</p>
+
+<p>Gloomy apprehensions were entertained by many of the
+planters. Some timorous families did not go to bed
+on the night of the 31st of July; fear drove sleep
+from their eyes, and they awaited with fluttering pulse
+the hour of midnight, fearing lest the same bell which
+sounded the jubilee of the slaves might toll the death
+knell of the masters.[<a name="AE2_FR1C"></a><a href="#AE2_FN1C">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN1C"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR1C">A</a>: We were informed by a merchant of St.
+John's, that several American vessels which
+had lain for weeks in the harbor, weighed anchor on
+the 31st of July, and made their escape, through actual
+fear, that the island would be destroyed on the following
+day. Ere they set sail they earnestly besought our
+informant to escape from the island, as he valued
+his life.]</p>
+
+<p>The more intelligent, who understood the disposition
+of the negroes, and contemplated the natural tendencies
+of emancipation, through philosophical principles,
+and to the light of human nature and history, were
+free from alarm.</p>
+
+<p>To convey to the reader some idea of the manner in
+which the great crisis passed, we give the substance
+of several accounts which were related to us in different
+parts of the island, by those who witnessed them.</p>
+
+<p>The Wesleyans kept "watch-night" in all
+their chapels on the night of the 31st July. One of
+the Wesleyan missionaries gave us an account of the
+watch meeting at the chapel in St. John's. The
+spacious house was filled with the candidates for
+liberty. All was animation and eagerness. A mighty
+chorus of voices swelled the song of expectation and
+joy, and as they united in prayer, the voice of the
+leader was drowned in the universal <i>acclamations</i>
+of thanksgiving and praise, and blessing, and honor,
+and glory, to God, who had come down for their deliverance.
+In such exercises the evening was spent until the
+hour of twelve approached. The missionary then proposed
+that when the clock on the cathedral should begin
+to strike, the whole congregation should fall upon
+their knees and receive the boon of freedom in silence.
+Accordingly, as the loud bell tolled its first note,
+the immense assembly fell prostrate on their knees.
+All was silence, save the quivering half-stifled breath
+of the struggling spirit. The slow notes of the clock
+fell upon the multitude; peal on peal, peal on peal,
+rolled over the prostrate throng, in tones of angels'
+voices, thrilling among the desolate chords and weary
+heart strings. Scarce had the clock sounded its last
+note, when the lightning flashed vividly around, and
+a loud peal of thunder roared along the sky--God's
+pillar of fire, and trump of jubilee! A moment of
+profoundest silence passed--then came the
+<i>burst</i>--they broke forth in prayer;
+they shouted, they sung, "Glory," "alleluia;"
+they clapped their hands, leaped up, fell down, clasped
+each other in their free arms, cried, laughed, and
+went to and fro, tossing upward their unfettered hands;
+but high above the whole there was a mighty sound
+which ever and anon swelled up; it was the utterings
+in broken negro dialect of gratitude to God.</p>
+
+<p>After this gush of excitement had spent itself; and
+the congregation became calm, the religious exercises
+were resumed, and the remainder of the night was occupied
+in singing and prayer, in reading the Bible, and in
+addresses from the missionaries explaining the nature
+of the freedom just received, and exhorting the freed
+people to be industrious, steady, obedient to the
+laws, and to show themselves in all things worthy of
+the high boon which God had conferred upon them.</p>
+
+<p>The first of August came on Friday, and a release
+was proclaimed from all work until the next Monday.
+The day was chiefly spent by the great mass of the
+negroes in the churches and chapels. Thither they flocked
+"as clouds, and as doves to their windows."
+The clergy and missionaries throughout the island
+were actively engaged, seizing the opportunity in
+order to enlighten the people on all the duties and
+responsibilities of their new relation, and above
+all, urging them to the attainment of that higher
+liberty with which Christ maketh his children free.
+In every quarter we were assured that the day was
+like a Sabbath. Work had ceased; the hum of business
+was still, and noise and tumult were unheard on the
+streets. Tranquillity pervaded the towns and country.
+A Sabbath indeed! when the wicked ceased from troubling,
+and the weary were at rest, and the slave was free
+from his master! The planters informed us that they
+went to the chapels where their own people were assembled,
+greeted them, shook hands with them, and exchanged
+the most hearty good wishes.</p>
+
+<p>The churches and chapels were thronged all over the
+island. At Cedar Hall, a Moravian station, the crowd
+was so great that the minister was obliged to remove
+the meeting from the chapel to a neighboring grove.</p>
+
+<p>At Grace Hill, another Moravian station, the negroes
+went to the Missionary on the day before the first
+of August, and begged that they might be allowed to
+have a meeting in the chapel at sunrise. It is the
+usual practice among the Moravians to hold but one
+sunrise meeting during the year, and that is on the
+morning of Easter: but as the people besought very
+earnestly for this special favor on the Easter morning
+of their freedom, it was granted to them.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the morning they assembled at the chapel.
+For some time they sat in perfect silence. The missionary
+then proposed that they should kneel down and sing.
+The whole audience fell upon their knees, and sung
+a hymn commencing with the following verse:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Now let us praise the Lord,<br>
+With body, soul and spirit,<br>
+Who doth such wondrous things,<br>
+Beyond our sense and merit."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The singing was frequently interrupted with the tears
+and sobbings of the melted people, until finally it
+was wholly arrested, and a tumult of emotion overwhelmed
+the congregation.</p>
+
+<p>During the day, repeated meetings were held. At eleven
+o'clock, the people assembled in vast numbers.
+There were at least a <i>thousand</i> persons
+around the chapel, who could not get in. For once the
+house of God suffered violence, and the violent took
+it by force. After all the services of the day, the
+people went again to the missionaries in a body, and
+petitioned to have a meeting in the evening.</p>
+
+<p>At Grace Bay, the people, all dressed in white, assembled
+in a spacious court in front of the Moravian chapel.
+They formed a procession and walked arm in arm into
+the chapel. Similar scenes occurred at all the chapels
+and at the churches also. We were told by the missionaries
+that the dress of the negroes on that occasion was
+uncommonly simple and modest. There was not the least
+disposition of gaiety.</p>
+
+<p>We were also informed by planters and missionaries
+in every part of the island, that there was not a
+single dance known of, either day or night, nor so
+much as a fiddle played. There were no riotous assemblies,
+no drunken carousals. It was not in such channels
+that the excitement of the emancipated flowed. They
+were as far from dissipation and debauchery, as they
+were from violence and carnage. GRATITUDE was the
+absorbing emotion. From the hill-tops, and the valleys,
+the cry of a disenthralled people went upward like
+the sound of many waters, "Glory to God, glory
+to God."</p>
+
+<p>The testimony of the planters corresponds fully with
+that of the missionaries.</p>
+
+<p>Said R.B. Eldridge, Esq., after speaking of the number
+emancipated, "Yet this vast body, (30,000,)
+<i>glided</i> out of slavery into freedom with
+the utmost tranquillity."</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Daniell observed, that after so prodigious a revolution
+in the condition of the negroes, he expected that
+some irregularities would ensue; but he had been entirely
+disappointed. He also said that he anticipated some
+relaxation from labour during the week following emancipation.
+But he found his hands in the field early on Monday
+morning, and not one missing. The same day he received
+word from another estate, of which he was proprietor,[<a name="AE2_FR1D"></a><a href="#AE2_FN1D">A</a>]
+that the negroes had to a man refused to go to the
+field. He immediately rode to the estate and found
+the people standing with their hoes in their hands
+doing nothing. He accosted them in a friendly manner:
+"What does this mean, my fellows, that you are
+not at work this morning?" They immediately replied,
+"It's not because we don't want
+to work, massa, but we wanted to see you first and
+foremost to <i>know what the bargain would be</i>."
+As soon as that matter was settled, the whole body
+of negroes turned out cheerfully, without a moment's
+cavil.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN1D"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR1D">A</a>: It is not unusual in the West Indies
+for proprietors to commit their own estates into the
+hands of managers; and be themselves, the managers
+of other men's estates.]</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bourne, of Millar's, informed us that the
+largest gang he had ever seen in the field on his
+property, turned out the <i>week after emancipation</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Said Hon. N. Nugent, "Nothing could surpass
+the universal propriety of the negroes' conduct
+on the first of August, 1834! Never was there a more
+beautiful and interesting spectacle exhibited, than
+on that occasion."</p>
+
+<p>FOURTH PROPOSITION.--There has been <i>since</i>
+emancipation, not only <i>no rebellion in fact</i>,
+but NO FEAR OF IT in Antigua.</p>
+
+<p>Proof 1st. The militia were not called out during
+Christmas holidays. <i>Before</i> emancipation,
+martial law invariably prevailed on the holidays,
+but the very first Christmas after emancipation, the
+Governor made a proclamation stating that <i>in
+consequence of the abolition of slavery</i> it
+was no longer necessary to resort to such a precaution.
+There has not been a parade of soldiery on any subsequent
+Christmas.[<a name="AE2_FR1E"></a><a href="#AE2_FN1E">B</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN1E"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR1E">B</a>: This has been followed by a measure on
+the part of the Legislature, which is further proof
+of the same thing. It is "an Act for amending
+and further continuing the several Acts at present
+in force for better organizing and ordering the militia."</p>
+
+<p>The preamble reads thus:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"WHEREAS the abolition of slavery
+in this island renders it expedient to provide
+against an unnecessary augmentation of the militia,
+and the existing laws for better organizing and ordering
+that local force require amendment."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The following military advertisement also shows the
+increasing confidence which is felt in the freed men:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"RECRUITS WANTED.--The
+free men of Antigua are now called on to show their
+gratitude and loyalty to King WILLIAM, for the benefits
+he has conferred on them and their families, by
+volunteering their services as soldiers in his
+First West India Regiment; in doing which they will
+acquire a still higher rank in society, by being placed
+on a footing of perfect equality with the other
+troops in his Majesty's service, and receive
+the same bounty, pay, clothing, rations and allowances.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>None but young men of good
+character can be received, and all such
+will meet with every encouragement
+by applying at St. John's
+Barracks, to</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>H. DOWNIE, <i>Capt. 1st W.I. Regt</i>. <i>September
+15th</i>, 1836." ]</p>
+
+<p>2d. The uniform declaration of planters and others:</p>
+
+<p>"Previous to emancipation, many persons apprehended
+violence and bloodshed as the consequence of turning
+the slaves all loose. But when emancipation took place,
+all these apprehensions vanished. The sense of personal
+security is universal. We know not of a single instance
+in which the negroes have exhibited a <i>revengeful
+spirit</i>."</p>
+
+<p><i>S. Bourne, Esq., of Millar's.--Watkins,
+Esq., of Donovan's.</i></p>
+
+<p>"It has always appeared to me self-evident,
+that if a man is peaceable while a <i>slave</i>,
+he will be so when a <i>free man</i>."</p>
+
+<p><i>Dr. Ferguson.</i></p>
+
+<p>"There is no possible danger of personal violence
+from the slaves; should a foreign power invade our
+island, I have no doubt that the negroes would, to
+a man, fight for the planters. I have the utmost confidence
+in all the people who are under my management; they
+are my friends, and they consider me their friend."</p>
+
+<p><i>H. Armstrong, Esq., of Fitch's Creek.</i></p>
+
+<p>The same gentleman informed us that during slavery,
+he used frequently to lie sleepless on his bed, thinking
+about his dangerous situation--a lone white
+person far away from help, and surrounded by hundreds
+of savage slaves; and he had spent hours thus, in
+devising plans of self-defence in case the house should
+be attacked by the negroes. "If they come,"
+he would say to himself, "and break down the
+door, and fill my bedroom, what shall I do? It will
+be useless to fire at them; my only hope is to frighten
+the superstitious fellows by covering myself with a
+white sheet, and rushing into the midst of them, crying,
+'ghost, ghost.'"</p>
+
+<p>Now Mr. A. sleeps in peace and safety, without conjuring
+up a ghost to keep guard at his bedside. His bodyguard
+is a battalion of substantial flesh and blood, made
+up of those who were once the objects of his nightly
+terror!</p>
+
+<p>"There has been no instance of personal violence
+since freedom. Some persons pretended, prior to emancipation,
+to apprehend disastrous results; but for my part I
+cannot say that I ever entertained such fears. I could
+not see any thing which was to instigate negroes to
+rebellion, <i>after</i> they had obtained their
+liberty. I have not heard of a single case of even
+<i>meditated</i> revenge."</p>
+
+<p><i>Dr. Daniell, Proprietor, Member of Council, Attorney
+of six estates, and Manager of Weatherill's.</i></p>
+
+<p>"One of the blessings of emancipation has been,
+that it has banished the <i>fear</i> of insurrections,
+incendiarism, &amp;c."</p>
+
+<p><i>Mr. Favey, Manager of Lavicount's.</i></p>
+
+<p>"In my extensive intercourse with the people,
+as missionary, I have never heard of an instance of
+violence or revenge on the part of the negroes, even
+where they had been ill-treated during slavery."</p>
+
+<p><i>Rev. Mr. Morrish, Moravian Missionary.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Insurrection or revenge is in no case dreaded,
+not even by those planters who were most cruel in
+the time of slavery. My family go to sleep every night
+with the doors unlocked, and we fear neither violence
+nor robbery."</p>
+
+<p><i>Hon. N. Nugent.</i></p>
+
+<p>Again, in a written communication, the same gentleman
+remarks:--"There is not the slightest
+feeling of insecurity--quite the contrary.
+Property is more secure, <i>for all idea of insurrection
+is abolished forever</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"We have no cause now to fear insurrections;
+emancipation has freed us from all danger on this
+score."</p>
+
+<p><i>David Cranstoun, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>Extract of a letter from a merchant of St. John's
+who has resided in Antigua more than thirty years:</p>
+
+<p>"There is no sense of personal danger arising
+from insurrections or conspiracies among the blacks.
+Serious apprehensions of this nature were formerly
+entertained; but they gradually died away <i>during
+the first year of freedom</i>."</p>
+
+<p>We quote the following from a communication addressed
+to us by a gentleman of long experience in Antigua--now
+a merchant in St. John's--<i>James
+Scotland, Sen., Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Disturbances, <i>insubordinations</i>, and revelry,
+have greatly decreased since emancipation; and it
+is a remarkable fact, that on the day of abolition,
+which was observed with the solemnity and services
+of the Sabbath, not an instance of common insolence
+was experienced from any freed man."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no feeling of insecurity. A stronger
+proof of this cannot be given than the dispensing,
+within five months after emancipation, with the Christmas
+guards, which had been regularly and uninterruptedly
+kept, for nearly one hundred years--during
+the whole time of slavery."</p>
+
+<p>"The military has never been called out, but
+on one occasion, since the abolition, and that was
+when a certain planter, the most violent enemy of
+freedom, reported to the Governor that there were strong
+symptoms of insurrection among his negroes. The story
+was generally laughed at, and the reporter of it was
+quite ashamed of his weakness and fears."</p>
+
+<p>"My former occupation, as editor of a newspaper,
+rendered it necessary for me to make incessant inquiries
+into the conduct as well as the treatment of the emancipated,
+and I have <i>never heard any instance of revenge</i>
+for former injuries. The negroes have <i>quitted</i>
+managers who were <i>harsh or cruel</i> to them
+in their bondage, but they removed in a peaceable
+and orderly manner."</p>
+
+<p>"Our negroes, and I presume other negroes too,
+are very little less sensible to the force of those
+motives which lead to the peace, order, and welfare
+of society, than any other set of people."</p>
+
+<p>"The general conduct of the negroes has been
+worthy of much praise, especially considering the
+sudden transition from slavery to unrestricted freedom.
+Their demeanor is peaceable and orderly."</p>
+
+<p><i>Ralph Higinbothom, U. S. Consul.</i></p>
+
+<p>As we mingled with the missionaries, both in town
+and country, they all bore witness to the security
+of their persons and families. They, equally with
+the planters, were surprised that we should make any
+inquiries about insurrections. A question on this subject
+generally excited a smile, a look of astonishment,
+or some exclamation, such as "<i>Insurrection</i>!
+my dear sirs, we do not think of such a thing;"
+or, "Rebellion indeed! why, what should they
+rebel for <i>now</i>, since they have got their
+liberty!"</p>
+
+<p>Physicians informed us that they were in the habit
+of riding into the country at all hours of the night,
+and though they were constantly passing negroes, both
+singly and in companies, they never had experienced
+any rudeness, nor even so much as an insolent word.
+They could go by night or day, into any part of the
+island where their professional duties called them,
+without the slightest sense of danger.</p>
+
+<p>A residence of nine weeks in the island gave us no
+small opportunity of testing the reality of its boasted
+security. The hospitality of planters and missionaries,
+of which we have recorded so many instances in a previous
+part of this work, gave us free access to their houses
+in every part of the island. In many cases we were
+constrained to spend the night with them, and thus
+enjoyed, in the intimacies of the domestic circle,
+and in the unguarded moments of social intercourse,
+every opportunity of detecting any lurking fears of
+violence, if such there had been; but we saw no evidence
+of it, either in the arrangements of the houses or
+in the conduct of the inmates[<a name="AE2_FR1F"></a><a href="#AE2_FN1F">A</a>].</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN1F"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR1F">A</a>: In addition to the evidence derived from
+Antigua, we would mention the following fact:</p>
+
+<p>A planter, who is also an attorney, informed us that
+on the neighboring little island of Barbuda, (which
+is leased from the English government by Sir Christopher
+Coddrington,) there are five hundred negroes and only
+<i>three white men</i>. The negroes are entirely
+free, yet the whites continue to live among them without
+any fear of having their throats cut. The island is
+cultivated in sugar.--Barbuda is under the
+government of Antigua, and accordingly the act of entire
+emancipation extended to that island.]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_5"></a>
+FIFTH PROPOSITION.--There has been no fear
+of house breaking, highway robberies, and like misdemeanors,
+since emancipation. Statements, similar to those adduced
+under the last head, from planters, and other gentlemen,
+might be introduced here; but as this proposition is
+so intimately involved in the foregoing, separate
+proof is not necessary. The same causes which excite
+apprehensions of insurrection, produce fears of robberies
+and other acts of violence; so also the same state
+of society which establishes security of person, insures
+the safety of property. Both in town and country we
+heard gentlemen repeatedly speak of the slight fastenings
+to their houses. A mere lock, or bolt, was all that
+secured the outside doors, and they might be burst
+open with ease, by a single man. In some cases, as
+has already been intimated, the planters habitually
+neglect to fasten their doors--so strong
+is their confidence of safety. We were not a little
+struck with the remark of a gentleman in St. John's.
+He said he had long been desirous to remove to England,
+his native country, and had slavery continued much
+longer in Antigua, he certainly should have gone;
+but <i>now</i> the <i>security of property
+was so much greater in Antigua than it was in England</i>,
+that he thought it doubtful whether he should ever
+<i>venture</i> to take his family thither.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_6"></a>
+SIXTH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation is regarded
+by all classes as a great blessing to the island.</p>
+
+<p>There is not a class, or party, or sect, who do not
+esteem the abolition of slavery as a <i>special
+blessing to them</i>. The rich, because it relieved
+them of "property" which was fast becoming
+a disgrace, as it had always been a vexation and a
+tax, and because it has emancipated them from the
+terrors of insurrection, which kept them all their
+life time subject to bondage. The poor whites--because
+it lifted from off them the yoke of civil oppression.
+The free colored population--because it
+gave the death blow to the prejudice that crushed them,
+and opened the prospect of social, civil, and political
+equality with the whites. The <i>slaves</i>--because
+it broke open their dungeon, led them out to liberty,
+and gave them, in one munificent donation, their wives,
+their children, their bodies, their souls--every
+thing!</p>
+
+<p>The following extracts from the journals of the legislature,
+show the state of feeling existing shortly after emancipation.
+The first is dated October 30, 1834:</p>
+
+<p>"The Speaker said, that he looked with exultation
+at the prospect before us. The hand of the Most High
+was evidently working for us. Could we regard the
+universal tranquillity, the respectful demeanor of
+the lower classes, as less than an interposition of
+Providence? The agricultural and commercial prosperity
+of the island were absolutely on the advance; and
+for his part he would not hesitate to purchase estates
+to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>The following remark was made in the course of a speech
+by a member of the council, November 12, 1834:</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel Brown stated, that since emancipation
+he had never been without a sufficient number of laborers,
+and he was certain he could obtain as many more to-morrow
+as he should wish."</p>
+
+<p>The general confidence in the beneficial results of
+emancipation, has grown stronger with every succeeding
+year and month. It has been seen that freedom will
+bear trial; that it will endure, and continue to bring
+forth fruits of increasing value.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor informed us that "it was <i>universally
+admitted</i>, that emancipation had been a great
+blessing to the island."</p>
+
+<p>In a company of proprietors and planters, who met
+us on a certain occasion, among whom were lawyers,
+magistrates, and members of the council, and of the
+assembly, the sentiment was distinctly avowed, that
+emancipation was highly beneficial to the island, and
+there was not a dissenting opinion.</p>
+
+<p>"Emancipation is working most admirably, especially
+for the planters. It is infinitely better policy than
+slavery or the apprenticeship either." --<i>Dr.
+Ferguson</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Our planters find that freedom answers a far
+better purpose than slavery ever did. A gentleman,
+who is attorney for eight estates, assured me that
+there was no comparison between the benefits and advantages
+of the two systems."--<i>Archdeacon
+Parry</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"All the planters in my neighborhood (St. Philip's
+parish) are highly pleased with the operation of the
+new system."--<i>Rev. Mr. Jones,
+Rector of St. Philip's</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know of more than one or two planters
+in the whole island, who do not consider emancipation
+as a decided advantage to all parties." --<i>Dr.
+Daniell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>That emancipation should be universally regarded as
+a blessing, is remarkable, when we consider that combination
+of untoward circumstances which it has been called
+to encounter--a combination wholly unprecedented
+in the history of the island. In 1835, the first year
+of the new system, the colony was visited by one of
+the most desolating hurricanes which has occurred
+for many years. In the same year, cultivation was
+arrested, and the crops greatly reduced, by drought.
+About the same time, the yellow fever prevailed with
+fearful mortality. The next year the drought returned,
+and brooded in terror from March until January, and
+from January until June: not only blasting the harvest
+of '36, but extending its blight over the crops
+of '37.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be better calculated to try the confidence
+in the new system. Yet we find all classes zealously
+exonerating emancipation, and in despite of tornado,
+plague, and wasting, still affirming the blessings
+and advantages of freedom!</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_7"></a>
+SEVENTH PROPOSITION.--<i>Free labor</i>
+is decidedly LESS EXPENSIVE than <i>slave labor</i>.
+It costs the planter actually less to pay his free
+laborers daily wages, than it did to maintain his slaves.
+It will be observed in the testimony which follows,
+that there is some difference of opinion as to the
+<i>precise amount</i> of reduction in the expenses,
+which is owing to the various modes of management on
+different estates, and more particularly, to the fact
+that some estates raise all their provisions, while
+others raise none. But as to the fact itself, there
+can scarcely be said to be any dispute among the planters.
+There was one class of planters whose expenses seemed
+to be somewhat increased, <i>viz</i>. those who raised
+all their provisions before emancipation, and ceased
+to raise any <i>after</i> that event. But in
+the opinion of the most intelligent planters, even
+these did not really sustain any loss, for originally
+it was bad policy to raise provisions, since it engrossed
+that labor which would have been more profitably directed
+to the cultivation of sugar; and hence they would
+ultimately be gainers by the change.</p>
+
+<p>S. Bourne, Esq. stated that the expenses on Millar's
+estate, of which he is manager, had diminished about
+<i>one third</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Barnard, of Green Castle, thought his expenses
+were about the same that they were formerly.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Favey, of Lavicount's estate, enumerated,
+among the advantages of freedom over slavery, "the
+diminished expense."</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Nugent also stated, that "the expenses of
+cultivation were greatly diminished."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hatley, manager of Fry's estate, said that
+the expenses on his estate had been greatly reduced
+since emancipation. He showed us the account of his
+expenditures for the last year of slavery, and the
+first full year of freedom, 1835. The expenses during
+the last year of slavery were 1371<i>l.</i> 2<i>s.</i>
+4-1/2<i>d.</i>; the expenses for 1835 were 821<i>l.</i>
+16<i>s.</i> 7-1/2<i>d.</i>: showing a reduction
+of more than one third.</p>
+
+<p>D. Cranstoun, Esq., informed us that his weekly expenses
+during slavery, on the estate which he managed, were,
+on an average, 45<i>l.</i>; the average expenses
+now do not exceed 20<i>l.</i></p>
+
+<p>Extract of a letter from Hon. N. Nugent:</p>
+
+<p>"The expenses of cultivating sugar estates have
+in no instance, I believe, been found <i>greater</i>
+than before. As far as my experience goes, they are
+certainly less, particularly as regards those properties
+which were overhanded before, when proprietors were
+compelled to support more dependents than they required.
+In some cases, the present cost is less by <i>one
+third</i>. I have not time to furnish you with any
+detailed statements, but the elements of the calculation
+are simple enough."</p>
+
+<p>It is not difficult to account for the diminution
+in the cost of cultivation. In the first place, for
+those estates that bought their provision previous
+to emancipation, it cost more money to purchase their
+stores than they now pay out in wages. This was especially
+true in dry seasons, when home provisions failed,
+and the island was mainly dependent upon foreign supplies.</p>
+
+<p>But the chief source of the diminution lies in the
+reduced number of people to be supported by the planter.
+During slavery, the planter was required by law to
+maintain <i>all</i> the slaves belonging to the
+estate; the superannuated, the infirm, the pregnant,
+the nurses, the young children, and the infants, as
+well as the working slaves. Now it is only the latter
+class, the effective laborers, (with the addition of
+such as were superannuated or infirm at the period
+of emancipation,) who are dependent upon the planter.
+These are generally not more than one half, frequently
+less than a third, of the whole number of negroes resident
+on the estate; consequently a very considerable burthen
+has been removed from the planter.</p>
+
+<p>The reader may form some estimate of the reduced expense
+to the planter, resulting from these causes combined,
+by considering the statement made to us by Hon. N.
+Nugent, and repeatedly by proprietors and managers,
+that had slavery been in existence during the present
+drought, many of the smaller estates <i>must have
+been inevitably ruined</i>; on account of the high
+price of imported provisions, (home provisions having
+fallen short) and the number of slaves to be fed.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_8"></a>
+EIGHTH PROPOSITION.--The negroes work <i>more
+cheerfully</i>, and <i>do their work better</i>
+than they did during slavery. Wages are found to be
+an ample substitute for the lash--they never
+fail to secure the amount of labor desired. This is
+particularly true where task work is tried, which
+is done occasionally in cases of a pressing nature,
+when considerable effort is required. We heard of
+no complaints on the score of idleness, but on the
+contrary, the negroes were highly commended for the
+punctuality and cheerfulness with which they performed
+the work assigned them.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor stated, that "he was assured by
+planters, from every part of the island, that the
+negroes were very industriously disposed."</p>
+
+<p>"My people have become much more industrious
+since they were emancipated. I have been induced to
+extend the sugar cultivation over a number of acres
+more than have ever been cultivated before."--<i>Mr.
+Watkins, of Donovan's</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Fearing the consequences of emancipation, I
+reduced my cultivation in the year '34; but
+soon finding that my people would work as well as
+ever, I brought up the cultivation the next year to
+the customary extent, and this year ('36) I
+have added fifteen acres of new land."--<i>S.
+Bourne, of Millar's</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Throughout the island the estates were never
+in a more advanced state than they now are. The failure
+in the crops is not in the slightest degree chargeable
+to a deficiency of labor. I have frequently adopted
+the job system for short periods; the results have
+always been gratifying--the negroes accomplished
+twice as much as when they worked for daily wages,
+because they made more money. On some days they would
+make three shillings--three times the ordinary
+wages."--<i>Dr. Daniell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"They are as a body <i>more</i> industrious
+than when slaves, for the obvious reason that they
+are <i>working for themselves</i>."--<i>Ralph
+Higinbothom, U.S. Consul</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no hesitation in saying that on my estate
+cultivation is more forward than ever it has been
+at the same season. The failure of the crops is not
+in the least degree the fault of the laborers. They
+have done well."--<i>Mr. Favey,
+of Lavicount's estate</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The most general apprehension prior to emancipation
+was, that the negroes would not work after they were
+made free--that they would be indolent,
+buy small parcels of land, and '<i>squat</i>'
+on them to the neglect of sugar cultivation. Time,
+however, has proved that there was no foundation for
+this apprehension. The estates were never in better
+order than they are at present. If you are interrogated
+on your return home concerning the cultivation of
+Antigua, you can say that every thing depends upon
+the <i>weather</i>. If we have <i>sufficient
+rain</i>, you may be certain that we shall realize
+abundant crops. If we have no rain, the crops <i>must
+inevitably</i> fail. <i>But we always depend upon
+the laborers</i>. On account of the stimulus to
+industry which wages afford, there is far less feigned
+sickness than there was during slavery. When slaves,
+the negroes were glad to find any excuse for deserting
+their labor, and they were incessantly feigning sickness.
+The sick-house was thronged with real and pretended
+invalids. After '34, it was wholly deserted.
+The negroes would not go near it; and, in truth, I
+have lately used it for a stable."--<i>Hon.
+N. Nugent</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Though the laborers on both the estates under
+my management have been considerably reduced since
+freedom, yet the grounds have never been in a finer
+state of cultivation, than they are at present. When
+my work is backward, I give it out in jobs, and it
+is always done in half the usual time."</p>
+
+<p>"Emancipation has almost wholly put an end to
+the practice of <i>skulking</i>, or pretending
+to be sick. That was a thing which caused the planter
+a vast deal of trouble during slavery. Every Monday
+morning regularly, when I awoke, I found ten or a
+dozen, or perhaps twenty men and women, standing around
+my door, waiting for me to make my first appearance,
+and begging that I would let them off from work that
+day on account of sickness. It was seldom the case
+that one fourth of the applicants were really unwell;
+but every one would maintain that he was very sick,
+and as it was hard to contend with them about it, they
+were all sent off to the sick-house. Now this is entirely
+done away, and my sick-house is converted into a chapel
+for religious worship."--<i>James
+Howell, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"I find my people much more disposed to work
+than they formerly were. The habit of feigning sickness
+to get rid of going to the field, is completely broken
+up. This practice was very common during slavery. It
+was often amusing to hear their complaints. One would
+come carrying an arm in one hand, and declaring that
+it had a mighty pain in it, and he could not use the
+hoe no way; another would make his appearance with
+both hands on his breast, and with a rueful look complain
+of a great pain in the stomach; a third came limping
+along, with a <i>dreadful rheumatiz</i> in his
+knees; and so on for a dozen or more. It was vain to
+dispute with them, although it was often manifest that
+nothing earthly was ailing them. They would say, 'Ah!
+me massa, you no tink how bad me feel--it's
+<i>deep in</i>, massa.' But all this trouble
+is passed. We have no sick-house now; no feigned sickness,
+and really much less actual illness than formerly.
+My people say, '<i>they have not time to be
+sick now</i>.' My cultivation has never been
+so far advanced at the same season, or in finer order
+than it is at the present time. I have been encouraged
+by the increasing industry of my people to bring several
+additional acres under cultivation."--<i>Mr.
+Hatley, Fry's estate</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"I get my work done better than formerly, and
+with incomparably more cheerfulness. My estate was
+never in a finer state of cultivation than it is now,
+though I employ <i>fewer</i> laborers than during
+slavery. I have occasionally used job, or task work,
+and with great success. When I give out a job, it
+is accomplished in about half the time that it would
+have required by giving the customary wages. The people
+will do as much in one week at job work, as they will
+in two, working for a shilling a day. I have known
+them, when they had a job to do, turn out before three
+o'clock in the morning, and work by moonlight."--<i>D.
+Cranstoun, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"My people work very well for the ordinary wages;
+I have no fault to find with them in this respect."--<i>Manager
+of Scotland's estate</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Extract from the Superintendent's Report
+to the Commander in Chief</i>.</p>
+
+<p>SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, <i>June 6th</i>.
+1836.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"During the last month I have visited the country in almost every
+direction, with the express
+object of paying a strict attention to
+all branches of agricultural
+operations at that period progressing.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The result of my observations is decidedly
+favorable, as regards proprietors and laborers.
+The manufacture of sugar has advanced as far as
+the long and continued want of rain will admit; the
+lands, generally, appear to be in a forward state
+of preparation for the ensuing crop, and the laborers
+seem to work with more steadiness and satisfaction
+to themselves and their employers, than they have
+manifested for some length of time past, and their
+work is much more correctly performed.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Complaints are, for the most part, adduced
+by the employers against the laborers, and principally
+consist, (as hitherto,) of breaches of contract;
+but I am happy to observe, that a diminution of dissatisfaction
+on this head even, has taken place, as will be seen
+by the accompanying general return of offences
+reported.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Your honor's most obedient,
+humble servant,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Richard S. Wickham, Superintendent
+of police</i>."</p></blockquote>
+<p>
+<a name="III_9"></a>
+NINTH PROPOSITION.--The negroes are <i>more
+easily managed</i> as freemen than they were when
+slaves.</p>
+
+<p>On this point as well as on every other connected
+with the system of slavery, public opinion in Antigua
+has undergone an entire revolution, since 1834. It
+was then a common maxim that the peculiar characteristics
+of the negro absolutely required a government of terror
+and brute force.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor said, "The negroes are as a race
+remarkable for <i>docility</i>; they are very
+easily controlled by kind influence. It is only necessary
+to gain their confidence, and you can sway them as
+you please."</p>
+
+<p>"Before emancipation took place, I dreaded the
+consequence of abolishing the power of compelling
+labor, but I have since found by experience that forbearance
+and kindness are sufficient for all purposes of authority.
+I have seldom had any trouble in managing my people.
+They consider me their friend, and the expression
+of my wish is enough for them. Those planters who
+have retained their <i>harsh manner</i> do not
+succeed under the new system. The people will not
+bear it."--<i>Mr. J. Howell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"I find it remarkably easy to manage my people.
+I govern them entirely by mildness. In every instance
+in which managers have persisted in their habits of
+arbitrary command, they have failed. I have lately
+been obliged to discharge a manager from one of the
+estates under my direction, on account of his overbearing
+disposition. If I had not dismissed him, the people
+would have abandoned the estate <i>en masse</i>."--<i>Dr.
+Daniell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The management of an estate under the free
+system is a much lighter business than it used to
+be. We do not have the trouble to get the people to
+work, or to keep them in order."--<i>Mr.
+Favey</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Before the abolition of slavery, I thought
+it would be utterly impossible to manage my people
+without tyrannizing over them as usual, and that it
+would be giving up the reins of government entirely,
+to abandon the whip; but I am now satisfied that I
+was mistaken. I have lost all desire to exercise arbitrary
+power. I have known of several instances in which
+unpleasant disturbances have been occasioned by managers
+giving way to their anger, and domineering over the
+laborers. The people became disobedient and disorderly,
+and remained so until the estates went into other
+hands, and a good management immediately restored
+confidence and peace."--<i>Mr. Watkins</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Among the advantages belonging to the free
+system, may he enumerated the greater facility in
+managing estates. We are freed from a world of trouble
+and perplexity."--<i>David Cranstoun,
+Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"I have no hesitation in saying, that if I have
+a supply of cash, I can take off any crop it may please
+God to send. Having already, since emancipation, taken
+off one fully sixty hogsheads above the average of
+the last twenty years. I can speak with confidence."--<i>Letter
+from S. Bourne, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bourne stated a fact which illustrates the ease
+with which the negroes are governed by gentle means.
+He said that it was a prevailing practice during slavery
+for the slaves to have a dance soon after they had
+finished gathering in the crop. At the completion of
+his crop in '35, the people made arrangements
+for having the customary dance. They were particularly
+elated because the crop which they had first taken
+off was the largest one that had ever been produced
+by the estate, and it was also the largest crop on
+the island for that year. With these extraordinary
+stimulants and excitements, operating in connection
+with the influence of habit, the people were strongly
+inclined to have a dance. Mr. B. told them that dancing
+was a bad practice--and a very childish,
+barbarous amusement, and he thought it was wholly unbecoming
+<i>freemen</i>. He hoped therefore that they would
+dispense with it. The negroes could not exactly agree
+with their manager--and said they did not
+like to be disappointed in their expected sport. Mr.
+B. finally proposed to them that he would get the
+Moravian minister, Rev. Mr. Harvey, to ride out and
+preach to them on the appointed evening. The people
+all agreed to this. Accordingly, Mr. Harvey preached,
+and they said no more about the dance--nor
+have they ever attempted to get up a dance since.</p>
+
+<p>We had repeated opportunities of witnessing the management
+of the laborers on the estates, and were always struck
+with the absence of every thing like coercion.</p>
+
+<p>By the kind invitation of Mr. Bourne, we accompanied
+him once on a morning circuit around his estate. After
+riding some distance, we came to the 'great
+gang' cutting canes. Mr. B. saluted the people
+in a friendly manner, and they all responded with
+a hearty 'good mornin, massa.' There were
+more than fifty persons, male and female, on the spot.
+The most of them were employed in cutting canes[<a name="AE2_FR20"></a><a href="#AE2_FN20">A</a>],
+which they did with a heavy knife called a <i>bill</i>.
+Mr. B. beckoned to the superintendent, a black man,
+to come to him, and gave him some directions for the
+forenoon's work, and then, after saying a few
+encouraging words to the people, took us to another
+part of the estate, remarking as we rode off, "I
+have entire confidence that those laborers will do
+their work just as I want to have it done." We
+next came upon some men, who were hoeing in a field
+of corn. We found that there had been a slight altercation
+between two of the men. Peter, who was a foreman,
+came to Mr. B., and complained that George would not
+leave the cornfield and go to another kind of work
+as he had bid him. Mr. B. called George, and asked
+for an explanation. George had a long story to tell,
+and he made an earnest defence, accompanied with impassioned
+gesticulation; but his dialect was of such outlandish
+description, that we could not understand him. Mr.
+B. told us that the main ground of his defence was
+that Peter's direction was <i>altogether unreasonable</i>.
+Peter was then called upon to sustain his complaint;
+he spoke with equal earnestness and equal unintelligibility.
+Mr. B. then gave his decision, with great kindness
+of manner, which quite pacified both parties.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN20"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR20">A</a>: The process of cutting canes is this:--The
+leafy part, at top is first cut off down as low as
+the saccharine matter A few of the lowest joints of
+the part thus cut off, are then stripped of the leaves,
+and cut off for <i>plants</i>, for the next crop.
+The stalk is then cut off close to the ground--and
+it is that which furnishes the juice for sugar. It
+is from three to twelve feet long, and from one to
+two inches in diameter, according to the quality of
+the soil, the seasonableness of the weather, &amp;c. The
+cutters are followed by <i>gatherers</i>, who
+bind up the plants and stalks, as the cutters cast
+them behind them, in different bundles. The carts
+follow in the train, and take up the bundles--carrying
+the stalks to the mill to be ground, and the plants
+in another direction. ]</p>
+
+<p>As we rode on, Mr. B. informed us that George was
+himself the foreman of a small weeding gang, and felt
+it derogatory to his dignity to be ordered by Peter.</p>
+
+<p>We observed on all the estates which we visited, that
+the planters, when they wish to influence their people,
+are in the habit of appealing to them as <i>freemen</i>,
+and that now better things are expected of them. This
+appeal to their self-respect seldom fails of carrying
+the point.</p>
+
+<p>It is evident from the foregoing testimony, that if
+the negroes do not work well on any estate, it is
+generally speaking the <i>fault of the manager</i>.
+We were informed of many instances in which arbitrary
+men were discharged from the management of estates,
+and the result has been the restoration of order and
+industry among the people.</p>
+
+<p>On this point we quote the testimony of James Scotland,
+Sen., Esq., an intelligent and aged merchant of St.
+John's:</p>
+
+<p>"In this colony, the evils and troubles attending
+emancipation have resulted almost entirely from the
+perseverance of the planters in their old habits of
+domination. The planters very frequently, indeed, <i>in
+the early stage of freedom</i>, used their power
+as employers to the annoyance and injury of their
+laborers. For the slightest misconduct, and sometimes
+without any reason whatever, the poor negroes were
+dragged before the magistrates, (planters or their
+friends,) and mulcted in their wages, fined otherwise,
+and committed to jail or the house of correction.
+And yet those harassed people remained patient, orderly
+and submissive. <i>Their treatment now is much improved.
+The planters have happily discovered, that as long
+as they kept the cultivators of their lands in agitations
+and sufferings, their own interests were sacrificed."</i></p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_10"></a>
+TENTH PROPOSITION.--The negroes are <i>more
+trust-worthy, and take a deeper interest in their
+employers' affairs</i>, since emancipation.</p>
+
+<p>"My laborers manifest an increasing attachment
+to the estate. In all their habits they are becoming
+more settled, and they begin to feel that they have
+a personal interest in the success of the property
+on which they live."--<i>Mr. Favey</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"As long as the negroes felt uncertain whether
+they would remain in one place, or be dismissed and
+compelled to seek a home elsewhere, they manifested
+very little concern for the advancement of their employers'
+interest; but in proportion as they become permanently
+established on an estate, they seem to identify themselves
+with its prosperity. The confidence between master
+and servant is mutually increasing."--<i>Mr.
+James Howell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Hon. Mr. Nugent, Dr. Daniell, D. Cranstoun, Esq.,
+and other planters, enumerated among the advantages
+of freedom, the planters being released from the perplexities
+growing out of want of confidence in the sympathy
+and honesty of the slaves.</p>
+
+<p>S. Bourne, Esq., of Millar's, remarked as we
+were going towards his mill and boiling-house, which
+had been in operation about a week, "I have not
+been near my works for several days; yet I have no
+fears but that I shall find every thing going on properly."</p>
+
+<p>The planters have been too deeply experienced in the
+nature of slavery, not to know that mutual jealousy,
+distrust, and alienation of feeling and interest,
+are its legitimate offspring; and they have already
+seen enough of the operation of freedom, to entertain
+the confident expectation, that fair wages, kind treatment,
+and comfortable homes, will attach the laborers to
+the estates, and identify the interests of the employer
+and the employed.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_11"></a>
+ELEVENTH PROPOSITION.--The experiment in
+Antigua proves that emancipated slaves can <i>appreciate
+law</i>. It is a prevailing opinion that those who
+have long been slaves, cannot at once be safely subjected
+to the control of law.</p>
+
+<p>It will now be seen how far this theory is supported
+by facts. Let it be remembered that the negroes of
+Antigua passed, "by a single <i>jump</i>,
+from absolute slavery to unqualified freedom."[<a name="AE2_FR21"></a><a href="#AE2_FN21">A</a>]
+In proof of <i>their subordination to law</i>,
+we give the testimony of planters, and quote also
+from the police reports sent in monthly to the Governor,
+with copies of which we were kindly furnished by order
+of His Excellency.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN21"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR21">A</a>: Dr. Daniell.]</p>
+
+<p>"I have found that the negroes are readily controlled
+by law; more so perhaps than the laboring classes
+in other countries."--<i>David Cranstoun,
+Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The conduct of the negro population generally,
+has surpassed all expectation. They are as pliant
+to the hand of legislation, as any people; perhaps
+more so than some." <i>Wesleyan Missionary</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Similar sentiments were expressed by the Governor,
+the Hon. N. Nugent, R.B. Eldridge, Esq., Dr. Ferguson,
+Dr. Daniell, and James Scotland, Jr., Esq., and numerous
+other planters, managers, &amp;c. This testimony is corroborated
+by the police reports, exhibiting, as they do, comparatively
+few crimes, and those for the most part minor ones.
+We have in our possession the police reports for every
+month from September, 1835, to January, 1837. We give
+such specimens as will serve to show the general tenor
+of the reports.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Police-Office, St. John's,
+Sept</i>. 3, 1835.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"From the information which I
+have been able to collect by my own personal exertions,
+and from the reports of the assistant inspectors,
+at the out stations, I am induced to believe that,
+in general, a far better feeling and good understanding
+at present prevails between the laborers and their
+employers, than hitherto.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Capital offences have much decreased
+in number, as well as all minor ones, and the
+principal crimes lately submitted for the investigation
+of the magistrates, seem to consist chiefly in trifling
+offences and breaches of contract.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Signed, Richard S. Wickham,<br>
+
+Superintendent of Police</i>."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"To his excellency,<br>
+<br>
+<i>Sir C.I. Murray McGregor,
+Governor, &amp;c</i>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>St. John's, Antigua,
+Oct</i>. 2, 1835.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Sir--The general
+state of regularity and tranquillity which prevails
+throughout the island, admits
+of my making but a concise report to
+your Excellency, for the last
+month.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The autumnal agricultural labors continue
+to progress favorably, and I have every reason
+to believe, that the agriculturalists, generally,
+are far more satisfied with the internal state of the
+island affairs, than could possibly have been anticipated
+a short period since.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>From conversations which I have had
+with several gentlemen of extensive interest and
+practical experience, united with my own observations,
+I do not hesitate in making a favorable report of the
+general easy and quietly progressing state of contentedness,
+evidently showing itself among the laboring class;
+and I may add, that with few exceptions, a reciprocity
+of kind and friendly feeling at present is maintained
+between the planters and their laborers.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Although instances do occur of breach
+of contract, they are not very frequent, and in
+many cases I have been induced to believe, that the
+crime has originated more from the want of a proper
+understanding of the time, intent, and meaning
+of the contract into which the laborers have entered,
+than from the actual existence of any dissatisfaction
+on their part."</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Signed, &amp;c.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>St. John's, Antigua,
+Dec. 2d</i>, 1835.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Sir--I have
+the honor to report that a continued uninterrupted
+state of peace and good order
+has happily prevailed throughout the
+island, during the last month.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The calendar of offences for trial at
+the ensuing sessions, bears little comparison
+with those of former periods, and I am happy to state,
+that the crimes generally, are of a trifling nature,
+and principally petty thefts.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>By a comparison of the two
+last lists of offences submitted for
+investigation, it will be
+found that a decrease has taken place in
+that for November."</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Signed, &amp;c</i>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>St. John's, January 2d, 1836.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Sir--I have
+great satisfaction in reporting to your Honor the
+peaceable termination of the
+last year, and of the
+Christmas vacation.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>At this period of the year, which has
+for ages been celebrated for scenes of gaiety
+and amusement among the laboring, as well as all other
+classes of society, and when several successive days
+of idleness occur, I cannot but congratulate your
+Honor, on the quiet demeanor and general good
+order, which has happily been maintained throughout
+the island.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>It may not be improper here
+to remark, that during the holidays, I
+had only one prisoner committed
+to my charge, and that even his
+offence was of a minor nature."</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Signed, &amp;c</i>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><i>Extract of Report for February, 1836.</i></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"The operation of the late Contract
+Acts, caused some trifling inconvenience at the
+commencement, but now that they are clearly understood,
+even by the young and ignorant, I am of opinion, that
+the most beneficial effects have resulted from
+these salutary Acts, equally to master and servant,
+and that a permanent understanding is fully established.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>A return of crimes reported during the
+month of January, I beg leave to enclose, and
+at the same time, to congratulate your Honor on the
+vast diminution of all minor misdemeanors, and
+of the continued total absence of capital offences."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Superintendent's office</i>, <i>Antigua, April 4th</i>, 1836.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"SIR--I am happy to
+remark, for the information of your Honor, that the
+Easter holidays have passed off, without the occurrence
+of any violation of the existing laws sufficiently
+serious to merit particular observation."[<a name="AE2_FR22"></a><a href="#AE2_FN22">A</a>]</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Signed, &amp;c</i>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN22"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR22">A</a>: This and the other reports concern, not
+St. John's merely, but the entire population
+of the island.]</p>
+
+<p><i>Extract from the Report for May, 1836.</i></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"It affords me great satisfaction
+in being able to report that the continued tranquillity
+prevailing throughout the island, prevents the
+necessity of my calling the particular attention of
+your Honor to the existence of any serious or
+flagrant offence.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The crop season having far advanced,
+I have much pleasure in remarking the continued
+steady and settled disposition, which on most
+properties appear to be reciprocally established between
+the proprietors and their agricultural laborers;
+and I do also venture to offer as my opinion,
+that a considerable improvement has taken place,
+in the behavior of domestic, as well as other laborers,
+not immediately employed in husbandry."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>We quote the following table of offences as a specimen
+of the monthly reports:</p>
+
+<p><i>Police Office, St. John's, 1836.</i></p>
+
+<p>RETURN OF OFFENCES REPORTED AT THE POLICE STATIONS
+FROM 1ST TO 31ST MAY.</p>
+<TABLE summary="criminal offences" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="2" CELLPADDING="2">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+NATURE OF OFFENSES.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+St. Johns
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+E. Harbour
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Parham
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Johnston's Point
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+More than last month
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Less than last month
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Assaults.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;Do. and Batteries.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+10
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+8
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Breach of Contract.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+11
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+59
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+74
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+16
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Burglaries.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Commitments under Vagrant Act.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+10
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;Do. for Fines
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;Do. under amended Porter's and Jobber's Act.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+7
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Felonies.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Injury to property.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+9
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+7
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+20
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Larcenies.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Misdemeanors.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+12
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+15
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+15
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Murders.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Petty Thefts.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+10
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Trespasses.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Riding improperly thro' the streets.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+33
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+41
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+76
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+150
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+25
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+61
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</Table>
+
+<p><i>Signed</i>,     Richard S. Wickham, <i>Superintendent
+of Police</i>.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Superintendent's
+office</i>,<br>
+<i>Antigua, July 6th</i>,
+1836.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"SIR,--I have the honor
+to submit for your information, a general return
+of all offences reported during the last month, by
+which your Honor will perceive, that no increase
+of 'breach of contract' has been recorded.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>While I congratulate your Honor on the
+successful maintenance of general peace, and a
+reciprocal good feeling among all classes of society,
+I beg to assure you, that the opinion which I have
+been able to form in relation to the behavior
+of the laboring population, differs but little
+from my late observations.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>At a crisis like this, when all hopes
+of the ultimate success of so grand and bold an
+experiment, depends, almost entirely, on a cordial
+co-operation of the community, I sincerely hope,
+that no obstacles or interruptions will now present
+themselves, to disturb that general good understanding
+so happily established, since the adoption of
+unrestricted freedom."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Superintendent's
+office</i>,<br>
+<i>St. John's, Sept.
+4th</i>, 1836.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"SIR--I have
+the honor to enclose, for the information of your
+Excellency, the usual monthly
+return of offences reported for
+punishment.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>It affords me very great satisfaction
+to report, that the internal peace and tranquillity
+of the island has remained uninterrupted during
+the last month; the conduct of all classes of the community
+has been orderly and peaceable, and strictly obedient
+to the laws of their country.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The agricultural laborers
+continue a steady and uniform line of
+conduct, and with some few
+exceptions, afford a general satisfaction
+to their several employers.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Every friend to this country, and to
+the liberties of the world, must view with satisfaction
+the gradual improvement in the character and behavior
+of this class of the community, under the constant
+operation of the local enactments.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The change must naturally be slow, but
+I feel sure that, in due time, a general amelioration
+in the habits and industry of the laborers will
+be sensibly experienced by all grades of society in
+this island, and will prove the benign effects
+and propitious results of the co-operated exertions
+of all, for their general benefit and future advancement.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Complaints have been made in the public
+prints of the robberies committed in this town,
+as well as the neglect of duty of the police force,
+and as these statements must eventually come under
+the observation of your Excellency, I deem it
+my duty to make a few observations on this point.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The town of St. John's occupies
+a space of one hundred and sixty acres of land,
+divided into fourteen main, and nine cross streets,
+exclusive of lanes and alleys--with a
+population of about three thousand four hundred
+persons.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The numerical strength of the police
+force in this district, is eleven sergeants and
+two officers; five of these sergeants are on duty
+every twenty-four hours. One remains in charge of the
+premises, arms, and stores; the other four patrole
+by day and night, and have also to attend to the
+daily duties of the magistrates, and the eleventh
+is employed by me (being an old one) in general patrole
+duties, pointing out nuisances and irregularities.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>One burglary and one felony
+alone were reported throughout the
+island population of 37,000
+souls in the month of July; and no
+burglary, and three <i>felonies</i>,
+were last month reported.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The cases of robbery complained of,
+have been effected without any violence or noise,
+and have principally been by concealment in stores,
+which, added to the great want of a single lamp, or
+other light, in any one street at night, must
+reasonably facilitate the design of the robber,
+and defy the detection of the most active and vigilant
+body of police."</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Signed, &amp;c.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Superintendent's office,</i><br>
+<i>Antigua, January 4th,
+1837.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"SIR--It is with feelings
+of the most lively gratification that I report,
+for your notice the quiet and peaceable termination
+of Christmas vacation, and the last year, which
+were concluded without a single serious violation
+of the governing laws.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I cannot refrain from cordially
+congratulating your Excellency on
+the regular and steady behavior,
+maintained by all ranks of society,
+at this particular period
+of the year.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Not one species of crime which can be
+considered of an heinous nature, has yet been
+discovered; and I proudly venture to declare my opinion,
+that in no part of his Majesty's dominions, has
+a population of thirty thousand conducted themselves
+with more strict propriety, at this annual festivity,
+or been more peaceably obedient to the laws of
+their country."</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Signed, &amp;c.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>In connection with the above quotation from the monthly
+reports, we present an extract of a letter from the
+superintendent of the police, addressed to us.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>St. John's, 9th
+February, 1837.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"MY DEAR SIRS--In compliance
+with your request, I have not any hesitation in
+affording you any information on the subject of the
+free system adopted in this island, which my public
+situation has naturally provided me with.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The opinion which I have formed has
+been, and yet remains, in favor of the emancipation;
+and I feel very confident that the system has and
+continues to work well, in almost all instances. The
+laborers have conducted themselves generally in
+a highly satisfactory manner to all the authorities,
+and strikingly so when we reflect that the greater
+portion of the population of the island were at once
+removed from a state of long existing slavery,
+to one of unrestricted freedom. Unacquainted as
+they are with the laws newly enacted for their
+future government and guidance, and having been led
+in their ignorance to expect incalculable wonders
+and benefits arising from freedom, I cannot but
+reflect with amazement on the peace and good order
+which have been so fortunately maintained throughout
+the island population of thirty thousand subjects.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Some trifling difficulties sprang up
+on the commencement of the new system among the
+laborers, but even these, on strict investigation,
+proved to originate more from <i>an ignorance
+of their actual position</i>, than from any
+bad feeling, or improper motives, and consequently
+<i>were of short duration</i>. In general the
+laborers are peaceable orderly, and civil, not
+only to those who move in higher spheres of life
+than themselves, but also to each other.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The crimes they are generally guilty
+of, are petty thefts, and other minor offences
+against the local acts; but crimes of an heinous nature
+are very rare among them; and I may venture to say,
+that petty thefts, <i>breaking sugar-canes to
+eat</i>, and offences of the like description,
+<i>principally</i> swell the calendars of our
+quarterly courts of sessions. <i>Murder</i>
+has been a stranger to this island for many years;
+no execution has occurred among the island population
+for a very long period; the only two instances
+were two <i>Irish</i> soldiers.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The lower class having become more acquainted
+with their governing laws, have also become infinitely
+more obedient to them, and I have observed <i>that
+particular care is taken among most of them to explain
+to each other the nature of the laws</i>, and to
+point out in their usual style the ill consequences
+attending any violation of them. ==&gt; <i>A due
+fear of, and a prompt obedience to, the authority
+of the magistrates, is a prominent feature of the lower
+orders</i>, and to this I mainly attribute the
+successful maintenance of rural tranquillity.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Since emancipation, the agricultural
+laborer has had to contend with two of the most
+obstinate droughts experienced for many years in the
+island, which has decreased the supply of his accustomed
+vegetables and ground provisions, and consequently
+subjected him and family to very great privations;
+but this even, I think, has been submitted to with
+becoming resignation.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>To judge of the past and present state
+of society throughout the island, I presume that
+<i>the lives and properties of all classes are as
+secure in this, as in any other portion of his Majesty's
+dominions</i>; and I sincerely hope that the
+future behavior of all, will more clearly manifest
+the correctness of my views of this highly important
+subject.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I remain, dear sirs, yours
+faithfully, RICHARD S. WICKHAM,<br>
+<i>Superintendent of police</i>."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>This testimony is pointed and emphatic; and it comes
+from one whose <i>official business it is to know</i>
+the things whereof he here affirms. We have presented
+not merely the opinions of Mr. W., relative to the
+subordination of the emancipated negroes in Antigua,
+but likewise the <i>facts</i> upon which be founded
+his opinion.</p>
+
+<p>On a point of such paramount importance we cannot
+be too explicit. We therefore add the testimony of
+planters as to the actual state of crime compared
+with that previous to emancipation.</p>
+
+<p>Said J. Howell, Esq., of T. Jarvis's estate,
+"I do not think that aggressions on property,
+and crime in general, have increased since emancipation,
+but rather decreased. They <i>appear</i> to be
+more frequent, because they are made <i>more public</i>.
+During slavery, all petty thefts, insubordination,
+insolence, neglect of work, and so forth, were punished
+summarily on the estate, by order of the manager, and
+not even so much as the rumor of them ever reached
+beyond the confines of the property. Now all offences,
+whether great or trifling, are to be taken cognizance
+of by the magistrate or jury, and hence they become
+notorious. Formerly each planter knew only of those
+crimes which occurred on his own property; now every
+one knows something about the crimes committed on
+every other estate, as well as his own."</p>
+
+<p>It will be remembered that Mr. H. is a man of thorough
+and long experience in the condition of the island,
+having lived in it since the year 1800, and being
+most of that time engaged directly is the management
+of estates.</p>
+
+<p>"Aggression on private property, such as breaking
+into houses, cutting canes, &amp;c., are decidedly fewer
+than formerly. It is true that crime is made more
+<i>public</i> now, than during slavery, when the
+master was his own magistrate."--<i>Dr.
+Daniell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"I am of the opinion that crime in the island
+has diminished rather than increased since the abolition
+of slavery. There is an <i>apparent</i> increase
+of crime, because every misdemeanor, however petty,
+floats to the surface."--<i>Hon.
+N. Nugent</i>.</p>
+
+<p>We might multiply testimony on this point; but suffice
+it to say that with very few exceptions, the planters,
+many of whom are also civil magistrates, concur in
+these two statements; that the amount of crime is
+actually less than it was during slavery; and that
+it <i>appears</i> to <i>be greater</i> because
+of the publicity which is necessarily given by legal
+processes to offences which were formerly punished
+and forgotten on the spot where they occurred.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the prominent points established by the foregoing
+evidence are,</p>
+
+<p>1st. That most of the crimes committed are petty misdemeanors
+such as turning out to work late in the morning, cutting
+canes to eat, &amp;c. <i>High penal offences</i>
+are exceedingly rare.</p>
+
+<p>2d. That where offences of a serious nature do occur,
+or any open insubordination takes place, they are
+founded in ignorance or misapprehension of the law,
+and are seldom repeated a second time, if the law
+be properly explained and fully understood.</p>
+
+<p>3d. That the above statements apply to no particular
+part of the island, where the negroes are peculiarly
+favored with intelligence and religion, but are made
+with reference to tire island generally. Now it happens
+that in one quarter of the island the negro population
+are remarkably ignorant and degraded. We were credibly
+informed by various missionaries, who had labored
+in Antigua and in a number of the other English islands,
+that they had not found in any colony so much debasement
+among the people, as prevailed in the part of Antigua
+just alluded to. Yet they testified that the negroes
+in that quarter were as peaceable, orderly, and obedient
+to law, as in any other part of the colony. We make
+this statement here particularly for the purpose of
+remarking that in the testimony of the planters, and
+in the police reports; there is not a single allusion
+to this portion of the island as forming an exception
+to the prevailing state of order and subordination.</p>
+
+<p>After the foregoing facts and evidences, we ask, what
+becomes of the dogma, that slaves cannot be immediately
+placed under the government of <i>equitable laws</i>
+with safety to themselves and the community?</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_12"></a>
+TWELFTH PROPOSITION.--The emancipated negroes
+have shown <i>no disposition to roam from place
+to place.</i> A tendency to rove about, is thought
+by many to be a characteristic of the negro; he is
+not allowed even an ordinary share of local attachment,
+but must leave the chain and staple of slavery to
+hold him amidst the graves of his fathers and the society
+of his children. The experiment in Antigua shows that
+such sentiments are groundless prejudices. There a
+large body of slaves were "<i>turned loose</i>;"
+they had full liberty to leave their old homes and
+settle on other properties--or if they preferred
+a continuous course of roving, they might change employers
+every six weeks, and pass from one estate to another
+until they had accomplished the circuit of the island.
+But, what are the facts? "The negroes are not
+disposed to leave the estates on which they have formerly
+lived, unless they are forced away by bad treatment.
+I have witnessed many facts which illustrate this remark.
+Not unfrequently one of the laborers will get dissatisfied
+about something, and in the excitement of the moment
+will notify me that he intends to leave my employ
+at the end of a month. But in nine cases out of ten
+such persons, before the month has expired, beg to
+be allowed to remain on the estate. The strength of
+their <i>local attachment</i> soon overcomes
+their resentment and even drives them to make the most
+humiliating confessions in order to be restored to
+the favor of their employer, and thus be permitted
+to remain in their old homes."--<i>H.
+Armstrong, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Nothing but bad treatment on the part of the
+planters has ever caused the negroes to leave the
+estates on which they were accustomed to live, and
+in such cases a <i>change of management</i> has
+almost uniformly been sufficient to induce them to
+return. We have known several instances of this kind."--<i>S.
+Bourne, Esq., of Millar's, and Mr. Watkins, of
+Donavan's</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The negroes are remarkably attached to their
+homes. In the year 1828, forty-three slaves were sold
+from the estate under my management, and removed to
+another estate ten miles distant. After emancipation,
+the whole of these came back, and plead with me to
+employ them, that they might live in their former
+houses."--<i>James Howell, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Very few of my people have left me. The negroes
+are peculiar for their attachment to their homes."--<i>Samuel
+Barnard, Esq., of Green Castle</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Love of home is very remarkable in the negroes.
+It is a passion with them. On one of the estates of
+which I am attorney, a part of the laborers were hired
+from other proprietors. They had been for a great
+many years living on the estate, and they became so
+strongly attached to it, that they all continued to
+work on it after emancipation, and they still remain
+on the same property. The negroes are loth to leave
+their homes, and they very seldom do so unless forced
+away by ill treatment."--<i>Dr.
+Daniell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>On a certain occasion we were in the company of four
+planters, and among other topics this subject was
+much spoken of. They all accorded perfectly in the
+sentiment that the negroes were peculiarly sensible
+to the influence of local attachments. One of the
+gentlemen observed that it was a very common saying
+with them--"<i>Me nebber leave my
+bornin' ground</i>,"--i.e.,
+birth-place.</p>
+
+<p>An aged gentleman in St. John's, who was formerly
+a planter, remarked, "The negroes have very
+strong local attachments. They love their little hut,
+where the calabash tree, planted at the birth of a
+son, waves over the bones of their parents. They will
+endure almost any hardship and suffer repeated wrongs
+before they will desert that spot."</p>
+
+<p>Such are the sentiments of West India planters; expressed,
+in the majority of cases, spontaneously, and mostly
+in illustration of other statements. We did not hear
+a word that implied an opposite sentiment. It is true,
+much was said about the emigration to Demerara, but
+the facts in this case only serve to confirm the testimony
+already quoted. In the first place, nothing but the
+inducement of very high wages[<a name="AE2_FR23"></a><a href="#AE2_FN23">A</a>] could influence any
+to go, and in the next place, after they got there
+they sighed to return, (but were not permitted,) and
+sent back word to their relatives and friends not
+to leave Antigua.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN23"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR23">A</a>: From fifty cents to a dollar per day.]</p>
+
+<p>Facts clearly prove, that the negroes, instead of
+being indifferent to local attachments, are peculiarly
+alive to them. That nothing short of cruelty can drive
+them from their homes--that they will endure
+even that, as long as it can be borne, rather than
+leave; and that as soon as the instrument of cruelty
+is removed, they will hasten back to their "<i>bornin'
+ground.</i>"</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_13"></a>
+THIRTEENTH PROPOSITION.--"The gift
+of unrestricted freedom, though so suddenly bestowed,
+has not made the negroes more insolent than they were
+while slaves, but has rendered them <i>less so</i>."--<i>Dr.
+Daniell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Said James Howell, Esq.--"A short
+time after emancipation, the negroes showed some disposition
+to assume airs and affect a degree of independence;
+but this soon disappeared, and they are now respectful
+and civil. There has been a mutual improvement in
+this particular. The planters treat the laborers more
+like fellow men, and this leads the latter to be respectful
+in their turn."</p>
+
+<p>R.B. Eldridge, Esq., asked us if we had not observed
+the civility of the lower classes as we passed them
+on the streets, both in town and in the country. He
+said it was their uniform custom to bow or touch their
+hat when they passed a white person. They did so during
+slavery, and he had not discovered any change in this
+respect since emancipation.</p>
+
+<p>Said Mr. Bourne--"The negroes are
+decidedly less insolent now than they were during
+slavery."</p>
+
+<p>Said Mr. Watkins, of Donovan's--"The
+negroes are now all <i>cap in hand</i>; as they
+know that it is for their interest to be respectful
+to their employers."</p>
+
+<p>Said Dr. Nugent--"Emancipation has
+not produced insolence among the negroes."</p>
+
+<p>During our stay in Antigua, we saw no indications
+whatsoever of insolence. We spoke in a former part
+of this work of the uncommon civility manifested in
+a variety of ways on the road-sides.</p>
+
+<p>A trifling incident occurred one day in St. John's,
+which at first seemed to be no small rudeness. As
+one of us was standing in the verandah of our lodging
+house, in the dusk of the evening, a brawny negro
+man who was walking down the middle of the street,
+stopped opposite us, and squaring himself, called
+out. "Heigh! What for you stand dare wid your
+arms so?" placing his arms akimbo, in imitation
+of ours. Seeing we made no answer, he repeated the
+question, still standing in the same posture. We took
+no notice of him, seeing that his supposed insolence
+was at most good-humored and innocent. Our hostess,
+a colored lady, happened to step out at the moment,
+and told us that the man had mistaken us for her son,
+with whom he was well acquainted, at the same time
+calling to the man, and telling him of his mistake.
+The negro instantly dropped his arms, took off his
+hat, begged pardon, and walked away apparently quite
+ashamed.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_14"></a>
+FOURTEENTH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation in
+Antigua has demonstrated that GRATITUDE <i>is a
+prominent trait of the negro character</i>. The
+conduct of the negroes on the first of August, 1834,
+is ample proof of this; and their uniform conduct
+since that event manifests an <i>habitual</i>
+feeling of gratitude. Said one, "The liberty
+we received from the king, we can never sufficiently
+thank God for; whenever we think of it, our hearts
+go out in gratitude to God." Similar expressions
+we heard repeatedly from the negroes.--We
+observed that the slightest allusion to the first of
+August in a company of freed persons, would awaken
+powerful emotions, accompanied with exclamations of
+"tank de good Lord," "bless de Savior,"
+"praise de blessed Savior," and such like.</p>
+
+<p>It was the remark of Mr. James Howell, manager of
+Thibou Jarvis's--"That the negroes
+evinced very little gratitude to their <i>masters</i>
+for freedom. Their gratitude all flowed toward God
+and the king, whom they regarded as the sole authors
+of their liberty."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Watkins observed that "the negroes'
+motto was God and the king. This feeling existed particularly
+at the time of emancipation, and shortly after it.
+They have since become more attached to their former
+masters."</p>
+
+<p>It is by no means strange that the negroes should
+feel little gratitude toward their late masters, since
+they knew their opposition to the benevolent intentions
+of the English government. We were informed by Dr.
+Daniell and many others, that for several months before
+emancipation took place, the negroes had an idea that
+the king had sent them 'their free papers,'
+and that <i>their masters were keeping them back.</i>
+Besides, it was but two years before that period,
+that they had come into fierce and open hostility
+with the planters for abolishing the Sunday market,
+and giving them no market-day instead thereof. In this
+thing their masters had shown themselves to be their
+enemies.</p>
+
+<p>That any good thing could come from such persons the
+slaves were doubtless slow to believe. However, it
+is an undeniable fact, that since emancipation, kind
+treatment on the part of the masters, has never failed
+to excite gratitude in the negroes. The planters understand
+fully how they may secure the attachment and confidence
+of their people. A <i>grateful</i> and <i>contented</i>
+spirit certainly characterizes the negroes of Antigua.
+They do not lightly esteem what they have got, and
+murmur because they have no more. They do not complain
+of small wages, and strike for higher. They do not
+grumble about their simple food and their coarse clothes,
+and flaunt about, saying '<i>freemen ought
+to live better</i>.' They do not become dissatisfied
+with their lowly, cane-thatched huts, and say we ought
+to have as good houses as massa. They do not look
+with an evil eye upon the political privileges of the
+whites, and say we have the majority, and we'll
+rule. It is the common saying with them, when speaking
+of the inconveniences which they sometimes suffer,
+"Well, we must be satify and conten."</p>
+
+<p>FIFTEENTH PROPOSITION.--The freed negroes
+of Antigua have proved that <i>they are able to
+take care of themselves</i>. It is affirmed by the
+opponents of emancipation in the United States, that
+if the slaves were liberated, they could not take
+care of themselves. Some of the reasons assigned for
+entertaining this view are--1st, "The
+negro is naturally improvident." 2d, "He
+is constitutionally indolent." 3d, "Being
+of an inferior race, he is deficient in that shrewdness
+and management necessary to prevent his being imposed
+upon, and which are indispensable to enable him to
+conduct any business with success." 4th, "All
+these natural defects have been aggravated by slavery.
+The slave never provides for himself, but looks to
+his master for everything he needs. So likewise he
+becomes increasingly averse to labor, by being driven
+to it daily, and flogged for neglecting it. Furthermore,
+whatever of mind he had originally has been extinguished
+by slavery." Thus by nature and by habit the
+negro is utterly unqualified to take care of himself.
+So much for theory; now for testimony. First, what
+is the evidence with regard to the <i>improvidence</i>
+of the negroes?</p>
+
+<p>"During slavery, the negroes squandered every
+cent of money they got, because they were sure of
+food and clothing. Since their freedom, they have
+begun to cultivate habits of carefulness and economy".--<i>Mr.
+James Howell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Facts--1st. The low wages of the laborers
+is proof of their providence. Did they not observe
+the strictest economy, they could not live on fifty
+cents per week.</p>
+
+<p>2d. That they buy small parcels of land to cultivate,
+is proof of economy and foresight. The planters have
+to resort to every means in their power to induce
+their laborers not to purchase land.</p>
+
+<p>3d. The Friendly Societies are an evidence of the
+same thing. How can we account for the number of these
+societies, and for the large sums of money annually
+contributed in them? And how is it that these societies
+have trebled, both in members and means since emancipation,
+if it be true that the negroes are thus improvident,
+and that freedom brings starvation?</p>
+
+<p>4th. The weekly and monthly contributions to the churches,
+to benevolent societies, and to the schools, demonstrate
+the economy of the negroes; and the <i>great increase</i>
+of these contributions since August, 1834, proves
+that emancipation has not made them less economical.</p>
+
+<p>5th. The increasing attention paid to the cultivation
+of their private provision grounds is further proof
+of their foresight. For some time subsequent to emancipation,
+as long as the people were in an unsettled state,
+they partially neglected their grounds. The reason
+was, they did not know whether they should remain
+on the same estate long enough to reap their provisions,
+should they plant any. This state of uncertainty very
+naturally paralyzed all industry and enterprise; and
+their neglecting the cultivation of their provision
+grounds, <i>under such circumstances</i>, evinced
+foresight rather than improvidence. Since they have
+become more permanently established on the estates,
+they are resuming the cultivation of their grounds
+with renewed vigor.</p>
+
+<p>Said Dr. Daniell--"There is an increasing
+attention paid by the negroes to cultivating their
+private lands, since they have become more permanently
+settled."</p>
+
+<p>6th. The fact that the parents take care of the wages
+which their children earn, shows their provident disposition.
+We were informed that the mothers usually take charge
+of the money paid to their children, especially their
+daughters, and this, in order to teach them proper
+subordination, and to provide against casualties, sickness,
+and the infirmities of age.</p>
+
+<p>7th. The fact that the negroes are able to support
+their aged parents, is further proof.</p>
+
+<p>As it regards the second specification, <i>viz</i>.,
+<i>constitutional indolence</i>, we may refer
+generally to the evidence on this subject under a
+former proposition. We will merely state here two facts.</p>
+
+<p>1st. Although the negroes are not obliged to work
+on Saturday, yet they are in the habit of going to
+estates that are weak-handed, and hiring themselves
+out on that day.</p>
+
+<p>2d. It is customary throughout the island to give
+two hours (from 12 to 2) recess from labor. We were
+told that in many cases this time is spent in working
+on their private provision grounds, or in some active
+employment by which a pittance may be added to their
+scanty earnings.</p>
+
+<p>What are the facts respecting the natural <i>inferiority</i>
+of the negro race, and their incompetency to manage
+their own affairs?</p>
+
+<p>Said Mr. Armstrong--"The negroes are
+exceedingly quick <i>to turn a thought</i>. They
+show a great deal of shrewdness in every thing which
+concerns their own interests. To a stranger it must
+be utterly incredible how they can manage to live
+on such small wages. They are very exact in keeping
+their accounts with the manager."</p>
+
+<p>"The negroes are very acute in making bargains.
+A difficulty once arose on an estate under my charge,
+between the manager and the people, in settling for
+a job which the laborers had done. The latter complained
+that the manager did not give them as much as was stipulated
+in the original agreement. The manager contended that
+he had paid the whole amount. The people brought their
+complaint before me, as attorney, and maintained that
+there was one shilling and six-pence (about nineteen
+cents) due each of them. I examined the accounts and
+found that they were right, and that the manager had
+really made a mistake to the very amount specified."--<i>Dr.
+Daniell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The emancipated people manifest as much cunning
+and address in business, as any class of persons."--<i>Mr.
+J. Howell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The capabilities of the blacks for education
+are conspicuous; so also as to mental acquirements
+and trades."--<i>Hon. N. Nugent</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It is a little remarkable that while Americans fear
+that the negroes, if emancipated, could not take care
+of themselves, the West Indians fear lest they <i>should</i>
+take care of themselves; hence they discourage them
+from buying lands, from learning trades, and from all
+employments which might render them independent of
+sugar cultivation.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_15"></a>
+SIXTEENTH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation has
+operated at once to elevate and improve the negroes.
+It introduced them into the midst of all relations,
+human and divine. It was the first formal acknowledgment
+that they were MEN--personally interested
+in the operations of law, and the requirements of
+God. It laid the corner-stone in the fabric of their
+moral and intellectual improvement.</p>
+
+<p>"The negroes have a growing self-respect and
+regard for character. This was a feeling which was
+scarcely known by them during slavery."--<i>Mr.
+J. Howell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The negroes pay a great deal more attention
+to their personal appearance, than they were accustomed
+to while slaves. The <i>women</i> in particular
+have improved astonishingly in their dress and manners."--<i>Dr.
+Daniell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Abundant proof of this proposition may be found in
+the statements already made respecting the decrease
+of licentiousness, the increased attention paid to
+marriage, the abandonment by the mothers of the horrible
+practice of selling their daughters to vile white men,
+the reverence for the Sabbath, the attendance upon
+divine worship, the exemplary subordination to law,
+the avoidance of riotous conduct, insolence, and intemperance.</p>
+
+<p>SEVENTEENTH PROPOSITION--Emancipation promises
+a vast improvement in the condition of woman. What
+could more effectually force woman from her sphere,
+than slavery has done by dragging her to the field,
+subjecting her to the obscene remarks, and to the
+vile abominations of licentious drivers and overseers;
+by compelling her to wield the heavy hoe, until advancing
+pregnancy rendered her useless then at the earliest
+possible period driving her back to the field with
+her infant swung at her back, or torn from her and
+committed to a stranger. Some of these evils still
+exist in Antigua, but there has already been a great
+abatement of them, and the humane planters look forward
+to their complete removal, and to the ultimate restoration
+of woman to the quiet and purity of domestic life.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Bourne, Esq., stated, that there had been a
+great improvement in the treatment of mothers on his
+estate. "Under the old system, mothers were
+required to work half the time after their children
+were six weeks old; but now we do not call them out
+for <i>nine months</i> after their confinement,
+until their children are entirely weaned."</p>
+
+<p>"In those cases where women have husbands in
+the field, they do not turn out while they are nursing
+their children. In many instances the husbands prefer
+to have their wives engaged in other work, and I do
+not require them to go to the field."--<i>Mr.
+J Howell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Much is already beginning to be said of the probability
+that the women will withdraw from agricultural labor.
+A conviction of the impropriety of females engaging
+in such employments is gradually forming in the minds
+of enlightened and influential planters.</p>
+
+<p>A short time previous to emancipation, the Hon. N.
+Nugent, speaker of the assembly, made the following
+remarks before the house:--"At the
+close of the debate, he uttered his fervent hope, that
+the day would come when the principal part of the
+agriculture of the island would be performed by males,
+and that the women would be occupied in keeping their
+cottages in order, and in increasing their domestic
+comforts. The desire of improvement is strong among
+them; they are looking anxiously forward to the instruction
+and advancement of their children, and even of themselves."--<i>Antigua
+Herald, of March</i>, 1834.</p>
+
+<p>In a written communication to us, dated January 17,
+1837, the Speaker says: "Emancipation will,
+I doubt not, improve the condition of the females.
+There can be no doubt that they will ultimately leave
+the field, (except in times of emergency,) and confine
+themselves to their appropriate domestic employments."</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_16"></a>
+EIGHTEENTH PROPOSITION.--Real estate has
+risen in value since emancipation; mercantile and
+mechanical occupations have received a fresh impulse;
+and the general condition of the colony is decidedly
+more flourishing than at any former period.</p>
+
+<p>"The credit of the island has decidedly improved.
+The internal prosperity of the island is advancing
+in an increased ratio. More buildings have been erected
+since emancipation, than for twenty years before.
+Stores and shops have multiplied astonishingly; I can
+safely say that their number has more than quintupled
+since the abolition of slavery."--<i>Dr.
+Ferguson</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Emancipation has very greatly increased the
+value of, and consequently the demand for, real estate.
+That which three years ago was a drug altogether unsaleable
+by private bargain; has now many inquirers after it,
+and ready purchasers at good prices. The importation
+of British manufactured goods has been considerably
+augmented, probably one fourth."</p>
+
+<p>"The credit of the planters who have been chiefly
+affected by the change, has been much improved. And
+<i>the great reduction of expense in managing the
+estates</i>, has made them men of more real wealth,
+and consequently raised their credit both with the
+English merchants and our own."--<i>James
+Scotland, Sen., Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The effect of emancipation upon the commerce
+of the island <i>must needs</i> have been beneficial,
+as the laborers indulge in more wheaten flour, rice,
+mackerel, dry fish, and salt-pork, than formerly. More
+lumber is used in the superior cottages now built
+for their habitations. More dry goods--manufactures
+of wool, cotton, linen, silk, leather, &amp;c., are also
+used, now that the laborers can better afford to indulge
+their propensity for gay clothing."--<i>Statement
+of a merchant and agent for estates</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Real estate has risen in value, and mercantile
+business has greatly improved."--<i>H.
+Armstrong, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>A merchant of St. John's informed us, that real
+estate had increased in value at least fifty per cent.
+He mentioned the fact, that an estate which previous
+to emancipation could not be sold for &pound;600 current,
+lately brought &pound;2000 current.</p>
+
+<p>NINETEENTH PROPOSITION--Emancipation has
+been followed by the introduction of labor-saving
+machinery.</p>
+
+<p>"Various expedients for saving manual labor
+have already been introduced, and we anticipate still
+greater improvements. Very little was thought of this
+subject previous to emancipation."--<i>S.
+Bourne, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Planters are beginning to cast about for improvements
+in labor. My own mind has been greatly turned to this
+subject since emancipation."--<i>H.
+Armstrong, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The plough is beginning to be very extensively
+used."--<i>Mr. Hatley</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"There has been considerable simplification
+in agricultural labor already, which would have been
+more conspicuous, had it not been for the excessive
+drought which has prevailed since 1834. The plough
+is more used, and the expedients for manuring land
+are less laborious."--<i>Extract
+of a letter from Hon. N. Nugent</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_17"></a>
+TWENTIETH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation has
+produced the most decided change in the views of the
+<i>planters</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Before emancipation took place, there was the
+bitterest opposition to it among the planters. But
+after freedom came, they were delighted with the change.
+I felt strong opposition myself, being exceedingly
+unwilling to give up my power of command. But I shall
+never forget how differently I felt when freedom took
+place I arose from my bed on the first of August,
+exclaiming with joy, 'I am free, I am free; I
+<i>was the greatest slave on the estate</i>,
+but now I am free.'"--<i>Mr.
+J. Howell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"We all resisted violently the measure of abolition,
+when it first began to be agitated in England. We
+regarded it as an outrageous interference with our
+rights, with our property. But we are now rejoiced
+that slavery is abolished."--<i>Dr.
+Daniell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"I have already seen such decided benefits growing
+out of the free labor system, that for my part I wish
+never to see the face of slavery again." --<i>Mr.
+Hatley</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know of a single planter who would
+be willing to return to slavery. We all feel that
+it was a great curse."--<i>D. Cranstoun,
+Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>The speaker of the assembly was requested to state
+especially the advantages of freedom both to the master
+and the slave; and he kindly communicated the following
+reply:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"The benefits to the master are
+conspicuous--he has got rid of the cark
+and care, the anxiety and incessant worry of managing
+slaves; all the trouble and responsibility of
+rearing them from infancy, of their proper maintenance
+in health, and sickness, and decrepitude, of coercing
+them to labor, restraining, correcting, and punishing
+their faults and crimes--settling all
+their grievances and disputes. He is now entirely
+free from all apprehension of injury, revenge, or
+insurrection, however transient and momentary such
+impression may have formerly been. He has no longer
+the reproach of being a <i>slaveholder</i>;
+his property has lost all the <i>taint</i> of
+slavery, and is placed on as secure a footing,
+in a moral and political point of view, as that
+in any other part of the British dominions.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>As regards the <i>other</i> party,
+it seems almost unnecessary to point out the advantages
+of being a free man rather than a slave. He is no
+longer liable to personal trespass of any sort;
+he has a right of self-control, and all the immunities
+enjoyed by other classes of his fellow subjects--he
+is enabled to better his condition as he thinks proper--he
+can make what arrangements he likes best, as regards
+his kindred, and all his domestic relations--he
+takes to his <i>own</i> use and behoof, all
+the wages and profits of his own labor; he receives
+money wages instead of weekly allowances, and can
+purchase such particular food and necessaries
+as he prefers--<i>and so on</i>! IT
+WOULD BE ENDLESS TO ATTEMPT TO ENUMERATE ALL THE
+SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES OF A STATE OF FREEDOM TO ONE
+OF SLAVERY!"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The writer says, at the close of his invaluable letter,
+"I was born in Antigua, and have resided here
+with little interruption since 1809. Since 1814, I
+have taken an active concern in plantation affairs."
+He was born heir to a large slave property, and retained
+it up to the hour of emancipation. He is now the proprietor
+of an estate.</p>
+
+<p>We have, another witness to introduce to the reader,
+Ralph Higinbothom, Esq., the UNITED STATES CONSUL!--<i>Hear
+him</i>!--</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever may have been the dissatisfaction
+as regards emancipation among the planters at its
+commencement, there are few, indeed, if any, who are
+not <i>now</i> well satisfied that under the present
+system, their properties are better worked, and their
+laborers more contented and cheerful, than in the
+time of slavery."</p>
+
+<p>In order that the reader may see the <i>revolution</i>
+that has taken place since emancipation in the views
+of the highest class of society in Antigua, we make
+a few extracts.</p>
+
+<p>"There was the most violent opposition in the
+legislature, and throughout the island, to the anti-slavery
+proceedings in Parliament. The anti-slavery party
+in England were detested here for their <i>fanatical
+and reckless course</i>. Such was the state of feeling
+previous to emancipation, that it would have been
+certain disgrace for any planter to have avowed the
+least sympathy with anti-slavery sentiments. The humane
+might have their hopes and aspirations, and they might
+secretly long to see slavery ultimately terminated;
+but they did not dare to make such feelings public.
+<i>They would at once have been branded as the enemies
+of their country!"--Hon. N. Nugent</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"There cannot be said to have been any <i>anti-slavery
+party</i> in the island before emancipation. There
+were some individuals in St. John's, and a very
+few planters, who favored the anti-slavery views, but
+they dared not open their mouths, because of the bitter
+hostility which prevailed."--<i>S.
+Bourne, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The opinions of the clergymen and missionaries,
+with the exception of, I believe, a few clergymen,
+were favorable to emancipation; but neither in their
+conduct, preaching, or prayers, did they declare themselves
+openly, until the measure of abolition was determined
+on. The missionaries felt restrained by their instructions
+from home, and the clergymen thought that it did not
+comport with their order 'to take part in politics!'
+I never heard of a single <i>planter</i> who was
+favorable, until about three months before the emancipation
+took place; when some few of them began to perceive
+that it would be advantageous to their <i>interests</i>.
+Whoever was known or suspected of being an advocate
+for freedom, became the object of vengeance, and was
+sure to suffer, if in no other way, by a loss of part
+of his business. My son-in-law[<a name="AE2_FR24"></a><a href="#AE2_FN24">A</a>], my son[<a name="AE2_FR25"></a><a href="#AE2_FN25">B</a>], and
+myself, were perhaps the chief marks for calumny and
+resentment. The first was twice elected a member of
+the Assembly, and as often put out by scrutinies conducted
+by the House, in the most flagrantly dishonest manner.
+Every attempt was made to deprive the second of his
+business, as a lawyer. With regard to myself, I was
+thrown into prison, without any semblance of justice,
+without any form of trial, but in the most summary
+manner, simply upon the complaint of one of the justices,
+and without any opportunity being allowed me of saying
+one word in my defence. I remained in jail until discharged
+by a peremptory order from the Colonial Secretary,
+to whom I appealed."--<i>James Scotland,
+Sen., Esq.</i></p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN24"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR24">A</a>: Dr. Ferguson, physician in St. John's.
+]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN25"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR25">B</a>: James Scotland, Jun., Esq., barrister,
+proprietor, and member of Assembly. ]</p>
+
+<p>Another gentleman, a white man, was arrested on the
+charge of being in the interest of the English Anti-Slavery
+party, and in a manner equally summary and illegal,
+was cast into prison, and confined there for one year.</p>
+
+<p>From the foregoing statements we obtain the following
+comparative view of the past and present state of
+sentiment in Antigua.</p>
+
+<p>Views and conduct of the planters previous to emancipation:</p>
+
+<p>1st. They regarded the negroes as an inferior race,
+fit only for slaves.</p>
+
+<p>2d. They regarded them as their rightful property.</p>
+
+<p>3d. They took it for granted that negroes could never
+be made to work without the use of the whip; hence,</p>
+
+<p>4th. They supposed that emancipation would annihilate
+sugar cultivation; and,</p>
+
+<p>5th. That it would lead to bloodshed and general rebellion.</p>
+
+<p>6th. Those therefore who favored it, were considered
+the "<i>enemies of their country</i>"--"TRAITORS"--and
+were accordingly persecuted in various ways, not excepting
+imprisonment in the common jail.</p>
+
+<p>7th. So popular was slavery among the higher classes,
+that its morality or justice could not be questioned
+by a missionary--an editor--or
+a <i>planter</i> even, without endangering the
+safety of the individual.</p>
+
+<p>8th. The anti-slavery people in England were considered
+detestable men, intermeddling with matters which they
+did not understand, and which at any rate did not
+concern them. They were accused of being influenced
+by selfish motives, and of designing to further their
+own interests by the ruin of the planters. They were
+denounced as <i>fanatics, incendiaries, knaves,
+religious enthusiasts</i>.</p>
+
+<p>9th The abolition measures of the English Government
+were considered a gross outrage on the rights of private
+property, a violation their multiplied pledges of
+countenance and support, and a flagrant usurpation
+of power over the weak.</p>
+
+<p>Views and conduct of the planters subsequent to emancipation:</p>
+
+<p>1st. The negroes are retarded as <i>men</i>--equals
+standing on the same footing as fellow-citizens.</p>
+
+<p>2d. Slavery is considered a foolish, impolitic, and
+wicked system.</p>
+
+<p>3d. Slaves are regarded as an <i>unsafe</i> species
+of property, and to hold them disgraceful.</p>
+
+<p>4th. The planters have become the <i>decided enemies</i>
+of slavery. The worst thing they could say against
+the apprenticeship, was, that "it was only another
+name for <i>slavery</i>."</p>
+
+<p>5th. The abolition of slavery is applauded by the
+planters as one of the most noble and magnanimous
+triumphs ever achieved by the British government.</p>
+
+<p>6th. Distinguished abolitionists are spoken of in
+terms of respect and admiration. The English Anti-slavery
+Delegation[<a name="AE2_FR26"></a><a href="#AE2_FN26">A</a>] spent a fortnight in the island, and
+left it the same day we arrived. Wherever we went we
+heard of them as "the respectable gentlemen from
+England," "the worthy and intelligent
+members of the Society of Friends," &amp;c. A distinguished
+agent of the English anti-slavery society now resides
+in St. John's, and keeps a bookstore, well stocked
+with anti-slavery books and pamphlets. The bust of
+GEORGE THOMPSON stands conspicuously upon the counter
+of the bookstore, looking forth upon the public street.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN26"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR26">A</a>: Messrs. Sturge and Harvey.]</p>
+
+<p>7th. The planters affirm that the abolition of slavery
+put an end to all danger from insurrection, rebellion,
+privy conspiracy, and sedition, on the part of the
+slaves.</p>
+
+<p>8th. Emancipation is deemed an incalculable blessing,
+because it released the planters from an endless complication
+of responsibilities, perplexities, temptations and
+anxieties, and because it <i>emancipated them from
+the bondage of the whip</i>.</p>
+
+<p>9th. <i>Slavery--emancipation--freedom</i>--are
+the universal topics of conversation in Antigua. Anti-slavery
+is the popular doctrine among all classes. He is considered
+an enemy to his country who opposes the principles
+of liberty. The planters look with astonishment on
+the continuance of slavery in the United States, and
+express their strong belief that it must soon terminate
+here and throughout the world. They hailed the arrival
+of French and American visitors on tours of inquiry
+as a bright omen. In publishing our arrival, one of
+the St. John's papers remarks, "We regard
+this as a pleasing indication that the American public
+have their eyes turned upon our experiment, with a
+view, we may hope, of ultimately following our excellent
+example." (!) All classes showed the same readiness
+to aid us in what the Governor was pleased to call
+"the objects of our philanthropic mission."</p>
+
+<p>Such are the views now entertained among the planters
+of Antigua. What a complete change[<a name="AE2_FR27"></a><a href="#AE2_FN27">B</a>]--and
+all in less than three years, and effected by the
+abolition of slavery and a trial of freedom! Most certainly,
+if the former views of the Antigua planters resemble
+those held by pro-slavery men in this country, their
+present sentiments are a <i>fac simile</i> of
+those entertained by the immediate abolitionists.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN27"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR27">B</a>: The following little story will further
+illustrate the wonderful revolution which has taken
+place in the public sentiment of this colony. The
+facts here stated all occurred while we were in Antigua,
+and we procured them from a variety of authentic sources.
+They were indeed publicly known and talked of, and
+produced no little excitement throughout the island.
+Mr. Corbett was a respectable and intelligent planter
+residing on an estate near Johnson's Point. Several
+months previous to the time of which we now speak,
+a few colored families (emancipated negroes) bought
+of a white man some small parcels of land lying adjacent
+to Mr. C.'s estate. They planted their lands
+in provisions, and also built them houses thereon,
+and moved into them. After they had become actively
+engaged in cultivating their provisions, Mr. Corbett
+laid claim to the lands, and ordered the negroes to
+leave them forthwith.</p>
+
+<p>They of course refused to do so. Mr. C. then flew
+into a violent rage, and stormed and swore, and threatened
+to burn their houses down over their heads. The terrified
+negroes forsook their property and fled. Mr. C. then
+ordered his negroes to tear down their huts and burn
+up the materials--which was accordingly
+done. He also turned in his cattle upon the provision
+grounds, and destroyed them. The negroes made a complaint
+against Mr. C., and he was arrested and committed to
+jail in St. John's for trial on the charge of
+<i>arson</i>.</p>
+
+<p>We heard of this circumstance on the day of Mr. C.'s
+commitment, and we were told that it would probably
+go very hard with him on his trial, and that he would
+be very fortunate if he escaped the <i>gallows</i>
+or <i>transportation</i>. A few days after this
+we were surprised to hear that Mr. C. had died in
+prison. Upon inquiry, we learned that he died literally
+from <i>rage and mortification</i>. His case defied
+the, skill and power of the physicians. They could
+detect the presence of no disease whatever, even on
+a minute post-mortem examination. They pronounced it
+as their opinion that he had died from the violence
+of his passions--excited by being imprisoned,
+together with his apprehensions of the fatal issue
+of the trial.</p>
+
+<p>Not long before emancipation, Mr. Scotland was imprisoned
+for <i>befriending</i> the negroes. After emancipation,
+Mr. Corbett was imprisoned for wronging them.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Corbett was a respectable planter, of good family
+and moved in the first circles in the island]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_18"></a>
+TWENTY-FIRST PROPOSITION.--Emancipation
+has been followed by a manifest diminution of "<i>prejudice
+against color</i>," and has opened the prospect
+off its speedy extirpation.</p>
+
+<p>Some thirty years ago, the president of the island,
+Sir Edward Byam, issued an order forbidding the great
+bell in the cathedral of St. John's being tolled
+at the funeral of a colored person; and directing a
+<i>smaller</i> bell to be hung up in the same
+belfry, and used on such occasions. For twenty years
+this distinction was strictly maintained. When a white
+person, however <i>vile</i>, was buried, the great
+bell was tolled; when a colored person, whatever his
+moral worth, intelligence, or station, was carried
+to his grave, the little bell was tinkled. It was
+not until the arrival of the present excellent Rector,
+that this "prejudice bell" was silenced.
+The Rev. Mr. Cox informed us that prejudice had greatly
+decreased since emancipation. It was very common for
+white and colored gentlemen to be seen walking arm
+in arm an the streets of St. John's.</p>
+
+<p>"Prejudice against color is fast disappearing.
+The colored people have themselves contributed to
+prolong this feeling, <i>by keeping aloof from the
+society of the whites</i>."--<i>James
+Howell, of T. Jarvis's</i>.</p>
+
+<p>How utterly at variance is this with the commonly
+received opinion, that the colored people are disposed
+to <i>thrust</i> themselves into the society
+of the whites!</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Prejudice against color</i> exists
+in this community only to a limited extent, and that
+chiefly among those who could never bring themselves
+to believe that emancipation would really take place.
+Policy dictates to them the propriety of confining
+any expression of their feelings to those of the same
+opinions. Nothing is shown of this prejudice in their
+intercourse with the colored class--it is
+'<i>kept behind the scenes</i>.'"--<i>Ralph
+Higginbotham, U. S. Consul.</i></p>
+
+<p>Mr. H. was not the only individual standing in "high
+places" who insinuated that the whites that
+still entertained prejudice were ashamed of it. His
+excellency the Governor intimated as much, by his repeated
+assurances for himself and his compeers of the first
+circles, that there was no such feeling in the island
+as prejudice against <i>color</i>. The reasons
+for excluding the colored people from their society,
+he said, were wholly different from that. It was chiefly
+because of their <i>illegitimacy</i>, and also
+because they were not sufficiently refined, and because
+their <i>occupations</i> were of an inferior kind,
+such as mechanical trades, small shop keeping, &amp;c.
+Said he, "You would not wish to ask your tailor,
+or your shoemaker, to dine with you?" However,
+we were too unsophisticated to coincide in his Excellency's
+notions of social propriety.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_19"></a>
+TWENTY-SECOND PROPOSITION.--The progress
+of the anti-slavery discussions in England did not
+cause the masters to treat their slaves worse, but
+on the contrary restrained them from outrage.</p>
+
+<p>"The treatment of the slaves during the discussions
+in England, was manifestly milder than before."--<i>Dr.
+Daniell.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The effect of the proceedings in parliament
+was to make the planters treat their slaves better.
+Milder laws were passed by the assembly, and the general
+condition of the slave was greatly ameliorated."--<i>H.
+Armstrong, Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The planters did not increase the rigor of
+their discipline because of the anti-slavery discussions;
+but as a general thing, were more lenient than formerly."--<i>S.
+Bourne. Esq.</i></p>
+
+<p>"We pursued a much milder policy toward our
+slaves after the agitation began in England."--<i>Mr.
+Jas. Hawoil</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"The planters did not treat their slaves worse
+on account of the discussions; but were more lenient
+and circumspect."--<i>Letter of Hon.
+N. Nugent.</i></p>
+
+<p>"There was far less cruelty exercised by the
+planters during the anti-slavery excitement in gland.
+They were always on their guard to escape the notice
+of the abolitionists. <i>They did not wish to have
+their names published abroad, and to be exposed as
+monsters of cruelty!</i>"--<i>David Cranstoun,
+Esq.</i></p>
+<p>
+<a name="III_20"></a>
+We have now completed our observations upon Antigua.
+It has been our single object in the foregoing account
+to give an accurate statement of the results of IMMEDIATE
+EMANCIPATION. We have not taken a single step beyond
+the limits of testimony, and we are persuaded that
+testimony materially conflicting with this, cannot
+be procured from respectable sources in Antigua. We
+now leave it to our readers to decide, whether emancipation
+in Antigua has been to all classes in that island a
+<i>blessing</i> or a <i>curse</i>.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot pass from this part of our report without
+recording the kindness and hospitality which we everywhere
+experienced during our sojourn in Antigua. Whatever
+may have been our apprehensions of a cool reception
+from a community of ex-slaveholders, none of our forebodings
+were realized. It rarely Falls to the lot of strangers
+visiting a distant land, with none of the contingencies
+of birth, fortune, or fame, to herald their arrival,
+and without the imposing circumstance of a popular
+mission to recommend them, to meet with a warmer reception,
+or to enjoy a more hearty confidence, than that with
+which we were honored in the interesting island of
+Antigua. The very <i>object</i> of our visit,
+humble, and even odious as it may appear in the eyes
+of many of our own countrymen, was our passport to
+the consideration and attention of the higher classes
+in that free colony. We hold in grateful remembrance
+the interest which all--not excepting those
+most deeply implicated in the late system of slavery--manifested
+in our investigations. To his excellency the Governor,
+to officers both civil and military, to legislators
+and judges, to proprietors and planters, to physicians,
+barristers, and merchants, to clergymen, missionaries,
+and teachers, we are indebted for their uniform readiness
+in furthering our objects, and for the mass of information
+with which they were pleased to furnish us. To the
+free colored population, also, we are lasting debtors
+for their hearty co-operation and assistance. To the
+emancipated, we recognise our obligations as the friends
+of the slave, for their simple-hearted and reiterated
+assurances that they should remember the oppressed
+of our land in their prayers to God. In the name of
+the multiplying hosts of freedom's friends,
+and in behalf of the millions of speechless but grateful-hearted
+slaves, we render to our acquaintances of every class
+in Antigua our warmest thanks for their cordial sympathy
+with the cause of emancipation in America. We left
+Antigua with regret. The natural advantages of that
+lovely island; its climate, situation, and scenery;
+the intelligence and hospitality of the higher orders,
+and the simplicity and sobriety of the poor; the prevalence
+of education, morality, and religion; its solemn Sabbaths
+and thronged sanctuaries; and above <i>all</i>,
+its rising institutions of liberty--flourishing
+so vigorously,--conspire to make Antigua
+one of the fairest portions of the earth. Formerly
+it was in our eyes but a speck on the world's
+map, and little had we checked if an earthquake had
+sunk, or the ocean had overwhelmed it; but now, the
+minute circumstances in its condition, or little incidents
+in its history, are to our minds invested with grave
+interest.</p>
+
+<p>None, who are alive to the cause of religious freedom
+in the world, can be indifferent to the movements
+and destiny of this little colony. Henceforth, Antigua
+is the morning star of our nation, and though it glimmers
+faintly through a lurid sky, yet we hail it, and catch
+at every ray as the token of a bright sun which may
+yet burst gloriously upon us.</p>
+
+<h3>BARBADOES</h3>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER I.</h4>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_1"></a>
+<b>PASSAGE</b></p>
+
+<p>Barbadoes was the next island which we visited. Having
+failed of a passage in the steamer,[<a name="AE2_FR28"></a><a href="#AE2_FN28">A</a>] (on account
+of her leaving Antigua on the Sabbath,) we were reduced
+to the necessity of sailing in a small schooner, a
+vessel of only seventeen tons burthen, with no cabin
+but a mere <i>hole</i>, scarcely large enough
+to receive our baggage. The berths, for there were
+two, had but one mattress between them; however, a
+foresail folded made up the complement.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN28"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR28">A</a>: There are several English steamers which
+ply between Barbadoes and Jamaica, touching at several
+of the intermediate and surrounding islands, and carrying
+the mails.]</p>
+
+<p>The being for the most part directly against us, we
+were seven days in reaching Barbadoes. Our aversion
+to the sepulchre-like cabin obliged us to spend, not
+the days only, but the nights mostly on the open deck.
+Wrapping our cloaks about us, and drawing our fur caps
+over our faces, we slept securely in the soft air
+of a tropical clime, undisturbed save by the hoarse
+voice of the black captain crying "ready, bout"
+and the flapping of the sails, and the creaking of
+the cordage, in the frequent tackings of our staunch
+little sea-boat. On our way we passed under the lee
+of Guadaloupe and to the windward of Dominica, Martinique
+and St. Lucia. In passing Guadaloupe, we were obliged
+to keep at a league's distance from the land,
+in obedience to an express regulation of that colony
+prohibiting small English vessels from approaching
+any nearer. This is a precautionary measure against
+the escape of slaves to the English islands. Numerous
+small vessels, called <i>guarda costas</i>, are
+stationed around the coast to warn off vessels and
+seize upon all slaves attempting to make their escape.
+We were informed that the eagerness of the French
+negroes to taste the sweets of liberty, which they
+hear to exist in the surrounding English islands,
+is so great, that notwithstanding all the vigilance
+by land and sea, they are escaping in vast numbers.
+They steal to the shores by night, and seizing upon
+any sort of vessel within their reach, launch forth
+and make for Dominica, Montserrat, or Antigua. They
+have been known to venture out in skiffs, canoes,
+and such like hazardous conveyances, and make a voyage
+of fifty or sixty miles; and it is not without reason
+supposed, that very many have been lost in these eager
+darings for freedom.</p>
+
+<p>Such is their defiance of dangers when liberty is
+to be won, that old ocean, with its wild storms, and
+fierce monsters, and its yawning deep, and even the
+superadded terrors of armed vessels ever hovering around
+the island, are barriers altogether ineffectual to
+prevent escape. The western side of Guadaloupe, along
+which we passed, is hilly and little cultivated. It
+is mostly occupied in pasturage. The sugar estates
+are on the opposite side of the island, which stretches
+out eastward in a low sloping country, beautifully
+situated for sugar cultivation. The hills were covered
+with trees, with here and there small patches of cultivated
+grounds where the negroes raise provisions. A deep
+rich verdure covered all that portion of the island
+which we saw. We were a day and night in passing the
+long island of Guadaloupe. Another day and night were
+spent in beating through the channel between Gaudaloupe
+and Dominica: another day in passing the latter island,
+and then we stood or Martinique. This is the queen
+island of the French West Indies. It is fertile and
+healthful, and though not so large as Guadaloupe, produces
+a larger revenue. It has large streams of water, and
+many of the sugar mills are worked by them. Martinique
+and Dominica are both very mountainous. Their highest
+peaks are constantly covered with clouds, which in
+their varied siftings, now wheeling around, then rising
+or falling, give the hills the appearance of smoking
+volcanoes. It was not until the eighth day of the
+voyage, that we landed at Barbadoes. The passage from
+Barbadoes to Antigua seldom occupies more than three
+days, the wind being mostly in that direction.</p>
+
+<p>In approaching Barbadoes, it presented an entirely
+difference appearance from that of the islands we
+had passed on the way. It is low and level, almost
+wholly destitute of trees. As we drew nearer we discovered
+in every direction the marks of its extraordinary
+cultivation. The cane fields and provision grounds
+in alternate patches cover the island with one continuous
+mantle of green. The mansions of the planters, and
+the clusters of negro houses, appear at shore intervals
+dotting the face of the island, and giving to it the
+appearance of a vast village interspersed with verdant
+gardens.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_2"></a>
+We "rounded up" in the bay, off Bridgetown,
+the principal place in Barbadoes, where we underwent
+a searching examination by the health officer; who,
+after some demurring, concluded that we might pass
+muster. We took lodgings in Bridgetown with Mrs. M.,
+a colored lady.</p>
+
+<p>The houses are mostly built of brick or stone, or
+wood plastered. They are seldom more than two stories
+high, with flat roofs, and huge window shutters and
+doors--the structures of a hurricane country.
+The streets are narrow and crooked, and formed of
+white marle, which reflects the sun with a brilliancy
+half blinding to the eyes. Most of the buildings are
+occupied as stores below and dwelling houses above,
+with piazzas to the upper story, which jut over the
+narrow streets, and afford a shade for the side walks.
+The population of Bridgetown is about 30,000. The
+population of the island is about 140,000, of whom
+nearly 90,000 are apprentices, the remainder are free
+colored and white in the proportion of 30,000 free
+colored and 20,000 whites. The large population exists
+on an island not more than twenty miles long, by fifteen
+broad. The whole island is under the most vigorous
+and systematic culture. There is scarcely a foot of
+productive land that is not brought into requisition.
+There is no such thing as a forest of any extent in
+the island. It is thus that, notwithstanding the insignificance
+of its size, Barbadoes ranks among the British islands
+next to Jamaica in value and importance. It was on
+account of its conspicuous standing among the English
+colonies, that we were induced to visit it, and there
+investigate the operations of the apprenticeship system.</p>
+
+<p>Our principal object in the following tales is to
+give an account of the working of the apprenticeship
+system, and to present it in contrast with that of
+entire freedom, which has been described minutely in
+our account of Antigua. The apprenticeship was designed
+as a sort of preparation for freedom. A statement
+of its results will, therefore, afford no small data
+for deciding upon the general principle of <i>gradualism</i>!</p>
+
+<p>We shall pursue a plan less labored and prolix than
+that which it seemed necessary to adopt in treating
+of Antigua. As that part of the testimony which respects
+the abolition of slavery, and the sentiments of the
+planters is substantially the same with what is recorded
+in the foregoing pages, we shall be content with presenting
+it in the sketch of our travels throughout the island,
+and our interviews with various classes of men. The
+testimony respecting the nature and operations of
+the apprenticeship system, will be embodied in a more
+regular form.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_3"></a>
+<b>VISIT TO THE GOVERNOR.</b></p>
+
+<p>At an early day after our arrival we called on the
+Governor, in pursuance of the etiquette of the island,
+and in order to obtain the assistance of his Excellency
+in our inquiries. The present Governor is Sir Evan
+John Murray McGregor, a Scotchman of Irish reputation.
+He is the present chieftain of the McGregor clan,
+which figures so illustriously in the history of Scotland.
+Sir Evan has been distinguished for his victory in
+war, and he now bears the title of Knight, for his
+achievements in the British service. He is Governor-General
+of the windward islands, which include Barbadoes,
+Grenada, St. Vincent's, and Tobago. The government
+house, at which he resides, is about two miles from
+town. The road leading to it is a delightful one,
+lined with cane fields, and pasture grounds, all verdant
+with the luxuriance of midsummer. It passes by the
+cathedral, the king's house, the noble residence
+of the Archdeacon, and many other fine mansions. The
+government house is situated in a pleasant eminence,
+and surrounded with a large garden, park, and entrance
+yard. At the large outer gate, which gives admittance
+to the avenue leading to the house, stood a <i>black</i>
+sentinel in his military dress, and with a gun on his
+shoulder, pacing to and fro. At the door of the house
+we found another black soldier on guard. We were ushered
+into the dining hall, which seems to serve as ante-chamber
+when not otherwise used. It is a spacious airy room,
+overhung with chandeliers and lamps in profusion, and
+bears the marks of many scenes of mirth and wassail.
+The eastern windows, which extend from the ceiling
+to the floor, look out upon a garden filled with shrubs
+and flowers, among which we recognised a rare variety
+of the floral family in full bloom. Every thing around--the
+extent of the buildings, the garden, the park, with
+deer browsing amid the tangled shrubbery--all
+bespoke the old English style and dignity.</p>
+
+<p>After waiting a few minutes, we were introduced to
+his Excellency, who received us very kindly. He conversed
+freely on the subject of emancipation, and gave his
+opinion decidedly in favor of unconditional freedom.
+He has been in the West Indies five years, and resided
+at Antigua and Dominica before he received his present
+appointment; he has visited several other islands
+besides. In no island that he has visited have affairs
+gone on so quietly and satisfactorily to all parties
+as in Antigua. He remarked that he was ignorant of
+the character of the black population of the United
+States, but from what he knew of their character in
+the West Indies, he could not avoid the conclusion
+that immediate emancipation was entirely safe. He
+expressed his views of the apprenticeship system with
+great freedom. He said it was vexatious to all parties.</p>
+
+<p>He remarked that he was so well satisfied that emancipation
+was safe and proper, and that unconditional freedom
+was better than apprenticeship, that had he the power,
+he would emancipate every apprentice to-morrow. It
+would be better both for the planter and the laborer.</p>
+
+<p><i>He thought the negroes in Barbadoes, and in the
+windward islands generally, now as well prepared for
+freedom as the slaves of Antigua.</i></p>
+
+<p>The Governor is a dignified but plain man, of sound
+sense and judgement, and of remarkable liberality.
+He promised to give us every assistance, and said,
+as we arose to leave him, that he would mention the
+object of our visit to a number of influential gentlemen,
+and that we should shortly hear from him again.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_4"></a>
+A few days after our visit to the Governor's,
+we called on the Rev. Edward Elliott, the Archdeacon
+at Barbadoes, to whom we had been previously introduced
+at the house of a friend in Bridgetown. He is a liberal-minded
+man. In 1812, he delivered a series of lectures in
+the cathedral on the subject of slavery. The planters
+became alarmed--declared that such discourses
+would lead to insurrection, and demanded that they
+should lie abandoned. He received anonymous letters
+threatening him with violence unless he discontinued
+them. Nothing daunted, however, he went through the
+course, and afterwards published the lectures in a
+volume.</p>
+
+<p>The Archdeacon informed us that the number of churches
+and clergymen had increased since emancipation; religious
+meetings were more fully attended, and the instructions
+given had manifestly a greater influence. Increased
+attention was paid to <i>education</i> also. Before
+emancipation the planters opposed education, and as
+far as possible, prevented the teachers from coming
+to the estates. Now they encouraged it in many instances,
+and where they do not directly encourage, they make
+no opposition. He said that the number of marriages
+had very much increased since the abolition of slavery.
+He had resided in Barbados for twelve years, during
+which time he had repeatedly visited many of the neighboring
+islands. He thought the negroes of Barbadoes <i>were
+as well prepared for freedom in 1834, as those of
+Antigua</i>, and that there would have been no
+bad results had entire emancipation been granted at
+that time. He did not think there was the least danger
+of insurrection. On this subject he spoke the sentiments
+of the inhabitants generally. He did not suppose there
+were five planters on the island, who entertained
+any fears on this score <i>now</i>.</p>
+
+<p>On one other point the Archdeacon expressed himself
+substantially thus: The planters undoubtedly treated
+their slaves better during the anti-slavery discussions
+in England.</p>
+
+<p>The condition of the slaves was very much mitigated
+by the efforts which were made for their entire freedom.
+The planters softened down, the system of slavery
+as much as possible. <i>They were exceedingly anxious
+to put a stop to discussion and investigation.</i></p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_5"></a>
+Having obtained a letter of introduction from an American
+merchant here to a planter residing about four miles
+from town, we drove out to his estate. His mansion
+is pleasantly situated on a small eminence, in one
+of the coolest and most inviting retreats which is
+to be seen in this clime, and we were received by
+its master with all the cordiality and frankness for
+which Barbados is famed. He introduced us to his family,
+consisting of three daughters and two sons, and invited
+us to stop to dinner. One of his daughters, now here
+on a visit, is married to an American, a native of
+New York, but now a merchant in one of the southern
+states, and our connection as fellow countrymen with
+one dear to them, was an additional claim to their
+kindness and hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>He conducted us through all the works and out-buildings,
+the mill, boiling-house, caring-house, hospital, store-houses,
+&amp;c. The people were at work in the mill and boiling-house,
+and as we passed, bowed and bade us "good mornin',
+massa," with the utmost respect and cheerfulness.
+A white overseer was regulating the work, but wanted
+the insignia of slaveholding authority, which he had
+borne for many years, the <i>whip</i>. As we
+came out, we saw in a neighboring field a gang of seventy
+apprentices, of both sexes, engaged in cutting up the
+cane, while others were throwing it into carts to
+be carried to the mill. They were all as quietly and
+industriously at work as any body of our own farmers
+or mechanics. As we were looking at them, Mr. C.,
+the planter, remarked, "those people give me
+more work than when slaves. This estate was never
+under so good cultivation as at the present time."</p>
+
+<p>He took us to the building used as the mechanics'
+shop. Several of the apprentices were at work in it,
+some setting up the casks for sugar, others repairing
+utensils. Mr. C. says all the work of the estate is
+done by the apprentices. His carts are made, his mill
+kept in order, his coopering and blacksmithing are
+all done by them. "All these buildings,"
+said he, "even to the dwelling-house, were built
+after the great storm of 1831, by the slaves."</p>
+
+<p>As we were passing through the hospital, or sick-house,
+as it is called by the blacks, Mr. C. told us he had
+very little use for it now. There is no skulking to
+it as there was under the old system.</p>
+
+<p>Just as we were entering the door of the house, on
+our return, there was an outcry among a small party
+of the apprentices who were working near by. Mr. C.
+went to them and inquired the cause. It appeared that
+the overseer had struck one of the lads with a stick.
+Mr. C. reproved him severely for the act, and assured
+him if he did such a thing again he would take him
+before a magistrate.</p>
+
+<p>During the day we gathered the following information:--</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_6"></a>
+Mr. C. had been a planter for thirty-six years. He
+has had charge of the estate on which he now resides
+ten years. He is the attorney for two other large
+estates a few miles from this, and has under his superintendence,
+in all, more than a thousand apprenticed laborers.
+This estate consists of six hundred and sixty-six
+acres of land, most of which is under cultivation
+either in cane or provisions, and has on it three
+hundred apprentices and ninety-two free children. The
+average amount of sugar raised on it is two hundred
+hogsheads of a ton each, but this year it will amount
+to at least two hundred and fifty hogsheads--the
+largest crop ever taken off since he has been connected
+with it. He has planted thirty acres additional this
+year. The island has never been under so good cultivation,
+and is becoming better every year.</p>
+
+<p>During our walk round the works, and during the day,
+he spoke several times in general terms of the great
+blessings of emancipation.</p>
+
+<p>Emancipation is as great a blessing to the master
+as to the slave. "Why," exclaimed Mr.
+C., "it was emancipation to me. I assure you
+the first of August brought a great, <i>great</i>
+relief to me. I felt myself, for the first time, a
+freeman on that day. You cannot imagine the responsibilities
+and anxieties which were swept away with the extinction
+of slavery."</p>
+
+<p>There were many unpleasant and annoying circumstances
+attending slavery, which had a most pernicious effect
+on the master. There was continual jealousy and suspicion
+between him and those under him. They looked on each
+other as sworn enemies, and there was kept up a continual
+system of plotting and counterplotting. Then there
+was the flogging, which was a matter of course through
+the island. To strike a slave was as common as to
+strike a horse--then the punishments were
+inflicted so unjustly, in innumerable instances, that
+the poor victims knew no more why they were punished
+than the dead in their graves. The master would be
+a little ill--he had taken a cold, perhaps, and felt
+irritable--something were wrong--his
+passion was up, and away went some poor fellow to the
+whipping post. The slightest offence at such a moment,
+though it might have passed unnoticed at another time,
+would meet with the severest punishment. He said he
+himself had more than once ordered his slaves to be
+flogged in a passion, and after he became cool he would
+have given guineas not to have done it. Many a night
+had he been kept awake in thinking of some poor fellow
+whom he had shut up in the dungeon, and had rejoiced
+when daylight came. He feared lest the slave might
+die before morning; either cut his throat or dash
+his head against the wall in his desperation. He has
+known such cases to occur.</p>
+
+<p>The apprenticeship will not have so beneficial an
+effect as he hoped it would, on account of an indisposition
+on the part of many of the planters to abide by its
+regulations. The planters generally are doing very
+little to prepare the apprentices for freedom; but
+some are doing very much to unprepare them. They are
+driving the people from them by their conduct.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. C. said he often wished for emancipation. There
+were several other planters among his acquaintance
+who had the same feelings, but did not dare express
+them. Most of the planters, however, were violently
+opposed. Many of them declared that emancipation could
+not and should not take place. So obstinate were they,
+that they would have sworn on the 31st of July, 1831,
+that emancipation could not happen. <i>These very
+men now see and acknowledge the benefits which have
+resulted from the new system</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The first of August passed off very quietly. The people
+labored on that day as usual, and had a stranger gone
+over the island, he would not have suspected any change
+had taken place. Mr. C. did not expect his people
+would go to work that day. He told them what the conditions
+of the new system were, and that after the first of
+August, they would be required to turn out to work
+at six o'clock instead of five o'clock
+as before. At the appointed hour every man was at
+his post in the field. Not one individual was missing.</p>
+
+<p>The apprentices do more work in the nine hours required
+by law, than in twelve hours during slavery.</p>
+
+<p>His apprentices are perfectly willing to work for
+him during their own time. He pays them at the rate
+of twenty-five cents a day. The people are less quarrelsome
+than when they were slaves.</p>
+
+<p>About eight o'clock in the evening, Mr. C. invited
+us to step out into the piazza. Pointing to the houses
+of the laborers, which were crowded thickly together,
+and almost concealed by the cocoa-nut and calabash
+trees around them, he said, "there are probably
+more than four hundred people in that village. All
+my own laborers, with their free children, are retired
+for the night, and with them are many from the neighboring
+estates." We listened, but all was still, save
+here and there a low whistle from some of the watchmen.
+He said that night was a specimen of every night now.
+But it had not always been so. During slavery these
+villages were oftentimes a scene of bickering, revelry,
+and contention. One might hear the inmates reveling
+and shouting till midnight. Sometimes it would be
+kept up till morning. Such scenes have much decreased,
+and instead of the obscene and heathen songs which
+they used to sing, they are learning hymns from the
+lips of their children.</p>
+
+<p>The apprentices are more trusty. They are more faithful
+in work which is given them to do. They take more
+interest in the prosperity of the estate generally,
+in seeing that things are kept in order, and that the
+property is not destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>They are more open-hearted. Formerly they used to
+shrink before the eyes of the master, and appear afraid
+to meet him. They would go out of their way to avoid
+him, and never were willing to talk with him. They
+never liked to have him visit their houses; they looked
+on him as a spy, and always expected a reprimand,
+or perhaps a flogging. Now they look up cheerfully
+when they meet him, and a visit to their homes is esteemed
+a favor. Mr. C. has more confidence in his people
+than he ever had before.</p>
+
+<p>There is less theft than during slavery. This is caused
+by greater respect for character, and the protection
+afforded to property by law. For a slave to steal
+from his master was never considered wrong, but rather
+a meritorious act. He who could rob the most without
+being detected was the best fellow. The blacks in
+several of the islands have a proverb, that for a
+thief to steal from a thief makes God laugh.</p>
+
+<p>The blacks have a great respect for, and even fear
+of law. Mr. C. believes no people on earth are more
+influenced by it. They regard the same punishment,
+inflicted by a magistrate, much more than when inflicted
+by their master. Law is a kind of deity to them, and
+they regard it with great reverence and awe.</p>
+
+<p>There is no insecurity now. Before emancipation there
+was a continual fear of insurrection. Mr. C. said
+he had lain down in bed many a night fearing that
+his throat would be cut before morning. He has started
+up often from a dream in which he thought his room
+was filled with armed slaves. But when the abolition
+bill passed, his fears all passed away. He felt assured
+there would be no trouble then. The motive to insurrection
+was taken away. As for the cutting of throats, or insult
+and violence in any way, he never suspects it. He never
+thinks of fastening his door at night now. As we were
+retiring to bed he looked round the room in which
+we had been sitting, where every thing spoke of serenity
+and confidence--doors and windows open, and
+books and plate scattered about on the tables and
+sideboards. "You see things now," he said,
+"just as we leave them every night, but you would
+have seen quite a different scene had you come here
+a few years ago."</p>
+
+<p><i>Mr. C. thinks the slaves of Barbadoes might have
+been entirely and immediately emancipated as well
+as those of Antigua.</i> The results, he doubts
+not, would have been the same.</p>
+
+<p>He has no fear of disturbance or insubordination in
+1840. He has no doubt that the people will work. That
+there may be a little unsettled, excited, <i>experimenting</i>
+feeling for a short time, he thinks probable--but
+feels confident that things generally will move on
+peaceably and prosperously. He looks with much more
+anxiety to the emancipation of the non-praedials in
+1838.</p>
+
+<p>There is no disposition among the apprentices to revenge
+their wrongs. Mr. C. feels the utmost security both
+of person and property.</p>
+
+<p>The slaves were very much excited by the discussions
+in England. They were well acquainted, with them,
+and looked and longed for the result. They watched
+every arrival of the packet with great anxiety. The
+people on his estate often knew its arrival before
+he did. One of his daughters remarked, that she could
+see their hopes flashing from their eyes. They manifested,
+however, no disposition to rebel, waiting in anxious
+but quiet hope for their release. Yet Mr. C. had no
+doubt, that if parliament had thrown out the emancipation
+bill, and all measures had ceased for their relief,
+there would have been a general insurrection.--While
+there was hope they remained peaceable, but had hope
+been destroyed it would have been buried in blood.</p>
+
+<p>There was some dissatisfaction among the blacks with
+the apprenticeship. They thought they ought to be
+entirely free, and that their masters were deceiving
+them. They could not at first understand the conditions
+of the new system--there was some murmuring
+among them, but they thought it better, however, to
+wait six years for the boon, than to run the risk of
+losing it altogether by revolt.</p>
+
+<p>The expenses of the apprenticeship are about the same
+as during slavery. But under the free system, Mr.
+C. has no doubt they will be much less. He has made
+a calculation of the expenses of cultivating the estate
+on which he resides for one year during slavery, and
+what they will probably be for one year under the
+free system. He finds the latter are less by about
+$3,000.</p>
+
+<p>Real estate has increased in value more than thirty
+per rent. There is greater confidence in the security
+of property. Instances were related to us of estates
+that could not be sold at any price before emancipation,
+that within the last two years have been disposed of
+at great prices.</p>
+
+<p>The complaints to the magistrates, on the part of
+the planters, were very numerous at first, but have
+greatly diminished. They are of the most trivial and
+even ludicrous character. One of the magistrates says
+the greater part of the cases that come before him
+are from old women who cannot get their coffee early
+enough in the morning! and for offences of equal importance.</p>
+
+<p>Prejudice has much diminished since emancipation.
+The discussions in England prior to that period had
+done much to soften it down, but the abolition of
+slavery has given it its death blow.</p>
+
+<p>Such is a rapid sketch of the various topics touched
+upon during our interview with Mr. C. and his family.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_7"></a>
+Before we left the hospitable mansion of Lear's,
+we had the pleasure of meeting a company of gentlemen
+at dinner. With the exception of one, who was provost-marshal,
+they were merchants of Bridgetown. These gentlemen
+expressed their full concurrence in the statements
+of Mr. C., and gave additional testimony equally valuable.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. W., the provost-marshal, stated that he had the
+supervision of the public jail, and enjoyed the best
+opportunity of knowing the state of crime, and he
+was confident that there was a less amount of crime
+since emancipation than before. He also spoke of the
+increasing attention which the negroes paid to neatness
+of dress and personal appearance.</p>
+
+<p>The company broke up about nine o'clock, but
+not until we had seen ample evidence of the friendly
+feelings of all the gentlemen toward our object. There
+was not a single dissenting voice to any of the statements
+made, or any of the sentiments expressed. This fact
+shows that the prevailing feeling is in favor of freedom,
+and that too on the score of policy and self-interest.</p>
+
+<p>Dinner parties are in one sense a very safe pulse
+in all matters of general interest. They rarely beat
+faster than the heart of the community. No subject
+is likely to be introduced amid the festivities of
+a fashionable circle, until it is fully endorsed by
+public sentiment.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_8"></a>
+Through the urgency of Mr. C., we were induced to
+remain all night. Early the next morning, he proposed
+a ride before breakfast to Scotland. Scotland is the
+name given to an abrupt, hilly section, in the north
+of the island. It is about five miles from Mr. C.'s,
+and nine from Bridgetown. In approaching, the prospect
+bursts suddenly upon the eye, extorting an involuntary
+exclamation of surprise. After riding for miles, through
+a country which gradually swells into slight elevations,
+or sweeps away in rolling plains, covered with cane,
+yams, potatoes, eddoes, corn, and grass, alternately,
+and laid out with the regularity of a garden; after
+admiring the cultivation, beauty, and skill exhibited
+on every hand, until almost wearied with viewing the
+creations of art; the eye at once falls upon a scene
+in which is crowded all the wildness and abruptness
+of nature in one of her most freakish moods--a
+scene which seems to defy the hand of cultivation
+and the graces of art. We ascended a hill on the border
+of this section, which afforded us a complete view.
+To describe it in one sentence, it is an immense basin,
+from two to three miles in diameter at the top, the
+edges of which are composed of ragged hills, and the
+sides and bottom of which are diversified with myriads
+of little hillocks and corresponding indentations.
+Here and there is a small sugar estate in the bottom,
+and cultivation extends some distance up the sides,
+though this is at considerable risk, for not infrequently,
+large tracts of soil, covered with cane or provisions,
+slide down, over-spreading the crops below, and destroying
+those which they carry with them.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. C. pointed to the opposite side of the basin to
+a small group of stunted trees, which he said were
+the last remains of the Barbadoes forests. In the
+midst of them there is a boiling spring of considerable
+notoriety.</p>
+
+<p>In another direction, amid the rugged precipices,
+Mr. C. pointed out the residences of a number of poor
+white families, whom he described as the most degraded,
+vicious, and abandoned people in the island--"very
+far below the negroes." They live promiscuously,
+are drunken, licentious, and poverty-stricken,--a
+body of most squalid and miserable human beings.</p>
+
+<p>From the height on which we stood, we could see the
+ocean nearly around the island, and on our right and
+left, overlooking the basin below us, rose the two
+highest points of land of which Barbadoes can boast.
+The white marl about their naked tops gives them a
+bleak and desolate appearance, which contrasts gloomily
+with the verdure of the surrounding cultivation.</p>
+
+<p>After we had fully gratified ourselves with viewing
+the miniature representation of old Scotia, we descended
+again into the road, and returned to Lear's.
+We passed numbers of men and women going towards town
+with loads of various kinds of provisions on their
+heads. Some were black, and others were white--of
+the same class whose huts had just been shown us amid
+the hills and ravines of Scotland. We observed that
+the latter were barefoot, and carried their loads
+on their heads precisely like the former. As we passed
+these busy pedestrians, the blacks almost uniformly
+courtesied or spoke; but the whites did not appear
+to notice us. Mr. C inquired whether we were not struck
+with this difference in the conduct of the two people,
+remarking that he had always observed it. It is very
+seldom, said he, that I meet a negro who does not speak
+to me politely; but this class of whites either pass
+along without looking up, or cast a half-vacant, rude
+stare into one's face, without opening their
+mouths. Yet this people, he added, veriest raggamuffins
+that they are, despise the negroes, and consider it
+quite degrading to put themselves on term of equity
+with them. They will beg of blacks more provident and
+industrious than themselves, or they will steal their
+poultry and rob their provision grounds at night;
+but they would disdain to associate with them. Doubtless
+these <i>sans culottes</i> swell in their dangling
+rags with the haughty consciousness that they possess
+<i>white skins</i>. What proud reflections they
+must have, as they pursue their barefoot way, thinking
+on their high lineage, and running back through the
+long list of their illustrious ancestry whose notable
+<a name="IV_9"></a>
+badge was a <i>white skin</i>! No wonder they
+cannot stop to bow to the passing stranger. These sprouts
+of the Caucasian race are known among the Barbadians
+by the rather ungracious name of <i>Red Shanks</i>.
+They are considered the pest of the island, and are
+far more troublesome to the police, in proportion to
+their members, than the apprentices. They are estimated
+at about eight thousand.</p>
+
+<p>The origin of this population we learned was the following:
+It has long been a law in Barbadoes, that each proprietor
+should provide a white man for every sixty slaves
+in his possession, and give him an acre of land, a
+house, and arms requisite for defence of the island
+in case of insurrection. This caused an importation
+of poor whites from Ireland and England, and their
+number has been gradually increasing until the present
+time.</p>
+
+<p>During our stay of nearly two days with Mr. C., there
+was nothing to which he so often alluded as to the
+security from danger which was now enjoyed by the
+planters. As he sat in his parlor, surrounded by his
+affectionate family, the sense of personal and domestic
+security appeared to be a luxury to him. He repeatedly
+expressed himself substantially thus: "During
+the existence of slavery, how often have I retired
+to bed <i>fearing</i> <i>that I should have
+my throat cut before morning</i>, but <i>now</i>
+the danger is all over."</p>
+
+<p>We took leave of Lear's, after a protracted
+visit, not without a pressing invitation from Mr.
+C. to call again.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="IV_10"></a>
+<b>SECOND VISIT TO LEAR'S.</b></p>
+
+<p>The following week, on Saturday afternoon, we received
+a note from Mr. C., inviting us to spend the Sabbath
+at Lear's, where we might attend service at
+a neighboring chapel, and see a congregation composed
+chiefly of apprentices. On our arrival, we received
+a welcome from the residents, which reassured us of
+their sympathy in our object. We joined the family
+circle around the centre table, and spent the evening
+in free conversation on the subject of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>During the evening Mr. C. stated, that he had lately
+met with a planter who, for some years previous to
+emancipation, and indeed up to the very event, maintained
+that it was utterly impossible for such a thing ever
+to take place. The mother country, he said, could not
+be so mad as to take a step which must inevitably
+ruin the colonies. <i>Now</i>, said Mr. C., this
+planter would be one of the last in the island to vote
+for a restoration of slavery; nay, he even wishes
+to have the apprenticeship terminated at once, and
+entire freedom given to the people. Such changes as
+this were very common.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. C. remarked that during slavery, if the negro
+ventured to express an opinion about any point of
+management, he was met at once with a reprimand. If
+one should say, "I think such a course would
+he best," or, "Such a field of cane is
+fit for cutting," the reply would be, "<i>Think</i>!
+you have no right to think any thing about it. <i>Do
+as I bid you</i>." Mr. C. confessed frankly,
+that he had often used such language himself. Yet
+at the same time that he affected such contempt for
+the opinions of the slaves, he used to go around secretly
+among the negro houses at night to overhear their
+conversation, and ascertain their views. Sometimes
+he received very valuable suggestions from them, which
+he was glad to avail himself of, though he was careful
+not to acknowledge their origin.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after supper, Miss E., one of Mr. C.'s
+daughters, retired for the purpose of teaching a class
+of colored children which came to her on Wednesday
+and Saturday nights. A sister of Miss E. has a class
+on the same days at noon.</p>
+
+<p>During the evening we requested the favor of seeing
+Miss E.'s school. We were conducted by a flight
+of stairs into the basement story, where we found
+her sitting in a small recess, and surrounded by a
+dozen negro girls; from the ages of eight to fifteen.
+She was instructing them from the Testament, which
+most of them could read fluently. She afterwards heard
+them recite some passages which they had committed
+to memory, and interspersed the recitations with appropriate
+remarks of advice and exhortation.</p>
+
+<p>It is to be remarked that Miss E. commenced instructing
+after the abolition; before that event the idea of
+such an employment would have been rejected as degrading.</p>
+
+<p>At ten o'clock on Sabbath morning, we drove
+to the chapel of the parish, which is a mile and a
+half from Lear's. It contains seats for five
+hundred persons. The body of the house is appropriated
+to the apprentices. There were upwards of four hundred
+persons, mostly apprentices, present, and a more quiet
+and attentive congregation we have seldom seen. The
+people were neatly dressed. A great number of the
+men wore black or blue cloth. The females were generally
+dressed in white. The choir was composed entirely
+of blacks, and sung with characteristic excellence.</p>
+
+<p>There was so much intelligence in the countenances
+of the people, that we could scarcely believe we were
+looking on a congregation of lately emancipated slaves.</p>
+
+<p>We returned to Lear's. Mr. C. noticed the change
+which has taken place in the observance of the Sabbath
+since emancipation. Formerly the smoke would be often
+seen at this time of day pouring from the chimneys
+of the boiling-houses; but such a sight has not been
+seen since slavery disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Sunday used to be the day for the negroes to work
+on their grounds; now it is a rare thing for them
+to do so. Sunday markets also prevailed throughout
+the island, until the abolition of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. C. continued to speak of slavery. "I sometimes
+wonder," said he, "at myself, when I think
+how long I was connected with slavery; but self-interest
+and custom blinded me to its enormities." Taking
+a short walk towards sunset, we found ourselves on
+the margin of a beautiful pond, in which myriads of
+small gold fishes were disporting--now circling
+about in rapid evolutions, and anon leaping above the
+surface, and displaying their brilliant sides in the
+rays of the setting sun. When we had watched for some
+moments their happy gambols, Mr. C. turned around
+and broke a twig from a bush that stood behind us;
+"<i>there is a bush</i>," said he,
+"<i>which has committed many a murder</i>."
+On requesting him to explain, he said, that the root
+of it was a most deadly poison, and that the slave
+women used to make a decoction of it and give to their
+infants to destroy them; many a child had been murdered
+in this way. Mothers would kill their children, rather
+than see them <i>grow up to be slaves</i>. "Ah,"
+he continued, in a solemn tone, pausing a moment and
+looking at us in a most earnest manner, "I could
+write a book about the evils of slavery. I could write
+a book about these things."</p>
+
+<p>What a volume of blackness and blood![<a name="AE2_FR29"></a><a href="#AE2_FN29">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN29"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR29">A</a>: We are here reminded of a fact stated
+by Mr. C. on another occasion. He said, that he once
+attended at the death of a planter who had been noted
+for his severity to his slaves. It was the most horrid
+scene he ever witnessed. For hours before his death
+he was in the extremest agony, and the only words
+which he uttered were, "Africa. O Africa!"
+These words he repeated every few minutes, till he
+died. And such a ghastly countenance, such distortions
+of the muscles, such a hellish glare of the eye, and
+such convulsions of the body--it made him
+shudder to think of them.]</p>
+
+<p>When we arose on Monday morning, the daylight has
+scarcely broken. On looking out of the window, we
+saw the mill slowly moving in the wind, and the field
+gang were going out to their daily work. Surely, we
+thought, this does not look much like the laziness
+and insubordination of freed negroes. After dressing,
+we walked down to the mill, to have some conversation
+with the people. They all bade us a cordial "good
+mornin'." The <i>tender</i> of the
+mill was an old man, whose despised locks were gray
+and thin, and on whose brow the hands of time and sorrow
+had written many effaceless lines. He appeared hale
+and cheerful, and answered our questions in distinct
+intelligible language. We asked him how they were
+all getting along under the new system. "Very
+well, massa," said he, "very well, thank
+God. All peaceable and good." "Do you
+like the apprenticeship better then slavery?"
+"Great deal better, massa; we is doing well
+now." "You like the apprenticeship as well
+as freedom, don't you?" "O <i>no</i>
+me massa, freedom <i>till better</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"What will you do when you are entirely free?"</p>
+
+<p>"We must work; all have to work when de free
+come, white and black." "You are old,
+and will not enjoy freedom long; why do you wish for
+freedom, then?" "Me want to <i>die</i>
+free, massa--good ting to die free, and
+me want to see <i>children</i> free too."</p>
+
+<p>We continued at Lear's during Monday, to be
+in readiness for a tour to the windward of the island,
+which Mr. C. had projected for us, and on which we
+were to set out early the next morning. In the course
+of the day we had opportunities of seeing the apprentices
+in almost every situation--in the field,
+at the mill, in the boiling-house, moving to and from
+work, and at rest. In every aspect in which we viewed
+them, they appeared cheerful, amiable, and easy of
+control. It was admirable to see with what ease and
+regularity every thing moved. An estate of nearly
+seven hundred acres, with extensive agriculture, and
+a large manufactory and distillery, employing three
+hundred apprentices, and supporting twenty-five horses,
+one hundred and thirty head of horned cattle, and
+hogs, sheep; and poultry in proportion, is manifestly
+a most complicated machinery. No wonder it should
+have been difficult to manage during slavery, when
+the main spring was absent, and every wheel out of
+gear.</p>
+
+<p>We saw the apprentices assemble after twelve o'clock,
+to receive their allowances of yams. These provisions
+are distributed to them twice every week--on
+Monday and Thursday. They were strewed along the yard
+in heaps of fifteen pounds each. The apprentices came
+with baskets to get their allowances. It resembled
+a market scene, much chattering and talking, but no
+anger. Each man, woman, and child, as they got their
+baskets filled, placed them of their heads, and marched
+off to their several huts.</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="IV_11"></a>
+On Tuesday morning, at an early hour, Mr. C. took
+us in his phaeton on our projected excursion. It was
+a beautiful morning. There was a full breeze from
+the east, which had already started the ponderous wings
+of the wind-mills, in every direction. The sun was
+shaded by light clouds, which rendered the air quite
+cool. Crossing the rich valley in which the Bell estate
+and other noble properties are situated, we ascended
+the cliffs of St. John's--a ridge
+extending through the parish of that name and as we
+rode along its top, eastward, we had a delightful view
+of sea and land. Below us on either hand lay vast
+estates glowing in the, verdure of summer, and on
+three sides in the distance stretched the ocean. Rich
+swells of land, cultivated and blooming like a vast
+garden, extended to the north as far as the eye could
+reach, and on every other side down to the water's
+edge. One who has been accustomed to the wildness
+of American scenery, and to the imperfect cultivation,
+intercepted with woodland, which yet characterizes
+the even the oldest portions of the United States,
+might revel for a time amid the sunny meadows. The
+waving cane fields, the verdant provision grounds,
+the acres of rich black soil without a blade of grass,
+and divided into beds two feet square for the cane
+plants with the precision almost of the cells of a
+honey comb; and withal he might be charmed with the
+luxurious mansions--more luxurious than
+superb--surrounded with the white cedar,
+the cocoa-nut tree, and the tall, rich mountain cabbage--the
+most beautiful of all tropical trees; but perchance
+it would not require a very long excursion to weary
+him with the artificiality of the scenery, and cause
+him to sigh for the "woods and wilds,"
+the "banks and braes," of his own majestic
+country.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_12"></a>
+After an hour and a half's drive, we reached
+Colliton estate, where we were engaged to breakfast.
+We met a hearty welcome from the manager, Samuel Hinkston,
+Esq. we were soon joined by several gentlemen whom
+Mr. H. had invited to take breakfast with us; these
+were the Rev. Mr. Gittens, rector of St. Philip's
+parish, (in which Colliton estate is situated,) and
+member of the colonial council; Mr. Thomas, an extensive
+attorney of Barbadoes; and Dr. Bell, a planter of Demerara--then
+on a visit to the island. We conversed with each of
+the gentlemen separately, and obtained their individual
+views respecting emancipation.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_13"></a>
+Mr. Hinkston has been a planter for thirty-six years,
+and is highly esteemed throughout the island. The
+estate which he manages, ranks among the first in
+the island. It comprises six hundred acres of superior
+land, has a population of two hundred apprentices,
+and yields an average crop of one hundred and eighty
+hogsheads. Together with his long experience and standing
+as a planter, Mr. H. has been for many years local
+magistrate for the parish in which he resides. From
+these circumstances combined, we are induced to give
+his opinions on a variety of points.</p>
+
+<p>1. He remarked that the planters were getting along
+<i>infinitely</i> better under the new system
+than they ever did under the old. Instead of regretting
+that the change had taken place, he is looking forward
+with pleasure to a better change in 1840, and he only
+regrets that it is not to come sooner.</p>
+
+<p>2. Mr. H. said it was generally conceded that the
+island was never under better cultivation than at
+the present time. The crops for this year will exceed
+the average by several thousand hogsheads. The canes
+were planted in good season, and well attended to
+afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>3. Real estate has risen very much since emancipation.
+Mr. H. stated that he had lately purchased a small
+sugar estate, for which he was obliged to give several
+hundred pounds more than it would have cost him before
+1834.</p>
+
+<p>4. There is not the least sense of insecurity now.
+Before emancipation there was much fear of insurrection,
+but that fear passed away with slavery.</p>
+
+<p>5. The prospect for 1840 is good. That people have
+no fear of ruin after emancipation, is proved by the
+building of sugar works on estates which never had
+any before, and which were obliged to cart their canes
+to neighbouring estates to have them ground and manufactured.
+There are also numerous improvements making on the
+larger estates. Mr. H. is preparing to make a new
+mill and boiling-house on Colliton, and other planters
+are doing the same. Arrangements are making too in
+various directions to build new negro villages on
+a more commodious plan.</p>
+
+<p>6. Mr. H. says he finds his apprentices perfectly
+ready to work for wages during their own time. Whenever
+he needs their labor on Saturday, he has only to ask
+them, and they are ready to go to the mill, or field
+at once. There has not been an instance on Colliton
+estate in which the apprentices have refused to work,
+either during the hours required by law, or during
+their own time. When he does not need their services
+on Saturday, they either hire themselves to other
+estates or work on their own grounds.</p>
+
+<p>7. Mr. H. was ready to say, both as a planter and
+a magistrate, that vice and crime generally had decreased,
+and were still on the decrease. Petty thefts are the
+principal offences. He has not had occasion to send
+a single apprentice to the court of sessions for the
+last six months.</p>
+
+<p>8. He has no difficulty in managing his people--far
+less than he did when they were slaves. It is very
+seldom that he finds it necessary to call in the aid
+of the special magistrate. Conciliatory treatment is
+generally sufficient to maintain order and industry
+among the apprentices.</p>
+
+<p>9. He affirms that the negroes have no disposition
+to be revengeful. He has never seen any thing like
+revenge.</p>
+
+<p>10. His people are as far removed from insolence as
+from vindictiveness. They have been uniformly civil.</p>
+
+<p>11. His apprentices have more interest in the affairs
+of the estate, and he puts more confidence in them
+than he ever did before.</p>
+
+<p>12. He declares that the working of the apprenticeship,
+as also that of entire freedom, depends entirely on
+the <i>planters</i>. If they act with common
+humanity and reason, there is no fear but that the
+apprentices will be peaceable.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Thomas is attorney for fifteen estates, on which
+there are upwards of two thousand five hundred apprentices.
+We were informed that he had been distinguished as
+a <i>severe disciplinarian</i> under the old reign,
+or in plain terms, had been a <i>cruel man and a
+hard driver</i>; but he was one of those who, since
+emancipation, have turned about and conformed their
+mode of treatment to the new system. In reply to our
+inquiry how the present system was working, he said,
+"infinitely better (such was his language) than
+slavery. I succeed better on all the estates under
+my charge than I did formerly. I have far less difficulty
+with the people. I have no reason to complain of their
+conduct. However, I think they will do still better
+after 1840."</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_14"></a>
+We made some inquiries of Dr. Bell concerning the
+results of abolition in Demerara. He gave a decidedly
+flattering account of the working of the apprenticeship
+system. No fears are entertained that Demerara will
+be ruined after 1840. On the contrary it will be greatly
+benefited by emancipation. It is now suffering from
+a want of laborers, and after 1840 there will be an
+increased emigration to that colony from the older
+and less productive colonies. The planters of Demerara
+are making arrangements for cultivating sugar on a
+larger scale than ever before. Estates are selling
+at very high prices. Every thing indicates the fullest
+confidence on the part of the planters that the prosperity
+of the colony will not only be permanent, but progressive.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_15"></a>
+We made some inquiries of Dr. Bell concerning the
+<p>After breakfast we proceeded to the Society's
+estate. We were glad to see this estate, as its history
+is peculiar. In 1726 it was bequeathed by General
+Coddington to a society in England, called "The
+Society for the promotion of Christian Knowledge."
+The proceeds of the estate were to be applied to the
+support of an institution in Barbadoes, for educating
+missionaries of the established order. Some of the
+provisions of the will were that the estate should
+always have three hundred slaves upon it; that it
+should support a school for the education of the negro
+children who were to be taught a portion of every day
+until they were twelve years old, when they were to
+go into the field; and that there should be a chapel
+built upon it. The negroes belonging to the estate
+have for upwards of a hundred years been under this
+kind of instruction. They have all been taught to
+read, though in many instances they have forgotten
+all they learned, having no opportunity to improve
+after they left school. They enjoy some other comforts
+peculiar to the Society's estate. They have
+neat cottages built apart--each on a half-acre
+lot, which belongs to the apprentice and for the cultivation
+of which he is a allowed one day out of the five working
+days. Another peculiarity is, that the men and women
+work in separate gangs.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_16"></a>
+At this estate we procured horses to ride to the College.
+We rode by the chapel and school-house belonging to
+the Society's estate which are situated on the
+row of a high hill. From the same hill we caught a
+view of Coddrington college, which is situated on
+a low bottom extending from the foot of the rocky
+cliff on which we stood to the sea shore, a space
+of quarter of a mile. It is a long, narrow, ill-constructed
+edifice.</p>
+
+<p>We called on the principal, Rev. Mr. Jones, who received
+us very cordially, and conducted us over the buildings
+and the grounds connected with them. The college is
+large enough to accommodate a hundred students. It
+is fitted out with lodging rooms, various professors'
+departments, dining hall, chapel, library, and all
+the appurtenances of a university. The number of student
+at the close of the last term was <i>fifteen</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The professors, two in number, are supported by a
+fund, consisting of &pound;40,000 sterling, which has in
+part accumulated from the revenue of the estate.</p>
+
+<p>The principal spoke favorably of the operation of
+the apprenticeship in Barbadoes, and gave the negroes
+a decided superiority over the lower class of whites.
+He had seen only one colored beggar since he came to
+the island, but he was infested with multitudes of
+white ones.</p>
+
+<p>It is intended to improve the college buildings as
+soon as the toil of apprentices on the Society's
+estate furnishes the requisite means. This robbing
+of God's image to promote education is horrible
+enough, taking the wages of slavery to spread the
+kingdom of Christ!</p>
+
+<p>On re-ascending the hill, we called at the Society's
+school. There are usually in attendance about one
+hundred children, since the abolition of slavery.
+Near the school-house is the chapel of the estate,
+a neat building, capable of holding three or four
+hundred people. Adjacent to the chapel is the burial
+ground for the negroes belonging to the Society's
+estate. We noticed several neat tombs, which appeared
+to have been erected only a short time previous. They
+were built of brick, and covered over with lime, so
+as to resemble white marble slabs. On being told that
+these were erected by the negroes themselves over the
+bodies of their friends, we could not fail to note
+so beautiful an evidence of their civilization and
+humanity. We returned to the Society's estate,
+where we exchanged our saddles for the phaeton, and
+proceeded on our eastward tour.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_17"></a>
+Mr. C. took us out of the way a few miles to show
+us one of the few curiosities of which Barbadoes can
+boast. It is called the "Horse." The shore
+for some distance is a high and precipitous ledge of
+rocks, which overhangs the sea in broken cliffs. In
+one place a huge mass has been riven from the main
+body of rock and fallen into the sea. Other huge fragments
+have been broken off in the same manner. In the midst
+of these, a number of steps have been cut in the rock
+for the purpose of descending to the sea. At the bottom
+of these steps, there is a broad platform of solid
+rock, where one may stand securely, and hear the waves
+breaking around him like heavy thunders. Through the
+fissures we could see the foam and spray mingling
+with the blue of the ocean, and flashing in the sunshine.
+To the right, between the largest rock and the main
+land, there is a chamber of about ten feet wide, and
+twenty feet long. The fragment, which forms one of
+its sides, leans towards the main rock, and touches
+it at top, forming a roof, with here and there a fissure,
+through which the light enters. At the bottom of the
+room there is a clear bed of water, which communicates
+with the sea by a small aperture under the rock. It
+is as placid as a summer pond, and is fitted with
+steps for a bathing place. Bathe, truly! with the sea
+ever dashing against the side, and roaring and reverberating
+with deafening echo.</p>
+
+<p>On a granite slab, fixed in the side of the rock at
+the bottom of the first descent is an inscription.
+Time has very much effaced the letters, but by the
+aid of Mr. C.'s memory, we succeeded in deciphering
+them. They will serve as the hundred and first exemplification
+of the Bonapartean maxim--"There is
+but one step from the sublime to the ridiculous."</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"In this remote, and hoarse resounding place,<br>
+Which billows clash, and craggy cliffs embrace,<br>
+These babbling springs amid such horrors rise,<br>
+But armed with virtue, horrors we despise.<br>
+Bathe undismayed, nor dread the impending rock,<br>
+'Tis virtue shields us from each adverse shock.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>GENIO</i> LOCI SACRUM POSUIT J.R.
+MARTIS MENSE 1769"</p></blockquote>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_18"></a>
+From the "Crane," which is the name given
+to that section of the country in which the "Horse"
+is situated, we bent our way in a southerly direction
+to the Ridge estate, which was about eight miles distant,
+where we had engaged to dine. On the way we passed
+an estate which had just been on fire. The apprentices,
+fearing lest their houses should be burnt, had carried
+away all the moveables from them, and deposited them
+in separate heaps, on a newly ploughed field. The very
+doors and window shutters had been torn off and carried
+into the field, several acres of which were strewed
+over with piles of such furniture. Mr. C. was scarcely
+less struck with this scene than we were, and he assured
+us that he had never known such providence manifested
+on a similar occasion during slavery.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_19"></a>
+At the Ridge estate we met Mr. Clarke, manager at
+Staple Grove estate, Mr. Applewhitte of Carton, and
+a brother of Mr. C. The manager, Mr. Cecil, received
+us with the customary cordiality.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Clarke is the manager of an estate on which there
+are two hundred apprentices. His testimony was, that
+the estate was better cultivated since abolition than
+before, and that it is far easier to control the laborers,
+and secure uniformity of labor under the present system.
+He qualified this remark, by saying, that if harsh
+or violent measures were used, there would be more
+difficulty now than during slavery; but kind treatment
+and a conciliatory spirit never failed to secure peace
+and industry. At the time of abolition, Mr. C. owned
+ten slaves, whom he entirely emancipated. Some of
+these still remain with him as domestics; others are
+hired on an adjoining estate. One of those who left
+him to work on another estate, said to him, "Massa,
+whenever you want anybody to help you, send to me,
+and I'll come. It makes no odds when it is--I'll
+be ready at any time--day or night."
+Mr. C. declared himself thoroughly convinced of the
+propriety of immediate emancipation; though he was
+once a violent opposer of abolition. He said, that
+if he had the power, be would emancipate every apprentice
+on his estate to-morrow. As we were in the sugar-house
+examining the quality of the sugar, Mr. C. turned
+to one of us, and putting his hand on a hogshead, said,
+"You do not raise this article in your state,
+(Kentucky,) I believe." On being answered in
+the negative, he continued, "Well, we will excuse
+you, then, somewhat in your state--you can't
+treat your slaves so cruelly there. <i>This, this</i>
+is the dreadful thing! Wherever sugar is cultivated
+by slaves, there is extreme suffering."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Applewhitte said emphatically, that there was
+no danger in entire emancipation. He was the proprietor
+of more than a hundred apprentices and he would like
+to see them all free at once.</p>
+
+<p>During a long sitting at the dinner table, emancipation
+was the topic, and we were gratified with the perfect
+unanimity of sentiment among these planters. After
+the cloth was removed, and we were about leaving the
+table, Mr. Clarke begged leave to propose a toast.
+Accordingly, the glasses of the planters were once
+more filled, and Mr. C., bowing to us, gave our health,
+and "success to our laudable undertaking,"--"<i>most</i>
+laudable undertaking," added Mr. Applewhitte,
+and the glasses were emptied. Had the glasses contained
+water instead of wine, our gratification would have
+been complete. It was a thing altogether beyond our
+most sanguine expectations, that a company of planters,
+all of whom were but three years previous the actual
+oppressors of the slave, should be found wishing success
+to the cause of emancipation.</p>
+
+<p>At half past eight o'clock, we resumed our seats
+in Mr. C.'s phaeton, and by the nearest route
+across the country, returned to Lear's. Mr. C.
+entertained us by the way with eulogies upon the industry
+and faithfulness of his apprentices. It was, he said,
+one of the greatest pleasures he experienced, to visit
+the different estates under his charge, and witness
+the respect and affection which the apprentices entertained
+towards him. Their joyful welcome, their kind attentions
+during his stay with them, and their hearty 'good-bye,
+massa,' when he left, delighted him.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_20"></a>
+<b>VISIT TO COLONEL ASHBY'S.</b></p>
+
+<p>We were kindly invited to spend a day at the mansion
+of Colonel Ashby, an aged and experienced planter,
+who is the proprietor of the estate on which he resides.
+Colonel A.'s estate is situated in the parish
+of Christ Church, and is almost on the extreme point
+of a promontory, which forms the southernmost part
+of the island. An early and pleasant drive of nine
+miles from Bridgetown, along the southeastern coast
+of the island, brought us to his residence. Colonel
+A. is a native of Barbadoes, has been a practical
+planter since 1795, and for a long time a colonial
+magistrate, and commander of the parish troops. His
+present estate contains three hundred and fifty acres,
+and has upon it two hundred and thirty apprentices,
+with a large number of free children. His average
+crop is eighty large hogsheads. Colonel A. remarked
+to us, that he had witnessed many cruelties and enormities
+under "the reign of terror." He said,
+that the abolition of slavery had been an incalculable
+blessing, but added, that he had not always entertained
+the same views respecting emancipation. Before it
+took place, he was a violent opposer of any measure
+tending to abolition. He regarded the English abolitionists,
+and the anti-slavery members in parliament, with unmingled
+hatred. He had often cursed Wilberforce most bitterly,
+and thought that no doom either in this life, or in
+the life to come, was too bad for him. "But,"
+he exclaimed, "how mistaken I was about that
+man--I am convinced of it now--O
+he was a good man--<i>a noble philanthropist</i>!--<i>if
+there is a chair in heaven, Wilberforce is in it</i>!"
+Colonel A. is somewhat sceptical, which will account
+for his hypothetical manner of speaking about heaven.</p>
+
+<p>He said that he found no trouble in managing his apprentices.
+As local or colonial magistrate, in which capacity
+he still continued to act he had no cases of serious
+crime to adjudicate, and very few cases of petty misdemeanor.
+Colonel A. stated emphatically, that the negroes were
+not disposed to leave their employment, unless the
+master was intolerably passionate and hard with them;
+as for himself, he did not fear losing a single laborer
+after 1840.</p>
+
+<p>He dwelt much on the trustiness and strong attachment
+of the negroes, where they are well treated. There
+were no people in the world that he would trust his
+property or life with sooner than negroes, provided
+he had the previous management of them long enough
+to secure their confidence. He stated the following
+fact in confirmation of this sentiment. During the
+memorable insurrection of 1816, by which the neighboring
+parishes were dreadfully ravaged, he was suddenly called
+from home on military duty. After he had proceeded
+some distance, he recollected that he had left five
+thousand dollars in an open desk at home. He immediately
+told the fact to his slave who was with him, and sent
+him back to take care of it. He knew nothing more of
+his money until the rebellion was quelled, and peace
+restored. On returning home, the slave led him to
+a cocoa-nut tree near by the house, and dug up the
+money, which he had buried under its roots. He found
+the whole sum secure. The negro, he said, might have
+taken the money, and he would never have suspected
+him, but would have concluded that it had been, in
+common with other larger sums, seized upon by the insurgents.
+Colonel A. said that it was impossible for him to
+mistrust the negroes as a body. He spoke in terms
+of praise also of the <i>conjugal attachment</i>
+of the negroes. His son, a merchant, stated a fact
+on this subject. The wife of a negro man whom he knew,
+became afflicted with that loathsome disease, the
+leprosy. The man continued to live with her, notwithstanding
+the disease was universally considered contagious
+and was peculiarly dreaded by the negroes. The man
+on being asked why he lived with his wife under such
+circumstances, said, that he had lived with her when
+she was well, and he could not bear to forsake her
+when she was in distress.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel A. made numerous inquiries respecting slavery
+in America. He said there certainly be insurrections
+in the slaveholding states, unless slavery was abolished.
+Nothing but abolition could put an end to insurrections.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_21"></a>
+Mr. Thomas, a neighboring planter, dined with us.
+He had not carried a complaint to the special magistrate
+against his apprentices for six months. He remarked
+particularly that emancipation had been a great blessing
+to the master; it brought freedom to him as well as
+to the slave.</p>
+
+<p>A few days subsequent to our visit to Colonel A.'s,
+the Reverend Mr. Packer, of the Established Church,
+called at our lodgings, and introduced a planter from
+the parish of St. Thomas. The planter is proprietor
+of an estate, and has eighty apprentices. His apprentices
+conduct themselves very satisfactorily, and he had
+not carried a half dozen complaints to the special
+magistrate since 1831. He said that cases of crime
+were very rare, as he had opportunity of knowing, being
+local magistrate. There were almost no penal offences
+brought before him. Many of the apprentices of St.
+Thomas parish were buying their freedom, and there
+were several cases of appraisement[<a name="AE2_FR2A"></a><a href="#AE2_FN2A">A</a>] every week. The
+Monday previous, six cases came before him, in four
+of which the apprentices paid the money on the spot.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN2A"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR2A">A</a>: When an apprentice signifies his wish
+to purchase his freedom, he applies to the magistrate
+for an appraisement. The appraisement is made by one
+special and two local magistrates.]</p>
+
+<p>Before this gentleman left, the Rev. Mr. C. called
+in with Mr. Pigeot, another planter, with whom we
+had a long conversation. Mr. P. has been a manager
+for many years. We had heard of him previously as the
+only planter in the island who had made an experiment
+in task work prior to abolition. He tried it for twenty
+months before that period on an estate of four hundred
+acres and two hundred people. His plan was simply to
+give each slave an ordinary day's work for a
+task; and after that was performed, the remainder
+of the time, if any, belonged to the slave. <i>No
+wages were allowed</i>. The gang were expected to
+accomplish just as much as they did before, and to
+do it as well, however long a time it might require;
+and if they could finish in half a day, the other half
+was their own, and they might employ it as they saw
+fit. Mr. P. said, he was very soon convinced of the
+good policy of the system; though he had one of the
+most unruly gangs of negroes to manage in the whole
+island. The results of the experiment he stated to
+be these:</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_22"></a>
+1. The usual day's work was done generally before
+the middle of the afternoon. Sometimes it was completed
+in five hours.</p>
+
+<p>2. The work was done as well as it was ever done under
+the old system. Indeed, the estate continued to improve
+in cultivation, and presented a far better appearance
+at the close of the twenty months than when he took
+the charge of it.</p>
+
+<p>3. The trouble of management was greatly diminished.
+Mr. P. was almost entirely released from the care
+of overseeing the work: he could trust it to the slaves.</p>
+
+<p>4. The whip was entirely laid aside. The idea of having
+a part of the day which they could call their own
+and employ for their own interests, was stimulus enough
+for the slaves without resorting to the whip.</p>
+
+<p>5. The time gained was not spent (as many feared and
+prophecied it would be) either in mischief or indolence.
+It was diligently improved in cultivating their provision
+grounds, or working for wages on neighboring estates.
+Frequently a man and his wife would commence early
+and work together until they got the work of both
+so far advanced that the man could finish it alone
+before night; and then the woman would gather on a
+load of yams and start for the market.</p>
+
+<p>6. The condition of the people improved astonishingly.
+They became one of the most industrious and orderly
+gangs in the parish. Under the former system they
+were considered inadequate to do the work of the estate,
+and the manager was obliged to hire additional hands
+every year, to take off the crop; but Mr. P. never
+hired any, though he made as large crops as were made
+formerly.</p>
+
+<p>7. After the abolition of slavery, his people chose
+to continue on the same system of task work.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. P. stated that the planters were universally opposed
+to his experiment. They laughed at the idea of making
+negroes work without using the whip; and they all
+prophesied that it would prove an utter failure. After
+some months' successful trial, he asked some
+of his neighbor planters what they thought of it then,
+and he appealed to than to say whether he did not
+get his work done as thoroughly and seasonably as
+they did theirs. They were compelled to admit it; but
+still they were opposed to his system, even more than
+ever. They called it an <i>innovation</i>--it
+was setting a bad example; and they honestly declared
+that they did not wish the slaves to <i>have any
+time of their own</i>. Mr. P. said, he was first
+induced to try the system of task work from a consideration
+that the negroes were men as well as himself, and deserved
+to he dealt with as liberally as their relation would
+allow. He soon found that what was intended as a favor
+to the slaves was really a benefit to the master.
+Mr. P. was persuaded that entire freedom would be
+better for all parties than apprenticeship. He had
+heard some fears expressed concerning the fate of
+the island after 1840; but he considered them very
+absurd.</p>
+
+<p>Although this planter looked forward with sanguine
+hopes to 1840, yet he would freely say that he did
+not think the apprenticeship would be any preparation
+for entire freedom. The single object with the great
+majority of the planters seemed to be to <i>get as
+much out</i> of the apprentices as they possibly
+could during the term. No attention had been paid
+to preparing the apprentices for freedom.</p>
+
+<p>We were introduced to a planter who was notorious
+during the reign of slavery for the <i>strictness
+of his discipline</i>, to use the Barbadian phrase,
+or, in plain English, for his rigorous treatment and
+his cruelty.</p>
+
+<p>He is the proprietor of three sugar estates and one
+cotton plantation in Barbadoes, on all of which there
+are seven hundred apprentices. He was a luxurious
+looking personage, bottle-cheeked and huge i'
+the midst, and had grown fat on slaveholding indulgences.
+He mingled with every sentence he uttered some profane
+expression, or solemn appeal to his "honor,"
+and seemed to be greatly delighted with hearing himself
+talk. He displayed all those prejudices which might
+naturally be looked for in a mind educated and trained
+as his had been. As to the conduct of the apprentices,
+he said they were peaceable and industrious, and mostly
+well disposed. But after all, the negroes were a perverse
+race of people. It was a singular fact, he said, that
+the severer the master, the better the apprentices.
+When the master was mild and indulgent, they were
+sure to be lazy, insolent, and unfaithful. <i>He
+knew this by experience; this was the case with </i>his <i>apprentices</i>.
+His house-servants especially were very bad. But there
+was one complaint he had against them all, domestics
+and praedials--they always hold him to the
+letter of the law, and are ready to arraign him before
+the special magistrate for every infraction of it
+on his part, however trifling. How ungrateful, truly!
+After being provided for with parental care from earliest
+infancy, and supplied yearly with two suits of clothes,
+and as many yams is they could eat and only having
+to work thirteen or fifteen hours per day in return;
+and now when they are no longer slaves, and new privileges
+are conferred to exact them to the full extent of the
+law which secures them--what ingratitude!
+How soon are the kindnesses of the past, and the hand
+that bestowed them, forgotten! Had these people possessed
+the sentiments of human beings, they would have been
+willing to take the boon of freedom and lay it at
+their master's feet, dedicating the remainder
+of their days to his discretionary service!</p>
+
+<p>But with all his violent prejudices, this planter
+stated some facts which are highly favorable to the
+apprentices.</p>
+
+<p>1. He frankly acknowledged that his estates were never
+under better cultivation than at the present time:
+and he could say the same of the estates throughout
+the island. The largest crops that have ever been
+made, will he realized this year.</p>
+
+<p>2. The apprentices are generally willing to work on
+the estates on Saturday whenever their labor is needed.</p>
+
+<p>3. The females are very much disposed to abandon field
+labor. He has great difficulty sometimes in inducing
+them to take their hoes and go out to the field along
+with the men; it was the case particularly <i>with
+the mothers!</i> This he regarded as a sore evil!</p>
+
+<p>4. The free children he represented as being in a
+wretched condition. Their parents have the entire
+management of them, an they are utterly opposed to
+having them employed on the estates. He condemned severely
+the course taken in a particular instance by the late
+Governor, Sir Lionel Smith. He took it upon himself
+to go around the island and advise the parents never
+to bind their children in any kind of apprenticeship
+to the planters. He told them that sooner than involve
+their free children in any way, they ought to "work
+their own fingers to the stubs." The consequence
+of this imprudent measure, said our informant, is
+that the planters have no control over the children
+born on their estates; and in many instances their
+parents have sent them away lest their <i>residence</i>
+on the property should, by some chance, give the planter
+a claim upon their services. Under the good old system
+the young children were placed together under the
+charge of some superannuated women, who were fit for
+nothing else, and the mothers went into the field
+to work; now the nursery is broken up, and the mothers
+spend half of their time "<i>in taking care
+of their brats</i>."</p>
+
+<p>5. As to the management of the working people, there
+need not he any more difficulty now then during slavery.
+If the magistrates, instead of encouraging the apprentices
+to complain and be insolent, would join their influence
+to support the authority of the planters, things might
+go on nearly as smoothly as before.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_23"></a>
+In company with Rev. Mr. Packer, late Rector of St.
+Thomas, we rode out to the Belle estate, which is
+considered one of the finest in the island. Mr. Marshall,
+the manager, received us cordially. He was selected,
+with two others, by Sir Lionel Smith, to draw up a
+scale of labor for general use in the island. There
+are five hundred acres in the estate, and two hundred
+and thirty-five apprenticed laborers. The manager
+stated that every thing was working well on his property.
+He corroborated the statements made by other planters
+with retard to the conduct of the apprentices. On
+one point he said the planters had found themselves
+greatly disappointed. It was feared that after emancipation
+the negroes would be very much verse to cultivating
+cane, as it was supposed that nothing but the whip
+could induce them to perform that species of labor.
+But the truth is, they now not only cultivate the
+estate lands better than they did when under the lash,
+but also cultivate a third of their half-acre allotments
+in cane on their own accounts. They would plant the
+whole in cane if they were not discouraged by the
+planter, whose principal objection to their doing so
+is that it would lead to the entire neglect of <i>provision
+cultivation</i>. The apprentices on Belle estate
+will make little short of one thousand dollars the
+present season by their sugar.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. M. stated that he was extensively acquainted with
+the cultivation of the island, and he knew that it
+was in a better condition than it had been for many
+years. There were twenty-four estates under the same
+attorneyship with the Belle, and they were all in the
+same prosperous condition.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_24"></a>
+A short time before we left Barbadoes we received
+an invitation from Col. Barrow, to breakfast with
+him at his residence on Edgecome estate--about
+eight miles from town. Mr. Cummins, a colored gentleman,
+a merchant of Bridgetown, and agent of Col. B., accompanied
+us.</p>
+
+<p>The proprietor of Edgecome is a native of Barbadoes,
+of polished manners and very liberal views. He has
+travelled extensively, has held many important offices,
+and is generally considered the <i>cleverest</i>
+man in the island. He is now a member of the council,
+and acting attorney for about twenty estates. He remarked
+that he had always desired emancipation, and had prepared
+himself for it; but that it had proved a greater blessing
+than he had expected. His apprentices did as much work
+as before, and it was done without the application
+of the whip. He had not had any cases of insubordination,
+and it was very seldom that he had any complaints
+to make to the special magistrate. "The apprentices."
+said he, "understand the meaning of law, and
+they regard its authority." He thought there
+was no such thing in the island as a <i>sense of
+insecurity</i>, either as respected person or property.
+Real estate had risen in value.</p>
+
+<p>Col. B. alluded to the expensiveness of slavery, remarking
+that after all that was expended in purchasing the
+slaves, it cost the proprietor as much to maintain
+them, as it would to hire free men. He spoke of the
+habit of exercising arbitrary power, which being in
+continual play up to the time of abolition, had become
+so strong that managers even yet gave way to it, and
+frequently punished their apprentices, in spite of
+all penalties. The fines inflicted throughout the
+island in 1836, upon planters, overseers, and others,
+for punishing apprentices, amounted to one thousand
+two hundred dollars. Col. B. said that he found the
+legal penalty so inadequate, that in his own practice
+he was obliged to resort to other means to deter his
+book-keepers and overseers from violence; hence he
+discharged every man under his control who was known
+to strike an apprentice. He does not think that the
+apprenticeship will be a means of preparing the negroes
+for freedom, nor does he believe that they <i>need</i>
+any preparation. He should have apprehended no danger,
+had emancipation taken place in 1834.</p>
+
+<p>At nine o'clock we sat down to breakfast. Our
+places were assigned at opposite sides of the table,
+between Col. B. and Mr. C. To an American eye, we
+presented a singular spectacle. A wealthy planter,
+a member of the legislative council, sitting at the
+breakfast table with a colored man, whose mother was
+a negress of the most unmitigated hue, and who himself
+showed a head of hair as curly as his mother's!
+But this colored guest was treated with all that courtesy
+and attention to which his intelligence, worth and
+accomplished manners so justly entitle him.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_25"></a>
+About noon, we left Edgecome, and drove two miles
+farther, to Horton--an estate owned by Foster
+Clarke, Esq., an attorney for twenty-two estates,
+who is now temporarily residing in England. The intelligent
+manager of Horton received us and our colored companion,
+with characteristic hospitality. Like every one else,
+he told us that the apprenticeship was far better
+than slavery, though he was looking forward to the
+still better system, entire freedom.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_26"></a>
+After we had taken a lunch, Mr. Cummins invited our
+host to take a seat, with us in his carriage, and
+we drove across the country to Drax Hall. Drax Hall
+is the largest estate in the island--consisting
+of eight hundred acres. The manager of this estate
+confirmed the testimony of the Barbadian planters
+in every important particular.</p>
+
+<p>From Drax Hall we returned to Bridgetown, accompanied
+by our friend Cummins.</p>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER II.</h4>
+
+<p><b>TESTIMONY OF SPECIAL MAGISTRATES, POLICE OFFICERS,
+CLERGYMEN, AND MISSIONARIES.</b></p>
+
+<p>Next in weight to the testimony of the planters is
+that of the special magistrates. Being officially
+connected with the administration of the apprenticeship
+system, and tire adjudicators in all difficulties between
+master and servant, their views of the system and of
+the conduct of the different parties are entitled
+to special consideration. Our interviews with this
+class of men were frequent during our stay in the island.
+We found them uniformly ready to communicate information,
+and free to express their sentiments.</p>
+
+<p>In Barbadoes there are seven special magistrates,
+presiding over as many districts, marked A, B, C,
+&amp;c., which include the whole of the apprentice population,
+praedial and non-praedial. These districts embrace
+an average of twelve thousand apprentices--some
+more and some less. All the complaints and difficulties
+which arise among that number of apprentices and their
+masters, overseers and book-keepers, are brought before
+the single magistrate presiding in the district in
+which they occur. From the statement of this fact
+it will appear in the outset either that the special
+magistrates have an incalculable amount of business
+to transact, or that the conduct of the apprentices
+is wonderfully peaceable. But more of this again.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_27"></a>
+About a week following our first interview with his
+excellency, Sir Evan McCregor, we received an invitation
+to dine at Government House with a company of gentlemen.
+On our arrival at six o'clock, we were conducted
+into a large antechamber above the dining hall, where
+we were soon joined by the Solicitor-General, Hon.
+R.B. Clarke. Dr. Clarke, a physician, Maj. Colthurst,
+Capt. Hamilton, and Mr. Galloway, special magistrates.
+The appearance of the Governor about an hour afterwards,
+was the signal for an adjournment to dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Slavery and emancipation were the engrossing topics
+during the evening. As our conversation was for the
+most part general, we were enabled to gather at the
+same time the opinions of all the persons present.
+There was, for aught we heard or could see to the
+contrary, an entire unanimity of sentiment. In the
+course of the evening we gathered the following facts
+and testimony:</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_28"></a>
+1. All the company testified to the benefits of abolition.
+It was affirmed that the island was never in so prosperous
+a condition as at present.</p>
+
+<p>2. The estates generally are better cultivated than
+they were during slavery. Said one of the magistrates:</p>
+
+<p>"If, gentlemen, you would see for yourselves
+the evidences of our successful cultivation, you need
+but to travel in any part of the country, and view
+the superabundant crops which are now being taken off;
+and if you would satisfy yourselves that emancipation
+has not been ruinous to Barbadoes, only cast your
+eyes over the land in any direction, and see the flourishing
+condition both of houses and fields: every thing is
+starting into new life."</p>
+
+<p>It as also stated that more work was done during the
+nine hours required by law, than was done during slavery
+in twelve or fifteen hours, with all the driving and
+goading which were then practised.</p>
+
+<p>3. Offences have not increased, but rather lessened.
+The Solicitor-General remarked, that the comparative
+state of crime could not be ascertained by a mere
+reference to statistical records, since previous to
+emancipation all offences were summarily punished by
+the planter. Each estate was a little despotism, and
+the manager took cognizance of all the misdemeanors
+committed among his slaves--inflicting such
+punishment as he thought proper. The public knew nothing
+about the offences of the slaves, unless something
+very atrocious was committed. But since emancipation
+has taken place, all offences, however trivial, come
+to the light and are recorded. He could only give
+a judgment founded on observation. It was his opinion,
+that there were fewer petty offences, such as thefts,
+larcenies, &amp;c., than during slavery. As for serious
+crime, it was hardly known in the island. The whites
+enjoy far greater safety of person and property than
+they did formerly.</p>
+
+<p>Maj. Colthurst, who is an Irishman, remarked, that
+he had long been a magistrate or justice of the peace
+in Ireland, and he was certain that at the present
+ratio of crime in Barbadoes, there would not be as
+much perpetrated in six years to come, as there is
+in Ireland among an equal population in six months.
+For his part, he had never found in any part of the
+world so peaceable and inoffensive a community.</p>
+
+<p>4. It was the unanimous testimony that there was no
+disposition among the apprentices to revenge injuries
+committed against them. <i>They are not a revengeful
+people</i>, but on the contrary are remarkable for
+forgetting wrongs, particularly when the are succeeded
+by kindness.</p>
+
+<p>5. The apprentices were described as being generally
+civil and respectful toward their employers. They
+were said to manifest more independence of feeling
+and action than they did when slaves; but were seldom
+known to be insolent unless grossly insulted or very
+harshly used.</p>
+
+<p>6. Ample testimony was given to the law-abiding character
+of the negroes. When the apprenticeship system was
+first introduced, they did not fully comprehend its
+provisions, and as they had anticipated entire freedom,
+they were disappointed and dissatisfied. But in a little
+while they became reconciled to the operations of
+the new system, and have since manifested a due subordination
+to the laws and authorities.</p>
+
+<p>7. There is great desire manifested among them to
+purchase their freedom. Not a week passes without
+a number of appraisements. Those who have purchased
+their freedom have generally conducted well, and in
+many instances are laboring on the same estates on
+which they were slaves.</p>
+
+<p>8. There is no difficulty in inducing the apprentices
+to work on Saturday. They are usually willing to work
+if proper wages are given them. If they are not needed
+on the estates, they either work on their own grounds,
+or on some neighboring estate.</p>
+
+<p>9. The special magistrates were all of the opinion
+that it would have been entirely safe to have emancipated
+the slaves of Barbadoes in 1834. They did not believe
+that any preparation was needed; but that entire emancipation
+would have been decidedly better than the apprenticeship.</p>
+
+<p>10. The magistrates also stated that the number of
+complaints brought before them was comparatively small,
+and it was gradually diminishing. The offences were
+of a very trivial nature, mostly cases of slight insubordination,
+such as impertinent replies and disobedience of orders.</p>
+
+<p>11. They stated that they had more trouble with petty
+overseers and managers and small proprietors than
+with the entire black population.</p>
+
+<p>12. The special magistrates further testified that
+wherever the planters have exercised common kindness
+and humanity, the apprentices have generally conducted
+peaceably. Whenever there are many complaints from
+one estate, it is presumable that the manager is a
+bad man.</p>
+
+<p>13. Real estate is much higher throughout the island
+than it has been for many years. A magistrate said
+that he had heard of an estate which had been in market
+for ten years before abolition and could not find a
+purchaser. In 1835, the year following abolition, it
+was sold for one third more than was asked for it
+two years before.</p>
+
+<p>14. It was stated that there was not a proprietor
+in the island, whose opinion was of any worth, who
+would wish to have slavery restored. Those who were
+mostly bitterly opposed to abolition, have become reconciled,
+and are satisfied that the change has been beneficial.
+The Solicitor-General was candid enough to own that
+he himself was openly opposed to emancipation. He
+had declared publicly and repeatedly while the measure
+was pending in Parliament, that abolition would ruin
+the colonies. But the results had proved so different
+that he was ashamed of his former forebodings. He
+had no desire ever to see slavery re-established.</p>
+
+<p>15. The first of August, 1834, was described as a
+day of remarkable quiet and tranquillity. The Solicitor-General
+remarked, that there were many fears for the results
+of that first day of abolition. He said he arose early
+that morning, and before eight o'clock rode through
+the most populous part of the island, over an extent
+of twelve miles. The negroes were all engaged in their
+work as on other days. A stranger riding through the
+island, and ignorant of the event which had taken place
+that morning, would have observed no indications of
+so extraordinary a change. He returned home satisfied
+that all would work well.</p>
+
+<p>16. The change in 1840 was spoken of as being associated
+with the most sanguine expectations. It was thought
+that there was more danger to be apprehended from
+the change in 1834. It was stated that there were about
+fifteen thousand non-praedials, who would then be emancipated
+in Barbadoes. This will most likely prove the occasion
+of much excitement and uneasiness, though it is not
+supposed that any thing serious will arise. The hope
+was expressed that the legislature would effect the
+emancipation of the whole population at that time.
+One of the magistrates informed us that he knew quite
+a number of planters in his district who were willing
+to liberate their apprentices immediately, but they
+were waiting for a general movement. It was thought
+that this state of feeling was somewhat extensive.</p>
+
+<p>17. The magistrates represented the negroes as naturally
+confiding and docile, yielding readily to the authority
+of those who are placed over them. Maj. Colthurst
+presides over a district of 9,000 apprentices; Capt.
+Hamilton over a district of 13,000, and Mr. Galloway
+over the same number. There are but three days in
+the week devoted to hearing and settling complaints.
+It is very evident that in so short a time it would
+be utterly impossible for one man to control and keep
+in order such a number, unless the subjects were of
+themselves disposed to be peaceable and submissive.
+The magistrates informed us that, notwithstanding the
+extent of their districts, they often did not have
+more than from a dozen to fifteen complaints in a
+week.</p>
+
+<p>We were highly gratified with the liberal spirit and
+the intelligence of the special magistrates. Major
+Colthurst is a gentleman of far more than ordinary
+pretensions to refinement and general information.
+He was in early life a justice of the peace in Ireland,
+he was afterwards a juror in his Majesty's service,
+and withal, has been an extensive traveller. Fifteen
+years ago he travelled in the United States, and passed
+through several of the slaveholding states, where
+he was shocked with the abominations of slavery. He
+was persuaded that slavery was worse in our country,
+than it has been for many years in the West Indies.
+Captain Hamilton was formerly an officer in the British
+navy. He seems quite devoted to his business, and
+attached to the interests of the apprentices. Mr.
+Galloway is a <i>colored</i> gentleman, highly
+respected for his talents. Mr. G. informed us that
+<i>prejudice</i> against color was rapidly diminishing--and
+that the present Governor was doing all in his power
+to discountenance it.</p>
+
+<p>The company spoke repeatedly of the <i>noble act
+of abolition, by which Great Britain had immortalized
+her name more than by all the achievements of her
+armies and navies.</i></p>
+
+<p>The warmest wishes were expressed for the abolition
+of slavery in the United States. All said they should
+rejoice when the descendants of Great Britain should
+adopt the noble example of their mother country. They
+hailed the present anti-slavery movements. Said the
+Solicitor-General, "We were once strangely opposed
+to the English anti-slavery party, but now we sympathize
+with you. Since slavery is abolished to our own colonies,
+and we see the good which results from the measure,
+we go for abolition throughout the world. Go on, gentlemen,
+we are with you; <i>we are all sailing in the same
+vessel.</i>"</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_29"></a>
+Being kindly invited by Captain Hamilton, during our
+interview with him at the government house, to call
+on him and attend his court, we availed ourselves
+of his invitation a few days afterwards. We left Bridgetown
+after breakfast, and as it chanced to be Saturday,
+we had a fine opportunity of seeing the people coming
+into market. They were strung all along the road for
+six miles, so closely, that there was scarcely a minute
+at any time in which we did not pass them. As far as
+the eye could reach there were files of men and women,
+moving peaceably forward. From the cross paths leading
+through the estates, the busy marketers were pouring
+into the highway. To their heads as usual was committed
+the safe conveyance of the various commodities. It
+was amusing to observe the almost infinite diversity
+of products which loaded them. There were sweet potatoes,
+yams, eddoes, Guinea and Indian corn, various fruits
+and berries, vegetables, nuts, cakes, bottled beer
+and empty bottles, bundles of sugar cane, bundles
+of fire wood, &amp;c. &amp;c. Here was one woman (the majority
+were females, as usual with the marketers in these
+islands) with a small black pig doubled up under her
+arm. Another girl had a brood of young chickens, with
+nest, coop, and all, on her head. Further along the
+road we were specially attracted by a woman who was
+trudging with an immense turkey elevated on her head.
+He quite filled the tray; head and tail projecting
+beyond its bounds. He advanced, as was very proper,
+head foremost, and it was irresistibly laughable to
+see him ever and anon stretch out his neck and peep
+under the tray, as though he would discover by what
+manner of locomotive it was that he got along so fast
+while his own legs were tied together.</p>
+
+<p>Of the hundreds whom we past, there were very few
+who were not well dressed, healthy, and apparently
+in good spirits. We saw nothing indecorous, heard
+no vile language, and witnessed no violence.</p>
+
+<p>About four miles from town, we observed on the side
+of the road a small grove of shade trees. Numbers
+of the marketers were seated there, or lying in the
+cool shade with their trays beside them. It seemed
+to be a sort of rendezvous place, where those going
+to, and those returning from town, occasionally halt
+for a time for the purpose of resting, and to tell
+and hear news concerning the state of the market. And
+why should not these travelling merchants have an
+exchange as well as the stationary ones of Bridgetown?</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_30"></a>
+On reaching the station-house, which is about six
+miles from town, we learned that Saturday was not
+one of the court days. We accordingly drove to Captain
+Hamilton's residence. <i>He stated that during
+the week he had only six cases of complaint among
+the thirteen thousand apprentices embraced in his
+district.</i> Saturday is the day set apart for
+the apprentices to visit him at his house for advice
+on any points connected with their duties. He had
+several calls while we were with him. One was from
+the mother of an apprentice girl who had been committed
+for injuring the master's son. She came to inform
+Captain H. that the girl had been whipped twice contrary
+to law, before her commitment. Captain H. stated that
+the girl had said nothing about this at the time of
+her trial; if she had, she would in all probability
+have been <i>set free</i>, instead of being <i>committed
+to prison</i>. He remarked that he had no question
+but there were numerous cases of flogging on the estates
+which never came to light. The sufferers were afraid
+to inform against their masters, lest they should
+be treated still worse. The opportunity which he gave
+them of coming, to him one day in the week for private
+advice, was the means of exposing many outrages which
+would otherwise he unheard of: He observed that there
+were not a few whom he had liberated on account of
+the cruelty of their masters.</p>
+
+<p>Captain H. stated that the apprentices were much disposed
+to purchase their freedom. To obtain money to pay
+for themselves they practice the most severe economy
+and self-denial in the very few indulgences which
+the law grants them. They sometimes resort to deception
+to depreciate their value with the appraisers. He
+mentioned an instance of a man who lead for many years
+been an overseer on a large estate. Wishing to purchase
+himself, and knowing that his master valued him very
+highly, he permitted his beard to grow; gave his face
+a wrinkled and haggard appearance, and bound a handkerchief
+about his head. His clothes were suffered to become
+ragged and dirty, and he began to feign great weakness
+in his limbs, and to complain of a "misery all
+down his back." He soon appeared marked with
+all the signs of old age and decrepitude. In this
+plight, and leaning on a stick, he hobbled up to the
+station-house one day, and requested to be appraised.
+He was appraised at &pound;10, which he immediately paid.
+A short time afterwards, he engaged himself to a proprietor
+to manage a small estate for &pound;30 per year in cash
+and his own maintenance, all at once grew vigorous
+again; and is prospering finely. Many of the masters
+in turn practice deception to prevent the apprentices
+from buying themselves, or to make them pay the very
+highest sum for their freedom. They extol their virtues--they
+are every thing that is excellent and valuable--their
+services on the estate are indispensable no one can
+fill their places. By such misrepresentations they
+often get an exorbitant price for the remainder of
+the term--more, sometimes, than they could
+have obtained for them for life while they were slaves.</p>
+
+<p>From Captain H.'s we returned to the station-house,
+the keeper of which conducted us over the buildings,
+and showed us the cells of the prison. The house contains
+the office and private room of the magistrate, and
+the guard-room, below, and chambers for the police
+men above. There are sixteen solitary cells, and two
+large rooms for those condemned to hard labour--one
+for females and the other for males. There were at
+that time seven in the solitary cells, and twenty-four
+employed in labor on the roads. This is more than
+usual. The average number is twenty in all. When it
+is considered that most of the commitments are for
+trivial offences, and that the district contains thirteen
+thousand apprentices, certainly we have grounds to
+conclude that the state of morals in Barbadoes is
+decidedly superior to that in our own country.</p>
+
+<p>The whole police force for this district is composed
+of seventeen horsemen, four footmen, a sergeant, and
+the keeper. It was formerly greater but has been reduced
+within the past year.</p>
+
+<p>The keeper informed us that he found the apprentices,
+placed under his care, very easily controlled. They
+sometimes attempt to escape; but there has been no
+instance of revolt or insubordination. The island,
+he said, was peaceable, and were it not for the petty
+complaints of the overseers, nearly the whole police
+force might be disbanded. As for insurrection, he
+laughed at the idea of it. It was feared before abolition,
+but now no one thought of it. All but two or three
+of the policemen at this station are black and colored
+men.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_31"></a>
+<b>STATION-HOUSE AT DISTRICT A.</b></p>
+
+<p>Being disappointed in our expectations of witnessing
+some trials at the station-house in Captain Hamilton's
+district (B,) we visited the court in district A,
+where Major Colthurst presides. Major C. was in the
+midst of a trial when we entered, and we did not learn
+fully the nature of the case then pending. We were
+immediately invited within the bar, whence we had
+a fair view of all that passed.</p>
+
+<p>There were several complaints made and tried, during
+our stay. We give a brief account of them, as they
+will serve as specimens of the cases usually brought
+before the special magistrates.</p>
+
+<p>I. The first was a complaint made by a colored lady,
+apparently not more than twenty, against a colored
+girl--her domestic apprentice. The charge
+was insolence, and disobedience of orders. The complainant
+said that the girl was exceedingly insolent--no
+one could imagine how insolent she had been--it
+was beyond endurance. She seemed wholly unable to find
+words enough to express the superlative insolence
+of her servant. The justice requested her to particularize.
+Upon this, she brought out several specific charges
+such as, first, That the girl brought a candle to her
+one evening, and wiped her greasy fingers on her (the
+girl's) gown: second, That one morning she refused
+to bring some warm water, as commanded, to pour on
+a piece of flannel, until she had finished some other
+work that she was doing at the time; third, That the
+same morning she delayed coming into her chamber as
+usual to dress her, and when she did come, she sung,
+and on being told to shut her mouth, she replied that
+her mouth was her own, and that she would sing when
+she pleased; and fourth, That she had said in her
+mistress's hearing that she would be glad when
+she was freed. These several charges being sworn to,
+the girl was sentenced to four days' solitary
+confinement, but at the request of her mistress, she
+was discharged on promise of amendment.</p>
+
+<p>II. The second complaint was against an apprentice-man
+by his master, for absence from work. He had leave
+to go to the funeral of his mother, and he did not
+return until after the time allowed him by his master.
+The man was sentence to imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>III. The third complaint was against a woman for singing
+and making a disturbance in the field. Sentenced to
+six days' solitary confinement.</p>
+
+<p>IV. An apprentice was brought up for not doing his
+work well. He was a mason, and was employed in erecting
+an arch on one of the public roads. This case excited
+considerable interest. The apprentice was represented
+by his master to be a praedial--the master
+testified on oath that he was registered as a praedial;
+but in the course of the examination it was proved
+that he had always been a mason; that he had labored
+at that trade from his boyhood, and that he knew 'nothing
+about the hoe,' having never worked an hour
+in the field. This was sufficient to prove that he
+was a non-praedial, and of course entitled to liberty
+two years sooner than he would have been as a praedial.
+As this matter came up incidentally, it enraged the
+master exceedingly. He fiercely reiterated his charge
+against the apprentice, who, on his part, averred that
+he did his work as well as he could. The master manifested
+the greatest excitement and fury during the trial.
+At one time, because the apprentice disputed one of
+his assertions, he raised his clenched fist over him,
+and threatened, with an oath, to knock him down. The
+magistrate was obliged to threaten him severely before
+he would keep quiet.</p>
+
+<p>The defendant was ordered to prison to be tried the
+next day, time being given to make further inquiries
+about his being a praedial.</p>
+
+<p>V. The next case was a complaint against an apprentice,
+for leaving his place in the boiling house without
+asking permission. It appeared that he had been unwell
+during the evening, <i>and at half past ten o'clock
+at night</i>, being attacked more severely, he
+left for a few moments, expecting to return. He, however,
+was soon taken so ill that the could not go back,
+but was obliged to lie down on the ground, where he
+remained until twelve o'clock, when he recovered
+sufficiently to creep home. His sickness was proved
+by a fellow apprentice, and indeed his appearance
+at the bar clearly evinced it. He was punished by several
+days imprisonment. With no little astonishment in view
+of such a decision, we inquired of Maj. C. whether
+the planters had the power to require their people
+to work as late as half past ten at night. He replied,
+"Certainly, <i>the crops must be secured at
+any rate, and if they are suffering, the people must
+be pressed the harder</i>."[<a name="AE2_FR2B"></a><a href="#AE2_FN2B">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN2B"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR2B">A</a>: We learned subsequently from various
+authentic sources, that the master has <i>not</i>
+the power to compel his apprentices to labor more
+than nine hours per day on any condition, except in
+case of a fire, or some similar emergency. If the
+call for labor in crop-time was to be set down as
+an emergency similar to a "fire," and if
+in official decisions he took equal latitude, alas
+for the poor apprentices!]</p>
+
+<p>VI. The last case was a complaint against a man for
+not keeping up good fires under the boilers. He stoutly
+denied the charge; said he built as good fires as
+he could. He kept stuffing in the trash, and if it
+would not burn he could not help it. He was sentenced
+to imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>Maj. C. said that these complaints were a fair specimen
+of the cases that came up daily, save that there were
+many more frivolous and ridiculous. By the trials
+which we witnessed we were painfully impressed with
+two things:</p>
+
+<p>1st. That the magistrate, with all his regard for
+the rights and welfare of the apprentices, showed
+a great and inexcusable partiality for the masters.
+The patience and consideration with which he heard
+the complaints of the latter, the levity with which
+he regarded the defence of the former, the summary
+manner in which he despatched the cases, and the character
+of some of his decisions, manifested no small degree
+of favoritism.</p>
+
+<p>2d That the whole proceedings of the special magistrates'
+courts are eminently calculated to perpetuate bad
+feeling between the masters and apprentices. The court-room
+is a constant scene of angry dispute between these
+parties. The master exhausts his store of abuse and
+violence upon the apprentice, and the apprentice,
+emboldened by the place, and provoked by the abuse,
+retorts in language which he would never think of
+using on the estate, and thus, whatever may be the
+decision of the magistrate, the parties return home
+with feelings more embittered than ever.</p>
+
+<p>There were twenty-six persons imprisoned at the station-house,
+twenty-four were at hard labor, and two were in solitary
+confinement. The keeper of the prison said, he had
+no difficulty in managing the prisoners. The keeper
+is a colored man, and so also is the sergeant and
+most of the policemen.</p>
+
+<p>We visited one other station-house, in a distant part
+of the island, situated in the district over which
+Captain Cuppage presides. We witnessed several trials
+there which were similar in frivolity and meanness
+to those detailed above. We were shocked with the mockery
+of justice, and the indifference to the interests
+of the negro apparent in the course of the magistrate.
+It seemed that little more was necessary than for
+the manager or overseer to make his complaint and swear
+to it, and the apprentice was forthwith condemned
+to punishment.</p>
+
+<p>We never saw a set of men in whose countenances fierce
+passions of every name were so strongly marked as
+in the overseers and managers who were assembled at
+the station-houses. Trained up to use the whip and
+to tyrannize over the slaves, their grim and evil
+expression accorded with their hateful occupation.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_32"></a>
+Through the kindness of a friend in Bridgetown we
+were favored with an interview with Mr. Jones, the
+superintendent of the rural police--the
+whole body of police excepting those stationed in the
+town. Mr. J. has been connected with the police since
+its first establishment in 1834. He assured us that
+there was nothing in the local peculiarities of the
+island, nor in the character of its population, which
+forbade immediate emancipation in August, 1834. He
+had no doubt it would be perfectly safe and decidedly
+profitable to the colony.</p>
+
+<p>2. The good or bad working of the apprenticeship depends
+mainly on the conduct of the masters. He was well
+acquainted with the character and disposition of the
+negroes throughout the island, and he was ready to
+say, that if disturbances should arise either before
+or after 1840, it would be because the people were
+goaded on to desperation by the planters, and not
+because they sought disturbance themselves.</p>
+
+<p>3. Mr. J. declared unhesitatingly that crime had not
+increased since abolition, but rather the contrary.</p>
+
+<p>4. He represented the special magistrates as the friends
+of the planters. They loved the <i>dinners</i>
+which they got at the planters' houses. The
+apprentices had no sumptuous dinners to give them.
+The magistrates felt under very little obligation
+of any kind to assert the cause of the apprentice
+and secure him justice, while they were under very
+strong temptations to favor the master.</p>
+
+<p>5. Real estate had increased in value nearly fifty
+per cent since abolition. There is such entire security
+of property, and the crops since 1834 have been so
+flattering, that capitalists from abroad are desirous
+of investing their funds in estates or merchandise.
+All are making high calculations for the future.</p>
+
+<p>6. Mr. J. testified that marriages had greatly increased
+since abolition. He had seen a dozen couples standing
+at one time on the church floor. There had, he believed,
+been more marriages within the last three years among
+the negro population, than have occurred before since
+the settlement of the island.</p>
+
+<p>We conclude this chapter by subjoining two highly
+interesting documents from special magistrates. They
+were kindly furnished us by the authors in pursuance
+of an order from his excellency the Governor, authorizing
+the special magistrates to give us any official statements
+which we might desire. Being made acquainted with
+these instructions from the Governor, we addressed
+written queries to Major Colthurst and Captain Hamilton.
+We insert their replies at length.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_33"></a>
+<b>COMMUNICATION FROM MAJOR COLTHURST, SPECIAL MAGISTRATE.</b></p>
+
+<p>The following fourteen questions on the working of
+the apprenticeship system in this colony were submitted
+to me on the 30th of March, 1837, requesting answers
+thereto.</p>
+
+<p>1. What is the number of apprenticed laborers in your
+district, and what is their character compared with
+other districts?</p>
+
+<p>The number of apprenticed laborers, of all ages, in
+my district, in nine thousand four hundred and eighty,
+spread over two hundred and ninety-seven estates of
+various descriptions--some very large, and
+others again very small--much the greater
+number consisting of small lots in the near neighborhood
+of Bridgetown. Perhaps my district, in consequence
+of this minute subdivision of property, and its contact
+with the town, is the most troublesome district in
+the island; and the character of the apprentices differs
+consequently from that in the more rural districts,
+where not above half the complaints are made. I attribute
+this to their almost daily intercourse with Bridgetown.</p>
+
+<p>2. What is the state of agriculture in the island?</p>
+
+<p>When the <i>planters themselves</i> admit that
+general cultivation was <i>never</i> in a better
+state, and the plantations extremely clean, <i>it
+is more than presumptive</i> proof that agriculture
+generally is in a most prosperous condition. The vast
+crop of canes grown this year proves this fact. Other
+crops are also luxuriant.</p>
+
+<p>3. Is there any difficulty occasioned by the apprentices
+refusing to work?</p>
+
+<p>No difficulty whatever has been experienced by the
+refusal of the apprentices to work. This is done manfully
+and cheerfully, when they are treated with humanity
+and consideration by the masters or managers. I have
+never known an instance to the contrary.</p>
+
+<p>4. Are the apprentices willing to work in their own
+time?</p>
+
+<p>The apprentices are most willing to work in their own
+time.</p>
+
+<p>5. What is the number and character of the complaints
+brought before you--are they increasing
+or otherwise?</p>
+
+<p>The number of complaints brought before me, during
+the last quarter, are much fewer than during the corresponding
+quarter of the last year. Their character is also
+greatly improved. Nine complaints out of ten made
+lately to me are for small impertinences or saucy answers,
+which, considering the former and present position
+of the parties, is naturally to be expected. The number
+of such complaints is much diminished.</p>
+
+<p>6. What is the state of crime among the apprentices?</p>
+
+<p>What is usually denominated crime in the old countries,
+is by no means frequent among the blacks or colored
+persons. It is amazing how few material breaches of
+the law occur in so extraordinary a community. Some
+few cases of crime do occasionally arise;--but
+when it is considered that the population of this
+island is nearly as dense as that of any part of China,
+and wholly uneducated, either by precept or example,
+this absence of frequent crime excites our wonder,
+and is highly creditable to the negroes. I sincerely
+believe there is no such person, of that class called
+at home an accomplished villain, to be found in the
+whole island.--Having discharged the duties
+of a general justice of the peace in Ireland, for
+above twenty-four years, where crimes of a very aggravated
+nature were perpetrated almost daily. I cannot help
+contrasting the situation of that country with this
+colony, where I do not hesitate to say perfect tranquillity
+exists.</p>
+
+<p>7. Have the apprentices much respect for law?</p>
+
+<p>It is perhaps, difficult to answer this question satisfactorily,
+as it has been so short a time since they enjoyed
+the blessing of equal laws. To appreciate just laws,
+time, and the experience of the benefit arising from
+them must be felt. That the apprentices do not, to
+any material extent, <i>outrage</i> the law,
+is certain; and hence it may be inferred that they
+respect it.</p>
+
+<p>8. Do you find a spirit of revenge among the negroes?</p>
+
+<p>From my general knowledge of the negro character in
+other countries, as well as the study of it here,
+I do not consider them by any means a revengeful people.
+Petty dislikes are frequent, but any thing like a
+deep spirit of revenge for former injuries does not
+exist, nor is it for one moment to be dreaded.</p>
+
+<p>9. Is there any sense of insecurity arising from emancipation?</p>
+
+<p>Not the most remote feeling of insecurity exists arising
+from emancipation; far the contrary. All sensible
+and reasonable men think the prospects before them
+most cheering, and would not go back to the old system
+on any account whatever. There are some, however, who
+croak and forebode evil; but they are few in number,
+and of no intelligence,--such as are to
+be found in every community.</p>
+
+<p>10. What is the prospect for 1840?--for
+1838?</p>
+
+<p>This question is answered I hope satisfactorily above.
+On the termination of the two periods no evil is to
+be reasonably anticipated, with the exception of a
+few days' idleness.</p>
+
+<p>11. Are the planters generally satisfied with the
+apprenticeship, or would they return back to the old
+system?</p>
+
+<p>The whole body of respectable planters are fully satisfied
+with the apprenticeship, and would not go back to
+the old system on any account whatever. A few young
+managers, whose opinions are utterly worthless, would
+perhaps have no objection to be put again into their
+puny authority.</p>
+
+<p>12. Do you think it would have been dangerous for
+the slaves in this island to have been entirely emancipated
+in 1834?</p>
+
+<p>I do not think it would have been productive of danger,
+had the slaves of this island been fully emancipated
+in 1834; which is proved by what has taken place in
+another colony.</p>
+
+<p>13. Has emancipation been a decided blessing to this
+island, or has it been otherwise?</p>
+
+<p>Emancipation has been, under God, the greatest blessing
+ever conferred upon this island. All good and respectable
+men fully admit it. This is manifest throughout the
+whole progress of this mighty change. Whatever may
+be said of the vast benefit conferred upon the slaves,
+in right judgment the slave owner was the greatest
+gainer after all.</p>
+
+<p>14. Are the apprentices disposed to purchase their
+freedom? How have those conducted themselves who have
+purchased it?</p>
+
+<p>The apprentices are inclined to purchase their discharge,
+particularly when misunderstandings occur with their
+masters. When they obtain their discharge they generally
+labor in the trades and occupations they were previously
+accustomed to, and conduct themselves well. The discharged
+apprentices seldom take to drinking. Indeed the negro
+and colored population are the most temperate persons
+I ever knew of their class. The experience of nearly
+forty years in various public situations, confirms
+me in this very important fact.</p>
+
+<p>The answers I have had the honor to give to the questions
+submitted to me, have been given most conscientiously,
+and to the best of my judgment are a faithful picture
+of the working of the apprenticeship in this island,
+as far as relates to the inquiries made.--<i>John
+B. Colthurst, Special Justice of the Peace, District
+A. Rural Division</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_34"></a>
+<b>COMMUNICATION FROM CAPT. HAMILTON.</b></p>
+
+<p>Barbadoes, April 4th, 1837.</p>
+
+<p>Gentlemen,</p>
+
+<p>Presuming that you have kept a copy of the questions[<a name="AE2_FR2C"></a><a href="#AE2_FN2C">A</a>]
+you sent me, I shall therefore only send the answers.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN2C"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR2C">A</a>: The same interrogatories were propounded
+to Capt. Hamilton which have been already inserted
+in Major Colthurst's communication.]</p>
+
+<p>1. There are at present five thousand nine hundred
+and thirty male, and six thousand six hundred and
+eighty-nine female apprentices in my district, (B,)
+which comprises a part of the parishes of Christ Church
+and St. George. Their conduct, compared with the neighboring
+districts, is good.</p>
+
+<p>2. The state of agriculture is very flourishing. Experienced
+planters acknowledge that it is generally far superior
+to what it was during slavery.</p>
+
+<p>3. Where the managers are kind and temperate, they
+have not any trouble with the laborers.</p>
+
+<p>4. The apprentices are generally willing to work for
+wages in their own time.</p>
+
+<p>5. The average number of complaints tried by me, last
+year, ending December, was one thousand nine hundred
+and thirty-two. The average number of apprentices
+in the district during that time was twelve thousand
+seven hundred. Offences, generally speaking, are not
+of any magnitude. They do not increase, but fluctuate
+according to the season of the year.</p>
+
+<p>6. The state of crime is not so bad by any means as
+we might have expected among the negroes--just
+released from such a degrading bondage. Considering
+the state of ignorance in which they have been kept,
+and the immoral examples set them by the lower class
+of whites, it is matter of astonishment that they
+should behave so well.</p>
+
+<p>7. The apprentices would have a great respect for
+law, were it not for the erroneous proceedings of
+the managers, overseers, &amp;c., in taking them before
+the magistrates for every petty offence, and often
+abusing the magistrate in the presence of the apprentices,
+when his decision does not please them. The consequence
+is, that the apprentices too often get indifferent
+to law, and have been known to say that they cared
+not about going to prison, and that they would do
+just as they did before as soon as they were released.</p>
+
+<p>8. The apprentices in this colony are generally considered
+a peaceable race. All acts of revenge committed by
+them originate in jealousy, as, for instance, between
+husband and wife.</p>
+
+<p>9. Not the slightest sense of insecurity. As a proof
+of this, property has, since the commencement of the
+apprenticeship, increased in value considerably--at
+least one third.</p>
+
+<p>10. The change which will take place in 1838, in my
+opinion, will occasion a great deal of discontent
+among those called praedials--which will
+not subside for some months. They ought to have been
+all emancipated at the same period. I cannot foresee
+any bad effects that will ensue from the change in
+1840, except those mentioned hereafter.</p>
+
+<p>11. The most prejudiced planters would not return
+to the old system if they possibly could. They admit
+that they get more work from the laborers than they
+formerly did, and they are relieved from a great responsibility.</p>
+
+<p>12. It is my opinion that if entire emancipation had
+taken place in 1834, no more difficulty would have
+followed beyond what we may naturally expect in 1810.
+It will then take two or three months before the emancipated
+people finally settle themselves. I do not consider
+the apprentice more fit or better prepared for entire
+freedom now than he was in 1834.</p>
+
+<p>13. I consider, most undoubtedly, that emancipation
+has been a decided blessing to the colony.</p>
+
+<p>14. They are much disposed to purchase the remainder
+of the apprenticeship term. Their conduct after they
+become free is good.</p>
+
+<p>I hope the foregoing answers and information may be
+of service to you in your laudable pursuits, for which
+I wish you every success.</p>
+
+<p>I am, gentlemen, your ob't serv't,</p>
+
+<p><i>Jos. Hamilton, Special Justice</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_35"></a>
+<b>TESTIMONY OF CLERGYMEN AND MISSIONARIES.</b></p>
+
+<p>There are three religious denominations at the present
+time in Barbadoes--Episcopalians, Wesleyans,
+and Moravians. The former have about twenty clergymen,
+including the bishop and archdeacon. The bishop was
+absent during our visit, and we did not see him; but
+as far as we could learn, while in some of his political
+measures, as a member of the council, he has benefited
+the colored population, his general influence has
+been unfavorable to their moral and spiritual welfare.
+He has discountenanced and defeated several attempts
+made by his rectors and curates to abolish the odious
+distinctions of color in their churches.</p>
+
+<p>We were led to form an unfavorable opinion of the
+Bishop's course, from observing among the intelligent
+and well-disposed classes of colored people, the current
+use of the phrase, "bishop's man,"
+and "no bishop's man," applied to
+different rectors and curates. Those that they were
+averse to, either as pro-slavery or pro-prejudice characters,
+they usually branded as "bishop's men,"
+while those whom they esteemed their friends, they
+designated as "no bishop's men."</p>
+
+<p>The archdeacon has already been introduced to the
+reader. We enjoyed several interviews with him, and
+were constrained to admire him for his integrity,
+independence and piety. He spoke in terms of strong
+condemnation of slavery, and of the apprenticeship
+system. He was a determined advocate of entire and
+immediate emancipation, both from principle and policy.
+He also discountenanced prejudice, both in the church
+and in the social circle. The first time we had the
+pleasure of meeting him was at the house of a colored
+gentleman in Bridgetown where we were breakfasting.
+He called in incidentally, while we were sitting at
+table, and exhibited all the familiarity of a frequent
+visitant.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_36"></a>
+One of the most worthy and devoted men whom we met
+in Barbadoes was the Rev. Mr. Cummins, curate of St.
+Paul's church, in Bridgetown. The first Sabbath
+after our arrival at the island we attended his church.
+<a name="IV_37"></a>
+It is emphatically a free church. Distinctions of
+color are nowhere recognized. There is the most complete
+intermingling of colors throughout the house. In one
+pew were seen a family of whites, in the next a family
+of colored people, and in the next perhaps a family
+of blacks. In the same pews white and colored persons
+sat side by side. The floor and gallery presented
+the same promiscuous blending of hues and shades.
+We sat in a pew with white and colored people. In the
+pew before and in that behind us the sitting was equally
+indiscriminate. The audience was kneeling in their
+morning devotions when we entered, and we were struck
+with the different colors bowing side by side as we
+passed down the aisles. There is probably no clergyman
+in the island who has secured so perfectly the affections
+of his people as Mr. C. He is of course "no
+bishop's man." He is constantly employed
+in promoting the spiritual and moral good of his people,
+<a name="IV_38"></a>
+of whatever complexion. The annual examination of
+the Sabbath school connected with St. Paul's
+occurred while we were in the island, and we were favored
+with the privilege of attending it. There were about
+three hundred pupils present, of all ages, from fifty
+down to three years. There were all colors--white,
+tawny, and ebon black. The white children were classed
+with the colored and black, in utter violation of those
+principles of classification in vogue throughout the
+Sabbath schools of our own country. The examination
+was chiefly conducted by Mr. Cummins. At the close
+of the examination about fifty of the girls, and among
+them the daughter of Mr. Cummins, were arranged in
+front of the altar, with the female teachers in the
+rear of them, and all united in singing a hymn written
+for the occasion. Part of the teachers were colored
+and part white, as were also the scholars, and they
+stood side by side, mingled promiscuously together.
+This is altogether the best Sabbath school in the
+island.</p>
+
+<p>After the exercises were closed, we were introduced,
+by a colored gentleman who accompanied us to the examination,
+to Mr. Cummins, the Rev. Mr. Packer, and the Rev.
+Mr. Rowe, master of the public school in Bridgetown.
+By request of Mr. C., we accompanied him to his house,
+where we enjoyed an interview with him and the other
+gentlemen, just mentioned. Mr. C. informed us that
+his Sabbath school was commenced in 1833; but was
+quite small and inefficient until after 1834. It now
+numbers more than four hundred scholars. Mr. C. spoke
+of prejudice. It had wonderfully decreased within
+the last three years. He said he could scarcely credit
+the testimony of his own senses, when he looked around
+on the change which had taken place. Many now associate
+with colored persons, and sit with them in the church,
+who once would have scorned to be found near them.
+Mr. C. and the other clergymen stated, that there
+had been an increase of places of worship and of clergymen
+since abolition. All the churches are now crowded,
+and there is a growing demand for more. The negroes
+manifest an increasing desire for religious instruction.
+In respect to morals, they represent the people as
+being greatly improved. They spoke of the general
+respect which was now paid to the institution of marriage
+among the negroes, Mr. C. said, he was convinced that
+the blacks had as much natural talent and capacity
+for learning as the whites. He does not know any difference.
+Mr. Pocker, who was formerly rector of St. Thomas'
+parish, and has been a public teacher of children
+of all colors, expressed the same opinion. Mr. Rowe
+said, that before he took charge of the white school,
+he was the teacher of one of the free schools for
+blacks, and he testified that the latter has just
+as much capacity for acquiring any kind of knowledge,
+as much inquisitiveness, and ingenuity, as the former.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_39"></a>
+Accompanied by an intelligent gentleman of Bridgetown,
+we visited two flourishing schools for colored children,
+connected with the Episcopal church, and under the
+care of the Bishop. In the male school, there were
+one hundred and ninety-five scholars, under the superintendence
+of one master, who is himself a black man, and was
+educated and trained up in the same school. He is
+assisted by several of his scholars, as monitors and
+teachers. It was, altogether, the best specimen of
+a well-regulated school which we saw in the West Indies.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_40"></a>
+The present instructor has had charge of the school
+two years. It has increased considerably since abolition.
+Before the first of August, 1834, the whole number
+of names on the catalogue was a little above one hundred,
+and the average attendance was seventy-five. The number
+immediately increased, and new the average attendance
+is above two hundred. Of this number at least sixty
+are the children of apprentices.</p>
+
+<p>We visited also the infant school, established but
+two weeks previous. Mr. S. the teacher, who has been
+for many years an instructor, says he finds them as
+apt to learn as any children he ever taught. He said
+he was surprised to see how soon the instructions
+of the school-room were carried to the homes of the
+children, and caught up by their parents.</p>
+
+<p>The very first night after the school closed, in passing
+through the streets, he heard the children repeating
+what they had been taught, and the parents learning
+the songs from their children's lips Mr. S. has
+a hundred children already in his school, and additions
+were making daily. He found among the negro parents
+much interest in the school.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_41"></a>
+<b>WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES.</b></p>
+
+<p>We called on the Rev. Mr. Fidler, the superintendent
+of the Wesleyan missions in Barbadoes. Mr. F. resides
+in Bridgetown, and preaches mostly in the chapel in
+town. He has been in the West Indies twelve years,
+and in Barbadoes about two years. Mr. F. informed
+us that there were three Wesleyan missionaries in
+the island, besides four or five local preachers,
+one of whom is a black man. There are about one thousand
+members belonging to their body, the greater part of
+whom live in town. Two hundred and thirty-five were
+added during the year 1836, being by far the largest
+number added in any one year since they began their
+operations in the island.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_42"></a>
+A brief review of the history of the Wesleyan Methodists
+in Barbadoes, will serve to show the great change
+which has been taking place in public sentiment respecting
+the labors of missionaries. In the year 1823, not
+long after the establishment of the Wesleyan church
+in the island, the chapel in Bridgetown was destroyed
+by a mob. Not one stone was left upon another. They
+carried the fragments for miles away from the site,
+and scattered them about in every direction, so that
+the chapel might never be rebuilt. Some of the instigators
+and chief actors in this outrage, were "gentlemen
+of property and standing," residents of Bridgetown.
+The first morning after the outrage began, the mob
+sought for the Rev. Mr. Shrewsbury, the missionary,
+threatening his life, and he was obliged to flee precipitately
+from the island, with his wife. He was hunted like
+a wild beast, and it is thought that he would have
+been torn in pieces if he had been found. Not an effort
+or a movement was made to quell the mob, during their
+assault upon the chapel. The first men of the island
+connived at the violence--secretly rejoicing
+in what they supposed would be the extermination of
+Methodism from the country. The governor, Sir Henry
+Ward, utterly refused to interfere, and would not
+suffer the militia to repair to the spot, though a
+mere handful of soldiers could have instantaneously
+routed the whole assemblage.</p>
+
+<p>The occasion of this riot was partly the efforts made
+by the Wesleyans to instruct the negroes, and still
+more the circumstance of a letter being written by
+Mr. Shrewsbury, and published in an English paper,
+which contained some severe strictures on the morals
+of the Barbadians. A planter informed us that the
+riot grew out of a suspicion that Mr. S. was "leagued
+with the Wilberforce party in England."</p>
+
+<p>Since the re-establishment of Wesleyanism in this
+island, it has continued to struggle against the opposition
+of the Bishop, and most of the clergy, and against
+the inveterate prejudices of nearly the whole of the
+white community. The missionaries have been discouraged,
+and in many instances absolutely prohibited from preaching
+on the estates. These circumstances have greatly retarded
+the progress of religious instruction through their
+means. But this state of things had been very much
+altered since the abolition of slavery. There are several
+estates now open to the missionaries. Mr. F. mentioned
+several places in the country, where he was then purchasing
+land, and erecting chapels. He also stated, that one
+man, who aided in pulling down the chapel in 1823,
+had offered ground for a new chapel, and proffered
+the free use of a building near by, for religious
+meetings and a school, till it could be erected.</p>
+
+<p>The Wesleyan chapel in Bridgetown is a spacious building,
+well filled with worshippers every Sabbath. We attended
+service there frequently, and observed the same indiscriminate
+sitting of the various colors, which is described
+in the account of St. Paul's church.</p>
+
+<p>The Wesleyan missionaries have stimulated the clergy
+to greater diligence and faithfulness, and have especially
+induced them to turn their attention to the negro
+population more than they did formerly.</p>
+
+<p>There are several local preachers connected with the
+Wesleyan mission in Barbadoes, who have been actively
+laboring to promote religion among the apprentices.
+Two of these are converted soldiers in his Majesty's
+service--acting sergeants of the troops stationed
+in the island. While we were in Barbadoes, these pious
+men applied for a discharge from the army, intending
+to devote themselves exclusively to the work of teaching
+and preaching. Another of the local preachers is a
+negro man, of considerable talent and exalted piety,
+highly esteemed among his missionary brethren for
+his labors of love.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_43"></a>
+<b>THE MORAVIAN MISSION.</b></p>
+
+<p>Of the Moravians, we learned but little. Circumstances
+unavoidably prevented us from visiting any of the
+stations, and also from calling on any of the missionaries.
+We were informed that there were three stations in
+the island, one in Bridgetown, and two in the country,
+and we learned in general terms, that the few missionaries
+there were laboring with their characteristic devotedness,
+assiduity, and self-denial, for the spiritual welfare
+of the negro population.</p>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER III.</h4>
+<p><a name="IV_44"></a>
+<b>COLORED POPULATION.</b></p>
+
+<p>The colored, or as they were termed previous to abolition,
+by way of distinction, the free colored population,
+amount in Barbadoes to nearly thirty thousand. They
+are composed chiefly of the mixed race, whose paternal
+connection, though illegitimate, secured to them freedom
+at their birth, and subsequently the advantages of
+an education more or less extensive. There are some
+blacks among them, however, who were free born, or
+obtained their freedom at an early period, and have
+since, by great assiduity, attained an honorable standing.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_45"></a>
+During our stay in Barbadoes, we had many invitations
+to the houses of colored gentlemen, of which we were
+glad to avail ourselves whenever it was possible.
+At an early period after our arrival, we were invited
+to dine with Thomas Harris, Esq. He politely sent
+his chaise for us, as he resided about a mile from
+our residence. At his table, we met two other colored
+gentlemen, Mr. Thorne of Bridgetown, and Mr. Prescod,
+a young gentleman of much intelligence and ability.
+There was also at the table a niece of Mr. Harris,
+a modest and highly interesting young lady. All the
+luxuries and delicacies of a tropical clime loaded
+the board--an epicurean variety of meats,
+flesh, fowl, and fish--of vegetables, pastries,
+fruits, and nuts, and that invariable accompaniment
+of a West India dinner, wine.</p>
+
+<p>The dinner was enlivened by an interesting and well
+sustained conversation respecting the abolition of
+slavery, the present state of the colony, and its
+prospects for the future. Lively discussions were
+maintained on points where there chanced to be a difference
+of opinion, and we admired the liberality of the views
+which were thus elicited. We are certainly prepared
+to say, and that too without feeling that we draw
+any invidious distinctions, that in style of conversation,
+in ingenuity and ability of argument, this company
+would compare with any company of white gentlemen
+that we met in the island. In that circle of colored
+gentlemen, were the keen sallies of wit, the admirable
+repartee, the satire now severe, now playful, upon
+the measures of the colonial government, the able
+exposure of aristocratic intolerance, of plantership
+chicanery, of plottings and counterplottings in high
+places--the strictures on the intrigues of
+the special magistrates and managers, and withal,
+the just and indignant reprobation of the uniform
+<i>oppressions</i> which have disabled and crushed the
+colored people.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_46"></a>
+The views of these gentlemen with regard to the present
+state of the island, we found to differ in some respects
+from those of the planters and special magistrates.
+They seemed to regard both those classes of men with
+suspicion. The planters they represented as being still,
+at least the mass of them, under the influence of
+the strong habits of tyrannizing and cruelty which
+they formed during slavery. The prohibitions and penalties
+of the law are not sufficient to prevent occasional
+and even frequent outbreakings of violence, so that
+the negroes even yet suffer much of the rigor of slavery.
+In regard to the special magistrates, they allege
+that they are greatly controlled by the planters.
+They associate with the planters, dine with the planters,
+lounge on the planters' sofas, and marry the
+planters daughters. Such intimacies as these, the
+gentlemen very plausibly argued, could not exist without
+strongly biasing the magistrate towards the planters,
+and rendering it almost impossible for them to administer
+equal justice to the poor apprentice, who, unfortunately,
+had no sumptuous dinners to give them, no luxurious
+sofas to offer them, nor dowered daughters to present
+in marriage.</p>
+
+<p>The gentlemen testified to the industry and subordination
+of the apprentices. They had improved the general
+cultivation of the island, and they were reaping for
+their masters greater crops than they did while slaves.
+The whole company united in saying that many blessings
+had already resulted from the abolition of slavery--imperfect
+as that abolition was. Real estate had advanced in
+value at least one third. The fear of insurrection
+had been removed; invasions of property, such as occurred
+during slavery, the firing of cane-fields, the demolition
+of houses, &amp;c., were no longer apprehended. Marriage
+was spreading among the apprentices, and the general
+morals of the whole community, high and low, white,
+colored, and black, were rapidly improving.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_47"></a>
+At ten o'clock we took leave of Mr. Harris and
+his interesting friends. We retired with feelings
+of pride and gratification that we had been privileged
+to join a company which, though wearing the badge of
+a proscribed race, displayed in happy combination,
+the treasures of genuine intelligence, and the graces
+of accomplished manners. We were happy to meet in
+that social circle a son of New England, and a graduate
+of one of her universities. Mr. H. went to the West
+Indies a few months after the abolition of slavery.
+He took with him all the prejudices common to our
+country, as well as a determined hostility to abolition
+principles and measures. A brief observation of the
+astonishing results of abolition in those islands,
+effectually disarmed him of the latter, and made him
+the decided and zealous advocate of immediate emancipation.
+He established himself in business in Barbados, where
+he has been living the greater part of the time since
+he left his native country. His <i>prejudices</i>
+did not long survive his abandonment of anti-abolition
+sentiments. We rejoiced to find him on the occasion
+above referred to, moving in the circle of colored
+society, with all the freedom of a familiar guest,
+and prepared most cordially to unite with us in the
+wish that all our prejudiced countrymen could witness
+<a name="IV_48"></a>
+similar exhibitions. The gentleman at whose table
+we had the pleasure to dine, was <i>born a slave</i>,
+and remained such until he was seventeen years of age.
+After obtaining his freedom, he engaged as a clerk
+in a mercantile establishment, and soon attracted
+attention by his business talents. About the same
+period he warmly espoused the cause of the free colored
+people, who were doubly crushed under a load of civil
+and political impositions, and a still heavier one
+of prejudice. He soon made himself conspicuous by
+his manly defence of the rights of his brethren against
+the encroachments of the public authorities, and incurred
+the marked displeasure of several influential characters.
+After a protracted struggle for the civil immunities
+of the colored people, during which he repeatedly
+came into collision with public men, and was often
+arraigned before the public tribunals; finding his
+labors ineffectual, he left the island and went to
+England. He spent some time there and in France, moving
+on a footing of honorable equality among the distinguished
+abolitionists of those countries. There, amid the free
+influences and the generous sympathies which welcomed
+and surrounded him,--his whole character
+ripened in those manly graces and accomplishments which
+now so eminently distinguish him.</p>
+
+<p>Since his return to Barbadoes, Mr. H. has not taken
+so public a part in political controversies as he
+did formerly, but is by no means indifferent to passing
+events. There is not, we venture to say, within the
+colony, a keener or more sagacious observer of its
+institutions, its public men and their measures.</p>
+
+<p>When witnessing the exhibitions of his manly spirit,
+and listening to his eloquent and glowing narratives
+of his struggles against the political <i>oppressions</i>
+which ground to the dust himself and his brethren,
+we could scarcely credit the fact that he was himself
+born and reared to manhood--A SLAVE.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_49"></a>
+<b>BREAKFAST AT MR. THORNE'S.</b></p>
+
+<p>By invitation we took breakfast with Mr. Joseph Thorne,
+whom we met at Mr. Harris's. Mr. T. resides
+in Bridgetown. In the parlor, we met two colored gentlemen--the
+Rev. Mr. Hamilton, a local Wesleyan preacher, and
+Mr. Cummins, a merchant of Bridgetown, mentioned in
+a previous chapter. We were struck with the scientific
+appearance of Mr. Thorne's parlor. On one side
+was a large library of religious, historical and literary
+works, the selection of which displayed no small taste
+and judgment. On the opposite side of the room was
+a fine cabinet of minerals and shells. In one corner
+stood a number of curious relics of the aboriginal
+Caribs, such as bows and arrows, <i>etc</i>., together
+with interesting fossil remains. On the tops of the
+book-cases and mineral stand, were birds of rare species,
+procured from the South American Continent. The centre
+table was ornamented with shells, specimens of petrifactions,
+and elegantly bound books. The remainder of the furniture
+of the room was costly and elegant. Before breakfast
+two of Mr. Thorne's children, little boys of
+six and four, stepped in to salute the company. They
+were of a bright yellow, with slightly curled hair.
+When they had shaken hands with each of the company,
+they withdrew from the parlor and were seen no more.
+Their manners and demeanor indicated the teachings
+of an admirable mother, and we were not a little curious
+to see the lady of whose taste and delicate sense
+of propriety we had witnessed so attractive a specimen
+in her children. At the breakfast table we were introduced
+to Mrs. Thorne, and we soon discovered from her dignified
+air, from the chaste and elevated style of her conversation,
+from her intelligence, modesty and refinement, that
+we were in the presence of a highly accomplished lady.
+The conversation was chiefly on subjects connected
+with our mission. All spoke with great gratitude of
+the downfall of slavery. It was not the slaves alone
+that were interested in that event. Political oppression,
+prejudice, and licentiousness had combined greatly
+to degrade the colored community, but these evils were
+now gradually lessening, and would soon wholly disappear
+after the final extinction of slavery--the
+parent of them all.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_50"></a>
+Several facts were stated to show the great rise in
+the value of real estate since 1834. In one instance
+a gentleman bought a sugar estate for nineteen thousand
+pounds sterling, and the very next year, after taking
+off a crop from which he realized a profit of three
+thousand pounds sterling, he sold the estate for thirty
+thousand pounds sterling. It has frequently happened
+within two years that persons wishing to purchase
+estates would inquire the price of particular properties,
+and would hesitate to give what was demanded. Probably
+soon after they would return to close the bargain,
+and find that the price was increased by several hundreds
+of pounds; they would go away again, reluctant to
+purchase, and return a third time, when they would
+find the price again raised, and would finally be
+glad to buy at almost any price. It was very difficult
+to purchase sugar estates now, whereas previous to
+the abolition of slavery, they were, like the slaves,
+a drug in the market.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_51"></a>
+Mr. Joseph Thorne is a gentleman of forty-five, of
+a dark mulatto complexion, with the negro features
+and hair. <i>He was born a slave</i>, and remained
+so until about twenty years of age. This fact we learned
+from the manager of the Belle estate, on which Mr.
+T. was born and raised a slave. It was an interesting
+coincidence, that on the occasion of our visit to
+the Belle estate we were indebted to Mr. Thorne, the
+former <i>property</i> of that estate, for his
+horse and chaise, which he politely proffered to us.
+Mr. T. employs much of his time in laboring among the
+colored people in town, and among the apprentices on
+the estates, in the capacity of <i>lay-preacher</i>.
+In this way he renders himself very useful. Being
+very competent, both by piety and talents, for the
+work, and possessing more perhaps than any missionary,
+the confidence of the planters, he is admitted to
+many estates, to lecture the apprentices on religious
+and moral duties. Mr. T. is a member of the Episcopal
+church.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_52"></a>
+<b>BREAKFAST AT MR. PRESCOD'S</b></p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_53"></a>
+We next had the pleasure of breakfasting with Mr.
+Prescod. Our esteemed friend, Mr. Harris, was of the
+company. Mr. P. is a young man, but lately married.
+His wife and himself were both liberally educated in
+England. He was the late editor of the New Times, a
+weekly paper established since the abolition of slavery
+and devoted chiefly to the interests of the colored
+community. It was the first periodical and the only
+one which advocated the rights of the colored people,
+and this it did with the utmost fearlessness and independence.
+It boldly exposed oppression, whether emanating from
+the government house or originating in the colonial
+assembly. The measures of all parties, and the conduct
+of every public man, were subject to its scrutiny,
+and when occasion required, to its stern rebuke. Mr.
+P. exhibits a thorough acquaintance with the politics
+of the country, and with the position of the various
+parties. He is familiar with the spirit and operations
+of the white gentry--far more so, it would
+seem; than many of his brethren who have been repeatedly
+deceived by their professions of increasing liberality,
+and their show of extending civil immunities, which
+after all proved to be practical nullities, and as
+such were denounced by Mr. P. at the outset. A few
+years ago the colored people mildly petitioned the
+legislature for a removal of their disabilities. Their
+remonstrance was too reasonable to be wholly disregarded.
+Something must he done which would at least bear the
+semblance of favoring the object of the petitioners.
+Accordingly the obnoxious clauses were repealed, and
+the colored people were admitted to the polls. But
+the qualification was made three times greater than
+that required of white citizens. This virtually nullified
+the extension of privilege, and actually confirmed
+the disabilities of which it was a pretended abrogation.
+The colored people, in their credulity, hailed the
+apparent enfranchisement, and had a public rejoicing
+in the occasion. But the delusion could not escape
+the discrimination of Mr. P. He detected it at once,
+and exposed it, and incurred the displeasure of the
+credulous people of color by refusing to participate
+in their premature rejoicings. He soon succeeded however
+in convincing his brethren that the new provision
+was a mockery of their wrongs, and that the assembly
+had only added insult to past injuries. Mr. P. now
+urged the colored people to be patient, as the great
+changes which were working in the colony must bring
+to them all the rights of which they had been so cruelly
+deprived. On the subject of prejudice he spoke just
+as a man of keen sensibilities and manly spirit might
+be expected to speak, who had himself been its victim.
+He was accustomed to being flouted, scorned and condemned
+by those whom he could not but regard as his interiors
+both in native talents and education. He had submitted
+to be forever debarred from offices which were filled
+by men far less worthy except in the single qualification
+of a <i>white skin</i>, which however was paramount
+to all other virtues and acquirements! He had seen
+himself and his accomplished wife excluded from the
+society of whites, though keenly conscious of their
+capacity to move and shine in the most elevated social
+circles. After all this, it may readily be conceived
+how Mr. P. would speak of prejudice. But while he spoke
+bitterly of the past, he was inspired with buoyancy
+of hope as he cast his eye to the future. He was confident
+that prejudice would disappear. It had already diminished
+very much, and it would ere long be wholly exterminated.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. P. gave a sprightly picture of the industry of
+the negroes. It was common, he said, to hear them
+called lazy, but this was not true. That they often
+appeared to be indolent, especially those about the
+town, was true; but it was either because they had
+no work to do, or were asked to work without reasonable
+wages. He had often been amused at their conduct,
+when solicited to do small jobs--such as
+carrying baggage, loading of unloading a vessel, or
+the like. If offered a very small compensation, as
+was generally the case at first, they would stretch
+themselves on the ground, and with a sleepy look, and
+lazy tone, would say, "O, I can't do it,
+sir." Sometimes the applicants would turn away
+at once, thinking that they were unwilling to work,
+and cursing "the lazy devils;" but occasionally
+they would try the efficacy of offering a larger compensation,
+when instantly the negroes would spring to their feet,
+and the lounging inert mass would appear all activity.</p>
+
+<p>We are very willing to hold up Mr. P as a specimen
+of what colored people generally may become with proper
+cultivation, or to use the language of one of their
+own number,[<a name="AE2_FR2D"></a><a href="#AE2_FN2D">A</a>] "with free minds and space to
+rise."</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN2D"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR2D">A</a>: Thomas C. Brown, who renounced colonization,
+returned from a disastrous and almost fatal expedition
+to Liberia, and afterwards went to the West Indies,
+in quest of a free country.]</p>
+
+<p>We have purposely refrained from speaking of Mrs.
+P., lest any thing we should be willing to say respecting
+her, might seem to be adulation. However, having alluded
+to her, we will say that it has seldom fallen to our
+lot to meet with her superior.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_54"></a>
+<b>BREAKFAST AT MR. LONDON BOURNE'S.</b></p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_55"></a>
+After what has been said in this chapter to try the
+patience and irritate the nerves of the prejudiced,
+if there should be such among our readers, they will
+doubtless deem it quite intolerable to be introduced,
+not as hitherto to a family in whose faces the <i>lineaments</i>
+and the complexion of the white man are discernible,
+relieving the ebon hue, but to a household of genuine
+unadulterated negroes. We cordially accepted an invitation
+to breakfast with Mr. London Bourne. If the reader's
+horror of amalgamation does not allow him to join us
+at the table, perhaps he will consent to retire to
+the parlor, whence, without fear of contamination,
+he may safely view us through the folding doors, and
+note down our several positions around the board.
+At the head of the table presides, with much dignity,
+Mrs. Bourne; at the end opposite, sits Mr. Bourne--both
+of the glossiest jet; the thick matted hair of Mr.
+B. slightly frosted with age. He has an affable, open
+countenance, in which the radiance of an amiable spirit,
+and the lustre of a sprightly intellect, happily commingle,
+and illuminate the sable covering. On either hand
+of Mr. B. <i>we</i> sit, occupying the posts of
+honor. On the right and left of Mrs. B., and at the
+opposite corners from us, sit two other guests, one
+a colored merchant, and the other a young son-in-law
+of Mr. B., whose face is the very double extract of
+blackness; for which his intelligence, the splendor
+of his dress, and the elegance of his manners, can
+make to be sure but slight atonement! The middle seats
+are filled on the one side by an unmarried daughter
+of Mr. B., and on the other side by a promising son
+of eleven, who is to start on the morrow for Edinburgh,
+where he is to remain until he has received the honors
+of Scotland's far famed university.</p>
+
+<p>We shall doubtless be thought by some of our readers
+to glory in our shame. Be it so. We <i>did</i>
+glory in joining the company which we have just described.
+On the present occasion we had a fair opportunity of
+testing the merits of an unmixed negro party, and of
+determining how far the various excellences of the
+gentlemen and ladies previously noticed were attributable
+to the admixture of English blood. We are compelled
+in candor to say; that the company of blacks did not
+fall a whit below those of the colored race in any
+respect. We conversed on the same general topics,
+which, of course, were introduced where-ever we went.
+The gentlemen showed an intimate acquaintance with
+the state of the colony, with the merits of the apprenticeship
+system, and with the movements of the colonial government.
+As for Mrs. B., she presided at the table with great
+ease, dignity, self-possession, and grace. Her occasional
+remarks, made with genuine modesty, indicated good
+sense and discrimination. Among other topics of conversation,
+prejudice was not forgotten. The company were inquisitive
+as to the extent of it in the United States. We informed
+them that it appeared to be strongest in those states
+which held no slaves, that it prevailed among professing
+Christians, and that it was most manifestly seen in
+the house of God. We also intimated, in as delicate
+a manner as possible, that in almost any part of the
+United States such a table-scene as we then presented
+would be reprobated and denounced, if indeed it escaped
+the summary vengeance of the mob. We were highly gratified
+with their views of the proper way for the colored
+people to act in respect to prejudice. They said they
+were persuaded that their policy was to wait patiently
+for the operation of those influences which were now
+at work for the removal of prejudice. "<i>Social
+intercourse</i>," they said, "was not
+a thing to be gained by <i>pushing</i>."
+"They could not go to it, but it would come to
+them." It was for them however, to maintain
+an upright, dignified course, to be uniformly courteous,
+to seek the cultivation of their minds, and strive
+zealously for substantial worth, and by such means,
+and such alone, they could aid in overcoming prejudice.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_56"></a>
+Mr. Bourne was a slave until he was twenty-three years
+old. He was purchased by his father, a free negro,
+who gave five hundred dollars for him. His mother
+and four brothers were bought at the same time for
+the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. He spoke
+very kindly of his former master. By industry, honesty,
+and close attention to business, Mr. B. has now become
+a wealthy merchant. He owns three stores in Bridgetown,
+lives in very genteel style in his own house, and is
+worth from twenty to thirty thousand dollars. He is
+highly respected by the merchants of Bridgetown for
+his integrity and business talents. By what means
+Mr. B. has acquired so much general information, we
+are at a loss to conjecture. Although we did not ourselves
+need the evidence of his possessing extraordinary
+talents, industry, and perseverance, yet we are happy
+to present our readers with such tangible proofs--proofs
+which are read in every language, and which pass current
+in every nation.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_57"></a>
+The foregoing sketches are sufficient to give a general
+idea of the colored people of Barbadoes. Perchance
+we may have taken too great liberties with those whose
+hospitalities we enjoyed; should this ever fall under
+their notice, we doubt not they will fully appreciate
+the motives which have actuated us in making them
+public. We are only sorry, for their sakes, and especially
+for that of our cause, that the delineations are so
+imperfect. That the above specimens are an exact likeness
+of the mass of colored people we do not pretend; but
+we do affirm, that they are as true an index to the
+whole community, as the merchants, physicians, and
+mechanics of any of our villages are to the entire
+population. We must say, also, that families of equal
+merit are by no means rare among the same people.
+We might mention many names which deservedly rank
+as high as those we have specified. One of the wealthiest
+merchants in Bridgetown is a colored gentleman. He
+has his mercantile agents in England, English clerks
+in his employ, a branch establishment in the city,
+and superintends the concerns of an extensive and
+complicated business with distinguished ability and
+success. A large portion, of not a majority of the
+merchants of Bridgetown are colored. Some of the most
+popular instructors are colored men and ladies, and
+one of these ranks high as a teacher of the ancient
+and modern languages. The most efficient and enterprising
+mechanics of the city, are colored and black men.
+There is scarcely any line of business which is not
+either shared or engrossed by colored persons, if we
+except that of <i>barber</i>. <i>The only barber
+in Bridgetown is a white man.</i></p>
+
+<p>That so many of the colored people should have obtained
+wealth and education is matter of astonishment, when
+we consider the numerous discouragements with which
+they have ever been doomed to struggle. The paths
+of political distinction have been barred against them
+by an arbitrary denial of the right of suffrage, and
+consequent ineligibility to office. Thus a large and
+powerful class of incitements to mental effort, which
+have been operating continually upon the whites, have
+never once stirred the sensibilities nor waked the
+ambition of the colored community. Parents, however
+wealthy, had no inducement to educate their sons for
+the learned professions, since no force of talent
+nor extent of acquirement could hope to break down
+the granite walls and iron bars which prejudice had
+erected round the pulpit, the bar, and the bench.
+From the same cause there was very little encouragement
+to acquire property, to seek education, to labor for
+the graces of cultivated manners, or even to aspire
+to ordinary respectability, since not even the poor
+favor of social intercourse with the whites, of participating
+in the civilities and courtesies of every day life,
+was granted them.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_58"></a>
+The crushing power of a prevailing licentiousness,
+has also been added to the other discouragements of
+the colored people. Why should parents labor to amass
+wealth enough, and much of course it required, to send
+their daughters to Europe to receive their educations,
+if they were to return only to become the victims
+of an all-whelming concubinism! It is a fact, that
+in many cases young ladies, who have been sent to England
+to receive education, have, after accomplishing themselves
+in all the graces of womanhood, returned to the island
+to become the concubines of white men. Hitherto this
+vice has swept over the colored community, gathering
+its repeated conscriptions of beauty and innocence
+from the highest as well as the lowest families. Colored
+ladies have been taught to believe that it was more
+honorable, and quite as virtuous, to be the kept mistresses
+of <i>white gentlemen</i>, than the lawfully wedded
+wives of <i>colored men</i>. We repeat the remark,
+that the actual progress which the colored people
+of Barbadoes have made, while laboring under so many
+depressing influences, should excite our astonishment,
+and, we add, our admiration too. Our acquaintance
+with this people was at a very interesting period--just
+when they were beginning to be relieved from these
+discouragements, and to feel the regenerating spirit
+of a new era. It was to us like walking through a
+garden in the early spring. We could see the young
+buds of hope, the first bursts of ambition, the early
+up-shoots of confident aspiration, and occasionally
+the opening bloom of assurance. The star of hope had
+risen upon the colored people, and they were beginning
+to realize that <i>their</i> day had come. The
+long winter of their woes was melting into "glorious
+summer." Civil immunities and political privileges
+were just before them, the learned professions were
+opening to them, social equality and honorable domestic
+connections would soon be theirs. Parents were making
+fresh efforts to establish schools for the children,
+and to send the choicest of their sons and daughters
+to England. They rejoiced in the privileges they were
+securing, and they anticipated with virtuous pride
+the free access of their children to all the fields
+of enterprise, all the paths of honest emulation,
+and all the <i>eminences</i> of distinction.</p>
+
+<p>We remark in conclusion, that the forbearance of the
+colored people of Barbadoes under their complicated
+wrongs is worthy of all admiration. Allied, as many
+of them are, to the first families of the island, and
+gifted as they are with every susceptibility to feel
+disgrace, it is a marvel that they have not indignantly
+cast off the yoke and demanded their political rights.
+Their wrongs have been unprovoked on their part, and
+unnatural on the part of those who have inflicted them--in
+many cases the guilty authors of their being. The
+patience and endurance of the sufferers under such
+circumstances are unexampled, except by the conduct
+of the slaves, who, though still more wronged, were,
+if possible, still more patient.</p>
+
+<p>We regret to add, that until lately, the colored people
+of Barbadoes hate been far in the background in the
+cause of abolition, and even now, the majority of
+them are either indifferent, or actually hostile to
+emancipation. They have no fellow feeling with the
+slave. In fact; they have had prejudices against the
+negroes no less bitter than those which the whites
+have exercised toward them. There are many honorable
+exceptions to this, as has already been shown; but
+such, we are assured, is the general fact.[<a name="AE2_FR2E"></a><a href="#AE2_FN2E">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN2E"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR2E">A</a>: We are here reminded, by the force of
+contrast, of the noble spirit manifested by the free
+colored people of our own country. As early as 1817,
+a numerous body of them in Philadelphia, with the
+venerable James Forten at their head, pledged themselves
+to the cause of the slave in the following sublime
+sentiment, which deserves to be engraver to their
+glory on the granite of our "everlasting hills"--"Resolved,
+That we never will separate ourselves voluntarily
+from the slave population in this country; they are
+our brethren by the ties of consanguinity, of suffering,
+and of wrong; and we feel that there is more virtue
+in suffering privations with them, than enjoying <i>fancied</i>
+advantages for a season."</p>
+
+<p>We believe that this resolution embodies the feelings
+and determinations of the free colored people generally
+in the free states.]</p>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER IV.</h4>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_59"></a>
+<b>BARBADOES AS IT WAS, AND IS.</b></p>
+
+<p>According to the declaration of one of the special
+magistrates, "Barbadoes has long been distinguished
+for its devotion to slavery." There is probably
+no portion of the globe where slave-holding, slave
+driving, and slave labor, have been reduced to a more
+perfect system.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_60"></a>
+The records of slavery in Barbadoes are stained with
+bloody atrocities. The planters uniformly spoke of
+slavery as a system of cruelties; but they expressed
+themselves in general terms. From colored gentlemen
+we learned some particulars, a few of which we give.
+To most of the following facts the narrators were
+themselves eye witnesses, and all of them happened
+in their day and were fresh in their memories.</p>
+
+<p>The slaves were not unfrequently worked in the streets
+of Bridgetown with chains on their wrists and ankles.
+Flogging on the estates and in the town, were no less
+public than frequent, and there was an utter shamelessness
+often in the manner of its infliction. Even women were
+stripped naked on the sides of the streets, and their
+backs lacerated with the whip. It was a common practice,
+when a slave offended a white man, for the master
+to send for a public whipper, and order him to take
+the slave before the door of the person offended, and
+flog him till the latter was satisfied. White females
+would order their male slaves to be stripped naked
+in their presence and flogged, while they would look
+on to see that their orders were faithfully executed.
+Mr. Prescod mentioned an instance which he himself
+witnessed near Bridgetown. He had seen an aged female
+slave, stripped and whipped by her own son, a child
+of twelve, at the command of the mistress. As the
+boy was small, the mother was obliged to get down
+upon her hands and knees, so that the child could
+inflict the blows on her naked person with a rod. This
+was done on the public highway, before the mistress's
+door. Mr. T. well remembered when it was lawful for
+any man to shoot down his slave, under no greater
+penalty than twenty-five pounds currency; and he knew
+of cases in which this had been done. Just after the
+insurrection in 1816, white men made a regular sport
+of shooting negroes. Mr. T. mentioned one case. A young
+man had sworn that he would kill ten negroes before
+a certain time. When he had shot nine he went to take
+breakfast with a neighbor, and carried his gun along.
+The first slave he met on the estate, he accused of
+being concerned in the rebellion. The negro protested
+that he was innocent, and begged for mercy. The man
+told him to be gone, and as he turned to go away,
+he shot him dead. Having fulfilled his bloody pledge,
+the young knight ate his breakfast with a relish.
+Mr. H. said that a planter once, in a time of perfect
+peace, went to his door and called one of his slaves.
+The negro made some reply which the master construed
+into insolence, and in a great rage he swore if he
+did not come to him immediately he would shoot him.
+The man replied he hoped massa wan't in earnest.
+'I'll show you whether I am in earnest,'
+said the master, and with that he levelled his rifle,
+took deliberate aim, and shot the negro on the spot.
+He died immediately. Though great efforts were made
+by a few colored men to bring the murderer to punishment,
+they were all ineffectual. The evidence against him
+was clear enough, but the influence in his favor was
+so strong that he finally escaped.</p>
+
+<p>Dungeons were built on all the estates, and they were
+often abominably filthy, and infested with loathsome
+and venomous vermin. For slight offences the slaves
+were thrust into these prisons for several successive
+nights--being dragged out every morning to
+work during the day. Various modes of torture were
+employed upon those who were consigned to the dungeon.
+There were stocks for their feet, and there were staples
+in the floor for the ankles and wrists, placed in such
+a position as to keep the victim stretched out and
+lying on his face. Mr. H. described one mode which
+was called the <i>cabin</i>. A narrow board, only
+wide enough for a man to lie upon, was fixed in an
+inclined position, and elevated considerably above
+the ground. The offending slave was made to lay upon
+this board, and a strong rope or chain, was tied about
+his neck and fastened to the ceiling. It was so arranged,
+that if he should fall from the plank, he would inevitably
+hang by his neck. Lying in this position all night,
+he was more likely than not to fall asleep, and then
+there were ninety-nine chances to one that he would
+roll off his narrow bed and be killed before he could
+awake, or have time to extricate himself. Peradventure
+this is the explanation of the anxiety Mr. ----
+of ----, used to feel, when he had
+confined one of his slaves in the dungeon. He stated
+that he would frequently wake up in the night, was
+restless, and couldn't sleep, from fear that
+the prisoner would <i>kill himself</i> before
+morning.</p>
+
+<p>It was common for the planters of Barbadoes, like
+those of Antigua, to declare that the greatest blessing
+of abolition to them, was that it relieved them from
+the disagreeable work of flogging the negroes. We had
+the unsolicited testimony of a planter, that slave
+mothers frequently poisoned, and otherwise murdered,
+their young infants, to rid them of a life of slavery.
+What a horrible comment this upon the cruelties of
+slavery! Scarce has the mother given birth to her child,
+when she becomes its murderer. The slave-mother's
+joy begins, not like that of other mothers, when "a
+man is born into the world," but when her infant
+is hurried out of existence, and its first faint cry
+is hushed in the silence of death! Why this perversion
+of nature? Ah, that mother knows the agonies, the
+torments, the wasting woes, of a life of slavery, and
+by the bowels of a mother's love, and the yearnings
+of a mother's pity, she resolves that her babe
+shall never know the same. O, estimate who can, how
+many groans have gone up from the cane field, from
+the boiling-house, from around the wind mill, from
+the bye paths, from the shade of every tree, from
+the recesses of every dungeon!</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Barrow, of Edgecome estate, declared, that
+the habit of flogging was so strong among the overseers
+and book-keepers, that even now they frequently indulge
+it in the face of penalties and at the risk of forfeiting
+their place.</p>
+
+<p>The descriptions which the special magistrates give
+of the lower class of overseers and the managers of
+the petty estates, furnish data enough for judging
+of the manner in which they would be likely to act
+when clothed with arbitrary power. They are "a
+low order of men," "without education,"
+"trained up to use the whip," "knowing
+nothing else save the art of flogging," "ready
+at any time to perjure themselves in any matter where
+a negro is concerned," &amp;c. Now, may we not ask
+what but cruelty, the most monstrous, could be expected
+under a system where <i>such men</i> were constituted
+law makers, judges, and executioners?</p>
+
+<p>From the foregoing facts, and the still stronger circumstantial
+evidence, we leave the reader to judge for himself
+as to the amount of cruelty attendant upon "the
+reign of terror," in Barbadoes. We must, however,
+mention one qualification, without which a wrong impression
+may be made. It has already been remarked that Barbadoes
+has, more than any other island, reduced slave labor
+and sugar cultivation to a regular system. This the
+planters have been compelled to do from the denseness
+of their population, the smallness of their territory,
+the fact that the land was all occupied, and still
+more, because the island, from long continued cultivation,
+was partly worn out. A prominent feature in their
+system was, theoretically at least, good bodily treatment
+of the slaves, good feeding, attention to mothers,
+to pregnant women, and to children, in order that
+the estates might always be kept <i>well stocked
+with good-conditioned negroes</i>. They were considered
+the best managers, who increased the population of
+the estates most rapidly, and often premiums were
+given by the attorneys to such managers. Another feature
+in the Barbadoes system was to raise sufficient provisions
+in the island to maintain the slaves, or, in planter's
+phrase, to <i>feed the stock</i>, without being
+dependent upon foreign countries. This made the supplies
+of the slaves more certain and more abundant. From
+several circumstances in the condition of Barbadoes,
+it is manifest, that there were fewer motives to cruelty
+there than existed in other islands. First, the slave
+population was abundant, then the whole of the island
+was under cultivation, and again the lands were old
+and becoming exhausted. Now, if either one of these
+things had not been true, if the number of slaves
+had been inadequate to the cultivation, or if vast
+tracts of land, as in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Demerara,
+had been uncultivated, or were being brought into
+cultivation; or, again, if the lands under cultivation
+had been fresh and fertile, so as to bear <i>pushing</i>,
+then it is plain that there would have been inducements
+to hard driving, which, as the case was, did not exist.</p>
+
+<p>Such is a partial view of Barbadoes as it <i>was</i>,
+touching the matter of cruelty. We say partial, for
+we have omitted to mention the selling of slaves from
+one estate to another, whereby families were separated,
+almost as effectually as though an ocean intervened.
+We have omitted to notice the transportation of slaves
+to Trinidad, Berbice, and Demerara, which was made
+an open traffic until prohibited in 1827, and was
+afterwards continued with but little abatement by evasions
+of the law.</p>
+
+<p>From the painful contemplation of all this outrage
+and wrong, the mind is relieved by turning to the
+present state of the colony. It cannot be denied that
+much oppression grows out of the apprenticeship system,
+both from its essential nature, and from the want
+of virtuous principle and independence in the men
+who administer it. Yet it is certainly true that there
+has been a very great diminution in the amount of actual
+cruelty. The total abolition of flogging on the estates,
+the prohibition to use the dungeons, and depriving
+the masters, managers, overseers and drivers, of the
+right to punish in any case, or in any way whatever,
+leave no room for doubt on this subject. It is true,
+that the laws are often violated, but this can only
+take place in cases of excessive passion, and it is
+not likely to be a very frequent occurrence. The penalty
+of the law is so heavy,[<a name="AE2_FR2F"></a><a href="#AE2_FN2F">A</a>] and the chances of detection[<a name="AE2_FR30"></a><a href="#AE2_FN30">B</a>]
+are so great, that in all ordinary circumstances they
+will be a sufficient security against the violence
+of the master. On the other hand, the special magistrates
+themselves seldom use the whip, but resort to other
+modes of punishment less cruel and degrading. Besides,
+it is manifest that if they did use the whip and were
+ever so cruelly disposed, it would be physically impossible
+for them to inflict as much suffering as the drivers
+could during slavery; on account of the vast numbers
+over whom they preside. We learned from the apprentices
+themselves, by conversing with them, that their condition,
+in respect to treatment, is incomparably better than
+it was during slavery. We were satisfied from our
+observations and inquiries, that the planters, at least
+the more extensive and enlightened ones, conduct their
+estates on different principles from those formerly
+followed. Before the abolition of slavery, they regarded
+the <i>whip</i> as absolutely necessary to the
+cultivation of sugar, and hence they uniformly used
+it, and loudly deprecated its abolition as being <i>their</i>
+certain ruin. But since the whip has been abolished,
+and the planters have found that the negroes continue,
+nevertheless, industrious and subordinate, they have
+changed their measures, partly from necessity, and
+partly from policy, have adopted a conciliatory course.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN2F"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR2F">A</a>: A fine of sixteen dollars for the first
+assault, and the liberation of the apprentice after
+a second.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN30"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR30">B</a>: Through the complaint of the apprentice
+to the special magistrate]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_61"></a>
+Barbadoes was not without its insurrections during
+slavery. Although not very frequent, they left upon
+the minds of the white colonists this conviction,
+(repeatedly expressed to us by planters and others,)
+that <i>slavery and rebellions are inseparable</i>.
+The last widely extended insurrection occurred in
+1816, in the eastern part of the island. Some of the
+particulars were given us by a planter who resided
+to that region, and suffered by it great loss of property.
+The plot was so cautiously laid, and kept so secret,
+that no one suspected it. The planter observed that
+if any one had told him that such a thing was brewing
+<i>ten minutes</i> before it burst forth, he would
+not have credited the statement. It began with firing
+the cane-fields. A signal was given by a man setting
+fire to a pile of trash on an elevated spot, when
+instantly the fires broke out in every direction, and
+in less than a half hour, more than one hundred estates
+were in flames. The planters and their families, in
+the utmost alarm, either fled into other parts of
+the island, or seized their arms and hurriedly mustered
+in self-defence. Meanwhile the negroes, who had banded
+themselves in numerous companies, took advantage of
+the general consternation, proceeded to the deserted
+mansions of the planters, broke down the doors, battered
+in the windows, destroyed all the furniture, and carried
+away the provision stores to their own houses.</p>
+
+<p>These ravages continued for three days, during which,
+the slaves flocked together in increasing numbers;
+in one place there were several thousands assembled.
+Above five hundred of the insurgents were shot down
+by the militia, before they could be arrested. The
+destruction of property during the rebellion was loosely
+estimated at many hundred thousand pounds. The canes
+on many estates were almost wholly burned; so that
+extensive properties, which ordinarily yielded from
+two to three hundred hogsheads, did not make more
+than fifteen or twenty.</p>
+
+<p>Our informant mentioned two circumstances which he
+considered remarkable. One was, that the insurgents
+never touched the property of the estates to which
+they severally belonged; but went to the neighboring
+or more distant estates. The other was, that during
+the whole insurrection the negroes did not make a
+single attempt to destroy life. On the other hand,
+the sacrifice of negroes during the rebellion, and
+subsequent to it, was appalling. It was a long time
+before the white man's thirst for blood could
+be satiated.</p>
+
+<p>No general insurrection occurred after this one. However,
+as late as 1823, the proprietor of Mount Wilton--the
+noblest estate in the island--was murdered
+by his slaves in a most horrid manner. A number of
+men entered his bed-chamber at night. He awoke ere
+they reached him, and grasped his sword, which always
+hung by his bed, but it was wrested from his hand,
+and he was mangled and killed. His death was caused
+by his <i>cruelties</i>, and especially by his
+<i>extreme licentiousness</i>. All the females
+on this estate were made successively the victims of
+his lust. This, together with his cruelties, so incensed
+the men, that they determined to murder the wretch.
+Several of them were publicly executed.</p>
+
+<p>Next to the actual occurrence of rebellions, <i>the
+fear of them</i> deserves to be enumerated among
+the evils which slavery entailed upon Barbadoes. The
+dread of hurricanes to the people of Barbadoes is tolerable
+in comparison with the irrepressible apprehensions
+of bloody rebellions. A planter told us that he seldom
+went to bed without thinking he might be murdered
+before morning.</p>
+
+<p>But now the whites are satisfied that slavery was
+the sole instigator of rebellions, and since its removal
+they have no fear on this score.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_62"></a>
+<i>Licentiousness</i> was another of the fruits
+of slavery. It will be difficult to give to the reader
+a proper conception of the prevalence of this vice
+in Barbadoes, and of the consequent demoralization.
+A numerous colored population were both the offspring
+and the victims of it. On a very moderate calculation,
+nineteen-twentieths of the present adult colored race
+are illegitimate. Concubinage was practised among the
+highest classes. Young merchants and others who were
+unmarried, on first going to the island, regularly
+engaged colored females to live with them as housekeepers
+and mistresses, and it was not unusual for a man to
+have more than one. The children of these connections
+usually sat with the mothers at the father's
+table, though when the gentlemen had company, neither
+mothers nor children made their appearance. To such
+conduct no disgrace was attached, nor was any shame
+felt by either party. We were assured that there are
+in Bridgetown, colored ladies of "respectability,"
+who, though never married, have large families of
+children whose different surnames indicate their difference
+of parentage, but who probably do not know their fathers
+by any other token. These remarks apply to the towns.
+The morals of the estates were still more deplorable.
+The managers and overseers, commonly unmarried, left
+no female virtue unattempted. Rewards sometimes, but
+oftener the whip, or the dungeon, gave them the mastery
+in point of fact, which the laws allowed in theory.
+To the slaves marriage was scarcely known. They followed
+the example of the master, and were ready to minister
+to his lust. The mass of mulatto population grew paler
+as it multiplied, and catching the refinement along
+with the tint of civilization, waged a war upon marriage
+which had well nigh expelled it from the island. Such
+was Barbadoes under the auspices of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>Although these evils still exist, yet, since the abolition
+of slavery, there is one symptom of returning purity,
+the <i>sense of shame</i>. Concubinage is becoming
+disreputable. The colored females are growing in self-respect,
+and are beginning to seek regular connections with
+colored men. They begin to feel (to use the language
+of one of them) that the <i>light is come</i>,
+and that they can no longer have the apology of ignorance
+to plead for their sin. It is the prevailing impression
+among whites, colored, and blacks, that open licentiousness
+cannot long survive slavery.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_63"></a>
+<i>Prejudice</i> was another of the concomitants
+of slavery. Barbadoes was proverbial for it. As far
+as was practicable, the colored people were excluded
+from all business connections; though merchants were
+compelled to make clerks of them for want of better,
+that is, <i>whiter</i>, ones. Colored merchants
+of wealth were shut out of the merchants' exchange,
+though possessed of untarnished integrity, while white
+men were admitted as subscribers without regard to
+character. It was not a little remarkable that the
+rooms occupied as the merchants' exchange were
+rented from a colored gentleman, or more properly,
+a <i>negro</i>;[<a name="AE2_FR31"></a><a href="#AE2_FN31">A</a>] who, though himself a merchant
+of extensive business at home and abroad, and occupying
+the floor below with a store, was not suffered to set
+his foot within them. This merchant, it will be remembered,
+is educating a son for a learned profession at the
+university of Edinburgh. Colored gentlemen were not
+allowed to become members of literary associations,
+nor subscribers to the town libraries. Social intercourse
+was utterly interdicted. To visit the houses of such
+men as we have already mentioned in a previous chapter,
+and especially to sit down at their tables, would
+have been a loss of caste; although the gentry were
+at the same time living with colored concubines. But
+most of all did this wicked prejudice delight to display
+itself in the churches. Originally, we believe, the
+despised color was confined to the galleries, afterwards
+it was admitted to the seats under the galleries, and
+ultimately it was allowed to extend to the body pews
+below the cross aisle. If perchance one of the proscribed
+class should ignorantly stray beyond these precincts,
+and take a seat above the cross aisle, he was instantly,
+if not forcibly, removed. Every opportunity was maliciously
+seized to taunt the colored people with their complexion.
+A gentleman of the highest worth stated that several
+years ago he applied to the proper officer for a license
+to be married. The license was accordingly made out
+and handed to him. It was expressed in the following
+insulting style: "T---- H----,
+F.M., is licensed to marry H---- L----,
+F.C.W." The initials F.M. stood for <i>free
+mulatto</i>, and F.C.W. for <i>free colored woman</i>!
+The gentleman took his knife and cut out the initials;
+and was then threatened with a prosecution for forging
+his license.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN31"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR31">A</a>: Mr. London Bourne, the merchant mentioned
+in the previous chapter.]</p>
+
+<p>It must be admitted that this cruel feeling still
+exists in Barbadoes. Prejudice is the last viper of
+the slavery-gendered brood that dies. But it is evidently
+growing weaker. This the reader will infer from several
+facts already stated. The colored people themselves
+are indulging sanguine hopes that prejudice will shortly
+die away. They could discover a bending on the part
+of the whites, and an apparent readiness to concede
+much of the ground hitherto withheld. They informed
+us that they had received intimations that they might
+be admitted as subscribers to the merchants'
+exchange if they would apply; but they were in no hurry
+to make the advances themselves. They felt assured
+that not only business equality, but social equality,
+would soon be theirs, and were waiting patiently for
+the course of events to bring them. They have too
+much self-respect to sue for the consideration of their
+white neighbors, or to accept it as a condescension
+and favor, when by a little patience they might obtain
+it on more honorable terms. It will doubtless be found
+in Barbadoes, as it has been in other countries--and
+perchance to the mortification of some lordlings--that
+freedom is a mighty leveller of human distinctions.
+The pyramid of pride and prejudice which slavery had
+upreared there, must soon crumble in the dust.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_64"></a>
+<i>Indolence and inefficiency among the whites</i>,
+was another prominent feature in slaveholding Barbadoes.
+Enterprise, public and personal, has long been a stranger
+to the island. Internal improvements, such as the
+laying and repairing of roads, the erection of bridges,
+building wharves, piers, &amp;c., were either wholly neglected,
+or conducted in such a listless manner as to be a
+burlesque on the name of business. It was a standing
+task, requiring the combined energy of the island,
+to repair the damages of one hurricane before another
+came. The following circumstance was told us, by one
+of the shrewdest observers of men and things with
+whom we met in Barbadoes. On the southeastern coast
+of the island there is a low point running far out
+into the sea, endangering all vessels navigated by
+persons not well acquainted with the island. Many
+vessels have been wrecked upon it in the attempt to
+make Bridgetown from the windward. From time immemorial,
+it has been in contemplation to erect a light-house
+on that point. Every time a vessel has been wrecked,
+the whole island has been agog for a light-house. Public
+meetings were called, and eloquent speeches made,
+and resolutions passed, to proceed to the work forthwith.
+Bills were introduced into the assembly, long speeches
+made, and appropriations voted commensurate with the
+stupendous undertaking. There the matter ended, and
+the excitement died away, only to be revived by another
+wreck, when a similar scene would ensue. The light-house
+is not built to this day. In personal activity, the
+Barbadians are as sadly deficient as in public spirit.
+London is said to have scores of wealthy merchants
+who have never been beyond its limits, nor once snuffed
+the country air. Bridgetown, we should think, is in
+this respect as deserving of the name <i>Little London</i>
+as Barbadoes is of the title "Little England,"
+which it proudly assumes. We were credibly informed
+that there were merchants in Bridgetown who had never
+been off the island in their lives, nor more than
+five or six miles into the country. The sum total
+of their locomotion might be said to be, turning softly
+to one side of their chairs, and then softly to the
+other. Having no personal cares to harass them, and
+no political questions to agitate them--having
+no extended speculations to push, and no public enterprises
+to prosecute, (save occasionally when a wreck on the
+southern point throws them into a ferment,) the lives
+of the higher classes seem a perfect blank, as it
+regards every thing manly. Their thoughts are chiefly
+occupied with sensual pleasure, anticipated or enjoyed.
+The centre of existence to them is the <i>dinner-table</i>.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"They eat and drink and sleep, and
+then--<br>
+Eat and drink and sleep again."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>That the abolition of slavery has laid the foundation
+for a reform in this respect, there can be no doubt.
+The indolence and inefficiency of the white community
+has grown out of slavery. It is the legitimate offspring
+of oppression everywhere--one of the burning
+curses which it never fails to visit upon its supporters.
+It may be seriously doubted, however, whether in Barbadoes
+this evil will terminate with its cause. There is
+there such a superabundance of the laboring population,
+that for a long time to come, labor must be very cheap,
+and the habitually indolent will doubtless prefer
+employing others to work for them, than to work themselves.
+If, therefore, we should not see an active spirit of
+enterprise at once kindling among the Barbadians, <i>if
+the light-house should not be build for a quarter
+of a century to come</i>, it need not excite our
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>We heard not a little concerning the expected distress
+of those white families whose property consisted chiefly
+of slaves. There were many such families, who have
+hitherto lived respectably and independently by hiring
+out their slaves. After 1840, these will be deprived
+of all their property, and will have no means of support
+whatever. As they will consider it degrading to work,
+and still more so to beg, they will be thrown into
+extremely embarrassing circumstances. It is thought
+that many of this class will leave the country, and
+seek a home where they will not be ashamed to work
+for their subsistence. We were forcibly reminded of
+the oft alleged objection to emancipation in the United
+States, that it would impoverish many excellent families
+in the South, and drive delicate females to the distaff
+and the wash-tub, whose hands have never been used
+to any thing--<i>rougher than the cowhide</i>.
+Much sympathy has been awakened in the North by such
+appeals, and vast numbers have been led by them to
+conclude that it is better for millions of slaves
+to famish in eternal bondage, than that a few white
+families, here and there scattered over the South,
+should be reduced to the humiliation of <i>working</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_65"></a>
+<i>Hostility to emancipation</i> prevailed in
+Barbadoes. That island has always been peculiarly
+attached to slavery. From the beginning of the anti-slavery
+agitations in England, the Barbadians distinguished
+themselves by their inveterate opposition. As the grand
+result approximated they increased their resistance.
+They appealed, remonstrated, begged, threatened, deprecated,
+and imprecated. They continually protested that abolition
+would ruin the colony--that the negroes
+could never be brought to work--especially
+to raise sugar--without the whip. They both
+besought and demanded of the English that they should
+cease their interference with their private affairs
+and personal property.</p>
+
+<p>Again and again they informed them that they were
+wholly disqualified, by their distance from the colonies,
+and their ignorance of the subject, to do any thing
+respecting it, and they were entreated to leave the
+whole matter with the colonies, who alone could judge
+as to the best time and manner of moving, or whether
+it was proper to move at all.</p>
+
+<p>We were assured that there was not a single planter
+in Barbadoes who was known to be in favor of abolition,
+before it took place; if, however, there had been
+one such, he would not have dared to avow his sentiments.
+The anti-slavery party in England were detested; no
+epithets were too vile for them--no curses
+too bitter. It was a Barbadian lady who once exclaimed
+in a public company in England, "O, I wish we
+had Wilberforce in the West Indies, I would be one
+of the very first to tear his heart out!" If
+such a felon wish could escape the lips of a female,
+and that too amid the awing influence of English society,
+what may we conclude were the feelings of planters
+and drivers on the island!</p>
+
+<p>The opposition was maintained even after the abolition
+of slavery; and there was no colony, save Jamaica,
+with which the English government had so much trouble
+in arranging the provisions and conditions under which
+abolition was to take place.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_66"></a>
+From statements already made, the reader will see
+how great a change has come over the feelings of the
+planters.</p>
+
+<p>He has followed us through this and the preceding
+chapters, he has seen tranquillity taking the place
+of insurrections, a sense of security succeeding to
+gloomy forbodings, and public order supplanting mob
+law; he has seen subordination to authority, peacefulness,
+industry, and increasing morality, characterizing
+the negro population; he has seen property rising
+in value, crime lessening, expenses of labor diminishing,
+the whole island blooming with unexampled cultivation,
+and waving with crops unprecedented in the memory
+of its inhabitants; above all, he has seen licentiousness
+decreasing, prejudice fading away, marriage extending,
+education spreading, and religion preparing to multiply
+her churches and missionaries over the land.</p>
+
+<p><i>These</i> are the blessing of abolition--<i>begun</i>
+only, and but partially realized as yet, but promising
+a rich maturity in time to come, after the work of
+freedom shall have been completed.</p>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER V.</h4>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_67"></a>
+<b>THE APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.</b></p>
+
+<p>The nature of the apprenticeship system may be learned
+form the following abstract of its provisions, relative
+to the three parties chiefly concerned in its operation--the
+special magistrate, the master, and the apprentice.</p>
+
+<p><b>PROVISIONS RESPECTING THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATES.</b></p>
+
+<p>1. They must be disconnected with planters and plantership,
+that they may be independent of all colonial parties
+and interests whatever.</p>
+
+<p>2. The special magistrates adjudicate only in cases
+where the master and apprentice are parties. Offences
+committed by apprentices against any person not connected
+with the estates on which they live, come under the
+cognizance of the local magistrates or of higher courts.</p>
+
+<p>3. The special justices sit three days in the week
+at their offices, where all complaints are carried,
+both by the master and apprentice. The magistrates
+do not go the estate, either to try or to punish offenders.
+Besides, the three days the magistrates are required
+to be at home every Saturday, (that being the day
+on which the apprentices are disengaged,) to give
+friendly advice and instruction on points of law and
+personal rights to all apprentices who may call.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_68"></a>
+<b>PROVISIONS RESPECTING THE MASTER.</b></p>
+
+<p>1. The master is allowed the gratuitous labor of the
+apprentice for forty-five hours each week. The several
+islands were permitted by the English government to
+make such a division of this time as local circumstances
+might seem to require. In some islands, as for instance
+in St. Christopher's and Tortola, it is spread
+over six days of the week in proportions of seven
+and a half hours per day, thus leaving the apprentice
+mere shreds of time in which he can accomplish nothing
+for himself. In Barbadoes, the forty-five hours is
+confined within five days, in portions of nine hours
+per day.</p>
+
+<p>2. The allowances of food continue the same as during
+slavery, excepting that now the master may give, instead
+of the allowance, a third of an acre to each apprentice,
+but then he must also grant an additional day every
+week for the cultivation of this land.</p>
+
+<p>3. The master has no power whatever to punish. A planter
+observed, "if I command my butler to stand for
+half an hour on the parlor floor, and it can be proved
+that I designed it as a punishment, I may be fined
+for it." The penalty for the first offence (punishing
+an apprentice) is a fine of five pounds currency,
+or sixteen dollars, and imprisonment if the punishment
+was cruel. For a second offence the apprentice is
+set free.</p>
+
+<p>Masters frequently do punish their apprentices <i>in
+despite of all penalties</i>. A case in point occurred
+not long since, in Bridgetown. A lady owned a handsome
+young mulatto woman, who had a beautiful head of hair
+of which she was very proud. The servant did something
+displeasing to her mistress, and the latter in a rage
+shaved off her hair close to her head. The girl complained
+to the special magistrate, and procured an immediate
+release from her mistress's service.</p>
+
+<p>4. It is the duty of the master to make complaint
+to the special magistrate. When the master chooses
+to take the punishment into his own hand, the apprentice
+has a right to complain.</p>
+
+<p>5. The master is obliged to sell the remainder of
+the apprentice's term, whenever the apprentice
+signifies a wish to buy it. If the parties cannot
+agree about the price, the special magistrate, in connection
+with two local magistrates, appraises the latter,
+and the master is bound to take the amount of the
+appraisement, whatever that is. Instances of apprentices
+purchasing themselves are quite frequent, not withstanding
+the term of service is now so short, extending only
+to August, 1840. The value of an apprentice varies
+from thirty to one hundred dollars.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_69"></a>
+<b>PROVISIONS RESPECTING THE APPRENTICE.</b></p>
+
+<p>1. He has the whole of Saturday, and the remnants
+of the other five days, after giving nine hours to
+the master.</p>
+
+<p>2. The labor does not begin so early, nor continue
+so late as during slavery. Instead of half past four
+or five o'clock the apprentices are called out
+at six o'clock in the morning. They then work
+till seven, have an hour for breakfast, again work
+from eight to twelve, have a respite of two hours,
+and then work till six o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>3. If an apprentice hires his time from his master
+as is not unfrequently the case, especially among
+the non-praedials, he pays a dollar a week, which
+is two thirds, or at least one half of his earnings.</p>
+
+<p>4. If the apprentice has a complaint to make against
+his master, he must either make it during his own
+time, or if he prefers to go to the magistrate during
+work hours, he must ask his master for a pass. If his
+master refuse to give him one, he can then go without
+it.</p>
+
+<p>5. There is an <i>unjustifiable inequality</i>
+in the apprentice laws, which was pointed out by one
+of the special magistrates. The master is punishable
+only for cruelty or corporeal inflictions, whereas
+the apprentice is punishable for a variety of offences,
+such as idleness, stealing, insubordination, insolence,
+&amp;c. The master may be as insolent and abusive as he
+chooses to be, and the slave can have no redress.</p>
+
+<p>6. Hard labor, solitary confinement, and the treadmill,
+are the principal modes of punishment. Shaving the
+head is sometimes resorted to. A very sever punishment
+frequently adopted, is requiring the apprentice to
+make up for the time during which he is confined. If
+he is committed for ten working days, he must give
+the master ten successive Saturdays.</p>
+
+<p>This last regulation is particularly oppressive and
+palpably unjust. It matters not how slight the offence
+may have been, it is discretionary with the special
+magistrate to mulct the apprentice of his Saturdays.
+This provision really would appear to have been made
+expressly for the purpose of depriving the apprentices
+of their own time. It is a direct inducement to the
+master to complain. If the apprentice has been absent
+from his work but an hour, the magistrate may sentence
+him to give a whole day in return; consequently the
+master is encouraged to mark the slightest omission,
+and to complain of it whether it was unavoidable or
+not.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_70"></a>
+THE DESIGN OF THE APPRENTICESHIP.--It is
+a serious question with a portion of the colonists,
+whether or not the apprenticeship was originally designed
+as a preparation for freedom. This however was the
+professed object with its advocates, and it was on
+the strength of this plausible pretension, doubtless,
+that the measure was carried through. We believe it
+is pretty well understood, both in England and the
+colonies; that it was mainly intended <i>as an additional
+compensation to the planters</i>. The latter complained
+that the twenty millions of pounds was but a pittance
+of the value of their slaves, and to drown their cries
+about robbery and oppression this system of modified
+slavery was granted to them, that they might, for
+a term of years, enjoy the toil of the negro without
+compensation. As a mockery to the hopes of the slaves
+this system was called an apprenticeship, and it was
+held out to them as a needful preparatory stage for
+them to pass through, ere they could rightly appreciate
+the blessings of entire freedom. It was not wonderful
+that they should be slow to apprehend the necessity
+of serving a six years' apprenticeship, at a
+business which they had been all their lives employed
+in. It is not too much to say that it was a grand cheat--a
+national imposture at the expense of the poor victims
+of oppression, whom, with benevolent pretences, it
+offered up a sacrifice to cupidity and power.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_71"></a>
+PRACTICAL OPERATION OF THE APPRENTICESHIP.--It
+cannot be denied that this system is in some respects
+far better than slavery. Many restraints are imposed
+upon the master, and many important privileges are
+secured to the apprentice. Being released from the
+arbitrary power of the master, is regarded by the
+latter as a vast stride towards entire liberty. We
+once asked an apprentice; if he thought apprenticeship
+was better than slavery. "O yes," said
+he, "great deal better, sir; when we was slaves,
+our masters git mad wid us, and give us <i>plenty
+of licks</i>; but now, thank God, they can't
+touch us." But the actual enjoyment of these
+advantages by the apprentices depends upon so many
+contingencies, such as the disposition of the master,
+and the faithfulness of the special magistrate, that
+it is left after all exceedingly precarious. A very
+few observations respecting the special magistrates,
+will serve to show how liable the apprentice is to
+suffer wrong without the possibility of obtaining
+redress. It is evident that this will be the case
+unless the special magistrates are <i>entirely independent</i>.
+This was foreseen by the English government, and they
+pretended to provide for it by paying the magistrates'
+salaries at home. But how inadequate was their provision!
+The salaries scarcely answer for pocket money in the
+<a name="IV_72"></a>
+West Indies. Thus situated, the magistrates are continually
+exposed to those temptations, which the planters can
+so artfully present in the shape of sumptuous dinners.
+They doubtless find it very convenient, when their
+stinted purses run low, and mutton and wines run high,
+to do as the New England school master does, "<i>board
+round</i>;" and consequently the dependence
+of the magistrate upon the planter is of all things
+the most deprecated by the apprentice.[<a name="AE2_FR32"></a><a href="#AE2_FN32">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN32"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR32">A</a>: The feelings of apprentices on this point
+are well illustrated by the following anecdote, which
+was related to us while in the West Indies. The governor
+of one of the islands, shortly after his arrival,
+dined with one of the wealthiest proprietors. The next
+day one of the negroes of the estate said to another,
+"De new gubner been <i>poison'd</i>."
+"What dat you say?" inquired the other
+in astonishment, "De gubner been <i>poison'd</i>."
+"Dah, now!--How him poisoned!"
+"<i>Him eat massa turtle soup last night</i>,"
+said the shrewd negro. The other took his meaning
+at once; and his sympathy for the governor was turned
+into concern for himself, when he perceived that the
+poison was one from which <i>he</i> was likely
+to suffer more than his excellency.]</p>
+
+<p>Congeniality of feeling, habits, views, style and
+rank--identity of country and color--these
+powerful influences bias the magistrate toward the
+master, at the same time that the absence of them all,
+estrange and even repel him from the apprentice. There
+is still an additional consideration which operates
+against the unfortunate apprentice. The men selected
+for magistrates, are mostly officers of the army and
+navy. To those who are acquainted with the arbitrary
+habits of military and naval officers, and with the
+iron despotism which they exercise among the soldiers
+and sailors,[<a name="AE2_FR33"></a><a href="#AE2_FN33">B</a>] the bare mention of this fact is sufficient
+to convince them of the unenviable situation of the
+apprentice. It is at best but a gloomy transfer from
+the mercies of a slave driver, to the justice of a
+military magistrate.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN33"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR33">B</a>: We had a specimen of the stuff special
+magistrates are made of in sailing from Barbadoes
+to Jamaica. The vessel was originally an English man-of-war
+brig, which had been converted into a steamer, and
+was employed by the English government, in conveying
+the island mails from Barbadoes to Jamaica--to
+and fro. She was still under the strict discipline
+of a man-of-war. The senior officer on board was a
+lieutenant. This man was one of the veriest savages
+on earth. His passions were in a perpetual storm,
+at some times higher than at others, occasionally
+they blew a hurricane. He quarrelled with his officers,
+and his orders to his men were always uttered in oaths.
+Scarcely a day passed that he did not have some one
+of his sailors flogged. One night, the cabin boy left
+the water-can sitting on the cabin floor, instead of
+putting it on the sideboard, where it usually stood.
+For this offence the commander ordered him up on deck
+after midnight, and made the quarter-master flog him.
+The instrument used in this case, (the regular flogging
+stick having been <i>used up</i> by previous service,)
+was the commander's cane--<i>a heavy
+knotted club</i>. The boy held out one hand and
+received the blows. He howled most piteously, and it
+was some seconds before he recovered sufficiently
+from the pain to extend the other. "<i>Lay
+on</i>," stormed the commander. Down went
+the cane a second time. We thought it must have broken
+every bone in the boy's hand. This was repeated
+several times, the boy extending each hand alternately,
+and recoiling at every blow. "Now lay on to
+his back," sternly vociferated the commander--"give
+it to him--<i>hard</i>--<i>lay
+on harder</i>." The old seaman, who had some
+mercy in his heart, seemed very loth to lay out his
+strength on the boy with such a club. The commander
+became furious--cursed and swore--and
+again yelled, "<i>Give it to him harder, more</i>--MORE--MORE--there,
+stop." "you infernal villain"--speaking
+to the quarter-master and using the most horrid oaths--"You
+infernal villain, if you do not <i>lay on harder</i>
+the next time I command you, I'll have you put
+in irons." The boy limped away, writhing in every
+joint, and crying piteously, when the commander called
+at him, "Silence there, you imp--or
+I'll give you a second edition." One of
+the first things the commander did after we left Barbadoes,
+was to have a man flogged, and the last order we heard
+him give as we left the steamer at Kingston, was to
+put two of the men <i>in irons</i>.]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_73"></a>
+It is not a little remarkable that the apprenticeship
+should be regarded by the planters themselves, as
+well as by other persons generally throughout the
+colony, as merely a modified form of slavery. It is
+common to hear it called 'slavery under a different
+form,' 'another name for slavery,'--'modified
+slavery,' 'but little better than slavery.'</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_74"></a>
+Nor is the practical operation of the system upon
+the <i>master</i> much less exceptionable. It
+takes out of his hand the power of coercing labor,
+and provides no other stimulus. Thus it subjects him
+to the necessity either of resorting to empty threats,
+which must result only in incessant disputes, or of
+condescending to persuade and entreat, against which
+his habits at once rebel, or of complaining to a third
+party--an alternative more revolting if
+possible, than the former, since it involves the acknowledgment
+of a higher power than his own. It sets up over his
+actions a foreign judge, at whose bar he is alike amenable
+(in theory) with his apprentice, before whose tribunal
+he may be dragged at any moment by his apprentice,
+and from whose lips he may receive the humiliating
+sentence of punishment in the presence of his apprentice.
+It introduces between him and his laborers, mutual
+repellancies and estrangement; it encourages the former
+to exercise an authority which he would not venture
+to assume under a system of perfect freedom; it emboldens
+the latter to display an insolence which he would not
+have dreamed of in a state of slavery, and thus begetting
+in the one, the imperiousness of the slaveholder <i>without
+his power</i>, and in the other, the independence
+of the freeman <i>without his immunities</i>,
+it perpetuates a scene of angry collision, jealousy
+and hatred.</p>
+
+<p>It does not even serve for the master the unworthy
+purpose for which it was mainly devised, <i>viz</i>.,
+that of an additional compensation. The apprenticeship
+is estimated to be more expensive than a system of
+free labor would be. It is but little less expensive
+than slavery, and freedom it is confidently expected
+will be considerably less. So it would seem that this
+system burthens the master with much of the perplexity,
+the ignominy and the expensiveness of slavery, while
+it denies him its power. Such is the apprenticeship
+system. A splendid imposition!--which cheats
+the planter of his gains, cheats the British nation
+of its money, and robs the world of what else might
+have been a glorious example of immediate and entire
+emancipation.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_75"></a>
+THE APPRENTICESHIP IS NO PREPARATION FOR FREEDOM.--Indeed,
+as far as it can be, it is an actual <i>disqualification</i>.
+The testimony on this subject is ample. We rarely
+met a planter, who was disposed to maintain that the
+apprenticeship was preparing the negroes for freedom.
+They generally admitted that the people were no better
+prepared for freedom now, than they were in 1834;
+and some of them did not hesitate to say that the
+sole use to which they and their brother planters turned
+the system, was to get <i>as much work out of the
+apprentices while it lasted, as possible</i>. Clergymen
+and missionaries, declared that the apprenticeship
+was no preparation for freedom. If it were a preparation
+at all, it would most probably be so in a religious
+and educational point of view. We should expect to
+find the masters, if laboring at all to prepare their
+apprentices for freedom, doing so chiefly by encouraging
+missionaries and teachers to come to their estates,
+and by aiding in the erection of chapels and school-houses.
+But the missionaries declare that they meet with little
+more direct encouragement now, than they did during
+slavery.</p>
+
+<p>The special magistrates also testify that the apprenticeship
+is no preparation for freedom. On this subject they
+are very explicit.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_76"></a>
+The colored people bear the same testimony. Not a
+few, too, affirm, that the tendency of the apprenticeship
+is to unfit the negroes for freedom, and avow it as
+their firm persuasion, that the people will be less
+prepared for liberty at the end of the apprenticeship,
+than they were at its commencement. And it is not
+without reason that they thus speak. They say, first,
+that the bickerings and disputes to which the system
+gives rise between the master and the apprentice, and
+the arraigning of each other before the special magistrate,
+are directly calculated to alienate the parties. The
+effect of these contentions, kept up for six years,
+will be to implant <i>deep mutual hostility</i>;
+and the parties will be a hundred fold more irreconcilable
+than they were on the abolition of slavery. Again,
+they argue that the apprenticeship system is calculated
+to make the negroes regard <i>law as their foe</i>,
+and thus it unfits them for freedom. They reason thus--the
+apprentice looks to the magistrate as his judge, his
+avenger, his protector; he knows nothing of either
+law or justice except as he sees them exemplified
+in the decisions of the magistrate. When, therefore,
+the magistrate sentences him to punishment, when he
+knows he was the injured party, he will become disgusted
+with the very name of justice, and esteem law his
+greatest enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The neglect of the planters to use the apprenticeship
+as a preparation for freedom, warrants us in the conclusion,
+that they do not think any preparation necessary.
+But we are not confined to doubtful inferences on
+this point. They testify positively--and
+not only planters, but all other classes of men likewise--that
+the slaves of Barbadoes were fit for entire freedom
+in 1834, and that they might have been emancipated
+then with perfect safety. Whatever may have been the
+sentiment of the Barbadians relative to the necessity
+of preparation before the experiment was made, it
+is clear that now they have no confidence either in
+the necessity or the practicability of preparatory
+schemes.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_77"></a>
+But we cannot close our remarks upon the apprenticeship
+system without noticing one good end which it has
+undesignedly accomplished, <i>i.e</i>., <i>the illustration
+of the good disposition of the colored people</i>.
+We firmly believe that if the friends of emancipation
+had wished to disprove all that has ever been said
+about the ferocity and revengefulness of the negroes,
+and at the same time to demonstrate that they possess,
+in a pre-eminent degree, those other qualities which
+render them the fit subjects of liberty and law, they
+could not have done it more triumphantly than it has
+been done by the apprenticeship. <i>How</i> this
+has been done may be shown by pointing out several
+respects in which the apprenticeship has been calculated
+to try the negro character most severely, and to develop
+all that was fiery and rebellious in it.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_78"></a>
+1. The apprenticeship removed that strong arm of slavery
+and substituted no adequate force. The arbitrary power
+of the master, which awed the slave into submission,
+was annihilated. The whip which was held over the
+slave, and compelled a kind of subordination--brutal,
+indeed, but effectual--was abolished. Here
+in the outset the reins were given to the long-oppressed,
+but now aspiring mass. No adequate force was substituted,
+because it was the intent of the new system to govern
+by milder means. This was well, but what were the
+milder means which were to take the place of brute
+force?</p>
+
+<p>2. Was the stimulus of wages substituted? No! That
+was expressly denied. Was the liberty of locomotion
+granted? No. Was the privilege of gaining a personal
+interest in the soil extended to them? No. Were the
+immunities and rights of citizenship secured to them?
+No. Was the poor favor allowed them of selecting their
+own business, or of choosing their employer? Not even
+this? Thus far, then, we see nothing of the milder
+measures of the apprenticeship. It has indeed opened
+the prison doors and knocked off the prisoners'
+chains--but it still keeps them grinding
+there, as before, and refuses to let them come forth,
+except occasionally, and then only to be thrust back
+again. Is it not thus directly calculated to encourage
+indolence and insubordination?</p>
+
+<p>3. In the next place, this system introduces a third
+party, to whom the apprentice is encouraged to look
+for justice, redress, and counsel. Thus he is led
+to regard his master as his enemy, and all confidence
+in him is for ever destroyed. But this is not the
+end of the difficulty. The apprentice carries up complaints
+against his master. If they gain a favorable hearing
+he triumphs over him--if they are disregarded,
+he concludes that the magistrate also is his enemy,
+and he goes away with a rankling grudge against his
+master. Thus he is gradually led to assert his own
+cause, and he learns to contend with his master, to
+reply insolently, to dispute, quarrel, and--it
+is well that we cannot add, to <i>fight</i>.
+At least one thing is the result--a permanent
+state of alienation, contempt of authority, and hatred.
+<i>All these are the fruits of the apprenticeship
+system</i>. They are caused by transferring the
+power of the master, while the <i>relation</i>
+continues the same. Nor is this contempt for the master,
+this alienation and hatred, all the mischief. The
+unjust decisions of the magistrate, of which the apprentices
+have such abundant reasons to complain, excite their
+abhorrence of him, and thus their confidence in the
+protection of law is weakened or destroyed. Here,
+then, is contempt for the master, abhorrence of the
+magistrate, and mistrust of the law--the
+apprentice regarding all three as leagued together
+to rob him of his rights. What a combination of circumstances
+to drive the apprentices to desperation and madness!
+What a marvel that the outraged negroes have been
+restrained from bloody rebellions!</p>
+
+<p>Another insurrectionary feature peculiar to the apprenticeship
+is its making the apprentices <i>free a portion
+of the time</i>. One fourth of the time is given
+them every week--just enough to afford them
+a taste of the sweets of liberty, and render them
+dissatisfied with their condition. Then the manner
+in which this time is divided is calculated to irritate.
+After being a slave nine hours, the apprentice is made
+a freeman for the remainder of the day; early the
+next morning the halter is again put on, and he treads
+the wheel another day. Thus the week wears away until
+Saturday; which is an entire day of freedom. The negro
+goes out and works for his master, or any one else,
+as he pleases, and at night he receives his quarter
+of a dollar. This is something like freedom, and he
+begins to have the feelings of a freeman--a
+lighter heart and more active limbs. He puts his money
+carefully away at night, and lays himself down to
+rest his toil-worn body. He awakes on Sabbath morning,
+and <i>is still free</i>. He puts on his best
+clothes, goes to church, worships a free God, contemplates
+a free heaven, sees his free children about him, and
+his wedded wife; and ere the night again returns, the
+consciousness that he is a slave is quite lost in the
+thoughts of liberty which fill his breast, and the
+associations of freedom which cluster around him.
+He sleeps again. <i>Monday morning he is startled
+from his dreams by the old "shell-blow"
+of slavery</i>, and he arises to endure another
+week of toil, alternated by the same tantalizing mockeries
+of freedom. Is not this applying the <i>hot iron
+to the nerve</i>?</p>
+
+<p>5. But, lastly, the apprenticeship system, as if it
+would apply the match to this magazine of combustibles,
+holds out the reward of liberty to every apprentice
+who shall by any means provoke his master to punish
+him a second time.</p>
+
+<p>[NOTE.--In a former part of this work--the
+report of Antigua--we mentioned having received
+information respecting a number of the apprenticeship
+islands, <i>viz</i>., Dominica, St. Christopher's,
+Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, and Tortola, from the
+Wesleyan Missionaries whom we providentially met with
+at the annual district meeting in Antigua. We designed
+to give the statements of these men at some length
+in this connection, but we find that it would swell
+our report to too great a size. It only remains to
+say, therefore, in a word, that the same things are
+generally true of those colonies which have been detailed
+in the account of Barbadoes. There is the same peaceableness,
+subordination, industry, and patient suffering on
+the part of the apprentices, the same inefficiency
+of the apprenticeship as a preparation for freedom,
+and the same conviction in the community that the
+people will, if at all affected by it, be <i>less</i>
+fit for emancipation in 1840 than they were in 1834.
+A short call at St. Christopher's confirmed these
+views in our minds, so far as that island is concerned.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="IV_79"></a>
+While in Barbadoes, we had repeated interviews with
+gentlemen who were well acquainted with the adjacent
+islands, St. Lucia, St. Vincent's, Grenada,
+&amp;c.; one of whom was a proprietor of a sugar estate
+in St. Vincent's; and they assured us that there
+was the same tranquillity reigning in those islands
+which we saw in Barbadoes. Sir Evan McGregor, who
+is the governor-general of the windward colonies, and
+of course thoroughly informed respecting their internal
+state, gave us the same assurances. From Mr. H., an
+American gentleman, a merchant of Barbadoes, and formerly
+of Trinidad, we gathered similar information touching
+that large and (compared with Barbadoes or Antigua)
+semi-barbarous island.</p>
+
+<p>We learned enough from these authentic sources to
+satisfy ourselves that the various degrees of intelligence
+in the several islands makes very little difference
+in the actual results of abolition; but that in all
+the colonies, conciliatory and equitable management
+has never failed to secure industry and tranquillity.]</p>
+
+<h3>JAMAICA.</h3>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER I.</h4>
+
+<p><b>KINGSTON.</b></p>
+
+<p>Having drawn out in detail the results of abolition,
+and the working of the apprenticeship system in Barbadoes,
+we shall spare the reader a protracted account of
+Jamaica; but the importance of that colony, and the
+fact that greater dissatisfaction on account of the
+abolition of slavery has prevailed there than in all
+the other colonies together, demand a careful statement
+of facts.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_1"></a>
+On landing in Jamaica, we pushed onward in our appropriate
+inquiries, scarcely stopping to cast a glance at the
+towering mountains, with their cloud-wreathed tops,
+and the valleys where sunshine and shade sleep side
+by side--at the frowning precipices, made
+more awful by the impenetrable forest-foliage which
+shrouds the abysses below, leaving the impression
+of an ocean depth--at the broad lawns and
+magnificent savannahs glowing in verdure and sunlight--at
+the princely estates and palace mansions--at
+the luxuriant cultivation, and the sublime solitude
+of primeval forests, where trees of every name, the
+mahogany, the boxwood, the rosewood, the cedar, the
+palm, the fern, the bamboo, the cocoa, the breadfruit,
+the mango, the almond, all grow in wild confusion,
+interwoven with a dense tangled undergrowth.[<a name="AE2_FR34"></a><a href="#AE2_FN34">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN34"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR34">A</a>: It is less necessary for us to dwell
+long on Jamaica, than it would otherwise be, since
+the English gentlemen, Messrs. Sturge and Harvey,
+spent most of their time in that island, and will,
+doubtless, publish their investigations, which will,
+ere long, be accessible to our readers. We had the
+pleasure of meeting these intelligent philanthropic
+and pious men in the West Indies, and from the great
+length of time, and the superior facilities which
+they enjoyed over us, of gathering a mass of facts
+in Jamaica, we feel assured that their report will
+be highly interesting and useful, as well among us
+as on the other side of the water.]</p>
+
+<p>We were one month in Jamaica. For about a week we
+remained in Kingston,[<a name="AE2_FR35"></a><a href="#AE2_FN35">B</a>] and called on some of the
+principal gentlemen, both white and colored. We visited
+the Attorney-General, the Solicitor-General, some
+of the editors, the Baptist and Wesleyan missionaries,
+and several merchants. We likewise visited the public
+schools, the house of correction, penitentiary, hospital,
+and other public institutions. We shall speak briefly
+of several individuals whom we saw in Kingston, and
+give some of their statements.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN35"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR35">B</a>: The chief town of the island, with about
+forty thousand inhabitants.]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_2"></a>
+The Hon. Dowel O'Reily; the Attorney-General;
+is an Irishman, and of one of the influential families.
+In his own country he was a prominent politician,
+and a bold advocate of Catholic Emancipation. He is
+decidedly one of the ablest men in the island, distinguished
+for that simplicity of manners, and flow of natural
+benevolence, which are the characteristics of the
+Irishman. He received his present appointment from
+the English government about six years ago, and is,
+by virtue of his office, a member of the council.
+He declared that the apprenticeship was in no manner
+preparing the negroes for freedom, but was operating
+in a contrary way, especially in Jamaica, where it
+had been made the instrument of greater cruelties
+in some cases, than slavery itself. Mr. O'Reily
+is entirely free from prejudice; with all his family
+rank and official standing, he identifies himself
+with the colored people as far as his extensive professional
+engagements will allow. Having early learned this,
+we were surprised to find him so highly respected by
+the whites. In our subsequent excursions to the country,
+the letters of introduction with which he kindly furnished
+us, to planters and others, were uniformly received
+with avowals of the profoundest respect for him. It
+should be observed, that Mr. O'Reily's
+attachment to the cause of freedom in the colonies,
+is not a mere partizan feeling assumed in order to
+be in keeping with the government under which he holds
+his office. The fact of his being a Roman Catholic
+must, of itself, acquit him of the suspicion of any
+strong partiality for the English government. On the
+other hand, his decided hostility to the apprenticeship--the
+favorite offspring of British legislation--demonstrates
+equally his sincerity and independence.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_3"></a>
+We were introduced to the Solicitor-General, William
+Henry Anderson, Esq., of Kingston. Mr. A. is a Scotchman,
+and has resided to Jamaica for more than six years.
+We found him the fearless advocate of negro emancipation.
+He exposed the <i>corruptions</i> and abominations of
+the apprenticeship without reserve. Mr. A. furnished
+us with a written statement of his views, respecting
+the state of the island, the condition of the apprentices,
+&amp;c., from which we here make a few extracts.</p>
+
+<p>"1. A very material change for the better has
+taken place in the sentiments of the community since
+slavery was abolished. Religion and education were
+formerly opposed as subversive of the security of
+property; now they are in the most direct manner encouraged
+as its best support. The value of all kinds of property
+has risen considerably, and a general sense of security
+appears to be rapidly pervading the public mind. I
+have not heard one man assert that it would be an advantage
+to return to slavery, even were it practicable; and
+I believe that the public is beginning to see that
+slave labor is not the cheapest."</p>
+
+<p>"2. The prejudices against color are <i>rapidly
+vanishing</i>. I do not think there is a respectable
+man, I mean one who would be regarded as respectable
+on account of his good sense and weight of character,
+who would impugn another's conduct for associating
+with persons of color. So far as my observation goes,
+those who would formerly have acted on these prejudices,
+will be ashamed to own that they had entertained them.
+The distinction of superior acquirements still belongs
+to the whites, as a body; but that, and character,
+will shortly be the only distinguishing mark recognized
+among us."</p>
+
+<p>"3. The apprentices are improving, <i>not,
+however, in consequence of the apprenticeship, but
+in spite of it, and in consequence of the great act
+of abolition</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"4. I think the negroes might have been emancipated
+as safely in 1834, as in 1840; and had the emancipation
+then taken place, they would be found much further
+in advance in 1840, than they can be after the expiration
+of the present period of apprenticeship, <i>through
+which all, both apprentices and masters, are</i>
+LABORING HEAVILY."</p>
+
+<p>"5. That the negroes will work if moderately
+compensated, no candid man can doubt. Their <i>endurance</i>
+for the sake of a very little gain is quite amazing,
+and they are most desirous to procure for themselves
+and families as large a share as possible of the comforts
+and decencies of life. They appear peculiarly to reverence
+and desire intellectual attainments. They employ,
+occasionally, children who have been taught in the
+schools to teach them in their leisure time to read."</p>
+
+<p>"6. I think the partial modifications of slavery
+have been attended by so much improvement in all that
+constitutes the welfare and respectability of society,
+that I cannot doubt the increase of the benefit were
+a total abolition accomplished of every restriction
+that has arisen out of the former state of things."</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_4"></a>
+During our stay in Kingston, we called on the American
+consul, to whom we had a letter from the consul at
+Antigua. We found him an elderly gentleman, and a
+true hearted Virginian, both in his generosity and
+his prejudices in favor of slavery. The consul, Colonel
+Harrison, is a near relation of General W.H. Harrison,
+of Ohio. Things, he said, were going ruinously in
+Jamaica. The English government were mad for abolishing
+slavery. The negroes of Jamaica were the most degraded
+and ignorant of all negroes he had ever seen. He had
+travelled in all our Southern States, and the American
+negroes, even those of South Carolina and Georgia,
+were as much superior to the negroes of Jamaica, as
+Henry Clay was superior to him. He said they were
+the most ungrateful, faithless set he ever saw; no
+confidence could be placed in them, and kindness was
+always requited by insult. He proceeded to relate a
+fact from which it appeared that the ground on which
+his grave charges against the negro character rested,
+was the ill-conduct of one negro woman whom he had
+hired some time ago to assist his family. The town
+negroes, he said, were too lazy to work; they loitered
+and lounged about on the sidewalks all day, jabbering
+with one another, and keeping up an incessant noise;
+and they would not suffer a white man to order them
+in the least. They were rearing their children in
+perfect idleness and for his part he could not tell
+what would become of the rising population of blacks.
+Their parents were too proud to let them work, and
+they sent them to school all the time. Every afternoon,
+he said, the streets are thronged with the half-naked
+little black devils, just broke from the schools,
+and all singing some noisy tune learned in the infant
+schools; the <i>burthen of</i> their songs seems
+to be, "<i>O that will be joyful</i>."
+These words, said he, are ringing in your ears wherever
+you go. How aggravating truly such words must be,
+bursting cheerily from the lips of the little free
+songsters! "O that will be joyful, <i>joyful</i>,
+JOYFUL"--and so they ring the changes
+day after day, ceaseless and untiring. A new song
+this, well befitting the times and the prospects,
+but provoking enough to oppressors. The consul denounced
+he special magistrates; they were an insolent set
+of fellows, they would fine a white man as quick as
+they would flog a <i>nigger</i>.[<a name="AE2_FR36"></a><a href="#AE2_FN36">A</a>] If a master
+called his apprentice "you scoundrel,"
+or, "you huzzy," the magistrate would
+either fine him for it or reprove him sharply in the
+presence of the apprentice. This, in the eyes of the
+veteran Virginian, was intolerable. Outrageous, not
+to allow a <i>gentleman</i> to call his servant
+what names he chooses! We were very much edified by
+the Colonel's <i>expos&eacute;</i> of Jamaica
+manners. We must say, however, that his opinions had
+much less weight with us after we learned (as we did
+from the best authority) that he had never been a
+half dozen miles into the country during a ten year's
+residence in Kingston.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN36"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR36">A</a>: We fear there is too little truth in
+this representation.]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_5"></a>
+We called on the Rev. Jonathan Edmonson, the superintendent
+of the Wesleyan missions in Jamaica. Mr. E. has been
+for many years laboring as a missionary in the West
+Indies, first in Barbadoes, then in St. Vincent's,
+Grenada, Trinidad, and Demerara, and lastly in Jamaica.
+He stated that the planters were doing comparatively
+nothing to prepare the negroes for freedom. "<i>Their
+whole object was to get as much sugar out of them
+as they possibly could</i>."</p>
+
+<p>We received a call from the Rev. Mr. Wooldridge, one
+of the Independent missionaries. He thinks the conduct
+of the planters is tending to make the apprentices
+their bitter enemies. He mentioned one effect of the
+apprenticeship which had not been pointed out to us
+before. The system of appraisement, he said, was a
+<i>premium upon all the bad qualities of the negroes
+and a tax upon all the good ones</i>. When a person
+is to be appraised, his virtues and his vices are
+always inquired into, and they materially influence
+the estimate of his value. For example, the usual
+rate of appraisement is a dollar per week for the remainder
+of the term; but if the apprentice is particularly
+sober, honest, and industrious, more particularly
+if he be a <i>pious man</i>, he is valued at the
+rate of two or three dollars per week. It was consequently
+for the interest of the master, when an apprentice
+applied for an appraisement, to portray his virtues,
+while on the other hand there was an inducement for
+the apprentice to conceal or actually to renounce
+his good qualities, and foster the worst vices. Some
+instances of this kind had fallen under his personal
+observation.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_6"></a>
+We called on the Rev. Mr. Gardiner, and on the Rev.
+Mr. Tinson, two Baptist missionaries in Kingston.
+On Sabbath we attended service at the church of which
+Mr. G. is the pastor. It is a very large building,
+capable of seating two thousand persons. The great
+mass of the congregation were apprentices. At the
+time we were present, the chapel was well filled,
+and the broad surface of black faces was scarcely at
+all diversified with lighter colors. It was gratifying
+to witness the neatness of dress, the sobriety of
+demeanor, the devotional aspect of countenance, the
+quiet and wakeful attention to the preacher which
+prevailed. They were mostly rural negroes from the
+estates adjacent to Kingston.</p>
+
+<p>The Baptists are the most numerous body of Christians
+in the island. The number of their missionaries now
+in Jamaica is sixteen, the number of Chapels is thirty-one,
+and the number of members thirty-two thousand nine
+hundred and sixty. The increase of members during the
+year 1836 was three thousand three hundred and forty-four.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_7"></a>
+At present the missionary field is mostly engrossed
+by the Baptists and Wesleyans. The Moravians are the
+next most numerous body. Besides these, there are
+the clergy of the English Church, with a Bishop, and
+a few Scotch clergymen. The Baptist missionaries,
+as a body, have been most distinguished for their
+opposition to slavery. Their boldness in the midst
+of suffering and <i>persecutions</i>, their denunciations
+of oppression, though they did for a time arouse the
+wrath of oppressors, and cause their chapels to be
+torn down and themselves to be hunted, imprisoned,
+and banished, did more probably than any other cause,
+to hasten the abolition of slavery.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_8"></a>
+<i>Schools in Kingston</i>.--We visited
+the Wolmer free school--the largest and
+oldest school in the island. The whole number of scholars
+is five hundred. It is under the charge of Mr. Reid,
+a venerable Scotchman, of scholarship and piety. All
+colors are mingled in it promiscuously. We saw the
+infant school department examined by Mr. R. There were
+nearly one hundred and fifty children, of every hue,
+from the jettiest black to the fairest white; they
+were thoroughly intermingled, and the ready answers
+ran along the ranks from black to white, from white
+to brown, from brown to pale, with undistinguished
+vivacity and accuracy. We were afterwards conducted
+into the higher department, where lads and misses
+from nine to fifteen, were instructed in the various
+branches of academic education. A class of lads, mostly
+colored, were examined in arithmetic. They wrought
+several sums in pounds, shillings and pence currency,
+with wonderful celerity.</p>
+
+<p>Among other things which we witnessed in that school,
+we shall not soon forget having seen a curly headed
+negro lad of twelve, examining a class of white young
+ladies in scientific history.</p>
+
+<p>Some written statements and statistical tables were
+furnished us by Mr. Reid, which we subjoin..</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_9"></a>
+<i>Kingston, May 13th, 1837</i></p>
+
+<p>DEAR SIR,--I delayed answering your queries
+in hopes of being able to give you an accurate list
+of the number of schools in Kingston, and pupils under
+tuition, but have not been able completely to accomplish
+my intention. I shall now answer your queries in the
+order you propose them. 1st Quest. How long have you
+been teaching in Jamaica? <i>Ans</i>. Thirty-eight years
+in Kingston. 2d Q. How long have you been master of
+Wolmer's free school? A. Twenty-three years.
+3d Q. What is the number of colored children now in
+the school? A. Four hundred and thirty. 4th Q. Was
+there any opposition to their admission at first? A.
+Considerable opposition the first year, but none afterwards.
+5th Q. Do they learn as readily us the white children?
+A. As they are more regular in their attendance, they
+learn better. 6th Q. Are they as easily governed? A.
+Much easier. 7th Q. What proportion of the school are
+the children of apprentices? A. Fifty. 8th Q. Do their
+parents manifest a desire to have them educated? A.
+In general they do. 9th Q. At what age do the children
+leave your school? A. Generally between twelve and
+fourteen. 10th Q What employments do they chiefly
+engage in upon leaving you? A. The boys go to various
+mechanic trades, to counting-houses, attorney's
+offices, clerks to planting attorneys, and others
+become planters. The, girls seamstresses, mantuamakers,
+and a considerable proportion tailoresses, in Kingston
+and throughout Jamaica, as situations offer.</p>
+
+<p>I am, dear sirs, yours respectfully,</p>
+
+<p>E. REID.</p>
+
+<p>The following table will show the average numbers
+of the respective classes, white and colored, who
+have attended Wolmer's free school in each year,
+from 1814 to the present time.</p>
+
+<TABLE summary="Wolmer school scholars" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="2" CELLPADDING="2">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+White Children.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Colored Children.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Average number in 1814
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+87
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+87
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1815
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+111
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+114
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1816
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+129
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+25
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+154
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1817
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+146
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+36
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+182
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1818
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+155
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+38
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+193
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1819
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+136
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+57
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+193
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1820
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+116
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+78
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+194
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1821
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+118
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+122
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+240
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1822
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+93
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+167
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+260
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1823
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+97
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+187
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+280
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1824
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+94
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+196
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+290
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1825
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+89
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+185
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+274
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1826
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+93
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+176
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+269
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1827
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+92
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+156
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+248
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1828
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+88
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+152
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+240
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1829
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+79
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+192
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+271
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1830
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+88
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+194
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+282
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1831
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+88
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+315
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+403
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1832
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+90
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+360
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+450
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1833
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+93
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+411
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+504
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1834
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+81
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+420
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+501
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1835
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+85
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+425
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+510
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1836
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+78
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+428
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+506
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1837
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+72
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+430
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+502
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</Table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>With regard to the <i>comparative intellect</i>
+of white and colored children, Mr. Reid gives the
+following valuable statement:</p>
+
+<p>"For the last thirty-eight years I have been
+employed in this city in the tuition of children of
+all classes and colors, and have no hesitation in
+saying that the children of color are equal both in
+conduct and ability to the white. They have always
+carried off more than their proportion of prizes,
+and at one examination, out of seventy prizes awarded,
+sixty-four were obtained by children of color."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. R. afterwards sent to us the table of the number
+of schools in Kingston, alluded to in the foregoing
+communication. We insert it here, as it affords a
+view of the increase of schools and scholars since
+the abolition of slavery.</p>
+
+<p><b>1831.</b></p>
+<TABLE summary="schools in Kingston 1831" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Schools.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Scholars.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Wolmer's,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+403
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+National,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+270
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+34
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Gentlemen's private,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1368
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+40
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ladies' do.,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1005
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+8
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Sunday,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1042
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+85
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4088
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</table>
+
+<p><b>1832.</b></p>
+
+<TABLE summary="schools in Kingston 1832" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Schools.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Scholars.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Wolmer's,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+472
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+National,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+260
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+31
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Gentlemen's private,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1169
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+41
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ladies' do.,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+856
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+8
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Sunday,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+981
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+83
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3738
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</table>
+
+<p><b>1836.</b></p>
+
+<TABLE summary="schools in Kingston 1836" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Schools.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Scholars.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Wolmer's,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+527
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+National,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1136
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Mico,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+590
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Baptist,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+250
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Jamaica Union,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+120
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+31
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Gentlemen's private,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1137
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+59
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ladies' do.,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1339
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+9
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Sunday,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1108
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+By itinerant teachers and children.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1500
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+109
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+7707
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</table>
+
+<p><b>1837.</b></p>
+
+<TABLE summary="schools in Kingston 1837" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Schools.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Scholars.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Wolmer's,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+502
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+National,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1238
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Mico,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+611
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Baptist,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+260
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Jamaica Union,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+200
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+34
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Gentlemen's private,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1476
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+63
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ladies' do.,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1525
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+10
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Sunday,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1316
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+By itinerant teachers and children.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1625
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+118
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+8753
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</table>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<a name="V_10"></a></p>
+<p>We also visited the Union school, which has been established
+for some years in Kingston. All the children connected
+with it, about one hundred and fifty, are, with two
+exceptions, black or colored. The school is conducted
+generally on the Lancasterian plan. We examined several
+of the boys in arithmetic. We put a variety of questions
+to them, to be worked out on the slate, and the reasons
+of the process to be explained as they went along;
+all which they executed with great expertness. There
+was a jet black boy, whom we selected for a special
+trial. We commenced with the simple rules, and went
+through them one by one, together with the compound
+rules and Reduction, to Practice, propounding questions
+and examples in each of them, which were entirely
+new to him, and to all of them he gave prompt and
+correct replies. He was only thirteen years old, and
+we can aver we never saw a boy of that age in any of
+our common schools, that exhibited a fuller and clearer
+knowledge of the science of numbers.</p>
+
+<p>In general, our opinion of this school was similar
+to that already expressed concerning the others. It
+is supported by the pupils, aided by six hundred dollars
+granted by the assembly.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_11"></a>
+In connection with this subject, there is one fact
+of much interest. However strong and exclusive was
+the prejudice of color a few years since in the schools
+of Jamaica, we could not, during our stay in that
+island, learn of more than two or three places of education,
+and those private ones, from which colored children
+were excluded, and among the numerous schools in Kingston,
+there is not one of this kind.</p>
+
+<p>We called on several colored gentlemen of Kingston,
+from whom we received much valuable information. The
+colored population are opposed to the apprenticeship,
+and all the influence which they have, both in the
+colony and with the home government, (which is not
+small,) is exerted against it. They are a festering
+thorn in the sides of the planters, among whom they
+maintain a fearless espionage, exposing by pen and
+tongue their iniquitous proceedings. It is to be regretted
+that their influence in this respect is so sadly weakened
+by their <i>holding apprentices themselves</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_12"></a>
+We had repeated invitations to breakfast and dine
+with colored gentlemen, which we accepted as often
+as our engagements would permit. On such occasions
+we generally met a company of gentlemen and ladies
+of superior social and intellectual accomplishments.
+We must say, that it is a great self-denial to refrain
+from a description of some of the animated, and we
+must add splendid, parties of colored people which
+we attended. The conversation on these occasions mostly
+turned on the political and civil disabilities under
+which the colored population formerly labored, and
+the various straggles by which they ultimately obtained
+their rights. The following are a few items of their
+history. The colored people of Jamaica, though very
+numerous, and to some extent wealthy and intelligent,
+were long kept by the white colonists in a state of
+abject political bondage. Not only were offices withheld
+from them, and the right of suffrage denied, but they
+were not even allowed the privilege of an oath in
+court, in defense of their property or their persons.
+They might be violently assaulted, their limbs broken,
+their wives and daughters might be outraged before
+their eyes by villains having white skins; yet they
+had no legal redress unless another white man chanced
+to see the deed. It was not until 1824 that this oppressive
+enactment was repealed, and the protection of an oath
+extended to the colored people; nor was it then effected
+without a long struggle on their part.</p>
+
+<p>Another law, equally worthy of a slaveholding legislature,
+prohibited any white man, however wealthy, bequeathing,
+or in any manner giving his colored son or daughter
+more than &pound;2000 currency, or six thousand dollars.
+The design of this law was to keep the colored people
+poor and dependent upon the whites. Further to secure
+the same object, every effort, both legislative and
+private, was made to debar them from schools, and
+sink them in the lowest ignorance. Their young men
+of talent were glad to get situations as clerks in
+the stores of white merchants. Their young ladies
+of beauty and accomplishments were fortune-made if
+they got a place in the white man's harem. These
+were the highest stations to which the flower of their
+youth aspired. The rest sank beneath the discouragements,
+and grovelled in vice and debasement. If a colored
+person had any business with a white gentleman, and
+should call at his house, "he must take off his
+hat, and wait at the door, and be <i>as polite as
+a dog</i>."</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_13"></a>
+These insults and <i>oppressions</i> the colored people
+in Jamaica bore, until they could bear them no longer.
+By secret correspondence they formed a union throughout
+the island, for the purpose of resistance. This, however,
+was not effected for a long time, and while in process,
+the correspondence was detected, and the most vigorous
+means were used by the whites to crush the growing
+conspiracy--for such it was virtually. Persuasions
+and intimations were used privately, and when these
+failed, <i>public</i> <i>persecutions</i> were resorted
+to, under the form of judicial procedures. Among the
+milder means was the dismission of clerks, agents,
+&amp;c., from the employ of a white men. As soon as a merchant
+discovered that his clerk was implicated in the correspondence,
+he first threatened to discharge him unless he would
+promise to desert his brethren: if he could not extort
+this promise, he immediately put his threat in execution.
+Edward Jordon, Esq., the talented editor of the Watchman,
+then first clerk in the store of a Mr. Briden, was
+prominently concerned in the correspondence, and was
+summarily dismissed.</p>
+
+<p>White men drove their colored sons from their houses,
+and subjected them to every indignity and suffering,
+in order to deter them from prosecuting an enterprise
+which was seen by the terrified oppressors to be fraught
+with danger to themselves. Then followed more violent
+measures. Persons suspected of being the projectors
+of the disaffection, were dragged before incensed
+judges, and after mock trials, were sentenced to imprisonment
+in the city jail. Messrs. Jordon and Osborne, (after
+they had established the Watchman paper,) were both
+imprisoned; the former twice, for five months each
+time. At the close of the second term of imprisonment,
+Mr. Jordon was <i>tried for his life</i>, on the
+charge of having published <i>seditious matter</i>
+in the Watchman.</p>
+
+<p>The paragraph which was denominated '<i>seditious
+matter</i>' was this--</p>
+
+<p>"Now that the member for Westmoreland (Mr. Beaumont)
+has come over to our side, we will, by a long pull,
+a strong pull, and a pull altogether, bring down the
+system by the run, knock off the fetters, and let the
+oppressed go free."</p>
+
+<p>On the day of Mr. J.'s trial, the court-room
+was thronged with colored men, who had armed themselves,
+and were determined, if the sentence of death were
+pronounced upon Mr. Jordon, to rescue him at whatever
+hazard. It is supposed that their purpose was conjectured
+by the judges--at any rate, they saw fit
+to acquit Mr. J. and give him his enlargement. The
+Watchman continued as fearless and <i>seditious</i>
+as ever, until the Assembly were ultimately provoked
+to threaten some extreme measure which should effectually
+silence the agitators. <i>Then</i> Mr. Jordon
+issued a spirited circular, in which he stated the
+extent of the coalition among the colored people,
+and in a tone of defiance demanded the instant repeal
+of every restrictive law, the removal of every disability,
+and the extension of complete political equality;
+declaring, that if the demand were not complied with,
+the whole colored population would rise in arms, would
+proclaim freedom to their own slaves, instigate the
+slaves generally to rebellion, and then shout war and
+wage it, until <i>the streets of Kingston should
+run blood</i>. This bold piece of generalship succeeded.
+The terrified legislators huddled together in their
+Assembly-room, and swept away, at one blow, all restrictions,
+and gave the colored people entire enfranchisement.
+These occurrences took place in 1831; since which
+time the colored class have been politically free,
+and have been marching forward with rapid step in every
+species of improvement, and are now on a higher footing
+than in any other colony. All offices are open to
+them; they are aldermen of the city, justices of the
+peace, inspectors of public institutions, trustees
+<a name="V_14"></a>
+of schools, <i>etc</i>. There are, at least, then colored
+special magistrates, natives of the island. There
+are four colored members of the Assembly, including
+Messrs. Jordon and Osborne. Mr. Jordon now sits in
+the same Assembly, side by side, with the man who,
+a few years ago, ejected him disdainfully from his
+clerkship. He is a member of the Assembly for the
+city of Kingston, where not long since he was imprisoned,
+and tried for his life. He is also alderman of the
+city, and one of its local magistrates. He is now
+inspector of the same prison in which he was formerly
+immured as a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_15"></a>
+The secretary of the special magistrate department,
+Richard Hill, Esq., is a colored gentleman, and is
+one of the first men in the island,[<a name="AE2_FR37"></a><a href="#AE2_FN37">A</a>] for integrity,
+independence, superior abilities, and extensive acquirements.
+It has seldom been our happiness to meet with a man
+more illustrious for true nobility of soul, or in
+whose countenance there were deeper traces of intellectual
+and moral greatness. We are confident that no man
+can <i>see</i> him without being impressed with
+his rare combination of excellences.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN37"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR37">A</a>: We learn from the Jamaica papers, since
+our return to this country, that Mr. Hill has been
+elected a member of the Assembly.]</p>
+
+<p>Having said thus much respecting the political advancement
+of the colored people, it is proper to remark, that
+they have by no means evinced a determination to claim
+more than their share of office and influence. On
+the contrary, they stop very far short of what they
+are entitled to. Having an extent of suffrage but
+little less than the whites, they might fill one third
+of the seats in the Assembly, whereas they now return
+but four members out of forty-five. The same may be
+said of other offices, particularly those in the city
+of Kingston, and the larger towns, where they are
+equal to, or more numerous, than the whites. It is
+a fact, that a portion of the colored people continue
+at this time to return white members to the Assembly,
+and to vote for white aldermen and other city officers.
+The influential men among them, have always urged
+them to take up white men, unless they could find
+<i>competent</i> men of their own color. As they
+remarked to us, if they were obliged to send an <i>ass</i>
+to the Assembly, it was far better for <i>them</i>
+to send a <i>white</i> ass than a <i>black</i>
+one.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_16"></a>
+In company with a friend, we visited the principal
+streets and places of business in Kingston, for the
+purpose of seeing for ourselves the general employments
+of the people of color; and those who engage in the
+lowest offices, such as porters, watermen, draymen,
+and servants of all grades, from him who flaunts in
+livery, to him who polishes shoes, are of course from
+this class. So with the fruiterers, fishmongers, and
+the almost innumerable tribe of petty hucksters which
+swarm throughout the city, and is collected in a dense
+mass in its suburbs. The market, which is the largest
+and best in the West Indies, is almost entirely supplied
+and attended by colored persons, mostly females. The
+great body of artisans is composed mostly of colored
+persons.</p>
+
+<p>There are two large furniture and cabinet manufactories
+in Kingston, one owned by two colored men, and the
+other by a white man. The operatives, of which one
+contains eighty, and the other nearly as many, are
+all black and colored. A large number of them are
+what the British law terms <i>apprentices</i>,
+and are still bound in unremunerated servitude, though
+some of them for thrice seven years have been adepts
+in their trades, and not a few are earning their masters
+twenty or thirty dollars each month, clear of all
+expenses. Some of these <i>apprentices</i> are
+hoary-headed and wrinkle-browned men, with their children,
+and grand-children, apprentices also, around them,
+and who, after having used the plane and the chisel
+for half a century, with faithfulness for <i>others</i>,
+are now spending the few hours and the failing strength
+of old again in <i>preparing</i> to use the plane
+and the chisel for <i>themselves</i>. The work
+on which they were engaged evinced no lack of mechanical
+skill and ingenuity, but on the contrary we were shown
+some of the most elegant specimens of mechanical skill,
+which we ever saw. The rich woods of the West Indies
+were put into almost every form and combination which
+taste could designate or luxury desire.</p>
+
+<p>The owners of these establishments informed us that
+their business had much <i>increased within the
+last two years</i>, and was still extending. Neither
+of them had any fears for the results of complete emancipation,
+but both were laying their plans for the future as
+broadly and confidently as ever.</p>
+
+<p>In our walk we accidentally met a colored man, whom
+we had heard mentioned on several occasions as a superior
+architect. From the conversation we had with him,
+then and subsequently, he appeared to possess a fine
+mechanical genius, and to have made acquirements which
+would be honorable in any man, but which were truly
+admirable in one who had been shut up all his life
+by the disabilities which in Jamaica have, until recently,
+attached to color. He superintended the erection of
+the Wesleyan chapel in Kingston, the largest building
+of the kind in the island, and esteemed by many as
+the most elegant. The plan was his own, and the work
+was executed under his own eye. This man is using his
+means and influence to encourage the study of his
+favorite art, and of the arts and sciences generally,
+among those of his own hue.</p>
+
+<p>One of the largest bookstores in the island is owned
+by two colored men. (Messrs. Jordon and Osborne, already
+referred to.) Connected with it is an extensive printing-office,
+from which a newspaper is issued twice a week. Another
+paper, under the control of colored men, is published
+at Spanishtown. These are the two principal liberal
+presses in Jamaica, and are conducted with spirit
+and ability. Their influence in the political and
+civil affairs of the island is very great. They are
+the organs of the colored people, bond and free, and
+through them any violation of law or humanity is exposed
+to the public, and redress demanded, and generally
+obtained. In literary merit and correctness of moral
+sentiment, they are not excelled by any press there,
+while some of their white contemporaries fall far
+below them in both. Besides the workmen employed in
+these two offices, there is a large number of colored
+printers in the other printing offices, of which there
+are several.</p>
+
+<p>We called at two large establishment for making jellies,
+comfits, pickles, and all the varieties of tropic
+<i>preserves</i>. In each of them thirty or more
+persons are constantly employed, and a capital of some
+thousands of dollars invested. Several large rooms
+were occupied by boxes, jars, and canisters, with
+the apparatus necessary to the process, through which
+the fruit passes. We saw every species of fruits and
+vegetables which the island produces, some fresh from
+the trees and vines, and others ready to be transported
+to the four quarters of the globe, in almost every
+state which the invalid or epicure could desire. These
+articles, with the different preparations of arrow-root
+and cassada, form a lucrative branch of trade, which
+is mostly in the hands of the colored people.</p>
+
+<p>We were introduced to a large number of colored merchants,
+dealers in dry goods, crockery and glass ware, ironmongers,
+booksellers, druggists, grocers, and general importers
+and were conducted by them through their stores; many
+of which were on an extensive scale, and managed,
+apparently, with much order and regularity. One of
+the largest commercial houses in Kingston has a colored
+man as a partner, the other two being white. Of a
+large auction and commission firm, the most active
+and leading partner is a colored man. Besides these,
+there is hardly a respectable house among the white
+merchants, in which some important office, oftentimes
+the head clerkship, is not filled by a person of color.
+They are as much respected in business transactions,
+and their mercantile talents, their acquaintance with
+the generalities and details of commerce, and sagacity
+and judgment in making bargains, are as highly esteemed
+by the white merchants, as though they wore an European
+hue. The commercial room is open to them, where they
+resort unrestrainedly to ascertain the news; and a
+visitor may not unfrequently see sitting together
+at a table of newspapers, or conversing together in
+the parlance of trade, persons as dissimilar in complexion
+as white and black can make them. In the streets the
+same intercourse is seen.</p>
+
+<p>The general trade of the island is gradually and quietly
+passing into the hands of the colored people. Before
+emancipation, they seldom reached a higher grade in
+mercantile life than a clerkship, or, if they commenced
+business for themselves, they were shackled and confined
+in their operations by the overgrown and monopolizing
+establishments which slavery had built up. Though
+the civil and political rights of one class of them
+were acknowledged three years previous, yet they found
+they could not, even if they desired it, disconnect
+themselves from the slaves. They could not transact
+business--form credits and agencies, and
+receive the confidence of the commercial public--like
+free men. Strange or not, their fate was inseparably
+linked with that of the bondman, their interests were
+considered as involved with his. However honest they
+might be, it was not safe to trust them; and any attempt
+to rise above a clerkship, to become the employer
+instead of the employed, was regarded as a kind of
+insurrection, and strongly disapproved and opposed.
+Since emancipation, they have been unshackling them
+selves from white domination in matters of trade;
+extending their connections, and becoming every day
+more and more independent. They have formed credits
+with commercial houses abroad, and now import directly
+for themselves, at wholesale prices, what they were
+formerly obliged to receive from white importers,
+or rather speculators, at such prices as they, in their
+tender mercies, saw fit to impose.</p>
+
+<p>Trade is now equalizing itself among all classes.
+A spirit of competition is awakened, banks have been
+established, steam navigation introduced, railroads
+projected, old highways repaired, and new ones opened.
+The descendants of the slaves are rapidly supplying
+the places which were formerly filled by whites from
+abroad.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_17"></a>
+We had the pleasure of being present one day at the
+sitting of the police court of Kingston. Mr. Jordon,
+the editor of the Watchman, in his turn as a member
+of the common council, was presiding justice, with
+an alderman of the city, a black man, as his associate.
+At a table below them sat the superintendent of police,
+a white man, and two white attorneys, with their huge
+law books and green bags before them. The bar was
+surrounded by a motley assemblage of black, colored,
+and white faces, intermingled without any regard to
+hue in the order of superiority and precedence. There
+were about a dozen cases adjudged while we were present.
+The court was conducted with order and dignity, and
+the justices were treated with great respect and deference
+both by white and black.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_18"></a>
+After the adjournment of the court, we had some conversation
+with the presiding justice. He informed us that whites
+were not unfrequently brought before him for trial,
+and, in spite of his color, sometimes even our own
+countrymen. He mentioned several instances of the latter,
+in some of which American prejudice assumed very amusing
+and ludicrous forms. In one case, he was obliged to
+threaten the party, a captain from one of our southern
+ports, with imprisonment for contempt, before he could
+induce him to behave himself with proper decorum. The
+captain, unaccustomed to obey injunctions from men
+of such a complexion, curled his lip in scorn, and
+showed a spirit of defiance, but on the approach of
+two police officers, whom the court had ordered to
+arrest him, he submitted himself. We were gratified
+with the spirit of good humor and pleasantry with
+which Mr. J. described the astonishment and gaping
+curiosity which Americans manifest on seeing colored
+men in offices of authority, particularly on the judicial
+bench, and their evident embarrassment and uneasiness
+whenever obliged to transact business with them as
+magistrates. He seemed to regard it as a subject well
+worthy of ridicule; and we remarked, in our intercourse
+with the colored people, that they were generally
+more disposed to make themselves merry with American
+sensitiveness on this point, than to bring serious
+complaints against it, though they feel deeply the
+wrongs which they have suffered from it, and speak
+of them occasionally with solemnity and earnestness.
+Still the feeling is so absurd and ludicrous in itself,
+and is exhibited in so many grotesque positions, even
+when oppressive, that the sufferer cannot help laughing
+at it. Mr. Jordon has held his present office since
+1832. He has had an extensive opportunity, both as
+a justice of the police court, and as a member of
+the jail committee, and in other official stations,
+to become well acquainted with the state of crime in
+the island at different periods. He informed us that
+the number of complaints brought before him had much
+diminished since 1834, and he had no hesitation in
+saying, that crime had decreased throughout the island
+generally more than one third.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_19"></a>
+During one of our excursions into the country, we
+witnessed another instance of the amicability with
+which the different colors associated in the civil
+affairs of the island. It was a meeting of one of the
+parish vestries, a kind of local legislature, which
+possesses considerable power over its own territory.
+There were fifteen members present, and nearly as
+many different shades of complexion. There was the
+planter of aristocratic blood, and at his side was
+a deep mulatto, born in the same parish a slave. There
+was the quadroon, and the unmitigated hue and unmodified
+features of the negro. They sat together around a
+circular table, and conversed as freely as though they
+had been all of one color. There was no restraint,
+no uneasiness, as though the parties felt themselves
+out of place, no assumption nor disrespect, but all
+the proceedings manifested the most perfect harmony,
+confidence, and good feeling.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time there was a meeting of the parish
+committee on roads, at which there was the same intermixture
+of colors, the same freedom and kindness of demeanor,
+and the same unanimity of action. Thus it is with
+all the political and civil bodies in the island, from
+the House of Assembly, to committees on jails and
+houses of correction. Into all of them, the colored
+people are gradually making their way, and participating
+in public debates and public measures, and dividing
+with the whites legislative and judicial power, and
+in many cases they exhibit a superiority, and in all
+cases a respectability, of talents and attainments,
+and a courtesy and general propriety of conduct, which
+gain for them the respect of the intelligent and candid
+among their white associates.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_20"></a>
+We visited the house of correction for the parish
+of St. Andrews. The superintendent received us with
+the iron-hearted courtesy of a Newgate turnkey. Our
+company was evidently unwelcome, but as the friend
+who accompanied us was a man in authority, he was
+constrained to admit us. The first sound that greeted
+us was a piercing outcry from the treadmill. On going
+to it, we saw a youth of about eighteen hanging in
+the air by a strap bound to his wrist, and dangling
+against the wheel in such a manner that every revolution
+of it scraped the body from the breast to the ankles.
+He had fallen off from weakness and fatigue, and was
+struggling and crying in the greatest distress, while
+the strap, which extended to a pole above and stretched
+his arm high above his head, held him fast. The superintendent,
+in a harsh voice, ordered him to be lifted up, and
+his feet again placed on the wheel. But before he
+had taken five steps, he again fell off, and was suspended
+as before. At the same instant, a woman also fell
+off, and without a sigh or the motion of a muscle,
+for she was too much exhausted for either, but with
+a shocking wildness of the eye, hung by her half-dislocated
+arms against the wheel. As the allotted time (fifteen
+minutes) had expired, the persons on the wheel were
+released, and permitted to rest. The boy could hardly
+stand on the ground. He had a large ulcer on one of
+his feet, which was much swollen and inflamed, and
+his legs and body were greatly bruised and peeled
+by the revolving of the wheel. The gentleman who was
+with us reproved the superintendent severely for his
+conduct, and told him to remove the boy from the treadmill
+gang, and see that proper care was taken of him. The
+poor woman who fell off, seemed completely exhausted;
+she tottered to the wall near by, and took up a little
+babe which we had not observed before. It appeared
+to be not more than two or three months old, and the
+little thing stretched out its arms and welcomed its
+mother. On inquiry, we ascertained that this woman's
+offence was absence from the field an hour after the
+required time (six o'clock) in the morning.
+Besides the infant with her, she had two or three
+other children. Whether the care of them was any excuse
+for her, we leave American mothers to judge. There
+were two other women on the treadmill--one
+was sentenced there for stealing cane from her master's
+field, and the other, we believe, for running away.</p>
+
+<p>The superintendent next took us to the solitary cells.
+They were dirty, and badly ventilated, and unfit to
+keep beasts in. On opening the doors, such a stench
+rushed forth, that we could not remain. There was a
+poor woman in one of them, who appeared, as the light
+of day and the fresh air burst in upon her, like a
+despairing maniac.</p>
+
+<p>We went through the other buildings, all of which
+were old and dirty, nay, worse, <i>filthy</i>
+in the extreme. The whole establishment was a disgrace
+to the island. The prisoners were poorly clad, and
+had the appearance of harsh usage. Our suspicions
+of ill treatment were strengthened by noticing a large
+whip in the treadmill, and sundry iron collars and
+handcuffs hanging about in the several rooms through
+which we passed.</p>
+
+<p>The number of inmates in this house at our visit,
+was forty-eight--eighteen of whom were females.
+Twenty of these were in the treadmill and in solitary
+confinement--the remainder were working on
+the public road at a little distance--many
+of them <i>in irons</i>--iron collars
+about their necks, and chains passing between, connecting
+them together two and two.</p>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER II.</h4>
+
+<p><b>TOUR TO THE COUNTRY.</b></p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_21"></a>
+Wishing to accomplish the most that our limited time
+would allow; we separated at Kingston;--the
+one taking a northwesterly route among the mountainous
+coffee districts of Port Royal and St. Andrews, and
+the other going into the parish of St. Thomas in the
+East.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_22"></a>
+St. Thomas in the East is said to present the apprenticeship
+in its most favorable aspects. There is probably no
+other parish in the island which includes so many
+fine estates, or has so many liberal-minded planters.[<a name="AE2_FR38"></a><a href="#AE2_FN38">A</a>]
+A day's easy drive from Kingston, brought us
+to Morant Bay, where we spent two days, and called
+on several influential gentlemen, besides visiting
+the neighboring estate of Belvidere. One gentleman
+whom we met was Thomas Thomson, Esq., the senior local
+magistrate of the Parish, next in civil influence
+to the Custos. His standing may be inferred from the
+circumstance, (not trifling in Jamaica,) that the
+Governor, during his tour of the island, spent a night
+at his house. We breakfasted with Mr. Thomson, and
+at that time, and subsequently, he showed the utmost
+readiness in furnishing us with information. He is
+a Scotchman, has been in the island for thirty-eight
+years, and has served as a local magistrate for thirty-four.
+Until very lately, he has been a proprietor of estates;
+he informed us that he had sold out, but did not mention
+the reasons. We strongly suspected, from the drift
+of his conversation, that he sold about the time of
+abolition, through alarm for the consequences. We
+early discovered that he was one of the old school
+tyrants, hostile to the change which <i>had</i>
+taken place, and dreadfully alarmed in view of that
+which was yet to come. Although full of the prejudices
+of an old slaveholder, yet we found him a man of strong
+native sense and considerable intelligence. He declared
+it most unreservedly as his opinion, that the negroes
+would not work after 1810--they were <i>naturally
+so indolent</i>, that they would prefer gaining
+a livelihood in some easier way than by digging cane
+holes. He had all the results of the emancipation
+of 1840 as clearly before his mind, as though he saw
+them in prophetic vision; he knew the whole process.
+One portion of the negroes, too lazy to provide food
+by their own labor, will rob the provision grounds
+of the few who will remain at work. The latter will
+endure the wrong as long as they well can, and then
+they will procure arms and fire upon the marauders;
+this will give rise to incessant petty conflicts between
+the lazy and the industrious, and a great destruction
+of life will ensue. Others will die in vast numbers
+from starvation; among these will be the superannuated
+and the young, who cannot support themselves, and
+whom the planters will not be able to support. Others
+numerous will perish from disease, chiefly for want
+of medical attendance, which it will be wholly out
+of their power to provide. Such is the dismal picture
+drawn by a late slaveholder, of the consequences of
+removing the negroes from the tender mercies of oppressors.
+Happily for all parties, Mr. Thomson is not very likely
+to establish his claim to the character of a prophet.
+We were not at all surprised to hear him wind up his
+prophecies against freedom with a <i>denunciation
+of slavery</i>. He declared that slavery was a wretched
+system. Man was <i>naturally a tyrant</i>. Mr.
+T. said he had one good thing to say of the negroes,
+<i>viz</i>., that they were an <i>exceedingly temperate
+people</i>. It was a very unusual thing to see one
+of them drunk. Slavery, he said, was a system of <i>horrid
+cruelties</i>. He had lately read, in the history
+of Jamaica, of a planter, in 1763, having a slave's
+<i>leg</i> cut off, to keep him from running away.
+He said that dreadful cruelties were perpetrated until
+the close of slavery, and they were inseparable from
+slavery. He also spoke of the fears which haunted the
+slaveholders. He never would live on an estate; and
+whenever he chanced to stay over night in the country,
+he always took care to secure his door by bolting
+<a name="V_23"></a>
+and barricading it. At Mr. Thomson's we met Andrew
+Wright, Esq., the proprietor of a sugar estate called
+Green Wall, situated some six miles from the bay.
+He is an intelligent gentleman, of an amiable disposition--has
+on his estate one hundred and sixty apprentices. He
+described his people as being in a very peaceable state,
+and as industrious as he could wish. He said he had
+no trouble with them, and it was his opinion, that
+where there is trouble, it must be <i>owing to bad
+management</i>. He anticipated no difficulty after
+1840, and was confident that his people would not
+leave him. He believed that the negroes would not
+to any great extent abandon the cultivation of sugar
+after 1840. Mr. T. stated two facts respecting this
+enlightened planter, which amply account for the good
+conduct of his apprentices. One was, that he was an
+exceedingly kind and amiable man. <i>He had never
+been known to have a falling out with any man in his
+life</i>. Another fact was, that Mr. Wright was
+the only resident sugar proprietor in all that region
+of country. He superintends his own estate, while the
+other large estates are generally left in the hands
+of unprincipled, mercenary men.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN38"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR38">A</a>: We have the following testimony of Sir
+Lionel Smith to the superiority of St. Thomas in the
+East. It is taken from the Royal Gazette, (Kingston.)
+May 6, 1837. "His Excellency has said, that in
+all his tour he was not more highly gratified with
+any parish than he was with St. Thomas in the East."]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_24"></a>
+We called on the Wesleyan missionary at Morant Bay,
+Rev. Mr. Crookes, who has been in Jamaica fifteen
+years. Mr. C. said, that in many respects there had
+been a great improvement since the abolition of slavery,
+but, said he, "I abominate the apprenticeship
+system. At best, it is only <i>improved slavery</i>."
+The obstacles to religious efforts have been considerably
+diminished, but the masters were not to be thanked
+for this; it was owing chiefly to the protection of
+British law. The apprenticeship, Mr. C. thought, could
+not be any material preparation for freedom. He was
+persuaded that it would have been far better policy
+to have granted entire emancipation at once.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_25"></a>
+In company with Mr. Howell, an Independent, and teacher
+of a school of eighty negro children in Morant Bay,
+we drove out to Belvidere estate, which is situated
+about four miles from the bay, in a rich district
+called the Blue Mountain Valley. The Belvidere is one
+of the finest estates in the valley. It contains two
+thousand acres, only four hundred of which are cultivated
+in sugar; the most of it is woodland. This estate
+belongs to Count Freeman, an absentee proprietor. We
+took breakfast with the overseer, or manager, Mr.
+Briant. Mr. B. stated that there was not so much work
+done now as there was during slavery. Thinks there
+is <i>as much done for the length of time that the
+apprentices are at work</i>; but a day and a half
+every week is lost; neither <i>are they called out
+as early in the morning, nor do they work as late at
+night</i>. The apprentices work at night very cheerfully
+for money: but they will not work on Saturday for
+the common wages--quarter of a dollar. On
+inquiry of Mr. B. we ascertained that the reason the
+apprentices did not work on Saturdays was, that they
+could <i>make twice or three times as much</i>
+by cultivating their provision grounds, and carrying
+their produce to market. At <i>night</i> they
+cannot cultivate their grounds, then they work for
+their masters "very cheerfully."</p>
+
+<p>The manager stated, that there had been no disturbance
+with the people of Belvidere since the change. They
+work well, and conduct themselves peaceably; and he
+had no fear but that the great body of the negroes
+would remain on the estate after 1840, and labor as
+usual. This he thought would be the case on every
+estate where there <i>is mild management</i>.
+Some, indeed, might leave even such estates to <i>try
+their fortunes</i> elsewhere, but they would soon
+discover that they could get no better treatment abroad,
+and they would then return to their old homes.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_26"></a>
+While we were at Belvidere, Mr. Howell took us to
+see a new chapel which the apprentices of that estate
+have erected since 1834, by their own labor, and at
+their own expense. The house is thirty feet by forty;
+composed of the same materials of which the negro huts
+are built. We were told that the building of this
+chapel was first suggested by the apprentices, and
+as soon as permission was obtained, they commenced
+the preparations for its erection. We record this
+as a delightful <i>sign of the times</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_27"></a>
+On our return to Morant Bay, we visited the house
+of correction, situated near the village. This is
+the only "institution," as a Kingston
+paper gravely terms it, of the kind in the parish.
+It is a small, ill-constructed establishment, horribly
+filthy, more like a receptacle for wild beasts than
+human beings. There is a treadmill connected with
+it, made to <i>accommodate</i> fifteen persons
+at a time. Alternate companies ascend the wheel every
+fifteen minutes. It was unoccupied when we went in;
+most of the prisoners being at work on the public roads.
+Two or three, who happened to be near by, were called
+in by the keeper, and ordered to mount the wheel,
+to show us how it worked. It made our blood run cold
+as we thought of the dreadful suffering that inevitably
+ensues, when the foot loses the step, and the body
+hangs against the revolving cylinder.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_28"></a>
+Leaving the house of correction, we proceeded to the
+village. In a small open square in the centre of it,
+we saw a number of the unhappy inmates of the house
+of correction at work under the direction, we are sorry
+to say, of our friend Thomas Thomson, Esq. They were
+chained two and two by heavy chains fastened to iron
+bands around their necks. On another occasion, we
+saw the same gang at work in the yard attached to the
+Independent chapel.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_29"></a>
+We received a visit, at our lodgings, from the special
+justice of this district, Major Baines. He was accompanied
+by Mr. Thomson, who came to introduce him as his friend.
+We were not left to this recommendation alone, suspicious
+as it was, to infer the character of this magistrate,
+for we were advertised previously that he was a "planter's
+man"--unjust and cruel to the apprentices.
+Major B. appeared to have been looking through his
+friend Thomson's prophetic telescope. There was
+certainly a wonderful coincidence of vision--the
+same abandonment of labor, the same preying upon provision
+grounds; the same violence, bloodshed and great loss
+of life among the negroes themselves! However, the
+special magistrate appeared to see a little further
+than the local magistrate, even to the <i>end</i>
+of the carnage, and to the re-establishment of industry,
+peace and prosperity. The evil, he was confident, would
+soon cure itself.</p>
+
+<p>One remark of the special magistrate was worthy a
+prophet. When asked if he thought there would be any
+serious disaffection produced among the praedials
+by the emancipation of the non-praedials in 1838, he
+said, he thought there would not be, and assigned
+as the reason, that the praedials knew all about the
+arrangement, and did not <i>expect to be free</i>.
+That is, the field apprentices knew that the domestics
+were to be liberated two years sooner than they, and,
+without inquiring into the grounds, or justice of
+the arrangement, <i>they would promptly acquiesce
+in it</i>!</p>
+
+<p>What a fine compliment to the patience and forbearance
+of the mass of the negroes. The majority see the minority
+emancipated two years before them, and that, too,
+upon the ground of an odious distinction which makes
+the domestic more worthy than they who "bear
+the heat and burthen of the day," in the open
+field; and yet they submit patiently, because they
+are told that it is the pleasure of government that
+it should be so!</p>
+
+<p>The <i>non-praedials</i>, too, have their noble
+traits, as well as the less favored agriculturalists.
+The special magistrate said that he was then engaged
+in classifying the apprentices of the different estates
+in his district. The object of this classification
+was, to ascertain all those who were non-praedials,
+that they might be recorded as the subjects of emancipation
+in 1838. To his astonishment he found numbers of this
+class who expressed a wish to remain apprentices until
+1840. On one estate, six out of eight took this course,
+on another, twelve out of fourteen, and in some instances,
+<i>all</i> the non-praedials determined to suffer
+it out with the rest of their brethren, refusing to
+accept freedom until with the whole body they could
+rise up and shout the jubilee of universal disinthrallment.
+Here is a nobility worthy to compare with the patience
+of the praedials. In connection with the conduct of
+the non-praedials, he mentioned the following instance
+of white brutality and negro magnanimity. A planter,
+whose negroes he was classifying, brought forward
+a woman whom he claimed as a praedial. The woman declared
+that she was a non-praedial, and on investigation it
+was clearly proved that she had always been a domestic;
+and consequently entitled to freedom in 1838. After
+the planter's claim was set aside, the woman
+said, "<i>Now</i> I will stay with massa,
+and be his 'prentice for de udder two year."</p>
+
+<p>Shortly before we left the Bay, our landlady, a colored
+woman, introduced one of her neighbors, whose conversation
+afforded us a rare treat. She was a colored lady of
+good appearance and lady like manners. Supposing from
+her color that she had been prompted by strong sympathy
+in our objects to seek an interview with us, we immediately
+introduced the subject of slavery, stating that as
+we had a vast number of slaves in our country, we
+had visited Jamaica to see how the freed people behaved,
+with the hope that our countrymen might be encouraged
+to adopt emancipation. "Alack a day!"
+The tawny madam shook her head, and, with that peculiar
+<i>creole</i> whine, so expressive of contempt, said,
+"Can't say any thing for you, sir--they
+not doing no good now, sir--the negroes
+an't!"--and on she went abusing
+the apprentices, and denouncing abolition. No American
+white lady could speak more disparagingly of the niggers,
+than did this recreant descendant of the negro race.
+They did no work, they stole, were insolent, insubordinate,
+and what not.</p>
+
+<p>She concluded in the following elegiac strain, which
+did not fail to touch our sympathies. "I can't
+tell what will become of us after 1840. Our negroes
+will be taken away from us--we shall find
+no work to do ourselves--we shall all have
+to beg, and who shall we beg from? <i>All will be
+beggars, and we must starve</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>Poor Miss L. is one of that unfortunate class who
+have hitherto gained a meagre support from the stolen
+hire of a few slaves, and who, after entire emancipation,
+will be stripped of every thing. This is the class
+upon whom emancipation will fall most heavily; it will
+at once cast many out of a situation of ease, into
+the humiliating dilemma of <i>laboring or begging</i>--to
+the <i>latter</i> of which alternatives, Miss
+L. seems inclined. Let Miss L. be comforted! It is
+better to beg than to <i>steal</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_30"></a>
+We proceeded from Morant Bay to Bath, a distance of
+fourteen miles, where we put up at a neat cottage
+lodging-house, kept by Miss P., a colored lady. Bath
+is a picturesque little village, embowered in perpetual
+green, and lying at the foot of a mountain on one side,
+and on the other by the margin of a rambling little
+river. It seems to have accumulated around it and
+within it, all the verdure and foliage of a tropical
+clime.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_31"></a>
+Having a letter of introduction, we called on the
+special magistrate for that district--George
+Willis, Esq. As we entered his office, an apprentice
+was led up in irons by a policeman, and at the same
+time another man rode up with a letter from the master
+of the apprentice, directing the magistrate to release
+him instantly. The facts of this case, as Mr. W. himself
+explained them to us, will illustrate the careless
+manner in which the magistrates administer the law.
+The master had sent his apprentice to a neighboring
+estate, where there had been some disturbance, to
+get his clothes, which had been left there. The overseer
+of the estate finding an intruder on his property,
+had him handcuffed forthwith, notwithstanding his
+repeated declarations that his master had sent him.
+Having handcuffed him, he ordered him to be taken
+before the special magistrate, Mr. W., who had him
+confined in the station-house all night. Mr. W., in
+pursuance of the direction received from the master,
+ordered the man to be released, but at the same time
+repeatedly declared to him that the <i>overseer was
+not to blame for arresting him</i>.</p>
+
+<p>After this case was disposed of, Mr. W, turned to
+us. He said he had a district of thirty miles in extent,
+including five thousand apprentices; these he visited
+thrice every month. He stated that there had been a
+gradual decrease of crime since he came to the district,
+which was early in 1835. For example, in March, 1837,
+there were but twenty-four persons punished, and in
+March, 1835, there were as many punished in a single
+week. He explained this by saying that the apprentices
+had become <i>better acquainted with the requirements
+of the law</i>. The chief offence at present was
+<i>absconding from labor</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_32"></a>
+This magistrate gave us an account of an alarming
+rebellion which had lately occurred in his district,
+which we will venture to notice, since it is the only
+serious disturbance on the part of the negroes, which
+has taken place in the island, from the beginning
+of the apprenticeship. About two weeks before, the
+apprentices on Thornton estate, amounting to about
+ninety, had refused to work, and fled in a body to
+the woods, where they still remained. Their complaint,
+according to our informant, was, that their master
+had turned the cattle upon their provision grounds,
+and all their provisions were destroyed, so that they
+could not live. They, therefore, determined that they
+would not continue at work, seeing they would be obliged
+to starve. Mr. W. stated that he had visited the provision
+grounds, in company with two <i>disinterested planters</i>,
+and he could affirm that the apprentices had <i>no
+just cause of complaint</i>. It was true their
+fences had been broken down, and their provisions
+had been somewhat injured, but the fence could be very
+easily repaired, and there was an <i>abundance of
+yams left</i> to furnish food for the whole gang
+for some time to come--those that were destroyed
+being chiefly young roots which would not have come
+to maturity for several months. These statements were
+the substance of a formal report which he had just
+prepared for the eye of Sir Lionel Smith, and which
+he was kind enough to read to us. This was a fine
+report, truly, to come from a special justice. To
+say nothing of the short time in which the fence might
+be repaired, those were surely very dainty-mouthed
+cattle that would consume those roots only which were
+so small that several months would be requisite for
+their maturity. The report concluded with a recommendation
+to his Excellency to take seminary vengeance upon a
+few of the gang as soon as they could be arrested,
+since they had set such an example to the surrounding
+apprentices. He could not see how order and subordination
+could be preserved in his district unless such a punishment
+was inflicted as would be a warning to all evil doers.
+He further suggested the propriety of sending the
+maroons[<a name="AE2_FR39"></a><a href="#AE2_FN39">A</a>] after them, to hunt them out of their hiding
+places and bring them to justice.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN39"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR39">A</a>: The maroons are free negroes, inhabiting
+the mountains of the interior, who were formerly hired
+by the authorities, or by planters, to hunt up runaway
+slaves, and return them to their masters. Unfortunately
+our own country is not without <i>its</i> maroons.]</p>
+
+<p>We chanced to obtain a different version of this affair,
+which, as it was confirmed by different persons in
+Bath, both white and colored, who had no connection
+with each other, we cannot help thinking it the true
+one.</p>
+
+<p>The apprentices on Thornton, are what is termed a
+jobbing gang, that is, they are hired out by their
+master to any planter who may want their services.
+Jobbing is universally regarded by the negroes as the
+worst kind of service, for many reasons--principally
+because it often takes them many miles from their
+homes, and they are still required to supply themselves
+with food from their own provision grounds. They are
+allowed to return home every Friday evening or Saturday,
+and stay till Monday morning. The owner of the gang
+in question lately died--to whom it is said
+they were greatly attached--and they passed
+into the hands of a Mr. Jocken, the present overseer.
+Jocken is a notoriously cruel man. It was scarcely
+a twelvemonth ago, that he was fined one hundred pounds
+currency, and sentenced to imprisonment for three months
+in the Kingston jail, <i>for tying one of his apprentices
+to a dead ox</i>, because the animal died while
+in the care of the apprentice. He also confined a
+woman in the same pen with a dead sheep, because she
+suffered the sheep to die. Repeated acts of cruelty
+have caused Jocken to be regarded as a monster in
+the community. From a knowledge of his character, the
+apprentices of Thornton had a strong prejudice against
+him. One of the earliest acts after he went among
+them, was to break down their fences, and turn his
+cattle into their provision grounds. He then ordered
+them to go to a distant estate to work. This they
+refused to do, and when he attempted to compel them
+to go, they left the estate in a body, and went to
+the woods. This is what is called a <i>state of open
+rebellion</i>, and for this they were to be hunted
+like beasts, and to suffer such a terrible punishment
+as would deter all other apprentices from taking a
+similar step.</p>
+
+<p>This Jocken is the same wretch who wantonly handcuffed
+the apprentice, who went on to his estate by the direction
+of his master.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Willis showed us a letter which he had received
+that morning from a planter in his district, who had
+just been trying an experiment in job work, (i.e.,
+paying his people so much for a certain amount of work.)
+He had made a proposition to one of the head men on
+the estate, that he would give him a doubloon an acre
+if he would get ten acres of cane land holed. The
+man employed a large number of apprentices, and accomplished
+the job on three successive Saturdays. They worked
+at the rate of nearly one hundred holes per day for
+each man, whereas the usual day's work is only
+seventy-five holes.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. W. bore testimony that the great body of the negroes
+in his district were very peaceable. There were but
+a few <i>incorrigible fellows</i>, that did all
+the mischief. When any disturbance took place on an
+estate, he could generally tell who the individual
+offenders were. He did not think there would be any
+serious difficulty after 1840. However, the result
+he thought would <i>greatly depend on the conduct
+of the managers!</i></p>
+
+<p>We met in Bath with the proprietor of a coffee estate
+situated a few miles in the country. He gave a very
+favorable account of the people on his estate; stating
+that they were as peaceable and industrious as he
+could desire, that he had their confidence, and fully
+expected to retain it after entire emancipation. He
+anticipated no trouble whatever, and he felt assured,
+too, that if <i>the planters would conduct in a proper
+manner</i>, emancipation would be a blessing to
+the whole colony.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_33"></a>
+We called on the Wesleyan missionary, whom we found
+the decided friend and advocate of freedom. He scrupled
+not to declare his sentiments respecting the special
+magistrate, whom he declared to be a cruel and dishonest
+man. He seemed to take delight in flogging the apprentices.
+He had got a whipping machine made and erected in
+front of the Episcopal church in the village of Bath.
+It was a frame of a triangular shape, the base of
+which rested firmly on the ground, and having a perpendicular
+beam from the base to the apex or angle. To this beam
+the apprentice's body was lashed, with his face
+towards the machine, and his arms extended at right
+angles, and tied by the wrists. The missionary had
+witnessed the floggings at this machine repeatedly,
+as it stood but a few steps from his house. Before
+we reached Bath, the machine had been removed from
+its conspicuous place and <i>concealed in the bushes,
+that the governor might not see it when he visited
+the village</i>.</p>
+
+<p>As this missionary had been for several years laboring
+in the island, and had enjoyed the best opportunities
+to become extensively acquainted with the negroes,
+we solicited from him a written answer to a number
+of inquiries. We make some extracts from his communication.</p>
+
+<p>1. Have the facilities for missionary effort greatly
+increased since the abolition of slavery?</p>
+
+<p>The opportunities of the apprentices to attend the
+means of grace are greater than during absolute slavery.
+They have now one day and a half every week to work
+for their support, leaving the Sabbath free to worship
+God.</p>
+
+<p>2. Do you anticipate that these facilities will increase
+still more after entire freedom?</p>
+
+<p>Yes. The people will then have <i>six days of their
+own to labor for their bread</i>, and will be at
+liberty to go to the house of God every Sabbath. Under
+the present system, the magistrate often takes away
+the Saturday, as a punishment, and then they must
+either work on the Sabbath or starve.</p>
+
+<p>3. Are the negroes likely to revenge by violence the
+wrongs which they have suffered, after they obtain
+their freedom?</p>
+
+<p><i>I never heard the idea suggested, nor should
+I have thought of it had you not made the inquiry.</i></p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_34"></a>
+We called on Mr. Rogers, the teacher of a Mico charity
+infant school in Bath. Mr. R., his wife and daughter,
+are all engaged in this work. They have a day school,
+and evening school three evenings in the week, and
+Sabbath school twice each Sabbath. The evening schools
+are for the benefit of the adult apprentices, who
+manifest the greatest eagerness to learn to read.
+After working all day, they will come several miles
+to school, and stay cheerfully till nine o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. R. furnished us with a written communication,
+from which we extract the following.</p>
+
+<p><i>Quest.</i> Are the apprentices desirous of
+being instructed?</p>
+
+<p><i>Ans.</i> Most assuredly they are; in proof
+of which I would observe that since our establishment
+in Bath, the people not only attend the schools regularly,
+but if they obtain a leaf of a book with letters upon
+it, that is their <i>constant companion</i>.
+We have found mothers with their sucking babes in
+their arms, standing night after night in their classes
+learning the alphabet.</p>
+
+<p><i>Q.</i> Are the negroes grateful for attentions
+and favors?</p>
+
+<p><i>A.</i> They are; I have met some who have
+been so much affected by acts of kindness, that they
+have burst into tears, exclaiming, 'Massa so
+kind--my heart full.' Their affection
+to their teachers is very remarkable. On my return
+lately from Kingston, after a temporary absence, the
+negroes flocked to our residence and surrounded the
+chaise, saying, 'We glad to see massa again;
+we glad to see school massa.' On my way through
+an estate some time ago, some of the children observed
+me, and in a transport of joy cried, 'Thank
+God, massa come again! Bless God de Savior, massa
+come again!'</p>
+
+<p>Mr. R., said he, casually met with an apprentice whose
+master had lately died. The man was in the habit of
+visiting his master's grave every Saturday.
+He said to Mr. R., "Me go to massa grave, and
+de water come into me yeye; but me can't help
+it, massa, <i>de water will come into me yeye</i>."</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_35"></a>
+The Wesleyan missionary told us, that two apprentices,
+an aged man and his daughter, a young woman, had been
+brought up by their master before the special magistrate
+who sentenced them to several days confinement in
+the house of correction at Morant Bay and to dance
+the treadmill. When the sentence was passed the daughter
+entreated that she might be allowed to <i>do her
+father's part</i>, as well as her own, on
+the treadmill, for he was too old to dance the wheel--it
+would kill him.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_36"></a>
+From Bath we went into the Plantain Garden River Valley,
+one of the richest and most beautiful savannahs in
+the island. It is an extensive plain, from one to
+three miles wide, and about six miles long. The Plantain
+Garden River, a small stream, winds through the midst
+of the valley lengthwise, emptying into the sea. Passing
+through the valley, we went a few miles south of it
+to call on Alexander Barclay, Esq., to whom we had
+a letter of introduction. Mr. Barclay is a prominent
+member of the assembly, and an attorney for eight
+estates. He made himself somewhat distinguished a
+few years ago by writing an octavo volume of five
+hundred pages in defence of the colonies, <i>i.e</i>.,
+in defence of colonial slavery. It was a reply to
+Stephen's masterly work against West India slavery,
+and was considered by the Jamaicans a triumphant vindication
+of their "peculiar institutions." We went
+several miles out of our route expressly to have an
+interview with so zealous and celebrated a champion
+of slavery. We were received with marked courtesy
+by Mr. B., who constrained us to spend a day and night
+with him at his seat at Fairfield. One of the first
+objects that met our eye in Mr. B.'s dining
+hall was a splendid piece of silver plate, which was
+presented to him by the planters of St. Thomas in
+the East, in consideration of his able defence of
+colonial slavery. We were favorably impressed with
+Mr. B.'s intelligence, and somewhat so with
+his present sentiments respecting slavery. We gathered
+from him that he had resisted with all his might the
+anti-slavery measures of the English government, and
+exerted every power to prevent the introduction of
+the apprenticeship system. After he saw that slavery
+would inevitably be abolished, he drew up at length
+a plan of emancipation according to which the condition
+of the slave was to be commuted into that of the old
+English <i>villein</i>--he was to be
+made an appendage to <i>the soil</i> instead of
+the "chattel personal" of the master,
+the whip was to be partially abolished, a modicum
+of wages was to be allowed the slave, and so on. There
+was to be no fixed period when this system would terminate,
+but it was to fade gradually and imperceptibly into
+entire freedom. He presented a copy of his scheme
+to the then governor, the Earl of Mulgrave, requesting
+that it might be forwarded to the home government.
+Mr. B. said that the anti-slavery party in England
+had acted from the blind impulses of religious fanaticism,
+and had precipitated to its issue a work which required
+many years of silent preparation in order to its safe
+accomplishment. He intimated that the management of
+abolition ought to have been left with the colonists;
+they had been the long experienced managers of slavery,
+and they were the only men qualified to superintend
+its burial, and give it a decent interment.</p>
+
+<p>He did not think that the apprenticeship afforded
+any clue to the dark mystery of 1840. Apprenticeship
+was so inconsiderably different from slavery, that
+it furnished no more satisfactory data for judging
+of the results of entire freedom than slavery itself.
+Neither would he consent to be comforted by the actual
+results of emancipation in Antigua.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_37"></a>
+Taking leave of Mr. Barclay, we returned to the Plantain
+Garden River Valley, and called at the Golden Grove,
+one of the most splendid estates in that magnificent
+district. This is an estate of two thousand acres;
+it has five hundred apprentices and one hundred free
+children. The average annual crop is six hundred hogsheads
+of sugar. Thomas McCornock, Esq., the attorney of
+this estate, is the custos, or chief magistrate of
+the parish, and colonel of the parish militia. There
+is no man in all the parish of greater consequence,
+either in fact or in seeming self-estimation, than
+Thomas McCornock, Esq. He is a Scotchman, as is also
+Mr. Barclay. The custos received us with as much freedom
+as the dignity of his numerous offices would admit
+of. The overseer, (manager,) Mr. Duncan, is an intelligent,
+active, business man, and on any other estate than
+Golden Grove, would doubtless be a personage of considerable
+distinction. He conducted us through the numerous buildings,
+from the boiling-house to the pig-stye. The principal
+complaint of the overseer, was that he could not make
+the people work to any good purpose. They were not
+at all refractory or disobedient; there was no difficulty
+in getting them on to the field; but when they were
+there, they moved without any life or energy. They
+took no interest in their work, and he was obliged
+to be watching and scolding them all the time, or else
+they would do nothing. We had not gone many steps
+after this observation, before we met with a practical
+illustration of it. A number of the apprentices had
+been ordered that morning to cart away some dirt to
+a particular place. When we approached them, Mr. D.
+found that one of the "wains" was standing
+idle. He inquired of the driver why he was keeping
+the team idle. The reply was, that there was nothing there
+for it to do; there were enough other wains to carry
+away all the dirt. "Then," inquired the
+overseer with an ill-concealed irritation, "why
+did not go to some other work?" The overseer
+then turned to us and said, "You see, sir, what
+lazy dogs the apprentices are--this is the
+way they do every day, if they are not closely watched."
+It was not long after this little incident, before
+the overseer remarked that the apprentices worked very
+well during their own time, <i>when they were paid
+for it</i>. When we went into the hospital, Mr.
+D. directed out attention to one fact, which to him
+was very provoking. A great portion of the patients
+that come in during the week, unable to work, are
+in the habit of getting well on Friday evening, so
+that they can go out on Saturday and Sunday; but on
+Monday morning they are sure to be sick again, then
+they return to the hospital and remain very poorly
+till Friday evening, when they get well all at once,
+and ask permission to go out. The overseer saw into
+the trick; but he could find no medicine that could
+cure the negroes of that intermittent sickness. The
+Antigua planters discovered the remedy for it, and
+doubtless Mr. D. will make the grand discovery in 1840.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_38"></a>
+On returning to the "great house," we
+found the custos sitting in state, ready to communicate
+any official information which might be called for.
+He expressed similar sentiments in the main, with those
+of Mr. Barclay. He feared for the consequences of
+complete emancipation; the negroes would to a great
+extent abandon the sugar cultivation and retire to
+the woods, there to live in idleness, planting merely
+yams enough to keep them alive, and in the process
+of time, retrograding into African barbarism. The
+attorney did not see how it was possible to prevent
+this. When asked whether he expected that such would
+be the case with the negroes on Golden Grove, he replied
+that he did not think it would, except with a very
+few persons. His people had been <i>so well treated</i>,
+and had <i>so many comforts</i>, that they would
+not be at all likely to abandon the estate! [Mark
+that!] Whose are the people that will desert after
+1840? Not Thomas McCornock's, Esq.! <i>They
+are too well situated. Whose</i> then will desert?
+<i>Mr. Jocken's</i>, or in other words,
+those who are ill-treated, who are cruelly driven,
+whose fences are broken down, and whose provision
+grounds are exposed to the cattle. They, and they
+alone, will retire to the woods who can't get food
+any where else!</p>
+
+<p>The custos thought the apprentices were behaving very
+ill. On being asked if he had any trouble with his,
+he said, O, no! his apprentices did quite well, and
+so did the apprentices generally, in the Plantain
+Garden River Valley. But in <i>far off parishes</i>,
+he <i>heard</i> that they were very refractory
+and troublesome.</p>
+
+<p>The custos testified that the negroes were very easily
+managed. He said he had often thought that he would
+rather have the charge of six hundred negroes, than
+of two hundred English sailors. He spoke also of the
+temperate habits of the negroes. He had been in the
+island twenty-two years, and he had never seen a negro
+woman drunk, on the estate. It was very seldom that
+the men got drunk. There were not more than ten men
+on Golden Grove, out of a population of five hundred,
+who were in the habit of occasionally getting intoxicated.
+He also remarked that the negroes were a remarkable
+people for their attention to the old and infirm among
+them; they seldom suffered them to want, if it was
+in their power to supply them. Among other remarks
+of the custos, was this sweeping declaration--"<i>No
+man in his senses can pretend to defend slavery.</i>"</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_39"></a>
+After spending a day at Golden Grove, we proceeded
+to the adjacent estate of Amity Hall. On entering
+the residence of the manager, Mr. Kirkland, we were
+most gratefully surprised to find him engaged in family
+prayers. It was the first time and the last that we
+heard the voice of prayer in a Jamaican planter's
+house. We were no less gratefully surprised to see
+a white lady, to whom we were introduced as Mrs. Kirkland,
+and several modest and lovely little children. It was
+the first and the last <i>family circle</i> that
+we were permitted to see among the planters of that
+licentious colony. The motley group of colored children--of
+every age from tender infancy--which we found
+on other estates, revealed the state of domestic manners
+among the planters.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. K. regarded the abolition of slavery as a great
+blessing to the colony; it was true that the apprenticeship
+was a wretchedly bad system, but notwithstanding,
+things moved smoothly on his estate. He informed us
+that the negroes on Amity Hall had formerly borne the
+character of being the <i>worst gang in the parish</i>;
+and when he first came to the estate, he found that
+half the truth had not been told of them; but they
+had become remarkably peaceable and subordinate. It
+was his policy to give them every comfort that he
+possibly could. Mr. K. made the same declaration,
+which has been so often repeated in the course of this
+narrative, <i>i.e</i>., that if any of the estates were
+abandoned, it would be owing to the harsh treatment
+of the people. He knew many overseers and book-keepers
+who were cruel driving men, and he should not be surprised
+if <i>they</i> lost a part, or all, of their
+laborers. He made one remark which we had not heard
+before. There were some estates, he said, which would
+probably be abandoned, for the same reason that they
+ought never to have been cultivated, because they
+require <i>almost double labor</i>;--such
+are the mountainous estates and barren, worn-out properties,
+which nothing but a system of forced labor could possibly
+retain in cultivation. But the idea that the negroes
+generally would leave their comfortable homes, and
+various privileges on the estates, and retire to the
+wild woods, he ridiculed as preposterous in the extreme.
+Mr. K. declared repeatedly that he could not look
+forward to 1840, but with the most sanguine hopes;
+he confidently believed that the introduction of complete
+freedom would be the <i>regeneration of the island</i>.
+<a name="V_40"></a>
+He alluded to the memorable declaration of Lord Belmore,
+(made memorable by the excitement which it caused
+among the colonists,) in his valedictory address to
+the assembly, on the eve of his departure for England.[<a name="AE2_FR3A"></a><a href="#AE2_FN3A">A</a>]
+"Gentlemen," said he, "the resources
+of this noble island will never be fully developed
+until slavery is abolished!" For this manly
+avowal the assembly ignobly refused him the usual
+marks of respect and honor at his departure. Mr. K.
+expected to see Jamaica become a new world under the
+enterprise and energies of freedom. There were a few
+disaffected planters, who would probably remain so,
+and leave the islands after emancipation. It would
+be a blessing to the country if such men left it, for
+as long as they were disaffected, they were the enemies
+of its prosperity.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN3A"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR3A">A</a>: Lord Belmore left the government of Jamaica,
+a short time before the abolition act passed in parliament.]</p>
+
+<p>Mr. K. conducted us through the negro quarters, which
+are situated on the hill side, nearly a mile from
+his residence. We went into several of the houses;
+which were of a better style somewhat than the huts
+in Antigua and Barbadoes--larger, better
+finished and furnished. Some few of them had verandahs
+or porches on one or more sides, after the West India
+fashion, closed in with <i>jalousies</i>. In each
+of the houses to which we were admitted, there was
+one apartment fitted up in a very neat manner, with
+waxed floor, a good bedstead, and snow white coverings,
+a few good chairs, a mahogany sideboard, ornamented
+with dishes, decanters, <i>etc</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_41"></a>
+From Amity Hall, we drove to Manchioneal, a small
+village ten miles north of the Plantain Garden River
+Valley. We had a letter to the special magistrate
+for that district, R. Chamberlain, Esq., a colored
+gentleman, and the first magistrate we found in the
+parish of St. Thomas in the East, who was faithful
+to the interests of the apprentices. He was a boarder
+at the public house, where we were directed for lodgings,
+and as we spent a few days in the village, we had opportunities
+of obtaining much information from him, as well as
+of attending some of his courts. Mr. C. had been only
+five months in the district of Manchioneal, having
+been removed thither from a distant district. Being
+a friend of the apprentices, he is hated and persecuted
+by the planters. He gave us a gloomy picture of the
+<i>oppressions</i> and cruelties of the planters. Their
+complaints brought before him are often of the most
+trivial kind; yet because he does not condemn the
+apprentices to receive a punishment which the most
+serious offences alone could justify him in inflicting,
+they revile and denounce him as unfit for his station.
+He represents the planters as not having the most
+distant idea that it is the province of the special
+magistrate to secure justice to the apprentice; but
+they regard it as his sole duty to <i>help them</i>
+in getting from the laborers as much work as whips,
+and chains, and tread-wheels can extort. His predecessor,
+in the Manchioneal district, answered perfectly to
+the planters' <i>beau ideal</i>. He ordered
+a <i>cat</i> to be kept on every estate in his
+district, to be ready for use as he went around on
+his weekly visits. Every week he inspected the cats,
+and when they became too much worn to do good execution,
+he <i>condemned</i> them, and ordered new ones
+to be made.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. C. said the most frequent complaints made by the
+planters are for <i>insolence</i>. He gave a
+few specimens of what were regarded by the planters
+as serious offences. An overseer will say to his apprentice,
+"Work along there faster, you lazy villain, or
+I'll strike you;" the apprentice will
+reply, "You <i>can't</i> strike me
+now," and for this he is taken before the magistrate
+on the complaint of <i>insolence</i>. An overseer,
+in passing the gang on the field, will hear them singing;
+he will order them, in a peremptory tone to stop instantly,
+and if they continue singing, they are complained
+of for <i>insubordination</i>. An apprentice
+has been confined to the hospital with disease,--when
+he gets able to walk, tired of the filthy sick house,
+he hobbles to his hut, where he may have the attentions
+of his wife until he gets well. That is called <i>absconding
+from labor</i>! Where the magistrate does not happen
+to be an independent man, the complaint is sustained,
+and the poor invalid is sentenced to the treadmill
+for absenting himself from work. It is easy to conjecture
+the dreadful consequence. The apprentice, debilitated
+by sickness, dragged off twenty-five miles on foot
+to Morant Bay, mounted on the wheel, is unable to
+keep the step with the stronger ones, slips off and
+hangs by the wrists, and his flesh is mangled and torn
+by the wheel.</p>
+
+<p>The apprentices frequently called at our lodgings
+to complain to Mr. C. of the hard treatment of their
+masters. Among the numerous distressing cases which
+we witnessed, we shall never forget that of a poor
+little negro boy, of about twelve, who presented himself
+one afternoon before Mr. C., with a complaint against
+his master for violently beating him. A gash was cut
+in his head, and the blood had flowed freely. He fled
+from his master, and came to Mr. C. for refuge. He
+belonged to A. Ross, Esq., of Mulatto Run estate.
+We remembered that we had a letter of introduction
+to that planter, and we had designed visiting him,
+but after witnessing this scene, we resolved not to
+go near a monster who could inflict such a wound,
+with his own hand, upon a child. We were highly gratified
+with the kind and sympathizing manner in which Mr.
+C. spoke with the unfortunate beings who, in the extremity
+of their wrongs, ventured to his door.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_42"></a>
+At the request of the magistrate we accompanied him,
+on one occasion, to the station-house, where he held
+a weekly court. We had there a good opportunity to
+observe the hostile feelings of the planters towards
+this faithful officer--"faithful among
+the faithless," (though we are glad that we
+cannot quite add, "<i>only he</i>.")</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_43"></a>
+A number of managers, overseers, and book-keepers,
+assembled; some with complaints, and some to have
+their apprentices classified. They all set upon the
+magistrate like bloodhounds upon a lone stag. They
+strove together with one accord, to subdue his independent
+spirit by taunts, jeers, insults, <i>intimidations</i>
+and bullyings. He was obliged to threaten one of the
+overseers with arrest, on account of his abusive conduct.
+We were actually amazed at the intrepidity of the
+magistrate. We were convinced from what we saw that
+day, that only the most fearless and conscientious
+men could be <i>faithful magistrates</i> in Jamaica.
+Mr. C. assured us that he met with similar indignities
+every time he held his courts, and on most of the
+estates that he visited. It was in his power to punish
+them severely, but he chose to use all possible forbearance,
+so as not to give the planters any grounds of complaint.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_44"></a>
+On a subsequent day we accompanied Mr. C. in one of
+his estate visits. As it was late in the afternoon,
+he called at but one estate, the name of which was
+Williamsfield. Mr. Gordon, the overseer of Williamsfield,
+is among the fairest specimens of planters. He has
+naturally a generous disposition, which, like that
+of Mr. Kirkland, has out-lived the witherings of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>He informed us that his people worked as well under
+the apprenticeship system, as ever they did during
+slavery; and he had every encouragement that they
+would do still better after they were completely free.
+He was satisfied that he should be able to conduct
+his estate at much less expense after 1840; he thought
+that fifty men would do as much then as a hundred
+do now. We may add here a similar remark of Mr. Kirkland--that
+forty freemen would accomplish as much as eighty slaves.
+Mr. Gordon hires his people on Saturdays, and he expressed
+his astonishment at the increased vigor with which
+they worked when they were to receive wages. He pointedly
+condemned the driving system which was resorted to
+by many of the planters. They foolishly endeavored
+to keep up the coercion of slavery, <i>and they
+had the special magistrates incessantly flogging the
+apprentices</i>. The planters also not unfrequently
+take away the provision grounds from their apprentices,
+and in every way oppress and harass them.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_45"></a>
+In the course of the conversation Mr. G. accidentally
+struck upon a fresh vein of facts, respecting the
+SLAVERY OF BOOK-KEEPERS,[<a name="AE2_FR3B"></a><a href="#AE2_FN3B">A</a>] <i>under the old system</i>.
+The book-keepers, said Mr. G., were the complete slaves
+of the overseers, who acted like despots on the estates.
+They were mostly young men from England, and not unfrequently
+had considerable refinement; but ignorant of the treatment
+which book-keepers had to submit to, and allured by
+the prospect of becoming wealthy by plantership, they
+came to Jamaica and entered as candidates. They soon
+discovered the cruel bondage in which they were involved.
+The overseers domineered over them, and stormed at
+them as violently as though they were the most abject
+slaves. They were allowed no privileges such as their
+former habits impelled them to seek. If they played
+a flute in the hearing of the overseer, they were
+commanded to be silent instantly. If they dared to
+put a gold ring on their finger, even that trifling
+pretension to gentility was detected and disallowed
+by the jealous overseer. (These things were specified
+by Mr. G. himself.) They were seldom permitted to
+associate with the overseers as equals. The only thing
+which reconciled the book-keepers to this abject state,
+was the reflection that they might one day <i>possibly</i>
+become overseers themselves, and then they could exercise
+the same authority over others. In addition to this
+degradation, the book-keepers suffered great hardships.
+Every morning (during slavery) they were obliged to
+be in the field before day; they had to be there as
+soon as the slaves, in order to call the roll, and
+mark absentees, if any. Often Mr. G. and the other
+gentleman had gone to the field, when it was so dark
+that they could not see to call the roll, and the
+negroes have all lain down on their hoes, and slept
+till the light broke. Sometimes there would be a thick
+dew on the ground, and the air was so cold and damp,
+that they would be completely chilled. When they were
+shivering on the ground, the negroes would often lend
+them their blankets, saying, "Poor <i>busha
+pickaninny</i> sent out here from England to die."
+Mr. Gordon said that his constitution had been permanently
+injured by such exposure. Many young men, he said,
+had doubtless been killed by it. During crop time,
+the book-keepers had to be up every night till twelve
+o'clock, and every other night <i>all night</i>,
+superintending the work in the boiling-house, and
+at the mill. They did not have rest even on the Sabbath;
+they must have the mill put about (set to the wind
+so as to grind) by sunset every Sabbath. Often the
+mills were in the wind before four o'clock, on
+Sabbath afternoon. They knew of slaves being flogged
+for not being on the spot by sunset, though it was
+known that they had been to meeting. Mr. G. said that
+he had a young friend who came from England with him,
+and acted as book-keeper. His labors and exposures
+were so intolerable, that he had often said to Mr.
+G., confidentially, <i>that if the slaves should
+rise in rebellion, he would most cheerfully join them</i>!
+Said Mr. G., <i>there was great rejoicing</i>
+among the book-keepers in August 1834! <i>The abolition
+of slavery was</i> EMANCIPATION TO THE BOOK-KEEPERS.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN3B"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR3B">A</a>: The book-keepers are subordinate overseers
+and drivers; they are generally young white men, who
+after serving a course of years in a sort of apprenticeship,
+are promoted to managers of estates.]</p>
+
+<p>No complaints were brought before Mr. Chamberlain.
+Mr. Gordon pleasantly remarked when we arrived, that
+he had some cases which he should have presented if
+the magistrate had come a little earlier, but he presumed
+he should forget them before his next visit. When we
+left Williamsfield, Mr. C. informed us that during
+five months there had been but two cases of complaint
+on that estate--and but <i>a single instance
+of punishment.</i> Such are the results where there
+is a good manager and a good special magistrate.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_46"></a>
+On Sabbath we attended service in the Baptist chapel,
+of which Rev. Mr. Kingdon is pastor. The chapel, which
+is a part of Mr. K.'s dwelling-house, is situated
+on the summit of a high mountain which overlooks the
+sea. As seen from the valley below, it appears to topple
+on the very brink of a frightful precipice. It is reached
+by a winding tedious road, too rugged to admit of
+a chaise, and in some places so steep as to try the
+activity of a horse. As we approached nearer, we observed
+the people climbing up in throngs by various footpaths,
+and halting in the thick woods which skirted the chapel,
+the men to put on their shoes, which they had carried
+in their hands up the mountain, and the women to draw
+on their white stockings and shoes. On entering the
+place of worship, we found it well filled with the
+apprentices, who came from many miles around in every
+direction. The services had commenced when we arrived.
+We heard an excellent sermon from the devoted and pious
+missionary, Mr. Kingdon, whose praise is among all
+the good throughout the island, and who is eminently
+known as the negro's friend. After the sermon,
+we were invited to make a few remarks; and the minister
+briefly stated to the congregation whence we had come,
+and what was the object of our visit. We cannot soon
+forget the scene which followed. We begun by expressing,
+in simple terms, the interest which we felt in the
+temporal and spiritual concerns of the people present,
+and scarcely had we uttered a sentence when the whole
+congregation were filled with emotion. Soon they burst
+into tears--some sobbed, others cried aloud;
+insomuch that for a time we were unable to proceed.
+We were, indeed, not a little astonished at so unusual
+a scene; it was a thing which we were by no means
+expecting to see. Being at a loss to account for it,
+we inquired of Mr. K. afterwards, who told us that
+it was occasioned by our expressions of sympathy and
+regard. They were so unaccustomed to hear such language
+from the lips of white people, that it fell upon them
+like rain upon the parched earth. The idea that one
+who was a stranger and a foreigner should feel an
+interest in their welfare, was to them, in such circumstances,
+peculiarly affecting, and stirred the deep fountains
+of their hearts.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_47"></a>
+After the services, the missionary, anxious to further
+our objects, proposed that we should hold an interview
+with a number of the apprentices; and he accordingly
+invited fifteen of them into his study, and introduced
+them to us by name, stating also the estates to which
+they severally belonged. We had thus an opportunity
+of seeing the <i>representatives of twelve different
+estates</i>, men of trust on their respective estates,
+mostly constables and head boilers. For nearly two
+hours we conversed with these men, making inquiries
+on all points connected with slavery, the apprenticeship,
+and the expected emancipation.</p>
+
+<p>From no interview, during our stay in the colonies,
+did we derive so much information respecting the real
+workings of the apprenticeship; from none did we gain
+such an insight into the character and disposition
+of the negroes. The company was composed of intelligent
+and pious men;--so manly and dignified were
+they in appearance, and so elevated in their sentiments,
+that we could with difficulty realize that they were
+<i>slaves</i>. They were wholly unreserved in
+their communications, though they deeply implicated
+their masters, the special magistrates, and others
+in authority. It is not improbable that they would
+have shrunk from some of the disclosures which they
+made, had they known that they would be published.
+Nevertheless we feel assured that in making them public,
+we shall not betray the informants, concealing as we
+do their names and the estates to which they belong.</p>
+
+<p>With regard to the wrongs and hardships of the apprenticeship
+much as said; we can only give a small part.</p>
+
+<p>Their masters were often very harsh with them, more
+so than when they were slaves. They could not flog
+them, but they would scold them, and swear at them,
+and call them hard names, which hurt their feelings
+almost as much as it would if they were to flog them.
+They would not allow them as many privileges as they
+did formerly. Sometimes they would take their provision
+grounds away, and sometimes they would go on their
+grounds and carry away provisions for their own use
+without paying for them, or as much as asking their
+leave. They had to bear this, for it was useless to
+complain--they could get no justice; there
+was no law in Manchioneal. The special magistrate
+would only hear the master, and would not allow the
+apprentices to say any thing for themselves[<a name="AE2_FR3C"></a><a href="#AE2_FN3C">A</a>]. The
+magistrate would do just as the busha (master) said.
+If he say flog him, he flog him; if he say, send him
+to Morant Bay, (to the treadmill,) de magistrate send
+him. If we happen to laugh before de busha, he complain
+to de magistrate, and we get licked. If we go to a
+friend's house, when we hungry, to get something
+to eat, and happen to get lost in de woods between,
+we are called runaways, and are punished severely.
+Our half Friday is taken away from us; we must give
+that time to busha for a little salt-fish, which was
+always allowed us during slavery. If we lay in bed
+after six o'clock, they take away our Saturday
+too. If we lose a little time from work, they make
+us pay a great deal more time. They stated, and so
+did several of the missionaries, that the loss of the
+half Friday was very serious to them; as it often rendered
+it impossible for them to get to meeting on Sunday.
+The whole work of cultivating their grounds, preparing
+their produce for sale, carrying it to the distant
+market, (Morant Bay, and sometimes further,) and returning,
+all this was, by the loss of the Friday afternoon,
+crowded into Saturday, and it was often impossible
+for them to get back from market before Sabbath morning;
+then they had to dress and go six or ten miles further
+to chapel, or stay away altogether, which, from weariness
+and worldly cares, they would be strongly tempted
+to do. This they represented as being a grievous thing
+to them. Said one of the men; in a peculiarly solemn
+and earnest manner, while the tears stood in his eyes,
+"I declare to you, massa, if de Lord spare we
+to be free, we be much more 'ligiours--<i>we
+be wise to many more tings</i>; we be better Christians;
+because den we have all de Sunday for go to meeting.
+But now de holy time taken up in work for we food."
+These words were deeply impressed upon us by the intense
+earnestness with which they were spoken. They revealed
+"the heart's own bitterness." There
+was also a lighting up of joy and hope in the countenance
+of that child of God, as he looked forward to the
+time when he might become <i>wise to many more tings</i>.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN3C"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR3C">A</a>: We would observe, that they did not refer
+to Mr. Chamberlain, but to another magistrate, whose
+name they mentioned.]</p>
+
+<p>They gave a heart-sickening account of the cruelties
+of the treadmill. They spoke of the apprentices having
+their wrists tied to the handboard, and said it was
+very common for them to fall and hang against the wheel.
+Some who had been sent to the treadmill, had actually
+died from the injuries they there received. They were
+often obliged to see their wives dragged off to Morant
+Bay, and tied to the treadmill, even when they were
+in a state of pregnancy. They suffered a great deal
+of misery from <i>that; but they could not help
+it</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes it was a wonder to themselves how they could
+endure all the provocations and sufferings of the
+apprenticeship; <i>it was only "by de mercy
+of God</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>They were asked why they did not complain to the special
+magistrates. They replied, that it did no good, for
+the magistrates would not take any notice of their
+complaints, besides, it made the masters treat them
+still worse. Said one, "We go to de magistrate
+to complain, and den when we come back de busha do
+all him can to vex us. He <i>wingle</i> (tease)
+us, and <i>wingle</i> us; de book-keeper curse
+us and treaten us; de constable he scold us, and call
+hard names, and dey all strive to make we mad, so we
+say someting wrong, and den dey take we to de magistrate
+for insolence." Such was the final consequence
+of complaining to the magistrate. We asked them why
+they did not complain, when they had a good magistrate
+who would do them justice. Their answer revealed a
+new fact. They were afraid to complain to a magistrate,
+who they knew was their friend, <i>because their
+masters told them that the magistrate would soon be
+changed, and another would come who would flog them;
+and that for every time they dared to complain to
+the GOOD magistrate, they would be flogged when the
+BAD one came</i>. They said their masters had explained
+it all to them long ago.</p>
+
+<p>We inquired of them particularly what course they
+intended to take when they should become free. We
+requested them to speak, not only with reference to
+themselves, but of the apprentices generally, as far
+as they knew their views. They said the apprentices
+expected to work on the estates, if they were allowed
+to do so. They had no intention of leaving work. Nothing
+would cause them to leave their estates but bad treatment;
+if their masters were harsh, they would go to another
+estate, where they would get better treatment. They
+would be <i>obliged</i> to work when they were
+free; even more than now, for <i>then</i> they
+would have no other dependence.</p>
+
+<p>One tried to prove to us by reasoning, that the
+people would work when they were free. Said he, "In
+slavery time we work <i>even</i> wid de whip,
+now we work 'till better--<i>what
+tink we will do when we free? Won't</i> we
+work den, <i>when we get paid</i>?" He appealed
+to us so earnestly, that we could not help acknowledging
+we were fully convinced. However, in order to establish
+the point still more clearly, he stated some facts,
+such as the following:</p>
+
+<p>During slavery, it took six men to tend the coppers
+in boiling sugar, and it was thought that fewer could
+not possibly do the work; but now, since the boilers
+are paid for their extra time, the work is monopolized
+by <i>three</i> men. They <i>would not have
+any help</i>; they did all the work "<i>dat
+dey might get all de pay</i>."</p>
+
+<p>We sounded them thoroughly on their views of law and
+freedom. We inquired whether they expected to be allowed
+to do as they pleased when they were free. On this
+subject they spoke very rationally. Said one, "We
+could never live widout de law; (we use, his very expressions)
+we must have some law when we free. In other countries,
+where dey are free, <i>don't</i> dey have
+law? Wouldn't dey shoot one another if they did
+not have law?" Thus they reasoned about freedom.
+Their chief complaint against the apprenticeship was,
+that it did not allow them <i>justice</i>. "<i>There
+was no law now</i>." They had been told by
+the governor, that there was the same law for all
+the island; but they knew better, for there was more
+justice done them in some districts than in others.</p>
+
+<p>Some of their expressions indicated very strongly
+the characteristic kindness of the negro. They would
+say, we work now as well as we can <i>for the sake
+of peace; any thing for peace</i>. Don't want
+to be complained of to the magistrate; don't
+like to be called hard names--do any thing
+to keep peace. Such expressions were repeatedly made.
+We asked them what they thought of the domestics being
+emancipated in 1838, while they had to remain apprentices
+two years longer? They said, "it bad enough--but
+we know de law make it so, and <i>for peace sake</i>,
+we will be satisfy. <i>But we murmur in we minds</i>."</p>
+
+<p>We asked what they expected to do with the old and
+infirm, after freedom? They said, "we will support
+<i>dem</i>--as how dey brought us up when
+we was pickaninny, and now we come trong, must care
+for <i>dem</i>." In such a spirit did these apprentices
+discourse for two hours. They won greatly upon our
+sympathy and respect. The touching story of their wrongs,
+the artless unbosoming of their hopes, their forgiving
+spirit toward their masters, their distinct views
+of their own rights, their amiable bearing under provocation,
+their just notions of law, and of a state of freedom--these
+things were well calculated to excite our admiration
+for them, and their companions in suffering. Having
+prayed with the company, and commended them to the
+grace of God, and the salvation of Jesus Christ, we
+shook hands with them individually, and separated from
+them, never more to see them, until we meet at the
+bar of God.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_48"></a>
+While one of us was prosecuting the foregoing inquiries
+in St. Thomas in the East, the other was performing
+a horse-back tour among the mountains of St. Andrews
+and Port Royal. We had been invited by Stephen Bourne,
+Esq., special magistrate for one of the rural districts
+in those parishes, to spend a week in his family,
+and accompany him in his official visits to the plantations
+embraced in his commission--an invitation
+we were very glad to accept, as it laid open to us
+at the same time three important sources of information,--the
+magistrate, the planter, and the apprentice.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was just rising as we left Kingston, and entered
+the high road. The air, which the day before had been
+painfully hot and stived, was cool and fresh, and
+from flowers and spice-trees, on which the dew still
+lay, went forth a thousand fragrant exhalations. Our
+course for about six miles, lay over the broad, low
+plain, which spreads around Kingston, westward to
+the highlands of St. Andrews, and southward beyond
+Spanishtown. All along the road, and in various directions
+in the distance, were seen the residences--uncouthly
+termed 'pens'--of merchants
+and gentlemen of wealth, whose business frequently
+calls them to town. Unlike Barbadoes, the fields here
+were protected by walls and hedges, with broad gateways
+and avenues leading to the house. We soon began to
+meet here and there, at intervals, person going to
+the market with fruits and provisions. The number
+continually increased, and at the end of an hour,
+they could be seen trudging over the fields, and along
+the by-paths and roads, on every hand. Some had a couple
+of stunted donkeys yoked to a ricketty cart,--others
+had mules with pack-saddles--but the many
+loaded their own heads, instead of the donkeys and
+mules. Most of them were well dressed, and all civil
+and respectful in their conduct.</p>
+
+<p>Invigorated by the mountain air, and animated by the
+novelty and grandeur of the mountain scenery, through
+which we had passed, we arrived at 'Grecian
+Regale' in season for an early West Indian breakfast,
+(8 o'clock.) Mr. Bourne's district is entirely
+composed of coffee plantations, and embraces three
+thousand apprentices. The people on coffee plantations
+are not worked so hard as those employed on sugar
+estates; but they are more liable to suffer from insufficient
+food and clothing.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_49"></a>
+After breakfast we accompanied Mr. Bourne on a visit
+to the plantations, but there were no complaints either
+from the master or apprentice, except on one. Here
+Mr. B. was hailed by a hoary-headed man, sitting at
+the side of his house. He said that he was lame and
+sick, and could not work, and complained that his
+master did not give him any food. All he had to eat
+was given him by a relative. As the master was not
+at home, Mr. B. could not attend to the complaint
+at that time, but promised to write the master about
+it in the course of the day. He informed us that the
+aged and disabled were very much neglected under the
+apprenticeship. When the working days are over, the
+profit days are over, and how few in any country are
+willing to support an animal which is past labor? If
+these complaints are numerous under the new system,
+when magistrates are all abroad to remedy them, what
+must it have been during slavery, when master and
+magistrate were the same!</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_50"></a>
+On one of the plantations we called at the house of
+an emigrant, of which some hundreds have been imported
+from different parts of Europe, since emancipation.
+He had been in the island eighteen months, and was
+much dissatisfied with his situation. The experiment
+of importing whites to Jamaica as laborers, has proved
+disastrous--an unfortunate speculation to
+all parties, and all parties wish them back again.</p>
+
+<p>We had some conversation with several apprentices,
+who called on Mr. Bourne for advice and aid. They
+all thought the apprenticeship very hard, but still,
+on the whole, liked it better than slavery. They "were
+killed too bad,"--that was their expression--during
+slavery--were worked hard and terribly flogged.
+They were up ever so early and late--went
+out in the mountains to work, when so cold busha would
+have to cover himself up on the ground. Had little
+time to eat, or go to meeting. 'Twas all slash,
+slash! Now they couldn't be flogged, unless the
+magistrate said so. Still the busha was very hard
+to them, and many of the apprentices run away to the
+woods, they are so badly used.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_51"></a>
+The next plantation which we visited was Dublin Castle.
+It lies in a deep valley, quite enclosed by mountains.
+The present attorney has been in the island nine years,
+and is attorney for several other properties. In England
+he was a religious man, and intimately acquainted with
+the eccentric Irving. For a while after he came out
+he preached to the slaves, but having taken a black
+concubine, and treating those under his charge oppressively,
+he soon obtained a bad character among the blacks,
+and his meetings were deserted. He is now a most passionate
+and wicked man, having cast off even the show of religion.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_52"></a>
+Mr. B. visited Dublin Castle a few weeks since, and
+spent two days in hearing complaints brought against
+the manager and book-keeper by the apprentices. He
+fined the manager, for different acts of oppression,
+one hundred and eight dollars. The attorney was present
+during the whole time. Near the close of the second
+day he requested permission to say a few words, which
+was granted. He raised his hands and eyes in the most
+agonized manner, as though passion was writhing within,
+and burst forth--"O, my God! my God!
+has it indeed come to this! Am I to be arraigned in
+this way? Is my conduct to be questioned by these people?
+Is my authority to be destroyed by the interference
+of stranger? O, my God!" And he fell back into
+the arms of his book-keeper, and was carried out of
+the room in convulsions.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning we started on another excursion,
+for the purpose of attending the appraisement of an
+apprentice belonging to Silver Hill, a plantation
+about ten miles distant from Grecian Regale. We rode
+but a short distance in the town road, when we struck
+off into a narrow defile by a mule-path, and pushed
+into the very heart of the mountains.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_53"></a>
+We felt somewhat timid at the commencement of our
+excursion among these minor Andes, but we gained confidence
+as we proceeded, and finding our horse sure-footed
+and quite familiar with mountain paths, we soon learned
+to gallop, without fear, along the highest cliffs,
+and through the most dangerous passes. We were once
+put in some jeopardy by a drove of mules, laden with
+coffee. We fortunately saw them, as they came round
+the point of a hill, at some distance, in season to
+secure ourselves in a little recess where the path
+widened. On they came, cheered by the loud cries of
+their drivers, and passed rapidly forward, one after
+another, with the headlong stupidity which animals,
+claiming more wisdom than quadrupeds, not unfrequently
+manifest. When they came up to us, however, they showed
+that they were not unaccustomed to such encounters,
+and, although the space between us and the brow of
+the precipice, was not three feet wide, they all contrived
+to sway their bodies and heavy sacks in such a manner
+as to pass us safely, except one. He, more stupid
+or more unlucky than the rest, struck us a full broad-side
+as he went by jolting us hard against the hill, and
+well-nigh jolting himself down the craggy descent
+into the abyss below. One leg hung a moment over the
+precipice, but the poor beast suddenly threw his whole
+weight forward, and by a desperate leap, obtained
+sure foothold in the path, and again trudged along
+with his coffee-bags.</p>
+
+<p>On our way we called at two plantations, but found
+no complaints. At one of them we had some conversation
+with the overseer. He has on it one hundred and thirty
+apprentices, and produces annually thirty thousand
+pounds of coffee. He informed us that he was getting
+along well. His people are industrious and obedient,
+as much so, to say the least, as under the old system.
+The crop this year is not so great as usual, on account
+of the severe drought. His plantation was never better
+cultivated. Besides the one hundred and thirty apprentices,
+there are forty free children, who are supported by
+their parents. None of them will work for hire, or
+in any way put themselves under his control, as the
+parents fear there is some plot laid for making them
+apprentices, and through that process reducing them
+to slavery. He thinks this feeling will continue till
+the apprenticeship is entirely broken up, and the
+people begin to feel assured of complete freedom, when
+it will disappear.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_54"></a>
+We reached Silver Hill about noon. This plantation
+contains one hundred and ten apprentices, and is under
+the management of a colored man, who has had charge
+of it seven years. He informed us that it was under
+as good cultivation now as it was before emancipation.
+His people are easily controlled. Very much depends
+on the conduct of the overseer. If he is disposed
+to be just and kind, the apprentices are sure to behave
+well; if he is harsh and severe, and attempts to <i>drive</i>
+them, they will take no pains to please him, but on
+the contrary, will be sulky and obstinate.</p>
+
+<p>There were three overseers from other estates present.
+One of them had been an overseer for forty years,
+and he possessed the looks and feelings which we suppose
+a man who has been thus long in a school of despotism,
+must possess. He had a giant form, which seemed to
+be breaking down with luxury and sensualism. His ordinary
+voice was hoarse and gusty, and his smile diabolical.
+Emancipation had swept away his power while it left
+the love of it ravaging his heart. He could not speak
+of the new system with composure. His contempt and
+hatred of the negro was unadulterated. He spoke of
+the apprentices with great bitterness. They were excessively
+lazy and impudent, and were becoming more and more
+so every day. They did not do half the work now that
+they did before emancipation. It was the character
+of the negro never to work unless compelled. His people
+would not labor for him an hour in their own time,
+although he had offered to pay them for it. They have
+not the least gratitude. They will leave him in the
+midst of his crop, and help others, because they can
+get a little more. They spend all their half Fridays
+and their Saturdays on other plantations where they
+receive forty cents a day. Twenty-five cents is enough
+for them, and is as much as he will give.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. B. requested the overseer to bring forward his
+complaints. He had only two. One was against a boy
+of ten for stealing a gill of goat's milk. The
+charge was disproved. The other was against a boy of
+twelve for neglecting the cattle, and permitting them
+to trespass on the lands of a neighbor. He was sentenced
+to receive a good switching--that is, to
+be beaten with a small stick by the constable of the
+plantation.</p>
+
+<p>Several apprentices then appeared and made a few trivial
+complaints against 'busha.' They were
+quickly adjusted. These were all the complaints that
+had accumulated in five weeks.</p>
+
+<p>The principal business which called Mr. Bourne to
+the plantation, as we have already remarked, was the
+appraisement of an apprentice. The appraisers were
+himself and a local magistrate. The apprentice was
+a native born African, and was stolen from his country
+when a boy. He had always resided on this plantation,
+and had always been a faithful laborer. He was now
+the constable, or driver, as the office was called
+in slavery times, of the second gang. The overseer
+testified to his honesty and industry, and said he
+regretted much to have him leave. He was, as appeared
+by the plantation books, fifty-four years old, but
+was evidently above sixty. After examining several
+witnesses as to the old man's ability and general
+health, and making calculations by the rule of three,
+with the cold accuracy of a <i>yankee</i> horse-bargain,
+it was decided that his services were worth to the
+plantation forty-eight dollars a years, and for the
+remaining time of the apprenticeship, consequently,
+at that rate, one hundred and fifty-six dollars. One
+third of this was deducted as an allowance for the
+probabilities of death, and sickness, leaving one
+hundred and four dollars as the price of his redemption.
+The old man objected strongly and earnestly to the
+price; he said, it was too much; he had not money
+enough to pay it; and begged them, with tears in his
+eyes, not to make him pay so much "for his old
+bones;" but they would not remit a cent. They
+could not. They were the stern ministers of the British
+emancipation law, the praises of which have been shouted
+through the earth!</p>
+
+<p>Of the three overseers who were present, not one
+could be called a respectable man. Their countenances
+were the mirrors of all lustful and desperate passions.
+They were continually drinking rum and water, and
+one of them was half drunk.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_55"></a>
+Our next visit was to an elevated plantation called
+Peter's Rock. The path to it was, in one place,
+so steep, that we had to dismount and permit our horses
+to work their way up as they could, while we followed
+on foot. We then wound along among provision grounds
+and coffee fields, through forests where hardly a
+track was to be seen, and over hedges, which the horses
+were obliged to leap, till we issued on the great path
+which leads from the plantation to Kingston.</p>
+
+<p>Peter's Rock has one hundred apprentices, and
+is under the management, as Mr. Bourne informed us,
+of a very humane man. During the two years and a half
+of the apprenticeship, there had been <i>only six
+complaints</i>. As we approached the plantation
+we saw the apprentices at the side of the road, eating
+their breakfast. They had been at work some distance
+from their houses, and could not spend time to go home.
+They saluted us with great civility, most of them
+rising and uncovering their heads. In answer to our
+questions, they said they were getting along very well.
+They said their master was kind to them, and they appeared
+in fine spirits.</p>
+
+<p>The overseer met us as we rode up to the door, and
+received us very courteously. He had no complaints.
+He informed us that the plantation was as well cultivated
+as it had been for many years, and the people were
+perfectly obedient and industrious.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_56"></a>
+From Peter's Rock we rode to "Hall's
+Prospect," a plantation on which there are sixty
+apprentices under the charge of a black overseer, who,
+two years ago, was a slave. It was five weeks since
+Mr. B. had been there, and yet he had only one complaint,
+and that against a woman for being late at work on
+Monday morning. The reason she gave for this was,
+that she went to an estate some miles distant to spend
+the Sabbath with her husband.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bourne, by the aid of funds left in his hands
+by Mr. Sturge, is about to establish a school on this
+plantation. Mr. B., at a previous visit, had informed
+the people of what he intended to do, and asked their
+co-operation. As soon as they saw him to-day, several
+of them immediately inquired about the school, when
+it would begin, &amp;c. They showed the greatest eagerness
+and thankfulness. Mr. B. told them he should send
+a teacher as soon as a house was prepared. He had been
+talking with their master (the attorney of the plantation)
+about fixing one, who had offered them the old "lock-up
+house," if they would put it in order. There
+was a murmur among them at this annunciation. At length
+one of the men said, they did not want the school to
+be held in the "lock-up house." It was
+not a good place for their "pickaninnies"
+to go to. They had much rather have some other building,
+and would be glad to have it close to their houses.
+Mr. B. told them if they would put up a small house
+near their own, he would furnish it with desks and
+benches. To this they all assented with great joy.</p>
+
+<p>On our way home we saw, as we did on various other
+occasions, many of the apprentices with hoes, baskets,
+&amp;c., going to their provision grounds. We had some
+conversation with them as we rode along. They said
+they had been in the fields picking coffee since half
+past five o'clock. They were now going, as they
+always did after "horn-blow" in the afternoon,
+(four o'clock,) to their grounds, where they
+should stay till dark. Some of their grounds were
+four, others six miles from home. They all liked the
+apprenticeship better than slavery. They were not flogged
+so much now, and had more time to themselves. But they
+should like freedom much better, and should be glad
+when it came.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_57"></a>
+We met a brown young woman driving an ass laden with
+a great variety of articles. She said she had been
+to Kingston (fifteen miles off) with a load of provisions,
+and had purchased some things to sell to the apprentices.
+We asked her what she did with her money. "Give
+it to my husband," said she. "Do you keep
+none for yourself?" She smiled and replied:
+"What for him for me."</p>
+
+<p>After we had passed, Mr. B. informed us that she had
+been an apprentice, but purchased her freedom a few
+months previous, and was now engaged as a kind of
+country merchant. She purchases provisions of the negroes,
+and carries them to Kingston, where she exchanges
+them for pins, needles, thread, dry goods, and such
+articles as the apprentices need, which she again
+exchanges for provisions and money.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bourne informed us that real estate is much higher
+than before emancipation. He mentioned one "pen"
+which was purchased for eighteen hundred dollars a
+few years since. The owner had received nine hundred
+dollars as 'compensation' for freedom.
+It has lately been leased for seven years by the owner,
+for nine hundred dollars per year.</p>
+
+<p>A gentleman who owns a plantation in Mr. B.'s
+district, sold parcels of land to the negroes before
+emancipation at five shillings per acre. He now obtains
+twenty-seven shillings per acre.</p>
+
+<p>The house in which Mr. B. resides was rented in 1833
+for one hundred and fifty dollars. Mr. B. engaged
+it on his arrival for three years, at two hundred
+and forty dollars per year. His landlord informed him
+a few days since, that on the expiration of his present
+lease, he should raise the rent to three hundred and
+thirty dollars.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. B. is acquainted with a gentleman of wealth, who
+has been endeavoring for the last twelve months to
+purchase an estate in this island. He has offered
+high prices, but has as yet been unable to obtain
+one. Landholders have so much confidence in the value
+and security of real estate, that they do not wish
+to part with it.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_58"></a>
+After our visit to Silver Hill, our attention was
+particularly turned to the condition of the negro
+grounds. Most of them were very clean and flourishing.
+Large plats of the onion, of cocoa, plantain, banana,
+yam, potatoe, and other tropic vegetables, were scattered
+all around within five or six miles of a plantation.
+We were much pleased with the appearance of them during
+a ride on a Friday. In the forenoon, they had all
+been vacant; not a person was to be seen in them; but
+after one o'clock, they began gradually to be
+occupied, till, at the end of an hour, where-ever we
+went, we saw men, women, and children laboring industriously
+in their little gardens. In some places, the hills
+to their very summits were spotted with cultivation.
+Till Monday morning the apprentices were free, and
+they certainly manifested a strong disposition to
+spend that time in taking care of themselves. The
+testimony of the numerous apprentices with whom we
+conversed, was to the same effect as our observation.
+They all testified that they were paying as much attention
+to their grounds as they ever did, but that their
+provisions had been cut short by the drought. They
+had their land all prepared for a new crop, and were
+only waiting for rain to put in the seed. Mr. Bourne
+<a name="V_59"></a>
+corroborated their statement, and remarked, that he
+never found the least difficulty in procuring laborers.
+Could he have the possession of the largest plantation
+in the island to-day, he had no doubt that, within
+a week, he could procure free laborers enough to cultivate
+every acre.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_60"></a>
+On one occasion, while among the mountains, we were
+impressed on a jury to sit in inquest on the body
+of a negro woman found dead on the high road. She
+was, as appeared in evidence, on her return from the
+house of correction, at Half-Way-Tree, where she had
+been sentenced for fourteen days, and been put on
+the treadmill. She had complained to some of her acquaintances
+of harsh treatment there, and said they had killed
+her, and that if she ever lived to reach home, she
+should tell all her massa's negroes never to
+cross the threshold of Half-Way-Tree, as it would
+kill them. The evidence, however, was not clear that
+she died in consequence of such treatment, and the
+jury, accordingly, decided that she came to her death
+by some cause unknown to them.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_61"></a>
+Nine of the jury were overseers, and if they, collected
+together indiscriminately on this occasion, were a
+specimen of those who have charge of the apprentices
+in this island, they must be most degraded and brutal
+men. They appeared more under the influence of low
+passions, more degraded by sensuality, and but little
+more intelligent, than the negroes themselves. Instead
+of possessing irresponsible power over their fellows,
+they ought themselves to be under the power of the
+most strict and energetic laws. Our visits to the
+plantations, and inquiries on this point, confirmed
+this opinion. They are the 'feculum' of
+European society--ignorant, passionate,
+licentious. We do them no injustice when we say this,
+nor when we further add, that the apprentices suffer
+in a hundred ways which the law cannot reach, gross
+insults and oppression from their excessive rapaciousness
+and lust. What must it have been during slavery?</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_62"></a>
+We had some conversation with Cheny Hamilton, Esq.,
+one of the special magistrates for Port Royal. He
+is a colored man, and has held his office about eighteen
+months. There are three thousand apprentices in his
+district, which embraces sugar and coffee estates.
+The complaints are few and of a very trivial nature.
+They mostly originate with the planters. Most of the
+cases brought before him are for petty theft and absence
+from work.</p>
+
+<p>In his district, cultivation was never better. The
+negroes are willing to work during their own time.
+His father-in-law is clearing up some mountain land
+for a coffee plantation, by the labor of apprentices
+from neighboring estates. The seasons since emancipation
+have been bad. The blacks cultivate their own grounds
+on their half Fridays and Saturdays, unless they can
+obtain employment from others.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing is doing by the planters for the education
+of the apprentices. Their only object is to get as
+much work out of them as possible.</p>
+
+<p>The blacks, so far as he has had opportunity to observe,
+are in every respect as quiet and industrious as they
+were before freedom. He said if we would compare the
+character of the complaints brought by the overseers
+and apprentices against each other, we should see for
+ourselves which party was the most peaceable and law-abiding.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_63"></a>
+To these views we may here add those of another gentleman,
+with whom we had considerable conversation about the
+same time. He is a proprietor and local magistrate,
+and was represented to us as a kind and humane man.
+Mr. Bourne stated to us that he had not had six cases
+of complaint on his plantation for the last twelve
+months. We give his most important statements in the
+following brief items:</p>
+
+<p>1. He has had charge of estates in Jamaica since 1804.
+At one time he had twelve hundred negroes under his
+control. He now owns a coffee plantation, on which
+there are one hundred and ten apprentices, and is
+also attorney for several others, the owners of which
+reside out of the island.</p>
+
+<p>2. His plantation is well cultivated and clean, and
+his people are as industrious and civil as they ever
+were. He employs them during their own time, and always
+finds them willing to work for him, unless their own
+grounds require their attendance. Cultivation generally,
+through the island, is as good as it ever was. Many
+of the planters, at the commencement of the apprenticeship,
+reduced the quantity of land cultivated; he did not
+do so, but on the contrary is extending his plantation.</p>
+
+<p>3. The crops this year are not so good as usual. This
+is no fault of the apprentices, but is owing to the
+bad season.</p>
+
+<p>4. The conduct of the apprentices depends very much
+on the conduct of those who have charge of them. If
+you find a plantation on which the overseer is kind,
+and does common justice to the laborer, you will find
+things going on well--if otherwise, the reverse.
+Those estates and plantations on which the proprietor
+himself resides, are most peaceable and prosperous.</p>
+
+<p>5. Real estate is more valuable than before emancipation.
+Property is more secure, and capitalists are more
+ready to invest their funds.</p>
+
+<p>6. The result of 1840 is as yet doubtful. For his
+part, he has no fears. He doubts not he can cultivate
+his plantation as easily after that period as before.
+He is confident he can do it cheaper. He thinks it
+not only likely, but certain, that many of the plantations
+on which the people have been ill used, while slaves
+and apprentices, will be abandoned by the present
+laborers, and that they will never be worked until
+overseers are put over them who, instead of doing all
+they can to harass them, will soothe and conciliate
+them. The apprenticeship has done much harm instead
+of good in the way of preparing the blacks to work
+after 1840.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_64"></a>
+A few days after our return from the mountains, we
+rode to Spanishtown, which is about twelve miles west
+of Kingston. Spanishtown is the seat of government,
+containing the various buildings for the residence
+of the governor, the meeting of the legislature, the
+session of the courts, and rooms for the several officers
+of the crown. They are all strong and massive structures,
+but display little architectural magnificence or beauty.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_65"></a>
+We spent nearly a day with Richard Hill, Esq., the
+secretary of the special magistrates' department,
+of whom we have already spoken. He is a colored gentleman,
+and in every respect the noblest man, white or black,
+whom we met in the West Indies. He is highly intelligent,
+and of fine moral feelings. His manners are free and
+unassuming, and his language in conversation fluent
+and well chosen. He is intimately acquainted with
+English and French authors, and has studied thoroughly
+the history and character of the people with whom
+the tie of color has connected him. He travelled two
+years in Hayti, and his letters, written in a flowing
+and luxuriant style, as a son of the tropics should
+write, giving an account of his observations and inquiries
+in that interesting island, were published extensively
+in England; and have been copied into the anti-slavery
+journals in this country. His journal will be given
+to the public as soon as his official duties will
+permit him to prepare it. He is at the head of the
+special magistrates, (of which there are sixty in
+the island,) and all the correspondence between them
+and the governor is carried on through him. The station
+he holds is a very important one, and the business
+connected with it is of a character and an extent that,
+were he not a man of superior abilities, he could not
+sustain. He is highly respected by the government
+in the island, and at home, and possesses the esteem
+of his fellow-citizens of all colors. He associates
+with persons of the highest rank, dining and attending
+parties at the government-house with all the aristocracy
+of Jamaica. We had the pleasure of spending an evening
+with him at the solicitor-general's. Though
+an African sun has burnt a deep tinge on him, he is
+truly one of nature's noblemen. His demeanor
+is such, so dignified, yet bland and amiable, that
+no one can help respecting him.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_67"></a>
+He spoke in the warmest terms of Lord Sligo,[<a name="AE2_FR3D"></a><a href="#AE2_FN3D">A</a>] the
+predecessor of Sir Lionel Smith, who was driven from
+the island by the machinations of the planters and
+the enemies of the blacks. Lord Sligo was remarkable
+for his statistical accuracy. Reports were made to
+him by the special magistrates every week. No act
+of injustice or oppression could escape his indefatigable
+inquiries. He was accessible, and lent an open ear
+to the lowest person in the island. The planters left
+no means untried to remove him, and unhappily succeeded.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_66"></a>
+<a name="AE2_FN3D"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR3D">A</a>: When Lord Sligo visited the United States
+in the summer of 1836, he spoke with great respect
+of Mr. Hill to Elizur Wright, Esq., Corresponding
+Secretary of the American Anti-Slavery Society. Mr.
+Wright has furnished us with the following statement:--"Just
+before his lordship left this city for England, he
+bore testimony to us substantially as follows:--'When
+I went to Jamaica, Mr. Hill was a special magistrate.
+In a certain case he refused to comply with my directions,
+differing from me in his interpretation of the law.
+I informed him that his continued non-compliance must
+result in his removal from office. He replied that
+his mind was made up as to the law, and he would not
+violate his reason to save his bread. Being satisfied
+of the correctness of my own interpretation, I was
+obliged, of course, to remove him; but I was so forcibly
+struck with his manly independence, that I applied
+to the government for power to employ him as my secretary,
+which was granted. And having had him as an <i>intimate
+of my family</i> for several months, I can most
+cordially bear my testimony to his trustworthiness,
+ability, and gentlemanly deportment.' Lord Sligo
+also added, that Mr. Hill was treated in his family
+in all respects as if he had not been colored, and
+that with no gentleman in the West Indies was he,
+in social life, on terms of more intimate friendship."]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_68"></a>
+The following items contain the principal information
+received from Mr. Hill:</p>
+
+<p>1. The apprenticeship is a most vicious system, full
+of blunders and absurdities, and directly calculated
+to set master and slave at war.</p>
+
+<p>2. The complaints against the apprentices are decreasing
+every month, <i>except, perhaps, complaints against
+mothers for absence from work, which he thinks are
+increasing</i>. The apprenticeship <i>law</i>
+makes no provision for the free children, and on most
+of the plantations and estates no allowance is given
+them, but they are thrown entirely for support on
+their parents, who are obliged to work the most and
+best part of their time for their masters unrewarded.
+The nurseries are broken up, and frequently the mothers
+are obliged to work in the fields with their infants
+at their backs, or else to leave them at some distance
+under the shade of a hedge or tree. Every year is
+making their condition worse and worse. The number
+of children is increasing, and yet the mothers are
+required, after their youngest child has attained the
+age of a few weeks, to be at work the same number
+of hours as the men. Very little time is given them
+to take care of their household. When they are tardy
+they are brought before the magistrate.</p>
+
+<p>A woman was brought before Mr. Hill a few days before
+we were there, charged with not being in the field
+till one hour after the rest of the gang. She had
+twins, and appeared before him with a child hanging
+on each arm. What an eloquent defence! He dismissed
+the complaint.</p>
+
+<p>He mentioned another case, of a woman whose master
+resided in Spanishtown, but who was hired out by him
+to some person in the country. Her child became sick,
+but her employer refused any assistance. With it in
+her arms, she entreated aid of her master. The monster
+drove her and her dying little one into the street
+at night, and she sought shelter with Mr. Hill, where
+her child expired before morning. For such horrid
+cruelty as this, the apprenticeship law provides no
+remedy. The woman had no claim for the support of
+her child, on the man who was receiving the wages
+of her daily toil. That child was not worth a farthing
+to him, because it was no longer his <i>chattel</i>;
+and while the law gives him power to rob the mother,
+it has no compulsion to make him support the child.</p>
+
+<p>3. The complaints are generally of the most trivial
+and frivolous nature. They are mostly against mothers
+for neglect of duty, and vague charges of insolence.
+There is no provision in the law to prevent the master
+from using abusive language to the apprentice; any
+insult short of a blow, he is free to commit; but
+the slightest word of incivility, a look, smile, or
+grin, is punished in the apprentice, even though it
+were provoked.</p>
+
+<p>4. There is still much flogging by the overseers.
+Last week a girl came to Mr. H. terribly scarred and
+"slashed," and complained that her master
+had beaten her. It appeared that this was the <i>seventh
+offence</i>, for neither of which she could obtain
+a hearing from the special magistrate in her district.
+While Mr. H. was relating to me this fact, a girl came
+in with a little babe in her arms. He called my attention
+to a large bruise near her eye. He said her master
+knocked her down a few days since, and made that wound
+by kicking her.</p>
+
+<p>Frequently when complaints of insolence are made,
+on investigation, it is found that the offence was
+the result of a quarrel commenced by the master, during
+which he either cuffed or kicked the offender.</p>
+
+<p>The special magistrates also frequently resort to
+flogging. Many of them, as has been mentioned already,
+have been connected with the army or navy, where corporal
+punishment is practised and flogging is not only in
+consonance with their feelings and habits, but is a
+punishment more briefly inflicted and more grateful
+to the planters, as it does not deprive them of the
+apprentice's time.</p>
+
+<p>5. Mr. H. says that the apprentices who have purchased
+their freedom behave well. He has not known one of
+them to be brought before the police.</p>
+
+<p>6. Many of the special magistrates require much looking
+after. Their salaries are not sufficient to support
+them independently. Some of them leave their homes
+on Monday morning, and make the whole circuit of their
+district before returning, living and lodging meanwhile,
+<i>free of expense</i>, with the planters. If
+they are not inclined to listen to the complaints
+of the apprentices, they soon find that the apprentices
+are not inclined to make complaints to them, and that
+they consequently have much more leisure time, and
+get through their district much easier. Of the sixty
+magistrates in Jamaica, but few can be said to discharge
+their duties faithfully. The governor is often required
+to interfere. A few weeks since he discharged two
+magistrates for putting iron collars on two women,
+in direct violation of the law, and then sending him
+false reports.</p>
+
+<p>7. The negro grounds are often at a great distance,
+five or six miles, and some of them fifteen miles,
+from the plantation. Of course much time, which would
+otherwise be spent in cultivating them, is necessarily
+consumed in going to them and returning. Yet for all
+that, and though in many cases the planters have withdrawn
+the watchmen who used to protect them, and have left
+them entirely exposed to thieves and cattle, they
+are generally well cultivated--on the whole,
+better than during slavery. When there is inattention
+to them, it is caused either by some planters hiring
+them during their own time, or because their master
+permits his cattle to trespass on them, and the people
+feel an insecurity. When you find a kind planter,
+in whom the apprentices have confidence, there you
+will find beautiful gardens. In not a few instances,
+where the overseer is particularly harsh and cruel,
+the negroes have thrown up their old grounds, and
+taken new ones on other plantations, where the overseer
+is better liked, or gone into the depths of the mountain
+forests, where no human foot has been before them,
+and there cleared up small plats. This was also done
+to some extent during slavery. Many of the people,
+against whom the planters are declaiming as lazy and
+worthless, have rich grounds of which those planters
+little dream.</p>
+
+<p>8. There is no feeling of insecurity, either of life
+or property. One may travel through the whole island
+without the least fear of violence. If there is any
+danger, it is from the <i>emigrants</i>, who have
+been guilty of several outrages. So far from the planters
+fearing violence from the apprentices, when an assault
+or theft is committed, they refer it, almost as a
+matter of course, to some one else. A few weeks ago
+one of the island mails was robbed. As soon as it
+became known, it was at once said, "Some of
+those villanous emigrants did it," and so indeed
+it proved.</p>
+
+<p>People in the country, in the midst of the mountains,
+where the whites are few and isolated, sleep with
+their doors and windows open, without a thought of
+being molested. In the towns there are no watchmen,
+and but a small police, and yet the streets are quiet
+and property safe.</p>
+
+<p>9. The apprentices understand the great provisions
+of the new system, such as the number of hours they
+must work for their master, and that their masters
+have no right to flog them, &amp;c., but its details are
+inexplicable mysteries. The masters have done much
+injury by deceiving them on points of which they were
+ignorant.</p>
+
+<p>10. The apprentices almost to a man are ready to work
+for wages during their own time. When the overseer
+is severe towards them, they prefer working on other
+plantations, even for less wages, as is very natural.</p>
+
+<p>11. Almost all the evils of the apprenticeship arise
+from the obstinacy and oppressive conduct of the overseers.
+They are constantly taking advantage of the defects
+of the system, which are many, and while they demand
+to the last grain's weight "the pound of
+flesh," they are utterly unwilling to yield
+the requirements which the law makes of them. Where
+you find an overseer endeavoring in every way to overreach
+the apprentices, taking away the privileges which
+they enjoyed during slavery, and exacting from them
+the utmost minute and mite of labor, there you will
+find abundant complaints both against the master and
+the apprentice. And the reverse. The cruel overseers
+are complaining of idleness, insubordination, and
+ruin, while the kind master is moving on peaceably
+and prosperously.</p>
+
+<p>12. The domestic apprentices have either one day,
+or fifty cents cash, each week, as an allowance for
+food and clothing. This is quite insufficient. Many
+of the females seem obliged to resort to theft or to
+prostitution to obtain a support. Two girls were brought
+before Mr. Hill while we were with him, charged with
+neglect of duty and night-walking. One of them said
+her allowance was too small, and she must get food
+in some other way or starve.</p>
+
+<p>13. The apprentices on many plantations have been
+deprived of several privileges which they enjoyed
+under the old system. Nurseries have been abolished,
+water-carriers have been taken away, keeping stock
+is restricted, if not entirely forbidden, watchmen
+are no longer provided to guard the negro grounds,
+&amp;c.--petty aggressions in our eyes, perhaps,
+but severe to them. Another instance is still more
+hard. By the custom of slavery, women who had reared
+up seven children were permitted to "sit down,"
+as it was termed; that is, were not obliged to go into
+the field to work. Now no such distinction is made,
+but all are driven into the field.</p>
+
+<p>14. One reason why the crops were smaller in 1835
+and 1836 than in former years, was, that the planters
+in the preceding seasons, either fearful that the
+negroes would not take off the crops after emancipation,
+and acting on their baseless predictions instead of
+facts, or determined to make the results of emancipation
+appear as disastrous as possible, neglected to put
+in the usual amount of cane, and to clean the coffee
+fields. As they refused to sow, of course they could
+not reap.</p>
+
+<p>15. The complaints against the apprentices generally
+are becoming fewer every week, but the complaints
+against the masters are increasing both in number
+and severity. One reason of this is, that the apprentices,
+on the one hand, are becoming better acquainted with
+the new system, and therefore better able to avoid
+a violation of its provisions, and are also learning
+that they cannot violate these provisions with impunity;
+and, on the other hand, they are gaining courage to
+complain against their masters, to whom they have
+hitherto been subjected by a fear created by the whips
+and dungeons, and nameless tortures of slavery. Another
+reason is, that the masters, as the term of the apprenticeship
+shortens, and the end of their authority approaches
+nearer, are pressing their poor victims harder and
+harder, determined to extort from them all they can,
+before complete emancipation rescues them for ever
+from their grasp.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_69"></a>
+While we were in conversation with Mr. Hill, Mr. Ramsay,
+one of the special magistrates for this parish, called
+in. He is a native of Jamaica, and has been educated
+under all the influences of West India society, but
+has held fast his integrity, and is considered the
+firm friend of the apprentices. He confirmed every
+fact and opinion which Mr. Hill had given. He was
+even stronger than Mr. H. in his expressions of disapprobation
+of the apprenticeship.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_70"></a>
+The day which we spent with Mr. Hill was one of those
+on which he holds a special justice's court.
+There were only three cases of complaint brought before
+him.</p>
+
+<p>The first was brought by a woman, attended by her
+husband, against her servant girl, for "impertinence
+and insubordination." She took the oath and
+commenced her testimony with an abundance of vague
+charges. "She is the most insolent girl I ever
+saw. She'll do nothing that she is told to do--she
+never thinks of minding what is said to her--she
+is sulky and saucy," <i>etc</i>. Mr. H. told her
+she must be specific--he could not convict
+the girl on such general charges--some particular
+acts must be proved.</p>
+
+<p>She became specific. Her charges were as follows:</p>
+
+<p>1. On the previous Thursday the defendant was plaiting
+a shirt. The complainant went up to her and asked
+her why she did not plait it as she ought, and not
+hold it in her hand as she did. Defendant replied,
+that it was easier, and she preferred that way to
+the other. The complainant remonstrated, but, despite
+all she could say, the obstinate girl persisted, and
+did it as she chose. The complainant granted that the
+work was done well, only it was not done in the way
+she desired.</p>
+
+<p>2. The same day she ordered the defendant to wipe
+up some tracks in the hall. She did so. While she
+was doing it, the mistress told her the room was very
+dusty, and reproved her for it. The girl replied, "Is
+it morning?" (It is customary to clean the rooms
+early in the morning, and the girl made this reply
+late in the afternoon, when sufficient time had elapsed
+for the room to become dusty again.)</p>
+
+<p>3. The girl did not wash a cloth clean which the complainant
+gave her, and the complainant was obliged to wash
+it herself.</p>
+
+<p>4. Several times when the complainant and her daughter
+have been conversing together, this girl had burst
+into laughter--whether at them or their
+conversation, complainant did not know.</p>
+
+<p>5. When the complainant has reproved the defendant
+for not doing her work well, she has replied, "Can't
+you let me alone to my work, and not worry my life
+out."</p>
+
+<p>A black man, a constable on the same property, was
+brought up to confirm the charges. He knew nothing
+about the case, only that he often heard the parties
+quarrelling, and sometimes had told the girl not to
+say any thing, as she knew what her mistress was.</p>
+
+<p>It appeared in the course of the evidence, that the
+complainant and her husband had both been in the habit
+of speaking disrespectfully of the special magistrate,
+stationed in their district, and that many of the
+contentions arose out of that, as the girl sometimes
+defended him.</p>
+
+<p>While the accused was making her defence, which she
+did in a modest way, her mistress was highly enraged,
+and interrupted her several times, by calling her
+a liar and a jade. The magistrate was two or three
+times obliged to reprove her, and command her to be
+silent, and, so passionate did she become, that her
+husband, ashamed of her, put his hand on her shoulder,
+and entreated her to be calm.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hill dismissed the complaint by giving some good
+advice to both parties, much to the annoyance of the
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p>The second complaint was brought by a man against
+a servant girl, for disobedience of orders, and insolence.
+It appears that she was ordered, at ten o'clock
+at night, to do some work. She was just leaving the
+house to call on some friends, as she said, and refused.
+On being told by her mistress that she only wanted
+to go out for bad purposes, she replied, that "It
+was no matter--the allowance they gave her
+was not sufficient to support her, and if they would
+not give her more, she must get a living any way she
+could, so she did not steal." She was sentenced
+to the house of correction for one week.</p>
+
+<p>The third case was a complaint against a boy for taking
+every alternate Friday and Saturday, instead of every
+Saturday, for allowance. He was ordered to take every
+Saturday, or to receive in lieu of it half a dollar.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hill said these were a fair specimen of the character
+of the complaints that came before him. We were much
+pleased with the manner in which he presided in his
+court, the ease, dignity, and impartiality which he
+exhibited, and the respect which was shown him by all
+parties.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_71"></a>
+In company with Mr. Hill, we called on Rev. Mr. Phillips,
+the Baptist missionary, stationed at Spanishtown.
+Mr. P. has been in the island thirteen years. He regards
+the apprenticeship as a great amelioration of the
+old system of slavery, but as coming far short of the
+full privileges and rights of freedom, and of what
+it was expected to be. It is beneficial to the missionaries,
+as it gives them access to the plantations, while
+before, in many instances, they were entirely excluded
+from them, and in all cases were much shackled in their
+operations.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. P. has enlarged his chapel within the last fifteen
+months, so that it admits several hundreds more than
+formerly. But it is now too small. The apprentices
+are much more anxious to receive religious instruction,
+and much more open to conviction, than when slaves.
+He finds a great difference now on different plantations.
+Where severity is used, as it still is on many estates,
+and the new system is moulded as nearly as possible
+on the old, the minds of the apprentices are apparently
+closed against all impressions,--but where
+they are treated with kindness, they are warm in their
+affections, and solicitous to be taught.</p>
+
+<p>In connection with his church, Mr. P. has charge of
+a large school. The number present, when we visited
+it, was about two hundred. There was, to say the least,
+as much manifestation of intellect and sprightliness
+as we ever saw in white pupils of the same age. Most
+of the children were slaves previous to 1834, and
+their parents are still apprentices. Several were
+pointed out to us who were not yet free, and attend
+only by permission, sometimes purchased, of their
+master. The greater part live from three to five miles
+distant. Mr. P. says he finds no lack of interest
+among the apprentices about education. He can find
+scholars for as many schools as he can establish,
+if he keeps himself unconnected with the planters.
+The apprentices are opposed to all schools established
+by, or in any way allied to, their masters.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. P. says the planters are doing nothing to prepare
+the apprentices for freedom in 1840. They do not regard
+the apprenticeship as intermediate time for preparation,
+but as part of the <i>compensation</i>. Every
+day is counted, not as worth so much for education
+and moral instruction, but as worth so much for digging
+cane-holes, and clearing coffee fields.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. P.'s church escaped destruction during the
+persecution of the Baptists. The wives and connections
+of many of the colored soldiers had taken refuge in
+it, and had given out word that they would defend it
+even against their own husbands and brothers, who in
+turn informed their officers that if ordered to destroy
+it, they should refuse at all peril.</p>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER III.</h4>
+
+<p><b>RESULTS OF ABOLITION.</b></p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_72"></a>
+The actual working of the apprenticeship in Jamaica,
+was the specific object of our investigations in that
+island. That it had not operated so happily as in
+Barbadoes, and in most of the other colonies, was admitted
+by all parties. As to the <i>degree</i> of its
+failure, we were satisfied it was not so great as
+had been represented. There has been nothing of an
+<i>insurrectionary</i> character since the abolition
+of slavery. The affair on Thornton's estate,
+of which an account is given in the preceding chapter,
+is the most serious disturbance which has occurred
+during the apprenticeship. The <i>fear</i> of
+insurrection is as effectually dead in Jamaica, as
+in Barbadoes--so long as the apprenticeship
+lasts. There has been no <i>increase of crime</i>.
+The character of the negro population has been gradually
+improving in morals and intelligence. Marriage has
+increased, the Sabbath is more generally observed,
+and religious worship is better attended. Again, the
+apprentices of Jamaica have not manifested any peculiar
+<i>defiance of law</i>. The most illiberal magistrates
+testified that the people respected the law, when they
+<a name="V_73"></a>
+understood it. As it respects the <i>industry</i>
+of the apprentices, there are different opinions among
+the <i>planters</i> themselves. Some admitted
+that they were as industrious as before, and did as
+much work <i>in proportion to the time they were
+employed</i>. Others complained that they <i>lacked
+the power</i> to compel industry, and that hence
+there was a falling off of work. The prominent evils
+complained of in Jamaica are, absconding from work,
+and insolence to masters. From the statements in the
+preceding chapter, it may be inferred that many things
+are called by these names, and severely punished,
+which are really innocent or unavoidable; however,
+it would not be wonderful if there were numerous instances
+of both. Insolence is the legitimate fruit of the
+apprenticeship, which holds out to the apprentice,
+that he possesses the rights of a man, and still authorizes
+the master to treat him as though he were little better
+than a dog. The result must often be that the apprentice
+will repay insult with insolence. This will continue
+to exist until either the former system of <i>absolute
+force</i> is restored, or a system of free compensated
+labor, with its powerful checks and balances on both
+parties, is substituted. The prevalence and causes
+of the other offence--absconding from labor--will
+be noticed hereafter.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_74"></a>
+The atrocities which are practised by the masters
+and magistrates, are appalling enough. It is probable
+that the actual condition of the negroes in Jamaica,
+is but little if any better than it was during slavery.
+The amount of punishment inflicted by the special magistrates,
+cannot fall much short of that usually perpetrated
+by the drivers. In addition to this, the apprentices
+are robbed of the <i>time</i> allowed them by
+law, at the will of the magistrate, who often deprives
+them of it on the slightest complaint of the overseer.
+The situation of the <i>free children</i>[<a name="AE2_FR3E"></a><a href="#AE2_FN3E">A</a>]
+is often very deplorable. The master feels none of
+that interest in them which he formerly felt in the
+children that were his property, and consequently,
+makes no provision for them. They are thrown entirely
+upon their parents, who are <i>unable</i> to take
+proper care of them, from the almost constant demands
+which the master makes upon their time. The condition
+of pregnant women, and nursing mothers, is <i>decidedly
+worse</i> than it was during slavery. The privileges
+which the planter felt it for his interest to grant
+these formerly, for <i>the sake of their children</i>,
+are now withheld. The former are exposed to the inclemencies
+of the weather, and the hardships of toil--the
+latter are cruelly dragged away from their infants,
+that the master may not lose the smallest portion
+of time,--and <i>both</i> are liable
+at any moment to be incarcerated in the dungeon, or
+strung up on the treadwheel. In consequence of the
+cruelties which are practised, the apprentices are
+in a <i>disaffected state</i> throughout the
+island.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN3E"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR3E">A</a>: All children under <i>six years</i>
+of age at the time of abolition, were made entirely
+free.]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_75"></a>
+In assigning the causes of the ill-working of the
+apprenticeship in Jamaica, we would say in the commencement,
+that nearly all of them are embodied in the intrinsic
+defects of the system itself. These defects have been
+exposed in a former chapter, and we need not repeat
+them here. The reason why the system has not produced
+as much mischief in all the colonies as it has in
+Jamaica, is that the local circumstances in the other
+islands were not so adapted to develop its legitimate
+results.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_76"></a>
+It is not without the most careful investigation of
+facts, that we have allowed ourselves to entertain
+the views which we are now about to express, respecting
+the conduct of the planters and special justices--for
+it is to <i>them</i> that we must ascribe the
+evils which exist in Jamaica. We cheerfully accede
+to them all of palliation which may be found in the
+provocations incident to the wretched system of apprenticeship.</p>
+
+<p>The causes of the difficulties rest chiefly with the
+<i>planters</i>. They were <i>originally</i>
+implicated, and by their wily schemes they soon involved
+the special magistrates. The Jamaica planters, as a
+body, always violently opposed the abolition of slavery.
+Unlike the planters in most of the colonies, they
+cherished their hostility <i>after the act of abolition</i>.
+It would seem that they had agreed with one accord,
+never to become reconciled to the measures of the
+English government, and had sworn eternal hostility
+to every scheme of emancipation. Whether this resulted
+most from love for slavery or hatred of English interference,
+it is difficult to determine. If we were to believe
+the planters themselves, who are of the opposition,
+we should conclude that they were far from being in
+favor of slavery--that they were "as
+much opposed to slavery, as any one can be[<a name="AE2_FR3F"></a><a href="#AE2_FN3F">A</a>]."
+Notwithstanding this avowal, the tenacity with which
+the planters cling to the remnant of their power,
+shows an affection for it, of the strength of which
+they are not probably themselves aware.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN3F"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR3F">A</a>: It seems to be the order of the day,
+with the opposition party in Jamaica, to disclaim
+all friendship with slavery. We noticed several instances
+of this in the island papers, which have been most
+hostile to abolition. We quote the following sample
+from the Royal Gazette, (Kingston) for May 6, 1837.
+The editor, in an article respecting Cuba, says:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"In writing this, one chief object
+is to arouse the attention of our own fellow-subjects,
+in this colony, to the situation--the dangerous
+situation--in which they stand, and to
+implore them to lend all their energies to avert
+the ruin that is likely to visit them, should
+America get the domination of Cuba.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The negroes of this and of
+all the British W.I. colonies have been
+'<i>emancipated</i>.'
+Cuba on the other hand is still a <i>slave country</i>.
+(Let not our readers imagine
+for one moment that we advocate the
+<i>continuance of slavery</i>," &amp;c.)</p></blockquote>
+<p>]</p>
+
+<p>When public men have endeavored to be faithful and
+upright, they have uniformly been abused, and even
+persecuted, by the planters. The following facts will
+show that the latter have not scrupled to resort to
+the most dishonest and unmanly intrigues to effect
+the removal or to circumvent the influence of such
+men. Neglect, ridicule, vulgar abuse, slander, threats,
+intimidation, misrepresentation, and legal prosecutions,
+have been the mildest weapons employed against those
+who in the discharge of their sworn duties dared to
+befriend the oppressed.</p>
+
+<p>The shameful treatment of the late governor, Lord
+Sligo, illustrates this. His Lordship was appointed
+to the government about the period of abolition. Being
+himself a proprietor of estates in the island, and
+formerly chairman of the West India Body, he was received
+at first with the greatest cordiality; but it was
+soon perceived that he was disposed to secure justice
+to the apprentices. From the accounts we received,
+we have been led to entertain an exalted opinion of
+his integrity and friendship for the poor. It was
+his custom (unprecedented in the West Indies,) to
+give a patient hearing to the poorest negro who might
+carry his grievances to the government-house. After
+hearing the complaint, he would despatch an order
+to the special magistrate of the district in which
+the complainant lived, directing him to inquire into
+the case. By this means he kept the magistrates employed,
+and secured redress to the apprentices to many cases
+where they would otherwise have bean neglected.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_77"></a>
+The governor soon rendered himself exceedingly obnoxious
+to the planters, and they began to manoeuvre for his
+removal, which, in a short time, was effected by a
+most flagitious procedure. The home government, disposed
+to humor their unruly colony, sent them a governor
+in whom they are not likely to find any fault. The
+present governor, Sir Lionel Smith, is the antipode
+of his predecessor in every worthy respect. When the
+apprentices come to him with their complaints, he sends
+them back unheard, with curses on their heads. A distinguished
+gentleman in the colony remarked of him that he <i>was
+a heartless military chieftain, who ruled without
+regard to mercy</i>. Of course the planters are
+full of his praise. His late tour of the island was
+a <i>triumphal procession</i>, amid the sycophantic
+greetings of oppressors.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_78"></a>
+Several special magistrates have been suspended because
+of the faithful discharge of their duties. Among these
+was Dr. Palmer, an independent and courageous man.
+Repeated complaints were urged against him by the
+planters, until finally Sir Lionel Smith appointed
+a commission to inquire into the grounds of the difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>"This commission consisted of two local magistrates,
+both of them planters or managers of estates, and
+two stipendiary magistrates, the bias of one of whom,
+at least, was believed to be against Dr. Palmer. At
+the conclusion of their inquiry they summed up their
+report by saying that Dr. Palmer had administered
+the abolition law in the spirit of the English abolition
+act, and in his administration of the law he had adapted
+it more to the comprehension of freemen than to the
+understandings of apprenticed laborers. Not only did
+Sir Lionel Smith suspend Dr. Palmer on this report,
+but the colonial office at home have dismissed him
+from his situation."</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_79"></a>
+The following facts respecting the persecution of
+Special Justice Bourne, illustrate the same thing.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"A book-keeper of the name of
+Maclean, on the estate of the Rev. M. Hamilton,
+an Irish clergyman, committed a brutal assault upon
+an old African. The attorney on the property refused
+to hear the complaint of the negro, who went to
+Stephen Bourne, a special magistrate. When Maclean
+was brought before him, he did not deny the fact; but
+said as the old man was not a Christian, his oath
+could not be taken! The magistrate not being able
+to ascertain the amount of injury inflicted upon
+the negro (whose head was dreadfully cut,) but feeling
+that it was a case which required a greater penalty
+than three pounds sterling, the amount of punishment
+to which he was limited by the local acts, detained
+Maclean, and afterwards committed him to jail,
+and wrote the next day to the chief justice upon
+the subject. He was discharged as soon as a doctor's
+certificate was procured of the state of the wounded
+man, and bail was given for his appearance at
+the assizes. Maclean's trial came on at
+the assizes, and he was found guilty by a Jamaica Jury;
+he was severely reprimanded for his inhuman conduct
+and fined thirty pounds. The poor apprentice however
+got no remuneration for the severe injury inflicted
+upon him, and the special justice was prosecuted
+for false imprisonment, dragged from court to court,
+represented as an oppressor and a tyrant, subjected
+to four hundred pounds expenses in defending himself,
+and actually had judgment given against him for
+one hundred and fifty pounds damages.</p></blockquote>
+<p>
+<a name="V_80"></a></p>
+<blockquote><p>Thus have the planters succeeded in
+pulling down every magistrate who ventures to
+do more than fine them three pounds sterling for any
+act of cruelty of which they may be guilty. On
+the other hand, there were two magistrates who
+were lately dismissed, through, I believe, the
+representation of Lord Sligo, for flagrant violations
+of the law in inflicting punishment; and in order
+to evince their sympathy for those men, the planters
+gave them a farewell dinner, and had actually
+set on foot a subscription, as a tribute of gratitude
+for their "Impartial" conduct in administering
+the laws, as special justices. Thus were two men,
+notoriously guilty of violations of law and humanity,
+publicly encouraged and protected, while Stephen Bourne,
+who according to the testimony of the present and late
+attorney-general had acted not only justly but
+<i>legally</i>, was suffering every species
+of persecution and indignity for so doing."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Probably nothing could demonstrate the meanness of
+the artifices to which the planters resort to get
+rid of troublesome magistrates better than the following
+fact. When the present governor, in making his tour
+of the island, came into St. Thomas in the East, some
+of the planters of Manchioneal district hired a negro
+constable on one of the estates to go to the governor
+and complain to him that Mr. Chamberlain encouraged
+the apprentices to be disorderly and idle. The negro
+went accordingly, but like another Balaam, he prophesied
+<i>against his employers</i>. He stated to the
+governor that the apprentices on the estate where he
+lived were lazy and wouldn't do right, <i>but
+he declared that it was not Mr. C.'s fault,
+for that he was not allowed to come on the estate!</i></p>
+
+<p>Having given such an unfavorable description of the
+mass of planters, it is but just to add that there
+are a few honorable exceptions. There are some attorneys
+and overseers, who if they dared to face the allied
+powers of oppression, would act a noble part. But they
+are trammelled by an overpowering public sentiment,
+and are induced to fall in very much with the prevailing
+practices. One of this class, an attorney of considerable
+influence, declined giving us his views in writing,
+stating that his situation and the state of public
+sentiment must be his apology. An overseer who was
+disposed to manifest the most liberal bearing towards
+his apprentices, and who had directions from the absentee
+proprietor to that effect, was yet effectually prevented
+by his attorney, who having several other estates
+under his charge, was fearful of losing them, if he
+did not maintain the same severe discipline on all.</p>
+
+<p>The special magistrates are also deeply implicated
+in causing the difficulties existing under the apprenticeship.
+They are incessantly exposed to multiplied and powerful
+temptations. The persecution which they are sure to
+incur by a faithful discharge of their duties, has
+already been noticed. It would require men of unusual
+sternness of principle to face so fierce an array.
+Instead of being <i>independent</i> of the planters,
+their situation is in every respect totally the reverse.
+Instead of having a central office or station-house
+to hold their courts at, as is the case in Barbadoes,
+they are required to visit each estate in their districts.
+They have a circuit from forty to sixty miles to compass
+every fortnight, or in some cases three times every
+month. On these tours they are absolutely dependent
+upon the hospitality of the planters. None but men
+of the "sterner stuff" could escape, (to
+use the negro's phrase) <i>being poisoned
+by massa's turtle soup.</i> The <i>character</i>
+of the men who are acting as magistrates is thus described
+by a colonial magistrate of high standing and experience.</p>
+
+<p>"The special magistracy department is filled
+with the most worthless men, both domestic and imported.
+It was a necessary qualification of the former to
+possess no property; hence the most worthless vagabonds
+on the island were appointed. The latter were worn
+out officers and dissipated rakes, whom the English
+government sent off here in order to get rid of them."
+As a specimen of the latter kind, this gentleman mentioned
+one (special Justice Light) who died lately from excessive
+dissipation. He was constantly drunk, and the only
+way in which to get him to do any business was to
+take him on to an estate in the evening so that he
+might sleep off his intoxication, and then the business
+was brought before him early the next morning, before
+he had time to get to his cups.</p>
+
+<p>It is well known that many of the special magistrates
+are totally unprincipled men, monsters of cruelty,
+lust, and despotism. As a result of natural character
+in many cases, and of dependence upon planters in
+many more, the great mass of the special justices are
+a disgrace to their office, and to the government
+which commissioned them. Out of sixty, the number
+of special justices in Jamaica, there are not more
+than fifteen, or twenty at farthest, who are not the
+merest tools of the attorneys and overseers. Their
+servility was graphically hit off by the apprentice.
+"If busha say flog em, he flog em; if busha say
+send them to the treadmill, he send em." If
+an apprentice laughs or sings, and the busha represents
+it to the magistrate as insolence, he <i>feels it
+his duty</i> to make an example of the offender!</p>
+
+<p>The following fact will illustrate the injustice of
+the magistrates. It was stated in writing by a missionary.
+We conceal all names, in compliance with the request
+of the writer. "An apprentice belonging to ----
+in the ---- was sent to the treadmill
+by special justice G. He was ordered to go out and
+count the sheep, as he was able to count higher than
+some of the field people, although a house servant
+from his youth--I may say childhood. Instead
+of bringing in the tally cut upon a piece of board,
+as usual, he wrote the number eighty upon a piece of
+paper. When the overseer saw it, he would scarcely
+believe that any of his people could write, and ordered
+a piece of coal to be brought and made him write it
+over again; the next day he turned him into the field,
+but unable to perform the task (to hoe and weed one
+hundred coffee roots daily) with those who had been
+accustomed to field work all their lives, he was tried
+for neglect of duty, and sentenced to fourteen days
+on the treadmill!"</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_81"></a>
+We quote the following heart-rending account from
+the Telegraph, (Spanishtown,) April 28, 1837. It is
+from a Baptist missionary.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I see something is doing in England
+to shorten the apprenticeship system. I pray God
+it may soon follow its predecessor--slavery,
+for it is indeed slavery under a less disgusting
+name. Business lately (December 23) called me
+to Rodney Hall; and while I was there, a poor
+old negro was brought in for punishment. I heard the
+fearful vociferation, 'twenty stripes.'
+'Very well; here ----, put this
+man down.' I felt as I cannot describe;
+yet I thought, as the supervisor was disposed
+to be civil, my presence might tend to make the punishment
+less severe than it usually is--but I was
+disappointed. I inquired into the crime for which
+such an old man could be so severely punished,
+and heard various accounts. I wrote to the magistrate
+who sentenced him to receive it; and after many days
+I got the following reply."</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Logan Castle,
+Jan. 9, 1836.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Sir--In answer to your note
+of the 4th instant, I beg leave to state, that
+---- ----, an apprentice
+belonging to ---- ----,
+was brought before me by Mr. ----,
+his late overseer, charged upon oath with continual
+neglect of duty and disobedience of orders as cattle-man,
+and also for stealing milk--was convicted,
+and sentenced to receive twenty stripes. So far
+from the punishment of the offender being severe,
+he was not ordered one half the number of stripes
+provided for such cases by the abolition act--if
+he received more than that number, or if those
+were inflicted with undue severity, I shall feel
+happy in making every inquiry amongst the authorities
+at Rodney Hall institution.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I remain, sir, yours, truly,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>T.W. JONES, S.M."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>'Rev. J. Clarke, &amp;c., &amp;c.'</p>
+
+<p>From Mr. Clarke's reply, we make the following
+extract:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Jericho, January
+19, 1836.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Sir--I beg to acknowledge
+the receipt of your letter of the 9th
+instant.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Respecting the punishment of ----
+----, I still adhere to the opinion
+I before expressed, that, for an old man of about sixty
+years of age, the punishment was severe. To see
+a venerable old man tied as if to be broken on
+the wheel, and cut to the bone by the lash of
+an athletic driver--writhing and yelling
+under the most exquisite torture, were certainly
+circumstances sufficiently strong to touch the
+heart of any one possessed of the smallest degree of
+common humanity. The usual preparations being made,
+the old man quietly stripped off his upper garments,
+and lay down upon the board--he was
+then tied by his legs, middle, above the elbows, and
+at each wrist. Mr. ---- then called
+out to the driver, 'I hope you will do your
+duty--he is not sent here for nothing.'
+At the first lash the skin started up; and at
+the third, the blood began to flow; ere the driver
+had given ten, the cat was covered with gore; and he
+stopped to change it for a dry one, which appeared
+to me somewhat longer than the first. When the
+poor tortured creature had received sixteen, his
+violent struggles enabled him to get one of his hands
+loose, which he put instantly to his back--the
+driver stopped to retie him, and then proceeded
+to give the remaining four. The struggles of the
+poor old man from the first lash bespoke the most
+extreme torture; and his cries were to me most
+distressing. 'Oh! oh! mercy! mercy! mercy!
+oh! massa! massa! dat enough--enough! oh,
+enough! O, massa, have pity! O, massa! massa! dat
+enough--enough! Oh, never do de like
+again--only pity me--forgive <i>me</i>
+<i>dis</i> <i>once</i>! oh! pity! mercy! mercy! oh!
+oh!' were the cries he perpetually uttered.
+I shall remember them while I live; and would not
+for ten thousand worlds have been the cause of
+producing them. It was some minutes after he was
+loosed ere he could rise to his feet, and as he attempted
+to rise, he continued calling out, 'My back!
+oh! my back! my back is broken.' A long
+time he remained half-doubled, the blood flowing
+round his body; 'I serve my master,' said
+the aged sufferer, 'at all times; get no
+Saturday, no Sunday; yet this is de way <i>dem</i>
+use me.'</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>With such planters, and such magistrates
+to play into their hands, is it to be wondered
+at that the apprentices do badly? Enough has been
+said, we think, to satisfy any candid person as to
+the <i>causes of the evils in Jamaica</i>.
+If any thing further were needed, we might speak
+of the peculiar facilities which these men have for
+perpetrating acts of cruelty and injustice. The
+major part of the island is exceedingly mountainous,
+and a large portion of the sugar estates, and
+most of the coffee plantations, are among the mountains.
+These estates are scattered over a wide extent of
+country, and separated by dense forests and mountains,
+which conceal each plantation from the public
+view almost as effectually as though it were the
+only property on the island. The only mode of access
+to many of the estates in the mountainous districts,
+is by mule paths winding about, amid fastnesses,
+precipices, and frightful solitudes. In those
+lone retirements, on the mountain top, or in the deep
+glen by the side of the rocky rivers, the traveller
+occasionally meets with an estate. Strangers but
+rarely intrude upon those little domains. They
+are left to the solitary sway of the overseers dwelling
+amid their "gangs," and undisturbed, save
+by the weekly visitations of the special magistrates.
+While the traveller is struck with the facilities
+for the perpetration of those enormities which
+must have existed there during slavery; he is painfully
+impressed also with the numerous opportunities
+which are still afforded for oppressing the apprentices,
+particularly where the special magistrates are
+not honest men.[<a name="AE2_FR40"></a><a href="#AE2_FN40">A</a>]</p></blockquote>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN40"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR40">A</a>: From the nature of the case, it must
+be impossible to know how much actual flogging is
+perpetrated by the overseers. We might safely conjecture
+that there must be a vast deal of it that never comes
+to the light. Such is the decided belief of many of
+the first men in the island. The planters, say they,
+flog their apprentices, and then, to prevent their
+complaining to the magistrate, threaten them with severe
+punishment, or bribe them to silence by giving them
+a few shillings. The attorney-general mentioned an
+instance of the latter policy. A planter got angry
+with one of his head men, who was a constable, and
+knocked him down. The man started off to complain
+to the special magistrate. The master called him back,
+and told him he need not go to the magistrate--that
+he was constable, and had a right to fine him himself.
+"Well, massa," said the negro, "I
+fine you five shillings on de spot." The master
+was glad to get off with that--the magistrate
+would probably have fined him &pound;5 currency.]</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>In view of the local situation of Jamaica--the
+violent character of its planters--and
+the inevitable dependency of the magistrates, it is
+very manifest <i>that immediate emancipation was
+imperatively demanded there</i>. In no other
+colony did the negroes require to be more <i>entirely
+released from the tyranny of the overseers, or more
+thoroughly shielded by the power of equal law</i>.
+This is a principle which must hold good always--that
+where slavery has been most rigorous and absolute,
+there emancipation, needs to be most unqualified;
+and where the sway of the master has been <i>most
+despotic, cruel, and</i> LONG CONTINUED, there
+the protection of law should be most SPEEDILY
+<i>extended and most impartially applied</i>."[<a name="AE2_FR41"></a><a href="#AE2_FN41">B</a>]</p></blockquote>
+<p>
+<a name="V_82">
+</a><a name="AE2_FN41"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR41">B</a>: Since the above was written we have seen
+a copy of a message sent by Sir Lionel Smith, to the
+house of assembly of Jamaica, on the 3d November,
+1837, in which a statement of the deprivations of
+the apprentices, is officially laid before the house.
+We make the following extract from it, which contains,
+to use his Excellency's language, "the
+principal causes, as has been found by the records
+of the special magistrates, of complaints among the
+apprentices; and of consequent collisions between
+the planters and magistrates."</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Prudent and humane planters have
+already adopted what is recommended, and their
+properties present the good working of this system
+in peace and industry, without their resorting to the
+authority of the special magistrates; but there
+are other properties where neither the law of
+the apprenticeship nor the usages of slavery have
+been found sufficient to guard the rights of the apprentices.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>First, the magistrates' reports
+show that on some estates the apprentices have
+been deprived of cooks and water-carriers while at
+work in the field--thus, the time allowed
+for breakfast, instead of being a period of rest,
+is one of continual labor, as they have to seek
+for fuel and to cook. The depriving them of water-carriers
+is still more injurious, as the workmen are not
+allowed to quit their rows to obtain it. Both
+these privations are detrimental to the planter's
+work. Second, a law seems wanting to supply the estates'
+hospitals with sufficient attendants on the sick
+apprentices, as well as for the supply of proper
+food, as they cannot depend on their own grounds,
+whilst unable to leave the hospitals. The first clause
+of the abolition law has not been found strong enough
+to secure these necessary attentions to the sick.
+Third, in regard to jobbers, more exposed to hardships
+than any other class. A law is greatly required
+allowing them the distance they may have to walk to
+their work, at the rate of three miles an hour,
+and for compelling the parties hiring them to
+supply them with salt food and meal; their grounds
+are oftentimes so many miles distant, it is impossible
+for them to supply themselves. Hence constant complaints
+and irregularities. Fourth, that mothers of six
+children and upwards, pregnant women, and the
+aged of both sexes, would be greatly benefited
+by a law enforcing the kind treatment which they received
+in slavery, but which is now considered optional,
+or is altogether avoided on many properties. Fifth,
+nothing would tend more to effect general contentment
+and repress the evils of comparative treatment, than
+the issue of fish as a right by law. It was an indulgence
+in slavery seldom denied, but on many properties
+is now withheld, or given for extra labor instead
+of wages. Sixth, his Excellency during the last
+sessions had the honor to address a message to the
+house for a stronger definition of working time.
+The clause of the act in aid expressed that it
+was the intention of the legislature to regulate
+'uniformity' of labor, but in practice
+there is still a great diversity of system. The
+legal adviser of the crown considers the clause
+active and binding; the special magistrate cannot,
+therefore, adjudicate on disputes of labor under
+the eight hour system, and the consequences have
+been continual complaints and bickerings between
+the magistrates and managers, and discontent among
+the apprentices by comparison of the advantages which
+one system presents over the other. Seventh, if
+your honorable house would adopt some equitable
+fixed principle for the value of apprentices desirous
+of purchasing their discharge, either by ascertained
+rates of weekly labor, or by fixed sums according to
+their trade or occupation, which should not be
+exceeded, and allowing the deduction of one third
+from the extreme value for the contingencies of
+maintenance, clothing, medical aid, risk of life,
+and health, it would greatly tend to set at rest
+one cause of constant disappointment. In proportion
+as the term of apprenticeship draws to a close,
+THE DEMANDS FOR THE SALE OF SERVICES HAVE GREATLY
+INCREASED. It is in the hope that the honorable
+house will be disposed to enforce a more general
+system of equal treatment, that his Excellency
+now circumstantially represents what have been the
+most common causes of complaint among the apprentices,
+and why the island is subject to the reproach
+that the negroes, in some respects, are now in
+a worse condition than they were in slavery."</p></blockquote>
+<p>]</p>
+
+<p>We heard frequent complaints in Jamaica respecting
+the falling off of the crops since abolition. In order
+that the reader may know the extent of the failure
+in the aggregate island crops, we have inserted in
+the appendix a table showing the "exports for
+fifty-three years, ending 31st December, 1836, condensed
+from the journals of the House."</p>
+
+<p>By the disaffected planters, the diminished crops
+were hailed as "an evident token of perdition."
+They had foretold that abolition would be the ruin
+of cultivation, they had maintained that sugar, coffee,
+rum, &amp;c., could not be produced extensively without
+the <i>whip of slavery</i>, and now they exultingly
+point to the short crops and say, "See the results
+of abolition!" We say exultingly, for a portion
+of the planters do really seem to rejoice in any indication
+of ruin. Having staked their reputation as prophets
+against their credit as colonists and their interests
+as men, they seem happy in the establishment of the
+former, even though it be by the sacrifice of the
+latter. Said an intelligent gentleman in St. Thomas
+in the East, "The planters have <i>set their
+hearts upon</i> ruin, and they will be sorely disappointed
+if it should not come."</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_83"></a>
+Hearing so much said concerning the diminution of
+the crops, we spared no pains to ascertain the <i>true
+causes</i>. We satisfied ourselves that the causes
+were mainly two.</p>
+
+<p>First. The prevailing impression that the negroes
+would not <i>work well</i> after the abolition
+of slavery, led many planters to throw a part of their
+land out of cultivation, in 1834. This is a fact which
+was published by Lord Sligo, in an official account
+which he gave shortly before leaving Jamaica, of the
+working of the apprenticeship. The overseer of Belvidere
+estate declared that he knew of many cases in which
+part of the land usually planted in canes was thrown
+up, owing to the general expectation that <i>much
+less work</i> would be done after abolition. He
+also mentioned one attorney <i>who ordered all the
+estates under his charge to be thrown out of cultivation</i>
+in 1834, so confident was he that the negroes would
+not work. The name of this attorney was White. Mr.
+Gordon, of Williamsfield, stated, that the quantity
+of land planted in cane, in 1834, was considerably
+less than the usual amount: on some estates it was
+less by twenty, and on others by forty acres. Now
+if such were the fact in the Parish of St. Thomas in
+the East, where greater confidence was felt probably
+than in any other parish, we have a clue by which
+we may conjecture (if indeed we were left to conjecture)
+to what extent the cultivation was diminished in the
+island generally. This of itself would satisfactorily
+account for the falling off in the crops--which
+at most is not above one third. Nor would this explain
+the decrease in '34 <i>only</i>, for it
+is well known among sugar planters that a neglect
+of planting, either total or partial, for one year,
+will affect the crops for two or three successive
+years.</p>
+
+<p>The other cause of short crops has been the <i>diminished
+amount of time for labor</i>. One fourth of the
+time now belongs to the laborers, and they often prefer
+to employ it in cultivating their provision grounds
+and carrying their produce to market. Thus the estate
+cultivation is necessarily impeded. This cause operates
+very extensively, particularly on two classes of estates:
+those which lie convenient to market places, where
+the apprentices have strong inducements to cultivate
+their grounds, and those (more numerous still) which
+<i>have harsh overseers</i>, to whom the apprentices
+are averse to hire their time--in which cases
+they will choose to work for neighboring planters,
+who are better men. We should not omit to add here,
+that owing to a singular fact, the falling off of
+the crops <i>appears</i> greater than it really
+has been. We learned from the most credible sources
+that <i>the size of the hogsheads</i> had been
+considerably enlarged since abolition. Formerly they
+contained, on an average, eighteen hundred weight,
+now they vary from a ton to twenty-two hundred! As
+the crops are estimated by the number of hogsheads,
+this will make a material difference. There were two
+reasons for enlarging in the hogsheads,--one
+was, to lessen the amount of certain port charges
+in exportation, which were made <i>by the hogshead</i>;
+the other, and perhaps the principal, was to create
+some foundation in appearance for the complaint that
+the crops had failed because of abolition.</p>
+
+<p>While we feel fully warranted in stating these as
+the chief causes of the diminished crops, we are at
+the same time disposed to admit that the apprenticeship
+is in itself exceedingly ill calculated either to
+encourage or to compel industry. We must confess that
+we have no special zeal to vindicate this system from
+its full share of blame; but we are rather inclined
+to award to it every jot and tittle of the dishonored
+instrumentality which it has had in working mischief
+to the colony. However, in all candor, we must say,
+that we can scarcely check the risings of exultation
+when we perceive that this party-fangled measure--this
+offspring of old Slavery in her dying throes, <i>which
+was expressly designed as a compensation to the proprietor</i>,
+HAS ACTUALLY DIMINISHED HIS ANNUAL RETURNS BY ONE
+THIRD! So may it ever be with legislation which is
+based on <i>iniquity and robbery!</i></p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_84"></a>
+But the subject which excites the deepest interest
+in Jamaica <i>is the probable consequences of entire
+emancipation in 1840</i>. The most common opinion
+among the prognosticators of evil is, that the emancipated
+negroes will abandon the cultivation of all the staple
+products, retire to the woods, and live in a state
+of semi-barbarism; and as a consequence, the splendid
+sugar and coffee estates must be "thrown up,"
+and the beautiful and fertile island of Jamaica become
+a waste howling wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>reasons</i> for this opinion consist in
+part of naked assumptions, and in part of inferences
+from <i>supposed</i> facts. The assumed reasons
+are such as these. The negroes will not cultivate
+the cane <i>without the whip</i>. How is this
+known? Simply because <i>they never have</i>,
+to any great extent, in Jamaica. Such, it has been
+shown, was the opinion formerly in Barbadoes, but
+it has been forever exploded there by experiment. Again,
+the negroes are <i>naturally improvident</i>,
+and will never have enough foresight to work steadily.
+What is the evidence of <i>natural</i> improvidence
+in the negroes? Barely this--their carelessness
+in a state of slavery. But that furnishes no ground
+at all for judging of <i>natural</i> character,
+or of the developments of character under a <i>totally
+different system</i>. If it testifies any thing,
+it is only this, that the natural disposition of the
+negroes is not always <i>proof</i> against the
+degenerating influences of slavery.[<a name="AE2_FR42"></a><a href="#AE2_FN42">A</a>] Again, the actual
+wants of the negroes are very few and easily supplied,
+and they will undoubtedly prefer going into the woods
+where they can live almost without labor, to toiling
+in the hot cane fields or climbing the coffee mountains.
+But they who urge this, lose sight of the fact that
+the negroes are considerably civilized, and that,
+like other civilized people, they will seek for more
+than supply for the necessities of the rudest state
+of nature. Their wants are already many, even in the
+degraded condition of slaves; is it probable that
+they will be satisfied with <i>fewer of the comforts
+and luxuries of civilized life</i>, when they are
+elevated to the sphere, and feel the self-respect
+and dignity of freemen? But let us notice some of
+the reasons which profess to be <i>founded on fact</i>.
+They may all be resolved into two, <i>the laziness
+of negroes, and their tendency to barbarism</i>.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN42"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR42">A</a>: Probably in more instances than the one
+recorded in the foregoing chapter, the improvidence
+of the negroes is inferred from their otherwise unaccountable
+preference in walking six or ten miles to chapel,
+rather than to work for a maccaroni a day.]</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_85"></a>
+i. They <i>now</i> refuse to work on Saturdays,
+even with wages. On this assertion we have several
+remarks to make.</p>
+
+<p>1.) It is true only to a partial extent. The apprentices
+on many estates--whether a majority or not
+it is impossible to say--do work for their
+masters on Saturdays, when their services are called
+for.</p>
+
+<p>2.) They often refuse to work on the estates, because
+they can earn three or four times as much by cultivating
+their provision grounds and carrying their produce
+to market. The ordinary day's wages on an estate
+is a quarter of a dollar, and where the apprentices
+are conveniently situated to market, they can make
+from seventy-five cents to a dollar a day with their
+provisions.</p>
+
+<p>3.) The overseers are often such overbearing and detestable
+men, that the apprentices doubtless feel it a great
+relief to be freed from their command on Saturday,
+after submitting to it compulsorily for five days
+of the week.</p>
+
+<p>2. Another fact from which the laziness of the negroes
+is inferred, is their <i>neglecting their provision
+grounds</i>. It is said that they have fallen off
+greatly to their attention to their grounds, since
+the abolition of slavery. This fact does not comport
+very well with the complaint, that the apprentices
+cultivate their provision grounds to the neglect of
+the estates. But both assertions may be true under
+opposite circumstances. On those estates which are
+situated near the market, provisions will be cultivated;
+on those which are remote from the market, provisions
+will of course be partially neglected, and it will
+be more profitable to the apprentices to work on the
+estates at a quarter of a dollar per day, raising
+only enough provisions for their own use. But we ascertained
+another circumstance which throws light on this point.
+The negroes expect, after emancipation, to <i>lose
+their provision grounds</i>; many expect certainly
+to be turned off by their masters, and many who have
+harsh masters, intend to leave, and seek homes on other
+estates, and <i>all</i> feel a great uncertainty
+about their situation after 1840; and consequently
+they can have but little encouragement to vigorous
+and extended cultivation of their grounds. Besides
+this, there are very many cases in which the apprentices
+of one estate cultivate provision grounds on another
+estate, where the manager is a man in whom they have
+more confidence than they have in their own "busha."
+They, of course, in such cases, abandon their former
+grounds, and consequently are charged with neglecting
+them through laziness.</p>
+
+<p>3. Another alleged fact is, that <i>actually less
+work</i> is done now than was done during slavery.
+The argument founded on this fact is this: there is
+less work done under the apprenticeship than was done
+during slavery: therefore <i>no work at all</i>
+will be done after entire freedom! But the apprenticeship
+allows <i>one fourth less time</i> for labor than
+slavery did, and presents no inducement, either compulsory
+or persuasive, to continued industry. Will it be replied
+that emancipation will take away <i>all</i> the
+time from labor, and offer no encouragement <i>but
+to idleness</i>? How is it now? Do the apprentices
+work better or worse during their own time when they
+are paid? Better, unquestionably. What does this prove?
+That freedom will supply both the time and the inducement
+to the most vigorous industry.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>other reason</i> for believing that the
+negroes will abandon estate-labor after entire emancipation,
+is their <i>strong tendency to barbarism!</i>
+And what are the facts in proof of this? We know but
+one.</p>
+
+<p>We heard it said repeatedly that the apprentices were
+not willing to have their free children educated--that
+they had pertinaciously declined every offer of the
+<i>bushas</i> to educate their children, and <i>this</i>,
+it was alleged, evinced a determination on the part
+of the negroes to perpetuate ignorance and barbarism
+among their posterity. We heard from no less than
+four persons of distinction in St. Thomas in the East,
+the following curious fact. It was stated each time
+for the double purpose of proving that the apprentices
+did not wish to have their children <i>learn to
+work</i>, and that they were opposed to their <i>receiving
+education</i>. A company of the first-gentlemen
+of that parish, consisting of the rector of the parish,
+the custos, the special magistrate, an attorney, and
+member of the assembly, <i>etc</i>., had mustered in
+imposing array, and proceeded to one of the large
+estates in the Plantain Garden River Valley, and there
+having called the apprentices together, made the following
+proposals to them respecting their free children, the
+rector acting as spokesman. The attorney would provide
+a teacher for the estate, and would give the children
+four hours' instruction daily, if the parents
+would <i>bind them to work</i> four hours every
+day; the attorney further offered to pay for all medical
+attendance the children should require. The apprentices,
+after due deliberation among themselves, unanimously
+declined this proposition. It was repeatedly urged
+upon them, and the advantages it promised were held
+up to them; but they persisted in declining it wholly.
+This was a great marvel to the planters; and they
+could not account for it in any other way than by
+supposing that the apprentices were opposed both to
+labor and education, and were determined that their
+free children should grow up in ignorance and indolence!
+Now the true reason why the apprentices rejected this
+proposal was, <i>because it came from the planters</i>,
+in whom they have no confidence. They suspected that
+some evil scheme was hid under the fair pretence of
+benevolence; the design of the planters, as they firmly
+believed, was to get their <i>free children bound
+to them</i>, so that they might continue to keep
+them in a species of apprenticeship. This was stated
+to us, as the real ground of the rejection, by several
+missionaries, who gave the best evidence that it was
+so; <i>viz</i>. that at the same time that the apprentices
+declined the offer, they would send their free children
+<i>six or eight miles to a school taught by a missionary</i>.
+We inquired particularly of some of the apprentices,
+to whom this offer was made, why they did not accept
+it. They said that they could not trust their masters;
+the whole design of it was to get them to give up
+their children, and if they should give them up <i>but
+for a single month</i>, it would be the same as
+acknowledging that they (the parents) were not able
+to take care of them themselves. The busha would then
+send word to the Governor that the people had given
+up their children, not being able to support them,
+and the Governor would have the children bound to
+the busha, "and <i>then</i>," said
+they, "<i>we might whistle for our children</i>!"
+In this manner the apprentices, the <i>parents</i>,
+reasoned. They professed the greatest anxiety to have
+their children educated, but they said they could
+have no confidence in the honest intentions of their
+busha.</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_86"></a>
+The views given above, touching the results of entire
+emancipation in 1840, are not unanimously entertained
+even among the planters, and they are far from prevailing
+to any great extent among other classes of the community.
+The missionaries, as a body, a portion of the special
+magistrates, and most of the intelligent free colored
+people, anticipate glorious consequences; they hail
+the approach of 1840, as a deliverance from the <i>oppressions</i>
+of the apprenticeship, and its train of disaffections,
+complaints and incessant disputes. They say they have
+nothing to fear--nor has the island any thing
+to fear, but every thing to hope, from entire emancipation.
+We subjoin a specimen of the reasoning of the minority
+of the planters. They represent the idea that the
+negroes will abandon the estates, and retire to the
+woods, as wild and absurd in the extreme. They say
+the negroes have a great regard for the comforts which
+they enjoy on the estates; they are strongly attached
+to their houses and little furniture, and their provision
+grounds. These are as much to them as the 'great
+house' and the estate are to their master. Besides,
+they have very <i>strong local attachments</i>,
+and these would bind them to the properties. These
+planters also argue, from <i>the great willingness</i>
+of the apprentices now to work for money, during their
+own time, that they will not be likely to relinquish
+labor when they are to get wages for the whole time.
+There was no doubt much truth in the remark of a planter
+in St. Thomas in the East, that if <i>any</i>
+estates were abandoned by the negroes after 1840, it
+would be those which had harsh managers, and those
+which are so mountainous and inaccessible, or barren,
+that they <i>ought</i> to be abandoned. It was
+the declaration of a <i>planter</i>, that entire
+emancipation would <i>regenerate</i> the island
+of Jamaica.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>
+<a name="V_87"></a>
+We now submit to the candid examination of the American,
+especially the Christian public, the results of our
+inquiries in Antigua, Barbadoes, and Jamaica. The
+deficiency of the narrative in ability and interest,
+we are sure is neither the fault of the subject nor
+of the materials. Could we have thrown into vivid
+forms a few only of the numberless incidents of rare
+beauty which thronged our path--could we
+have imparted to pages that freshness and glow, which
+invested the institutions of freedom, just bursting
+into bloom over the late wastes of slavery--could
+we, in fine, have carried our readers amid the scenes
+which we witnessed, and the sounds which we heard,
+and the things which we handled, we should not doubt
+the power and permanence of the impression produced.
+It is due to the cause, and to the society under whose
+commission we acted, frankly to state, that we were
+not selected on account of any peculiar qualifications
+for the work. As both of us were invalids, and compelled
+to fly from the rigors of an American winter, it was
+believed that we might combine the improvement of
+health, with the prosecution of important investigations,
+while abler men could thus be retained in the field
+at home; but we found that the unexpected abundance
+of materials requires the strongest health and powers
+of endurance. We regret to add, that the continued
+ill health of both of us, since our return, so serious
+in the case of one, as to deprive him almost wholly
+of participation in the preparation of the work, has
+necessarily, delayed its appearance, and rendered
+its execution more imperfect.</p>
+
+<p>We lay no claim to literary merit. To present as simple
+narrative of facts, has been our sole aim. We have
+not given the results of our personal observations
+merely, or chiefly, nor have we made a record of private
+impressions or idle speculations. <i>Well authenticated
+facts</i>, accompanied with the testimony, verbal
+and documentary, of public men, planters, and other
+responsible individuals, make up the body of the volume,
+as almost every page will show. That no statements,
+if erroneous, might escape detection and exposure,
+we have, in nearly every case, given the <i>names</i>
+of our authorities. By so doing we may have subjected
+ourselves to the censure of those respected gentlemen,
+with whose names we have taken such liberty. We are
+assured, however, that their interest in the cause
+of freedom will quite reconcile them to what otherwise
+might be an unpleasant personal publicity.</p>
+
+<p>Commending our narrative to the blessing of the God
+of truth, and the Redeemer of the oppressed, we send
+it forth to do its part, however humble, toward the
+removal of slavery from our beloved but guilty country.</p>
+
+<h4>APPENDIX.</h4>
+
+<p>We have in our possession a number of official documents
+from gentlemen, officers of the government, and variously
+connected with its administration, in the different
+islands which we visited: some of these--such
+as could not be conveniently incorporated into the
+body of the work--we insert in the form
+of an appendix. To insert them <i>all</i>, would
+unduly increase the size of the present volume. Those
+not embodied in this appendix, will be published in
+the periodicals of the American Anti-Slavery Society.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>
+<a name="VI_1"></a>
+OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION FROM E.B. LYON, ESQ., SPECIAL
+MAGISTRATE.</p>
+
+<p><i>Jamaica, Hillingdon, near Falmouth, Trelawney,
+May 15, 1837</i>.</p>
+
+<p>TO J.H. KIMBALL., ESQ., and J.A. THOME, ESQ.</p>
+
+<p>DEAR SIRS,--Of the operation of the apprenticeship
+system in this district, from the slight opportunity
+I have had of observing the conduct of managers and
+apprentices, I could only speak conjecturally, and
+my opinions, wanting the authority of experience, would
+be of little service to you; I shall therefore confine
+the remarks I have to make, to the operation of the
+system in the district from which I have lately removed.</p>
+
+<p>I commenced my duties in August, 1834, and from the
+paucity of special magistrates at that eventful era,
+I had the superintendence of a most extensive district,
+comprising nearly one half of the populous parish of
+St. Thomas in the East, and the whole of the parish
+of St. David, embracing an apprentice population of
+nearly eighteen thousand,--in charge of
+which I continued until December, when I was relieved
+of St. David, and in March, 1835, my surveillance
+was confined to that portion of St. Thomas in the
+East, consisting of the coffee plantations in the
+Blue Mountains, and the sugar estates of Blue Mountain
+Valley, over which I continued to preside until last
+March, a district containing a population of four
+thousand two hundred and twenty-seven apprentices,
+of which two thousand eighty-seven were males, and
+two thousand one hundred and forty, females. The apprentices
+of the Blue Mountain Valley were, at the period of
+my assumption of the duties of a special magistrate,
+the most disorderly in the island. They were greatly
+excited, and almost desperate from disappointment,
+in finding their trammels under the new law, nearly
+as burdensome as under the old, and their condition,
+in many respects, much more intolerable. They were
+also extremely irritated at what they deemed an attempt
+upon the part of their masters to rob them of one
+of the greatest advantages they had been led to believe
+the new law secured to them--this was the
+half of Friday. Special Justice Everard, who went
+through the district during the first two weeks of
+August, 1834, and who was the first special justice
+to read and explain the new law to them, had told
+them that the law gave to them the extra four and
+a half hours on the Friday, and some of the proprietors
+and managers, who were desirous of preparing their
+people for the coming change, had likewise explained
+it so; but, most unfortunately, the governor issued
+a proclamation, justifying the masters in withholding
+the four and a half hours on that day, and substituting
+any other half day, or by working them eight hours
+per day, they might deprive them altogether of the
+advantage to be derived from the extra time, which,
+by the abolition of Sunday marketing, was almost indispensable
+to people whose grounds, in some instances, were many
+miles from their habitations, and who were above thirty
+miles from Kingston market, where prices were fifty
+per cent. more than the country markets in their favor
+for the articles they had to dispose of, and correspondingly
+lower for those they had to purchase. To be in time
+for which market, it was necessary to walk all Friday
+night, so that without the use of the previous half
+day, they could not procure their provisions, or prepare
+themselves for it. The deprivation of the half of Friday
+was therefore a serious hardship to them, and this,
+coupled to the previous assurance of their masters,
+and Special Justice Everard, that they were entitled
+to it, made them to suspect a fraud was about being
+practised on them, which, if they did not resist,
+would lead to the destruction of the remaining few
+privileges they possessed. The resistance was very
+general, but without violence; whole gangs leaving
+the fields on the afternoon of Friday; refusing to
+take any other afternoon, and sometimes leaving the
+estates for two or three days together. They fortunately
+had confidence in me--and I succeeded in
+restoring order, and all would have been well,--but
+the managers, no longer alarmed by the fear of rebellion
+or violence, began a system of retaliation and revenge,
+by withdrawing cooks, water-carriers, and nurses,
+from the field, by refusing medicine and admittance
+to the hospital to the apprentice children, and by
+compelling old and infirm people, who had been allowed
+to withdraw from labor, and mothers of six children,
+who were exempt by the slave law from hard labor,
+to come out and work in the field. All this had a
+natural tendency to create irritation, and did do so;
+though, to the great credit of the people, in many
+instances, they submitted with the most extraordinary
+patience, to evils which were the more onerous, because
+inflicted under the affected sanction of a law, whose
+advent, as the herald of liberty, they had expected
+would have been attended with a train of blessings.
+I effected a change in this miserable state of things;
+and mutual contract for labor, in crop and out of it,
+were made on twenty-five estates in my district, before,
+I believe, any arrangement had been made in other
+parts of the island, between the managers and the
+apprentices; so that from being in a more unsettled
+state than others, we were soon happily in a more prosperous
+one, and so continued.</p>
+
+<p>No peasantry in the most favored country on the globe,
+can have been more irreproachable in morals and conduct
+than the majority of apprentices in that district,
+since the beginning of 1835. I have, month after month,
+in my despatches to the governor, had to record instances
+of excess of labor, compared with the quantity performed
+during slavery in some kinds of work; and while I
+have with pleasure reported the improving condition,
+habits, manners, and the industry which characterized
+the labors of the peasantry, I have not been an indifferent
+or uninterested witness of the improvement in the condition
+of many estates, the result of the judicious application
+of labor, and of the confidence in the future and
+sanguine expectations of the proprietors, evinced
+in the enlargements of the works, and expensive and
+permanent repair of the buildings on various estates,
+and in the high prices given for properties and land
+since the apprenticeship system, which would scarcely
+have commanded a purchaser, at any price, during the
+existence of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>I have invariably found the apprentice willing to
+work for an equitable hire, and on all the sugar estates,
+and several of the plantations, in the district I
+speak of, they worked a considerable portion of their
+own time during crop, about the works, for money,
+or an equivalent in herrings, sugar, <i>etc</i>., to
+so great a degree, that less than the time allotted
+to them during slavery, was left for appropriation
+to the cultivation of their grounds, and for marketing,
+as the majority, very much to their credit, scrupulously
+avoided working on the Sabbath day.</p>
+
+<p>In no community in the world is crime less prevalent.
+At the quarter sessions, in January last, for the
+precinct of St. Thomas in the East, and St. David,
+which contains an apprentice population of about thirty
+thousand, there was only one apprentice tried. And
+the offences that have, in general, for the last eighteen
+months, been brought before me on estates, have been
+of the most trivial description, such as an individual
+occasionally turning out late, or some one of an irritable
+temper answering impatiently, or for some trifling
+act of disobedience; in fact, the majority of apprentices
+on estates have been untainted with offence, and have
+steadily and quietly performed their duty, and respected
+the law. The apprentices of St. Thomas in the East,
+I do not hesitate to say, are much superior in manners
+and morals to those who inhabit the towns.</p>
+
+<p>During the first six or eight months, while the planters
+were in doubt how far the endurance of their laborers
+might be taxed, the utmost deference and respect was
+paid by them to the special magistrates; their suggestions
+or recommendations were adopted without cavil, and
+opinions taken without reference to the letter of
+the law; but when the obedience of the apprentice,
+and his strict deference to the law and its administrators,
+had inspired them with a consciousness of perfect
+security, I observed with much regret, a great alteration
+in the deportment of many of the managers towards
+myself and the people; trivial and insignificant complaints
+were astonishingly increased, and assaults on apprentices
+became more frequent, so that in the degree that the
+conduct of one party was more in accordance with the
+obligations imposed on him by the apprenticeship,
+was that of the other in opposition to it; again with
+the hold and infirm harassed; again were mothers of
+six living children attempted to be forced to perform
+field labor; and again were mothers with sucking children
+complained of, and some attempts made to deprive them
+of the usual nurses.</p>
+
+<p>Such treatment was not calculated to promote cordiality
+between master and apprentice, and the effect will,
+I fear, have a very unfavorable influence upon the
+working of many estates, at the termination of the
+system; in fact, when that period arrives, if the feeling
+of estrangement be no worse, I am convinced it will
+be no better than it is at the present moment, as
+I have witnessed no pains taking on the part of the
+attorneys generally to attach the apprentices to the
+properties, or to prepare them in a beneficial manner
+for the coming change. It was a very common practice
+in the district, when an apprentice was about to purchase
+his discharge, to attempt to intimidate him by threats
+of immediate ejectment from the property, and if in
+the face of this threatened separation from family
+and connections, he persevered and procured his release,
+then the sincerity of the previous intimations was
+evinced by a peremptory order, to instantly quit the
+property, under the penalty of having the trespass
+act enforced against him; and if my interference prevented
+any outrageous violation of law, so many obstructions
+and annoyances were placed in the way of his communication
+with his family, or enjoyment of his domestic rights,
+that he would be compelled for their peace, and his
+own personal convenience, to submit to privations,
+which, as a slave, he would not have been subject to.
+The consequence is, that those released from the obligations
+of the apprenticeship by purchase, instead of being
+located, and laboring for hire upon the estate to
+which they were attached, and forming a nucleus around
+which others would have gathered and settled themselves,
+they have been principally driven to find other homes,
+and in the majority of instances have purchased land,
+and become settlers on their own account. If complete
+emancipation had taken place in 1834, there would have
+been no more excitement, and no more trouble to allay
+it, than that which was the consequence of the introduction
+of the present system of coerced and uncompensated
+labor. The relations of society would have been fixed
+upon a permanent basis, and the two orders would not
+have been placed in that situation of jealousy and
+suspicion which their present anomalous condition
+has been the baneful means of creating.</p>
+
+<p>I am convinced there never was any serious alarm about
+the consequences of immediate emancipation among those
+who were acquainted with the peasantry of Jamaica.
+The fears of the morbidly humane were purposely excited
+to increase the amount of compensation, or to lengthen
+the duration of the apprenticeship; and the daily
+ridiculous and untruthful statements that are made
+by the vitiated portion of the Jamaica press, of the
+indolence of the apprentices, their disinclination
+to work in their own time, and the great increase
+of crime, are purposely and insidiously put forward
+to prevent the fact of the industry, and decorum,
+and deference to the law, of the people, and the prosperous
+condition of the estates, appearing in too prominent
+a light, lest the friends of humanity, and the advocates
+for the equal rights of men, should be encouraged
+to agitate for the destruction of a system which,
+in its general operation, has retained many of the
+worst features of slavery, perpetuated many gross
+infringements of the social and domestic rights of
+the working classes; and which, instead of working
+out the benevolent intention of the imperial legislature,
+by aiding and encouraging the expansion of intellect,
+and supplying motives for the permanent good conduct
+of the apprentices, in its termination, has, I fear,
+retarded the rapidity with which civilization would
+have advanced, and sown the seeds of a feeling more
+bitter than that which slavery, with all its abominations,
+had engendered.</p>
+
+<p>I am, dear sirs, your very faithful servant,</p>
+
+<p>EDMUND B. LYON, <i>Special Justice.</i></p>
+<p>
+<a name="VI_2"></a>
+Extract from a communication which we received from
+Wm. Henry Anderson,<br>
+Esq., of Kingston, the Solicitor-General for Jamaica.</p>
+
+<p>The staples of the island must be cultivated after
+1840 as now, because if not, the negroes could not
+obtain the comforts or luxuries, of which they are
+undoubtedly very desirous, from cultivation of their
+grounds. The fruits and roots necessary for the public
+markets are already supplied in profusion at tolerably
+moderate prices: if the supply were greatly increased,
+the prices could not be remunerative. There is no way
+in which they can so readily as by labor for wages,
+<i>obtain money</i>, and therefore I hold that
+there must ever be an adequate supply of labor in
+the market.</p>
+
+<p>The negroes are in my opinion very acute in their
+perceptions of right and wrong, justice and injustice,
+and appreciate fully the benefits of equitable legislation,
+and would unreservedly submit to it where they felt
+confidence in the purity of its administration.</p>
+
+<p>There is not the slightest likelihood of rebellion
+on the part of the negroes after 1840, unless some
+unrighteous attempts be made to keep up the helotism
+of the class by enactments of partial laws. <i>They</i>
+could have no interest in rebellion, they could gain
+nothing by it; and might lose every thing; nor do
+I think they dream of such a thing. They are ardently
+attached to the British government, and would be so
+to the colonial government, were it to indicate by
+its enactments any purposes of kindness or protection
+towards them. Hitherto the scope of its legislation
+has been, in reference to them, almost exclusively
+coercive; certainly there have been no enactments
+of a tendency to conciliate their good will or attachment.</p>
+
+<p>The negroes are much desirous of education and religious
+instruction: no one who has attended to the matter
+can gainsay that. Formerly marriage was unknown amongst
+them; they were in fact only regarded by their masters,
+and I fear by themselves too, as so many brutes for
+labor, and for increase. Now they seek the benefits
+of the social institution of marriage and its train
+of hallowed relationships: concubinage is becoming
+quite disreputable; many are seeking to repair their
+conduct by marriage to their former partners, and
+no one in any rank of life would be hardy enough to
+express disapprobation of those who have done or may
+do so.</p>
+
+<p>WM. HENRY ANDERSON.</p>
+
+<p><i>Kingston, Jamaica, 24th April, 1837</i>.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>
+<a name="VI_3"></a>
+The following communication is the monthly report
+for March, 1837, of Major J.B. Colthurst, special
+justice for District A., Rural Division, Barbadoes.</p>
+
+<p>The general conduct of the apprentices since my last
+report has been excellent, considering that greater
+demands have been made upon their labor at this moment
+to save perhaps the finest crop of canes ever grown
+in the island.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the large estates generally the best feeling
+exists, because they are in three cases out of four
+conducted by either the proprietors themselves, or
+attorneys and managers of sense and consideration.
+Here all things go on well; the people are well provided
+and comfortable, and therefore the best possible understanding
+prevails.</p>
+
+<p>The apprentices in my district <i>perform their
+work most willingly</i>, whenever the immediate
+manager is a man of sense and humanity. If this is
+not the case, the effect is soon seen, and complaints
+begin to be made. Misunderstandings are usually confined
+to the smaller estates, particularly in the neighborhood
+of Bridgetown, where the lots are very small, and
+the apprentice population of a less rural description,
+and more or less also corrupted by daily intercourse
+with the town.</p>
+
+<p>The working hours most generally in use in my district
+are as follows: On most estates, the apprentices work
+from six to nine, breakfast; from ten to one, dinner--rest;
+from three to six, work.</p>
+
+<p>It is almost the constant practice of the apprentices,
+particularly the praedials or rural portion, to work
+in their own time for money wages, at the rate of
+a quarter dollar a day. They sometimes work also during
+those periods in their little gardens round their negro
+houses, and which they most generally enjoy without
+charge, or in the land they obtain in lieu of allowance,
+they seem ALWAYS well pleased to be fully employed
+at <i>free</i> labor, and work, when so employed,
+exceedingly well. I know a small estate, worked exclusively
+on this system. It is in excellent order, and the
+proprietor tells me his profits are greater than they
+would be under the apprenticeship. He is a sensible
+and correct man, and I therefore rely upon his information.
+During the hurry always attendant on the saving of
+the crop, the apprentices are generally hired in their
+own time upon their respective estates at the above
+rate, and which they seldom refuse. No hesitation generally
+occurs in this or any other matter, whenever the employer
+discharges his duty by them in a steady and considerate
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>The attendance at church throughout my district is
+most respectable; but the accommodation, either in
+this respect or as regards schools, is by no means
+adequate to the wants of the people. The apprentices
+conduct themselves during divine service in the most
+correct manner, and it is most gratifying to perceive,
+that only very little exertion, indeed, would be required
+to render them excellent members of society. This fact
+is fully proved by the orderly situation of a few estates
+in my district, that have had the opportunity of receiving
+some moral and religious instruction. There are sixty-four
+estates in my district over twenty-five acres. Upon
+four of those plantations where the apprentices have
+been thus taught, there are a greater number of <i>married</i>
+couples (which may be considered a fair test) than
+upon the remaining sixty. I scarcely ever have a complaint
+from these four estates, and they are generally reported
+to be in a most orderly state.</p>
+
+<p>In the memory of the oldest inhabitant, the island
+has never produced a finer crop of canes than that
+now in the course of manufacture. All other crops
+are luxuriant, and the plantations in a high state
+of agricultural cleanliness. The season has been very
+favorable.</p>
+
+<p>Under the head of general inquiry, I beg leave to
+offer a few remarks. I have now great pleasure in
+having it in my power to state, that a manifest change
+for the better has taken place <i>gradually</i>
+in my district within the last few months. Asperities
+seem to be giving way to calm discussion, and the
+laws are better understood and obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>It is said in other colonies as well as here, that
+there has been, and still continues to be, a great
+want of natural affection among the negro parents
+for their children, and that great mortality among
+the free children has occurred in consequence. This
+opinion, I understand, has been lately expressed in
+confident terms by the legislature of St. Vincent's,
+which has been fully and satisfactorily contradicted
+by the reports of the special justices to the lieutenant-governor.
+The same assertion has been made by individuals to
+myself. As regards Barbadoes, I have spared no pains
+to discover whether such statements were facts, and
+I now am happy to say, that not a <i>single instance</i>
+of unnatural conduct on the part of the negro parents
+to their children has come to my knowledge--far,
+perhaps too far, the contrary is the case; <i>over
+indulgence</i> and <i>petting</i> them seems
+in my judgment to be the only matter the parents can
+be, with any justice, accused of. They exhibit their
+fondness in a thousand ways. Contrasting the actual
+conduct of the negro parents with the assertions of
+the planters, it is impossible not to infer that <i>some
+bitterness is felt by the latter on the score of their
+lost authority</i>. When this is the case, reaction
+is the natural consequence, and thus misunderstandings
+and complaints ensue. The like assertions are made
+with respect to the disinclination of the parents to
+send their children to school. This certainly does
+exist to a certain extent, particularly to schools
+where the under classes of whites are taught, who
+often treat the negro children in a most imperious
+and hostile manner. As some proof that no decided
+objection exists in the negro to educate his children,
+a vast number of the apprentices of my district send
+them to school, and take pride in paying a bit a week
+each for them--a quarter dollar entrance
+and a quarter dollar for each vacation. Those schools
+are almost always conducted by a black man and his
+<i>married</i> wife. However, they are well attended,
+but are very few in number.</p>
+
+<p>To show that the apprentices fully estimate the blessings
+of education, many females <i>hire their apprentice</i>
+children at a quarter dollar a week from their masters,
+for the express purpose of sending them to school.
+This proves the possibility of a <i>voluntary</i>
+system of education succeeding, provided it was preceded
+by full and satisfactory explanation to the parties
+concerned. I have also little doubt that labor to
+the extent I speak of, may be successfully introduced
+when the apprentices become assured that nothing but
+the ultimate welfare of themselves and children is
+intended; but so suspicious are they from habit, and,
+as I said before, so profoundly ignorant of what may
+in truth and sincerity be meant only for their benefit,
+that it will require great caution and delicacy on
+the occasion. Those suspicions have not been matured
+in the negroes mind without cause--the whole
+history of slavery proves it. Such suspicions are even
+<i>now</i> only relinquished under doubts and
+apprehensions; therefore, all new and material points,
+to be carried successfully with them, should be proposed
+to them upon the most liberal and open grounds.</p>
+
+<p>J.B. COLTHURST, <i>Special Justice Peace, District
+A, Rural Division</i>.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>
+<a name="VI_4"></a>
+<i>General return of the imports and exports of
+the island of Barbadoes, during a series of years--furnished
+by the Custom-house officer at Bridgetown</i>.</p>
+
+<TABLE summary="imports and exports Barbadoes" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+&pound;.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+s.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+d.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+1832
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+481,610
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+6
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+1833
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+462,132
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+14
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+1834
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+449,169
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+12
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+1835
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+595,961
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+13
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+1836
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+622,128
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+19
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+11
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</Table>
+<p>
+<br>
+<b>IMPORTS OF LUMBER.</b></p>
+
+<TABLE summary="lumber imports" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Feet.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Shingles.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+1833
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5,290,086
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5,598,958
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+1834
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5,708,494
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5,506,646
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+1835
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+5,794,596
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4,289,025
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="Left" VALIGN="TOP">
+1836
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+7,196,189
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+7,037,462
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</Table>
+
+<p><br>
+<b>IMPORTS OF PROVISIONS.</b></p>
+
+<TABLE summary="imports of provisions" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Flour.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Corn Meal.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<TABLE summary="imports of provisions" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Y'rs.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+bbls.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1/2 bbls.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+bush.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+bbls.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1833
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+21,535
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+397
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+629
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+265
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1834
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+34,191
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+865
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1675
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1580
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1835
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+32,393
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+828
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+160
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+809
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1836
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+41,975
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+433
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+823
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1123
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+<TABLE summary="tables of provisions" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Bread and Biscuits.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Oats &amp; Corn.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<TABLE summary="tables of provisions" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Y'rs.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+hds.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+bbls.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1/2 bbls.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+kegs.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+bags.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+bags.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+qrs.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1833
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+49
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2146
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+30
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+"
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+"
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+430
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+50
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1834
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+401
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+8561
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+99
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+57
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+"
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+100
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1025
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1835
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2024
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+10762
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+"
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+"
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+"
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+2913
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3134
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1836
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+4048
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+"
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+"
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1058
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+8168
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+3119
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+<b>IMPORTS OF CATTLE, ETC.</b></p>
+<TABLE summary="imports of livestock" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0"  CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Cattle.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Horses.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+Mules.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1833
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+649
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+462
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+65
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1834
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+549
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+728
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+24
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1835
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+569
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1047
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+43
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1836
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1013
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1345
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+104
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<p>
+<br>
+<b>RETURN OF EXPORTS--SUGAR.</b></p>
+
+<TABLE summary="sugar exports" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0"  CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+hhds.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+trcs.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+bbls.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1832
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+18,804
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1278
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+838
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1833
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+27,015
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1505
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+651
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1834
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+27,593
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1464
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1083
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1835
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+24,309
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1417
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+938
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1836
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+25,060
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+1796
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
+804
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</Table>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>
+<a name="VI_5"></a>
+<b>VALUATIONS OF APPRENTICES IN JAMAICA.</b></p>
+
+<p>"From the 1st of August, 1834, to 31st of May,
+1836, 998 apprentices purchased their freedom by valuation,
+and paid &pound;33,998. From 31st May, 1836, to 1st November,
+in the same year, 582 apprentices purchased themselves,
+and paid &pound;18,217--making, in all, &pound;52,216--a
+prodigious sum to be furnished by the negroes in two
+years. From the above statement it appears that the
+desire to be free is daily becoming more general and
+more intense, and that the price of liberty remains
+the same, although the term of apprenticeship is decreasing.
+The amount paid by the apprentices is a proof of the
+extent of the exertions and sacrifices they are willing
+to make for freedom, which can scarcely be appreciated
+by those who are unacquainted with the disadvantages
+of their previous condition. The negroes frequently
+raise the money by loans to purchase their freedom,
+and they are scrupulous in repaying money lent them
+for that purpose."</p>
+
+<p>The above is extracted from the "West Indies
+in 1837," an English work by Messrs. Sturge
+and Harvey, page 86, Appendix.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>
+<a name="VI_6"></a>
+We insert the following tabular view of the crops
+in Jamaica for a series of years preceding 1837.--As
+the table and "Remarks" appended were
+first published in the St. Jago Gazette, a decided
+"pro-slavery" paper, we insert, in connection
+with them, the remarks of the Jamaica Watchman, published
+at Kingston, and an article on the present condition
+of slavery, from the Telegraph, published at Spanishtown,
+the seat of the colonial government.</p>
+
+<p>A GENERAL RETURN OF EXPORTS <i>From the island of
+Jamaica, for 53 years, ending 31st December, 1836--copied
+from the Journals of the House.</i></p>
+
+<pre>___________________________________________________________________
+&nbsp;.  |                    |                       |   |            |
+&nbsp;d  |                    |                       |MO-|            |
+&nbsp;e  |        SUGAR       |          RUM          |LAS|   GINGER   |
+&nbsp;t  |                    |                       |<i>SES</i>|            |
+&nbsp;r  |____________________|_______________________|___|____________|
+&nbsp;o  |   s   |      |     |   s  |  s  |    |     |   |     |      |
+&nbsp;p  |   d   |      |     |   n  |  d  |    |     |   |     |      |
+&nbsp;x  |   a   |   s  |   s |   o  |  a  |    |  s  |   |     |      |
+&nbsp;E  |   e   |   e  |   l |   e  |  e  |    |  l  |   |     |      |
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;|   h   |   c  |   e |   h  |  h  | s  |  e  | s |  s  |      |
+&nbsp;r  |   s   |   r  |   r |   c  |  s  | k  |  r  | k |  k  |   s  |
+&nbsp;a  |   g   |   e  |   r |   n  |  g  | s  |  r  | s |  s  |   g  |
+&nbsp;e  |   o   |   i  |   a |   u  |  o  | a  |  a  | a |  a  |   a  |
+&nbsp;Y  |   H   |   T  |   B |   P  |  H  | C  |  B  | C |  C  |   B  |
+___________________________________________________________________
+1772| 69,451| 9,936|  270|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1773| 72,996|11,453|  849|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1774| 69,579| 9,250|  278|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1775| 75,291| 9,090|  425|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1776|       |      |     |      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1788| 83,036| 9,256|1,063|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1789| 84,167|10,078|1,077|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1790| 84,741| 9,284|1,599|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1791| 85,447| 8,037|1,718|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1792|       |      |     |      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1793| 77,575| 6,722|  642|34,755|  879|    |     |   |   62| 8,605|
+1794| 89,532|11,158|1,224|39,843|1,570|    |     |   |  121|10,305|
+1795| 88,851| 9,537|1,225|37,684|1,475|    |     |   |  426|14,861|
+1796| 89,219|10,700|  858|40,810|1,364|    |     |   |  690|20,275|
+1797| 78,373| 9,963|  753|28,014|1,463|    |     |   |  259|29,098|
+1798| 87,896|11,725|1,163|40,823|2,234|    |     |   |  119|18,454|
+1799|101,457|13,538|1,321|37,022|1,981|    |     |   |  221|10,358|
+1800| 96,347|13,549|1,631|37,166|1,350|    |     |   |  444| 3,586|
+1801|123,251|18,704|2,692|48,879|1,514|    |     |   |   12|   239|
+1802|129,544|15,403|2,403|45,632|2,073| 473|  205|366|   23| 2,079|
+1803|107,387|11,825|1,797|43,298|1,416|    |     |461|   51| 3,287|
+1804|103,352|12,802|2,207|42,207|  913|    |     |429|1,094| 1,854|
+1805|137,906|17,977|3,689|53,211|1,328| 133|  167|471|  315| 2,128|
+1806|133,996|18,237|3,579|58,191|1,178|    |     |499|  485| 1,818|
+1807|123,175|17,344|3,716|51,812|1,998|    |     |699|  512| 1,411|
+1808|121,444|15,836|2,625|52,409|2,196|    |     |379|  436| 1,470|
+1809|104,457|14,596|3,534|43,492|2,717|    |     |230|2,321|   572|
+1810|108,703| 4,560|3,719|42,353|1,964|    |     |293|  520| 1,881|
+1811|127,751|15,235|3,046|54,093|2,011|    |     |446|1,110| 2,072|
+1812|105,283|11,357|2,558|43,346|1,531|    |     |151|  804| 1,235|
+1813| 97,548|10,029|2,304|44,618|1,345| 382|  874|208|  816| 1,428|
+1814|101,846|10,485|2,575|43,486|1,551| 202|1,146|145|  884| 1,668|
+1815|118,767|12,224|2,817|52,996|1,465| 574|1,398|242|1,493| 1,667|
+1816| 93,881| 9,332|2,236|35,736|  769| 281|  903|166|2,354| 1,118|
+1817|116,012|11,094|2,868|47,949|1,094| 203|  916|254|3,361| 1,195|
+1818|113,818|11,388|2,786|50,195|1,108| 121|  191|407|2,526| 1,067|
+1819|108,305|11,450|3,244|43,946|1,695| 602|1,558|253|1,714|   718|
+1820|115,065|11,322|2,474|45,361|1,783| 106|  460|252|1,159|   316|
+1821|111,512|11,703|1,972|46,802|1,793| 153|  534|167|  984|   274|
+1822| 88,551| 8,705|1,292|28,728|1,124|   9|  442|144|  891|    72|
+1823| 94,905| 9,179|1,947|35,242|1,935|  20|  118|614|1,041|    60|
+1824| 99,225| 9,651|2,791|37,121|3,261|   5|   64|910|2,230|    52|
+1825| 73,813| 7,380|2,858|27,630|2,077| 101|  215|894|3,947|   348|
+1826| 99,978| 9,514|3,126|35,610|3,098|1,852|    |549|5,724|   517|
+1827| 82,096| 7,435|2,770|31,840|2,672|1,573|    |204|4,871|   240|
+1828| 94,912| 9,428|3,024|36,585|2,793|1,013|    |189|5,382|   279|
+1829| 91,364| 9,193|3,204|36,285|2,009|  563|    | 66|4,101|   168|
+1830| 93,882| 8,739|3,645|33,355|2,657|1,367|    |154|3,494|    15|
+1831| 88,409| 9,053|3,492|34,743|2,846|  982|    |230|3,224|    22|
+1832| 91,453| 9,987|4,600|32,060|2,570|1,362|    |799|4,702|    38|
+1833| 78,375| 9,325|4,074|33,215|3,034|  977|    |755|4,818|    23|
+1834| 77,801| 9,860|3,055|30,495|2,588|1,288|    |486|5,925|   116|
+1835| 71,017| 8,840|8,455|26,433|1,820|  747|    |300|3,985|   486|
+1836| 61,644| 7,707|2,497|19,938|  874|  646|    |182|5,224|    69|</pre>
+
+<pre>&nbsp;.  |             |          |
+&nbsp;d  |             |          |
+&nbsp;e  |   PIMENTO   |  COFFEE  |
+&nbsp;t  |             |          |
+&nbsp;r  |_____________|__________|
+&nbsp;o  |      |      |          |
+&nbsp;p  |      |      |          |
+&nbsp;x  |      |      |          |          REMARKS
+&nbsp;E  |      |      |     s    |
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;|   s  |      |     d    |
+&nbsp;r  |   k  |   s  |     n    |
+&nbsp;a  |   s  |   g  |     u    |
+&nbsp;e  |   a  |   a  |     o    |
+&nbsp;Y  |   C  |   B  |     P    |
+________________________________________________________________
+1772|      |      |   841,558|
+1773|      |      |   779,303|
+1774|      |      |   739,039|
+1775|      |      |   493,981|
+1776|      |      |          |
+1788|      |      | 1,035,368|
+1789|      |      | 1,493,282|
+1790|      |      | 1,783,740|
+1791|      |      | 2,299,874| August--Destruction of
+1792|      |      |          |    Santo Domingo.
+1793|   420| 9,108| 3,983,576|
+1794|   554|22,153| 4,911,549|
+1795|   957|20,451| 6,318,812|
+1796|   136| 9,820| 7,203,539|
+1797|   328| 2,935| 7,869,133|
+1798| 1,181| 8,961| 7,894,306|
+1799| 1,766|28,273|11,745,425| Bourbon cane introduced.
+1800|   610|12,759|11,116,474|
+1801|   648|14,084|13,401,468|
+1802|   591| 7,793|17,961,923|
+1803|   867|14,875|15,866,291|
+1804| 1,417|19,572|22,063,980|
+1805|   288| 7,157|21,137,393| Largest sugar crop.
+1806| 1,094|19,534|29,298,036|
+1807|   525|19,224|26,761,188| March 25th, abolition of
+1808|   225| 6,529|29,528,273|    African slave trade.
+1809|21,022| 1,177|25,586,668|
+1810| 4,276|21,163|25,885,285|
+1811|   638|22,074|17,460,068|
+1812|   598| 7,778|18,481,986|
+1813| 1,124|14,361|24,623,572| Storm in October, 1812
+1814|   394|10,711|34,045,585| Largest coffee crop.
+1815|   844|27,386|27,362,742|
+1816|   851|28,047|17,289,393| Storm in October, 1815
+1817|   946|15,817|14,793,706|
+1818|   941|21,071|25,329,456|
+1819|   882|24,500|14,091,983|
+1820|   673|12,880|22,127,444|
+1821| 1,224|24,827|16,819,761|
+1822|   699|18,672|19,773,912| Extreme drought.
+1823| 1,894|21,481|20,326,445| Mr. Canning's resolutions
+1824|   599|33,306|27,667,239|    relative to slavery.
+1825|   537|20,979|21,254,656|
+1826|   522|16,433|20,352,886| Severe drought in 1824, the previous year.
+1827| 3,236|26,691|25,741,520|
+1828| 4,003|25,352|22,216,780|
+1829| 3,733|48,933|22,234,640|
+1830| 5,609|37,925|22,256,950|
+1831| 2,844|22,170|14,055,350|
+1832| 3,736|27,936|19,815,010|
+1833| 7,741|58,581| 9,866,060| Emancipation act passed.
+1834|   496|29,301|17,725,731| Seasons favorable.
+1835| 1,115|59,033|10,593,018|    do.
+1836|   227|46,779|13,446,053|    do.</pre>
+
+<p>The following are the remarks of the editor of the
+Jamaica Watchman, on the foregoing, in his paper of
+April 8, 1837:--</p>
+
+<p>A general return of exports from the island for fifty-three
+years, ending the 31st December last, and purporting
+to be extracted from the journals of the assembly,
+has been published, and as usual, the decrease in
+the crops of the respective years has been attributed
+to the resolutions passed by the British House of
+Commons in 1823, and the abolition of slavery in 1833.
+It is remarkable that in preparing this table, a manifest
+disposition is evinced to account for the falling off
+of the crops in certain years anterior, and subsequent
+to the passing of Mr. Canning's memorable resolution,
+whilst opposite to the years 1834 and 1835, is written
+"seasons favorable." In 1813, the sugar
+crop fell off 8,000 hhds. compared with the previous
+year, and we are told in reference to this circumstance,
+that there was a storm in October, 1812. This remark
+is evidently made to account for the decrease, and
+perhaps the storm at the close of the previous year
+was the cause of it. But it is astonishing, and the
+circumstance is worthy of notice, that whilst the
+sugar crop fell off nearly 8,000 hhds. the coffee crop
+increased nearly six millions of pounds. We should
+have supposed that the coffee trees would have suffered
+more from the effects of a storm, than the canes.
+However, the effect was as we have stated it, whatever
+might have been the cause. In 1814, the largest coffee
+crop was made. Again, in 1816, there was a decrease
+in the sugar crop compared with the year immediately
+preceding it of nearly 25,000 hhds. And here we have
+the storm of October, 1815, assigned as a reason.
+The coffee crop in this instance also fell off nearly
+ten millions of pounds. In 1822, the sugar crop was
+reduced 23,000 hhds., and the coffee crop increased
+three millions of pounds. The reason now assigned
+is an "extreme drought." The celebrated
+resolutions relative to slavery now appear to begin
+to exercise their baneful influence on the <i>seasons</i>
+and the <i>soil</i> of our island. In the year
+in which they were passed, 1823, 94,900 hogsheads of
+sugar were made, and twenty millions of pounds of coffee
+gathered. 1824 came, and the crop, instead of being
+reduced, was increased from nearly 95,000 hogsheads
+to upwards of 99,000 hogsheads. The coffee crop was
+also greater by seven millions of pounds. In 1825,
+they fall off to 73,860 hogsheads and twenty-one millions.
+In 1826, the sugar crop rather exceeded that of 1824,
+but the coffee crop was seven millions less. In 1827,
+from causes not known to us, for none were assigned,
+there was a difference of 16,000 hhds. of sugar, and
+an increase of five millions of pounds of coffee.
+1828, 29, and 30, were pretty nearly alike in sugar
+and coffee crops, and about equal to 1823. The crops
+of 1831 fell off from 93 to 88,000 hogsheads of sugar,
+and from 22 to 14 millions of pounds of coffee. No
+reason is assigned for this reduction. It was during
+the continuance of the driving system, and therefore
+no blame can attach to the managers. In 1832, the
+crop rose to 91,000 hogsheads of sugar, and nearly
+twenty millions of pounds of coffee. But 1833 comes,
+and, with it, fresh troubles for the planters. In that
+ill-fated year, there was a decrease of 13,000 hogsheads
+sugar, and of ten millions of pounds of coffee. Its
+sugar crop was the smallest made, with the exception
+of that of 1825, since 1793, and its coffee crop since
+that of 1798. But if this determination be alarming,
+what must be that of the succeeding years. Can we
+be blamed, if, in a strain truly lachrymal, we allude
+to the deductions which have annually been made from
+the miserable return which 1833 gave to the unfortunate
+proprietors of estates? What boots it to tell us that
+we have fingered thousands of pounds sterling, in
+the shape of compensation: and what consolation is
+it to know, that a hogshead of sugar will now bring
+thirty pounds, which, a short time ago, was only worth
+twelve. Let any <i>unprejudiced</i> individual
+look at the return now before us, and say whether our
+prospects are not deplorably dull and obscure. If we
+take the four years immediately preceding the passing
+of Mr. Canning's resolutions, say 1819, 20,
+21, and 22; we will find the average to be 105,858
+hogsheads, and if from this we even deduct one fourth
+for the time now lost, there will be an average crop
+of 79,394 hhds., being 7,185 hogsheads mere than the
+average of 1833, 34, 35, and 36; and no one will deny
+that this falling off of one tenth, (supposing that
+the hogsheads made during the last four years are
+<i>not larger</i> than those of 1819 to 1822)
+is <i>nearly</i>, if not <i>quite equal</i>
+to the increase of price, from twelve to thirty pounds,
+or one hundred and fifty per cent.</p>
+
+<p>It is true some persons may be disposed to take the
+four years subsequent to the passing of Mr. Canning's
+resolutions, say 1823, 4, 5, and 6, and compare them
+with the four years ending 31st December last. Should
+this be done, it will be found that the average crop
+of the previous four years is 91,980 hhds., and if
+from it is deducted one fourth, there will remain
+68,985 hhds., whilst the average of the other four
+years is 72,200 hhds. Such a mode of comparison must,
+however, be obviously incorrect; because, in the first
+place, Mr. Canning's resolutions had reduced
+the crops of those years considerably below the average
+of the years immediately preceding them, and next,
+because it would show the advantage to be on the side
+of freedom in the ratio of seventy-two to sixty-nine,
+which cannot be correct. Besides, in 1824, there was
+a severe drought, whereas in 1834 and 35 the seasons
+are reported as being favorable. Again, it is necessary,
+in instituting such an inquiry, to go back more than
+fourteen years; nor is it a valid objection to this
+to say, that even during that period a number of estates
+have been thrown out of cultivation, in consequence
+of being worn out and unprofitable. "Deplorable,"
+however, as is the "falling off in the yearly
+amounts of our staple productions, which have decreased,"
+gentle reader, according to the despatch, "in
+an accelerated ratio within the last few years, till
+in the year 1836, when they do not average one half
+the returns of former years preceding that of 1823,
+the year that Mr. Canning's resolutions for
+the ultimate abolition of slavery in the British colonies
+passed the House of Commons," still it is a
+matter of sincere gratification to know, that the sugar
+planters are better off now than they have been for
+the last fourteen or fifteen years. With the compensation
+money a great many of them have been enabled to pay
+off their English debts, and the remainder very considerably
+to reduce them, whilst the reduction in the quantity
+of sugar produced, has occasioned such a rise in the
+price of that article as will place the former in
+easy circumstances, and enable the latter entirely
+to free themselves from the trammels of English mortgagees,
+and the tender mercies of English mortgagees before
+the 1st August, 1840, arrives. And ought these parties
+not to be thankful? Unquestionably they ought. Ingratitude,
+we are told, is as the sin of witchcraft, and although
+the table of exports exhibits our fair island as hastening
+to a state of ruin, and the despatch tells us that
+"by the united influence of mock philanthropy,
+religious cant, and humbug," a reformed parliament
+was <i>forced</i> "to precipitate the <i>slavery
+spoliation</i> act under the specious pretext of
+promoting the industry and improving the condition
+of the manumitted slaves," still we maintain,
+and the reasonable will agree with us, that we are
+much better off now than we have been for a long time,
+and that Jamaica's brightest and happiest days
+have not yet dawned. Let the croakers remember the
+remarkable words of the Tory Lord, Belmore, the planter's
+friend, and be silent--"The resources
+of this fine island will never be fully developed
+until slavery ceases." The happiness and prosperity
+of the inhabitants of Jamaica are not contingent,
+nor need they be, upon the number of hogsheads of sugar
+annually exported from her shores.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>
+<a name="VI_7"></a>
+To the foregoing we add the remarks of the editor
+of the "Spanishtown Telegraph," on the
+present state of the colony, made in his paper of May
+9, 1837:--</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"When it was understood that the
+island of Jamaica and the other British West Indian
+colonies were to undergo the blessed transition from
+slavery to freedom, it was the hourly cry of the pro-slavery
+party and press, that the ruin of Jamaica would,
+as a natural consequence, follow liberty! Commerce,
+said they, will cease; hordes of barbarians will
+come upon us and drive us from our own properties;
+agriculture will be completely paralyzed; and Jamaica,
+in the space of a few short months, will be seen
+buried in ashes--irretrievably ruined.
+Such were the awful predictions of an unjust,
+illiberal faction!! Such the first fruits that were
+to follow the incomparable blessings of liberty!
+The staple productions of the island, it was vainly
+surmised, could never be cultivated without the
+name of slavery; rebellions, massacres, starvation,
+rapine and bloodshed, danced through the columns
+of the liberty-hating papers, in mazes of metaphorical
+confusion. In short, the name of freedom was,
+according to their assertions, directly calculated
+to overthrow our beautiful island, and involve it in
+one mass of ruin, unequalled in the annals of
+history!! But what has been the result? All their
+fearful forebodings and horrible predictions have
+been entirely disproved, and instead of liberty proving
+a curse, she has, on the contrary, unfolded her banners,
+and, ere long, is likely to reign triumphant in
+our land. <i>Banks, steam companies, railroads,
+charity schools, etc.</i>, seem all to have remained
+dormant until the time arrived when Jamaica was to
+be <i>enveloped in smoke</i>! No man thought
+of hazarding his capital in an extensive <i>banking
+establishment</i> until <i>Jamaica's ruin</i>,
+by the introduction of <i>freedom, had been
+accomplished</i>!! No person was found possessed
+of sufficient energy to speak of navigation companies
+in Jamaica's brightest days of slavery; but now
+that ruin stares every one in the face--now
+that we have no longer the power to treat out
+peasantry as we please, they have taken it into their
+heads to establish so excellent an undertaking.
+Railroads were not dreamt of until <i>darling</i>
+slavery had (<i>in a great measure</i>) departed,
+and now, when we thought of throwing up our estates,
+and flying from the <i>dangers of emancipation</i>,
+the best projects are being set on foot, and what
+is <i>worst</i>, are likely to <i>succeed</i>!
+This is the way that our Jamaica folks, no doubt,
+reason with themselves. But the reasons for the
+delay which have taken place in the establishment
+of all these valuable undertakings, are too evident
+to require elucidation. We behold the <i>Despatch</i>
+and <i>Chronicle</i>, asserting the ruin
+of our island; the overthrow of all order and
+society; and with the knowledge of all this, they speak
+of the profits likely to result from steam navigation,
+banking establishments, and railroads! What in
+the name of conscience, can be the use of steam-vessels
+when Jamaica's ruin is so fast approaching?
+What are the planters and merchants to ship in steamers
+when the apprentices will not work, and there is
+nothing doing? How is the bank expected to advance
+money to the planters, when their total destruction
+has been accomplished by the abolition of slavery?
+What, in the name of reason, can be the use of
+railroads, when commerce and agriculture have
+been nipped in the bud, by that <i>baneful weed,
+Freedom</i>? Let the unjust panderers of discord,
+the haters of liberty, answer. Let them consider
+what has all this time retarded the development
+of Jamaica's resources, and they will find that
+it was <i>slavery</i>; yes, it was its very name
+which prevented the idea of undertakings such
+as are being brought about. Had it not been for
+the introduction of freedom in our land; had the cruel
+monster, Slavery, not partially disappeared, when
+would we have seen banks, steamers, or railroads?
+No man thought of hazarding his capital in the
+days of slavery, but now that a new era has burst
+upon us, a complete change has taken possession
+of the hearts of all just men, and they think
+of improving the blessing of freedom by the introduction
+of other things which must ever prove beneficial to
+the country.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The vast improvements that are every
+day being effected in this island, and throughout
+the other colonies, stamp the assertions of the
+pro-slavery party as the vilest falsehoods. They glory
+in the introduction of banks, steam-vessels, and
+railroads; with the knowledge (as they would have
+us believe) that the island is fast verging into
+destruction. They speak of the utility and success
+of railroads, when, according to their showing,
+there is no produce to be sent to market, when
+agriculture has been paralyzed, and Jamaica swept
+to destruction."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>
+<a name="VI_8"></a>
+The following copious extracts from a speech of Lord
+Brougham, on the workings of the apprenticeship, and
+on the immediate emancipation substituted therefor
+in Antigua and the <i>Bermudas</i>, are specially commended
+to the notice of the reader. The speech was delivered
+in the House of Lords, Feb. 20, 1838. We take it from
+the published report of the speech in the London Times,
+of Feb. 25:--</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>I now must approach that subject which
+has some time excited almost universal anxiety.
+Allow me, however, first to remind your lordships--because
+that goes to the root of the evil--allow
+me first to remind you of the anxiety that existed
+previous to the Emancipation Act which was passed
+in January, 1833, coming into operation in August,
+1834. My lords, there was much to apprehend from
+the character of the masters of the slaves. I know
+the nature of man. * * * * I know that he who
+has abused power clings to it with a yet more
+convulsive grasp. I know his revenge against those
+who have been rescued from his tyrannous fangs;
+I know that he never forgives those whom he has
+injured, whether white or black. I have never
+yet met with an unforgiving enemy, except in the person
+of one of whose injustice I had a right to complain.
+On the part of the slaves, my lords, I was not
+without anxiety; for I know the corrupt nature
+of the degrading system under which they groaned. *
+* * * It was, therefore, I confess, my lords,
+with some anxiety that I looked forward to the
+1st of August, 1834; and I yielded, though reluctantly,
+to the plan of an intermediate state before what was
+called the full enjoyment of freedom--the
+transition condition of indentured apprenticeship.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The first of August arrived--that
+day so confidently and joyously anticipated by
+the poor slaves, and so sorely dreaded by their hard
+taskmasters--and if ever there was a
+picture interesting to look upon--if
+ever there was a passage in the history of a people
+redounding to their eternal honor--if
+ever there was a complete refutation of all the
+scandalous calumnies which had been heaped upon
+them for ages, as if in justification of the wrongs
+which we had done them--(Hear, hear)--that
+picture and that passage are to be found in the
+uniform and unvarying history of that people throughout
+the whole of the West India islands. Instead of
+the fires of rebellion, lit by a feeling of lawless
+revenge and resistance to oppression, the whole
+of those islands were, like an Arabian scene, illuminated
+by the light of contentment, joy, peace, and good-will
+towards all men. No civilized people, after gaining
+an unexpected victory, could have shown more delicacy
+and forbearance than was exhibited by the slaves
+at the great moral consummation which they had
+attained. There was not a look or a gesture which could
+gall the eyes of their masters. Not a sound escaped
+from negro lips which could wound the ears of
+the most feverish planter in the islands. All
+was joy, mutual congratulation, and hope.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>This peaceful joy, this delicacy
+towards the feelings of others, was
+all that was to be seen, heard,
+or felt, on that occasion,
+throughout the West India
+islands.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>It was held that the day of emancipation
+would be one of riot and debauchery, and that
+even the lives of the planters would be endangered.
+So far from this proving the case, the whole of the
+negro population kept it as a most sacred festival,
+and in this light I am convinced it will ever
+be viewed.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>In one island, where the bounty of nature
+seems to provoke the appetite to indulgence, and
+to scatter with a profuse hand all the means of
+excitement, I state the fact when I say not one drunken
+negro was found during the whole of the day. No
+less than 800,000 slaves were liberated in that
+one day, and their peaceful festivity was disturbed
+only on one estate, in one parish, by an irregularity
+which three or four persons sufficed to put down.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Well, my lords, baffled in their expectations
+that the first of August would prove a day of
+disturbance--baffled also in the expectation
+that no voluntary labor would be done--we
+were then told by the "practical men,"
+to look forward to a later period. We have done
+so, and what have we seen? Why, that from the time
+voluntary labor began, there was no want of men
+to work for hire, and that there was no difficulty
+in getting those who as apprentices had to give
+the planters certain hours of work, to extend, upon
+emergency, their period of labor, by hiring out
+their services for wages to strangers. I have
+the authority of my noble friend behind me, (the Marquis
+of Sligo,) who very particularly, inquired into the
+matter, when I state that on nine estates out
+of ten there was no difficulty in obtaining as
+much work as the owners had occasion for, on the payment
+of wages. How does all this contrast with the predictions
+of the "practical men?" "Oh,"
+said they, in 1833, "it is idle talking; the
+cart-whip must be used--without that stimulant
+no negro will work--the nature of the
+negro is idle and indolent, and without the thought
+of the cartwhip is before his eyes he falls asleep--put
+the cartwhip aside and no labor will be done."
+Has this proved the case? No, my lords, it has
+not; and while every abundance of voluntary labor
+has been found, in no one instance has the stimulus
+of the cartwhip been found wanting. The apprentices
+work well without the whip, and wages have been
+found quite as good a stimulus as the scourge
+even to negro industry. "Oh, but" it is
+said, "this may do in cotton planting and
+cotton picking, and indigo making; but the cane
+will cease to grow, the operation of hoeing will be
+known no more, boiling will cease to be practised,
+and sugar-making will terminate entirely."
+Many, I know, were appalled by these reasonings,
+and the hopes of many were dissipated by these confident
+predictions of these so-deemed experienced men.
+But how stands the case now? My lords, let these
+experienced men, come forth with their experience.
+I will plant mine against it, and you will find he
+will talk no more of his experience when I tell
+him--tell him, too, without fear of
+contradiction--that during the year which
+followed the first of August, 1834, twice as much
+sugar per hour, and of a better quality as compared
+with the preceding years, was stored throughout
+the sugar districts; and that one man, a large planter,
+has expressly avowed, that with twenty freemen
+he could do more work than with a hundred slaves
+or fifty indentured apprentices. (Hear, hear.)
+But Antigua!--what has happened there? There
+has not been even the system of indentured apprentices.
+In Antigua and the <i>Bermudas</i>, as would have
+been the case at Montserrat if the upper house
+had not thrown out the bill which was prepared by the
+planters themselves, there had been no preparatory
+step. In Antigua and the <i>Bermudas</i>, since
+the first of August, 1834, not a slave or indentured
+apprentice was to be found. Well, had idleness
+reigned there--had indolence supplanted
+work--had there been any deficiency of crop?
+No. On the contrary, there had been an increase,
+and not a diminution of crop. (Hear.) But, then,
+it was said that quiet could not be expected after
+slavery in its most complete and abject form had
+so long reigned paramount, and that any sudden emancipation
+must endanger the peace of the islands. The experience
+of the first of August at once scattered to the
+winds that most fallacious prophecy. Then it was
+said, only wait till Christmas, for that is a period
+when, by all who have any practical knowledge of
+the negro character, a rebellion on their part
+is most to be apprehended. We did wait for this
+dreaded Christmas; and what was the result? I will
+go for it to Antigua, for it is the strongest case,
+there being there no indentured apprentices--no
+preparatory state--no transition--the
+chains being at once knocked off, and the negroes
+made at once free. For the first time within the
+last thirty years, at the Christmas of the year
+1834, martial law was not proclaimed in the island
+of Antigua. You talk of facts--here is one.
+You talk of experience--here it is.
+And with these facts and this experience before
+us, I call on those <i>soi-disant</i> men of experience--those
+men who scoffed at us--who laughed to
+scorn at what they called our visionary, theoretical
+schemes--schemes that never could be carried
+into effect without rebellion and the loss of the
+colonies--I say, my lords, I call on
+these experienced men to come forward, and, if they
+can, deny one single iota of the statement I am now
+making. Let those who thought that with the use
+of those phrases, "a planter of Jamaica"
+"the West India interest," "residence
+in Jamaica and its experience," they could
+make our balance kick the beam--let them,
+I say, hear what I tell, for it is but the fact--that
+when the chains were knocked off there was not
+a single breach of the peace committed either
+on the day itself, or on the Christmas festival which
+followed.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Well, my lords, beaten from these two
+positions, where did the experienced men retreat
+to under what flimsy pretext did they next undertake
+to disparage the poor negro race? Had I not seen it
+in print, and been otherwise informed of the fact,
+I could not have believed it possible that from
+any reasonable man any such absurdity could issue.
+They actually held out this last fear, which, like
+the others, was fated to be dissipated by the
+fact. "Wait only," said they, "till
+the anniversary of the first of August, and then you
+will see what the negro character is, and how little
+these indentured apprentices are fit to be entrusted
+with freedom." Was there ever such an absurdity
+uttered, as if my lords, the man who could meet
+with firm tranquillity and peaceful thankfulness the
+event itself, was likely to be raised to rebellion
+and rioting by the recollection of it a year afterwards.
+My lords, in considering this matter, I ask you,
+then, to be guided by your own experience, and
+nothing else; profit by it, my lords, and turn it to
+your own account; for it, according to that book
+which all of us must revere, teaches even the
+most foolish of a foolish race. I do not ask you to
+adopt as your own the experience of others; you
+have as much as you can desire of your own, and
+by no other test do I wish or desire to be judged.
+But I think my task may be said to be done. I think
+I have proved my case, for I have shown that the
+negro can work without the stimulant of the whip;
+I have shown that he can labor for hire without
+any other motive than that of industry to inspire
+him. I have demonstrated that all over the West
+Indies, even when fatigued with working the allotted
+hours for the profit of his master, he can work
+again for wages for him who chooses to hire him and
+has wherewithal to pay him; I have also most distinctly
+shown that the experience of Antigua and the <i>Bermudas</i>
+is demonstrative to show that without any state
+of preparation, without any indenture of apprenticeship
+at all, he is fit to be intrusted with his freedom,
+and will work voluntarily as a free laborer for
+hire. But I have also demonstrated from the same
+experience, and by reference to the same state
+of facts, that a more quiet, inoffensive, peaceable,
+innocent people, is not to be found on the face
+of this earth than the negro--not in
+their own unhappy country, but after they have been
+removed from it and enslaved in your Christian land,
+made the victim of the barbarizing demon of civilized
+powers, and has all this character, if it were
+possible to corrupt it, and his feelings, if it
+were possible to pervert them, attempted to be corrupted
+and perverted by Christian and civilized men,
+and that in this state, with all incentives to
+misdemeanor poured around him, and all the temptation
+to misconduct which the arts and artifices and examples
+of civilized man can give hovering over him--that
+after this transition is made from slavery to
+apprenticeship, and from slavery to absolute freedom,
+a negro's spirit has been found to rival the
+unbroken tranquillity of the Caribbean Seas. (Cheers.)
+This was not the state of things we expected,
+my lords; and in proof that it was not so, I have
+but to refer you to the statute book itself. On what
+ground did you enact the intermediate state of
+indenture apprenticeship, and on what arguments
+did you justify it? You felt and acknowledged
+that the negro had a right to be free, and that you
+had no right to detain him in bondage. Every one
+admitted this, but in the prevailing ignorance
+of their character it was apprehended that they
+could not be made free at once, and that time was
+requisite to train the negro to receive the boon
+it was intended bestowing upon him.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>This was the delusion which prevailed,
+and which was stated in the preamble of the statute--the
+same delusion which had made the men on one side
+state and the other to believe that it was necessary
+to pay the slave-owners for the loss it was supposed
+they would sustain. But it was found to be a baseless
+fear, and the only result of the phantom so conjured
+up was a payment of twenty millions to the conjurors.
+(Hear, and a laugh.) Now, I maintain that had we known
+what we now know of the character of the negroes,
+neither would this compensation have been given
+to the slave-owners, nor we have been guilty of
+proposing to keep the negro in slavery five years, after
+we were decided that he had a right to his freedom.
+The noble and learned lord here proceeded to contend
+that up to the present time the slave-owners,
+so far from being sufferers, had been gainers by the
+abolition of slavery and the enactment of the system
+of apprenticeship, and that consequently up to
+the present moment nothing had occurred to entitle
+them to a claim upon the compensation allotted
+by parliament. The slave-owners might be said to
+have pocketed the seven millions without having the
+least claim to them, and therefore, in considering
+the proposition he was about to make, parliament
+should bear in mind that the slave proprietors were,
+if anything, the debtors to the nation. The money had,
+in fact, been paid to them by mistake, and, were
+the transaction one between man and man, an action
+for its recovery might lie. But the slave-owners
+alleged that if the apprenticeship were now done away
+there would be a loss, and that to meet that loss
+they had a right to the money. For argument's
+sake he would suppose this to be true, and that
+there would be loss; but would it not be fair that
+the money should be lodged in the hands of a third
+party, with authority to pay back at the expiration
+of the two years whatever rateable sum the master
+could prove himself to have lost? His firm belief was,
+that no loss could arise; but, desirous to meet
+the planter at every point, he should have no
+objection to make terms with him. Let him, then,
+pay the money into court, as it were, and at the end
+of two years he should be fully indemnified for
+any loss he might prove. He called upon their
+lordships to look to Antigua and the <i>Bermudas</i>
+for proof that the free negro worked well, and
+that no loss was occasioned to the planters or
+their property by the granting of emancipation.
+But it was said that there was a difference between
+the cases of Antigua and other colonies, such as
+Jamaica, and it was urged that while the negroes
+of the former, from the smallness and barrenness
+of the place, would be forced into work, that in the
+latter they would run away, and take refuge in
+the woods. Now, he asked, why should the negro
+run away from his work, on being made free, more
+than during the continuance of his apprenticeship?
+Why, again, should it be supposed that on the
+1st of August, 1840, the emancipated negroes should
+have less inclination to betake themselves to
+the woods than in 1838? If there was a risk of the
+slaves running to the woods in 1838, that risk
+would be increased and not diminished during the
+intermediate period up to 1840, by the treatment
+they were receiving from their masters, and the deferring
+of their hopes.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>My lords, (continued the noble lord,)
+I have now to say a few words upon the treatment
+which the slaves have received during the past three
+years of their apprenticeship, and which, it is alleged,
+during the next two years is to make them fitted
+for absolute emancipation. My lords, I am prepared
+to show that in most respects the treatment the
+slaves have received since 1834 is no better, and
+in many others more unjust and worse, than it ever
+was in the time of absolute slavery. It is true
+that the use of the cartwhip as a stimulus to
+labor has been abolished. This, I admit, is a great
+and most satisfactory improvement; but, in every
+other particular, the state of the slave, I am
+prepared to show, is not improved, and, in many
+respects, it is materially worse. First, with regard
+to the article of food, I will compare the Jamaica
+prison allowance with that allotted to the apprenticed
+negroes in other colonies. In the Jamaica prison
+the allowance of rice is 14 pints a week to each person.
+I have no return of the allowance to the indentured
+apprentice in Jamaica, but I believe it is little
+over this; but in Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands,
+it is much under. In Barbadoes, instead of receiving
+the Jamaica prison allowance of 14 pints a week,
+the apprenticed negro received but 10 pints: while
+in the Leeward Islands he had but 8 pints. In
+the crown colonies, before 1834, the slave received
+21 pints of rice, now the apprentice gets but
+10; so that in the material article, food, no improvement
+in the condition of the negro was observable.
+Then, with regard to time, it is obviously of
+the utmost importance that the apprentice should have
+at least two holidays and a half a week--the
+Sabbath for religious worship and instruction,
+the Saturday to attend the markets, and half of
+Friday to work in his own garden. The act of emancipation
+specified 45 hours a week as the period the apprentice
+was to work for his master, but the master so contrived
+matters as in most instances to make the 45 hours
+the law allotted him run into the apprentice's
+half of Friday, and even in some cases into the Saturday.
+The planter invariably counted the time from the moment
+that the slave commenced his work; and as it often
+occurs that his residence was on the border of
+the estate, he may have to walk five or six miles
+to get to the place he has to work. This was a point
+which he was sure their lordships would agree with
+him in thinking required alteration.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The next topic to which I shall advert
+relates to the administration of justice; and
+this large and important subject I cannot pass over
+without a word to remind your lordships how little
+safe it is, how little deserving the name of just,
+or any thing like just, that where you have two
+classes you should separate them into conflicting
+parties, until they became so exasperated in their
+resentment as scarcely to regard each other as
+brethren of the same species; and that you should
+place all the administration of justice in the hands
+of one dominant class, whose principles, whose
+passions whose interests, are all likely to be
+preferred by the judges when they presume to sit
+where you have placed them on the judgment seat. The
+chief and puisne judges are raised to their situations
+from amongst the class which includes the white
+men and planters. But, worse than that, the jurors
+are taken from the same privileged body: jurors, who
+are to assess civil damages in actions for injuries
+done to the negroes--jurors, who are
+to try bills of indictment against the whites
+for the maltreatment of the blacks--jurors
+who are to convict or acquit on those bills--jurors
+who are to try the slaves themselves--nay,
+magistrates, jailors, turnkeys, the whole apparatus
+of justice, both administrative and executive,
+exclusively in the hands of one race! What is
+the consequence? Why, it is proverbial that no
+bills are found for the blacks. (Hear, hear.) Six bills
+of indictment were preferred, some for murder
+and some for bad manslaughter, and at one assizes
+every one of these six indictments was thrown
+out. Assizes after assizes the same thing happened,
+until at length wagers were held that no such
+bill would be found, and no one was found to accept
+them. Well was it for them that they declined,
+for every one of the bills preferred was ignored. Now,
+observe that in proceedings, as your lordships
+know; before grand jurors, not a tittle of evidence
+is heard for the prisoners; every witness is in
+favor of the indictment, or finding of the bill; but
+in all these instances the bills were flung out
+on the examination of evidence solely against
+the prisoner. Even in the worst cases of murder,
+as certainly and plainly committed as the sun shines
+at noon day, monstrous to all, the bills were
+thrown out when half the witnesses for the prosecution
+remained to be examined. (Hear, hear.) Some individuals
+swore against the prisoners, and though others tendered
+their evidence, the jury refused to hear them. (Hear,
+hear.) Besides, the punishments inflicted are monstrous;
+thirty-nine lashes are inflicted for the vague,
+indefinite--because incapable to be
+defined--offence of insolence. Thirty-nine
+lashes for the grave and the more definite, I
+admit, offence of an attempt to carry a small
+knife. Three months imprisonment, or fifty lashes for
+the equally grave offence of cutting off the shoot
+of a cane plant! There seems to have prevailed
+at all times amongst the governors of our colonies
+a feeling, of which, I grieve to say, the governors
+at home have ever and anon largely partaken, that
+there is something in the nature of a slave--something
+in the habits of the African negro--something
+in the disposition of the unfortunate hapless victims
+of our own crimes and cruelties, which makes what is
+mercy and justice to other men cruelty to society
+and injustice to the law in the case of the negro,
+and which condemns offences slightly visited,
+if visited at all, with punishment, when committed
+by other men, to the sentence that for his obdurate
+nature none can be too severe. (Hear, hear.) As
+if we had any one to blame but ourselves--as
+if we had any right to visit on him that character
+if it were obdurate, those habits if they were
+insubordinate, that dishonest disposition if it
+did corrupt his character, all of which I deny,
+and which experience proves to be contrary to the fact
+and truth; but even if these statements were all
+truth instead of being foully slanderous and absolutely
+false, we, of all men, have ourselves to blame,
+ourselves to tax, and ourselves to punish, at least
+for the self abasement, for we have been the very causes
+of corrupting the negro character. (Cheers.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>If some capricious despot, in his career
+of ordinary tyranny, were to tax his imagination
+to produce something more monstrous and unnatural
+than himself, and were to place a dove amongst vultures,
+or engraft a thorn on the olive tree, much as we
+should marvel at the caprice, we should be still
+more astounded at the expectation, which exceeds
+even a tyrant's proverbial unreasonableness,
+that he should gather grapes from the thorn, or
+that the dove should be habituated to a thirst
+for blood. Yet that is the caprice, that is the
+unreasonable, the foul, the gross, the monstrous, the
+outrageous, incredible injustice of which we are
+hourly guilty towards the whole unhappy race of
+negroes. (Cheers.) My lords, we fill up the incasare
+of injustice by severely executing laws badly conceived
+in a still more atrocious and cruel spirit. The whole
+punishments smell of blood. (Hear, Hear.) If the
+treadmill stop in consequence of the languid limbs
+and exhausted frames of the victims, within a
+minute the lash resounds through the building--if
+the stones which they are set to break be not broken
+by limbs scarred, and marred, and whaled, they
+are summoned by the crack of the whip to their
+toilsome task! I myself have heard within the last
+three hours, from a person, who was an eye-witness
+of the appalling and disgusting fact, that a leper
+was introduced amongst the negroes; and in passing
+let me remark, that in private houses or hospitals
+no more care has been taken to separate those who are
+stricken with infectious diseases from the sound
+portion, any more than to furnish food to those
+in prison who are compelled, from the unheard-of,
+the paltry, the miserable disposition to treat with
+cruelty the victims of a prison, to go out and
+gather their own food,--a thing which
+I believe even the tyrant of Siberia does not commit.
+Yet in that prison, where blood flows profusely, and
+the limbs of those human beings are subjected
+to perpetual torture, the frightful, the nauseous,
+the disgusting--except that all other feelings
+are lost in pity towards the victim and indignation
+against the oppressor--sight was presented
+of a leper, scarred from the eruptions of disease
+on his legs and previous mistreatment, whaled again
+and again, and his blood again made to flow from the
+jailer's lash. I have told your lordships
+how bills have been thrown out for murdering the
+negroes. But a man had a bill presented for this offence:
+a petition was preferred, and by a white man. Yes,
+a white man who had dared, under feelings of excited
+indignation, to complain to the regularly constituted
+authorities, instead of receiving for his gallant
+conduct the thanks of the community, had a bill
+found which was presented against him as a nuisance.
+I have, within the last two hours, amid the new
+mass of papers laid before your lordships within
+the last forty-eight hours, culled a sample which,
+I believe, represents the whole odious mass.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Eleven females have been flogged, starved,
+lashed, attached to the treadmill, and compelled
+to work until nature could no longer endure their
+sufferings. At the moment when the wretched victims
+were about to fall off--when they could
+no longer bring down the mechanism and continue
+the movement, they were suspended by their arms, and
+at each revolution of the wheel received new wounds
+on their members, until, in the language of that
+law so grossly outraged in their persons, they
+"languished and died." Ask you if a cringe
+of this murderous nature went unvisited, and if
+no inquiry was made respecting its circumstances?
+The forms of justice were observed; the handmaid
+was present, but the sacred mistress was far away.
+A coroner's inquest was called; for the
+laws decreed that no such injuries should take
+place without having an inquiry instituted. Eleven
+inquisitions were held, eleven inquiries were made,
+eleven verdicts were returned. For murder? Manslaughter?
+Misconduct? No; but that "they died by the
+visitation of God." A lie--a perjury--a
+blasphemy! The visitation of God! Yes, for of the
+visitations of the Divine being by which the inscrutable
+purposes of his will are mysteriously worked out,
+one of the most mysterious is the power which,
+from time to time, is allowed by him to be exercised
+by the wicked for the torment of the innocent.
+(Cheers.) But of those visitations prescribed
+by Divine Providence there is one yet more inscrutable,
+for which it is still more difficult to affix a reason,
+and that is, when heaven rolls down on this earth
+the judgment, not of scorpions, or the plague
+of pestilence, or famine, or war--but incomparably
+the worse plague, the worser judgment, of the injustice
+of judges who become betrayers of the law--perjured,
+wicked men who abuse the law which they are sworn
+to administer, in order to gratify their own foul
+passions, to take the part of the wrong-doer against
+his victim, and to forswear themselves on God's
+gospel, in order that justice may not be done.
+* * * * My lords, I entirely concur in what was
+formerly said by Mr. Burke, and afterwards repeated
+by Mr. Canning, that while the making of laws was confined
+to the owners of slaves, nothing they did was ever
+found real or effectual. And when, perchance,
+any thing was accomplished, it had not, as Mr.
+Burke said, "an executive principle." But,
+when they find you determined to do your duty,
+it is proved, by the example which they have given
+in passing the Apprenticeship Amendment Act, that
+they will even outstrip you to prevent your interference
+with them. * * * * Place the negroes on the same
+footing with other men, and give them the uncontrolled
+power over their time and labor, and it will become
+the interest of the planter, as well as the rest of
+the community, to treat the negro well, for their
+comfort and happiness depend on his industry and
+good behavior. It is a consequence perfectly clear,
+notwithstanding former distinctions, notwithstanding
+the difference of color and the variety of race in
+that population, the negro and the West Indian
+will in a very few generations--when
+the clank of his chain is no longer heard, when the
+oppression of the master can vex no more, when equal
+rights are enjoyed by all, and all have a common
+interest in the general prosperity--be
+impressed with a sense of their having an equal share
+in the promotion of the public welfare; nay, that
+social improvement, the progress of knowledge,
+civility, and even refinement itself, will proceed
+as rapidly and diffuse itself as universally in
+the islands of the Western Ocean as in any part of
+her Majesty's dominions. * * * *</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I see no danger in the immediate emancipation
+of the negro; I see no possible injury in terminating
+the apprenticeship, (which we now have found should
+never have been adopted,) and in causing it to cease
+for slaves previous to August, 1838, at that date,
+as those subsequent to that date must in that
+case be exempt. * * * * I regard the freedom of
+the negro as accomplished and sure. Why? Because
+it is his right--because he has shown himself
+fit for it--because a pretext or a shadow
+of a pretext can no longer be devised for withholding
+that right from its possessor. I know that all
+men now take a part in the question, and that they
+will no longer bear to be imposed upon now they
+are well informed. My reliance is firm and unflinching
+upon the great change which I have witnessed--the
+education of the people unfettered by party or by
+sect--from the beginning of its progress,
+I may say from the hour of its birth. Yes; it
+was not for a humble man like me to assist at royal
+births with the illustrious prince who condescended
+to grace the pageant of this opening session,
+or the great captain and statesman in whose presence
+I now am proud to speak. But with that illustrious
+prince, and with the father of the Queen I assisted
+at that other birth, more conspicuous still. With
+them and with the lord of the house of Russel
+I watched over its cradle--I marked its
+growth--I rejoiced in its strength--I
+witnessed its maturity--I have been
+spared to see it ascend the very height of supreme
+power--directing the councils of the
+state--accelerating every great improvement--uniting
+itself with every good work--propping honorable
+and useful institutions--extirpating
+abuses in all our institutions--passing
+the bounds of our dominion, and in the new world,
+as in the old, proclaiming that freedom is the birthright
+of man--that distinction of color gives
+no title to oppression--that the chains
+now loosened must be struck off, and even the marks
+they have left effaced by the same eternal law
+of our nature which makes nations the masters
+of their own destiny, and which in Europe has caused
+every tyrant's throne to quake. But they need
+to feel no alarm at the progress of right who
+defend a limited monarchy and support their popular
+institutions--who place their chiefest pride
+not in ruling over slaves, be they white or be
+they black--not in protecting the oppressor,
+but in wearing a constitutional crown, in holding
+the sword of justice with the hand of mercy, in being
+the first citizen of a country whose air is too
+pure for slavery to breathe, and on whose shores,
+if the captive's foot but touch, his fetters
+of themselves fall off. (Cheers.) To the resistless
+progress of this great principle I look with a
+confidence which nothing can shake; it makes all
+improvement certain--it makes all change
+safe which it produces; for none can be brought
+about, unless all has been accomplished in a cautious
+and salutary spirit. So now the fulness of time
+is come; for our duty being at length discharged to
+the African captive, I have demonstrated to you
+that every thing is ordered--every previous
+step taken--all safe, by experience shown
+to be safe, for the long-desired consummation.
+The time has come--the trial has been
+made--the hour is striking: you have no longer
+a pretext for hesitation, or faltering, or delay.
+The slave has shown, by four years' blameless
+behavior and devotion, unsurpassed by any English
+peasant, to the pursuit of peaceful industry, that
+he is as fit for his freedom as any lord whom
+I now address. I demand his rights--I
+demand his liberty without stint, in the names of justice
+and of law--in the name of reason--in
+the name of God, who has given you no right to
+work injustice. I demand that your brother be no longer
+trampled upon as your slave. (Hear, hear.) I make my
+appeal to the Commons, who represent the free
+people of England; and I require at their hands
+the performance of that condition for which they
+paid so enormous a price--that condition
+which all their constituents are in breathless
+anxiety to see fulfilled! I appeal to his house--the
+hereditary judges of the first tribunal in the world--to
+you I appeal for justice. Patrons of all the arts that
+humanize mankind, under your protection I place
+humanity herself! To the merciful Sovereign of
+a free people I call aloud for mercy to the hundreds
+of thousands in whose behalf half a million of her
+Christian sisters have cried aloud, that their
+cry may not have risen in vain. But first I turn
+my eye to the throne of all justice, and devoutly
+humbling myself before Him who is of purer eyes than
+to behold any longer such vast iniquities--I
+implore that the curse over our heads of unjust
+oppression be averted from us--that your
+hearts may be turned to mercy--and that
+over all the earth His will may at length be done!</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h3>INDEX.</h3>
+
+<p>ABSCONDING from labor,<br>
+Accident in a boiling house,<br>
+Aged negro,<br>
+Allowance to Apprentices,<br>
+"Amalgamation,"<br>
+American Consul, (<i>See Consul</i>.)<br>
+American Prejudice,<br>
+Amity Hall Estate,<br>
+Anderson, Wm. II. Esq.,<br>
+Anguilla,<br>
+Annual Meeting of Missionaries,<br>
+Antigua, Dimensions of,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"      Sugar Crop of,<br>
+Applewhitte, Mr.<br>
+Appraisement of Apprentices,<br>
+Apprentice, provisions respecting the,<br>
+Apprenticeship compared with slavery,<br>
+Apprenticeship System,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"        Design
+of,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"        Good
+effect of,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"        No preparation
+for freedom,<br>
+Apprenticeship, Operation of,<br>
+Apprenticeship, Opinion of, in Antigua;--in
+Barbadoes;--in Jamaica,<br>
+Apprentices liberated,<br>
+Apprentices' work compared with slaves<br>
+Archdeacon of Antigua,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"     of Barbadoes,<br>
+Aristocracy of Antigua,<br>
+Armstrong, Mr. H.,<br>
+Ashby, Colonel,<br>
+Athill, Mr.,<br>
+Attachment to home,<br>
+Attorney General of Jamaica,<br>
+Attendance on Church<br>
+August, First of</p>
+
+<p>Baijer, Hon. Samuel O.,<br>
+Baines, Major,<br>
+Banks, Rev. Mr.,<br>
+Baptist Chapel<br>
+Baptists in Jamaica,<br>
+Barbadoes,<br>
+Barbuda,<br>
+Barber in Bridgetown,<br>
+Barclay, Alexander, Esq.,<br>
+Barnard, Samuel, Esq.,<br>
+Barrow, Colonel,<br>
+Bath,<br>
+Bazaar,<br>
+Bell, Dr.,<br>
+Belle Estate,<br>
+Bell not tolled for colored person,<br>
+"<i>Belly, 'blige</i> 'em to
+work,"<br>
+Belmore, Lord,<br>
+Belvidere Estate,<br>
+Benevolent institutions of Antigua,<br>
+Bible Society,<br>
+Bishop of Barbadoes,<br>
+Blessings of Abolition, (See <i>Morals</i>, &amp;c.)<br>
+Blind man,<br>
+Boiling House,<br>
+Bookkeepers, Slaver of,<br>
+"Bornin' Ground,"<br>
+Bourne, Mr. London,<br>
+Bourne, Mr. S., (of Antigua,)<br>
+Bourne, Stephen, Esq., (of Jamaica,)<br>
+Breakfast at Mr. Bourne's,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"     at Mr. Prescod's,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"     at Mr. Thorne's,<br>
+Briant, Mr.,<br>
+Bridgetown,<br>
+Brown, Colonel,<br>
+Brown, Thomas C.,</p>
+
+<p>C., Mr., of Barbadoes,<br>
+"Cage,"<br>
+Cane cultivated by apprentices on their own ground,<br>
+Cane-cutting,<br>
+Cane-holing,<br>
+Cecil, Mr.,<br>
+Cedar Hall,<br>
+Chamberlain, R., Esq.,<br>
+Change of opinion in regard to slavery,<br>
+Chapel erected by apprentices,<br>
+Character of colored people,<br>
+Cheesborough, Rev. Mr.,<br>
+Children, care of, (See <i>Free</i>.)<br>
+Christmas,<br>
+Church, Established,<br>
+Civility of negroes,<br>
+Clarke, Dr.,<br>
+Clarke, Hon. R.B.,<br>
+Clarke, Mr.,<br>
+Classification of apprentices,<br>
+Codrington Estate,<br>
+Coddrington, Sir Christopher.<br>
+Coffee Estates.<br>
+College, Coddrington.<br>
+Colliton Estate.<br>
+Colored Architect.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Editors.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Lady.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Legislators.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Magistrates.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Merchants.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Policemen.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Population.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Proprietor.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Teachers.<br>
+Colthurst, Major.<br>
+Complaints to Special Magistrates.<br>
+Concubinage.<br>
+Condition of the negroes, changed.<br>
+Conduct of the Emancipated on the first of August.<br>
+Confidence increased.<br>
+Conjugal attachment.<br>
+Consul, American at Antigua.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"        "     at Jamaica.<br>
+Constabulary force, colored.<br>
+Contributions for religious purposes.<br>
+Conversation with a negro boatman.<br>
+Conversation with negroes on Harvey's estate.<br>
+Conversation with apprentices.<br>
+Corbett, Mr. Trial of.<br>
+Corner stone laid.<br>
+Courts in Barbadoes.<br>
+Courts in Jamaica.<br>
+Cox, Rev. James.<br>
+Cranstoun, Mr.<br>
+Crimes, Diminution of.<br>
+Crimes in Jamaica.<br>
+Crookes, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Crops in Barbadoes.<br>
+Crops in Jamaica.<br>
+Cruelty of slavery.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     to apprentices.<br>
+Cultivation in Barbadoes, (See <i>Crops</i>.)<br>
+Cultivation in Jamaica.<br>
+Cummins, Mr.<br>
+Cummins, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Cuppage, Captain.<br>
+Custom House returns, Barbadoes.</p>
+
+<p>Daily meal Society.<br>
+Dangers of slavery.<br>
+Daniell, Dr.<br>
+Death-bed of a planter.<br>
+Deception.<br>
+Defect of law.<br>
+Demerara, Apprenticeship in.<br>
+Desire for instruction.<br>
+Dinner at Mr. Harris's.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"    at the Governor's.<br>
+Disabilities of colored people.<br>
+Discussion, Effect of.<br>
+Distinction between <i>serving</i> and being
+<i>property</i>.<br>
+Distressed Females' Friend Society.<br>
+Disturbances, Reason of.<br>
+Docility of the negroes.<br>
+Domestic Apprentices.<br>
+Donovan's Estate.<br>
+Drax Hall.<br>
+Dress in Antigua.<br>
+"Driver and overseer."<br>
+Drought in Antigua.<br>
+Dublin Castle Estate.<br>
+Duncan, Mr.<br>
+Dungeons in Antigua.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"      in Barbadoes.</p>
+
+<p>Economy of the negroes.<br>
+Edgecomb Estate.<br>
+Edmonson, Rev. Jonathan.<br>
+Education of Apprentices.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       in Antigua.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       in Barbadoes. (See <i>Schools</i>.)<br>
+Education, Queries on, replied to.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"        Results, in regard to.<br>
+Edwards, Colonel.<br>
+Eldridge, R. B. Esq..<br>
+Elliot, Rev. Edward.<br>
+Emancipation, Immediate. (See <i>Preparation, &amp;c.</i>)<br>
+Emancipation, Motives of, in Antigua.<br>
+Emigrants from Europe.<br>
+Employments of the colored.<br>
+English Delegation.<br>
+Enrolment of colored militia.<br>
+Escape of slaves from French islands.<br>
+Expectations in regard to 1838 and 1840.<br>
+Expense of free compared with slave labor.<br>
+Expense of Apprenticeship compared with slavery.<br>
+Explanation of terms.<br>
+Exports of Jamaica for 53 years.</p>
+
+<p>Fair of St. John's.<br>
+Favey, Mr.<br>
+Feeding in Barbadoes.<br>
+Feeling, intense, of the negroes.<br>
+Females in the field.<br>
+Fences wanting in Antigua.<br>
+Ferguson, Dr.<br>
+Fines upon the planters.<br>
+Fire in the canes.<br>
+Fitch's Creek Estate.<br>
+Flogging.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"      machine.<br>
+Forten, James.<br>
+Four and a half per cent tax.<br>
+Fraser, Rev. Edward.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     Mrs., ----<br>
+Free children.<br>
+Freedom in Antigua.<br>
+Free labor less expensive.<br>
+Freeman, Count.<br>
+Frey's Estate.<br>
+Friendly Societies.<br>
+Fright of American vessels.</p>
+
+<p>Galloway, Mr.<br>
+Gangs, Division of.<br>
+Gardiner, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Gilbert, Rev. N.<br>
+Girl sold by her mother.<br>
+Gitters, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Golden Grove Estate.<br>
+Gordon, Mr.<br>
+Governor of Antigua.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"      of Barbadoes.<br>
+Grace Bay.<br>
+Grenada.<br>
+"Grandfather Jacob."<br>
+Gratitude of the Negroes.<br>
+"Grecian Regale."<br>
+Green Castle Estate.<br>
+Green Wall Estate.<br>
+Guadaloupe.<br>
+<i>Guarda</i> Costas.<br>
+"Gubner poisoned."</p>
+
+<p>H., Mr., an American.<br>
+Hamilton, Capt.<br>
+Hamilton, Cheny, Esq.<br>
+Hamilton, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Harrison, Colonel.<br>
+Harris, Thomas, Esq.<br>
+Harvey, Rev. B.<br>
+Hatley, Mr.<br>
+Heroism of colored women.<br>
+Higginbothom, Ralph, Esq.<br>
+Hill, Richard, Esq.<br>
+Hinkston, Samuel, Esq.<br>
+Holberton, Rev. Robert.<br>
+Holidays in Antigua.<br>
+Horne, Rev. Mr.<br>
+"Horse."<br>
+Horton Estate.<br>
+Horsford, Hon. Paul.<br>
+Hostility to Emancipation. (See also, <i>Change,
+&amp;c.</i>)<br>
+House of Correction.<br>
+Howell, Mr., (of Jamaica).<br>
+Howell, James Esq.<br>
+Hurricane.</p>
+
+<p>Imports and Exports of Barbadoes.<br>
+Improvement since Emancipation. (See <i>Morals</i>.)<br>
+Indolence of Apprentices.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       of Whites.<br>
+Industry of Emancipated Slaves.<br>
+Industry of Apprentices.<br>
+Infanticide.<br>
+Insolence.<br>
+Insubordination. (See <i>Subordination</i>.)<br>
+Insurrection in Barbadoes in 1816.<br>
+Insurrection not feared in Antigua;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;nor in Barbadoes;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;nor in Jamaica.<br>
+Intelligence of blacks, as compared with whites.<br>
+Intemperance in Antigua. (See <i>Temperance</i>.)<br>
+Intermixture. (See also <i>Amalgamation</i>.)<br>
+Internal Improvement.</p>
+
+<p>Jamaica.<br>
+Jarvis, Colonel.<br>
+Jobs.<br>
+Jocken, Mr.<br>
+Jones, Mr.<br>
+Jones, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Jones, T. Watkins, S. M.<br>
+Jordon, Edward, Esq.<br>
+Jury on the body of a negro woman.<br>
+"Juvenile Association."</p>
+
+<p>Kingdon, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Kingston.<br>
+Kirkland, Mr.</p>
+
+<p>Law, respect for.<br>
+Lear's Estate.<br>
+Legislature of Antigua.<br>
+Letter to a Special Magistrate.<br>
+License to marry.<br>
+Licentiousness.<br>
+Lighthouse.<br>
+Lock-up house at St. John's.<br>
+Lyon, E.B., Esq.<br>
+Lyon's Estate.</p>
+
+<p>Machinery, Labor-saving.<br>
+Managers, Testimony of.<br>
+Manchioneal.<br>
+Market in St. John's.<br>
+Market people.<br>
+Maroons.<br>
+Marriage.<br>
+Marshall, Mr.<br>
+Martinique.<br>
+Master's power over the apprentice.<br>
+McCornock, Thomas, Esq.<br>
+McGregor, Sir Evan, J. M.<br>
+Megass.<br>
+Merchants, Testimony of.<br>
+Messages of Sir Lionel Smith.<br>
+Mico Charity Infant School.<br>
+Miller's Estate.<br>
+Missionaries, Wesleyan.<br>
+Missionary associations.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"        Society, Wesleyan.<br>
+Mob, Pro-Slavery, in Barbadoes.<br>
+M&ouml;hne, Mr. and Mrs.<br>
+Montserrat.<br>
+Morals, improvement of.<br>
+Morant Bay.<br>
+Moravian Chapel.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"    Missionary.<br>
+Moravians.<br>
+Morrish, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Mule-traveling.<br>
+Murder of a planter.<br>
+Musgrave, Dr.</p>
+
+<p>Negro Grounds.<br>
+Negro Quarters.<br>
+Nevis.<br>
+Newby, Mr.<br>
+Newfield, visit to.<br>
+Noble trait in the apprentices.<br>
+Nugent, Hon. Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p>Obstacles to free labor in Antigua.<br>
+Old school tyrant.<br>
+Opinions in Antigua in regard to Emancipation.<br>
+Opinions of the United States.<br>
+Opposition to slavery in Jamaica.<br>
+O'Reily, Hon. Dowel.<br>
+Osburne, Mr.<br>
+Overseers.</p>
+
+<p>Packer, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Parry, Archdeacon.<br>
+Partiality of the Special Magistrates.<br>
+Peaceableness of negro villages.<br>
+Peaceableness of the change from slavery to freedom.<br>
+Peaceableness of the negro character.<br>
+Persecution of a Special Justice.<br>
+Peter's Rock.<br>
+Phillips, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Physician, Testimony of.<br>
+Pigeot, Mr.<br>
+Plantain Garden River Valley.<br>
+Planter, a severe one.<br>
+Planters, cruelty of.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       in Barbadoes.<br>
+Plough.<br>
+Police Court.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"   of Antigua.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"   Officers, Testimony of.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"   Reports.<br>
+Policy of colored people in regard to prejudice.<br>
+Port Royal.<br>
+Prejudice against color.<br>
+"Prejudice Bell."<br>
+Preparation for freedom.<br>
+Prescod, Mr.<br>
+Promiscuous seating in church (See <i>"Amalgamation,"
+&amp;c.</i>)<br>
+Proprietor, testimony of.<br>
+Pro-slavery pretences.<br>
+Providence of the emancipated, the.<br>
+Provost Marshal, Testimony of.<br>
+Punishment, cruel.<br>
+Punishment in Antigua.</p>
+
+<p>Ramsay, Mr.<br>
+Real Estate.<br>
+Rebellion, so called.<br>
+Rector of St. John's.<br>
+"Red Shanks."<br>
+Reid, Mr. E.<br>
+Religion in Antigua;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;in Barbadoes;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;in Jamaica.<br>
+Religious condition of slaves in Antigua.<br>
+Religious instruction desired.<br>
+Report of a Special Magistrate.<br>
+Resolution in regard to Messrs. Thome and Kimball.<br>
+Resolutions of Wesleyan Missionaries.<br>
+Respect for the aged.<br>
+Results in Antigua.<br>
+Revengefulness.<br>
+Ridge Estate.<br>
+Right of suffrage.<br>
+Rogers, Mr.<br>
+Ross, A., Esq.<br>
+Rowe, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Rum, use of in Antigua.</p>
+
+<p>Sabbath in Antigua;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;in Barbadoes;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;in Jamaica.<br>
+Sabbath school in Bridgetown.<br>
+Safety of immediate emancipation. (See <i>Insurrections</i>.)<br>
+School, adult;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;at Lear's;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;Parochial;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;Wolmer Free.<br>
+Schools in Antigua;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;in Bridgetown;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;infant;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;in Kingston;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;in Spanishtown.<br>
+Scotland in Barbadoes.<br>
+Scotland, James, Esq.<br>
+Scotland, J., Jr. Esq.<br>
+Security restored.<br>
+Self-emancipation.<br>
+Self-respect.<br>
+Shands, Mr. S.<br>
+Shiel, Mr.<br>
+Shrewsbury, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Sickness, pretended.<br>
+Silver Hill.<br>
+Sligo, Lord.<br>
+Smith, Sir Lionel.<br>
+Social intercourse.<br>
+Societies, benevolent.<br>
+Society among colored people.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"     for promotion of Christian knowledge.<br>
+Soldiers, black.<br>
+Solicitor General of Barbadoes.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"               of Jamaica.<br>
+Song sung in the schools.<br>
+Spanishtown.<br>
+"Speaking," a Moravian custom.<br>
+Special Magistrates. (See also <i>Partiality</i>.)<br>
+Special Magistrates, Testimony of.<br>
+St. Andrews.<br>
+Station House, A.<br>
+St. Christopher's.<br>
+St. Lucia.<br>
+Stock Keepers.<br>
+St. Thomas in the East.<br>
+Sturge &amp; Harvey, Messrs.<br>
+St. Vincent's.<br>
+Subordination.<br>
+Sugar Crop.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"   cultivation hard for the slave.<br>
+Sugar Mill.<br>
+Sunday Markets.<br>
+Superintendent of Police.<br>
+Suspension of faithful magistrates.</p>
+
+<p>Task-work.<br>
+Teacher, Black.<br>
+Teachers.<br>
+"Telegraph," Remarks of the.<br>
+Temperance in Antigua.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"        of negroes.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"        Society.<br>
+Testimony of Managers.<br>
+Testimony of clergymen and missionaries.<br>
+Testimony of Governors.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       of magistrates.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       of physicians.<br>
+Theft, decrease of.<br>
+Thibou Jarvis's estate.<br>
+Thomas, Mr.<br>
+Thompson, George, Bust of.<br>
+Thompson, Thomas, Esq.<br>
+Thorne, Mr.<br>
+Thwaites, Mr. Charles.<br>
+Tinson, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Toast to Immediate Emancipation.<br>
+Tortala.<br>
+Traffic in Slaves.<br>
+Transition from slavery to freedom.<br>
+Treatment of slaves ameliorated by discussion.<br>
+Treadmill.<br>
+Trinidad.<br>
+Trustworthiness.</p>
+
+<p>Unwilling witness.</p>
+
+<p>Vagrancy.<br>
+Value of an apprentice. (See <i>Appraisement</i>.)<br>
+Villa Estate.</p>
+
+<p>Wages.<br>
+Walton, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Watchman, Jamaica.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       Remarks of the.<br>
+Watkins, Mr.<br>
+Ward, Sir Henry.<br>
+Weatherill's Estate.<br>
+Wesleyan Chapel, Antigua.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"        "     New, ".<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       Missionary Society.<br>
+Wesleyans in Antigua.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       in Barbadoes.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"       in Jamaica.<br>
+Whip banished.<br>
+Whipping Post.<br>
+White lady.<br>
+Wilberforce, opinion of.<br>
+Wickham, Richard S.<br>
+Willis, George, Esq.<br>
+Willoughby Bay Examination.<br>
+Wolmer Free School.<br>
+Women abandon the field.<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;"   condition of.<br>
+Woolridge, Rev. Mr.<br>
+Wright, Andrew, Esq.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+<a name="AE_Ex1"></a>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h2>THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER--EXTRA.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><b>EMANCIPATION</b></p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><b>In The</b></p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><b>WEST INDIES, IN 1838.</b></p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p><b>IMPORTANT TO THE UNITED STATES.</b></p>
+
+<p>False prophets were never stiller about their time-detected
+<i>impostures</i> than are the pro-slavery presses of
+the United States about the results of West India
+Emancipation. Now and then, for the sake of appearances,
+they obscurely copy into their immense sheets an inch
+or two of complaints, from some snarling West India
+paper, that the emancipated are lazy and won't
+work. But they make no parade. They are more taciturn
+than grave-stones.</p>
+
+<p>In the following closely printed columns, those who
+wish to know will find out precisely how the "<i>great
+experiment</i>" has worked. They will find,</p>
+
+<p>1. The <i>safety</i> of abolition demonstrated--its
+safety in the worst possible case.</p>
+
+<p>2. That the colonies are prospering in their <i>agriculture</i>.</p>
+
+<p>3. That the planters conferred freedom because they
+were <i>obliged to</i> by public opinion abroad.</p>
+
+<p>4. That freedom, even thus unwillingly conferred,
+was accepted as a precious boon by the slaves--they
+were grateful to God, and ready to work for their
+masters for fair pay.</p>
+
+<p>5. That the mass of the planters have endeavoured,
+from the first, to get work out of the free laborers
+for as small wages as possible.</p>
+
+<p>6. That many of the attorneys and managers have refused
+fair wages and practiced extortion, <i>to depreciate
+the price of property</i>, that they might profit
+thereby.</p>
+
+<p>7. That all the indisposition to labor which has yet
+been exhibited is fully accounted for by these causes.</p>
+
+<p>8. That in spite of all, the abolition is working
+well for the <i>honest</i> of all parties.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><b>WEST INDIA EMANCIPATION, IN 1838.</b></p>
+
+<p>The immediate abolitionists hold that the change from
+slavery to freedom cannot be too sudden. They say
+that the first step in raising the slave from his
+degradation should be that of making him a proper subject
+of law, by putting him in possession of himself. This
+position they rest on the ground both of justice and
+expediency, which indeed they believe to be inseparable.
+With exceptions too trifling to affect the question,
+they believe the laborer who feels no stimulus but
+that of wages and no restraint but that of law, is
+the most <i>profitable</i>, not only to himself
+and society at large, but to any employer other than
+a brutal tyrant. The benefit of this role they claim
+for every man and woman living within this republic,
+till on fair trial the proper tribunal shall have
+judged them unworthy of it. They deny both the justice
+and expediency of permitting any degree of ignorance
+or debasement to work the forfeiture of self-ownership,
+and pronounce slavery continued for such a cause the
+worst of all, inasmuch as it is the <i>robbery of
+the poor because he is poor</i>.</p>
+
+<p>What light was thrown upon this doctrine by the process
+of abolition in the British West Indies from the 1st
+of August 1834 to the 1st of June 1837, may be seen
+in the work of Messrs. Thome and Kimball entitled,
+"Emancipation in the West Indies." That
+light continues to shine. Bermuda and Antigua, in
+which the slaves passed instantaneously out of absolute
+slavery into full freedom, are living witnesses of
+the blessing of heaven upon immediate emancipation.
+In Antigua, one of the old sugar colonies, where slavery
+had had its full sway there has been especially a
+fair test of immediatism, and the increasing prosperity
+of the island does the utmost honor to the principle.
+After the fullest inquiry on the point, Messrs. Thome
+and Kimball say of this island:--</p>
+
+<p>"There is not a class, or party, or sect, who
+do not esteem the abolition of slavery as a <i>special
+blessing to them</i>. The rich, because it relieved
+them of "property" which was fast becoming
+a disgrace, as it had always been a vexation and a
+tax, and because it has emancipated them from the
+terrors of insurrection, which kept them all their
+life-time subject to bondage. The poor whites--because
+it lifted from off them the yoke of civil oppression.
+The free colored population--because it
+gave the death blow to the prejudice that crushed
+them, and opened the prospect of social, civil, and
+political equality with the whites. The <i>slaves</i>--because
+it broke open their dungeons, led them out to liberty,
+and gave them, in one munificent donation, their wives,
+their children, their bodies, their souls--everything."</p>
+
+<p>In the emphatic language of the Governor, "It
+was <i>universally admitted</i> that emancipation
+had been a great blessing to the island."</p>
+
+<p>In November 1837, Lord Brougham thus summed up the
+results of the Antigua experiment in a speech in the
+House of Lords:--</p>
+
+<p>"It might be known to their lordships that in
+one most important colony the experiment of instant
+and entire emancipation had been tried. Infinitely
+to the honor of the island of Antigua was it, that
+it did not wait for the period fixed by the Legislature,
+but had at once converted the state of slavery into
+one of perfect liberty. On the 1st of August, 1834,
+the day fixed by act of Parliament for the commencement
+of a ten years' apprenticeship, the Legislature
+of that colony, to the immortal honor of their wisdom,
+their justice, and their humanity, had abolished the
+system of apprenticeship, and had absolutely and entirely
+struck the fetters off from 30,000 slaves. Their lordships
+would naturally ask whether the experiment had succeeded;
+and whether this sudden emancipation had been wisely
+and politically done. He should move for some returns
+which he would venture to say would prove that the
+experiment had entirely succeeded. He would give their
+lordships some proofs: First, property in that island
+had risen in value; secondly, with a very few exceptions,
+and those of not greater importance than occurred
+in England during harvest, there was no deficiency
+in the number of laborers to be obtained when laborers
+were wanted; thirdly, offences of all sorts, from
+capital offences downwards, had decreased; and this
+appeared from returns sent by the inspector of slaves
+to the governor of that colony, and by him transmitted
+to the proper authority here; and, fourthly, the exports
+of sugar had increased: during the three years ending
+1834, the average yearly export was 165,000 cwts.,
+and for the three subsequent years this average had
+increased to 189,000 cwts., being an increase of 21,000
+cwts, or one clear seventh, produced by free labor.
+Nor were the last three years productive seasons; for
+in 1835 there was a very severe and destructive hurricane,
+and in the year 1836 there was such a drought that
+water was obliged to be imported from Barbados."</p>
+
+<p>Of such sort, with regard to both the colonies that
+adopted the principle of immediate emancipation, have
+been the facts--and all the facts--up
+to the latest intelligence.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the colonies adopted the plan proposed
+by the British government, which contrary to the wishes
+of the great body of British abolitionists, made the
+slaves but partially free under the name of apprentices.
+In this mongrel condition they were to remain, the
+house servants four, and the field laborers six years.
+This apprenticeship was the darling child of that
+expediency, which, holding the transaction from wrong
+to right to be dangerous and difficult, illustrates
+its wisdom by lingering on the dividing line. Therefore
+any mischance that might have occurred in any part
+of this tardy process would have been justly attributable
+to <i>gradualism</i> and not to <i>immediatism</i>.
+The force of this remark will be better seen by referring
+to the nature and working of the apprenticeship as
+described in the book of Messrs. Thome and Kimball.
+We have only room to say that the masters universally
+regarded the system as a part of the compensation or
+bonus to the slaveholder and not as a preparatory
+school for the slave. By law they were granted a property
+in the uncompensated <i>labor</i> of the slaves
+for six years; but the same law, by taking away the
+sole means of enforcing this labor, in fact threw
+the masters and slaves into a six years' quarrel
+in which they stood on something like equal terms.
+It was surely not to be wondered if the parties should
+come out of this contest too hostile ever to maintain
+to each other the relation of employer and employed.
+This six years of vexatious swinging like a pendulum
+over the line between bondage and liberty was well
+calculated to spoil all the gratitude and glory of
+getting across.</p>
+
+<p>It was early discovered that the masters generally
+were disposed to abuse their power and get from their
+apprentices all that could by any means be extorted.
+The friends of humanity in Great Britain were aroused,
+Mr. Sturge, a distinguished philanthropist of Birmingham,
+accompanied by Messrs. Scohle, Harvey, and Lloyd, proceeded
+to the West Indies on a mission of inquiry, and prosecuted
+their investigation contemporaneously with Messrs.
+Thome and Kimball. Their Report produced a general
+conviction in England, that the planters had forfeited
+all claim to retain their authority over the apprentices,
+and the government was accordingly petitioned immediately
+to abolish the system. This it was loth to do. It
+caused inquiries to be instituted in the colonies,
+especially in Jamaica, with the evident hope of overthrowing
+the charges of Mr. Sturge. The result more than confirmed
+those charges. The government still plead for delay,
+and brought in a bill for the <i>improvement</i>
+of the apprenticeship. In the progress of these proceedings,
+urged on as they were by the heaven-high enthusiasm
+of the British nation, many of the planters clearly
+perceived that their chance of power during the remaining
+two years of the apprenticeship had become worth less
+to them than the good will which they might get by
+voluntarily giving it up. Whether it was this motive
+operating in good faith, or a hope to escape philanthropic
+interference for the future by yielding to its full
+claim, and thus gain a clear field to oppress under
+the new system of wages, one thing is certain the chartered
+colonies, suddenly, and to the surprise of many, put
+the finishing stroke to the system and made their
+apprentices free from the 1st of August, 1838. The
+crown colonies have mostly imitated their example.</p>
+
+<p>The following table exhibits the extent and population
+of these colonies.</p>
+
+<TABLE summary="info on colonies" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Population
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<TABLE summary="info on colonies" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="1" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Possessions
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Date of acquisit.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Extent. sq. m.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+White.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Slaves.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+F. Col.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Anguilla[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1650
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+365
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2,388
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+327
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Antigua[<a href="#AE2_FN43">A</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1632
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+108
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1,980
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+29,537
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3,895
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Bahamas[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1629
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+4,400
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+4,240
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+9,268
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2,991
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Barbados[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1625
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+166
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+14,959
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+82,807
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+5,146
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+<i>Bermudas</i>[<a href="#AE2_FN43">A</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1611
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+22
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3,905
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+4,608
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+738
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Dominica[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1783
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+275
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+840
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+15,392
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3,606
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Grenada[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1783
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+125
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+801
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+24,145
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3,786
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Jamaica[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1655
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+6,400
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+37,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+311,692
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+55,000
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Montserrat[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1632
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+47
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+330
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+6,262
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+814
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Nevis[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1628
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+20
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+700
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+9,259
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2,000
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+St. Christophers[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1632
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+68
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1,612
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+19,310
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3,000
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+St. Lucia[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1803
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+58
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+972
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+13,661
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3,718
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+St. Vincent[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1783
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+130
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1,301
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+23,589
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2,824
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Tobago[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1763
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+187
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+322
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+12,556
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1,164
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Trinidad[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1797
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2,460
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+4,201
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+24,006
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+15,956
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Tortola, or
+Virgin Isles[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1666
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+800
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+5,399
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+607
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Total, B.W.I
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+14,466
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+74,328
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+593,879
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+105,572
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Cape of Good Hope,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+43,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+35,500
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+29,000
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Guiana Berbice[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+523
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+20,645
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1,161
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Guiana Demarara[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1803
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3,006
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+65,556
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+6,360
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Guiana Essequibo[<a href="#AE2_FN44">B</a>],
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Honduras
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1650
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+62,750
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+250
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2,100
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2,300
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Mauritius
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+8,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+76,000
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+15,000
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Total.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+&nbsp;...
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+129,107
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+793,680
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+159,393
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN43"></a>
+[Footnote A: Emancipated entirely on the 1st. of August,
+1834.]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN44"></a>
+[Footnote B: Emancipated entirely on the 1st. of August,
+1838, by vote of the local legislatures in the chartered
+Colonies; and by Governor and Council, in the Crown
+Colonies.]</p>
+
+<p>The <i>unanimity</i> with which the apprenticeship
+was given up is a most remarkable and instructive
+fact. In the Council and Assembly of Montserrat, there
+was an unanimous decision in favor of Emancipation
+as early as February 1838. In the legislature of Tortola,
+which passed the bill in April 1838, the opposing
+party was small. In that of Barbados the bill was
+passed on the 15th of May with but <i>one</i>
+dissenting voice. In that of Jamaica, the bill seems
+to have been passed on the 8th of June, and the <i>Jamaica
+Times</i> remarks:--"No dissentient
+voice was heard within the walls of the Assembly,
+all joined in the wish so often expressed, that the
+remaining term of the apprenticeship should be cancelled,
+that the excitement produced by a law which has done
+inconceivable harm in Jamaica, in alienating the affections
+of her people, and creating discord and disaffection,
+should at once cease. Thank God! it is now nearly
+at an end, and we trust that Jamaica will enjoy that
+repose, so eagerly and anxiously sought after, by all
+who wish the Island well."</p>
+
+<p>These facts come down upon the question of the safety
+of an <i>immediate</i> emancipation with an <i>a
+fortiori</i>, a <i>much more then</i>. For
+it is admitted on all hands that the apprenticeship
+had "alienated the affections of the people;"
+they were in a state less favorable to a quiet sequel,
+than they were before the first of August, 1834, yet
+the danger was not thought of. The <i>safety</i>
+was an argument <i>in favor</i> of emancipation,
+not <i>against</i> it. The raw head and bloody
+bones had vanished. The following is a fair exhibition
+of the feeling of the most influential planters, in
+regard to the <i>safety</i> of the step.</p>
+
+<p><b>From the Barbadian, May 9, 1838.</b></p>
+
+<p>AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,
+IN THE NEW COURT<br>
+HOUSE, APRIL 24TH, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>The Lord Bishop rose and spoke as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Council</i>,</p>
+
+<p>'I was informed yesterday that, during my absence
+from this island, the members recorded their opinion
+as to the expediency of absolutely abolishing the
+apprenticeship in August, 1838. I am most anxious to
+record my entire concurrence in this resolution, but
+I wish it to be understood that I do not consider
+the measure as called for by any hardships, under
+which the laborers in this island are suffering--nor
+from the want of any essential comfort--nor
+from the deprivation of any thing, which a laborer
+can fairly claim from his master; still I do express
+my concurrence in the resolution of the board, and
+I do so on these grounds: that I am satisfied the
+measure can be safely carried in this island, and
+if safely, then I feel justly; for I consider the very
+important interests which are involved in the measure.
+I must confess, too, that I am unwilling the Barbados
+should be behind any other island, especially in a
+measure which may be carried both safely and justly,
+and where its example may be of such beneficial consequence.
+I am just returned from visiting the Northern Islands
+of the Diocese. I have gone over every part of Tortola,
+and though it is far more fertile than the Off Islands,
+yet even these are sufficiently productive for the
+laborer to raise the lesser and necessary provision
+of life,--and yet with these islands in
+their very face, the Legislature of Tortola has passed
+the act of abolition. Some of the proprietors were
+opposed to it, but they have now given up their opposition;
+and I heard, whilst in Antigua, not only that the
+act had passed, but that on the day of its passing,
+or the following day, some of the leading proprietors
+rode through the island, and were met by the people
+with expressions of the utmost gratitude, regarding
+the act as a boon granted to them by their masters.
+At Nevis the act has passed. At St. Christopher's
+the council are in favor of its passing, and with
+Nevis emancipated in its vicinity, there is little
+doubt but the Act must pass. At Montserrat also it
+has passed. At Antigua, which I visited last year,
+I found that every thing was proceeding quietly and
+regularly. I found too, the planters in high spirits,
+and some estates, which had been given up, restored;
+and the small patches and tenements of the free people,
+commencing last year, now in a very satisfactory state
+of cultivation. It is possible, indeed, that these
+last mentioned, unless the population is proportionably
+increased, may affect the cultivation of the larger
+estates, but there they are, and flourishing, as I
+have described, whilst I was in the island. A contiguous,
+though abandoned estate was purchased by Sir Henry
+Martin for about 9,500 <i>l.</i> currency, being
+3,000 <i>l.</i> more than he had offered a few
+years previously. To compare Barbados with any other
+island, either as to population, wealth, or state of
+agriculture, is unnecessary. I have seen nothing like
+the commercial activity which I saw in the streets
+yesterday, except at St. Thomas; and I feel, therefore,
+on all these grounds, that the act may be passed safely
+and justly. At the same time I am not unmindful or
+insensible to the state of public opinion in the mother
+country, nor to the many new and harassing annoyances
+to which the proprietors may be exposed during a protracted
+continuance of the apprenticeship. I request that my
+full concurrence in the resolution of the council,
+may be accorded on the minutes of this day's
+proceedings.'"</p>
+
+<p>Such is the testimony of a witness in no wise warped
+by prejudice in favor of the anti-slavery party.</p>
+
+<p>The debates which took place in the legislatures of
+both Barbados and Jamaica, are full of similar testimony,
+uttered by men every way qualified to bear witness,
+and under influences which relieve their testimony
+from every taint of suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>In the legislature of Jamaica, on the question of
+a Committee to bring in a Bill, Mr. GOOD remarked,
+"He could say that the negroes from their general
+good conduct were deserving of the boon. Then why not
+give in with a good heart? why exhibit any bad feelings
+about the matter? There were many honorable gentlemen
+who had benefitted by the pressure from without, who
+owed their rank in society and their seats in that
+house to the industry of the negroes. Why should they
+now show a bad heart in the matter?--Nine
+tenths of the proprietors of this island had determined
+upon giving up the apprenticeship. Hundreds of thousands
+were to be benefited--were to take their
+stations as men of society, and he hoped the boon
+would not be retarded by a handful of men who owed
+their all to slavery."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dallas said,--"<i>The abolition
+of the remaining term of apprenticeship must take
+place; let them then join hand and heart in doing
+it well, and with such grace as we now could. Let it
+have the appearance of a boon from ourselves, and
+not in downright submission to the coercive measures
+adopted by the British Parliament</i>."</p>
+
+<p>After a committee had been appointed to prepare and
+bring in a Bill for the abolition of the apprenticeship,
+a member rose and proposed that the 28th of June should
+be its termination. We give his speech as reported
+in the Jamaica papers, to show how fanatical even a
+slaveholder may become.</p>
+
+<p>"On the members resuming their seats, Mr. HART
+proposed that it be an instruction to the committee
+appointed to bring in the bill or abolishing the remainder
+of the apprenticeship, to insert a clause in it, that
+the operation of that bill should commence on the 28th
+of June, that being the day appointed for the coronation
+of the Queen. <i>He felt proud in telling the house
+that he was the representative of the black population.
+He was sent there by the blacks and his other friends</i>.
+The white Christians had their representatives, the
+people of color had their representatives, and <i>he
+hoped shortly to see the day when the blacks would
+send in their own representatives</i>. He wanted
+the thing done at once, Sir, said the honorable member
+waxing warm. It was nonsense to delay it. It could
+be done in three lines as he said before, dele 1840
+and put in 1838. That was all that they had to do.
+If it were possible, let the thing be done in two
+words. He went there to do his duty to his constituents,
+and he was determined to do so. His black friends
+looked up to him to protect them--and he
+would press his motion that all the apprentices in
+the island should be <i>crowned</i> on the 28th
+of June. (Thundering roars of laughter.) He was as
+independent as any honorable member, and would deliver
+his sentiment, without caring who were and who were
+not pleased. He was possessed of property in apprentices--<i>he
+had an estate with nearly two hundred negroes, that
+he was determined to crown on the 28th of June</i>.
+(Increased roars of laughter in the house, and at
+the bar.) He would not be laughed down. His properties
+were not encumbered. He would not owe anything on them
+after they were paid for, and that he could do. (Loud
+laughter.) He was determined to have his opinion.
+As he had said before, the 28th day of June being
+fixed for the coronation of all the negroes in the
+island, that is the day they ought to be released
+from the apprenticeship. (Thundering and deafening
+roars of laughter). (Here the honorable member was
+told that the Queen was to be crowned on that day.)
+Ah, well, he had made a mistake, but he would tell
+the house the truth, <i>he had made up his mind
+to give his apprentices freedom on that day, but he
+did not wish to do it without his neighbors doing
+the same, lest they should say he was setting a bad
+example</i>. He would press his motion to a division.
+It had been seconded by his honorable friend on his
+right.--(Aside, "Good, didn't
+you promise to second it?") The honorable member
+then read his motion, and handed it up to the clerk."</p>
+
+<p>The "mistake" of this liberal descendant
+of Israel, which excited so much merriment was, after
+all, not a very unfortunate one, <i>if</i> the
+"crown" of manhood is more important than
+that of monarchy. The members objected to so near
+an approach to <i>immediatism</i>, not, however,
+be it remarked, on account of the unfitness of the
+apprentices, (slaves) but their own convenience. Among
+those who replied to Mr. Hart, was Mr. Osborn, of
+unmingled African blood, born a slave, and who, we
+are informed, was a successful competitor for the
+seat he now occupies against the very man who formerly
+claimed him as property. Mr. Osborn and his partner
+Mr. Jordon were editors of the Jamaica Watchman, and
+had contended manfully for liberty when it was a dangerous
+word. Mr. Osborn said:--"He was astonished
+at the galloping liberality which seemed to have seized
+some honorable members, now there was nothing to contend
+for. Their liberality seemed to have outrun all prudence.
+Where were they and their liberality when it was almost
+death to breach the question of slavery? What had
+become of their philanthropy? But no, it was not convenient
+then. The stream was too strong for them to resist.
+Now, however, when the question was finally settled,
+when nothing remained for them to do, it was the time
+that some honorable gentlemen began to clamor their
+liberality, and began a race who should be the first,
+or who should have the honor of first terminating the
+apprenticeship. He hoped the motion would be withdrawn,
+and the discussion put an end to."</p>
+
+<p>What had become of the visions of blood and slaughter?
+Could there be more impressive testimony to the safety
+of Emancipation in all, even the worst cases?</p>
+
+<p>We might add to this testimony that of the universal
+newspaper press of the British West India colonies.
+We have room, however, to select only from a few of
+the well known opponents of freedom.</p>
+
+<p>"We seriously call upon our representatives
+to consider well all the bearings of the question,
+and if they cannot resist effectually these encroachments
+of the Imperial Government, adopt the remaining alternative
+of saving themselves from an infliction, by giving
+up at once and entirely, the bone of contention between
+us. Thus only shall we disarm, if anything in reason
+or in nature can, our enemies of their slanderous
+weapons of offence, and secure in as far as possible,
+a speedy and safe return of peace and prosperity to
+the "distracted" colony.--Without
+this sacrifice on our parts, we see no shelter from
+our sufferings--no amelioration of present
+wrongs--no hope for the future; but on the
+contrary, a systematic and remorseless train laid for
+the ultimate ruin of every proprietor in the country.
+With this sacrifice which can only be to any extent
+to a few and which the wisdom of our legislature may
+possibly find out some means or other of compensation,
+we have the hope that the sunshine of Jamaica's
+prosperity shall not receive any farther diminution;
+but shall rather dawn again with renewed vigor; when
+all shall be alike free under the protection of the
+same law, and the same law-givers; and all shall be
+alike amenable to the powers that punish without favor
+and without affection."--<i>Jamaica
+Standard</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"There is great reason to expect that many Jamaica
+proprietors will anticipate the period established
+by the Slavery Abolition Act for the termination of
+the apprenticeship. They will, as an act of grace,
+and with a view to their future arrangements with
+their negroes, terminate the apprenticeship either
+of all at once, or by giving immediate freedom to
+the most deserving; try the effect of this gift, and
+of the example afforded to the apprentices when they
+see those who have been discharged from the apprenticeship
+working on the estates for wages. If such a course
+is adopted, it will afford an additional motive for
+inducing the Legislature to consider whether the good
+feeling of the laboring population, and their future
+connection with their former employers, may not be
+promoted by permitting them to owe to the grace of
+their own Legislature the termination of the apprenticeship
+as soon as the requisite legislation for the new state
+of things has been adopted."--<i>Jamaica
+Despatch</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Of such sort as this is the testimony from all the
+Colonies, most abundantly published in the Emancipator
+and other abolition papers, to the point of the <i>safety</i>
+of entire Emancipation. At the time when the step
+was taken, it was universally concluded that so far
+from being dangerous it promised the greatest safety.
+It would not only put an end to the danger apprehended
+from the foreign interference of the abolitionists,
+but it would <i>conciliate the negroes</i>! And
+we are not able to find any one who professes to be
+disappointed with the result thus far. The only evil
+now complained of, is the new freemen do not in some
+instances choose <i>to work</i> on the <i>terms</i>
+offered by the planters. They have shed no man's
+blood. They have committed no depredation. They peaceably
+obey the laws. All this, up to the latest date, is
+universally admitted. Neither does any one <i>now</i>
+presume to prophesy anything different for the future.</p>
+
+<p><b>INDUSTRY.</b></p>
+
+<p>On the one topic of the industry of the Emancipated
+people, the West Indian papers give the most conflicting
+accounts. Some represent them as laboring with alacrity,
+diligence and effect wherever anything like an adequate
+compensation is offered. It is asserted by some, and
+not denied by any authorities that we have seen, that
+the emancipated are industriously at work on those
+estates where the masters voluntarily relinquished
+the apprenticeship before the first of August and met
+their freed people in good faith. But most of the
+papers, especially in Jamaica, complain grievously
+that the freed people will work on no reasonable terms.
+We give a fair specimen from one of the Jamaica papers,
+on which our political editors choose most to rely
+for their information:--</p>
+
+<p>"In referring to the state of the country this
+week, we have still the same tale to tell of little
+work, and that little indifferently done, but exorbitantly
+charged for; and wherever resisted, a general "strike"
+is the consequence. Now this, whatever more favourable
+complexion the interested and sinister motives of
+others may attempt to throw around it, is the real
+state of matters upon nine-tenths of the properties
+situated in St. James's, Westmoreland, and Hanover.
+In Trelawny they <i>appear</i> to be doing a
+little better; but that only arises, we are confident
+from the longer purses, and patience of endurance under
+exorbitant wages, exhibited by the generality of the
+managers of that parish. Let them wait till they find
+they can no longer continue making sugar at its present
+expensive rate, and they will then find whether Trelawny
+is substantially in a better condition than either
+of the other parties."--<i>Standard,
+quoted in the Morning Journal of Nov. 2</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This is the "tale" indeed, of a great
+part of the West India papers, sung to the same hum
+drum tune ever since the first of August; and so faithfully
+echoed by our own pro slavery press that many of our
+estimable fellow citizens have given it up that the
+great "experiment" has turned out unfavorably,
+and that the colored population of the West Indies
+are rapidly <i>sinking</i> from the condition
+of <i>slaves</i> to that of idle freemen. Were
+we all in a position perfectly disinterested and above
+the peculiar influence of slavery, we might perhaps
+consider these complaints as asking for, rather than
+against, the character of the Emancipated and the
+cause of freedom, inasmuch as they prove the former
+slaves to have both the discretion and the spirit which
+should characterise freemen. But to the peculiar optics
+which abound in these United States it may be necessary
+to show the entire picture.</p>
+
+<p>To prove in the first place the general falsehood
+of the complaints themselves it is only necessary
+to advert to recent official documents. For our present
+purpose it will be sufficient to refer to Jamaica.
+The legislature was convened on the 30th of October
+and addressed by the Governor Sir Lionel Smith in
+a speech of which the following extract pertains to
+our subject:--</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>"Gentlemen of the Council,
+Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House
+of Assembly,</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The most important event in the annals
+of colonial history has taken place since last
+I had the pleasure of meeting the legislature of this
+Island; and I am happy in being able to declare that
+the conduct of the laboring population, who were
+then the objects of your liberal and enlightened
+policy, <i>entitles them to the highest praise,
+and amply proves how</i> WELL THEY HAVE DESERVED
+<i>the boon of freedom.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>It was not to be expected that the total
+extinction of the apprenticeship law would be
+followed by an instantaneous return to active
+labor, but feeling as I do the deepest interest in
+the successful result of the great measurement
+now in progress, I sincerely congratulate you
+and the country at large, on the improvement which
+is daily taking place on the resumption of industrious
+habits, and I TRUST THERE IS EVERY PROSPECT OF AGRICULTURAL
+PROSPERITY."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Such is the testimony of a Governor who is no stranger
+in the West Indies and who was put in the place of
+Lord Sligo as more acceptable to the planters. But
+what said the House of Assembly in reply?--a
+House made up chiefly of attornies who had more interest
+than any other men in the continuance of the old
+system and who, as will presently be shown, were not
+unwilling to have the "experiment" fail?
+They speak as follows:--</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>"May it Please your Excellency,</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>We, her Majesty's dutiful
+and loyal subjects, the Assembly of
+Jamaica, thank your Excellency
+for your speech at the opening of
+the session.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The House join your Excellency
+in bearing testimony TO THE<br>
+PEACEABLE MANNER in which
+the laboring population have conducted<br>
+themselves in a state of FREEDOM.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>It certainly was not to be expected
+that so great a change in the condition of the
+people would be followed by an immediate return to
+active labor. The House, however, are willing to
+believe that some degree of improvement is taking
+place, and they sincerely join in the HOPE expressed
+by your Excellency, that the agricultural interests
+of the Island may ultimately prosper, by a resumption
+of industrious habits on the part of the peasantry
+in their new condition."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>This settles the question. Those who will not be convinced
+by such documents as these that the mass of the Emancipated
+in Jamaica are ready <i>to do their part</i>
+in the system of free labor, would not be convinced
+if one rose from the deed to prove it.</p>
+
+<p>We are now prepared to investigate the causes of the
+complaints, and inquire why in numerous cases the
+negros have refused to work. Let us first go back
+to the debates Jamaica Legislature on the passage of
+the Emancipation bill in June, and see whether we
+can discover the <i>temper</i> in which it was
+passed, and the prospect of good faith in its execution.
+We can hardly doubt that some members, and some especially
+from whose speeches on that occasion we have already
+quoted, designed really to confer the "boon
+of freedom." But others spoke very differently.
+To understand their language we must commence with
+the Governor's speech at the opening of the
+session:--</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>"Gentlemen of the Council,
+Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen
+of the Assembly</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I have called you together,
+at an unusual season, to take it to your<br>
+consideration the state of
+the Island under the Laws of<br>
+Apprenticeship, for the labouring
+population.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I need not refer you to the agitation
+on this subject throughout the British Empire,
+or to the discussions upon it in Parliament, <i>where
+the honourable efforts of the ministry</i> were
+barely found sufficient to preserve the original
+duration of the Laws, as an obligation of the
+National faith.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I shall lay before you some
+despatches on this subject."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>"Gentlemen,</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>General agitation and Parliamentary
+interference have not, I am
+afraid, yet terminated.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>A corresponding excitement has been
+long going on among the apprentices themselves,</i>
+but still they have rested in sober and quiet
+hopes, relying on your generosity, that you will extend
+to them that boon which has been granted to their
+class in other Colonies."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>"Gentlemen of the Council,</i>
+<i>Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen
+of the Assembly,</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>In this posture of affairs, it is my
+duty to declare my sentiments, and distinctly
+to <i>recommend to you the early and equal abolition
+of the apprenticeship for all classes.</i>
+I do so in confidence that the apprentices will
+be found worthy of freedom, and that it will operate
+as a double blessing, by securing also the future interests
+of the planters.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I am commanded, however, to inform you
+that her Majesty's ministers will not entertain
+any question of further compensation. But should your
+views be opposed to the policy I recommend, I would
+entreat you to consider well <i>how impracticable
+it will become to carry on coercive labor</i>--always
+difficult, it would in future be in peril of constant
+comparisons with other colonies made free, and with
+those estates in this island made free by individual
+proprietors.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>As Governor, under these circumstances,
+and I never shrink from any<br>
+of my responsibilities, <i>I
+pronounce it physically impossible to<br>
+maintain the apprenticeship
+with any hope of successful agriculture.</i></p></blockquote>
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>"Gentlemen of the Council,</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Mr. Speaker, and gentlemen
+of the Assembly.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Jamaica, is in your hands--she
+requires repose, by the removal of a law which
+has <i>equally tormented the laborer, and disappointed
+the planter</i>--a law by which man
+still constrains man in unnatural servitude. This
+is her first exigency. For her future welfare she
+appeals to your wisdom to legislate in the spirit
+of the times, with liberality and benevolence
+towards all classes."</p></blockquote>
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>When such a man as Sir Lionel Smith pronounced it
+no longer practicable to carry on coercive labor,
+he must have been a bold as well as a rash planter
+who would venture to hold on to the old system under
+Lord Glenelg's improvement Act. Accordingly
+we find some of the staunchest advocates of slavery,
+men who had been fattening on the oppression of the
+apprentices up to that moment the first, and the most
+precipitate, is their proposals of abolition. Mr.
+Hyslop, Mr. Gay and others were for acting at once
+on the Governor's speech without referring it
+to a committee. The former said: "He believed
+that a proposition would be made to abandon the apprenticeship
+from the 1st of August, <i>but he would say let
+it be abandoned from Sunday next</i>. He would therefore
+move that the speech be made the order of the day
+for tomorrow."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Guy said:--</p>
+
+<p>"The Governor's speech contained nothing
+more than what every Gentlemen expected, <i>and
+what every Gentlemen, he believed, was prepared to
+do. In short he</i> would state that <i>a bill
+had already been prepared by him, which he intended
+to introduce tomorrow, for the abolition of the apprenticeship
+on the 1st of August next</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Both these gentlemen are well known by the readers
+of Jamaica papers as obstinate defenders slavery.
+The latter was so passionately devoted to the abuses
+of the apprenticeship that Lord Sligo was obliged to
+dismiss him from the post of Adjutant General of militia.
+In the ardor of his attachment to the "peculiar
+institution" of getting work without pay, he
+is reported to have declared on a public occasion,
+that the British ministry were a "parcel of
+reptiles" and that the "English nation
+was fast going to the dogs." In another part
+of the debate:--</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Guy hoped the house would not <i>go into
+a discussion of the nature of the apprenticeship</i>,
+or the terms upon which it was forced us by the government.
+All that he knew about the matter was, that it was
+a part and parcel of the compensation. Government
+had so declared it. In short it was made law. He could
+not help believing that the Hon. member for Trelawny,
+was arguing against the dictates of his own honest
+heart--that he came there cut and dry with
+a speech prepared to <i>defend the government</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Barclay, to whom, some years ago, the planters
+gave a <i>splendid service of plate</i> for his
+ingenious defence of slavery against the terrible
+pen of JAMES STEPHEN, said "it appeared to be
+the general feeling of the house that the apprenticeship
+should be done away with. Be that as it may, he was
+free to say that in that part of the island he was
+from, and certainly it was a large and wealthy district,
+the apprenticeship system <i>had worked well</i>,
+and all parties <i>appeared</i> satisfied with
+it. He denied that there existed any necessity to disturb
+the working of the system, it would have <i>gradually</i>
+slided into <i>absolute freedom if they were permitted
+to regulate their own affairs</i>, but the government,
+or rather, <i>the people of England, had forced on
+the predicament in which they were placed</i>.
+The ministry could not help themselves--They
+were driven to violate the national compact, not in
+express words, it is true, but in fact. It was, however,
+the <i>force of public opinion that operated</i>
+in producing the change. They were placed in a situation
+from which they could hardly extricate themselves.--
+<i>They had no alternative, he was afraid, but to
+go along with the stream</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton Brown, who at the commencement of the
+apprenticeship came into a Special Magistrate's
+court and publicly told him that unless he and his
+colleagues "<i>did their duty by having recourse
+to a frequent and vigorous application of the lash,
+there would he rebellion in the Parish (of St. Ann's!)
+in less than a month, and all the responsibility of
+such a calamity would rest on their shoulders</i>"!
+discoursed in the following manner. "It was
+always understood, for the apprenticeship <i>had
+become marketable</i>. Properties had been bought
+and sold with them, their time had been bought by
+others, and by themselves."</p>
+
+<p>"He had no hesitation in saying, that the statements
+which had been made in England against the planters
+<i>were as false as hell</i>--they had
+been concocted here, and sent home by a parcel of
+spies in the island. They were represented as a cruel
+set of men, as having outraged the feelings of humanity
+towards the negroes, or in matters in which they were
+concerned. This was false. He did not mean to deny
+that there were a <i>few instances</i> of cruelty
+to the apprentices, but then those were <i>isolated
+cases</i>, and was it not hard that a hue and cry
+should be raised against the whole body of planters,
+and all made to suffer on account of those <i>few</i>.
+He would say that there was a greater disposition
+to be cruel to the negroes evinced <i>by young men
+arriving in this island from England, than by the
+planters. There was, indeed, a great deal of difficulty
+in restraining them from doing so, but the longer
+they lived in the country, the more kind and humane
+they became</i>. The negroes <i>were better off
+here than many of the people of Great Britain</i>,
+and they would have been contented, had it not been
+for the injudicious <i>interference of some of the
+Special Justices</i>. Who had ever heard of negroes
+being starved to death? Had they not read accounts
+in the English papers of men destroying their wives,
+their children, <i>and afterwards themselves</i>,
+because they could not obtain food. They had been
+grossly defrauded of their property; and after doing
+that, it was now sought to destroy their constitutional
+rights. He would repeat, they had been grossly defrauded
+of their property." [Here is the true slaveholder,
+logic, chivalry and all.]</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Frater said, among other things, "He knew
+that it might be said the bill (Lord Glenelg's)
+did not go to the extent of freeing the negroes--<i>that
+we are about to do ourselves</i>, but he would ask
+whether we were not <i>driven into the difficulty</i>
+by which we are now surrounded! Had we not been brought
+into this <i>alarming position</i>, into this
+<i>exigency</i>, by the conduct of the British
+Government. <i>Why do we not tell the English nation
+frankly and candidly, that they agreed to give the
+planter six years' services of their apprentices,
+as a part of the compensation, and if they desired
+to do away with it, that we must be paid for it</i>,
+otherwise we will NOT ANSWER FOR ANY CHANGE, FOR ANY
+EVILS WHICH ARE LIKELY TO ENSUE. Why did the government
+force such an obnoxious bill upon us? They had in
+substance done this, they refused to annul the apprenticeship
+themselves, it is true, but said, we will place them
+in a situation that will compel them to do it themselves.
+He must say that the Government had acted <i>cowardly
+and unjustly</i>, they had in substance deprived
+them of the further two years' services of their
+apprentices, agreeably to the compact entered into,
+upon a pretext that we had not kept faith with them,
+and now tell us they will give us no compensation.
+He hoped the allusion to it in the address would be
+retained."</p>
+
+<p>We beg the patient attention of the reader to still
+more of these extracts. The present state of things
+in Jamaica renders them very important. It is indispensable
+to a correct judgment of the results of the experiment
+to understand in what temper it was entered upon by
+the parties. Nothing can show this more clearly or
+authoritatively than the quotations we are making.
+We find another little torrent of eloquence from the
+same Mr. Hamilton Brown above quoted. He and several
+other gentlemen rose to reply to the statements of
+Richard Hill, a friend of freedom, and Secretary of
+the Special Magistracy.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Brown--"Mr. Chairman, I am on
+my legs, Sir. I say that we have to thank the Special
+Justices, and the <i>private instructions</i>
+which they have acted upon, <i>for all the evils
+that have occurred in the country</i>. Had they
+taken <i>the law</i> for their guide, had they
+acted upon that, Sir, and not upon their private instructions,
+<i>every thing would have gone on splendidly</i>,
+and we should have done well. But they had <i>destroyed
+the negroes with their instructions</i>, they had
+<i>given them bad advice</i>, and <i>encouraged
+them in disobedience to their masters</i>. I say
+it, Sir, in the face of this committee--I
+would say it on my death-bed tomorrow, that if the
+Stipendiary Magistrates had <i>done their duty</i>
+all would have gone on well, <i>and I told his Excellency
+that he might then have slept on a bed of roses</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Here was one of the abolishers of the apprenticeship
+who held that more flogging would have made it work
+more "splendidly." Mr. Hugh Fraser Leslie,
+who the February before had, in his place in the Assembly,
+denominated the anti-slavery delegates assembled in
+London, as "a set of crawling wretches;"
+"the scum and refuse of society." "The
+washings and scrapings of the manufacturing districts,"
+&amp;c. &amp;c. now delivered himself of the following:--</p>
+
+<p>"<i>He would ask any man in the house, nay,
+in the country, whether the house had any discretion
+left to them in the steps they were about to take</i>?
+Could it be denied, that they were driven to the present
+alternative? Could they any longer say they were an
+independent legislature? It would be preposterous--absolutely
+absurd to entertain any such idea. The apprenticeship
+had been <i>forced upon the country</i> as a
+part and parcel of the planters' compensation--it
+had been working well, and would insensibly <i>have
+slided into a state of absolute freedom, had the masters
+been left alone to themselves. It is now utterly impracticable
+to continue it</i>. A most obnoxious measure had
+been passed by the British parliament, and sent out
+to this country to be promulgated by the Governor
+as the law of the land. The functions of the legislature
+were put in abeyance, and a British act <i>crammed
+down their throats</i>. It could not be denied
+that they were now under a military Government. <i>He
+was only sorry that the thing had not been more honestly
+done</i>; in his opinion, it would have been better
+for all classes, for then the government would have
+taken all the responsibilities which might attend
+the sudden change they had driven the house to make,
+and find the means of conducting the affairs of the
+country into a peaceable and successful state. <i>Let
+any person look to the excitement which at present
+prevailed throughout the country, couple that with
+the speech which had been delivered by the Governor,
+and say if it was any longer practicable to carry
+one the system of apprenticeship</i>. With respect
+to the doctrine which had been broached, that the
+apprenticeship was not a part and parcel of the compact
+between the government and the planters; that they
+(the planters) did not possess an absolute but an incidental
+right to the services of their apprentices, <i>he
+confessed he was at a loss to understand it</i>,
+he was incapable of drawing so nice a distinction.
+He repeated, the government and nation had made the
+apprenticeship a part of the consideration of the abolition
+of slavery, and having placed us in a situation to
+render its continuance impracticable they were bound
+in honor and common honesty <i>to compensate us</i>
+for the two years."</p>
+
+<p>Once more, and we have done. Mr. Berry said,</p>
+
+<p>"He did not think that because the Governor
+said they were not entitled to compensation, that
+therefore they should give up the claim which they
+unquestionably had upon the British nation for further
+compensation. He would contend also, that the apprenticeship
+was one part of the consideration for the abolition
+of slavery. He had heard it remarked that the apprenticeship
+must cease, but it ought to be added that they were
+compelled--they were driven to put an end
+to it by the Government, though they were convinced
+that neither party was at this moment prepared for
+immediate abandonment. The Governor, in his opening
+speech, had told the house that from the agitation
+at home, and the corresponding agitation which at
+the present moment prevailed here, it was physically
+impossible to carry one the apprenticeship with advantage
+to masters and labourers. He would take leave to remark,
+that the apprenticeship <i>was working very well</i>--in
+some of the parishes had worked extremely well. Where
+this was not the case, it was attributable <i>to
+the improper conduct of the Special Justices</i>.
+He did not mean to reflect upon them all; there were
+some honorable exceptions, but he would say that a
+great deal of the ill-feeling which had arisen in the
+country between the masters and their apprentices,
+was to be traced to the <i>injudicious advice</i>
+and conduct of the special Justices."</p>
+
+<p>Such were the sentiments of by far the majority of
+those who spoke in the Assembly. Such, doubtless,
+were the sentiments of more than nine-tenths of the
+persons invested with the management of estates in
+Jamaica. What, then if we had heard that nine-tenths
+of the emancipated had refused to be employed? Could
+that have been counted a failure of the experiment?
+Was there any reason to believe that the planters would
+not resort to every species of oppression compatible
+with a system of wages?</p>
+
+<p>Before proceeding to the question of wages, however,
+we invite the reader to scan the temper and disposition
+of the parties of the other part, <i>viz</i>., the laboring
+population. Let us observe more carefully how <i>they</i>
+behaved at the important period of</p>
+
+<p><b>TRANSITION</b></p>
+
+<p>Two of the sturdiest advocates of slavery, the <i>Jamaica
+Standard</i> and the <i>Cornwall Courier</i>,
+speak as follows:--</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Standard</i> says--"On Tuesday evening,
+(July 31), the Wesleyan, and we believe, Baptist Chapels,
+(St. James') were opened for service--the
+former being tastefully decorated with branches of
+the palm, sage, and other trees, with a variety of
+appropriate devices, having a portrait of her Majesty
+in the center, and a crown above. When we visited the
+Chapel, about 10 o'clock, it was completely full,
+but not crowded, the generality of the audience well
+dressed; and all evidently of the better class of
+the colored and negro population. Shortly after, we
+understand, a very excellent and modern sermon, in
+all political points, was delivered by the Rev. Mr.
+Kerr, the highly respected pastor. The congregation
+was dismissed shortly after 12 o'clock; at which
+hour the church bell commenced its solemn peal, and
+a few noisy spirits welcomed in the morning of Freedom
+with loud cheers, and planted a huge branch, which
+they termed the "Tree of Liberty," in the
+center of the two roads crossing the market square."</p>
+
+<p>Again the <i>Standard</i> observes, "The
+long, and somewhat anxiously expected jubilee of Emancipation
+has arrived, and now nearly passed over, with a remarkable
+degree of quiet and circumspection. Of St. James's
+of course, we speak more particularly,--St.
+James's, hitherto the most reviled, and most
+unwarrantably calumniated parish, of all the parishes
+in this unfortunate and distracted colony!"</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Cornwall Courier</i> says, "The
+first of August, the most important day ever witnessed
+in Jamaica, has passed quietly as far as actual disturbance
+is concerned."</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Jamaica Morning Journal</i>, of whose
+recent course the planters should be the last to complain,
+gives more particular information of the transition
+in all parts of the island. We give copious extracts,
+for to dwell upon such a scene must soften the heart.
+It is good sometimes to behold the joy of mere brute
+freedom--the boundings of the noble horse
+freed from his stable and his halter--the
+glad homeward flight of the bird from its cage--but
+here was besides the rational joy of a heaven-born
+nature. Here were 300,000 souls set free; and on wings
+of gratitude flying upwards to the throne of God.
+There were the gatherings in the public squares, there
+were the fireworks, the transparencies, the trees
+of liberty and the shouts of the jubilee, but the churches
+and the schools were the chief scenes, and hymns and
+prayer the chief language of this great ovation. There
+was no giving up to drunken revelry, but a solemn
+recognition of God, even by those who had not been
+wont to worship him. His temples were never so crowded.
+His ministers never so much honored. We give the picture
+in all its parts, faithfully, and as completely as
+our information will enable us to do.</p>
+
+<p><b>August 2.</b></p>
+
+<p>"In this city, the day has passed off in the
+way in which such a day ought to pass off. With glad
+hearts and joyful lips, the people have crowded the
+temples of the living God, and poured out their praises
+and thanksgivings for the great benefits they had
+received at the hands of a beneficent Providence.
+That they will continue to deport themselves as dutiful
+subjects, and good men and women, we have no doubt.
+From the country we wait with anxious hopes to hear
+that everything has gone off with the same peace,
+and quiet, and order, and regularity which have prevailed
+here, and especially that the people have returned
+to their labor, and are giving general satisfaction."</p>
+
+<p>From the same.</p>
+
+<p>Among the various ways of interesting the minds of
+our newly enfranchised peasantry on the 1st of August,
+was that of planting a Palm tree emblematical of liberty,
+and commemorative of its commencement in this island.
+Both in Kingston and in Liguanca, we understand, this
+ceremony was performed by the schools and congregations
+of the "London Missionary Society." The
+following hymn, composed by Mr. Wooldridge, for the
+purpose, and committed to memory by many of the children,
+who were treated with cakes and lemonade.</p>
+
+<p>Appropriate sermons were preached, both morning and
+evening, by the Rev. Messrs. Woodbridge and Ingraham,
+and in the evening a Temperance Society was formed
+for the district of Liguanca, when several signed the
+pledge.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>The thorny bush we'll
+clear away<br>
+The emblem of old slavery--<br>
+Let every fibre of it die,<br>
+And all its vices cease to be.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Let indolence, deceit, and theft,<br>
+Be of their nourishment bereft,<br>
+Let cruel wrong now disappear,<br>
+And decent order crown each year.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>PROCEEDINGS AT TRELAWNEY.--A correspondent
+in Trelawney writes. The first of August was observed
+by the people so decently and devoutly, and with such
+manifestations of subdued, yet grateful feeling, that
+they appeared more like a select class of Christians
+celebrating some holy day of their church, than a
+race but recently converted from idolatry, and who
+were just emerging from the <i>pollutions</i> and degradation
+of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>TREAT TO THE CHILDREN.--The most interesting
+and truly exciting scene of all in Trelawny, was the
+spectacle of some hundreds of happy children dining.
+This feast for them, and for all who had hearts that
+could sympathise with the happiness of others, was
+provided by the Rev. Mr. Knibb. Similar scenes were
+enacted in the rural districts. The Rev. Mr. Blyth
+had, I believe, a meeting of his scholars, and a treat
+provided for them. The Rev. Mr. Anderson had a large
+assemblage of his scholars at the school-house, who
+were regaled with meat, bread, and beverage, and also
+a large meeting of the adult members of his Church,
+to every one of whom, who could, or was attempting
+to learn to read, he gave a book.--[HE GAVE
+A BOOK.]</p>
+
+<p>AT ST. ELIZABETH.--At the hour of 10, A.M.,
+there was about 3000 persons assembled at Crosmond,
+when the clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Hylton, proposed
+an adjournment from the Chapel to the shade of some
+wide-spreading trees in the common pasture, whither
+the happy multitude immediately adjourned. The morning
+service of the church having ended, the Rev. Gentleman
+preached a most impressive sermon from the 4th chapter
+of Zech. 6th verse--"Not by might,
+nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of
+Hosts"--In his application, he took
+a brief review of the history of the island--the
+conquest by the Spanish--the extermination
+by the Indians--and the consequent introduction
+of the negroes from Africa. He then adverted to the
+several insurrections that had taken place during
+the period since the conquest by the British, to the
+last general rebellion in 1832, in which both himself
+and many present were deeply interested. Having shown
+that all these insurrections had been suppressed,
+and had come to nought, he proceeded to point out how
+through Divine providence Mr. Wilberforce was raised
+up to advocate the cause of the oppressed African,
+and since that period, step by step, various privileges
+had been quietly conceded to the colored race, until
+the final consummation by the Legislature, in abolishing
+the last vestiges of slavery on the 1st of August,
+1838.</p>
+
+<p>The Rev. Gentleman's honorable mention of Mr.
+Wilberforce appeared to be deeply felt and acknowledged
+by all around. After the service was concluded, the
+assembled multitude gave three hearty cheers for Queen
+Victoria, and three for Lord Mulgrave, the first <i>free
+Governor</i> that ever came to Jamaica.</p>
+
+<p>A more decent, orderly, and well-behaved assemblage
+could not be seen in any part of the world. The people
+have indeed proved themselves worthy of the "<i>great
+boon</i>" conferred upon them.</p>
+
+<p>AT PORT MARIA.--The first of August passed
+off happily and peaceably. The people felt deeply
+the great blessing that had been conferred on them,
+and behaved uncommonly well. All the places of worship
+were crowded; indeed, thrice the number would not
+have contained those who attended, and many of whom
+could not be accommodated.</p>
+
+<p>From the Cornwall Chronicle of Aug. 4.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could give a fairer and fuller confidence
+in the character of the negroes than their conduct
+on so joyous and trying an occasion, as what they
+have exhibited during the brief period of their political
+regeneration. It may be considered as an earnest of
+their future peaceable demeanor; the disbelief of
+the sceptic will thus be put to the blush, and the
+apprehensions of the timid allayed. The first of August
+has passed, and with it the conduct of the people has
+been such as to convince the most jealous, as well
+as the most sanguine of the evil prognosticators,
+that they are a good and trust-worthy people. There
+is no doubt but that this day will be held for ever
+as a sacred anniversary--a new Pentecost--upon
+which they will render thanks for the quiet "possession
+of their Canaan"--free from all political
+<i>oppressions</i>, and that they can suffer only from
+the acts of their own indiscretion. If ever they were
+placed in a favorable situation which they could improve,
+it could not have been equal to the present.--The
+exercise of moderation, however, is now most required,
+and will be greatly appreciated to themselves at a
+future time.</p>
+
+<p>CUMBERLAND PEN., ST. CATHERINE.--The conduct
+of the people in this district generally, is such
+as to entitle them to the highest commendation. Well
+knowing the inconvenience to which their masters'
+customers would be otherwise reduced from a want of
+food for their horses and cattle, they voluntarily
+went out to work on the second day, and in some instances
+on the following, and supplied the usual demand of
+the market, presenting their labor thus voluntarily
+given as a free-will offering to their employers.
+Comment on such conduct world be superfluous. The
+late apprentices of Jamaica have hitherto acquired
+honors,</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>Above all Greek,<br>
+Above all Roman fame.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>So far as they are concerned, the highest expectations
+of their friends have been more than realized. Let
+the higher classes universally but exhibit the same
+dispositions and conduct, and the peace and prosperity
+of Jamaica are for ever secured.</p>
+
+<p>Morning Journal of August 4.</p>
+
+<p><b>SAINT THOMAS IN THE EAST.</b></p>
+
+<p>Up to the moment when the post left Morant Bay, the
+utmost tranquillity prevailed. In fact, from the quiet
+of the day and the circumstance of droves of well-dressed
+persons going to and from the Church and Chapels,
+I was occasionally deluded, says a correspondent, into
+the belief of the day being Sunday. The parish Church
+was crowded, and the Rector delivered a very able
+and appropriate address. The Methodist and Independent
+Chapels were also filled. At both places suitable sermons
+were preached. At the latter, the resident minister
+provided an ample second breakfast, which was faithfully
+discussed under the shade of a large tent purposely
+erected for the occasion. The Rev. Mr. Atkins, Wesleyan
+Minister, has proceeded from this place to lay the
+foundation stone of a chapel this afternoon, (1st
+August) at Port Morant, in which important service
+he will be assisted by Thomas Thomson, Esq., Church
+warden, and Alexander Barclay, Esq., Member for the
+parish. It is expected that many thousand spectators
+will be present at the interesting ceremony. From
+all I have been able to learn the changes among the
+labourers on the estates in this quarter, will be very
+limited, these people being apparently satisfied with
+the arrangement for their continued domicile on the
+respective properties.</p>
+
+<p>Another correspondent writes--"we
+are very quiet here. The day has arrived and nearly
+passed off, and thank God the predictions of the alarmists
+are not fulfilled. The Chapels were quite full with
+a great many persons in the yards. The Independents
+are just sitting down to a feast. The Rector delivered
+a sermon or rather a string of advices and opinions
+to the labouring population, the most intolerant I
+have heard for a long time. This parish will, I am
+quite certain, enjoy in peace and quietness this happy
+jubilee."</p>
+
+<p><b>MANCHESTER.</b></p>
+
+<p>We learn from this parish that the Churches and Chapels
+were crowded many hours before the usual time for
+beginning service. Several thousand persons remained
+outside the respective places, which were much too
+small to afford the accommodation. Every thing was
+quiet and orderly when the post left.</p>
+
+<p>Says the Jamaica Gazette of Aug. 4th, a paper of the
+Old School--"In spite of all the endeavours
+of a <i>clique</i> of self-interested agitators,
+clerical humbug and radical rabble, to excite the bad
+passions of the sable populace against those who have
+been the true friends of Colonial freedom, and the
+conservators of the public peace and prosperity of
+the country, the bonfire, bull-roast, and malignant
+effigy exhibited to rouse the rancor of the savage,
+failed to produce the effect anticipated by the projectors
+of the <i>Saturnalia</i>, and the negro multitude
+fully satisfied with the boon so generously conceded
+by the Island Legislature, were in no humor to wreak
+their wrath on individual benefactors, whom the envy
+of party spirit had marked out as the victims of truth
+and independence.</p>
+
+<p>We are happy to give our meed of praise to the decent
+and orderly conduct of the sable multitude, and to
+record that it far excelled the <i>Loco</i> <i>Foco</i>
+group of bullies and boasters in decency of propriety
+of demeanor. A kind of spree or scuffle took place
+between donkey-driver Quallo and another. We don't
+know if they came to close fisti-cuffs, but it was,
+we are assured, the most serious affray on the Course."</p>
+
+<p>The following is the testimony borne in regard to
+Barbados.</p>
+
+<p><i>From the Barbados Liberal, Aug. 4th.</i></p>
+
+<p><b>FIRST OF AUGUST.</b></p>
+
+<p>"It gives us great pleasure to state that, so
+far as our information from the country extends, this
+day was observed in a manner highly creditable to
+our brethren. We never ourselves anticipated any riotings
+or disorder on the part of the emancipated. A little
+exhilaration begetting a shout or two, would not have
+surprised us; but even this, we are happy to say,
+made no part of their manifestation of joy. The day
+was spent in quiet piety! In heartfelt, soul overflowing
+gratitude to their heavenly Father, whose divine agency
+had raised up friends in their necessity, and brought
+their great tribulation to an end, they crowded at
+an early hour to the several churches and chapels,
+in which their numbers could scarcely find turning
+room, and then quietly and devoutly poured forth their
+souls in prayer and praise and thanksgiving! No revellings,
+no riotings, no drunkenness, desecrated this day. We
+have heard from five parishes, and in none of the
+five have we heard of a single convivial meeting.
+From church and chapel they went to their homes, and
+eat their first free dinner with their families, putting
+to shame the intolerant prejudices which had prepared
+powder and balls, and held the Riot Act in readiness
+to correct their insubordinate notions of liberty!"</p>
+
+<p>From the New Haven, <i>Ct</i>., Herald.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>"Barbados, Aug. 2, 1838</i></p></blockquote>
+<blockquote><p>Yesterday's sun rose upon eight
+hundred thousand freemen, on whom and their ancestors
+the badge of slavery had rested for two hundred years.
+It was a solemn, delightful, most memorable day. I
+look upon it as a matter of exceeding thankfulness,
+that I have been permitted to be a witness to
+it, and to be able to speak from experience and from
+observation, of the happiness to which that day has
+given birth. The day had previously been set apart
+by proclamation of the Governor, "as a day
+of devout thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God
+for the happy termination of slavery." The thanksgiving
+and praise were most truly sincere, heartfelt
+and general. It was an emancipation not merely
+of the slave but of the proprietor. It was felt
+as such; openly acknowledged and rejoiced in as such.
+Never have I witnessed more apparently unfeigned
+expressions of satisfaction than were made on
+that day by the former owners of slaves, at the
+load of which they had been relieved.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I do not wish to be understood as asserting
+that previous to the working of emancipation,
+the slave proprietors wished the abolition of
+slavery. Far from it. But having, though unwillingly,
+been made witnesses of the operations of freedom;
+and having themselves tasted of the previously
+unknown satisfaction of employing voluntary and contented,
+because <i>free</i> laborers; their minds became
+enlightened, softened, changed: and from being
+the determined opposers, they became themselves
+the <i>authors</i> of complete emancipation. I
+know not in what terms to describe to you the
+emotions excited by passing through the streets
+of this populous town on that memorable morning. There
+was a stillness and solemnity that might be felt. It
+was caused by no display of force, for none was
+to be seen. Here and there a policeman going his
+usual rounds, but not a soldier, nor the slightest
+warlike preparation of any kind to strike the eye,
+or overawe the spirit of disorder.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The spirit that seemed to fill the entire
+population was eminently the spirit of peace,
+good will, thankfulness and joy too deep, too solemn,
+to allow of any loud or noisy demonstration of it.
+Of course, all stores, shops and offices of every
+kind were closed. So also were all places of amusement.
+No sound of revelry, no evidences of nightly excess
+were to be heard or seen. I do not say too much when
+I assert that the reign of order, peace, and sobriety,
+was complete.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>To give eclat to an event of such importance,
+the Governor had ordered one company of militia
+to attend with him at the cathedral. It is an
+immense building, and was crowded in every part of
+its spacious area, galleries and aisles, with
+a most attentive assemblage of people, of all
+colors and conditions. Several clergymen officiated,
+and one of them at the opening of the services read
+most appropriately the 58th chapter of Isaiah. Imagine
+for a moment the effect in such an audience, on
+such an occasion, where were many hundreds of
+emancipated slaves, of words like these:--"Is
+not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose
+the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens,
+and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye
+break every yoke?" The sermon by the Bishop was,
+as might have been expected on such an occasion,
+interesting and impressive. He spoke with great
+effect of the unexpected progress of freedom,
+from island to island, from colony to colony, until,
+with a solitary exception, upon that day the stain
+of slavery was obliterated forever from every
+British possession. The progress of education,
+the gradual reformation of morals, and the increasing
+thirst for religious instruction, were all dwelt
+upon with great force, and the glory of all ascribed,
+as was most fit, to the Great Giver of every good
+and perfect gift. It was an occasion rich with happy
+emotions, and long to be remembered as a bright and
+beautiful spot in the pathway of our earthly pilgrimage.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The close of the day was not less auspicious
+than its commencement. In company with Mrs. H.,
+I drove through several of the principal streets,
+and thence through the most public thoroughfare into
+the country; and no where could aught be seen
+to mar the decent and truly impressive solemnity
+of the day. There were no dances, no merry-making
+of any sort; not a solitary drunkard, not a gun fired,
+nor even was a shout heard to welcome in the newborn
+liberty. The only groups we saw were going to
+or returning from the different chapels and churches:
+except in a few instances, where families might
+be seen reading or singing hymns at their own dwellings.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>And now, sir, having arrived at the
+long looked for consummation of all the labors
+and prayers of the friends of the slave for so many
+years, as I cast my eye around this <i>land of
+liberty</i>, how many thoughts crowd my mind?
+I ask myself--is it indeed finished? And
+are there none to lament the downfall of time-honored,
+hoary-headed slavery? Where are the mourners?
+Where are the prognosticators of ruin, desolation,
+and woe? Where are the riots and disorders, the bloodshed
+and the burnings? The prophets and their prophecies
+are alike empty, vain, and unfounded, and are
+alike buried in oblivion.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>And why, in the name of humanity, was
+not this glorious consummation brought about ages
+ago?--Is it because the slaves of 1838 are
+better fitted for freedom than those of fifty
+or a hundred years since? No one believes it.
+The only preparation for freedom required in this
+island, or any where else, in order to put a peaceful
+end to slavery, is the preparation of heart in
+the slaveholder to grant deliverance to the captive.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Yours truly,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>WM. R. HAYES</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>P.S. August 9th.--All
+is quiet, and the utmost good order every
+where prevails."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>To complete the picture we will give two extracts
+of letters from eminent Jamaica Attornies to their
+employers in England, with regard to the turning out
+to work. It is remarked by the English papers that
+the Attornies generally in writing to their employers
+adopt the same strain. They are all doing well on
+<i>their</i> estates, but hear that the rest of
+the island is in a woful condition.--These
+are the men who are the greatest, if not the only,
+losers by emancipation; hence their testimony is doubly
+valuable.</p>
+
+<p>From the British Emancipator, Nov. 14.</p>
+
+<p>LETTERS FROM ATTORNIES.</p>
+
+<p><i>Extract of a Letter from an eminent Estate Attorney,
+in St. Mary's, Jamaica, dated August</i>
+24, 1838.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"There was nothing whatever done
+in this parish, or throughout the island, for
+the first two weeks of the month. In this quarter some
+estates did a little last week, and have been making
+more progress since, but the far greater number
+have not yet done any work; the minds of the people
+are very unsettled, and full of all sorts of foolish
+notions, which will continue more or less till we hear
+of the home government having accepted and approved
+of our abolition bill, and their views with regard
+to us.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>On several of the estates which have
+wrought, the people have struck once or twice.
+We have in this parish ministers of every denomination,
+and they are all acting very properly; but they do
+not seem to have as much influence as expected;
+we must <i>be as considerate and liberal as
+possible to secure their confidence</i> ourselves.
+We are in St. Mary's paying the highest rate
+of wages in the island; 1s. 8d. currency per day
+nett, with allowances, are generally offered;
+I am giving here, from sheer necessity, 2s. 6d. currency
+per day, without charging any rent in the mean time.
+In the present state of things when so few estates
+are doing anything at all, I have much satisfaction
+in saying that the people here, on ----,
+a good proportion of them were at work last week, and
+I have now the mill about making sugar, with every
+probability, I think of going on satisfactorily;
+and looking dispassionately at the great change
+which has so suddenly taken place, our present difficulties
+are not much to be wondered at.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Sunday night, 8th Sept.--The
+foregoing was written, but too late, for the last
+packet; but as another sails to-morrow, I write you
+a few lines more. There is, up to this moment,
+but little material alteration in the state of
+affairs generally, certainly none for the worse.
+I have made here twenty hogsheads of sugar since the
+1st ult. We are altogether in an uncertain state,
+but there are more mills about, and more work
+doing <i>in this district than in any other in the
+island</i>, which might and ought to be a feather
+in the cap of Maitter, our late stipe. I have
+no time to say more now, excepting that, although
+I am in great hopes that things will soon generally
+improve, and am of opinion that our present difficulties
+are not to be wondered at, yet our situation is
+still so critical, that I dare not venture to
+hazard an opinion as to the success of the great experiment,
+I repeat, however, again, that we have not seen anything
+to disappoint or surprise us, bad as many things
+are."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><i>Extract of a Letter from an Attorney in St. Mary's,
+Jamaica, 24th August</i>, 1838</p>
+
+<p>"The services of the stipes are much wanting
+here; I am paying 10s. a week for first class, 6s.
+8d. for second, and 4s. 2d. for third, for five days
+work; they say they will not work on Fridays. However,
+I have got people at ---- to work
+today; they are behaving better than most others.
+I hope things will now improve; and it is my opinion
+that good estates will do, and others will fall to
+the ground. Old Mr. Tytte is dead, and his son Alexander
+made stipe for the district. The Governor's
+speech respecting women has done a great deal of harm.
+None of the women want to work. If Lord Glenelg had
+made such a mistake, he would have heard enough of
+it. I wish the Government would take it on themselves
+to settle the rate of wages, otherwise two-thirds
+of the estates will be thrown up before next year;
+of course I can stand this as well as any. The ----
+people have behaved well: they did every thing I told
+them; they are working on piece-work, which is the
+best plan."</p>
+
+<p>Precisely similar is the testimony of private correspondents
+and of the public press so far as we have been able
+to learn, in all the other colonies where emancipation
+has taken place. There is certainly nothing in all
+this that indicates a disposition on the part of the
+emancipated to throw off the employment of their former
+masters, but much the reverse. We may safely challenge
+contradiction to the assertion, that at the expiration
+of the jubilee there were not a set of free laborers
+on earth from whom the West India planters could have
+got more work for the same money. It may be proper
+in these days, when the maxims of slavery have so
+fearfully overshadowed the rights of man, to say that
+a man has a <i>right</i> to forbear laboring
+when he can live honestly without it--or,
+at all events, he has a right to choose whether he
+will employ himself or be employed by another. Hence
+it <i>may</i> turn out that the refusal to labor,
+so far as there has been any, only serves to prove
+the more clearly the fitness of the laborers of freedom.</p>
+
+<p><b>WAGES</b></p>
+
+<p>It must have been obvious to every man of reflection
+that in a change so vast, involving so many laborers,
+and in circumstances so various, there would arise
+almost infinite disputes about the rate of wages. The
+colonies differ widely as to the real value of labor.
+Some have a rich, unexhausted, and, perhaps, inexhaustible
+soil, and a scanty supply of laborers. Others are
+more populous and less fertile. The former would of
+course offer higher wages than the latter, for so sudden
+was the step there could be no common understanding
+on the point. Again, as we have seen, the planters
+came into the measure with different views. Some anticipated
+the general change, and either from motives of humanity
+or policy, or more probably of both, adopted a course
+calculated to gain the gratitude and good will of
+the laborer.--These would offer wages which
+the less liberal would call ruinous. Many, and it would
+seem the great body of them in Jamaica, yielded unwillingly
+to superior power. They saw the sceptre of despotic
+authority was to be wrested from their grasp. They
+threw it down, as one may easily believe, resolved
+to seize the best substitute they could. They would
+infallibly fall upon the plan of getting the greatest
+possible amount of work for the least possible amount
+of pay. When we consider that even in the oldest, most
+civilized, and most Christianized free-labor communities,
+employers are wont to combine to keep down the rate
+of wages, while on the other hand the laborers throw
+up work to raise it, we shall not be surprised that
+there should be things of this sort in Jamaica, liberty
+being in the gristle. The only help for such an evil
+is, that there is always a rate of wages which is
+advantageous to both parties, and things being left
+to themselves, it will at last be found.</p>
+
+<p>To the planters and freed-men in settling the question
+what wages they should offer and receive, two standards
+or guides presented themselves,--1. The
+rate of wages which had been given in Antigua since
+1834. 2. The compensation that had been demanded by
+the Jamaica planters themselves, and adjudged by the
+magistrates, in case of apprentices buying their own
+time. Hundreds of planters had declared upon oath what
+the time of the apprentice was worth to them. Possibly
+as sellers, in the elasticity of their consciences,
+they may have set a higher price than they would be
+willing to give as buyers. In strict honesty, however,
+it is difficult to see why labor should not be worth
+to them as much in the one case as the other. The
+rate of wages fixed upon in Antigua may be seen by
+a reference to the Journal of Thome and Kimball to
+be very inadequate to the wants of the laborer. Free
+labor is there screwed down to the lowest possible
+point. The wonder is that the laborers should have
+submitted to such a scale for a moment. But they had
+no precedent to guide them, no advisers free from the
+yoke of the proprietary, no valuations given by their
+own masters, and there was every facility for successful
+combination on the part of the masters. They must
+work for such wages as the masters pleased to offer,
+or starve.</p>
+
+<p>Say Messrs. Thome and Kimball--"<i>By
+a general understanding among the planters</i>,
+the rate is at present fixed at a <i>shilling</i>
+per day, or a little more than fifty cents per week,
+counting five working days." This Antigua scale,
+and not the one they themselves had sold labor by during
+the apprenticeship, became at once the favorite with
+a great part of the Jamaica and Barbados planters.
+If they in any cases offered higher wages, they made
+it up by charging higher rent for the houses and grounds,
+which the negroes had built and brought under culture
+on their properties. It was before the first of August
+that this procedure was resolved upon by the planters,
+as we gather from numerous communications in the papers
+recommending a variety of modes of getting labor for
+less than its natural market value. We select a single
+one of these as a specimen, by the application to
+which of a little arithmetic, it will be perceived
+that the employer would <i>bring the laborer in debt</i>
+to him at the end of the year, though not a moment
+should be lost by sickness or other casualty. The
+humanity of the document is perfectly of a piece with
+that of the system which would civilize mankind by
+making merchandize of them.</p>
+
+<p>To the Editor of the Morning journal.</p>
+
+<p>SIR,--Let meetings be held, not only in
+every parish, but in every district of a parish, and
+let all land-owners, &amp;c., agree not to rent land under
+&pound;8[<a name="AE2_FR45"></a><a href="#AE2_FN45">A</a>] per acre, and not to sell it for less than double
+that sum. Should a few be found regardless of the
+<i>general weal</i>, let the proprietary, &amp;c.
+join and purchase such lands, and if otherwise, it
+is presumed the dissentients to the measure would
+be so small as not to affect in any material degree
+the <i>general</i> interest, inasmuch as those
+who dissented, from the consequent scarcity of land
+arising from the measure, would demand a high rental
+for their land. The <i>maximum</i> system appears
+to be preferable to the <i>minimum</i>. I have
+therefore made choice of it as a stimulus to the laborers
+to work <i>at least</i> four days or thirty-six
+hours in the week to pay for their rent, &amp;c. &amp;c., <i>or
+pay 2s. 1d. for every day's absence</i>;
+or, if sick, pay up the labor by working on the Friday,
+&amp;c., <i>and Saturday, if needful</i>. Weekly settlements
+with both parties, or <i>immediate summary ejectment</i>,
+if deemed necessary.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN45"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR45">A</a>: The sums are in the currency of the islands
+when not otherwise specified, that is 7s 6d to the
+dollar.]</p>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+<TABLE summary="costs" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+&pound;
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>s.</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>d.</i>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Rent of 2 acres of land as a ground for each able adult, at &pound;5 per acre
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+10
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Do. of house and garden, from &pound;4 to &pound;10 per annum, say
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+6
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>Medical attendance, medicine, &amp;c. &amp;c., worth &pound;4 per annum</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Clothing and Christmas allowance per annum
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+13
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+21
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+13
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Four days' or 36 hours' labor in each week, at 2s. 1d. per day, or 208 days, at 2s. 1d.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+21
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+13
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+If task-work were adopted, or the day's labor prolonged to 10-1/2
+or 12 hours' labor, 3 days' or 3-1/2 days' labor
+<i>would suffice</i>, consequently, the laborer would have 2 or 3
+days in each week to work for extra wages.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+21
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+13
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+In addition to the above, say pasturage
+for a horse, at 4s. 2d. per week per annum
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+10
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+16
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+8
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Pasturage for an ass, at 2s. 1d. per week per annum
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+5
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+6
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>Run of pasturage and fruit, for a sow, barrow, or sholt</i>; IF RUNG IN THE
+NOSE, 10<i>d. per week</i>;
+IF NOT RUNG, 1<i>s.</i> 8<i>d. per week; per
+annum, at 10d. per week</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+The above charges for pasturage might be paid for
+either <i>by additional labor</i> or in money,
+and to a good head-man they might be granted as a
+gratuity, and perhaps an additional acre of land allowed
+him to cultivate. It would be desirable that the negroes
+should, when quite free, work 11 hours per day in
+the short days, and 12 hours in the longer ones. I
+believe the shortest day's labor in England in
+the winter months in 10 hours' actual labor,
+and 12 hours' in the summer, for which 2 hours
+they are paid extra wages.</p>
+
+<p><i>St. Mary's, 8th June, 1838</i>. S.R.</p>
+
+<p>The date should not escape notice. By this plan, for
+a few petty indulgences, <i>all of which were professedly
+granted in the time of slavery itself</i>, the
+master could get the entire labor of the negro, and
+<i>seven or eight pounds per annum besides</i>!
+Some may be disposed to regard this as a mere joke,
+but we can assure them it was a serious proposal,
+and not more monstrous than many things that the planters
+are now attempting to put in practice. The idea of
+actually paying money wages was horrifying and intolerable
+to many of the planters; they seem to have exercised
+their utmost ingenuity to provide against so dreadful
+a result. One who signed himself an "Old Planter"
+in the <i>Despatch</i>, before the abolition
+of the apprenticeship, in view of the emancipation
+of the non-praedials which was to take place on the
+first of August, gravely wrote as follows:--</p>
+
+<p>"It is my intention, therefore, when the period
+arrives for any arrangement with them, to offer them
+in return for such services, <i>the same time as
+the praedials now have</i>, with of course the same
+allowances generally, putting out of the question,
+however, any relaxation from labor during the day,
+usually allowed field laborers, and understood as
+shell-blow--house people being considered
+at all times capable of enjoying that indulgence at
+their pleasure, besides the impossibility of their
+master submitting to such an inconvenience.--This
+appears to me to be the only mode of arrangement that
+would be feasible, unless we resort to money wages,
+and I should regret to find that such a precedent was
+established in this instance, for it would only be
+a forerunner to similar demands at the coming period,
+when the praedials became free."</p>
+
+<p>There were more reasons than one why "money
+wages" were feared by the Jamaica planters.
+A great many estates are managed by attorneys for
+absentee proprietors. These gentlemen pocket certain
+commissions, for which reason they keep in cultivation
+estates which cannot possibly yield a profit under
+a system of paid labor. They deem it for their interest
+to retain their occupation even at the expense of their
+employers. Not a few conceive it for their interest
+to depreciate the value of property that they may
+purchase low, hence they deem it good policy to refuse
+wages, let the crops perish, and get up a panic. The
+documents we shall furnish will be clear on these points.
+The great diversity of practice in the planters in
+regard to wages, as well as the reasonable disposition
+of the laborers, is shown by the following paragraphs
+culled from the <i>Morning Journal</i> of August
+10:--</p>
+
+<p>"ST. DAVIDS.--A gentleman in the management
+of a property in this parish, writes in the following
+strain to his employer--"I have an
+accession of strength this morning. The people are
+civil and industrious. I have received letters assuring
+me that the example of the Cocoa Walt estate people,
+has been the means of inducing those on other estates
+to enter into the terms proposed"--that
+is 5s. per week, with houses, grounds, medicines,
+&amp;c, &amp;c."</p>
+
+<p>"St. Thomas in the East.--The apprentices
+on Golden Grove Estate, turned out to work on Monday,
+but we have not learnt on what terms. At Mount Vernon,
+the property of Kenneth McPherson Esq., they turned
+out on Tuesday morning to work for five days in the
+week, at 10d. per day with houses, grounds, &amp;c."</p>
+
+<p>"Trelawny--A correspondent writes,
+every thing is quiet, and the people would go to work
+if any bargains were made, but I believe throughout
+the parish the people were directed to go to work
+on Monday morning, without any previous arrangement,
+or being even told how much they would be paid, or
+asked what they expected. On one estate 1s. 8d. with
+houses and grounds was offered and refused. Some of
+the masters are determined, it is said, to hold out,
+and will not consent to give more than 1s. 3d. or
+1s. 8d. per day."</p>
+
+<p>"St. Johns.--The people in this parish
+are at work on most of the estates without any agreement.
+They refuse the offer of 1s. 01-2d. per day, but continue
+to labor, relying on the honor and liberality of the
+planters for fair and reasonable pay. If they do not
+get these in two weeks, our correspondent writes,
+there will be a dead stop. The laborers fix the quantity
+of work to be done in a day, agreeable to the scale
+of labor approved of by the Governor during the apprenticeship.
+For any thing beyond that, they demand extra pay,
+as was usual under that system."</p>
+
+<p>"St. Thomas in the Vale--No work,
+we understand, is being done in this parish as yet.
+A correspondent states that some of the overseers and
+attorneys wish the people to turn out to work without
+entering into any arrangements, which they refuse
+to do. The attorney for Rose Hall, Knollis, New Works,
+and Wallace Estates has offered 1s. 3d. per day, out
+of which &pound;5 per annum is to be deducted for houses
+and grounds. The offer has been refused. The overseer
+of Byndloss estate required his people to work without
+agreeing as to the rate of wages they were to receive,
+but they refused to do any thing without a proper agreement."</p>
+
+<p>"St. Mary's--On some estates
+in this parish we are informed, and particularly those
+under the charge of Richard Lewis, Esq. such as Ballard's
+Valley, Timperon's estates, Ellis' estates,
+&amp;c. and of Charles Stewart, Esq. Trinity, Royal, Roslin
+Bremer Hall, &amp;c., and also of James Geddes, Esq.,
+the laborers are getting from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 4d. per
+day. The same rates are paid upon many outer properties.
+On many estates the people have refused to labor,
+and urge objections against the managers, as a reason
+for so acting. They remain and will engage to labor,
+provided the obnoxious parties are removed."</p>
+
+<p>How could the people be blamed for refusing 10d. per
+day, while on "many properties" they were
+getting from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 4d.? Such being also the
+valuation which the masters had uniformly placed upon
+their time during the apprenticeship?</p>
+
+<p>When the planters found that the free laborers could
+neither be prevailed upon to labor for half-price
+nor be driven to excesses by such paltry persecution,
+they turned their wrath, as had been long their custom,
+upon the Baptist Missionaries. Upon Mr. Knibb especially
+they laid the blame of giving mischievous advice to
+the peasantry. And for the obvious purpose of exciting
+the thousands of people warmly devoted to him, to
+acts of violence, they attempted to burn him in effigy
+and actually circulated the report that he had been
+murdered. Thousands of his people flocked into Spanish
+Town, threatening to destroy the town if the report
+proved true. But on learning its falsity were easily
+persuaded to retire, and did so without being guilty
+of any excess whatever. Unmeasured and unceasing have
+been the attacks of the Jamaica press upon the missionaries.
+Upon their shoulders has been laid "the ruin
+of that fine island."--They have corrupted
+the peasantry and put it in their heads to ask more
+wages than the estate can possibly give. To determine
+the value of the testimony of the missionaries in this
+case it is important to know the nature of their influence
+upon the laborers touching the question of wages.
+We are happily furnished with the required information
+from their own lips and pens in the Jamaica papers.</p>
+
+<p><i>From the Falmouth Post.</i></p>
+
+<p>REV. W. KNIBB'S ADVICE TO THE NEGROES.</p>
+
+<p>MEETING AT THE "SUFFIELD SCHOOL-ROOM."</p>
+
+<p>On Friday evening last we attended the suffield School-room,
+in this town, which, at an early hour was crowded
+with apprentices and head people, from upwards of
+twenty properties, who had met for the purpose of
+receiving advice from the Rev. Wm. Knibb, and Special
+Justice Lyon, respecting the course of conduct it
+will be necessary for them to adopt, on taking their
+stand in society as freemen. Several gentlemen connected
+with the commercial and agricultural interests of the
+parish were present on the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>The Rev. W. Knibb commenced by saying, that he attended
+a meeting of a similar nature at Wilberforce Chapel,
+on the preceding evening. He had thought it better
+to request the attendance this evening of the head
+people, who being the more intelligent would be able
+to explain to others, the advice which they would
+now receive themselves. "I am glad," said
+the Rev. Gentleman, "to see so many persons present,
+among whom I notice a few gentlemen who are not connected
+with my church: I am glad of the attendance of these
+gentlemen, for what I do, I do openly, and any one
+is at liberty to express his opinion at this meeting
+if he desires to do so.</p>
+
+<p>You will shortly, my friends, be released from your
+present state of bondage; in the course of a very
+few weeks you will receive the boon of freedom, and
+I would therefore impress deeply on your minds the
+necessity of your continuing the cultivation of the
+soil on the receipt of fair and equitable wages. I
+am not aware myself of any complete scale of wages
+having been drawn up, but I have been on 10 or 12 different
+properties, I have conversed with several proprietors,
+and I am glad to say that with some of them there
+appears to be a disposition to meet the charge fairly
+and honorably. Those who are more conversant with figures
+than I am, will be enabled to show what the owner can
+afford to give for the cultivation of his property.
+In the mean time I would say to you, do not make any
+hasty bargain: take time and consider the subject,
+for it is one of vital interest and importance to
+all! If you demand too high a rate of wages, the proprietors
+will be ruined; if you consent to take too low a sum,
+you will not be able to provide for the wants of yourselves
+and families. In making your arrangement, if there
+be an attempt to grind you down, resist the attempt
+by all legal means; for you must consider that you
+are not acting for yourselves alone, but for posterity.
+I desire to see every vestige of slavery completely
+rooted out. You must work for money; you must pay
+money to your employers for all you receive at their
+hands: a fair scale of wages must be established,
+and you must be entirely independent of any one. If
+you continue to receive those allowances which have
+been given during slavery and apprenticeship, it will
+go abroad that you are not able to take care of yourselves;
+that your employers are obliged to provide you with
+these allowances to keep you from starvation; in such
+a case you will be nothing more than slaves.--To
+be free, you must be independent; you must receive
+money for your work; come to market with money; purchase
+from whom you please, and be accountable to no one
+but that Being above, who I hope will watch over and
+protect you!--I sincerely trust that proper
+arrangements will be made before the 1st of August.--I
+have spoken to nearly four thousand persons connected
+with my church, and I have not yet learnt that there
+is any disposition among them to leave their present
+employers, provided they receive equitable wages.
+Your employer will expect from you good crops of sugar
+and rum; and while you labour to give him these, he
+must pay you such wages as will enable you to provide
+yourselves with wholesome food, good clothing, comfortable
+houses, and every other necessity of life. Your wages
+must be such as to enable you to do this; to contribute
+to the support of your church; the relief of the distressed;
+the education of your children, and to put by something
+for sickness and old age. I hail the coming of the
+1st August with feelings of joy and gratitude. Oh,
+it will be a blessed day; a day which gives liberty
+to all; and my friends, I hope that the liberty which
+it will bring to you will by duly appreciated. I trust
+I may live to see the black man in the full enjoyment
+of every privilege with his white brethren, and that
+you may all so conduct yourselves as to give the lie
+direct to those who have affirmed that the only idea
+you have of liberty is that it will enable you to
+indulge in idle habits and licentious pursuits. When
+liberty casts her benignant smiles on this beautiful
+island, I trust that the employer and the laborer
+will endeavour to live on terms of friendship and
+good will with one another.--When the labourer
+receives a proper remuneration for his services--when
+the employer contemplates the luxuriance of his well-cultivated
+fields, may they both return thanks to a merciful
+God, for permitting the sun of liberty to shine with
+bright effulgence! I need scarcely assure you, my
+friends, that I will be at all times ready to protect
+your rights. I care not about the abuse with which
+I may probably be assailed; I am ready to meet all
+the obloquy and scorn of those who have been accustomed
+to place the most unfavourable constructions on my
+actions. I am willing to meet the proprietors in a
+spirit of candour and conciliation. I desire to see
+you fairly compensated for your labor; I desire also
+to you performing your work with cheerful industry:
+but I would warn you <i>not to be too hasty in entering
+into contracts</i>. Think seriously before you act,
+and remember, as I have already old you, that you
+have now to act not only for yourselves, but for posterity."</p>
+
+<p>We give numerous documents from these gentlemen, as
+among the best if not the greatest part of our fellow
+citizens; we trust their testimony will be deemed
+the best that could be offered.</p>
+
+<p><b>LETTER OF EIGHT BAPTIST MISSIONARIES.</b></p>
+
+<p><i>To the Right Hon. Lord</i> GLENELG, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>My Lord--We feel assured that no apology
+is necessary, in requesting your attention to the
+subject of this letter. The official connection which
+you hold with the colony, together with the peculiar
+circumstances in which its newly-emancipated population
+are placed, render it an imperative duty we owe to
+ourselves to lay before you our sentiments.</p>
+
+<p>Having labored in the island for many years, and having
+been in daily intercourse with the objects of our
+solicitude, we do feel devoutly thankful to ALMIGHTY
+GOD, that he has spared us to see the disenthralment
+of our beloved flocks; while it gives us increased
+pleasure to assure your lordship that they received
+the boon with holy joy, and that the hour which made
+them men beheld them in thousands humbly prostrate
+at the footstool of mercy, imploring the blessing of
+HEAVEN upon themselves and their country, while, during
+the night and joyful day, not a single case of intoxication
+was seen.</p>
+
+<p>To us, as their pastors, they naturally looked for
+advice, both as to the labor they should perform and
+the wages they should receive. The importance of this
+subject was deeply felt by us, and we were prepared
+to meet it with a full sense of the responsibility
+it involved, and happily succeeded in inducing them
+to accept of a sum lower than that which the representatives
+of the landowners had formerly asserted was fair and
+just.</p>
+
+<p>We regret to state, that a deep combination was formed
+by many of these <i>middlemen</i> to grind the
+peasantry to the dust, and to induce, if possible,
+the acceptance of remuneration which, by affording
+no inducement to the peasant cheerfully to labor,
+would have entailed pauperism on him and his family,
+and ruin on the absentee proprietor. It was to this
+circumstance, and not in the least to any unwillingness
+in the free negro to work, or to demand more for his
+labor than it was fairly worth, that for one or two
+weeks, in some places, the cultivation of the soil
+was not resumed. Upon the planting attorneys, so long
+accustomed to tyranny and oppression, and armed with
+a power over the land which must prove inimical to
+the full development of the resources of this valuable
+colony, the blame entirely rests.</p>
+
+<p>We suppose that your lordship is fully aware, that
+the laws under which the laborer is now placed are
+tyrannical and unjust in the extreme; laws, we hesitate
+not to affirm, which are a disgrace to those who framed
+them, and which, if acted upon by a local magistracy,
+will entail upon the oft-cheated, over-patient negro
+some of the worst features of that degrading state
+of vassalage from which he has just escaped. We particularly
+refer to "An Act to enlarge the Powers of Justices
+in determining complaints between Masters and Servants,
+and between Masters, and Apprentices, Artificers,
+and others," which passed the Assembly the 3rd
+day of July, 1834, while by police acts, especially
+one regulating the town of Falmouth, our people will
+be daily harassed and annoyed.</p>
+
+<p>We think it right to inform your lordship, that the
+greater part of those who hold the commission of magistrates
+are the very persons who, by their connection with
+the soil, are the most unfit, because the most interested,
+honestly to discharge their important duties; while
+their ignorance of the law is, in too many cases,
+equalled only by their love of tyranny and misrule.
+Time must work a mighty change in the views of numbers
+who hold this office, ere they believe there is any
+dereliction of duty in daily defrauding the humble
+African. We cannot but entreat your lordship to use
+those means which are in your power to obtain for
+the laborer, who imploringly looks to the Queen for
+protection, justice at the hands of those by whom
+the law is administered. We must, indeed, be blind
+to all passing events, did we not see that, without
+the watchful care of the home government, the country
+district courts, held sometimes in the very habitations
+of those who will have to make the complaints, will
+be dens of injustice and cruelty, and that our hearts
+will again be lacerated by the <i>oppressions</i> under
+which our beloved people will groan.</p>
+
+<p>We beg to apprise your lordship, that we have every
+reason to believe that an early attempt will be made
+to deprive the peasantry of their provision grounds--that
+they will not be permitted, even to rent them; so
+that, by producing starvation and rendering the population
+entirely dependent upon foreign-supplies for the daily
+necessaries of life, a lower rate of wages may be
+enforced. Cruel as this may appear to your lordship,
+and unlikely as it may seem, long experience has taught
+us that there is no possible baseness of which a slave-owner
+will not be guilty, and no means of accomplishing
+his purposes, however fraught with ruin to those around
+him, which he will not employ.</p>
+
+<p>Should the peasantry be thus treated, we shall feel
+it our duty humbly to implore that the lands belonging
+to the crown may be made available for their use.
+Your lordship will remember that these ill-treated
+people became not the subjects of her Majesty by choice,
+though they are now devotedly attached to her government.
+Their fathers were stolen and brought hither. On their
+native shores they had lands and possessions capable
+of supplying all their wants. If, then, after having
+toiled without remuneration, they are prevented even
+renting a portion of land which has hitherto been
+esteemed as their own, we shall ask, and shall feel
+assured that the boon will not be withheld, that her
+Most Gracious Majesty will throw open the lands belonging
+to the crown, where we may retire from the tyranny
+of man, and with our people find a peaceful and quiet
+home.</p>
+
+<p>Though still surrounded by obloquy and reproach, though
+the most abusive epithets and language disgracefully
+vulgar has been employed to assail us, especially
+by a newspaper known to be under the patronage of a
+bishop, and in which all official accounts of his diocese
+are given to the world, yet we assure your lordship
+that, in endeavouring to promote the general interests
+and welfare of this colony, we shall still pursue
+that line of conduct which is the result of our judgment,
+and in accordance with the dictates of our conscience.</p>
+
+<p>In no part of the island are arrangements made so
+fully or so fairly, as in those districts where our
+congregations reside, and in no part are the laborers
+more faithfully performing their duty. We deeply feel
+our responsibility at the present crisis, and pledging
+ourselves to your lordship and the British Government
+by the sacred office we hold, we assure you that ceaseless
+efforts shall still be exerted, as they have ever
+been, to promote the peace and happiness of those around
+us.</p>
+
+<p>In the name and on the behalf of our churches, for
+the sacred cause of freedom throughout the world,
+we unitedly implore your lordship to throw the shield
+of Britain's protection over those who are just
+made her loyal subjects. All they want, and all they
+ask, is, that, as they are raised to the dignity,
+so they may receive all the rights of man, and that
+the nation who purchased them from bondage may fully
+secure to them that civil and religious liberty, to
+which both their unparalleled sufferings and their
+unexampled patience so richly entitle them.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot conclude this letter, without expressing
+the high sense we entertain of the noble and disinterested
+conduct pursued by his excellency Sir Lionel Smith,
+the Governor of this colony. But for his firmness,
+Jamaica would have presented all the horrors of a civil
+war.</p>
+
+<p>Feeling assured that your lordship will give that
+attention to this letter which the subject demands,
+and with earnest prayer that this colony, now blest
+with liberty, may exhibit increasing prosperity, we
+are, my lord, your most obedient servants, Signed by</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>THOMAS BURCHELL<br>
+WILLIAM KNIBB<br>
+THOMAS ABBOTT<br>
+WALTER DENDY<br>
+JOHN CLARK<br>
+B.B. DEXTER<br>
+SAMUEL OUGHTON<br>
+J. HUTCHINS</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Baptist Missionaries, North Side Union.</p>
+
+<p>[On the foregoing letter the <i>London Sun</i>
+has the following observations.]</p>
+
+<p>"Every arrival from the West Indies but strengthens
+our conviction, that there never will be happiness,
+security, or peace for the emancipated negroes, so
+long as the administration of the laws, and the management
+of the plantations, are continued in the hands of those
+white officials whose occupation, previous to the
+passing of the emancipation act, consisted in torturing
+and tormenting them with impunity. They cannot endure
+to witness the elevation to the rank of free, intelligent,
+and well-behaved fellow-citizens, of a class of beings
+whom they were accustomed to treat a myriad of times
+worse than they did the "beasts that perish."
+Having pronounced them incapable of civilization, and
+strangers to all the better feelings of our nature,
+they deem it a sort of duty to themselves to employ
+every artifice to neutralize or retard every measure
+calculated to ameliorate the moral and social condition
+of the negro race. Several of the colonial agents
+have powerful inducements to the provocation of some
+insurrectionary outbreak, on the part of the colored
+population. In the first place, such an <i>emute</i>
+would fulfil their predictions with regard to the
+passing the Emancipation Act, and so establish their
+reputation as seers; and in the next, it would lead
+to the sale of many of the plantations at one-sixth
+their real value, and so transform them from agents
+to principles, as they would not fail to be the purchasers.
+That such is their policy cannot, we think, be doubted
+for a moment by those who will take the trouble to
+peruse a letter addressed by eight Baptist missionaries,
+long resident in Jamaica, to Lord Glenelg, which will
+be found in another part of <i>The Sun</i>. These
+missionaries, we are assured, are men of irreproachable
+lives, of indefatigable Christian zeal, and of conversation
+becoming persons whose sacred office it is to preach
+the gospel of peace. That their representation will
+produce a powerful effect upon the minds of the people
+of this country, we feel as confident as we do that
+our gracious Queen will concede any boon in her royal
+gift, necessary to the welfare of her colored subjects."</p>
+
+<p>The following are a series of letters to Mr. Sturge,
+published in the British Emancipator for Nov. 28,
+1838. The one from a Special Justice clearly developes
+the principal causes of the backwardness of the laborers.
+The testimony of this letter to some important facts
+will be fully confirmed by that of the Governor of
+Jamaica. The evidence of extortion submitted by the
+missionaries is so explicit, that we beg the attention
+of the reader to all the details. Remember the experiment
+involves the claims of millions to that without which
+life is little better than a curse. Every thing hangs
+on the inquiry whether the emancipated or their former
+masters are chargeable with whatever there is of <i>ruin</i>
+in the "fine island" of Jamaica. Says Mr.
+Sturge, in laying these letters before the public,
+"it should be clearly understood that the fee
+simple of all negro houses in Jamaica is not worth
+&pound;10 each on an average, and that their provision grounds
+have been brought into cultivation by the negroes
+themselves in their <i>own</i> time."</p>
+
+<p>Extract of a letter from a Missionary:--</p>
+
+<p>Savannah-la-Mar, Sept. 8, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>MY DEAR SIR,--You are probably aware that
+the following question has been submitted by the Governor
+to the Attorney-General for his opinion:</p>
+
+<p>(copy.)</p>
+
+<p>(No. 844.) King' House, Aug. 27, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>SIR,--I am desired by the Governor to request
+you will give your opinion for general publication.
+1st. Whether in instances of notices to quit their
+houses and grounds, having been served upon the late
+apprentices, they are liable to be made to pay rent
+for the occupation of such house, during the three
+months allowed by law?</p>
+
+<p>(OPINION.)</p>
+
+<p>They are.</p>
+
+<p>(Signed,)</p>
+
+<p>D O'REILL.</p>
+
+<p>We shall soon see the evil effects of this opinion,
+it being generally previously understood that the
+late apprenticed population would not be liable for
+rent until the three months had expired, after receiving
+notice to quit.</p>
+
+<p>As a specimen of this being made an instrument of
+great oppression in the hands of managers of estates,
+I would state that two notices were yesterday brought
+to brother Hutchins for his inspection; one was served
+upon David Clarke, a labourer, on King's Valley
+estate, in this parish. On the back of the notice
+to quit was written as under;--</p>
+
+<p>"The rent of your house and grounds is twenty-one
+pounds six shillings and eight pence, per annum, commencing
+1st of August, 1838, if legal."</p>
+
+<p>(Signed) J. H. JONES.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sturge appends the following West India accounts,
+which be says are in his possession by which it is
+evident that the planters are bringing their laborers
+in debt to them, by a spirit of shameless extortion.</p>
+
+<TABLE summary="West India Accounts" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+&pound;
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>s.</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>d.</i>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Charles Duncan to John Dixon, Dr.
+1838. Sept. 15. To rent of house
+and ground, from 1st of August to
+date, 6s. 8d. per week.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+9-1/2
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Cr. By balance, five days, 1s.8d. per day
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+8
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+15
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+5-1/2
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Charles Brown, to John Dixon, Dr.
+1838. Sept. 13. To rent of house
+and ground, 6s. 8d. per week,
+from 1st Aug, to date.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+10
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Charge for running a sow and pigs, from 1st Aug. to date, 2s. 6d. per week
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+15
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+8-1/2
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+17
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+6-1/2
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+John Alfred Bullock to John Dixon, Dr. 1838. Sept. 15. To rent of house
+and garden, from 1st of Aug. to date, 6s. 8d. per week,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+2
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+9-1/2
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Rent of provision ground, 5s. per week,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+12
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+6
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Pasturage, two weeks, for an ass, 6s. 3d, per month,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Two hogs, 1s. 8d. per week,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+10-3/4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+6-1/4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Cr. By two days' labour, 1s. 8d. per day
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+18
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+2-1/3
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+
+<p><b>LETTER TO MR. STURGE, FROM A SPECIAL JUSTICE.</b></p>
+
+<p><i>Jamaica, Oct. 12th, 1838.</i></p>
+
+<p>Freedom has brought with it the blessings we anticipated;
+and as we progress in civilization we shall all be
+happier. I have ever been sanguine as to its beneficial
+results, and I am not in the least disappointed. I
+cannot find language sufficiently strong to express
+the commendation due to the negroes for their steady
+and good conduct since the 1st of August. Amidst the
+most trying circumstance, they have exhibited the
+greatest forbearance, and placed their whole reliance
+on the laws for protection. I am satisfied that no
+other nation of free men could conduct themselves
+so temperately and well, under similar circumstances;
+and in my opinion, they have proved themselves infinitely
+superior to many of those who so lately exercised almost
+unlimited control over them. I declare to you, to
+see such a mass of persons, whose morals have been
+little regarded by those who held them in slavery,
+and without education, rise all at once, and express
+and conduct themselves so admirably, is wonderful.
+When seeking redress before the magistrates for wrongs
+committed by there former owners they have maintained
+more coolness and temper than their more fortunate
+brethren, when maters are decided against them. There
+is a hard struggle on the part of the pro-slavery
+faction to compel the negro to work for little or
+nothing, in order that the attorneys and overseers
+may keep their places as before; and I am informed,
+by a gentleman whose veracity is not to be doubted,
+and who is himself an attorney, that he can still
+keep his overseer and merchant as in former days, draw
+his own commissions, and send home to his employer
+a very handsome surplus. Under such circumstances,
+well may the friends of freedom cry shame at the opposition
+which has for so long a time been thrown in the way
+of liberty, by these West Indians of practical knowledge.
+The facts are, that the absent proprietors have been
+led by the advice they have received from their attorneys;
+and these have had so many ways of making more than
+an honest commission, and have so speedily made their
+fortunes, that as long as they could continue slavery,
+they have exerted every influence. The overseer was
+paid, housed, fed, and waited upon, all at the expense
+of master and slave, beside; keeping a fine stud of
+horses, and as many brood mares at pasture on the property
+as would enable him to dispose of seven or eight prime
+mules annually; and so long as he drove and tormented
+the poor negro, and made good crops for the attorney's
+commissions, and supplied his horses with corn, these
+<i>little perquisites</i> were never discovered.
+Now the proprietor will hardly pay for more labor
+than is absolutely necessary to grow and manufacture
+the produce of his estate; and these gentlemen must
+henceforth look to their own resources, for the payment
+of servants to attend and take care of their own interests
+and comforts. An overseer's situation on an
+estate making 300 hogsheads, was calculated in slavery
+to be equal to 2000l. a year. Indeed no man in any
+town could have lived in such luxury for that sum.
+If the proprietor would only come out, and live prudently,
+he would save all this by residing on his property,
+which he could easily manage by employing, for extra
+wages, his former steady head people. <i>They</i>,
+from long residence, know the best manner of working
+the land; and, as to the manufacture of sugar, they
+are the persons who have <i>all their lives</i>
+been working at it. The most important part of an
+overseer and book-keeper's business was to make
+use of their <i>eyes</i>. The negro had to make
+use of his legs, arms and strength; and, in nine cases
+out of ten, his brains kept the white people in their
+situations, by preventing matters from going wrong.</p>
+
+<p>I perfectly coincide with you, as to the propriety
+of the negro speedily becoming possessed of the elective
+franchise. In Antigua there is very little more land
+than is in cultivation for the estates, but here it
+is widely different; and they are beginning to settle
+themselves by purchasing small lots very fast. At
+Sligoville there are nearly fifty new freeholders.
+The negroes are taught to do this by the perpetual
+worry of their employers, threatening to oust them
+on every trifling occasion, and withholding part of
+their wages on the plea of non-performance of work.--The
+root of all evil is the Assembly and the Juries. Nothing
+requires greater alteration; and I shall never rest,
+until I see the black man stand the same chance at
+the bar of his country as the white man.--The
+negroes will not work under their former hard task-masters.
+They determinedly resist all solicitations to labor
+with those who treated them ill. They say that the
+pain is gone, but the mark remains, and I respect
+them for this proud feeling.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>I have come under his displeasure for taking the opinion
+of Middleton and McDougal, as to the legality of charging
+the negro hire for his house and grounds, for the
+three months during which the notices to quit are
+running.--Had we not taken these opinions,
+what a fearful state things might we have been brought
+to in this country! I am quite satisfied that no rent
+could be recovered until the expiration of the three
+months, from which time it would commence to run, and
+the plaintiff would in law be considered in possession
+of his lands again, which, in slavery, he was compelled
+to give to his slave for his support and maintenance.
+He must re-enter before he could demand rent, for it
+is impossible for him to prove a contract, or imply
+one. The negro did not willingly come from Africa,
+and occupy his land; he was torn from his native land,
+and compelled by his owner, under laws that took his
+life, not to quit the land; how therefore can he be
+considered to have made a contract, or consented to
+one?</p>
+
+<p><b>FROM THE REV. J. KINGDON</b></p>
+
+<p><i>Manchioneal, Oct. 9, 1838.</i></p>
+
+<p>In passing through Hector's River great house
+yard, in my way to my preaching spot, I have the most
+sensible demonstration of the reality of the political
+change happily brought about; for that hot-house, in
+which I have seen one of my own members in irons for
+having a bad sore leg, and in which I have been grossly
+insulted for daring to go to see my poor people--that
+house is <i>shut up</i>! Delightful, I assure
+you, are my feelings, whenever I go by that place,
+attached to which, too, was the old-time prison, a
+perfect charnel-house.</p>
+
+<p><b>FROM THE REV. S. OUGHTON.</b></p>
+
+<p><i>Lucea, October 2, 1838.</i></p>
+
+<p>Unused to acts of justice and humanity, the Planters,
+in a moment of mad excitement passed an act to abolish
+the accursed system of Slavery. The debates on that
+occasion proved with what an ill grace they performed
+that scanty act of justice, and all experience since
+that period proves how bitterly they repent it. It
+is true, we are not now, as before, distressed by
+hearing recitals of barbarous corporeal punishments,
+and we are no longer pained by seeing human beings
+chained to each other by the neck; but, although cruelty
+has, to a certain extent, ceased, oppression has become
+ten thousand times more rampant than ever. Every act
+which ingenuity or malice can invent, is employed to
+harass the poor negroes. Prior to August 1st, the
+planter studiously avoided every thing like an arrangement
+with the laborer, and when, on the following Monday,
+they turned out to work, the paltry pittance of 12-1/2d.
+(7-1/2d. sterl.) was all that in the majority of cases
+was offered for the services of an able-bodied negro,
+although 2s. 6d. per day (currency), had before been
+invariably exacted from them, when they were desirous
+of purchasing the remaining term of their apprenticeship.
+Of course, the people refused to receive so paltry
+a remuneration for their labour, and this has laid
+the foundation for a course of systematic oppression
+scarcely conceivable. Notices to quit were served indiscriminately
+on every one, old and young, sick and healthy. Medical
+attendance was refused, and even a dose of physic
+from the Estates' hospitals. Cattle were turned
+into the provision-grounds of the negroes, thus destroying
+their only means of support; and assaults of the most
+wanton and brutal description were committed on many
+of the peasantry. On one estate the proprietor and
+his brother assaulted a young man in the most unprovoked
+manner. One presented a pistol to his breast, and threatened
+to shoot him; while the other levelled a gun at his
+head for the same purpose. They were bound over to
+take their trial at the Quarter Sessions; but what
+hope is there in such a tribunal as that, composed
+principally of men engaged in the same reckless course,
+and banded together by mutual interests? On another
+estate (<i>Content</i>), the attorney ordered
+the cattle of a poor man (a member of my Chapel) to
+be taken up and impounded. It was done, and the man
+was obliged to pay 6l. to redeem them; when, as soon
+as he carried them back, they were again taken and
+impounded. The man has been to my house with his case
+of oppression, on my return from Kingston. He states
+that he exhausted his last farthing to redeem the
+cattle the first time, and was also obliged to borrow
+of his friends; they have now been impounded five
+weeks, and unless he can raise the money to redeem
+them (upwards of 10l.), they will be sold to pay the
+expenses. Thus is an honest and worthy man, in a few
+weeks, stripped of every thing which, by years of
+industry and care, he had accumulated for the comfort
+of his old age, or the benefit of his family. Yesterday
+a negro came and informed me that the owner of a property
+had told him last year, that he must cultivate more
+ground, so as to be able to continue possession as
+a tenant; and now that he has done so, another person,
+saying that he had purchased the property, came a
+few days ago, and told him that in three weeks he would
+drive him from the place. He then ordered a man whom
+he had with him to climb a bread-fruit tree, and pull
+the fruit, which he forcibly carried away to give
+to his hogs. But I must forbear: were I to state half
+the cases of oppression which have occurred in Hanover
+since August 1st; I should require a volume instead
+of a sheet. I think, however, I have said enough to
+prove the bitter and rancorous spirit which at present
+animates the planters. Enclosed I send a specimen of
+another artifice adopted to harass and distress the
+negroes. They have adopted the notion (sanctioned
+by the opinion of the old Planters' Jackall,
+Batty, and the Attorney General), that the people
+are liable to pay rent for houses and grounds during
+the three months' possession to which the Abolition
+Act entitled them, and notices have been served on
+the people, demanding the most extravagant amounts
+for the miserable sheds which the people inhabited.
+You will perceive that in once case 21l. 6s. 9d. has
+been demanded. This conscientious demand was made
+by John Houghton James, Executor and Attorney for
+Sir Simon Clark. Another is from a Mr. Bowen, of <i>Orchard</i>
+Estate; and the third from Mr. Brockett, of <i>Hopewell</i>
+and <i>Content</i> Estates, the property of Mr.
+Miles, M.P. for Bristol. Let it be borne in mind that
+these shameful and exorbitant demands are not made,
+as in England, on the head of the family only, but
+on <i>every member who is able to do the least work</i>,
+and even little children have papers demanding 2s.
+4d. per week for ground, although unable to do the
+least thing: one of these I also enclose.</p>
+
+<p>Jamaica, <i>ss</i>. Notice is hereby Given, That the
+sum of eight shillings and four pence, weekly, will
+be exacted from you and each of you respectively,
+for the houses and grounds at Orchard Estate, in the
+parish of Hanover, from August of the present year,
+until the expiration of the three months' notice,
+from its period of service to quit; or to the period
+of surrendering to me the peaceable possession of the
+aforesaid house and provision grounds.</p>
+
+<p>J. R. BOWEN.</p>
+
+<p>Dated this 17th day of Sep. 1838.</p>
+
+<p>TO JAMES DARLING and SARAH DARLING, of the parish
+of HANOVER.</p>
+
+<p>Here then, my dear Sir, you may perceive something
+of the atrocious proceedings in the island of Jamaica.
+Pray insert these documents in the <i>Emancipator</i>.
+Let the Anti-slavery friends know the state of things,
+and urge them to redoubled diligence. The House of
+Assembly will meet on the 30th instant, and then,
+I fear, dreadful measures will be taken. A letter
+from Mr. Harker, of the Jamaica Royal Gazette, about
+a fortnight since, addressed to Mr. Abbott, shows
+what absolute and cruel statutes they would wish either
+to act upon, or to make the models of new laws. Every
+act must be watched with the most jealous scrutiny.
+Experience shows that the planters possess an ingenuity
+truly diabolical, in twisting and distorting the laws
+to suit their own selfish purpose. Our hope is in
+British Christians; and we confidently hope every one
+of them will feel the importance of increased diligence,
+lest the great, and long prayed-for boon of freedom,
+should become a curse, instead of a blessing. The
+papers will inform you of the odium I have drawn on
+myself in defending the people's rights. That
+contained in the great mass, only provokes a smile.
+I know that every friend in England will interpret
+it inversely. I did feel Mr. ----'s
+letter in the Falmouth Post, but he knows his error,
+and is sorry for it. I could have answered it, but
+did not choose to cause a division amongst the few
+friends of the negro, when they had quite enough to
+do to withstand the attacks of their enemies.</p>
+
+<p>FROM THE REV. J. M. PHILIPPO.</p>
+
+<p><i>Spanish Town, Oct. 13, 1838.</i></p>
+
+<p>The following is one of the seven of the same tenor
+now in my possession, which will, in addition to those
+I forwarded by last mail, inform you of the cause
+of the late disinclination of the people in some districts
+to labour--which, with so much effrontery,
+has been proclaimed through the public Journals here:--</p>
+
+<p>Charles Michael Kelly and Wife, to J.S. Benbow, Dr.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1830: July 14th to Sept. 9th.<br>
+1. To the rent of house and<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ground on Castle Kelly<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;plantation, for eight weeks,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;at 6s. 8d. per week.         3l.  13 4<br>
+2. Richard Kelly and Wife. Same.<br>
+3. Elenor Mercer. Same.<br>
+4. John Ried and Wife. Same.<br>
+5. Mary Ann Christie. Same.<br>
+6. Venus Owen (or such like name). Same.</p>
+
+<p><b>FROM THE REV. J. HUTCHINS.</b></p>
+
+<p><i>Savanna-la-Mar, Sept. 17, 1838.</i></p>
+
+<p>I now, according to promise in my last, send you a
+few out of the many cases I am almost hourly troubled
+with. Some of our would-be great men are, I am sorry
+to say, harassing the poor free labourers shamefully;
+and should it prove, as I think in some cases it must,
+of serious injury to the absentee proprietors, I shall
+publish the cases of grievance brought me, together
+with the names of the estates, owners, attorneys,
+overseers, &amp;c., and leave all parties to form their
+own opinion on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>Amelia Martin, to Retrieve Estate,
+Dr.<br>
+1838: August 29.<br>
+<TABLE summary="cases" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+To house and ground, rent at 5s. per week, from 1st August to date
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4<i>l.</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+[<a name="AE2_FR46"></a><a href="#AE2_FN46">A</a>]Alliac Davis, ground rent at 10d. per week
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+[<a href="#AE2_FN46">A</a>]William Davis; ditto ditto
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+4<i>l.</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+6
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p>Thos. Tats, Esq. is Attorney, and Mr. Comry<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Overseer,</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN46"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR46">A</a>: Boys from 9 to 11, her sons.]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Louisa Patter, to Retrieve Estate,
+Dr.<br>
+1838: Aug. 28.<br>
+<TABLE summary="cases" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+To house and ground from 1st Aug. to date
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+1<i>l.</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>She states she has been sickly so long, that she has
+no ground in cultivation, and cannot help herself,
+and has only what yams her friends give her.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Susan James, to Albany Estate, Dr.<br>
+1838: Aug. 28.<br>
+<TABLE summary="cases" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+To house and ground rent at 5s. per week, from 1st August, to date
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+1<i>l.</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Thos. Hewett, ground rent
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+13
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Elizabeth James, ditto
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+13
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Mary Dunn, ditto
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+10
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Letitia, ditto[<a name="AE2_FR47"></a><a href="#AE2_FN47">A</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+6
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+8
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+3<i>l.</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+3
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN47"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR47">A</a>: These are a mother and four children
+in one house, and with but one ground, they tell
+me.]</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Richard Warren, to Albany Estate, Dr.<br>
+1838: Aug. 28.<br>
+<TABLE summary="cases" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+To house and ground rent to date
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+1<i>l.</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="center" VALIGN="TOP">
+Wife
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+15
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="center" VALIGN="TOP">
+Child[<a name="AE2_FR48"></a><a href="#AE2_FN48">B</a>]
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+10
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+2<i>l.</i>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+5
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+4
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="TOP">
+----
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN48"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR48">B</a>: The child is quite young, and in daily
+attendance at one of my schools.]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>On this property, under the same managers as Retrieve,
+the people state that they are going on shamefully.
+"The last Sabbath but one, when we were at service,
+Stephen Campbell, the book-keeper, and Edward Pulsey,
+old-time constable, come round and mark all for we
+house, and charge for ebery one of we family. We don't
+know what kind of <i>fee</i> <i>dis</i> we <i>hab</i> at
+all; for we attorney, Mr. Tate, neber come on we property,
+leave all to Mr. Comeoy. We peak to him for make bargain,
+him say him can't make law, and him no make
+bargain till him heare what law come out in packet.
+Him say <i>dem</i> who make bargain are fools; beside
+him no call up a parcel of niggers to hold service
+wid me; should only get laughed at. So we know not
+what for do. You are for we minister, and for we only
+friend; and if you did not advise we to go on work
+till things settle down, we no lift another hoe. We
+would left the property." Unless an arrangement
+is soon entered into, I shall advise them to do so.</p>
+
+<p>James Greenheld, to New Galloway Estate, Dr.<br>
+<TABLE summary="cases" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+To one week's rent of house, garden, and ground, and to 5 ditto for his wife,
+Margaret Greenfield, at 5s. per week.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+&pound;1
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+10
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="Center" VALIGN="bottom">
+0
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>J.G. states, "I come for massa. When we make
+bargain with Mr. McNeal, it was a maccaroni (1s. 8d.)
+a day, and for we house and ground. Me is able and
+willing for work, so let my wife stop home; so him
+charge me de same sum for my wife, as for me own house
+and ground. And den last week me sick and get no money,
+and they charge me over again, (as above) one week
+me sick. Me no able for say what to call dat massa,
+me sure."</p>
+
+<p>I leave with you to make your own comments, and to
+do what you please with the above. Although my chapel
+is &pound;700 in debt, and my schools, one of 180 and one
+of 160 scholars, are heavy, very heavy on me, I cannot
+do other than advise my people to save every mite,
+buy an acre of land, and by that means be independent,
+and job about wherever they may be wanted.</p>
+
+<p>FROM THE REV. T. BURCHELL.</p>
+
+<p><i>Montego Bay, October</i> 2, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>The reason why I have not written to you so long,
+is the intensely anxious time we have had. I feel,
+however, that it is high time now to address you;
+for, if our friends in England relax their efforts,
+my conviction is, that freedom will be more in name
+than in reality, in this slave-holding Island. There
+is nothing to be feared, if the noble band of friends
+who have so long and so successfully struggled, will
+but continue their assistance a short time longer.
+The planters have made a desperate struggle, and so,
+I have no doubt, will the House of Assembly, against
+the emancipated negroes. My firm conviction has been,
+and still is, that the planters have endeavored, by
+the offer of the most paltry wages, to reduce the
+condition of the laborer, and make him as badly off
+as he was when an apprentice or a slave, that he may
+curse the day that made him free.</p>
+
+<p>Though unable to conduct the usual services on Sunday
+the 5th August, at the close I addressed the congregation,
+urging upon them the necessity of commencing their
+work on the following day, whether arrangements were
+made between themselves and their masters or not; as
+by so doing they would put it out of the power of
+their opponents to say anything evil of them. They
+assembled, and on Monday the 6th thousands turned out
+to work, and continued to labor, unless prevented
+by the Manager, until arrangements were made.</p>
+
+<p>You will remember, that prior to the 1st of August,
+a white man who hired out a gang of apprentices to
+an estate was paid at the rate of 1s. 6d. sterling
+per diem for each able laborer. The apprentice received
+the same when he worked for the estate on his own
+days, Friday and Saturday; and whenever they were
+valued for the purpose of purchasing the remaining
+time of their apprenticeship, the planter upon oath
+stated that their services were worth at least 1s.
+6. per diem to the estate, and the apprentice had
+to redeem himself at that rate.</p>
+
+<p>After the 1st of August, the planters discovered,
+that, whilst the properties would well afford to continue
+the lavish and extravagant expenditure in managing
+the estates, "it would be certain ruin to the
+properties, if the labourer was paid more than 71/2d.
+per diem. for the 1st class of labourers, 6d. the
+2nd class, and 41/2d. for the 3rd class:" and
+why? I know not why, unless it was because the long
+oppressed negro was to put the money into his own pocket,
+and not his white oppressors. This seems to have made
+all the difference. The above wages were accordingly
+offered, and rejected with scorn; the people feeling
+the greatest indignation at the atrocious attempt of
+their old oppressors to grind them down now they are
+free, and keep them in a state of degradation. The
+greatest confusion and disorder ensued; the labourers
+indignant at the conduct of their masters, and the
+planters enraged against the people, for presuming
+to think and act for themselves. As a matter of course,
+the fury of the planters was directed against half
+a dozen Baptist missionaries, and as many more friends
+and stipendiary Magistrates; and I can assure you
+that the Jamaica press equalled its most vituperative
+days, and came forth worthy of itself. The Despatch,
+or the Old Jamaica Courant, so well known in 1832 for
+advocating the burning of chapels, and the hanging
+of missionaries; was quite in the shade. The pious
+Polypheme, the Bishop's paper, with the Jamaica
+Standard of infamy and falsehood, published in this
+town, took the lead, and a pretty standard it is.
+Let foreigners judge of Jamaica by the Jamaica Standard
+of August last, and they must suppose it is an island
+of savages, or a little hell. The press teemed with
+abuse of the most savage nature against us, and published
+the most barefaced lies. That, however, you who know
+the generality of the Jamaica Press, will say is nothing
+new or strange; well, it is not, nor do we regard any
+statements they make; for no one believes what they
+publish, and it is a source of gratification to us
+that we have never forfeited our character or principles
+in the estimation of the reflecting, the philanthropist,
+or the Christian public, by meriting their approbation.</p>
+
+<p>In the mulct of this seemingly general conspiracy
+to defraud the laborer of his wages by exorbitant
+rents, &amp;c. Sir Lionel Smith, the Governor, proceeds
+from district to district, giving advice to both of
+the contending parties, and striving to promote a
+mutual understanding. His testimony to the designs
+of the planters given to their faces, and not denied,
+is very important; we give therefore one of his meetings,
+as the find it reported in the Jamaica papers. Here
+is a rather familiar conversation among some of the
+chief men of that island--where can we expect
+to find more authoritative testimony?</p>
+
+<p><b>SIR LIONEL SMITH'S VISIT TO DUNSINANE.</b></p>
+
+<p>His Excellency, Sir Lionel Smith, visited Dunsinane
+on Thursday last, agreeably to arrangements previously
+entered into, for the purpose of addressing the late
+apprenticed population in that neighborhood, on the
+propriety of resuming the cultivation of the soil.
+About two miles from Dunsinane, his Excellency was
+met by a cavalcade composed of the late apprentices,
+who were preceded by Messrs. Bourne, Hamilton, and
+Kent, late Special Justices. On the arrival of his
+Excellency at Dunsinane, he was met by the Hon. Joseph
+Gordon, Custos, the Lord Bishop attended by his Secretary,
+and the Rev. Alexander Campbell; the Hon. Hector Mitchel,
+Mayor of Kingston, and a large number of highly respectable
+planters, proprietors, and attorneys. His Excellency,
+on being seated in the dwelling, said, that from information
+which he had received from other parishes, and facts
+gathered from personal observation, he believed that
+the same bone of contention existed there as elsewhere--a
+source of discontent brought about by the planters
+serving the people with notices to quit their houses
+and grounds. He did not question their right to do
+so, or the legality of such a proceeding, but he questioned
+the prudence of the step. The great change from slavery
+to unrestricted freedom surely deserved some consideration.
+Things cannot so soon be quiet and calm. Depend upon
+it, nothing will be done by force. Much may be by
+conciliation and prudence. Do away with every emblem
+of slavery; throw off the Kilmarnock cap, and adopt
+in its stead, like rational men, Britannia's
+cap of liberty. He (Sir Lionel) doubted not the right
+of the planters to rent their houses and grounds;
+in order to be more certain on that head, he had procured
+the opinion of the Attorney General; but the exercise
+of the right by the planter, and getting the people
+to work, were very different matters. Much difficulty
+must be felt in getting rid of slavery. Even in the
+little island of Antigua, it had taken six months
+to get matters into a quiet state; but here, in a large
+country like Jamaica, could it be expected to be done
+in a day, and was it because it was not done, that
+the planters were to be opposed to him? You are all
+in arms against me (said his Excellency,) but all I
+ask of you is to exercise patience, and all will be
+right. I have done, and am doing all in my power for
+the good of my country. If you have served the people
+with notices to quit, with a view to compel them to
+work, or thinking to force them to work for a certain
+rate of wages, you have done wrong. Coercive measures
+will never succeed. In Vere, which I lately visited,
+the planters have agreed to give the people 1s. 8d.
+per day, and to let them have their houses and grounds
+for three months free of charge. His Excellency, on
+seeing some symptoms of disapprobation manifested,
+said, Well, if you cannot afford to pay so much, pay
+what you can afford; but above all, use conciliatory
+measures, and I have not a doubt on my mind but that
+the people will go to their work. Seeing so many planters
+present, he should be happy if they would come to an
+arrangement among themselves, before he addressed the
+people outside.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. WELLWOOD HYSLOP remarked, that Vere and other
+rich sugar parishes might be able to pay high rates
+of wages, because the land yielded profitable crops,
+but in this district it was impossible to follow the
+example of those parishes. He thought that two bits
+a day might do very well, but that was as much as
+could be afforded.</p>
+
+<p>His EXCELLENCY said that in Manchester, where he believed
+he had more enemies than in any other parish, he had
+advised them to work by the piece, and it had been
+found to answer well.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. HINTON EAST said that he would submit a measure
+which he thought would be approved of. He proposed
+that the people should be paid 5s. for four days'
+labor; that if they cleaned more than 130 trees per
+day, either themselves or by bringing out their wives
+and children, they should be paid extra wages in the
+same proportion.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON said that he could not afford to
+pay the rates named by his Excellency. It was entirely
+out of the question; that a good deal depended upon
+the state the fields are in--that his people,
+for instance, could, with much ease, if they chose,
+clean 170 trees by half-past three o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. MASON, of St. George's, said he was willing
+to pay his people 1s. 8d. per day, if they would but
+work; but the fact was that they refused to do so,
+on account of the stories that had been told them by
+Special Justice Fishbourne; willingly too would I
+have given them their houses and grounds for three
+months, free of charge, had they shown a desire to
+labor; but what was the lamentable fact? the people
+would not work, because Mr. Fishbourne had influenced
+them not to do so, and he (Mr. Mason) had been a loser
+of one thousand pounds in consequence. He had been
+compelled in self-defence to issue summonses against
+two of his people. He had purchased his property--it
+was his all--he had sacrificed twenty of
+the best years of his life as a planter, he had a wife
+and family to support, and what was the prospect before
+him and them? He admitted having served notices on
+his people to quit their houses--in truth
+he did not now care whether they were or were not located
+on the property--he was willing to pay fair,
+nay, high wages, but the demand was exorbitant. He
+had a servant, a trustworthy white man, who laboured
+from day-dawn to sunset for 2s. 1d. per day, and he
+was quite satisfied. All the mischief in his district
+had been owing to the poisonous stories poured into
+the ears of the people by Special Justice Fishbourne.
+If he were removed, the parish might probably assume
+a healthy state; if allowed to remain, no improvement
+could possibly take place.</p>
+
+<p>His EXCELLENCY said that the Assembly had passed a
+law preventing the special magistrates from going
+on the estates; they could not, however, prevent the
+people from going to them, and taking their advice
+if they wished it. He had understood that the people
+had gone to the special magistrates, informing them
+that the planters demanded 3s. 4d. per week rent for
+the houses and grounds, and that they had been advised,
+if such were the case, that they ought to be paid
+higher wages. He understood that to be a fact.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON said that the people would, he
+had no doubt, have worked, but for the pernicious
+advice of Mr. Fishbourne. He had heard that the people
+had been told that the Governor did not wish them to
+work, and that he would be vexed with them if they
+did.</p>
+
+<p>Sir LIONEL replied that he was aware that white men
+were going about the country disguised as policemen,
+pretending to have his (Sir Lionel's) authority,
+telling the people not to work. He knew well their
+intention and design, he understood the trick. You
+are anxious (said his Excellency) to produce a panic,
+to reduce the value of property, to create dismay,
+in order that you may speculate, by reducing the present
+value of property; but you will be disappointed, notwithstanding
+a press sends forth daily abuse against me, and black-guard
+and contemptible remarks against my acts. I assure
+you I am up to your tricks.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON would be glad if his Excellency
+would speak individually. There was a paper called
+the West Indian, and another the Colonial Freeman.
+He wished to know whether his Excellency meant either
+of those papers. [Some slight interruption here took
+place, several gentlemen speaking at the same time.]</p>
+
+<p>His EXCELLENCY said he had not come to discuss politics,
+but to endeavour to get the people to work, and it
+would be well for them to turn their attention to
+that subject.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. SIMPSON said he had a gang who had jobbed by the
+acre, and had done well, but it was unfortunate in
+other respects to observe the disinclination shown
+by the laborers to work. He wished them to know that
+they must work, and trusted that his Excellency would
+endeavour to force them to labor.</p>
+
+<p>Sir LIONEL--I can't compel them to
+do as you would wish, nor have I the power of forcing
+them to labor. The people will not suffer themselves
+to be driven by means of the cart-whip. It is the
+policy of every man to make the best bargain he can.
+I can say nothing to the people about houses and grounds,
+and price of wages. I can only ask them to work.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. WILES said that the planters were anxious to come
+to amicable arrangements with the people, but they
+were unreasonable in their demands. The planters could
+not consent to be injured--they must profit
+by their properties.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. MASON said, that the only bone of contention was
+the subject of rent. His people were outside waiting
+to be satisfied on that head. He hesitated not to
+say, that the proprietors were entitled to rent in
+every instance where the laborer was unwilling to labor,
+and unless that subject was at once settled, it would
+involve both parties in endless disagreement. He was
+not one of those persons alluded to by his Excellency,
+who circulated misrepresentations for private benefit,
+nor was he aware that any one in the parish in which
+he lived had done so. All that he desired was the
+good of the country, with which his interests were
+identified.</p>
+
+<p>Sir LIONEL--I could not possibly be personal
+towards any gentleman present, for I have not the
+honour of knowing most of you. My observations were
+not confined to any particular parish, but to the
+Island of Jamaica, in which the occurrences named have
+taken place.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. RAPKY, of St. George's--If your
+Excellency will only do away with a curtain magistrate,
+things will go on smoothly in the parish of St. George.
+This gentleman has told the people that they are entitled
+to the lands occupied by them, in consequence of which
+the parish is now in an unsettled state.</p>
+
+<p>Sir LIONEL--Who is the magistrate!</p>
+
+<p>Dr. RAPKY--Mr. Fishbourne.</p>
+
+<p>Sir LIONEL--I am afraid I cannot please
+you. The question of possession of lands and houses
+has for the present been settled by the opinion of
+the Attorney-General, but it is still an undetermined
+question at law. There are many persons in the island
+who are of opinion that the legislature had not so
+intended; he (Sir Lionel) was at a loss to know what
+they meant; seeing, however, some members of the assembly
+present, perhaps they would be disposed to give some
+information.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. S.J. DALLAS said, that it was the intention of
+the legislature that rent should be paid. He thought
+it fair that 1s. 8d. per day should be offered the
+people to work five days in the week, they returning
+one day's labor for the houses and grounds.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. SPECIAL JUSTICE HAMILTON said that complaints
+had been made to him, that in many instances where
+the husband and wife lived in the same house, rent
+had been demanded of both. The laborers had, in consequence,
+been thrown into a state of consternation and alarm,
+which accounted for the unsettled state of several
+properties--a serious bone of contention
+had in consequence been produced. He held a notice
+in his hand demanding of a laborer the enormous sum
+of 10s. per week for house and ground. He had seen
+other notices in which 6s, 8d. and 5s. had been demanded
+for the same. He did not consider that the parties
+issuing those notices had acted with prudence.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. HYSLOP explained--He admitted the charge,
+but said that the sum was never intended to be exacted.</p>
+
+<p>Sir LIONEL said he was aware of what was going on;
+he had heard of it. "It was a policy which ought
+no longer to be pursued."</p>
+
+<p>We have given the foregoing documents, full and ungarbled,
+that our readers might fairly judge for themselves.
+We have not picked here a sentence and there a sentence,
+but let the Governor, the Assembly, the Missionaries,
+and the press tell their whole story. Let them be read,
+compared, and weighed.</p>
+
+<p>We might indefinitely prolong our extracts from the
+West India papers to show, not only in regard to the
+important island of Jamaica, but Barbados and several
+other colonies, that the former masters are alone
+guilty of the non-working of the emancipated, so far
+as they refuse to work. But we think we have already
+produced proof enough to establish the following points:--</p>
+
+<p>1. That there was a strong predisposition on the part
+of the Jamaica planters to defraud their labourers
+of their wages. They hoped that by yielding, before
+they were driven quite to the last extremity, by the
+tide of public sentiment in England, they should escape
+from all philanthropic interference and surveillance,
+and be able to bring the faces of their unyoked peasantry
+to the grindstone of inadequate wages.</p>
+
+<p>2. That the emancipated were not only peaceful in
+their new freedom, but ready to grant an amnesty of
+all post abuses, and enter cheerfully into the employ
+of their former masters for reasonable wages. That
+in cases where disagreement has arisen as to the rate
+of daily or weekly wages, the labourers have been
+ready to engage in task work, to be paid by the piece,
+and have laboured so efficiently and profitably--proving
+a strong disposition for industry and the acquisition
+of property.</p>
+
+<p>3. That in the face of this good disposition of the
+laborers, the planters have, in many cases, refused
+to give adequate wages.</p>
+
+<p>4. That in still more numerous cases, including many
+in which the wages have been apparently liberal, enormous
+extortion has been practiced upon the laborer, in
+the form of rent demanded for his hovel and provision
+patch--&pound;20 per annum being demanded for a
+shanty not worth half that money, and rent being frequently
+demanded from <i>every member</i> of a family
+more than should have been taken from the whole.</p>
+
+<p>5. That the negroes are able to look out for their
+own interest, and have very distinct ideas of their
+own about the value of money and the worth of their
+labour, as well as the best methods of bringing their
+employers to reasonable terms. On this point we might
+have made a still stronger case by quoting from the
+Despatch and Standard, which assert numerous instances
+in which the labourers have refused to work for wages
+recommended to them by the Governor, Special Magistrates,
+or Missionaries, though they offered to work for 3s.
+4d., 5s., or a dollar a day. They are shown to be
+rare bargain-makers and not easily trapped.</p>
+
+<p>6. That the attorneys and managers have deliberately
+endeavoured to raise a panic, whereby property might
+be depreciated to their own advantage; showing clearly
+thereby, that they consider Jamaica property, even
+with the laborers, irreclaimably free, a desirable
+investment.</p>
+
+<p>7. That in spite of all their efforts, the great body
+of the laborers continue industrious, doing more work
+in the same time than in slavery. <i>The testimony
+to his very important point, of the Governor and House
+of Assembly, is perfectly conclusive</i>, as we
+have already said. A house that represents the very
+men who, in 1832, burnt the missionary chapels, and
+defied the British Parliament with the threat, that
+in case it proceeded to legislate Abolition, Jamaica
+would attach herself to the United States, now HOPES
+for the agricultural prosperity of the island! Indeed
+no one in Jamaica expresses a doubt on this subject,
+who does not obviously do so <i>for the sake of
+buying land to better advantage</i>! Were the colony
+a shade <i>worse</i> off than before Emancipation,
+either in fact or in the opinion of its landholders,
+or of any considerable portion of persons acquainted
+with it, the inevitable consequence would be a depreciation
+of <i>real estate</i>. But what is the fact? said
+Rev. John Clark, a Jamaica Baptist Missionary, who
+has visited this country since the first of August,
+in a letter published in the Journal of Commerce:--</p>
+
+<p>"The Island of Jamaica is not in the deplorable
+state set forth by your correspondent.--Land
+is rising in value so rapidly, that what was bought
+five years ago at 3 dollars per acre, is now selling
+for 15 dollars; and this in the interior of the Island,
+in a parish not reckoned the most healthy, and sixteen
+miles distant from the nearest town. Crops are better
+than in the days of slavery--extra labour
+is easily obtained where kindness and justice are
+exercised towards the people. The hopes of proprietors
+are great, and larger sums are being offered for estates
+than were offered previous to August, 1834, when estates,
+and negroes upon them, were disposed of together."</p>
+
+<p>Again, as in Jamaica commerce rests wholly upon agriculture,
+<i>its</i> institutions can only flourish in
+a flourishing condition of the latter.--What
+then are we to infer from an imposing prospectus which
+appears in the island papers, commencing thus:--</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Kingston, October 26, 1838</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Jamaica Marine, Fire, and
+Life Assurance Company.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Capital &pound;100,000,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>In 5000 shares of &pound;20 each.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>It has been long a matter of astonishment
+that, in a community so essentially mercantile
+as Jamaica, no Company should have been formed
+for the purpose of effecting Insurance on Life and
+Property; although it cannot be doubted for an
+instant, that not only would such an establishment
+be highly useful to all classes of the community,
+but that it must yield a handsome return to such persons
+as may be inclined to invest their money in it,"
+&amp;c.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Farther down in the prospectus we are told--"It
+may here be stated, that the scheme for the formation
+of this Company has been mentioned to some of the
+principal Merchants and <i>Gentlemen of the Country</i>,
+and has met with decidedly favourable notice: and
+it is expected that the shares, a large number of
+which have been already taken, will be rapidly disposed
+of."</p>
+
+<p>The same paper, the Morning Journal, from which we
+make this extract, informs us: Nov. 2d--</p>
+
+<p>"The shares subscribed for yesterday, in the
+Marine Fire and Life Insurance Company, we understand,
+amount to the almost unprecedented number of One Thousand
+Six Hundred, with a number of applicants whose names
+have not been added to the list."</p>
+
+<p>The Morning Journal of October 20th in remarking upon
+this project says:--</p>
+
+<p>"Jamaica is now happily a free country; she
+contains within herself the means of becoming prosperous.
+Let her sons develope those resources which Lord Belmore
+with so much truth declared never would be developed
+<i>until slavery had ceased</i>. She has her Banks.--Give
+her, in addition, her Loan Society, her Marine, Fire,
+and life Assurance Company, and some others that will
+shortly be proposed, and capital will flow in from
+other countries--property will acquire a
+value in the market, that will increase with the increase
+of wealth, and she will yet be a flourishing island,
+and her inhabitants a happy and contented people."</p>
+
+<p>Now men desperately in debt <i>might</i> invite
+in foreign capital for temporary relief, but, since
+the <i>compensation</i>, this is understood not
+to be the case with the Jamaica planters; and if they
+are rushing into speculation, it must be because they
+have strong <i>hope</i> of the safety and prosperity
+of their country--in other words, because
+they confide in the system of free labor. This one
+prospectus, coupled with its prompt success, is sufficient
+to prove the falsehood of all the stories so industriously
+retailed among us from the Standard and the Despatch.
+But speculators and large capitalists are not the
+only men who confide in the success of the "great
+experiment."</p>
+
+<p>The following editorial notice in the Morning Journal
+of a recent date speaks volumes:--</p>
+
+<p><b>SAVINGS BANK.</b></p>
+
+<p>"We were asked not many days ago how the Savings
+Bank in this City was getting on. We answered well,
+very well indeed. By a notification published in our
+paper of Saturday, it will be seen that &pound;1600 has been
+placed in the hands of the Receiver-General. By the
+establishment of these Banks, a great deal of the
+money now locked up, and which yields no return whatever
+to the possessors, and is liable to be stolen, will
+be brought into circulation. This circumstance of itself
+ought to operate as a powerful inducement to those
+parishes in which no Banks are yet established to
+be up and doing. We have got some <i>five</i>
+or <i>six</i> of them fairly underweigh, as Jack
+would say, and hope the remainder will speedily trip
+their anchors and follow."</p>
+
+<p>We believe banks were not known in the West Indies
+before the 1st of August 1834. Says the Spanishtown
+Telegraph of May 1st, 1837, "<i>Banks, Steam-Companies,
+Rail-Roads, Charity Schools</i>, <i>etc</i>., seem
+all to have remained dormant until the time arrived
+when Jamaica was to be <i>enveloped in smoke</i>!
+No man thought of hazarding his capital in an extensive
+banking establishment until Jamaica's ruin, by
+the introduction of freedom, had been accomplished!"
+And it was not till after the 1st of August, 1838,
+that Jamaica had either savings banks or savings.
+These institutions for the industrious classes came
+only with their manhood. But why came they at all,
+if Emancipated industry is, or is likely to be, unsuccessful?--In
+Barbados we notice the same forwardness in founding
+monied institutions. A Bank is there proposed, with
+a capital of &pound;200,000. More than this, the all absorbing
+subject in all the West India papers at the present
+moment is that of the <i>currency</i>. Why such
+anxiety to provide the means of paying for labor which
+is to become valueless? Why such keenness for a good
+circulating medium if they are to have nothing to
+sell? The complaints about the old fashioned coinage
+we venture to assort have since the first of August
+occupied five times as much space in the colonial papers,
+we might probably say in each and every one of them,
+as those of the non-working of the freemen. The inference
+is irresistible. <i>The white colonists take it
+for granted that industry is to thrive</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It may be proper to remark that the late refusal of
+the Jamaica legislature to fulfil its appropriate
+functions has no connection with the working of freedom,
+any further than it may have been a struggle to get
+rid in some measure of the surveillance of the mother
+country in order to coerce the labourer so far as
+possible by vagrant laws, &amp;c. The immediate pretext
+was the passing of a law by the imperial Parliament
+for the regulation of prisons, which the House of Assembly
+declared a violation of that principle of their charter
+which forbids the mother-country to lay a tax on them
+without their consent, in as much as it authorized
+a crown officer to impose a fine, in a certain case,
+of &pound;20. A large majority considered this an infringement
+of their prerogatives, and among them were some members
+who have nobly stood up for the slave in times of
+danger. The remarks of Mr. Osborn especially, on this
+subject, (he is the full blooded, slave-born, African
+man to whom we have already referred) are worthy of
+consideration in several points of view. Although
+he had always been a staunch advocate of the home
+government on the floor of the Assembly are now contended
+for the rights of the Jamaica legislature with arguments
+which to us republicans are certainly quite forcible.
+In a speech of some length, which appears very creditable
+to him throughout, he said--</p>
+
+<p>"Government could not be acting fair towards
+them to assume that the mass of the people of this
+island would remain in the state of political indifference
+to which poverty and slavery had reduced them. They
+were now free, every man to rise as rapidly as he
+could; and the day was not very distant when it would
+be demonstrated by the change of representatives that
+would be seen in that house. It did appear to him,
+that under the pretext of extending the privileges
+of freemen to the mass of the people of this country,
+the government was about to deprive them of those
+privileges, by curtailing the power of the representative
+Assembly of those very people. He could not bring himself
+to admit, with any regard for truth, that the late
+apprentices could now be oppressed; they were quite
+alive to their own interests, and were now capable
+of taking care of themselves. So long as labor was
+marketable, so long they could resist oppression,
+while on the other hand, the proprietor, for his own
+interest's sake, would be compelled to deal fairly
+with them."</p>
+
+<p>Though it is evidently all important that the same
+public opinion which has wrested the whip from the
+master should continue to watch his proceedings as
+an employer of freemen, there is much truth in the
+speech of this black representative and alderman of
+Kingston. The brutalized and reckless attorneys and
+managers, <i>may</i> possibly succeed in driving
+the negroes from the estates by exorbitant rent and
+low wages. They <i>may</i> succeed in their effort
+to buy in property at half its value. But when they
+have effected that, they will be totally dependent
+for the profits of their ill-gotten gains upon the
+<i>free laboring people</i>. They may produce
+what they call idleness now, and a great deal of vexation
+and suffering. But land is plenty, and the laborers,
+if thrust from the estates, will take it up, and become
+still more independent. Reasonable wages they will
+be able to command, and for such they are willing to
+labor. The few thousand whites of Jamaica will never
+be able to establish slavery, or any thing like it,
+over its 300,000 blacks.</p>
+
+<p>Already they are fain to swallow their prejudice against
+color. Mr. Jordon, member for Kingston and "free
+nigger," was listened to with respect. Nay more,
+his argument was copied into the "Protest"
+which the legislature proudly flung back in the face
+of Parliament, along with the abolition of the apprenticeship,
+in return for Lord Glenelg's Bill. Let all in
+the United States read and ponder it who assert that
+"the two races cannot live together on term
+of equality."</p>
+
+<p>Legislative independence of Jamaica has ever been
+the pride of her English conquerors. They have received
+with joy the colored fellow colonists into an equal
+participation of their valued liberty, and they were
+prepared to rejoice at the extension of the constitution
+to the emancipated blacks. But the British Government,
+by a great fault, if not a crime, has, at the moment
+when all should have been free, torn from the lately
+ascendant class, the privileges which were their birthright,
+another class, now the equals of the former, the rights
+they had long and fortunately struggled for, and from
+the emancipated blacks the rights which they fondly
+expected to enjoy with their personal freedom. The
+boon of earlier freedom will not compensate this most
+numerous part of our population for the injustice
+and wrong done to the whole Jamaica people.</p>
+
+<p>The documents already adduced are confined almost
+exclusively to Jamaica. We will refer briefly to one
+of the other colonies. The next in importance is</p>
+
+<p><b>BARBADOS</b></p>
+
+<p>Here has been played nearly the same game in regard
+to wages, and with the same results. We are now furnished
+with advices from the island down to the 19th of December
+1838. At the latter date the panic making papers had
+tapered down their complainings to a very faint whisper,
+and withal expressing more hope than fears. As the
+fruit of what they had already done we are told by
+one of them, <i>the Barbadian</i>, that the unfavourable
+news carried home by the packets after the emancipation
+had served to raise the price of sugar in England,
+which object being accomplished, it is hoped that
+they will intermit the manufacture of such news. The
+first and most important document, and indeed of itself
+sufficient to save the trouble of giving more, is
+the comparison of crime during two and a half months
+of freedom, and the corresponding two and a half months
+of slavery or apprenticeship last year, submitted
+to the legislature at the opening of its session in
+the latter part of October. Here it is. We hope it
+will be held up before every slave holder.</p>
+
+<p>From the Barbadian of Dec. 1.</p>
+
+<p>Barbados.--Comparative Table, exhibiting
+the number of Complaints preferred against the Apprentice
+population of this Colony, in the months of August,
+September and to the 15th of October, 1838; together
+with the Complaints charged against Free Labourers
+of the same Colony, during the months of August, September
+and to the 15th of October, 1838. The former compiled
+from the Monthly Journals of the Special Justice of
+the Peace and the latter from the Returns of the Local
+Magistracy transmitted to his excellency the Governor</p>
+
+<p>APPRENTICESHIP.</p>
+<p>Total of Complaints vs. Apprentices from the</p>
+<TABLE summary="complaints vs. Apprentices" WIDTH="60%" BORDER="0"  CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1st to 31st August 1837.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1708
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 30th September
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1464
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 15th October
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+574
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Grand Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3746
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+<p>
+&nbsp;
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>Total number of Apprentices punished from the</p>
+<TABLE summary="punishments" WIDTH="60%" BORDER="0"  CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1st to 31st August
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1608
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 31th September
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1321
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 15th October
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+561
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Grand Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="Bottom">
+3490
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+
+<p>Total compromised, admonished and dismissed</p>
+<TABLE summary="punishment totals" WIDTH="60%" BORDER="0"  CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+1st to 31st August
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+105
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 30th September
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+113
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 15th October
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+38
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+256
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+
+<TABLE summary="comparison of years 1837 and 1838" WIDTH="60%" BORDER="0"  CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Deficiency in compromised cases in 1837 comparatively with those of 1838
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="Bottom">
+158
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Grand Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="Bottom">
+414
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p>FREEDOM.</p>
+
+<TABLE summary="total of complaints" WIDTH="60%" BORDER="0"  CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total of Complaints vs. Labourers from the 1st to the 31st August 1838
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+582
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to the 30th September
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+386
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to the 15th October
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+103
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+1071
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Comparative Surplus of Complaints in 1838
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2675
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Grand Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3746
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total of Laborers punished from the 1st to the 31st August, 1838,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+334
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 30th September
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+270
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 15th October
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+53
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+657
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Comparative surplus of punishment in 1837
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2833
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Grand total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3490
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Total compromised, admonished and dismissed from the 1st to the 31st August
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+248
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 30th September
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+116
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Ditto from the 1st to 15th October
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+50
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Grand Total
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+414
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<blockquote><p>NOTE.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>It may be proper to remark that the
+accompanying General Abstract for August, September,
+and to the 15th October, 1837, does not include
+complaints preferred and heard before the Local Magistrates
+during those months for such offences--viz.
+for misdemeanors, petty debts, assaults and petty
+thefts--as were not cognizable by the Special
+Justices; so that estimating these offences--the
+number of which does not appear in the Abstract
+for 1837--at a similar number as that
+enumerated in the Abstract for 1838, the actual relative
+difference of punishments between the two and a
+half months in 1837 and these in 1838, would thus
+appear:</p></blockquote>
+
+<TABLE summary="surplus punished" WIDTH="60%" BORDER="0"  CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Surplus of Apprentices punished in 1837, as above
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+2833
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p>Offences in August, September, and to the 15th, October, 1837 heard
+before the General Justices of the Peace, and estimated as follows:</p>
+
+<TABLE summary="table of offences" WIDTH="60%" BORDER="0"  CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Petty thefts
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+75
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Assaults
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+143
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Misdemeanors
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+98
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Petty Debts
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+19--835
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Actual surplus of punishment in 1837,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3168
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p>From the Journal of Commerce.</p>
+
+<p><i>Letter from W.R. Hays, Esq. Barbados, W.I. to
+Rev. H.G. Ludlow, of New Haven</i>.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BARBADOS, Dec. 26, 1838.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>I gave you in my last, some account
+of the manner in which the first day of emancipation
+came and went in this island. We very soon afterwards
+received similar accounts from all the neighboring
+islands. In all of them the day was celebrated
+as an occasion "of devout thanksgiving and
+praise to God, for the happy termination of slavery."
+In all of them, the change took place in a manner highly
+creditable to the emancipated, and intensely gratifying
+to the friends of liberty. The quiet, good order,
+and solemnity of the day, were every where remarkable.
+Indeed, is it not a fact worth remembering, that
+whereas in former years, a single day's relaxation
+from labor was met by the slaves with shouting
+and revelry, and merry-making, yet now, when the
+last link of slavery was broken forever, sobriety
+and decorum were especially the order of the day.
+The perfect order and subordination to the laws,
+which marked the first day of August, are yet
+unbroken. We have now nearly five months'
+experience of entire emancipation; and I venture to
+say, that a period of more profound peace never
+existed in the West Indies. There have been disputes
+about wages, as in New England and in other free
+countries; but no concert, no combination even, here;
+and the only attempt at a combination was among
+the planters, to keep down wages--and
+that but for a short time only. I will not enter
+particularly into the questions, whether or not the
+people will continue to work for wages, whether
+they will remain quiet,--or on the other
+hand, whether the Island will be suffered to become
+desolate, and the freed slaves relapse into barbarism,
+&amp;c. These things have been speculated about, and
+gloomy predictions have had their day; the time
+has now come for the proof. People do not buy land
+and houses, and rent property for long terms of years,
+in countries where life is insecure, or where
+labor cannot be had, and the tendency of things
+is to ruin and decay. In short, men, in their senses,
+do not embark on board a sinking ship. Confidence is
+the very soul of prosperity; of the existence
+of this confidence in this Island, the immense
+operations in real estate, since the first of August,
+are abundant proof. There are multitudes of instances
+in which estates have sold for $20,000 <i>more</i>
+than was asked for them six months ago; and
+yet at the time they were considered very high.
+A proprietor who was persuaded a few weeks since to
+part with his estate for a very large sum of money,
+went and bought <i>it back again</i> at an
+<i>advance</i> of $9600. A great many long leases
+of property have been entered into. An estate
+called "Edgecombe," mentioned by Thome
+and Kimball, has been rented for 21 years at $7500
+per annum. Another called the "hope" has
+been rented for 10 years at &pound;2000 sterling, equal
+to $9600 per annum. Another, after being rented
+at a high price, was relet, by the lessee, who became
+entirely absolved from the contract, and took $16,000
+for his bargain. If required, I could give you
+a host of similar cases, with the names of the
+parties. But it seems unnecessary. The mere impulse
+given to the value of property in this island by
+emancipation, is a thing as notorious <i>here</i>,
+as the <i>fact</i> of emancipation.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>But, are not crimes more frequent than
+before? I have now before me a Barbados newspaper,
+printed two weeks since, in which the fact is stated,
+that in <i>all</i> the county prisons, among a
+population of 80,000, only <i>two</i> prisoners
+were confined for any cause whatever!</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"But," says a believer in
+the necessity of Colonization, "how will you
+<i>get rid</i> of the negroes?" I answer
+by adverting to the spectacle which is now witnessed
+in <i>all</i> the Islands of the former proprietors
+of slaves, now <i>employers</i> of <i>free</i>
+laborers, using every endeavor to <i>prevent</i>
+emigration. Trinidad, Demerara, and Berbice, <i>want</i>
+laborers. The former has passed a law to pay the passage
+money of any laborer who comes to the Island, leaving
+him free to choose him employment. Demerara and
+Berbize have sent Emigration agents to this and
+other islands, to induce the laborers to join
+those colonies, offering high wages, good treatment,
+&amp;c. On the other hand, Barbados, Grenada, St.
+Vincent, and all the old and populous islands,
+individually and collectively, by legislative resolves,
+legal enactments, &amp;c. &amp;c.--loudly protest
+that they have <i>not a man to spare</i>!
+What is still better, the old island proprietors
+are on every hand building new houses for the peasantry,
+and with great forethought adding to their comfort;
+knowing that they will thereby secure their contentment
+on their native soil. As a pleasing instance of
+the good understanding which now exists between
+proprietors and laborers, I will mention, that great
+numbers of the former were in town on the 24th,
+buying up pork, hams, rice, &amp;c. as presents for
+their people on the ensuing Christmas; a day which
+has this year passed by amid scenes of quiet Sabbath
+devotions, a striking contrast to the tumult and
+drunkenness of former times. I cannot close this
+subject, without beating my testimony to the correctness
+of the statements made by our countrymen, Thome
+and Kimball. They were highly esteemed here by all
+classes, and had free access to every source of
+valuable information. If they have not done justice
+to the subject of their book, it is because the
+manifold blessings of a deliverance from slavery
+are beyond the powers of language to represent. When
+I attempt, as I have done in this letter, to enumerate
+a few of the, I know not where to begin, or where
+to end. One must <i>see</i>, in order to
+know and feel how unspeakable a boon these islands
+have received,--a boon, which is by
+no means confined to the emancipated slaves; but,
+like the dew and rains of heaven, it fell upon all
+the inhabitants of the land, bond and free, rich
+and poor, together.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>It is a common thing here, when you
+hear one speak of the benefits of emancipation--the
+remark--that it ought to have taken place
+long ago. Some say fifty years ago, some twenty,
+and some, that at any rate it ought to have taken
+place all at once, without any apprenticeship.
+The noon-day sun is not clearer than the fact, that
+no preparation was required on the part of the
+slaves. It was the dictate of an accusing conscience,
+that foretold of bloodshed, and burning, and devastation.
+Can it be supposed to be an accidental circumstance,
+that peace and good-will have <i>uniformly</i>,
+in <i>all</i> the colonies, followed the
+steps of emancipation. Is it not rather the broad
+seal of attestation to that heaven born principle,
+"It is safe to do right." Dear brother,
+if you or any other friend to down trodden humanity,
+have any lingering fear that the blaze of light which
+is now going forth from the islands will ever be quenched,
+even for a moment, dismiss that fear. The light,
+instead of growing dim, will continue to brighten.
+Your prayers for the safe and happy introduction
+of freedom, upon a soil long trodden by the foot of
+slavery, may be turned into praises--for
+the event has come to pass. When shall we be able
+to rejoice in such a consummation in our beloved
+America? How I long to see a deputation of slaveholders
+making the tour of these islands. It would only
+be necessary for them to use their eyes and ears.
+Argument would be quite out of place. Even an
+appeal to principle--to compassion--to
+the fear of God--would not be needed.
+Self-interest alone would decide them in favor
+of immediate emancipation.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Ever yours,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>W.R. HAYES.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><b>DEMERARA.</b></p>
+
+<p>SPEECH OF THE GOVERNOR, ON OPENING THE SESSION OF
+THE COURT OF POLICY,<br>
+SEPT. 17, 1838.</p>
+
+<p>From the Guiana Royal Gazette.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I should fail in my duty to the
+public, and perhaps no respond to the expectations
+of yourselves, Gentlemen of the Colonial Section of
+this Honorable Court, did I not say a few words
+on the state of the Colony, at this our first
+meeting after the memorable first of August.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>We are now approaching the close of
+the second month since that date--a
+sufficient time to enable us to judge of the good
+disposition of the new race of Freemen, but not
+perhaps of the prosperity of the Colony. It is
+a proud thing for the Colonist--Proprietors
+and Employers--that nothing has occurred
+to indicate a want of good feeling in the great
+body of the laborers. It is creditable to them,
+satisfactory to their employers, and confounding
+to those who anticipated a contrary state of affairs.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>That partial changes of location should
+have taken place, cannot surprise any reasonable
+mind--that men who have all their lives been
+subject to compulsory labor should, on having this
+labor left to their discretion, be disposed at
+first to relax, and, in some instances, totally
+abstain from it, was equally to be expected. But we
+have no reason to despond, nor to imagine that, because
+such has occurred in some districts, it will continue.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>It is sufficient that the ignorant have
+been undeceived in their exaggerated notions of
+their rights as Freemen: it was the first step
+towards resumption of labor in every part of the Colony.
+The patient forbearance of the Employers has produced
+great changes. If some Estates have been disappointed
+in the amount of labor performed, others again,
+and I have reason to believe a great number, are
+doing well. It is well known that the Peasantry have
+not taken to a wandering life: they are not lost
+to the cultivated parts of the Colony: for the
+reports hitherto received from the Superintendents
+of Rivers and Creeks make no mention of an augmented
+population in the distant parts of their respective
+districts.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I hear of few commitments, except in
+this town, where, of course, many of the idle
+have flocked from the country. On the East Coast,
+there has been only one case brought before the
+High Sheriff's Court since the 1st of August.
+In the last Circuit, not one!</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>With these facts before us, we may,
+I trust, anticipate the continued prosperity of
+the Colony; and though it be possible there may
+be a diminution in the exports of the staple commodities
+in this and the succeeding quarter, yet we must
+take into consideration that the season had been
+unfavorable, in some districts, previous to the 1st
+August, therefore a larger proportion of the crops
+remained uncut; and we may ask, whether a continuance
+of compulsory labor would have produced a more
+favorable result? Our united efforts will, I trust,
+not be wanting to base individual prosperity on the
+welfare of all."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The Governor of Demerara is HENRY LIGHT, Esq., a gentlemen
+who seems strongly inclined to court the old slavery
+party and determined to shew his want of affinity
+to the abolitionists. In another speech delivered
+on a similar occasion, he says:</p>
+
+<p>"Many of the new freemen may still be said to
+be in their infancy of freedom, and like children
+are wayward. On <i>many of the estates</i> they
+have repaid the kindness and forbearance of their masters;
+on others they have continued to take advantage of
+(what? the kindness and forbearance of their masters?
+No.) their new condition, are idle or irregular in
+their work. The good sense of the mass gives me reason
+to hope that idleness will be the exception, not the
+rule."</p>
+
+<p>The Barbadian of NOV. 28, remarks, that of six districts
+in Demerara whose condition had been reported, <i>five</i>
+were working favorably. In the sixth the laborers
+were standing out for higher wages.</p>
+
+<p><b>TRINIDAD.</b></p>
+
+<p>In the <i>Jamaica Morning Journal</i> of Oct.
+2d and 15th, we find the following paragraphs in relation
+to this colony:</p>
+
+<p>"Trinidad.--The reports from the various
+districts as to the conduct of our laboring population,
+are as various and opposite, the Standard says, to
+each other as it is possible for them to be. There
+are many of the Estates on which the laborers had
+at first gone on steadily to work which now have scarcely
+a hand upon them, whilst upon others they muster a
+greater force than they could before command. We hear
+also that the people have already in many instances
+exhibited that propensity common to the habits of
+common life, which we call squatting, and to which
+we have always looked forward as one of the evils
+likely to accompany their emancipation, and calling
+for the earliest and most serious attention of our
+Legislature. We must confess, however, that it is a
+subject not easy to deal with safely and effectually."</p>
+
+<p>TRINIDAD,--The Standard says: "The
+state of the cultivation at present is said to be
+as far advanced as could have been anticipated under
+the new circumstances in which the Island stands.
+The weather throughout the month has been more than
+usually favorable to weeding, whilst there has also
+been sufficient rain to bring out the plants; and many
+planters having, before the 1st of Augus, pushed on
+their weeding by free labor and (paid) extra tasks,
+the derangement in their customary labor which has
+been experienced since that period, does not leave
+them much below an average progress."</p>
+
+<p>"Of the laborers, although they are far from
+being settled, we believe we may say, that they are
+not working badly; indeed, compared with those of
+the sister colonies, they are both more industrious
+and more disposed to be on good terms with their late
+masters. Some few estates continue short of their
+usual compliment of hands; but many of the laborers
+who had left the proprietors, have returned to them,
+whilst many others have changed their locality either
+to join their relations, or to return to their haunts
+of former days. So far as we can learn, nothing like
+insubordination or combination exists. We are also
+happy to say, that on some estates, the laborers have
+turned their attention to their provision grounds.
+There is one point, however, which few seem to comprehend,
+which is, that although free, they cannot work one
+day and be idle the next, <i>ad libitum</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Later accounts mention that some thousands more of
+laborers were wanted to take off the crop, and that
+a committee of immigration had been appointed to obtain
+them. [See Amos Townsend's letter on the last
+page.] So it seems the free laborers are so good they
+want more of them. The same is notoriously true of
+Demerara, and Berbice. Instead of a colonization spirit
+to get rid of the free blacks, the quarrel among the
+colonies is, which shall get the most. It is no wonder
+that the poor negroes in Trinidad should betake themselves
+to squatting. The island is thinly peopled and the
+administration or justice is horribly corrupt, under
+the governorship and judgeship of Sir George Hill,
+the well known defaulter as Vice Treasurer of Ireland,
+on whose appointment Mr. O'Connell remarked
+that "delinquents might excuse themselves by
+referring to the case of their judge."</p>
+
+<p><b>GRENADA.</b></p>
+
+<p>"GRENADA--The Gazette expresses its
+gratification at being able to record, that the accounts
+which have been received from several parts of the
+country, are of a satisfactory nature. On many of the
+properties the peasantry have, during the week, evinced
+a disposition to resume their several accustomed avocations,
+at the rates, and on the terms proposed by the directors
+of the respective estates, to which they were formerly
+belonging; and very little desire to change their residence
+has been manifested. One of our correspondents writes,
+that 'already, by a conciliatory method, and
+holding out the stimulus of extra pay, in proportion
+to the quantity of work performed beyond that allowed
+to them, he had, 'succeeded in obtaining, for
+three days, double the former average of work, rendered
+by the labors during the days of slavery; and this,
+too, by four o'clock, at which hour it seems,
+they are now wishful of ceasing to work, and to enable
+them to do so, they work continuously from the time
+they return from their breakfast.'"</p>
+
+<p>"It is one decided opinion, the paper named
+says, that in a very short time the cultivation of
+the cane still be generally resumed, and all things
+continue to progress to the mutual satisfaction of
+both employer and laborer. We shall feel indebted
+to our friends for such information, as it may be
+in their power to afford us on this important subject,
+as it will tend to their advantage equally with that
+of their laborers, from the same being made public.
+We would wish also that permission be given as to
+mention the names of the properties on which matters
+have assumed a favorable aspect."</p>
+
+<p><i>Jamaica Morning Journal of Oct. 2</i>.</p>
+
+<p>GRENADA.--According to the <i>Free Press</i>,
+it would appear that 'the proprietors and managers
+of several estates in Duquesne Valley, and elsewhere,
+their patience being worn out, and seeing the cultivation
+of their estates going to ruin, determined to put
+the law into operation, by compelling, after allowing
+twenty-three or twenty-four days of idleness, the
+people either to work or to leave the estates. They
+resisted; the aid of the magistrates and of the constabulary
+force was called in, but without effect, and actual
+violence was, we learn, used towards those who came
+to enforce the law. Advices were immediately sent
+down to the Executive, despatched by a gentleman of
+the Troop, who reached town about half past five o'clock
+on Saturday morning last. We believe a Privy Council
+was summoned, and during the day, Capt. Clarke of
+the 1st West-India Regiment, and Government Secretary,
+Lieut. Mould of the Royal Engineers, and Lieut. Costabodie
+of the 70th, together with twenty men of the 70th,
+and 20 of the 1st West India, embarked, to be conveyed
+by water to the scene of insubordination.'</p>
+
+<p>"'We have not learnt the reception this
+force met with, from the laborers, but the results
+of the visit paid them were, that yesterday, there
+were at work, on four estates, none: on eleven others,
+287 in all, and on another all except three, who are
+in the hands of the magistrates. On one of the above
+properties, the great gang was, on Friday last, represented
+in the cane-piece by one old woman!'"</p>
+
+<p>"'The presence of the soldiers has had,
+it will be seen, some effect, yet still the prospects
+are far from encouraging; a system of stock plundering,
+&amp;c. is prevalent to a fearful degree, some gentlemen
+and the industrious laborers having had their fowls,
+&amp;c. entirely carried off by the worthless criminals;
+it is consolatory, however, to be able to quote the
+following written, to us by a gentleman: "Although
+there are a good many people on the different estates,
+still obstinate and resisting either to work or to
+leave the properties, yet I hope that if the military
+are posted at Samaritan for some time longer, they
+will come round, several of the very obstinate having
+done so already." Two negroes were sent down
+to goal on Monday last, to have their trial for assaulting
+the magistrates.'"</p>
+
+<p>"'Such are the facts, as far as we have
+been able to ascertain them, which have attended a
+rebellious demonstration among a portion of the laboring
+population, calculated to excite well-founded apprehension
+in the whole community. Had earlier preventive measures
+been adopted, this open manifestation of a spirit
+of resistance to, and defiance of the law, might have
+been avoided. On this point, we have, in contempt of
+the time-serving reflections it has drawn upon us,
+freely and fearlessly expressed our opinion, and we
+shall now only remark, that matters having come to
+the pass we have stated, the Executive has adopted
+the only effective means to bring affairs again to
+a healthy state; fortunate is it for the colony, that
+this has been done, and we trust that the effects
+will be most beneficial.'"</p>
+
+<p><b>TOBAGO.</b></p>
+
+<p>The following testifies well for the ability of the
+emancipated to take care of themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tobago.--The Gazette of this
+Island informs us that up to the period of its going
+to press, the accounts from the country, as to the
+disinclination of the laborers to turn out to work
+are much the same as we have given of last week. Early
+this morning parties of them were seen passing through
+town in various directions, accompanied by their children,
+and carrying along with them their ground provisions,
+stock, &amp;c. indicating a change of location. Whilst
+on many estates where peremptory demands have been
+made that work be resumed, or the laborers should
+leave the estate, downright refusal to do either the
+one or the other has been the reply; and that reply
+has been accompanied by threat and menace of personal
+violence against any attempts to turn them out of
+their houses and grounds. In the transition of the
+laborers from a state of bondage to freedom, much
+that in their manners and deportment would have brought
+them summarily under the coercion of the stipendiary
+magistrate, formerly, may now be practised with impunity;
+and the fear is lest that nice discrimination betwixt
+restraints just terminated and rights newly acquired,
+will not be clouded for some time, even in the minds
+of the authorities, before whom laborers are likely
+to be brought for their transgression. Thus, although
+it may appear like an alarming confederacy, the system
+of sending delegates, or head men, around the estates,
+which the laborers have adopted, as advisers, or agents,
+to promote general unanimity; it must be borne in
+mind that this is perfectly justifiable; and it is
+only where actual violence has been threatened by
+those delegates against those who choose to work at
+under wages, that the authorities can merely assure
+them of their protection from violence.'--<i>Morning
+Jour., Oct. 2.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Barbadian</i> of November 21, says, "An
+agricultural report has been lately made of the windward
+district of the Island, which is favorable as to the
+general working of the negroes." The same paper
+of November 28, says, "It is satisfactory to
+learn that <i>many</i> laborers in Tobago are
+engaging more readily in agricultural operations."</p>
+
+<p><b>ST. VINCENT.</b></p>
+
+<p>"Saint Vincent.--Our intelligence
+this week, observes the Gazette of 25th August, from
+the country districts, is considerably more favorable
+than for the previous fortnight. In most of the leeward
+quarter, the people have, more or less, returned to
+work, with the exception of very few estates, which
+we decline naming, as we trust that on these also
+they will resume their labor in a few days. The same
+may be said generally of the properties in St. George's
+parish; and in the more extensive district of Charlotte,
+there is every prospect that the same example will
+be followed next week particularly in the Caraib country,
+where a few laborers on some properties have been at
+work during the present week, and the explanation
+and advice given them by Mr. Special Justice Ross
+has been attended with the best effect, and we doubt
+not will so continue. In the Biabou quarter the laborers
+have resumed work in greater numbers than in other
+parts of the parish, and the exceptions in this, as
+in ether districts, we hope will continue but a short
+time."</p>
+
+<p>The Barbadian of November 21, speaks of a "megass
+house" set on fire in this island which the
+peasantry refused to extinguish, and adds that but
+half work is performed by the laborer in that parish.
+"Those of the adjoining parish," its says,
+"are said to be working satisfactorily."
+In a subsequent paper we notice a report from the
+Chief of Police to the Lieutenant Governor, which
+speaks favorably of the general working of the negroes,
+as far as he had been able to ascertain by inquiry
+into a district comprising one-third of the laborers.</p>
+
+<p>The New York Commercial Advertiser of February 25,
+has a communication from Amos Townsend, Esq., Cashier
+of the New Haven Bank; dated New Haven, February 21,
+1839, from which we make the following extract. He
+says he obtained his information from one of the most
+extensive shipping houses in that city connected with
+the West India trade.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"A Mr. Jackson, a planter from
+St. Vincents, has been in this city within a few
+day, and says that the emancipation of the slaves on
+that island works extremely well; and that his
+plantation produces more and yields a larger profit
+than it has ever done before. The emancipated
+slaves now do in eight hours what was before considered
+a two-days' task, and he pays the laborers
+a dollar a day.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Mr. Jackson further states that he,
+and Mr. Nelson, of Trinidad, with another gentleman
+from the same islands, have been to Washington,
+and conferred with Mr. Calhoun and Mr. Clay, <i>to
+endeavour to concert some plan to get colored laborers
+from this country to emigrate to these islands,
+as there is a great want of hands.</i> They
+offer one dollar a day for able bodied hands. The
+gentlemen at Washington were pleased with the idea
+of thus disposing of the free blacks at the South,
+and would encourage their efforts to induce that
+class of the colored people to emigrate. Mr. Calhoun
+remarked that it was the most feasible plan of
+colonizing the free blacks that had ever been
+suggested.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>This is the amount of my information,
+and comes in so direct a channel as leaves no
+room to doubt its correctness. What our southern
+champions will now say to this direct testimony from
+their brother planters of the West Indies, of
+the practicability and safety of immediate emancipation,
+remains to be seen. Truly yours." AMOS TOWNSEND,
+JUN.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><b>ST. LUCIA.</b></p>
+
+<p>Saint Lucia.--The Palladium states that
+affairs are becoming worse every day with the planters.
+Their properties are left without labourers to work
+them; their buildings broken into, stores and produce
+stolen, ground provisions destroyed, stock robbed,
+and they themselves insulted and laughed at.</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday night, the Commissary of Police arrived
+in town from the third and fourth districts, with
+some twenty or thirty prisoners, who had been convicted
+before the Chief Justice of having assaulted the police
+in the execution of their duty, and sent to gaol.</p>
+
+<p>"It has been deemed necessary to call for military
+aid with a view of humbling the high and extravagant
+ideas entertained by the ex-apprentices upon the independence
+of their present condition; thirty-six men of the
+first West India regiment, and twelve of the seventy-fourth
+have been accordingly despatched; the detachment embarked
+yesterday on board Mr. Muter's schooner, the
+Louisa, to land at <i>Soufriere</i>, and march into
+the interior."</p>
+
+<p>In both the above cases where the military was called
+out, the provocation was given by the white. And in
+both cases it was afterwards granted to be needless.
+Indeed, in the quelling of one of these factitious
+rebellions, the prisoners taken were two white men,
+and one of them a manager.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<a name="AE_Ex2"></a>
+<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<h2>THE
+CHATTEL PRINCIPLE</h2>
+
+<p><b>THE ABHORRENCE OF<br>
+JESUS CHRIST AND THE APOSTLES;<br>
+OR<br>
+NO REFUGE FOR AMERICAN SLAVERY</b></p>
+
+<p><b>IN</b></p>
+
+<p><B>THE NEW TESTAMENT.</b></p>
+
+<p>NEW YORK<br>
+PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.<br>
+NO. 143 NASSAU STREET.<br>
+1839</p>
+
+<p><i>Please read and circulate.</i></p>
+
+<p>The</p>
+
+<p>NEW TESTAMENT AGAINST SLAVERY.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE
+THAT WHICH WAS LOST."</p>
+
+<p>Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? In 1776
+THOMAS JEFFERSON, supported by a noble band of patriots
+and surrounded by the American people, opened his
+lips in the authoritative declaration: "We hold
+these truths to be SELF-EVIDENT, <i>that all men
+are created equal; that they are endowed by their
+Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among
+these are life, LIBERTY and the pursuit of happiness.</i>"
+And from the inmost heart of the multitudes around,
+and in a strong and clear voice, broke forth the unanimous
+and decisive answer: Amen--such truths we
+do indeed hold to be self-evident. And animated and
+sustained by a declaration, so inspiring and sublime,
+they rushed to arms, and as the result of agonizing
+efforts and dreadful sufferings, achieved under God
+the independence of their country. The great truth,
+whence they derived light and strength to assert and
+defend their rights, they made the foundation of their
+republic. And in the midst of <i>this republic</i>,
+must we prove, that He, who was the Truth, did not
+contradict "the truths" which He Himself,
+as their Creator, had made self-evident to mankind?</p>
+
+<p>Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? What,
+according to those laws which make it what it is,
+is American slavery? In the Statute-Book of South
+Carolina thus it is written:[<a name="AE2_FR49"></a><a href="#AE2_FN49">A</a>] "Slaves shall
+be deemed, sold, taken, reputed and adjudged in law
+to be <i>chattels personal</i> in the hands of
+their owners and possessors, and their executors,
+administrators and assigns, to all intents, constructions
+and purposes whatever." The very root of American
+slavery consists in the assumption, that <i>law
+has reduced men to chattels</i>. But this assumption
+is, and must be, a gross falsehood. Men and cattle
+are separated from each other by the Creator, immutably,
+eternally, and by an impassable gulf. To confound
+or identify men and cattle must be to <i>lie</i>
+most wantonly, impudently, and maliciously. And must
+we prove, that Jesus Christ is not in favor of palpable,
+monstrous falsehood?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN49"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR49">A</a>: Stroud's Slave Laws, p. 23.]</p>
+
+<p>Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? How
+can a system, built upon a stout and impudent denial
+of self-evident truth--a system of treating
+men like cattle--operate? Thomas Jefferson
+shall answer. Hear him.[<a name="AE2_FR4A"></a><a href="#AE2_FN4A">B</a>] "The whole commerce
+between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of
+the most boisterous passions; the most unremitting
+despotism on the one part, and degrading submission
+on the other. The parent storms, the child looks on,
+catches the <i>lineaments</i> of wrath, puts on the
+same airs in the circle of smaller slaves, gives loose
+to his worst passions, and thus nursed, educated,
+and daily exercised in tyranny, can not but be stamped
+by it with odious peculiarities. The man must be a
+prodigy, who can retain his manners and morals undepraved
+by such circumstances." Such is the practical
+operation of a system, which puts men and cattle into
+the same family and treats them alike. And must we
+prove, that Jesus Christ is not in favor of a school
+where the worst vices in their most hateful forms
+are systematically and efficiently taught and practiced?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN4A"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR4A">B</a>: Notes on Virginia.]</p>
+
+<p>Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? What,
+in 1818, did the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
+church affirm respecting its nature and operation?[<a name="AE2_FR4B"></a><a href="#AE2_FN4B">C</a>]
+"Slavery creates a paradox in the moral system--it
+exhibits rational, accountable, and immortal beings,
+in such circumstances as scarcely to leave them the
+power of moral action. It exhibits them as dependent
+on the will of others, whether they shall receive
+religious instruction; whether they shall know and
+worship the true God; whether they shall enjoy the
+ordinances of the gospel; whether they shall perform
+the duties and cherish the endearments of husbands
+and wives, parents and children, neighbors and friends;
+whether they shall preserve their chastity and purity,
+or regard the dictates of justice and humanity. Such
+are some of the consequences of slavery; consequences
+not imaginary, but which connect themselves with its
+very existence. The evils to which the slave is <i>always</i>
+exposed, <i>often take place</i> in their very
+worst degree and form; and where all of them do not
+take place, still the slave is deprived of his natural
+rights, degraded as a human being, and exposed to
+the danger of passing into the hands of a master who
+may inflict upon him all the hardships and injuries
+which inhumanity and avarice may suggest." Must
+we prove, that Jesus Christ is not in favor of such
+things?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN4B"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR4B">C</a>: Minutes of the General Assembly for 1818,
+p. 29.]</p>
+
+<p>Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? It is
+already widely felt and openly acknowledged at the
+South, that they can not support slavery without sustaining
+the opposition of universal christendom. And Thomas
+Jefferson declared, that "he trembled for his
+country when he reflected, that God is just; that
+his justice can not sleep forever; that considering
+numbers, nature, and natural means only, a revolution
+of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation,
+is among possible events; that it may become practicable
+by supernatural influences! The Almighty has no attribute
+which can take sides with us in such a contest."[<a name="AE2_FR4C"></a><a href="#AE2_FN4C">A</a>]
+And must we prove, that Jesus Christ is not in favor
+of what universal christendom is impelled to abhor,
+denounce, and oppose;--is not in favor of
+what every attribute of Almighty God is armed against?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN4C"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR4C">A</a>: Notes on Virginia]</p>
+
+<p>"YE HAVE DESPISED THE POOR."</p>
+
+<p>It is no man of straw, with whom in making out such
+proof we are called to contend. Would to God we had
+no other antagonist! Would to God that our labor of
+love could be regarded as a work of supererogation!
+But we may well be ashamed and grieved; to find it
+necessary to "stop the mouths" of grave
+and learned ecclesiastics, who from the heights of
+Zion have undertaken to defend the institution of
+slavery. We speak not now of those, who amidst the
+monuments of oppression are engaged in the sacred
+vocation; who as ministers of the Gospel can "prophesy
+smooth things" to such as pollute the altar
+of Jehovah with human sacrifices; nay, who themselves
+bind the victim and kindle the sacrifice. That <i>they</i>
+should put their Savior to the torture, to wring from
+his lips something in favor of slavery, is not to
+be wondered at. They consent to the murder of the
+children; can they respect the rights of the Father?
+But what shall we say of theological professors at
+the North--professors of sacred literature
+at our oldest divinity schools--who stand
+up to defend, both by argument and authority, southern
+slavery! And from the Bible! Who, Balaam-like, try
+a thousand expedients to force from the mouth of Jehovah
+a sentence which they know the heart of Jehovah abhors!
+Surely we have here something more mischievous and
+formidable than a man of straw. More than two years
+ago, and just before the meeting of the General Assembly
+of the Presbyterian church, appeared an article in
+the Biblical Repertory,[<a name="AE2_FR4D"></a><a href="#AE2_FN4D">A</a>] understood to be from the
+pen of the Professor of Sacred Literature at Princeton,
+in which an effort is made to show, that slavery,
+whatever may be said of <i>any abuses</i> of it,
+is <i>not a violation of the precepts of the Gospel</i>.
+This article, we are informed, was industriously and
+extensively distributed among the members of the General
+Assembly--a body of men, who by a frightful
+majority seemed already too much disposed to wink
+at the horrors of slavery. The effect of the Princeton
+Apology on the southern mind, we have high authority
+for saying, has been most decisive and injurious. It
+has contributed greatly to turn the public eye off
+from the sin--from the inherent and necessary
+<i>evils of slavery</i> to incidental evils, which
+the <i>abuse</i> of it might be expected to occasion.
+And how few can be brought to admit, that whatever
+abuses may prevail nobody knows where or how, any such
+thing is chargeable upon them! Thus our Princeton prophet
+has done what he could to lay the southern conscience
+asleep upon ingenious perversions of the sacred volume!</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN4D"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR4D">A</a>: For April, 1836. The General Assembly
+of the Presbyterian Church met in the following May,
+at Pittsburgh, where, in pamphlet form, this article
+was distributed. The following appeared upon the title
+page:</p>
+
+<p>PITTSBURGH:<br>
+1836.<br>
+<i>For gratuitous distribution</i>.<br>
+</p>
+<p>]</p>
+
+<p>About a year after this, an effort in the same direction
+was jointly made by Dr. Fisk and Prof. Stuart. In
+a letter to a Methodist clergyman, Mr. Merritt, published
+in Zion's Herald, Dr. Fisk gives utterance to
+such things as the following:--"But
+that you and the public may see and <i>feel</i>,
+that you have the ablest and those who are among the
+honestest men of this age, arrayed against you, be
+pleased to notice the following letter from Prof.
+Stuart." I wrote to him, knowing as I did his
+integrity of purpose, his unflinching regard for truth,
+as well as his deserved reputation as a scholar and
+biblical critic, proposing the following questions:--</p>
+
+<p>1. Does the New Testament directly or indirectly teach,
+that slavery existed in the primitive church?</p>
+
+<p>2. In 1 Tim. vi. 2, And they that have believing masters,
+&amp;c., what is the relation expressed or implied between
+"they" (servants) and "<i>believing
+masters</i>?" And what are your reasons for
+the construction of the passage?</p>
+
+<p>3. What was the character of ancient and eastern slavery?--Especially
+what (legal) power did this relation give the master
+over the slave?</p>
+
+<p>PROFESSOR STUART'S REPLY.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>ANDOVER, 10th April, 1837.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>REV. AND DEAR SIR,--Yours
+is before me. A sickness of three months' standing
+(typhus fever,) in which I have just escaped death,
+and which still confines me to my house, renders
+it impossible for me to answer your letter at
+large.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>1. The precepts of the New Testament
+respecting the demeanor of slaves and of their
+masters, beyond all question, recognize the existence
+of slavery. The masters are in part "believing
+masters," so that a precept to them, how
+they are to behave as <i>masters</i>, recognizes
+that the relation may still exist, <i>salva fide
+et salva ecclesia</i>, ("without violating
+the Christian faith or the church.") Otherwise,
+Paul had nothing to do but to cut the band asunder
+at once. He could not lawfully and properly temporize
+with a <i>malum in se</i>, ("that which is
+in itself sin.")</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>If any one doubts, let him take the
+case of Paul's sending Onesimus back to
+Philemon, with an apology for his running away, and
+sending him back to be his servant for life. The
+relation did exist, may exist. The <i>abuse</i>
+of it is the essential and fundamental wrong. Not
+that the theory of slavery is in itself right.
+No; "Love thy neighbor as thyself,"
+"Do unto others that which ye would that others
+should do unto you," decide against this. But
+the relation once constituted and continued, is
+not such a <i>malum in se</i> as calls for
+immediate and violent disruption at all hazards. So
+Paul did not counsel.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>2. 1 Tim. vi. 2, expresses the sentiment,
+that slaves, who are Christians and have Christian
+masters, are not, on that account, and because
+<i>as Christians they are brethren</i>, to forego
+the reverence due to them as masters. That is,
+the relation of master and slave is not, as a
+matter of course, abrogated between all Christians.
+Nay, servants should in such a case, a <i>fortiori</i>,
+do their duty cheerfully. This sentiment lies
+on the very face of the case. What the master's
+duty in such a case may be in respect to <i>liberation</i>,
+is another question, and one which the apostle
+does not here treat of.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>3. Every one knows, who is acquainted
+with Greek or Latin antiquities, that slavery
+among heathen nations has ever been more unqualified
+and at looser ends than among Christian nations. Slaves
+were <i>property</i> in Greece and Rome. That
+decides all questions about their <i>relation</i>.
+Their treatment depended, as it does now, on the temper
+of their masters. The power of the master over the
+slave was, for a long time, that of <i>life
+and death</i>. Horrible cruelties at length
+mitigated it. In the apostle's day, it was at
+least as great as among us.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>After all the spouting and vehemence
+on this subject, which have been exhibited, the
+<i>good old Book</i> remains the same. Paul's
+conduct and advice are still safe guides. Paul
+knew well that Christianity would ultimately destroy
+slavery, as it certainly will. He knew too, that
+it would destroy monarchy and aristocracy from the
+earth; for it is fundamentally a doctrine of <i>true
+liberty and equality</i>. Yet Paul did not
+expect slavery or anarchy to be ousted in a day; and
+gave precepts to Christians respecting their demeanor
+<i>ad interim</i>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>With sincere and paternal
+regard,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Your friend and brother,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>M. STUART.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>--This, sir, is doctrine that
+will stand, because it is <i>Bible doctrine</i>.
+The abolitionists, then, are on a wrong course. They
+have traveled out of the record; and if they would
+succeed, they must take a different position,
+and approach the subject in a different manner.
+Respectfully yours,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>W. FISK</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>"SO THEY WRAP [SNARL] IT UP."</p>
+
+<p>What are we taught here? That in the ecclesiastical
+organizations which grew up under the hands of the
+apostles, slavery was admitted as a relation, that
+did not violate the Christian faith; that the relation
+may now in like manner exist; that "the abuse
+of it is the essential and fundamental wrong;"
+and, of course, that American Christians may hold
+their own brethren in slavery without incurring guilt
+or inflicting injury. Thus according to Prof. Stuart,
+Jesus Christ has not a word to say against "the
+peculiar institutions" of the South. If our brethren
+there do not "abuse" the privilege of exacting
+unpaid labor, they may multiply their slaves to their
+hearts' content, without exposing themselves
+to the frown of the Savior or laying their Christian
+character open to the least suspicion. Could any trafficker
+in human flesh ask for greater latitude? And to such
+doctrines, Dr. Fisk eagerly aid earnestly subscribes.
+He goes further. He urges it on the attention of his
+brethren, as containing important truth, which they
+ought to embrace. According to him, it is "<i>Bible
+doctrine</i>," showing, that "the abolitionists
+are on a wrong course," and must, "if they
+would succeed, take a different position."</p>
+
+<p>We now refer to such distinguished names, to show,
+that in attempting to prove that Jeans Christ is not
+in favor of American slavery, we contend with something
+else than a man of straw. The ungrateful task, which
+a particular examination of Prof. Stuart's letter
+lays upon us, we hope fairly to dispose of in due
+season.--Enough has now been said, to make
+it clear and certain, that American slavery has its
+apologists and advocates in the northern pulpit; advocates
+and apologists, who fall behind few if any of their
+brethren in the reputation they have acquired, the
+stations they occupy, and the general influence they
+are supposed to exert.</p>
+
+<p>Is it so? Did slavery exist in Judea, and among the
+Jews, in its worst form, during the Savior's
+incarnation? If the Jews held slaves, they must have
+done so in open and flagrant violation of the letter
+and the spirit of the Mosaic Dispensation. Whoever
+has any doubts of this may well resolve his doubts
+in the light of the Argument entitled "The Bible
+against Slavery." If, after a careful and thorough
+examination of that article, he can believe that slaveholding
+prevailed during the ministry of Jesus Christ among
+the Jews and in accordance with the authority of Moses,
+he would do the reading public an important service
+to record the grounds of his belief--especially
+in a fair and full refutation of that Argument. Till
+that is done, we hold ourselves excused from attempting
+to prove what we now repeat, that if the Jews during
+our Savior's incarnation held slaves, they must
+have done so in open and flagrant violation of the
+letter and the spirit of the Mosaic Dispensation. Could
+Christ and the Apostles every where among their countrymen
+come in contact with slaveholding, being as it was
+a gross violation of that law which their office and
+their profession required them to honor and enforce,
+without exposing and condemning it.</p>
+
+<p>In its worst forms, we are told, slavery prevailed
+over the whole world, not excepting Judea. As, according
+to such ecclesiastics as Stuart, Hodge, and Fisk,
+slavery in itself is not bad at all, the term "<i>worst</i>"
+could be applied only to "<i>abuses</i>"
+of this innocent relation. Slavery accordingly existed
+among the Jews, disfigured and disgraced by the "worst
+abuses" to which it is liable. These abuses in
+the ancient world, Prof. Stuart describes as "horrible
+cruelties." And in our own country, such abuses
+have grown so rank, as to lead a distinguished eye-witness--no
+less a philosopher and statesman than Thomas Jefferson--to
+say, that they had armed against us every attribute
+of the Almighty. With these things the Savior every
+where came in contact, among the people to whose improvement
+and salvation he devoted his living powers, and yet
+not a word, not a syllable, in exposure and condemnation
+of such "horrible cruelties," escaped his
+lips! He saw--among the "covenant
+people" of Jehovah he saw, the babe plucked
+from the bosom of its mother; the wife torn from the
+embrace of her husband; the daughter driven to the
+market by the scourge of her own father;--he
+saw the word of God sealed up from those who, of all
+men, were especially entitled to its enlightening,
+quickening influence;--nay, he saw men beaten
+for kneeling before the throne of heavenly mercy;--such
+things he saw without a word of admonition or reproof!
+No sympathy with them who suffered wrong--no
+indignation at them who inflicted wrong, moved his
+heart!</p>
+
+<p>From the alledged silence of the Savior, when in contact
+with slavery among the Jews, our divines infer, that
+it is quite consistent with Christianity. And they
+affirm, that he saw it in its worst forms; that is,
+he witnessed what Prof. Stuart ventures to call "horrible
+cruelties." But what right have these interpreters
+of the sacred volume to regard any form of slavery
+which the Savior found, as "worst," or
+even bad? According to their inference--which
+they would thrust gag-wise into the mouths of abolitionists--his
+silence should seal up their lips. They ought to hold
+their tongues. They have no right to call any form
+of slavery bad--an abuse; much less, horribly
+cruel! Their inference is broad enough to protect
+the most brutal driver amidst his deadliest inflictions!</p>
+
+<p>"THINK NOT THAT I AM COME TO DESTROY THE LAW
+OR THE PROPHETS; I AM NOT COME TO DESTROY, BUT TO
+FULFILL."</p>
+
+<p>And did the Head of the new dispensation, then, fall
+so far behind the prophets of the old in a hearty
+and effective regard for suffering humanity? The forms
+of oppression which they witnessed, excited their
+compassion and aroused their indignation. In terms
+the most pointed and powerful, they exposed, denounced,
+threatened. They could not endure the creatures, who
+"used their neighbors' service without
+wages, and gave him not for his work;"[<a name="AE2_FR4E"></a><a href="#AE2_FN4E">A</a>] who imposed
+"heavy burdens"[<a name="AE2_FR4F"></a><a href="#AE2_FN4F">B</a>] upon their fellows, and loaded
+them with "the bands of wickedness;" who,
+"hiding themselves from their own flesh,"
+disowned their own mothers' children. Professions
+of piety, joined with the oppression of the poor, they
+held up to universal scorn and execration, as the
+dregs of hypocrisy. They warned the creature of such
+professions, that he could escape the wrath of Jehovah
+only by heartfelt repentance. And yet, according to
+the ecclesiastics with whom we have to do, the Lord
+of these prophets passed by in silence just such enormities
+as he commanded them to expose and denounce! Every
+where, he came in contact with slavery in its worst
+forms--"horrible cruelties" forced
+themselves upon his notice; but not a word of rebuke
+or warning did he utter. He saw "a boy given
+for a harlot, and a girl sold for wine, that they
+might drink,"[<a name="AE2_FR50"></a><a href="#AE2_FN50">C</a>] without the slightest feeling of
+displeasure, or any mark of disapprobation! To such
+disgusting and horrible conclusions, do the arguings
+which, from the haunts of sacred literature, are inflictcd
+on our churches, lead us! According to them, Jesus
+Christ, instead of shining as the light of the world,
+extinguished the torches which his own prophets had
+kindled, and plunged mankind into the palpable darkness
+of a starless midnight! O Savior, in pity to thy suffering
+people, let thy temple be no longer used as a "den
+of thieves!"</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN4E"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR4E">A</a>: Jeremiah xxii. 13.]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN4F"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR4F">B</a>: Isaiah lviii. 6,7.]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN50"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR50">C</a>: Joel iii. 3.]</p>
+
+<p><b>"THOU THOUGHTEST THAT I WAS ALTOGETHER SUCH
+AN ONE AS THYSELF."</b></p>
+
+<p>In passing by the worst forms of slavery, with which
+he every where came in contact among the Jews, the
+Savior must have been inconsistent with himself. He
+was commissioned to preach glad tidings to the poor;
+to heal the broken-hearted; to preach deliverance
+to the captives; to set at liberty them that are bruised;
+to preach the year of Jubilee. In accordance with
+this commission, he bound himself, from the earliest
+date of his incarnation, to the poor, by the strongest
+ties; himself "had not where to lay his head;"
+he exposed himself to misrepresentation and abuse
+for his affectionate intercourse with the outcasts
+of society; he stood up as the advocate of the widow,
+denouncing and dooming the heartless ecclesiastics,
+who had made her bereavement a source of gain; and
+in describing the scenes of the final judgment, he
+selected the very personification of poverty, disease,
+and oppression, as the test by which our regard for
+him should be determined. To the poor and wretched;
+to the degraded and despised, his arms were ever open.
+They had his tenderest sympathies. They had his warmest
+love. His heart's blood he poured out upon the
+ground for the human family, reduced to the deepest
+degradation, and exposed to the heaviest inflictions,
+as the slaves of the grand usurper. And yet, according
+to our ecclesiastics, that class of sufferers who
+had been reduced immeasurably below every other shape
+and form of degradation and distress; who had been
+most rudely thrust out of the family of Adam, and
+forced to herd with swine; who, without the slightest
+offense, had been made the foot-stool of the worst
+criminals; whose "tears were their meat night
+and day," while, under nameless insults and
+killing injuries, they were continually crying, O
+Lord, O Lord:--this class of sufferers, and
+this alone, our biblical expositors, occupying the
+high places of sacred literature, would make us believe
+the compassionate Savior coldly overlooked. Not an
+emotion of pity; not a look of sympathy; not a word
+of consolation, did his gracious heart prompt him
+to bestow upon them! He denounces damnation upon the
+devourer of the widow's house. But the monster,
+whose trade it is to make widows and devour them and
+their babes, he can calmly endure! O Savior, when
+wilt thou stop the mouths of such blasphemers!</p>
+
+<p><b>IT IS THE SPIRIT THAT QUICKENETH.</b></p>
+
+<p>It seems, that though, according to our Princeton
+professor, "the subject" of slavery "is
+hardly alluded to by Christ in any of his personal
+instructions[<a name="AE2_FR51"></a><a href="#AE2_FN51">A</a>]," he had a way of "treating
+it." What was that? Why, "he taught the
+true nature, DIGNITY, EQUALITY, and destiny of men,"
+and "inculcated the principles of justice and
+love."[<a name="AE2_FR52"></a><a href="#AE2_FN52">B</a>] And according to Professor Stuart, the maxims
+which our Savior furnished, "decide against"
+"the theory of slavery." All, then, that
+these ecclesiastical apologists for slavery can make
+of the Savior's alledged silence is, that he
+did not, in his personal instructions, "<i>apply
+his own principles to this particular form of wickedness</i>."
+For wicked that must be, which the maxims of the Savior
+decide against, and which our Princeton professor
+assures us the principles of the gospel, duly acted
+on, would speedily extinguish[<a name="AE2_FR53"></a><a href="#AE2_FN53">C</a>]. How remarkable it
+is, that a teacher should "hardly allude to
+a subject in any of his personal instructions,"
+and yet inculcate principles which have a direct and
+vital bearing upon it!--should so conduct,
+as to justify the inference, that "slaveholding
+is not a crime[<a name="AE2_FR54"></a><a href="#AE2_FN54">D</a>]," and at the same time lend
+his authority for its "speedy extinction!"</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN51"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR51">A</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet, (already alluded
+to,)p.9.]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN52"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR52">B</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p.9. ]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN53"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR53">C</a>: The same, p.34. ]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN54"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR54">D</a>: The same, p.13. ]</p>
+
+<p>Higher authority than sustains <i>self-evident truths</i>
+there can not be. As forms of reason, they are rays
+from the face of Jehovah. Not only are their presence
+and power self-manifested, but they also shed a strong
+and clear light around them. In this light, other truths
+are visible. Luminaries themselves, it is their office
+to enlighten. To their authority, in every department
+of thought, the sane mind bows promptly, gratefully,
+fully. And by their authority, he explains, proves,
+and disposes of whatever engages his attention and
+engrosses his powers as a reasonable and reasoning
+creature. For what, when thus employed and when most
+successful, is the utmost he can accomplish? Why, to
+make the conclusions which he would establish and
+commend, <i>clear in the light of reason</i>;--in
+other words, to evince that <i>they are reasonable</i>.
+He expects, that those with whom he has to do, will
+acknowledge the authority of principle--will
+see whatever is exhibited in the light of reason.
+If they require him to go further, and, in order to
+convince them, to do something more that show that
+the doctrines he maintains, and the methods he proposes,
+are accordant with reason--are illustrated
+and supported by "self-evident truths"--they
+are plainly "beside themselves." They
+have lost the use of reason. They are not to be argued
+with. They belong to the mad-house.</p>
+
+<p><b>"COME NOW, LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE
+LORD."</b></p>
+
+<p>Are we to honor the Bible, which Prof. Stuart quaintly
+calls "the good old book," by turning
+away from "self-evident truths" to receive
+its instructions? Can these truths be contradicted
+or denied there? Do we search for something there
+to obscure their clearness, or break their force,
+or reduce their authority? Do we long to find something
+there, in the form of premises or conclusions, of
+arguing or of inference, in broad statements or blind
+hints, creed-wise or fact-wise, which may set us free
+from the light and power of first principles? And what
+if we were to discover what we were thus in search
+of?--something directly or indirectly, expressly
+or impliedly prejudicial to the principles, which
+reason, placing us under the authority of, makes self-evident?
+In what estimation, in that case, should we be constrained
+to hold the Bible? Could we longer honor it, as the
+book of God? <i>The book of God opposed to the authority
+of</i> REASON! Why, before what tribunal do we dispose
+of the claims of the sacred volume to divine authority?
+The tribunal of reason. <i>This every one acknowledges
+the moment he begins to reason on the subject</i>.
+And what must reason do with a book, which reduced
+the authority of its own principles--broke
+the force of self-evident truths? Is he not, by way
+of eminence, the apostle of infidelity, who, as a
+minister of the gospel or a professor of sacred literature,
+exerts himself, with whatever arts of ingenuity or
+show of piety, to exalt the Bible at the expense of
+reason? Let such arts succeed and such piety prevail,
+and Jesus Christ is "crucified afresh and put
+to an open shame."</p>
+
+<p>What saith the Princeton professor? Why, in spite
+of "general principles," and "clear
+as we may think the arguments against DESPOTISM, there
+have been thousands of ENLIGHTENED <i>and good men</i>,
+who <i>honestly</i> believe it to be of all forms
+of government the best and most acceptable to God."[<a name="AE2_FR55"></a><a href="#AE2_FN55">A</a>]
+Now, these "good men" must have been thus
+warmly in favor of despotism, in consequence of, or
+in opposition to, their being "enlightened."
+In other words, the light, which in such abundance
+they enjoyed, conducted them to the position in favor
+of despotism, where the Princeton professor so heartily
+shook hands with them, or they must have forced their
+way there in despite of its hallowed influence. Either
+in accordance with, or in resistance to the light,
+they became what he found them--the advocates
+of despotism. If in resistance to the light--and
+he says they were "enlightened men"--what,
+so far as the subject with which alone he and we are
+now concerned, becomes of their "honesty"
+and "goodness?" Good and honest resisters
+of the light, which was freely poured around them!
+Of such, what says Professor Stuart's "good
+old Book?" Their authority, where "general
+principles" command the least respect, must
+be small indeed. But if in accordance with the light,
+they have become the advocates of despotism, then is
+despotism "the best form of government and most
+acceptable to God." It is sustained by the authority
+of reason, by the word of Jehovah, by the will of
+Heaven! If this be the doctrine which prevails at certain
+theological seminaries, it must be easy to account
+for the spirit which they breathe, and the general
+influence which they exert. Why did not the Princeton
+professor place this "general principle"
+as a shield, heaven-wrought and reason-approved, over
+that cherished form of despotism which prevails among
+the churches of the South, and leave the "peculiar
+institutions" he is so forward to defend, under
+its protection?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN55"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR55">A</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p.12.]</p>
+
+<p>What is the "general principle" to which,
+whatever may become of despotism with its "honest"
+admirers and "enlightened" supporters,
+human governments should be universally and carefully
+adjusted? Clearly this--<i>that as capable
+of, man is entitled to, self-government</i>. And
+this is a specific form of a still more general principle,
+which may well be pronounced self-evident--<i>that
+every thing should be treated according to its nature</i>.
+The mind that can doubt of this, must be incapable
+of rational conviction. Man, then,--it is
+the dictate of reason, it is the voice of Jehovah--must
+be treated <i>as a man</i>. What is he? What
+are his distinctive attributes? The Creator impressed
+his own image on him. In this were found the grand
+peculiarities of his character. Here shone his glory.
+Here REASON manifests its laws. Here the WILL puts
+forth its <i>volitions</i>. Here is the crown of IMMORTALITY.
+Why such endowments? Thus furnished--the
+image of Jehovah--is he not capable of self-government?
+And is he not to be so treated? <i>Within the sphere
+where the laws of reason place him</i>, may he not
+act according to his choice--carry out his
+own <i>volitions</i>?--may he not enjoy life,
+exult in freedom and pursue as he will the path of
+blessedness? If not, why was he so created and endowed?
+Why the mysterious, awful attribute of will? To be
+a source, profound as the depths of hell, of exquisite
+misery, of keen anguish, of insufferable torment!
+Was man formed "according to the image of Jehovah,"
+to be crossed, thwarted, counteracted; to be forced
+in upon himself; to be the sport of endless contradictions;
+to be driven back and forth forever between mutually
+repellant forces; and all, all "<i>at the
+discretion of another!"</i>[<a name="AE2_FR56"></a><a href="#AE2_FN56">A</a>] How can men be treated
+according to his nature, as endowed with reason or
+will, if excluded from the powers and privileges of
+self government?--if "despotism"
+be let loose upon him, to "deprive him of personal
+liberty, oblige him to serve at the discretion of
+another," and with the power of "transferring"
+such "authority" over him and such claim
+upon him, to "another master?" If "thousands
+of enlightened and good men" can so easily be
+found, who are forward to support "despotism"
+as "of all governments the best and most acceptable
+to God," we need not wonder at the testimony
+of universal history, that "the whole creation
+groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."
+Groans and travail-pangs must continue to be the order
+of the day throughout "the whole creation,"
+till the rod of despotism be broken, and man be treated
+as man--as capable of, and entitled to,
+self-government.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN56"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR56">A</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p.12]</p>
+
+<p>But what is the despotism whose horrid features our
+smooth professor tries to hide beneath an array of
+cunningly-selected words and nicely-adjusted sentences?
+It is the despotism of American slavery--which
+crushes the very life of humanity out of its victims,
+and transforms them to cattle! At its touch, they
+sink from men to things! "Slaves," with
+Prof. Stuart, "were <i>property</i> in Greece
+and Rome. That decides all questions about their <i>relation</i>."
+Yes, truly. And slaves in republican America are <i>property</i>;
+and as that easily, clearly, and definitely settles
+"all questions about their <i>relation</i>,"
+why should the Princeton professor have put himself
+to the trouble of weaving a definition equally ingenious
+and inadequate--at once subtle and deceitful?
+Ah, why? Was he willing thus to conceal the wrongs
+of his mother's children even from himself?
+If among the figments of his brain, he could fashion
+slaves, and make them something else than property,
+he knew full well that a very different pattern was
+in use among the southern patriarchs. Why did he not,
+in plain words, and sober earnest, and good faith,
+describe the thing as it was, instead of employing
+honied words and courtly phrases, to set forth with
+all becoming vagueness and ambiguity what might possibly
+be supposed to exist in the regions of fancy.</p>
+
+<p>"FOR RULERS ARE NOT A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS,
+BUT TO THE EVIL."</p>
+
+<p>But are we, in maintaining the principle of self-government,
+to overlook the unripe, or neglected, or broken powers
+of any of our fellow-men with whom we may be connected?--or
+the strong passions, vicious propensities, or criminal
+pursuit of others? Certainly not. But in providing
+for their welfare, we are to exert influences and
+impose restraints suited to their character. In wielding
+those prerogatives which the social of our nature
+authorizes us to employ for their benefit, we are to
+regard them as they are in truth, not things, not
+cattle, not articles of merchandize, but men, our
+fellow-men--reflecting, from however battered
+and broken a surface, reflecting with us the image
+of a common Father. And the great principle of self-government
+is to be the basis, to which the whole structure of
+discipline under which they may be placed, should
+be adapted. From the nursery and village school on
+to the work-house and state-prison, this principle
+is over and in all things to be before the eyes, present
+in the thoughts, warm on the heart. Otherwise, God
+is insulted, while his image is despised and abused.
+Yes, indeed, we remember that in carrying out the
+principle of self-government, multiplied embarrassments
+and obstructions grow out of wickedness on the one
+hand and passion on the other. Such difficulties and
+obstacles we are far enough from overlooking. But
+where are they to be found? Are imbecility and wickedness,
+bad hearts and bad heads, confined to the bottom of
+society? Alas, the weakest of the weak, and the desperately
+wicked, often occupy the high places of the earth,
+reducing every thing within their reach to subserviency
+to the foulest purposes. Nay, the very power they
+have usurped, has often been the chief instrument of
+turning their heads, inflaming their passions, corrupting
+their hearts. All the world knows, that the possession
+of arbitrary power has a strong tendency to make men
+shamelessly wicked and insufferably mischievous. And
+this, whether the vassals over whom they domineer,
+be few or many. If you can not trust man with himself,
+will you put his fellows under his control?--and
+flee from the inconveniences incident to self-government,
+to the horrors of despotism?</p>
+
+<p>"THOU THAT PREACHEST A MAN SHOULD NOT STEAL,
+DOST THOU STEAL."</p>
+
+<p>Is the slaveholder, the most absolute and shameless
+of all despots, to be intrusted with the discipline
+of the injured men whom he himself has reduced to
+cattle?--with the discipline by which they
+are to be prepared to wield the powers and enjoy the
+privileges of freemen? Alas, of such discipline as
+he can furnish, in the relation of owner to property,
+they have had enough. From this sprang the vary ignorance
+and vice, which in the view of many lie in the way
+of their immediate enfranchisement. He it is, who
+has darkened their eyes and crippled their powers.
+And are they to look to him for illumination and renewed
+vigor!--and expect "grapes from thorns
+and figs from thistles!" Heaven forbid! When,
+according to arrangements which had usurped the sacred
+name of law, he consented to receive and use them
+as property, he forfeited all claims to the esteem
+and confidence, not only of the helpless sufferers
+themselves, but also of every philanthropist. In becoming
+a slaveholder, he became the enemy of mankind. The
+very act was a declaration of war upon human man nature.
+What less can be made of the process of turning men
+to cattle? It is rank absurdity--it is the
+height of madness, to propose to employ <i>him</i>
+to train, for the places of freemen, those whom he
+has wantonly robbed of every right--whom
+he has stolen from themselves. Sooner place Burke,
+who used to murder for the sake of selling bodies
+to the dissector, at the head of a hospital. Why, what
+have our slaveholders been about these two hundred
+years? Have they not been constantly and earnestly
+engaged in the work of education? --training
+up their human cattle? And how? Thomas Jefferson shall
+answer. "The whole commerce between master and
+slave, is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous
+passions; the most unremitting despotism on the one
+part, and degrading submission on the other."
+Is this the way to fit the unprepared for the duties
+and privileges of American citizens? Will the evils
+of the dreadful process be diminished by adding to
+it length? What, in 1818, was the unanimous testimony
+of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church?
+Why, after describing a variety of influences growing
+out of slavery, most fatal to mental and moral improvement,
+the General Assembly assure us, that such "consequences
+are not imaginary, but connect themselves WITH THE
+VERY EXISTENCE of slavery. The evils to which the
+slave is <i>always</i> exposed, often take place
+in fact, and IN THEIR VERY WORST DEGREE AND FORM[<a name="AE2_FR57"></a><a href="#AE2_FN57">A</a>];
+and where all of them do not take place," "still
+the slave is deprived of his natural right, degraded
+as a human being, and exposed to the danger of passing
+into the hands of a master who may inflict upon him
+all the hardships and injuries, which inhumanity and
+avarice may suggest." Is this the condition
+in which our ecclesiastics would keep the slave, at
+least a little longer, to fit him to be restored to
+himself?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN57"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR57">A</a>: The words here marked as emphasis were
+so distinguished by ourselves.]</p>
+
+<p><b>"AND THEY STOPPED THEIR EARS."</b></p>
+
+<p>The methods of discipline under which, as slaveholders,
+the Southrons now place their human cattle, they with
+one consent and in great wrath, forbid us to examine.
+The statesman and the priest unite in the assurance,
+that these methods are none of our business. Nay, they
+give us distinctly to understand, that if we come
+among them to take observations, and make inquiries,
+and discuss questions, they will dispose of us as
+outlaws. Nothing will avail to protect us from speedy
+and deadly violence! What inference does all this warrant?
+Surely, not that the methods which they employ are
+happy and worthy of universal application. If so,
+why do they not take the praise, and give us the benefit,
+of their wisdom, enterprise, and success? Who, that
+has nothing to hide, practices concealment?--"He
+that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds
+may be manifest, that they are wrought in God."
+Is this the way of slaveholders? Darkness they court--they
+will have darkness. Doubtless "because their
+deeds are evil." Can we confide in methods for
+the benefit of our enslaved brethren, which it is death
+for us to examine? Whet good ever came, what good
+can we expect, from deeds of darkness?</p>
+
+<p>Did the influence of the masters contribute any thing
+in the West Indies; to prepare the apprentices for
+enfranchisement? Nay, verily. All the world knows
+better. They did what in them lay, to turn back the
+tide of blessings, which through emancipation was
+pouring in upon the famishing around them. Are not
+the best minds and hearts in England now thoroughly
+convinced, that slavery, under no modification, can
+be a school for freedom?</p>
+
+<p>We say such things to the many who alledge, that slaves
+can not at once be entrusted with the powers and privileges
+of self-government. However this may be, they can
+not be better qualified under <i>the influence of
+slavery</i>. <i>That must be broken up</i>
+from which their ignorance, and viciousness, and wretchedness
+proceeded. That which can only do what it has always
+done, pollute and degrade, must not be employed to
+purify and elevate. <i>The lower their character
+and condition, the louder, clearer, sterner, the just
+demand for immediate emancipation</i>. The plague-smitten
+sufferer can derive no benefit from breathing a little
+longer an infected atmosphere.</p>
+
+<p>In thus referring to elemental principles--in
+thus availing ourselves of the light of self-evident
+truths--we bow to the authority and tread
+in the foot-prints of the great Teacher. He chid those
+around him for refusing to make the same use of their
+reason in promoting their spiritual, as they made
+in promoting their temporal welfare. He gives them
+distinctly to understand, that they need not go out
+of themselves to form a just estimation of their position,
+duties, and prospects, as standing in the presence
+of the Messiah. "Why, EVEN OF YOURSELVES,"
+he demands of them, "judge ye not what is <i>right</i>?"[<a name="AE2_FR58"></a><a href="#AE2_FN58">A</a>]
+How could they, unless they had a clear light, and
+an infallible standard <i>within them</i>, whereby,
+amidst the relations they sustained and the interests
+they had to provide for, they might discriminate between
+truth and falsehood, right and wrong, what they ought
+to attempt and what they ought to eschew? From this
+pointed, significant appeal of the Savior, it is clear
+and certain, that in human consciousness may be found
+self-evident truths, self-manifested principles; that
+every man, studying his own consciousness, is bound
+to recognize their presence and authority, and in
+sober earnest and good faith to apply them to the highest
+practical concerns of "life and godliness."
+It is in obedience to the Bible, that we apply self-evident
+truths, and walk in the light of general principles.
+When our fathers proclaimed these truths, and at the
+hazard of their property, reputation, and life, stood
+up in their defense, they did homage to the sacred
+Scriptures--they honored the Bible. In that
+volume, not a syllable can be found to justify that
+form of infidelity, which in the abused name of piety,
+reproaches us for practicing the lessons which "nature
+teacheth."[<a name="AE2_FR59"></a><a href="#AE2_FN59">B</a>] These lessons, the Bible requires us
+reverently to listen to, earnestly to appropriate,
+and most diligently and faithfully to act upon in
+every direction and on all occasions.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN58"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR58">A</a>: Luke xii. 67.]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN59"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR59">B</a>: 1 Cor. xi. 14.]</p>
+
+<p>Why, our Savior goes so far in doing honor to reason,
+as to encourage men universally to dispose of the
+characteristic peculiarities and distinctive features
+of the Gospel in the light of its principles. "If
+any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine,
+whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."[<a name="AE2_FR5A"></a><a href="#AE2_FN5A">C</a>]
+Natural religion--the principles which nature
+reveals, and the lessons which nature teaches--he
+thus makes a test of the truth and authority of revealed
+religion. So far was he, as a teacher, from shrinking
+from the clearest and most piercing rays of reason--from
+calling off the attention of those around him from
+the import, bearings, and practical application of
+general principle. And those who would have us escape
+from the pressure of self-evident truths, by betaking
+ourselves to the doctrines and precepts of Christianity,
+whatever airs of piety they may put on, do foul dishonor
+to the Savior of mankind.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN5A"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR5A">C</a>: John vii. 17.]</p>
+
+<p>And what shall we say of the Golden Rule, which, according
+to the Savior, comprehends all the precepts of the
+Bible? "Whatsoever ye would that men should
+do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law
+and the prophets."</p>
+
+<p>According to this maxim, in human consciousness, universally,
+may be found, 1. The standard whereby, in all the
+relations and circumstances of life, we may determine
+what Heaven demands and expects of us. 2. The just
+application of this standard, is practicable for, and
+obligatory upon, every child of Adam. 3. The qualification
+requisite to a just application of this rule to all
+the cases in which we can be concerned, is simply
+this--<i>to regard all the members of the
+human family as our brethren, our equals</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In other words, the Savior here teaches us, that in
+the principles and laws of reason, we have an infallible
+guide in all the relations and circumstances of life;
+that nothing can hinder our following this guide,
+but the bias of <i>selfishness</i>; and that the
+moment, in deciding any moral question, we place <i>ourselves
+in the room of our brother</i>, before the bar
+of reason, we shall see what decision ought to be pronounced.
+Does this, in the Savior, look like fleeing self-evident
+truths!--like decrying the authority of
+general principles!--like exalting himself
+at the expense of reason!--like opening
+a refuge in the Gospel for those whose practice is
+at variance with the dictates of humanity!</p>
+
+<p>What then is the just application of the Golden Rule--that
+fundamental maxim of the Gospel, giving character
+to, and shedding light upon, all its precepts and
+arrangements--to the subject of slavery?--<i>that
+we must "do to" slaves as we would be
+done by</i>, AS SLAVES, <i>the</i> RELATION
+<i>itself being justified and continued</i>? Surely
+not. A little reflection will enable us to see, that
+the Golden Rule reaches farther in its demands, and
+strikes deeper in its influences and operations. The
+<i>natural equality</i> of mankind lies at the
+very basis of this great precept. It obviously requires
+<i>every man to acknowledge another self in every
+other man</i>. With my powers and resources, and
+in my appropriate circumstances, I am to recognize
+in any child of Adam who may address me, another self
+in his appropriate circumstances and with his powers
+and resources. This is the natural equality of mankind;
+and this the Golden Rule requires us to admit, defend,
+and maintain.</p>
+
+<p><b>"WHY DO YE NOT UNDERSTAND MY SPEECH; EVEN BECAUSE
+YE CAN NOT HEAR MY WORD."</b></p>
+
+<p>They strangely misunderstand and grossly misrepresent
+this doctrine, who charge upon it the absurdities
+and mischiefs which <i>any "levelling system"</i>
+can not but produce. In all its bearings, tendencies,
+and effects, it is directly contrary and powerfully
+hostile to any such system. EQUALITY OF RIGHTS, the
+doctrine asserts; and this necessarily opens the way
+for <i>variety of condition</i>. In other words,
+every child of Adam has, from the Creator, the inalienable
+right of wielding, within reasonable limits, his own
+powers, and employing his own resources, according
+to his own choice; while he respects his social relations,
+to promote as he will his own welfare. But mark--HIS
+OWN powers and resources, and NOT ANOTHER'S,
+are thus inalienably put under his control. The Creator
+makes every man free, in whatever he may do, to exert
+HIMSELF, and not <i>another</i>. Here no man may
+lawfully cripple or embarrass another. The feeble
+may not hinder the strong, nor may the strong crush
+the feeble. Every man may make the most of himself;
+in his own proper sphere. Now, as in the constitutional
+endowments, and natural opportunities, and lawful
+acquisitions of mankind, infinite variety prevails,
+so in exerting each HIMSELF, in his own sphere, according
+to his own choice, the variety of human condition
+can be little less than infinite. Thus equality of
+rights opens the way for variety of condition.</p>
+
+<p>But with all this variety of make, means, and condition,
+considered individually, the children of Adam are
+bound together by strong ties which can never be dissolved.
+They are mutually united by the social of their nature.
+Hence mutual dependence and mutual claims. While each
+is inalienably entitled to assert and enjoy his own
+personality as a man, each sustains to all and all
+to each, various relations. While each owns and honors
+the individual, all are to own and honor the social
+of their nature. Now, the Golden Rule distinctly recognizes,
+lays its requisitions upon, and extends its obligations
+to, the whole nature of man, in his individual capacities
+and social relations. What higher honor could it do
+to man, as <i>an individual</i>, than to constitute
+him the judge, by whose decision, when fairly rendered,
+all the claims of his fellows should be authoritatively
+and definitely disposed of? "Whatsoever YE WOULD"
+have done to you, so do ye to others. Every member
+of the family of Adam, placing himself in the position
+here pointed out, is competent and authorized to pass
+judgment on all the cases in social life in which
+he may be concerned. Could higher responsibilities
+or greater confidence be reposed in men individually?
+And then, how are their <i>claims upon each other</i>
+herein magnified! What inherent worth and solid dignity
+are ascribed to the social of their nature! In every
+man with whom I may have to do, I am to recognize
+the presence of <i>another self</i>, whose case
+I am to make <i>my own</i>. And thus I am to dispose
+of whatever claims he may urge upon me.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, in accordance with the Golden Rule, mankind
+are naturally brought, in the voluntary use of their
+powers and resources, to promote each other's
+welfare. As his contribution to this great object,
+it is the inalienable birth-right of every child of
+Adam, to consecrate whatever he may possess. With
+exalted powers and large resources, he has a natural
+claim to a correspondent field of effort. If his "abilities"
+are small, his task must be easy and his burden light.
+Thus the Golden Rule requires mankind mutually to
+serve each other. In this service, each is to exert
+<i>himself</i>--employ <i>his own</i>
+powers, lay out his own resources, improve his own
+opportunities. A division of labor is the natural
+result. One is remarkable for his intellectual endowments
+and acquisitions; another, for his wealth; and a third,
+for power and skill in using his muscles. Such attributes,
+endlessly varied and diversified, proceed from the
+basis of a <i>common character</i>, by virtue
+of which all men and each--one as truly
+as another--are entitled, as a birth-right,
+to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
+Each and all, one as well as another, may choose his
+own modes of contributing his share to the general
+welfare, in which his own is involved and identified.
+Under one great law of mutual dependence and mutual
+responsibility, all are placed--the strong
+as well as the weak, the rich as much as the poor,
+the learned no less than the unlearned. All bring their
+wares, the products of their enterprise, skill and
+industry, to the same market, where mutual exchanges
+are freely effected. The fruits of muscular exertion
+procure the fruits of mental effort. John serves Thomas
+with his hands, and Thomas serves John with his money.
+Peter wields the axe for James, and James wields the
+pen for Peter. Moses, Joshua, and Caleb, employ their
+wisdom, courage, and experience, in the service of
+the community, and the community serve Moses, Joshua,
+and Caleb, in furnishing them with food and raiment,
+and making them partakers of the general prosperity.
+And all this by mutual understanding and voluntary
+arrangement. And all this according to the Golden Rule.</p>
+
+<p>What then becomes of <i>slavery</i>--a
+system of arrangements, in which one man treats his
+fellow, not as another self, but as a thing--a
+chattel--an article of merchandize, which
+is not to be consulted in any disposition which may
+be made of it;--a system which is built on
+the annihilation of the attributes of our common nature--in
+which man doth to others, what he would sooner die
+than have done to himself? The Golden Rule and slavery
+are mutually subversive of each other. If one stands,
+the other must fall. The one strikes at the very root
+of the other. The Golden Rule aims at the abolition
+of THE RELATION ITSELF, in which slavery consists.
+It lays its demands upon every thing within the scope
+of <i>human action</i>. To "whatever MEN
+DO," it extends its authority. And the relation
+itself, in which slavery consists, is the work of human
+hands. It is what men have done to each other--contrary
+to nature and most injurious to the general welfare.
+THIS RELATION, therefore, the Golden Rule condemns.
+Wherever its authority prevails, this relation must
+be annihilated. Mutual service and slavery--like
+light and darkness, life and death--are
+directly opposed to, and subversive of, each other.
+The one the Golden Rule can not endure; the other it
+requires, honors, and blesses.</p>
+
+<p><b>"LOVE WORKETH NO ILL TO HIS NEIGHBOR."</b></p>
+
+<p>Like unto the Golden Rule is the second great commandment--"<i>Thou
+shalt love thy neighbor as thyself</i>."
+"A certain lawyer," who seems to have
+been fond of applying the doctrine of limitation of
+human obligations, once demanded of the Savior, within
+what limits the meshing of the word "neighbor"
+ought to be confined. "And who is my neighbor?"
+The parable of the good Samaritan set that matter
+in the clearest light, and made it manifest and certain,
+that <i>every man</i> whom we could reach with
+our sympathy and assistance, was our neighbor, entitled
+to the same regard which we cherished for ourselves.
+Consistently with such obligations, can <i>slavery</i>,
+as a RELATION, be maintained? Is it then a <i>labor
+of love</i>--such love as we cherish
+for ourselves--to strip a child of Adam
+of all the prerogatives and privileges which are his
+inalienable birth-right?--To obscure his
+reason, crush his will, and trample on his immortality?--To
+strike home to the inmost of his being, and break the
+heart of his heart?--To thrust him out of
+the human family, and dispose of him as a chattel--as
+a thing in the hands of an owner, a beast under the
+lash of a driver? All this, apart from every thing
+incidental and extraordinary, belongs to the RELATION,
+in which slavery, as such, consists. All this--well
+fed or ill fed, underwrought or overwrought, clothed
+or naked, caressed or kicked, whether idle songs break
+from his thoughtless tongue or "tears be his
+meat night and day," fondly cherished or cruelly
+murdered;--<i>all this</i> ENTERS VITALLY
+INTO THE RELATION ITSELF, <i>by which every slave</i>,
+AS A SLAVE, <i>is set apart from the rest of the
+human family</i>. Is it an exercise of love, to
+place our "neighbor" under the crushing
+weight, the killing power, of such a relation?--to
+apply the murderous steel to the very vitals of his
+humanity?</p>
+
+<p><b>"YE THEREFORE APPLAUD AND DELIGHT IN THE DEEDS
+OF YOUR FATHERS; FOR THEY KILLED THEM, AND YE BUILD
+THEIR SEPULCHRES."[<a name="AE2_FR5B"></a><a href="#AE2_FN5B">A</a>]</b></p>
+
+<p>The slaveholder may eagerly and loudly deny, that
+any such thing is chargeable upon him. He may confidently
+and earnestly alledge, that he is not responsible
+for the state of society in which he is placed. Slavery
+was established before he began to breathe. It was
+his inheritance. His slaves are his property by birth
+or testament. But why will he thus deceive himself?
+Why will he permit the cunning and rapacious spiders,
+which in the very sanctuary of ethics and religion
+are laboriously weaving webs from their own bowels,
+to catch him with their wretched sophistries?--and
+devour him, body, soul, and substance? Let him know,
+as he must one day with shame and terror own, that
+whoever holds slaves is himself responsible for <i>the
+relation</i>, into which, whether reluctantly or
+willingly, he thus enters. <i>The relation can not
+be forced upon him</i>. What though Elizabeth countenanced
+John Hawkins in stealing the natives of Africa?--what
+though James, and Charles, and George, opened a market
+for them in the English colonies?--what though
+modern Dracos have "framed mischief by law,"
+in legalizing man-stealing and slaveholding?--what
+though your ancestors, in preparing to go "to
+their own place," constituted you the owner of
+the "neighbors" whom they had used as
+cattle?--what of all this, and as much more
+like this, as can be drawn from the history of that
+dreadful process by which men "are deemed, sold,
+taken, reputed, and adjudged in law to be <i>chattels
+personal</i>?" Can all this force you to put
+the cap upon the climax--to clinch the nail
+by doing that, without which nothing in the work of
+slave-making would be attempted? <i>The slaveholder
+is the soul of the whole system</i>. Without him,
+the chattel principle is a lifeless abstraction. Without
+him, charters, and markets, and laws, and testaments,
+are empty names. And does <i>he</i> think to escape
+responsibility? Why, kidnappers, and soul-drivers,
+and law-makers, are nothing but his <i>agents</i>.
+He is the guilty <i>principal</i>. Let him look
+to it.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN5B"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR5B">A</a>: You join with them in their bloody work.
+They murder, and you bury the victims.]</p>
+
+<p>But what can he do? Do? Keep his hands off his "neighbor's"
+throat. Let him refuse to finish and ratify the process
+by which the chattel principle is carried into effect.
+Let him refuse, in the face of derision, and reproach,
+and opposition. Though poverty should fasten its bony
+hand upon him, and persecution shoot forth its forked
+tongue; whatever may betide him--scorn,
+flight, flames--let him promptly and steadfastly
+refuse. Better the spite and hate of men than the wrath
+of Heaven! "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck
+it out and cast it from thee; for it is profitable
+for thee, that one of thy members should perish, and
+not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."</p>
+
+<p>Prof. Stuart admits, that the Golden Rule and the
+second great commandment "decide against the
+theory of slavery as being in itself right."
+What, then, is their relation to the particular precepts,
+institutions, and usages, which are authorized and
+enjoined in the New Testament? Of all these, they
+are the summary expression--the comprehensive
+description. No precept in the Bible enforcing our
+mutual obligations, can be more or less than <i>the
+application of these injunctions to specific relations
+or particular occasions and conditions</i>. Neither
+in the Old Testament nor the New, do prophets teach
+or laws enjoin, any thing which the Golden Rule and
+the second great command do not contain. Whatever
+they forbid, no other precept can require; and whatever
+they require, no other precept can forbid. What, then,
+does he attempt, who turns over the sacred pages to
+find something in the way of permission or command,
+which may set him free from the obligations of the
+Golden Rule? What must his objects, methods, spirit
+be, to force him to enter upon such inquiries?--to
+compel him to search the Bible for such a purpose?
+Can he have good intentions, or be well employed?
+Is his frame of mind adapted to the study of the Bible?--to
+make its meaning plain and welcome? What must he think
+of God, to search his word in quest of gross inconsistencies
+and grave contradictions! Inconsistent legislation
+in Jehovah! Contradictory commands! Permissions at
+war with prohibitions! General requirements at variance
+with particular arrangements!</p>
+
+<p>What must be the moral character of any institution
+which the Golden Rule decides against?--which
+the second great command condemns? <i>It can not
+but be wicked</i>, whether newly established or
+long maintained. However it may be shaped, turned,
+colored--under every modification and at
+all times--<i>wickedness must be its proper
+character</i>. <i>It must be</i>, IN ITSELF,
+<i>apart from its circumstances</i>, IN ITS ESSENCE,
+<i>apart from its incidents</i>, SINFUL.</p>
+
+<p><b>"THINK NOT TO SAY WITHIN YOURSELVES, WE HAVE
+ABRAHAM FOR OUR FATHER."</b></p>
+
+<p>In disposing of those precepts and exhortations which
+have a specific bearing upon the subject of slavery,
+it is greatly important, nay, absolutely essential,
+that we look forth upon the objects around us, from
+the right post of observation. Our stand we must take
+at some central point, amidst the general maxims and
+fundamental precepts, the known circumstances and
+characteristic arrangements, of primitive Christianity.
+Otherwise, wrong views and false conclusions will be
+the result of our studies. We can not, therefore,
+be too earnest in trying to catch the general features
+and prevalent spirit of the New Testament institutions
+and arrangements. For to what conclusions must we come,
+if we unwittingly pursue our inquires under the bias
+of the prejudice, that the general maxims of social
+life which now prevail in this country, were current,
+on the authority of the Savior, among the primitive
+Christians! That, for instance, wealth, station, talents,
+are the standard by which our claims upon, and our
+regard for, others, should be modified?--That
+those who are pinched by poverty, worn by disease,
+tasked in menial labors, or marked by features offensive
+to the taste of the artificial and capricious, are
+to be excluded from those refreshing and elevating
+influences which intelligence and refinement may be
+expected to exert; that thus they are to constitute
+a class by themselves, and to be made to know and
+keep their place at the very bottom of society? Or,
+what if we should think and speak of the primitive
+Christians, as if they had the same pecuniary resources
+as Heaven has lavished upon the American churches?--as
+if they were as remarkable for affluence, elegance,
+and splendor? Or, as if they had as high a position
+and as extensive an influence in politics and literature?--having
+directly or indirectly, the control over the high
+places of learning and of power?</p>
+
+<p>If we should pursue our studies and arrange our arguments--if
+we should explain words and interpret language--under
+such a bias, what must inevitably be the results?
+What would be the worth of our conclusions? What confidence
+could be reposed in any instruction we might undertake
+to furnish? And is not this the way in which the advocates
+and apologists of slavery dispose of the bearing which
+primitive Christianity has upon it? They first ascribe,
+unwittingly perhaps, to the primitive churches, the
+character, relations, and condition, of American Christianity,
+and amidst the deep darkness and strange confusion
+thus produced, set about interpreting the language
+and explaining the usages of the New Testament!</p>
+
+<p><b>"SO THAT YE ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE."</b></p>
+
+<p>Among the lessons of instruction which our Savior
+imparted, having a general bearing on the subject
+of slavery, that in which he sets up the <i>true
+standard of greatness</i>, deserves particular attention.
+In repressing the ambition of his disciples, he held
+up before them the methods by which alone healthful
+aspirations for eminence could be gratified, and thus
+set the elements of true greatness in the clearest
+light. "Ye know, that they which are accounted
+to rule over the Gentiles, exercise lordship over
+them; and their great ones exercise authority upon
+them. But so shall it not be among you; but whosoever
+will be great among you, shall be your minister; <i>and
+whosoever of you will be chiefest, shall be servant
+of all</i>." In other words, through the
+selfishness and pride of mankind, the maxim widely
+prevails in the world, that it is the privilege, prerogative,
+and mark of greatness, TO EXACT SERVICE; that our
+superiority to others, while it authorizes us to relax
+the exertion of our own powers, gives us a fair title
+to the use of theirs; that "might," while
+it exempts us from serving, "gives the right"
+to be served. The instructions of the Savior open the
+way to greatness for us in the opposite direction.
+Superiority to others, in whatever it may consist,
+gives us a claim to a wider field of exertion, and
+demands of us a larger amount of service. We can be
+great only as we <i>are useful</i>. And "might
+gives right" to bless our fellow men, by improving
+every opportunity and employing every faculty, affectionately,
+earnestly, and unweariedly, in their service. Thus
+the greater the man, the more active, faithful, and
+useful the servant.</p>
+
+<p>The Savior has himself taught us how this doctrine
+must be applied. He bids us improve every opportunity
+and employ every power, even, through the most menial
+services, in blessing the human family. And to make
+this lesson shine upon our understandings and move
+our hearts, he embodied it in a most instructive and
+attractive example. On a memorable occasion, and just
+before his crucifixion, he discharged for his disciples
+the most menial of all offices--taking,
+<i>in washing their feet</i>, the place of the
+lowest servant. He took great pains to make them understand,
+that only by imitating this example could they honor
+their relations to him as their Master; that thus
+only would they find themselves blessed. By what possibility
+could slavery exist under the influence of such a
+lesson, set home by such an example? <i>Was it while
+washing the disciples' feet, that our Savior
+authorized one man to make a chattel of another</i>?</p>
+
+<p>To refuse to provide for ourselves by useful labor,
+the apostle Paul teaches us to regard as a grave offence.
+After reminding the Thessalonian Christians, that
+in addition to all his official exertions he had with
+his own muscles earned his own bread, he calls their
+attention to an arrangement which was supported by
+<i>apostolical</i> authority, "that if any would
+not work, neither should he eat." In the most
+earnest and solemn manner, and as a minister of the
+Lord Jesus Christ, he commanded and exhorted those
+who neglected useful labor, "<i>with quietness
+to work and eat their own bread</i>." What
+must be the bearing of all this upon slavery? Could
+slavery be maintained where every man eat the bread
+which himself had earned?--where idleness
+was esteemed so great a crime, as to be reckoned worthy
+of starvation as a punishment? How could unrequited
+labor be exacted, or used, or needed? Must not every
+one in such a community contribute his share to the
+general welfare?--and mutual service and
+mutual support be the natural result?</p>
+
+<p>The same apostle, in writing to another church, describes
+the true source whence the means of liberality ought
+to be derived. "Let him that stole steal no
+more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands
+the thing which is good, that he may have to give to
+him that needeth." Let this lesson, as from
+the lips of Jehovah, be proclaimed throughout the
+length and breadth of South Carolina. Let it be universally
+welcomed and reduced to practice. Let thieves give
+up what they had stolen to the lawful proprietors,
+cease stealing, and begin at once to "labor,
+working with their hands," for necessary and
+charitable purposes. Could slavery, in such a case,
+continue to exist? Surely not! Instead of exacting
+unpaid services from others, every man would be busy,
+exerting himself not only to provide for his own wants,
+but also to accumulate funds, "that he might
+have to give to" the needy. Slavery must disappear,
+root and branch, at once and forever.</p>
+
+<p>In describing the source whence his ministers should
+expect their support, the Savior furnished a general
+principle, which has an obvious and powerful bearing
+on the subject of slavery. He would have them remember,
+while exerting themselves for the benefit of their
+fellow men, that "the laborer is worthy of his
+hire." He has thus united wages with work. Whoever
+renders the one is entitled to the other. And this
+manifestly according to a mutual understanding and
+a voluntary arrangement. For the doctrine that I may
+force you to work for me for whatever consideration
+I may please to fix upon, fairly opens the way for
+the doctrine, that you, in turn, may force me to render
+you whatever wages you may choose to exact for any
+services you may see fit to render. Thus slavery,
+even as involuntary servitude, is cut up by the root.
+Even the Princeton professor seems to regard it as
+a violation of the principle which unites work with
+wages.</p>
+
+<p>The apostle James applies this principle to the claims
+of manual laborers--of those who hold the
+plough and thrust in the sickle. He calls the rich
+lordlings who exacted sweat and withheld wages, to
+"weeping and howling," assuring them that
+the complaints of the injured laborer had entered
+into the ear of the Lord of Hosts, and that, as a
+result of their oppression, their riches were corrupted,
+and their garments moth-eaten; their gold and silver
+were cankered; that the rest of them should be a witness
+against them, and should eat their flesh as it were
+fire; that, in one word, they had heaped treasure together
+for the last days, when "miseries were coming
+upon them," the prospect of which might well
+drench them in tears and fill them with terror. If
+these admonition and warnings were heeded there, would
+not "the South" break forth into "weeping
+and wailing, and gnashing of teeth?" What else
+are its rich men about, but withholding by a system
+of fraud, his wages from the laborer, who is wearing
+himself out under the impulse of fear, in cultivating
+their fields and producing their luxuries? Encouragement
+and support do they derive from James, in maintaining
+the "peculiar institution" whence they
+derived their wealth, which they call patriarchal,
+and boast of as the "corner-stone" of the
+republic?</p>
+
+<p>In the New Testament, we have, moreover, the general
+injunction, "<i>Honor all men</i>."
+Under this broad precept, every form of humanity may
+justly claim protection and respect. The invasion
+of any human right must do dishonor to humanity, and
+be a transgression of this command. How then, in the
+light of such obligations, must slavery be regarded?
+Are those men honored, who are rudely excluded from
+a place in the human family, and shut up to the deep
+degradation and nameless horrors of chattelship? <i>Can
+they be held as slaves, and at the same time be honored
+as men</i>?</p>
+
+<p>How far, in obeying this command, we are to go, we
+may infer from the admonitions and instructions which
+James applies to the arrangements and usages of religious
+assemblies. Into these he can not allow "respect
+of persons" to enter. "My brethren,"
+he exclaims, "have not the faith of our Lord
+Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
+For if there come unto your assembly a man with a
+gold ring, in goodly apparel; and there come in also
+a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to
+him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him,
+sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor,
+stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool;
+are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become
+judges of evil thoughts? <i>If ye have respect to
+persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law
+as transgressors</i>." On this general principle,
+then, religious assemblies ought to be regulated--that
+every man is to be estimated, not according to his
+<i>circumstances</i>--not according
+to any thing incidental to his <i>condition</i>;
+but according to his <i>moral worth</i>--according
+to the essential features and vital elements of his
+<i>character</i>. Gold rings and gay clothing,
+as they qualify no man for, can entitle no man to,
+a "good place" in the church. Nor can
+the "vile raiment of the poor man," fairly
+exclude him from any sphere, however exalted, which
+his heart and head may fit him to fill. To deny this,
+in theory or practice, is to degrade a man below a
+thing; for what are gold rings, or gay clothing, or
+vile raiment, but things, "which perish with
+the using?" And this must be "to commit
+sin, and be convinced of the law as transgressors."</p>
+
+<p>In slavery, we have "respect of persons,"
+strongly marked, and reduced to system. Here men are
+despised not merely for "the vile raiment,"
+which may cover their scarred bodies. This is bad enough.
+But the deepest contempt for humanity here grows out
+of birth or complexion. Vile raiment may be, often
+is, the result of indolence, or improvidence, or extravagance.
+It may be, often is, an index of character. But how
+can I be responsible for the incidents of my birth?--how
+for my complexion? To despise or honor me for these,
+is to be guilty of "respect of persons"
+in its grossest form, and with its worst effects. It
+is to reward or punish me for what I had nothing to
+do with; for which, therefore, I can not, without
+the greatest injustice, be held responsible. It is
+to poison the very fountains of justice, by confounding
+all moral distinctions. It is with a worse temper,
+and in the way of inflicting infinitely greater injuries,
+to copy the kingly folly of Xerxes, in chaining and
+scourging the Hellespont. What, then, so far as the
+authority of the New Testament is concerned, becomes
+of slavery, which can not be maintained under any
+form nor for a single moment, without "respect
+of persons" the most aggravated and unendurable?
+And what would become of that most pitiful, silly,
+and wicked arrangement in so many of our churches,
+in which worshipers of a dark complexion are to be
+shut up to the negro pew?[<a name="AE2_FR5C"></a><a href="#AE2_FN5C">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN5C"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR5C">A</a>: In Carlyle's Review of the Memoirs
+of Mirabeau, we have the following anecdote, illustrative
+of the character of a "grandmother" of
+the Count. "Fancy the dame Mirabeau sailing stately
+towards the church font; another dame striking in
+to take precedence of her; the dame Mirabeau despatching
+this latter with a box on the ear, and these words,
+'<i>Here, as in the army</i>, THE BAGGAGE
+<i>goes last</i>!'" Let those who
+justify the negro-pew-arrangement, throw a stone at
+this proud woman--if they dare.]</p>
+
+<p>Nor are we permitted to confine this principle to
+<i>religious</i> assemblies. It is to pervade
+social life every where. Even where plenty, intelligence,
+and refinement, diffuse their brightest rays, the poor
+are to be welcomed with especial favor. "Then
+said he to him that bade him, when thou makest a dinner
+or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren,
+neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors, lest they
+also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee.
+But when thou makest a feast, call the poor and the
+maimed, the lame and the blind, and thou shalt be
+blessed; for they can not recompense thee, but thou
+shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."</p>
+
+<p>In the high places of social life then--in
+the parlor, the drawing-room, the saloon--special
+reference should be had, in every arrangement, to
+the comfort and improvement of those who are least
+able to provide for the cheapest rites of hospitality.
+For these, ample accommodations must be made, whatever
+may become of our kinsmen and rich neighbors. And for
+this good reason, that while such occasions signify
+little to the latter, to the former they are pregnant
+with good--raising their drooping spirits,
+cheering their desponding hearts, inspiring them with
+life, and hope, and joy. The rich and the poor thus
+meeting joyfully together, can not but mutually contribute
+to each other's benefit; the rich will be led
+to moderation, sobriety, and circumspection, and the
+poor to industry, providence, and contentment. The
+recompense must be rich and sure.</p>
+
+<p>A most beautiful and instructive commentary on the
+text in which these things are taught, the Savior
+furnished in his own conduct. He freely mingled with
+those who were reduced to the very bottom of society.
+At the tables of the outcasts of society, he did not
+hesitate to be a cheerful guest, surrounded by publicans
+and sinners. And when flouted and reproached by smooth
+and lofty ecclesiastics, as an ultraist and leveler,
+he explained and justified himself by observing, that
+he had only done what his office demanded. It was
+his to seek the lost, to heal the sick, to pity the
+wretched;--in a word, to bestow just such
+benefits as the various necessities of mankind made
+appropriate and welcome. In his great heart, there
+was room enough for those who had been excluded from
+the sympathy of little souls. In its spirit and design,
+the gospel overlooked none--least of all,
+the outcasts of a selfish world.</p>
+
+<p>Can slavery, however modified, be consistent with
+such a gospel?--a gospel which requires
+us, even amidst the highest forms of social life,
+to exert ourselves to raise the depressed by giving
+our warmest sympathies to those who have the smallest
+share in the favor of the world?</p>
+
+<p>Those who are in "bonds" are set before
+us as deserving an especial remembrance. Their claims
+upon us are described as a modification of the Golden
+Rule--as one of the many forms to which its
+obligations are reducible. To them we are to extend
+the same affectionate regard as we would covet for
+ourselves, if the chains upon their limbs were fastened
+upon ours. To the benefits of this precept, the enslaved
+have a natural claim of the greatest strength. The
+wrongs they suffer, spring from a persecution which
+can hardly be surpassed in malignancy. Their birth
+and complexion are the occasion of the insults and
+injuries which they can neither endure nor escape.
+It is for the <i>work of God</i>, and not them
+own deserts, that they are loaded with chains. <i>This
+is persecution.</i></p>
+
+<p>Can I regard the slave as another self--can
+I put myself in his place--and be indifferent
+to his wrongs? Especially, can I, thus affected, take
+sides with the oppressor? Could I, in such a state
+of mind as the gospel requires me to cherish, reduce
+him to slavery or keep him in bonds? Is not the precept
+under hand naturally subversive of every system and
+every form of slavery?</p>
+
+<p>The <i>general descriptions</i> of the church
+which are found here and there in the New Testament,
+are highly instructive in their bearing on the subject
+of slavery. In one connection, the following words
+meet the eye: "There is neither Jew nor Greek,
+there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male
+nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."[<a name="AE2_FR5D"></a><a href="#AE2_FN5D">A</a>]
+Here we have--1. A clear and strong description
+of the doctrine of <i>human equality</i>. "Ye
+are all ONE;"--so much alike, so truly
+placed on common ground, all wielding each his own
+powers with such freedom, <i>that one is the same
+as another</i>.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN5D"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR5D">A</a>: Gal. iii. 23.]</p>
+
+<p>2. This doctrine, self-evident in the light of reason,
+is affirmed on divine authority. "IN CHRIST
+JESUS, <i>ye are all one</i>." The natural
+equality of the human family is a part of the gospel.
+For--</p>
+
+<p>3. All the human family are included in this description.
+Whether men or women, whether bond or free, whether
+Jews or Gentiles, all are alike entitled to the benefit
+of this doctrine. Wherever Christianity prevails,
+the <i>artificial</i> distinctions which grow
+out of birth, condition, sex, are done away. <i>Natural</i>
+distinctions are not destroyed. <i>They</i> are
+recognized, hallowed, confirmed. The gospel does not
+abolish the sexes, forbid a division of labor, or
+extinguish patriotism. It takes woman from beneath
+the feet, and places her by the side of man; delivers
+the manual laborer from "the yoke," and
+gives him wages for his work; and brings the Jew and
+Gentile to embrace each other with fraternal love
+and confidence. Thus it raises all to a common level,
+gives to each the free use of his own powers and resources,
+binds all together in one dear and loving brotherhood.
+Such, according to the description of the apostle,
+was the influence, and such the effect of primitive
+Christianity. "Behold the picture!" Is
+it like American slavery, which, in all its tendencies
+and effects, is destructive of all oneness among brethren?</p>
+
+<p>"Where the spirit of the Lord is," exclaims
+the same apostle, with his eye upon the condition
+and relations of the church, "<i>where the
+spirit of the Lord is</i>, THERE IS LIBERTY."
+Where, then, may we reverently recognize the presence,
+and bow before the manifested power, of this spirit?
+<i>There</i>, where the laborer may not choose
+how he shall be employed!--in what way his
+wants shall he supplied!--with whom he shall
+associate!--who shall have the fruit of his
+exertions! <i>There</i>, where he is not free
+to enjoy his wife and children! <i>There</i>,
+where his body and his soul, his very "destiny,"[<a name="AE2_FR5E"></a><a href="#AE2_FN5E">A</a>]
+are placed altogether beyond his control! <i>There</i>,
+where every power is crippled, every energy blasted,
+every hope crushed! <i>There</i>, where in all
+the relations and concerns of life, he is legally
+treated as if he had nothing to do with the laws of
+reason, the light of immortality, or the exercise of
+will! Is the spirit of the Lord <i>there</i>,
+where liberty is decried and denounced, mocked at
+and spit upon, betrayed and crucified! In the midst
+of a church which justified slavery, which derived
+its support from slavery, which carried on its enterprises
+by means of slavery, would the apostle have found the
+fruits of the Spirit of the Lord! Let that Spirit exert
+his influences, and assert his authority, and wield
+his power, and slavery must vanish at once and forever.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN5E"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR5E">A</a>: "The Legislature [of South Carolina]
+from time to time, has passed many restricted and
+penal acts, with a view to bring under direct control
+and subjection the DESTINY <i>of the black population</i>."
+See the Remonstrance of James S. Pope and 352 others,
+against home missionary efforts for the benefit of
+the enslaved--a most instructive paper.]</p>
+
+<p>In more than one connection, the apostle James describes
+Christianity as "<i>the law of liberty</i>."
+It is in other words the law under which liberty can
+not but live and flourish--the law in which
+liberty is clearly defined, strongly asserted, and
+well protected. As the law of liberty, how can it
+be consistent with the law of slavery? The presence
+and the power of this law are felt wherever the light
+of reason shines. They are felt in the uneasiness
+and conscious degradation of the slave, and in the
+shame and remorse which the master betrays in his reluctant
+and desperate efforts to defend himself. This law
+it is which has armed human nature against the oppressor.
+Wherever it is obeyed, "every yoke is broken."</p>
+
+<p>In these references to the New Testament we have a
+<i>general description</i> of the primitive church,
+and the <i>principles</i> on which it was founded
+and fashioned. These principles bear the same relation
+to Christian <i>history</i> as to Christian <i>character</i>,
+since the former is occupied with the development
+of the latter. What then is Christian character but
+Christian principle <i>realized</i>, acted out,
+bodied forth, and animated? Christian principle is
+the soul, of which Christian character is the expression--the
+manifestation. It comprehends in itself, as a living
+seed, such Christian character, under every form, modification,
+and complexion. The former is, therefore, the test
+and interpreter of the latter. In the light of Christian
+principle, and in that light only, we can judge of
+and explain Christian character. Christian history
+is occupied with the forms, modifications, and various
+aspects of Christian character. The facts which are
+there recorded serve to show, how Christian principle
+has fared in this world--how it has appeared,
+what it has done, how it has been treated. In these
+facts we have the various institutions, usages, designs,
+doings, and sufferings of the church of Christ. And
+all these have of necessity, the closest relation to
+Christian principle. They are the production of its
+power. Through them, it is revealed and manifested.
+In its light, they are to be studied, explained, and
+understood. Without it they must be as unintelligible
+and insignificant as the letters of a book, scattered
+on the wind.</p>
+
+<p>In the principles of Christianity, then, we have a
+comprehensive and faithful account of its objects,
+institutions, and usages--of how it must
+behave, and act, and suffer, in a world of sin and
+misery. For between the principles which God reveals,
+on the one hand, and the precepts he enjoins, the
+institutions he establishes, and the usages he approves,
+on the other, there must be consistency and harmony.
+Otherwise we impute to God what we must abhor in man--practice
+at war with principle. Does the Savior, then, lay
+down the <i>principle</i> that our standing in
+the church must depend upon the habits, formed within
+us, of readily and heartily subserving the welfare
+of others; and permit us <i>in practice</i> to
+invade the rights and trample on the happiness of our
+fellows, by reducing them to slavery. Does he, <i>in
+principle</i> and by example, require us to go
+all lengths in rendering mutual service, comprehending
+offices the most menial, as well as the most honorable;
+and permit us <i>in practice</i> to EXACT service
+of our brethren, as if they were nothing better than
+"articles of merchandize?" Does he require
+us <i>in principle</i> "to work with quietness
+and eat our own bread;" and permit us <i>in
+practice</i> to wrest from our brethren the fruits
+of their unrequited toil? Does he in principle require
+us, abstaining from every form of theft, to employ
+our powers in useful labor, not only to provide for
+ourselves but also to relieve the indigence of others;
+and permit us <i>in practice</i>, abstaining
+from every form of labor, to enrich and aggrandize
+ourselves with the fruits of man-stealing? Does he
+require us <i>in principle</i> to regard "the
+laborer as worthy of his hire;" and permit us
+<i>in practice</i> to defraud him of his wages?
+Does he require us <i>in principle</i> "to
+honor ALL men;" and permit us <i>in practice</i>
+to treat multitudes like cattle? Does he <i>in principle</i>
+prohibit "respect of persons;" and permit
+us <i>in practice</i> to place the feet of the
+rich upon the necks of the poor? Does he <i>in principle</i>
+require us to sympathize with the bondman as another
+self; and permit us <i>in practice</i> to leave
+him unpitied and unhelped in the hands of the oppressor?
+<i>In principle</i>, "where the Spirit
+of the Lord is, there is liberty;" <i>in practice</i>,
+is <i>slavery</i> the fruit of the Spirit? <i>In
+principle</i>, Christianity is the law of liberty;
+<i>in practice</i>, is it the law of slavery?
+Bring practice in these various respects into harmony
+with principle, and what becomes of slavery? And if,
+where the divine government is concerned, practice
+is the expression of principle, and principle the standard
+and interpreter of practice, such harmony cannot but
+be maintained and must be asserted. In studying, therefore,
+fragments of history and sketches of biography--in
+disposing of references to institutions, usages, and
+facts in the New Testament, this necessary harmony
+between principle and practice in the government,
+should be continually present to the thoughts of the
+interpreter. Principles assert what practice must be.
+Whatever principle condemns, God condemns. It belongs
+to those weeds of the dunghill which, planted by "an
+enemy," his hand will assuredly "root
+up." It is most certain, then, that if slavery
+prevailed in the first ages of Christianity, it could
+nowhere have prevailed under its influence and with
+its sanction.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>condition</i> in which, in its efforts
+to bless mankind, the primitive church was placed,
+must have greatly assisted the early Christians in
+understanding and applying the principles of the gospel.--Their
+<i>Master</i> was born in great obscurity, lived
+in the deepest poverty, and died the most ignominious
+death. The place of his residence, his familiarity
+with the outcasts of society, his welcoming assistance
+and support from female hands, his casting his beloved
+mother, when he hung upon the cross, upon the charity
+of a disciple--such things evince the depth
+of his poverty, and show to what derision and contempt
+he must have been exposed. Could such an one, "despised
+and rejected of men--a man of sorrows and
+acquainted with grief," play the oppressor, or
+smile on those who made merchandize of the poor!</p>
+
+<p>And what was the history of the <i>apostles</i>,
+but an illustration of the doctrine, that "it
+is enough for the disciple, that he be as his Master?"
+Were they lordly ecclesiastics, abounding with wealth,
+shining with splendor, bloated with luxury! Were they
+ambitious of distinction, fleecing, and trampling,
+and devouring "the flocks," that they
+themselves might "have the pre-eminence!"
+Were they slaveholding bishops! Or did they derive
+their support from the wages of iniquity and the price
+of blood! Can such inferences be drawn from the account
+of their condition, which the most gifted and enterprising
+of their number has put upon record? "Even unto
+this present hour, we both hunger, and thirst, and
+are naked, and <i>are buffetted</i>, and have
+<i>no certain dwelling place, and labor working
+with our own hands</i>. Being reviled, we bless;
+being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat;
+we are made as <i>the filth of the world</i>,
+and are THE OFFSCOURING OF ALL THINGS unto this day[<a name="AE2_FR5F"></a><a href="#AE2_FN5F">A</a>]."
+Are these the men who practiced or countenanced slavery?
+<i>With such a temper, they WOULD NOT; in such circumstances,
+they COULD NOT</i>. Exposed to "tribulation,
+distress, and persecution;" subject to famine
+and nakedness, to peril and the sword; "killed
+all the day long; accounted as sheep for the slaughter[<a name="AE2_FR60"></a><a href="#AE2_FN60">B</a>],"
+they would have made but a sorry figure at the great-house
+or slave-market!</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN5F"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR5F">A</a>: 1 Cor. iv. 11-13.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN60"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR60">B</a>: 1 Rom. viii. 35, 36.]</p>
+
+<p>Nor was the condition of the brethren, generally,
+better than that of the apostles. The position of
+the apostles doubtless entitled them to the strongest
+opposition, the heaviest reproaches, the fiercest
+persecution. But derision and contempt must have been
+the lot of Christians generally. Surely we cannot
+think so ill of primitive Christianity as to suppose
+that believers, generally, refused to share in the
+trials and sufferings of their leaders; as to suppose
+that while the leaders submitted to manual labor,
+to buffeting, to be reckoned the filth of the world,
+to be accounted as sheep for the slaughter, his brethren
+lived in affluence, ease, and honor! despising manual
+labor! and living upon the sweat of unrequited toil!
+But on this point we are not left to mere inference
+and conjecture. The apostle Paul in the plainest language
+explains the ordination of Heaven. "But <i>God
+hath</i> CHOSEN the foolish things of the world
+to confound the wise; and God hath CHOSEN the weak
+things of the world to confound the things which are
+mighty; and base things of the world, and things which
+are despised hath God CHOSEN, yea, and THINGS WHICH
+ARE NOT, to bring to nought things that are."[<a name="AE2_FR61"></a><a href="#AE2_FN61">A</a>] Here
+we may well notice,</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN61"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR61">A</a>: 1 Cor. i. 27, 28.]</p>
+
+<p>1. That it was not by <i>accident</i>, that the
+primitive churches were made up of such elements,
+but the result of the DIVINE CHOICE--an arrangement
+of His wise and gracious Providence. The inference
+is natural, that this ordination was co-extensive
+with the triumphs of Christianity. It was nothing
+new or strange, that Jehovah had concealed his glory
+"from the wise and prudent, and had revealed
+it unto babes," or that "the common people
+heard him gladly," while "not many wise
+men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble,
+had been called."</p>
+
+<p>2. The description of character which the apostle
+records, could be adapted only to what are reckoned
+the <i>very dregs of humanity</i>. The foolish
+and the weak, the base and the contemptible, in the
+estimation of worldly pride and wisdom--these
+were they whose broken hearts were reached, and moulded,
+and refreshed by the gospel; these were they whom
+the apostle took to his bosom as his own brethren.</p>
+
+<p>That <i>slaves</i> abounded at Corinth, may easily
+be admitted. <i>They</i> have a place in the
+enumeration of elements of which, according to the
+apostle, the church there was composed. The most remarkable
+class found there, consisted of "THINGS WHICH
+ARE NOT"--mere nobodies, not admitted
+to the privileges of men, but degraded to a level
+with "goods and chattels;" of whom <i>no
+account</i> was made in such arrangements of society
+as subserved the improvement, and dignity, and happiness
+of MANKIND. How accurately this description applies
+to those who are crushed under the chattel principle!</p>
+
+<p>The reference which the apostle makes to the "deep
+poverty of the churches of Macedonia,"[<a name="AE2_FR62"></a><a href="#AE2_FN62">B</a>] and this
+to stir up the sluggish liberality of his Corinthian
+brethren, naturally leaves the impression, that the
+latter were by no means inferior to the former in the
+gifts of Providence. But, pressed with want and pinched
+by poverty as were the believers in "Macedonia
+and Achaia, it pleased them to make a certain contribution
+for the poor saints which were at Jerusalem."[<a name="AE2_FR63"></a><a href="#AE2_FN63">C</a>] Thus
+it appears, that Christians every where were familiar
+with contempt and indigence, so much so, that the
+apostle would dissuade such as had no families from
+assuming the responsibilities of the conjugal relation[<a name="AE2_FR64"></a><a href="#AE2_FN64">D</a>]!</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN62"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR62">B</a>: 2 Cor. viii. 2.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN63"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR63">C</a>: Rom. xv. 26.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN64"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR64">D</a>: 1 Cor. vi 26,27]</p>
+
+<p>Now, how did these good people treat each other? Did
+the few among them, who were esteemed wise, mighty,
+or noble, exert their influence and employ their power
+in oppressing the weak, in disposing of the "things
+that are not," as marketable commodities!--kneeling
+with them in prayer in the evening, and putting them
+up at auction the next morning! Did the church sell
+any of the members to swell the "certain contribution
+far the poor saints at Jerusalem!" Far otherwise--as
+far as possible! In those Christian communities where
+the influence of the apostles was most powerful, and
+where the arrangements drew forth their highest commendations,
+believers treated each other as brethren, in the strongest
+sense of that sweet word. So warm was their mutual
+love, so strong the public spirit, so open-handed
+and abundant the general liberality, that they are
+set forth as "<i>having all things common.</i>"
+[<a name="AE2_FR65"></a><a href="#AE2_FN65">E</a>] Slaves and their holders here? Neither the one
+nor the other could in that relation to each other
+have breathed such an atmosphere. The appeal of the
+kneeling bondman, "Am I not a man and a brother,"
+must here have met with a prompt and powerful response.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN65"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR65">E</a>: Acts iv. 32]</p>
+
+<p>The <i>tests</i> by which our Savior tries the
+character of his professed disciples, shed a strong
+light upon the genius of the gospel. In one connection[<a name="AE2_FR66"></a><a href="#AE2_FN66">F</a>],
+an inquirer demands of the Savior, "What good
+thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"
+After being reminded of the obligations which his
+social nature imposed upon him, he ventured, while
+claiming to be free from guilt in his relations to
+mankind, to demand, "what lack I yet?"
+The radical deficiency under which his character labored,
+the Savior was not long or obscure in pointing out.
+If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast
+and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure
+in heaven; and come and follow me. On this passage
+it is natural to suggest--</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN66"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR66">F</a>: Luke xvii 18-24]</p>
+
+<p>1. That we have here a <i>test of universal application.</i>
+The rectitude and benevolence of our Savior's
+character forbid us to suppose that he would subject
+this inquirer, especially as he was highly amiable,
+to a trial, where eternal life was at stake, <i>peculiarly</i>
+severe. Indeed, the test seems to have been only a
+fair exposition of the second great command, and of
+course it must be applicable to all who are placed
+under the obligations of that precept. Those who can
+not stand this test, as their character is radically
+imperfect and unsound, must, with the inquirer to
+whom our Lord applied it, be pronounced unfit for the
+kingdom of heaven.</p>
+
+<p>2. The least that our Savior can in that passage be
+understood to demand is, that we disinterestedly and
+heartily devote ourselves to the welfare of mankind,
+"the poor" especially. We are to put ourselves
+on a level with <i>them</i>, as we must do "in
+selling that we have" for their benefit--in
+other words, in employing our powers and resources
+to elevate their character, condition, and prospects.
+This our Savior did; and if we refuse to enter into
+sympathy and cooperation with him, how can we be his
+<i>followers</i>? Apply this test to the slaveholder.
+Instead of "selling that he hath" for
+the benefit of the poor, he BUYS THE POOR, and exacts
+their sweat with stripes, to enable him to "clothe
+himself in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously
+every day;" or, HE SELLS THE POOR to support
+the gospel and convert the heathen!</p>
+
+<p>What, in describing the scenes of the final judgment,
+does our Savior teach us? <i>By what standard</i>
+must our character be estimated, and the <i>retributions</i>
+of eternity be awarded? A standard, which both the
+righteous and the wicked will be surprised to see erected.
+From the "offscouring of all things,"
+the meanest specimen of humanity will be selected--a
+"stranger" in the hands of the oppressor,
+naked, hungry, sickly; and this stranger, placed in
+the midst of the assembled universe, by the side of
+the sovereign Judge, will be openly acknowledged as
+his representative. "Glory, honor, and immortality,"
+will be the reward of those who had recognized and
+cheered their Lord through his outraged poor. And
+tribulation, anguish, and despair, will seize on "every
+soul of man," who had neglected or despised them.
+But whom, within the limits of our country, are we
+to regard especially as the representatives of our
+final Judge? Every feature of the Savior's picture
+finds its appropriate original in our enslaved countrymen.</p>
+
+<p>1. They are the LEAST of his brethren.</p>
+
+<p>2. They are subject to thirst and hunger, unable to
+command a cup of water or a crumb of bread.</p>
+
+<p>3. They are exposed to wasting sickness, without the
+ability to procure a nurse or employ a physician.</p>
+
+<p>4. They are emphatically "in prison,"
+restrained by chains, goaded with whips, tasked, and
+under keepers. Not a wretch groans in any cell of the
+prisons of our country, who is exposed to a confinement
+so rigorous and heart-breaking as the law allows theirs
+to be continually and permanently.</p>
+
+<p>5. And then they are emphatically, and peculiarly,
+and exclusively, STRANGERS--<i>strangers</i>
+in the land which gave them birth. Whom else do we
+constrain to remain aliens in the midst of our free
+institutions? The Welch, the Swiss, the Irish? The
+Jews even? Alas, it is the <i>negro</i> only,
+who may not strike his roots into our soil. Every where
+we have conspired to treat him as a stranger--every
+where he is forced to feel himself a stranger. In
+the stage and steamboat, in the parlor and at our
+tables, in the scenes of business and in the scenes
+of amusement--even in the church of God
+and at the communion table, he is regarded as a stranger.
+The intelligent and religious are generally disgusted
+and horror-struck at the thought of his becoming identified
+with the citizens of our republic--so much
+so, that thousands of them have entered into a conspiracy
+to send him off "out of sight," to find
+a home on a foreign shore!--And justify
+themselves by openly alledging, that a "single
+drop" of his blood, in the veins of any human
+creature, must make him hateful to his fellow citizens!--That
+nothing but banishment from "our coasts,"
+can redeem him from the scorn and contempt to which
+his "stranger" blood has reduced him among
+his own mother's children!</p>
+
+<p>Who, then, in this land "of milk and honey,"
+is "hungry and athirst," but the man from
+whom the law takes away the last crumb of bread and
+the smallest drop of water?</p>
+
+<p>Who "naked," but the man whom the law
+strips of the last rag of clothing?</p>
+
+<p>Who "sick," but the man whom the law deprives
+of the power of procuring medicine or sending for
+a physician?</p>
+
+<p>Who "in prison," but the man who, all
+his life is under the control of merciless masters
+and cruel keepers?</p>
+
+<p>Who a "stranger," but the man who is scornfully
+denied the cheapest courtesies of life--who
+is treated as an alien in his native country?</p>
+
+<p>There is one point in this awful description which
+deserves particular attention. Those who are doomed
+to the left hand of the Judge, are not charged with
+inflicting <i>positive injuries</i> on their helpless,
+needy, and oppressed brother. Theirs was what is often
+called <i>negative</i> character. What they <i>had
+done</i> is not described in the indictment. Their
+<i>neglect</i> of duty, what they <i>had</i>
+NOT <i>done</i>, was the ground of their "everlasting
+punishment." The representative of their Judge,
+they had seen a hungered and they gave him no meat,
+thirsty and they have him no drink, a stranger and
+they took him not in, naked and they clothed him not,
+sick and in prison and they visited him not. In as
+much as they did NOT yield to the claims of suffering
+humanity--did NOT exert themselves to bless
+the meanest of the human family, they were driven
+away in their wickedness. But what if the indictment
+had run thus: I was a hungered and ye snatched away
+the crust which might have saved me from starvation;
+I was thirsty and ye dashed to the ground the "cup
+of cold water," which might have moistened my
+parched lips; I was a stranger and ye drove me from
+the hovel which might have sheltered me from the piercing
+wind; I was sick and ye scourged me to my task; in
+prison and you sold me for my jail-fees--to
+what depths of hell must not those who were convicted
+under such charges be consigned! And what is the history
+of American slavery but one long indictment, describing
+under ever-varying forms and hues just such injuries!</p>
+
+<p>Nor should it be forgotten, that those who incurred
+the displeasure of their Judge, took far other views
+than he, of their own past history. The charges which
+he brought against them, they heard with great surprise.
+They were sure that they had never thus turned away
+from his necessities. Indeed, when had they seen him
+thus subject to poverty, insult, and oppression! Never.
+And as to that poor friendless creature whom they
+left unpitied and unhelped in the hands of the oppressor,
+and whom their Judge now presented as his own representative,
+they never once supposed, that <i>he</i> had
+any claims on their compassion and assistance. Had
+they known, that he was destined to so prominent a
+place at the final judgment, they would have treated
+him as a human being, in despite of any social, pecuniary,
+or political considerations. But neither their <i>negative
+virtue</i> nor their <i>voluntary ignorance</i>
+could shield them from the penal fire which their
+selfishness had kindled.</p>
+
+<p>Now amidst the general maxims, the leading principles,
+the "great commandments" of the gospel;
+amidst its comprehensive descriptions and authorized
+tests of Christian character, we should take our position
+in disposing of any particular allusions to such forms
+and usages of the primitive churches as are supposed
+by divine authority. The latter must be interpreted
+and understood in the light of the former. But how
+do the apologists and defenders of slavery proceed?
+Placing themselves amidst the arrangements and usages
+which grew out of the <i>corruptions</i> of Christianity,
+they make these the standard by which the gospel is
+to be explained and understood! Some Recorder or Justice,
+without the light of inquiry or the aid of a jury,
+consigns the negro whom the kidnapper has dragged
+into his presence to the horrors of slavery. As the
+poor wretch shrieks and faints, Humanity shudders
+and demands why such atrocities are endured? Some
+"priest" or "Levite," "passing
+by on the other side," quite self-possessed
+and all complacent reads in reply from his bread phylactery,
+<i>Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon</i>! Yes, echoes
+the negro-hating mob, made up of "gentlemen
+of property and standing" together with equally
+gentle-men reeking from the gutter; <i>Yes--Paul
+sent back Onesimus to Philemon</i>! And Humanity, brow-beaten,
+stunned with noise and tumult, is pushed aside by
+the crowd! A fair specimen this of the manner in which
+modern usages are made to interpret the sacred Scriptures?</p>
+
+<p>Of the particular passages in the New Testament on
+which the apologists for slavery especially rely,
+the epistle to Philemon first demands our attention.</p>
+
+<p>1. This letter was written by the apostle Paul while
+a "prisoner of Jesus Christ" at Rome.</p>
+
+<p>2. Philemon was a benevolent and trustworthy member
+of the church at Colosse, at whose house the disciples
+of Christ held their assemblies, and who owed his
+conversion, under God, directly or indirectly to the
+ministry of Paul.</p>
+
+<p>3. Onesimus was the servant of Philemon; under a relation
+which it is difficult with accuracy and certainty
+to define. His condition, though servile, could not
+have been like that of an American slave; as, in that
+case, however he might have "wronged" Philemon,
+he could not also have "<i>owed him ought</i>."[<a name="AE2_FR67"></a><a href="#AE2_FN67">A</a>]
+The American slave is, according to law, as much the
+property of his master as any other chattel; and can
+no more "owe" his master than can a sheep
+or a horse. The basis of all pecuniary obligations
+lies in some "value received." How can
+"an article of merchandise" stand on this
+basis and sustain commercial relations to its owner?
+There is no <i>person</i> to offer or promise.
+<i>Personality is swallowed up in American slavery</i>!</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN67"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR67">A</a>: Phil. 18.]</p>
+
+<p>4. How Onesimus found his way to Rome it is not easy
+to determine. He and Philemon appear to have parted
+from each other on ill terms. The general character
+of Onesimus, certainly, in his relation to Philemon,
+had been far from attractive, and he seems to have
+left him without repairing the wrongs he had done
+him or paying the debts which he owed him. At Rome,
+by the blessing of God upon the exertions of the apostle,
+he was brought to reflection and repentance.</p>
+
+<p>5. In reviewing his history in the light of Christian
+truth, he became painfully aware of the injuries,
+he had inflicted on Philemon. He longed for an opportunity
+for frank confession and full restitution. Having,
+however, parted with Philemon on ill terms, he knew
+not how to appear in his presence. Under such embarrassments,
+he naturally sought sympathy and advice of Paul. <i>His</i>
+influence upon Philemon, Onesimus knew must be powerful,
+especially as an apostle.</p>
+
+<p>6. A letter in behalf of Onesimus was therefore written
+by the apostle to Philemon. After such salutations,
+benedictions, and thanks giving as the good character
+and useful life of Philemon naturally drew from the
+heart of Paul, he proceeds to the object of the letter.
+He admits that Onesimus had behaved ill in the service
+of Philemon; not in running away, for how they had
+parted with each other is not explained, but in being
+unprofitable and in refusing to pay the debts[<a name="AE2_FR68"></a><a href="#AE2_FN68">B</a>] which
+he had contracted. But his character had undergone
+a radical change. Thenceforward fidelity and usefulness
+would be his aim and mark his course. And as to any
+pecuniary obligations which he had violated, the apostle
+authorized Philemon to put them on <i>his</i>
+account.[<a name="AE2_FR69"></a><a href="#AE2_FN69">C</a>] Thus a way was fairly opened to the heart
+of Philemon. And now what does the apostles ask?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN68"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR68">B</a>: Verse 11,18.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN69"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR69">C</a>: Verse 18.]</p>
+
+<p>7. He asks that Philemon would receive Onesimus. How?
+"Not as a <i>servant</i>, but <i>above</i>
+a servant."[<a name="AE2_FR6A"></a><a href="#AE2_FN6A">A</a>] How much above? Philemon was to receive
+him as "a son" of the apostle--"as
+a brother beloved"--nay, if he counted
+Paul a partner, an equal, he was to receive Onesimus
+as he would receive <i>the apostle himself[<a name="AE2_FR6B"></a><a href="#AE2_FN6B">B</a>]. So
+much</i> above a servant was he to receive him!</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN6A"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR6A">A</a>: Verse 16.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN6B"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR6B">B</a>: Verse 10, 16, 17.]</p>
+
+<p>8. But was not this request to be so interpreted and
+complied with as to put Onesimus in the hands of Philemon
+as "an article of merchandise," CARNALLY,
+while it raised him to the dignity of a "brother
+beloved," SPIRITUALLY? In other words, might
+not Philemon consistently with the request of Paul,
+have reduced Onesimus to a chattel, AS A MAN, while
+he admitted him fraternally to his bosom, as a CHRISTIAN?
+Such gibberish in an apostolic epistle! Never. As
+if, however, to guard against such folly, the natural
+product of mist and moonshine, the apostle would have
+Onesimus raised above a servant to the dignity of a
+brother beloved, "BOTH IN THE FLESH AND IN THE
+LORD;"[<a name="AE2_FR6C"></a><a href="#AE2_FN6C">C</a>] as a man and Christian, in all the relations,
+circumstances, and responsibilities of life.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN6C"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR6C">C</a>: Verse 16.]</p>
+
+<p>It is easy now with definiteness and certainty to
+determine in what sense the apostle in such connections
+uses the word "<i>brother</i>." It
+describes a relation inconsistent with and opposite
+to the <i>servile</i>. It is "NOT"
+the relation of a "SERVANT." It elevates
+its subject "above" the servile condition.
+It raises him to full equality with the master, to
+the same equality, on which Paul and Philemon stood
+side by side as brothers; and this, not in some vague,
+undefined, spiritual sense, affecting the soul and
+leaving the body in bonds, but in every way, "both
+in the FLESH and in the Lord." This matter deserves
+particular and earnest attention. It sheds a strong
+light on other lessons of apostolic instruction.</p>
+
+<p>9. It is greatly to our purpose, moreover, to observe
+that the apostle clearly defines the <i>moral character</i>
+of his request. It was fit, proper, right, suited
+to the nature and relations of things--a
+thing which <i>ought</i> to be done.[<a name="AE2_FR6D"></a><a href="#AE2_FN6D">D</a>] On this
+account, he might have urged it upon Philemon in the
+form of an <i>injunction</i>, on apostolic authority
+and with great boldness.[<a name="AE2_FR6E"></a><a href="#AE2_FN6E">E</a>] <i>The very nature</i>
+of the request made it obligatory on Philemon. He
+was sacredly bound, out of regard to the fitness of
+things, to admit Onesimus to full equality with himself--to
+treat him as a brother both in the Lord and as having
+flesh--as a fellow man. Thus were the inalienable
+rights and birth-right privileges of Onesimus, as
+a member of the human family, defined and protected
+by apostolic authority.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN6D"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR6D">D</a>: Verse 8. To [Greek: anaekon]. See Robinson's
+New Testament Lexicon; "<i>it is fit, proper,
+becoming, it ought</i>." In what sense King
+James' translators used the word "convenient"
+any one may see who will read Rom. i. 28 and Eph.
+v. 3, 4.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN6E"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR6E">E</a>: Verse 8.]</p>
+
+<p>10. The apostle preferred a request instead of imposing
+a command, on the ground of CHARITY.[<a name="AE2_FR6F"></a><a href="#AE2_FN6F">A</a>] He would give
+Philemon an opportunity of discharging his obligations
+under the impulse of love. To this impulse, he was
+confident Philemon would promptly and fully yield.
+How could he do otherwise? The thing itself was right.
+The request respecting it came from a benefactor,
+to whom, under God, he was under the highest obligations.[<a name="AE2_FR70"></a><a href="#AE2_FN70">B</a>]
+That benefactor, now an old man and in the hands of
+persecutors, manifested a deep and tender interest
+in the matter, and had the strongest persuasion that
+Philemon was more ready to grant than himself to entreat.
+The result, as he was soon to visit Colosse, and had
+commissioned Philemon to prepare a lodging for him,
+must come under the eye of the apostle. The request
+was so manifestly reasonable and obligatory, that
+the apostle, after all, described a compliance with
+it, by the strong word "<i>obedience</i>."[<a name="AE2_FR71"></a><a href="#AE2_FN71">C</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN6F"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR6F">A</a>: Verse 9 [Greek: <i>dia</i> taen agapaen].]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN70"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR70">B</a>: Verse 19.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN71"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR71">C</a>: Verse 21.]</p>
+
+<p>Now how must all this have been understood by the
+church at Colosse?--a church, doubtless,
+made up of such materials as the church at Corinth,
+that is, of members chiefly from the humblest walks
+of life. Many of them had probably felt the degradation
+and tasted the bitterness of the servile condition.
+Would they have been likely to interpret the apostle's
+letter under the bias of feelings friendly to slavery!--And
+put the slaveholder's construction on its contents!
+Would their past experience or present sufferings--for
+doubtless some of them were still "under the
+yoke"--have suggested to their thoughts
+such glosses as some of our theological professors
+venture to put upon the words of the apostle! Far
+otherwise. The Spirit of the Lord was there, and the
+epistle was read in the light of "<i>liberty</i>."
+It contained the principles of holy freedom, faithfully
+and affectionately applied. This must have made it
+precious in the eyes of such men "of low degree"
+as were most of the believers, and welcome to a place
+in the sacred canon. There let it remain as a luminous
+and powerful defense of the cause of emancipation!</p>
+
+<p>But what with Prof. Stuart? "If any one doubts,
+let him take the case of Paul's sending Onesimus
+back to Philemon, with an apology for his running
+away, and sending him back to be his servant for life."[<a name="AE2_FR72"></a><a href="#AE2_FN72">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN72"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR72">A</a>: See his letter to Dr. Fisk, supra p.
+8.]</p>
+
+<p>"Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon."
+By what process? Did the apostle, a prisoner at Rome,
+seize upon the fugitive, and drag him before some
+heartless and perfidious "Judge," for authority
+to send him back to Colosse? Did he hurry his victim
+away from the presence of the fat and supple magistrate,
+to be driven under chains and the lash to the field
+of unrequited toil, whence he had escaped? Had the
+apostle been like some teachers in the American churches,
+he might, as a professor of sacred literature in one
+of our seminaries, or a preacher of the gospel to
+the rich in some of our cities, have consented thus
+to subserve the "peculiar" interests of
+a dear slaveholding brother. But the venerable champion
+of truth and freedom was himself under bonds in the
+imperial city, waiting for the crown of martyrdom.
+He wrote a letter to the church at Colosse, which
+was accustomed to meet at the house of Philemon, and
+another letter to that magnanimous disciple, and sent
+them by the hand of Onesimus. So much for <i>the
+way</i> in which Onesimus was sent back to his
+master.</p>
+
+<p>A slave escapes from a patriarch in Georgia, and seeks
+a refuge in the parish of the Connecticut doctor,
+who once gave public notice that he saw no reason
+for caring for the servitude of his fellow men.[<a name="AE2_FR73"></a><a href="#AE2_FN73">B</a>]
+Under his influence, Caesar becomes a Christian convert.
+Burning with love for the son whom he hath begotten
+in the gospel, our doctor resolves to send him back
+to his master. Accordingly, he writes a letter, gives
+it to Caesar, and bids him return, staff in hand,
+to the "corner-stone of our republican institutions."
+Now, what would any Caesar do, who had ever felt a
+link of slavery's chain? As he left his <i>spiritual
+father</i>, should we be surprized to hear him
+say to himself, What, return of my own accord to the
+man who, with the hand of a robber, plucked me from
+my mother's bosom!--for whom I have
+been so often drenched in the sweat of unrequited
+toil!--whose violence so often cut my flesh
+and scarred my limbs!--who shut out every
+ray of light from my mind!--who laid claim
+to those honors to which my Creator and Redeemer only
+are entitled! And for what am I to return? To be cursed,
+and smitten, and sold! To be tempted, and torn, and
+destroyed! I can not thus throw myself away--thus
+rush upon my own destruction.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN73"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR73">B</a>: "Why should I care?"]</p>
+
+<p>Who ever heard of the voluntary return of a fugitive
+from American oppression? Do you think that the doctor
+and his friends could persuade one to carry a letter
+to the patriarch from whom he had escaped? And must
+we believe this of Onesimus!</p>
+
+<p>"Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon."
+On what occasion?--"If," writes
+the apostle, "he hath wronged thee, or oweth
+thee ought, put that on my account." Alive to
+the claims of duty, Onesimus would "restore"
+whatever he "had taken away." He would
+honestly pay his debts. This resolution, the apostle
+warmly approved. He was ready, at whatever expense,
+to help his young disciple in carrying it into full
+effect. Of this he assured Philemon, in language the
+most explicit and emphatic. Here we find one reason
+for the conduct of Paul in sending Onesimus to Philemon.</p>
+
+<p>If a fugitive slave of the Rev. Mr. Smylie, of Mississippi,
+should return to him with a letter from a doctor of
+divinity in New York, containing such an assurance,
+how would the reverend slaveholder dispose of it?
+What, he exclaims, have we here? "If Cato has
+not been upright in his pecuniary intercourse with
+you--if he owes you any thing--put
+that on my account." What ignorance of southern
+institutions! What mockery, to talk of pecuniary intercourse
+between a slave and his master! <i>The slave himself,
+with all he is and has, is an article of merchandise</i>.
+What can <i>he</i> owe his master?--A
+rustic may lay a wager with his mule, and give the
+creature the peck of oats which he had permitted it
+to win. But who in sober earnest would call this a
+pecuniary transaction?</p>
+
+<p>"TO BE HIS SERVANT FOR LIFE!" From what
+part of the epistle could the expositor have evolved
+a thought so soothing to tyrants--so revolting
+to every man who loves his own nature? From this?
+"For perhaps he therefore departed for a season,
+that thou shouldest receive him for ever." Receive
+him how? <i>As a servant</i>, exclaims our commentator.
+But what wrote the apostle? "NOT <i>now as
+a servant, but above a servant</i>, a brother beloved,
+especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both
+in the flesh and in the Lord." Who authorized
+the professor to bereave the word '<i>not</i>'
+of its negative influence? According to Paul, Philemon
+was to receive Onesimus '<i>not</i> as
+a servant;'--according to Stuart, he
+was to receive him "<i>as a servant!</i>"
+If the professor will apply the same rules of exposition
+to the writings of the abolitionists, all difference
+between him and them must in his view presently vanish
+away. The harmonizing process would be equally simple
+and effectual. He has only to understand them as affirming
+what they deny, and as denying what they affirm.</p>
+
+<p>Suppose that Prof. Stuart had a son residing at the
+South. His slave, having stolen money of his master,
+effected his escape. He fled to Andover, to find a
+refuge among the "sons of the prophets."
+There he finds his way to Prof. Stuart's house,
+and offers to render any service which the professor,
+dangerously ill "of a typhus fever," might
+require. He is soon found to be a most active, skillful,
+faithful nurse. He spares no pains, night and day,
+to make himself useful to the venerable sufferer.
+He anticipates every want. In the most delicate and
+tender manner, he tries to sooth every pain. He fastens
+himself strongly on the heart of the reverend object
+of his care. Touched with the heavenly spirit, the
+meek demeanor, the submissive frame, which the sick
+bed exhibits, Archy becomes a Christian. A new bond
+now ties him and his convalescent teacher together.
+As soon as he is able to write, the professor sends
+by Archy the following letter to the South, to Isaac
+Stuart, Esq.:--</p>
+
+<p>"MY DEAR SON,--With a hand enfeebled
+by a distressing and dangerous illness, from which
+I am slowly recovering, I address you, on a subject
+which lies very near my heart. I have a request to
+urge, which my acquaintance with you, and your strong
+obligations to me, will, I can not doubt, make you
+eager fully to grant. I say a request, though the
+thing I ask is, in its very nature and on the principles
+of the gospel, obligatory upon you. I might, therefore,
+boldly demand, what I earnestly entreat. But I know
+how generous, magnanimous, and Christ-like you are,
+and how readily you will "do even more than I
+say"--I, your own father, an old man,
+almost exhausted with multiplied exertions for the
+benefit of my family and my country, and now just
+rising, emaciated and broken, from the brink of the
+grave. I write in behalf of Archy, whom I regard with
+the affection of a father, and whom, indeed, 'I
+have begotten in my sickness.' Gladly would
+I have retained him, to be an <i>Isaac</i> to
+me; for how often did not his soothing voice, and
+skillful hand, and unwearied attention to my wants,
+remind me of you! But I chose to give you an opportunity
+of manifesting, voluntarily, the goodness of your heart;
+as, if I had retained him with me, you might seem
+to have been forced to grant what you will gratefully
+bestow. His temporary absence from you may have opened
+the way for his permanent continuance with you. Not
+now as a slave. Heaven forbid! But superior to a slave.
+Superior, did I say? Take him to your bosom, as a
+beloved brother; for I own him as a son, and regard
+him as such, in all the relations of life, both as
+a man and a Christian.--'Receive him
+as myself.' And that nothing may hinder you
+from complying with my request at once, I hereby promise,
+without adverting to your many and great obligations
+to me, to pay you every cent which he took from your
+drawer. Any preparation which my comfort with you
+may require, you will make without much delay, when
+you learn, that I intend, as soon as I shall be able
+'to perform the journey,' to make you
+a visit."</p>
+
+<p>And what if Dr. Baxter, in giving an account of this
+letter should publicly declare that Prof. Stuart of
+Andover regarded slaveholding as lawful; for that
+"he had sent Archy back to his son Isaac, with
+an apology for his running away" to be held
+in perpetual slavery? With what propriety might not
+the professor exclaim: False, every syllable false.
+I sent him back, NOT TO BE HELD AS A SLAVE, <i>but
+recognized as a dear brother, in all respects, under
+every relation, civil and ecclesiastical</i>. I
+bade my son receive <i>Archy as myself</i>. If
+this was not equivalent to a requisition to set him
+fully and most honorably free, and that, too, on the
+ground of natural obligation and Christian principle,
+then I know not how to frame such a requisition.</p>
+
+<p>I am well aware that my supposition is by no means
+strong enough fully to illustrate the case to which
+it is applied. Prof. Stuart lacks <i>apostolical</i>
+authority. Isaac Stuart is not a leading member of
+a church consisting, as the early churches chiefly
+consisted, of what the world regard as the dregs of
+society--"the offscouring of all things."
+Nor was slavery at Colosse, it seems, supported by
+such barbarous usages, such horrid laws as disgrace
+the South.</p>
+
+<p>But it is time to turn to another passage which, in
+its bearing on the subject in hand, is, in our view,
+as well as in the view of Dr. Fisk and Prof. Stuart,
+in the highest degree authoritative and instructive.
+"Let as many servants as are under the yoke
+count their own masters worthy of all honor, that
+the name of God and his doctrines be not blasphemed.
+And they that have believing masters, let them not
+despise them because they are brethren; but rather
+do them service, because they are faithful and beloved,
+partakers of the benefit."[<a name="AE2_FR74"></a><a href="#AE2_FN74">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN74"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR74">A</a>: 1 Tim. vi. 1, 2.]</p>
+
+<p>1. The apostle addresses himself here to two classes
+of servants, with instructions to each respectively
+appropriate. Both the one class and the other, in
+Prof. Stuart's eye, were <i>slaves</i>.
+This he assumes, and thus begs the very question in
+dispute. The term servant is <i>generic</i>,
+as used by the sacred writers. It comprehends all the
+various offices which men discharge for the benefit
+of each other, however honorable, or however menial;
+from that of an apostle[<a name="AE2_FR75"></a><a href="#AE2_FN75">B</a>] opening the path to heaven,
+to that of washing "one another's feet."[<a name="AE2_FR76"></a><a href="#AE2_FN76">C</a>]
+A general term it is, comprehending every office which
+belongs to human relations and Christian character.[<a name="AE2_FR77"></a><a href="#AE2_FN77">D</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN75"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR75">B</a>: Cor. iv. 5.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN76"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR76">C</a>: John xiii. 14.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN77"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR77">D</a>: Mat. xx. 26-28.]</p>
+
+<p>A leading signification gives us the <i>manual laborer</i>,
+to whom, in the division of labor, muscular exertion
+was allotted. As in his exertions the bodily powers
+are especially employed--such powers as belong
+to man in common with mere animals--his
+sphere has generally been considered low and humble.
+And as intellectual power is superior to bodily, the
+manual laborer has always been exposed in very numerous
+ways and in various degrees to oppression. Cunning,
+intrigue, the oily tongue, have, through extended
+and powerful conspiracies, brought the resources of
+society under the control of the few, who stood aloof
+from his homely toil. Hence his dependence upon them.
+Hence the multiplied injuries which have fallen so
+heavily upon him. Hence the reduction of his wages
+from one degree to another, till at length, in the
+case of millions, fraud and violence strip him of
+his all, blot his name from the record of <i>mankind</i>,
+and, putting a yoke upon his neck, drive him away to
+toil among the cattle. <i>Here you find the slave.</i>
+To reduce the servant to his condition, requires abuses
+altogether monstrous--injuries reaching
+the very vitals of man--stabs upon the very
+heart of humanity. Now, what right has Prof. Stuart
+to make the word "<i>servants</i>,"
+comprehending, even as manual laborers, so many and
+such various meanings, signify "<i>slaves</i>,"
+especially where different classes are concerned? Such
+a right he could never have derived from humanity,
+or philosophy, or hermeneutics. Is it his by sympathy
+with the oppressor?</p>
+
+<p>Yes, different classes. This is implied in the term
+"<i>as many</i>,"[<a name="AE2_FR78"></a><a href="#AE2_FN78">A</a>] which sets apart the
+class now to be addressed. From these he proceeds
+to others, who are introduced by a particle,[<a name="AE2_FR79"></a><a href="#AE2_FN79">B</a>] whose
+natural meaning indicates the presence of another
+and a different subject.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN78"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR78">A</a>: [Greek: Osoi.] See Passow's Schneider.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN79"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR79">B</a>: [Greek: De.] See Passow.]</p>
+
+<p>2. The first class are described as "<i>under
+the yoke</i>"--a yoke from which
+they were, according to the apostle, to make their
+escape if possible.[<a name="AE2_FR7A"></a><a href="#AE2_FN7A">C</a>] If not, they must in every
+way regard the master with respect--bowing
+to his authority, working his will, subserving his
+interests so far as might be consistent with Christian
+character.[<a name="AE2_FR7B"></a><a href="#AE2_FN7B">D</a>] And this, to prevent blasphemy--to
+prevent the pagan master from heaping profane reproaches
+upon the name of God and the doctrines of the gospel.
+They should beware of rousing his passions, which,
+as his helpless victims, they might be unable to allay
+or withstand.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN7A"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR7A">C</a>: See 1 Cor. vii. 21--[Greek:
+<i>All</i> <i>ei</i> kai d u n a s a i eleutheros genesthai.]]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN7B"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR7B">D</a>: 1 Cor. vii. 23--[Greek: Mae
+ginesthe douloi anthropon.]]</p>
+
+<p>But all the servants whom the apostle addressed were
+not "<i>under the yoke</i>"[<a name="AE2_FR7C"></a><a href="#AE2_FN7C">E</a>]--an
+instrument appropriate to cattle and to slaves. These
+he distinguishes from another class, who instead of
+a "yoke"--the badge of a slave--had
+"<i>believing masters</i>." <i>To
+have a "believing master," then, was equivalent
+to freedom from "the yoke."</i> These servants
+were exhorted not <i>to despise</i> their masters.
+What need of such an exhortation, if their masters
+had been slaveholders, holding them as property, wielding
+them as mere instruments, disposing of them as "articles
+of merchandise?" But this was not consistent
+with believing. Faith, "breaking every yoke,"
+united master and servants in the bonds of brotherhood.
+Brethren they were, joined in a relation which, excluding
+the yoke,[<a name="AE2_FR7D"></a><a href="#AE2_FN7D">F</a>] placed them side by side on the ground
+of equality, where, each in his appropriate sphere,
+they might exert themselves freely and usefully, to
+the mutual benefit of each other. Here, servants might
+need to be cautioned against getting above their appropriate
+business, putting on airs, despising their masters,
+and thus declining or neglecting their service.[<a name="AE2_FR7E"></a><a href="#AE2_FN7E">G</a>]
+Instead of this, they should be, as emancipated slaves
+often have been,[<a name="AE2_FR7F"></a><a href="#AE2_FN7F">H</a>] models of enterprise, fidelity,
+activity, and usefulness--especially as their
+masters were "worthy of their confidence and
+love," their helpers in this well-doing.[<a name="AE2_FR80"></a><a href="#AE2_FN80">I</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN7C"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR7C">E</a>: See Lev. xxvi. 13; Isa. lviii. 6, 9.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN7D"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR7D">F</a>: Supra p. 47.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN7E"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR7E">G</a>: See Matt. vi. 24.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN7F"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR7F">H</a>: Those, for instance, set free by that
+"believing master" James G. Birney.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN80"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR80">I</a>: The following exposition is from the
+pen of ELIZUR WRIGHT, JR.:--"This
+word [Greek: antilambanesthai,] in our humble opinion,
+has been so unfairly used by the commentators, that
+we feel constrained to take its part. Our excellent
+translators, in rendering the clause 'partakers
+of the benefit,' evidently lost sight of the
+component preposition, which expresses the <i>opposition
+of reciprocity</i>, rather than the <i>connection
+of participation</i>. They have given it exactly
+the sense of [Greek: metalambanein,] (2 Tim. ii. 6.)
+Had the apostle intended such a sense, he would have
+used the latter verb, or one of the more common words,
+[Greek: metochoi, koinonountes], &amp;c. (See Heb. iii.
+1, and 1 Tim. v. 22, where the latter word is used
+in the clause, 'neither be partaker of other
+men's sins.' Had the verb in our text been
+used, it might have been rendered, 'neither be
+the <i>part-taker</i> of other men's sins.')
+The primary sense of [Greek: antilambano] is <i>to
+take in return--to take instead of, &amp;c</i>.
+Hence, in the middle with the genitive, it signifies
+<i>assist</i>, or <i>do one's part towards</i>
+the person or thing expressed by that genitive. In
+this sense only is the word used in the New Testament.--(See
+Luke i. 54, and Acts xx. 35.) If this be true, the
+word [Greek: euergesai] can not signify the benefit
+conferred by the gospel, as our common version would
+make it, but the <i>well-doing</i> of the servants,
+who should continue to serve their believing masters,
+while they were no longer under the <i>yoke</i>
+of compulsion. This word is used elsewhere in the
+New Testament but once, (Acts iv. 3.) in relation to
+the '<i>good deed</i>' done to the
+impotent man. The plain import of the clause, unmystified
+by the commentators, is, that believing masters would
+not fail to <i>do their part towards</i>, or encourage
+by suitable returns, the <i>free</i> service
+of those who had once been under the <i>yoke</i>."]</p>
+
+<p>Such, then, is the relation between those who, in
+the view of Prof. Stuart, were Christian masters and
+Christian slaves[<a name="AE2_FR81"></a><a href="#AE2_FN81">A</a>]--the relation of "brethren,"
+which, excluding "the yoke," and of course
+conferring freedom, placed them side by side on the
+common ground of mutual service, both retaining, for
+convenience's sake, the one while giving and
+the other while receiving employment, the correlative
+name, <i>as is usual in such cases</i>, under
+which they had been known. Such was the instruction
+which Timothy was required, as a Christian minister,
+to give. Was it friendly to slaveholding?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN81"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR81">A</a>: Letter to Dr. Fisk, supra, p. 7.]</p>
+
+<p>And on what ground, according to the Princeton professor,
+did these masters and these servants stand in their
+relation to each other? On that <i>of a "perfect
+religious equality</i>."[<a name="AE2_FR82"></a><a href="#AE2_FN82">A</a>] In all the relations,
+duties, and privileges--in all the objects,
+interests, and prospects, which belong to the province
+of Christianity, servants were as free as their master.
+The powers of the one, were allowed as wide a range
+and as free an exercise, with as warm encouragements,
+as active aids, and as high results, as the other.
+Here, the relation of a servant to his master imposed
+no restrictions, involved no embarrassments, occasioned
+no injury. All this, clearly and certainly, is implied
+in "<i>perfect religious equality</i>,"
+which the Princeton professor accords to servants
+in relation to their master. Might the <i>master</i>,
+then, in order more fully to attain the great ends
+for which he was created and redeemed, freely exert
+himself to increase his acquaintance with his own powers,
+and relations, and resources--with his prospects,
+opportunities, and advantages? So might his <i>servants</i>.
+Was <i>he</i> at liberty to "study to approve
+himself to God," to submit to his will and bow
+to his authority, as the sole standard of affection
+and exertion? So were <i>they</i>. Was <i>he</i>
+at liberty to sanctify the Sabbath, and frequent the
+"solemn assembly?" So were <i>they</i>.
+Was <i>he</i> at liberty so to honor the filial,
+conjugal, and paternal relations, as to find in them
+that spring of activity and that source of enjoyment,
+which they are capable of yielding? So were <i>they</i>.
+In every department of interest and exertion, they
+might use their capacities, and wield their powers,
+and improve their opportunities, and employ their
+resources, as freely as he, in glorifying God, in
+blessing mankind, and in laying up imperishable treasures
+for themselves! Give perfect religious equality to
+the American slave, and the most eager abolitionist
+must be satisfied. Such equality would, like the breath
+of the Almighty, dissolve the last link of the chain
+of servitude. Dare those who, for the benefit of slavery,
+have given so wide and active a circulation do the
+Pittsburgh pamphlet, make the experiment?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN82"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR82">A</a>: Pittsburgh Pamphlet, p. 9.]</p>
+
+<p>In the epistle to the Colossians, the following passage
+deserves earnest attention:--"Servants,
+obey in all things your masters according to the flesh;
+not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness
+of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it
+heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing,
+that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the
+inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that
+doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath
+done: and there is no respect of persons.--Masters,
+give unto your servants that which is just and equal;
+knowing that ye have a Master in heaven."[<a name="AE2_FR83"></a><a href="#AE2_FN83">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN83"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR83">A</a>: Col. iii. 22 to iv. 1.]</p>
+
+<p>Here it is natural to remark--</p>
+
+<p>1. That in maintaining the relation, which mutually
+united them, both masters and servants were to act
+in conformity with the principles of the divine government.
+Whatever <i>they</i> did, servants were to do
+in hearty obedience to the Lord, by whose authority
+they were to be controlled and by whose hand they
+were to be rewarded. To the same Lord, and according
+to the same law, was the <i>master</i> to hold
+himself responsible. <i>Both the one and the other
+were of course equally at liberty and alike required
+to study and apply the standard, by which they were
+to be governed and judged.</i></p>
+
+<p>2. The basis of the government under which they thus
+were placed, was <i>righteousness</i>--strict,
+stern, impartial. Nothing here of bias or antipathy.
+Birth, wealth, station,--the dust of the
+balance not so light! Both master and servants were
+hastening to a tribunal, where nothing of "respect
+of persons" could be feared or hoped for. There
+the wrong-doer, whoever he might be, and whether from
+the top or bottom of society, must be dealt with according
+to his deservings.</p>
+
+<p>3. Under this government, servants were to be universally
+and heartily obedient; and both in the presence and
+absence of the master, faithfully to discharge their
+obligations. The master on his part, in his relations
+to the servants, was to make JUSTICE AND EQUALITY the
+<i>standard of his conduct</i>. Under the authority
+of such instructions, slavery falls discountenanced,
+condemned, abhorred. It is flagrantly at war with the
+government of God, consists in "respect of persons"
+the most shameless and outrageous, treads justice
+and equality under foot, and in its natural tendency
+and practical effects is nothing else than a system
+of wrong-doing. What have <i>they</i> to do with
+the just and the equal who in their "respect
+of persons" proceed to such a pitch as to treat
+one brother as a thing because he is a servant, and
+place him, without the least regard to his welfare
+here, or his prospects hereafter, absolutely at the
+disposal of another brother, under the name of master,
+in the relation of owner to property? Justice and
+equality on the one hand, and the chattel principle
+on the other, are naturally subversive of each other--proof
+clear and decisive that the correlates, masters and
+servants, cannot here be rendered slaves and owners,
+without the grossest absurdity and the greatest violence.</p>
+
+<p>"The relation of slavery," according to
+Prof. Stuart, is recognized in "the precepts
+of the New Testament," as one which "may
+still exist without violating the Christian faith
+or the church."[<a name="AE2_FR84"></a><a href="#AE2_FN84">A</a>] Slavery and the chattel principle!
+So our professor thinks; otherwise his reference has
+nothing to do with the subject--with the
+slavery which the abolitionist, whom he derides, stands
+opposed to. How gross and hurtful is the mistake into
+which he allows himself to fall. The relation recognized
+in the precepts of the New Testament had its basis
+and support in "justice and equality;"
+the very opposite of the chattel principle; a relation
+which may exist as long as justice and equality remain,
+and thus escape the destruction to which, in the view
+of Prof. Stuart, slavery is doomed. The description
+of Paul obliterates every feature of American slavery,
+raising the servant to equality with his master, and
+placing his rights under the protection of justice;
+yet the eye of Prof. Stuart can see nothing in his
+master and servant but a slave and his owner. With
+this relation he is so thoroughly possessed, that,
+like an evil angel, it haunts him even when he enters
+the temple of justice!</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN84"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR84">A</a>: Letter to Dr. Fisk, supra p. 7.]</p>
+
+<p>"It is remarkable," with the Princeton
+professor, "that there is not even an exhortation"
+in the writings of the apostles "to masters to
+liberate their slaves, much less is it urged as an
+imperative and immediate duty."[<a name="AE2_FR85"></a><a href="#AE2_FN85">B</a>] It would be remarkable,
+indeed, if they were chargeable with a defect so great
+and glaring. And so they have nothing to say upon
+the subject? <i>That</i> not even the Princeton
+professor has the assurance to affirm. He admits that
+KINDNESS, MERCY, AND JUSTICE, were enjoined with a
+<i>distinct reference to the government of God</i>.[<a name="AE2_FR86"></a><a href="#AE2_FN86">C</a>]
+"Without respect of persons," they were
+to be God-like in doing justice. They were to act
+the part of kind and merciful "brethren."
+And whither would this lead them? Could they stop
+short of restoring to every man his natural, inalienable
+rights?--of doing what they could to redress
+the wrongs, soothe the sorrows, improve the character,
+and raise the condition of the degraded and oppressed?
+Especially, if oppressed and degraded by any agency
+of theirs. Could it be kind, merciful, or just to
+keep the chains of slavery on their helpless, unoffending
+brother? Would this be to honor the Golden Rule, or
+obey the second great command of "their Master
+in heaven?" Could the apostles have subserved
+the cause of freedom more directly, intelligibly,
+and effectually, than <i>to enjoin the principles,
+and sentiments, and habits, in which freedom consists--constituting
+its living root and fruitful germ</i>?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN85"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR85">B</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p. 9.]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FN86"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR86">C</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p. 10.]</p>
+
+<p>The Princeton professor himself, in the very paper
+which the South has so warmly welcomed and so loudly
+applauded as a scriptural defense of "the peculiar
+institution," maintains, that the "GENERAL
+PRINCIPLES OF THE GOSPEL <i>have</i> DESTROYED
+SLAVERY <i>throughout out the greater part of Christendom"</i>[<a name="AE2_FR87"></a><a href="#AE2_FN87">A</a>]--"THAT
+CHRISTIANITY HAS ABOLISHED BOTH POLITICAL AND DOMESTIC
+BONDAGE WHEREVER IT HAS HAD FREE SCOPE--<i>that
+it</i> ENJOINS <i>a fair compensation for labor;
+insists on the mental and intellectual improvement
+of</i> ALL <i>classes of men; condemns</i>
+ALL <i>infractions of marital or parental rights;
+requires in short not only that</i> FREE SCOPE
+<i>should be allowed to human improvement, but that</i>
+ALL SUITABLE MEANS <i>should be employed
+for the attainment of that end.</i>"[<a name="AE2_FR88"></a><a href="#AE2_FN88">B</a>] It is indeed
+"remarkable," that while neither Christ
+nor his apostles ever gave "an exhortation to
+masters to liberate their slaves," they enjoined
+such "general principles as have destroyed domestic
+slavery throughout the greater part of Christendom;"
+that while Christianity forbears "to urge"
+emancipation "as an imperative and immediate
+duty," it throws a barrier, heaven high, around
+every domestic circle; protects all the rights of
+the husband and the fathers; gives every laborer a
+fair compensation; and makes the moral and intellectual
+improvement of all classes, with free scope and all
+suitable means, the object of its tender solicitude
+and high authority. This is not only "remarkable,"
+but inexplicable. Yes and no--hot and cold,
+in one and the same breath! And yet these things stand
+prominent in what is reckoned an acute, ingenious,
+effective defense of slavery!</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN87"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR87">A</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 18. 19.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN88"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR88">B</a>: The same, p. 31.]</p>
+
+<p>In his letter to the Corinthian church, the apostle
+Paul furnishes another lesson of instruction, expressive
+of his views and feelings on the subject of slavery.
+"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein
+he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care
+not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it
+rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a
+servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also
+he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
+Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants
+of men."[<a name="AE2_FR89"></a><a href="#AE2_FN89">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN89"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR89">A</a>: 1 Cor. vii. 20-23.]</p>
+
+<p>In explaining and applying this passage, it is proper
+to suggest,</p>
+
+<p>1. That it <i>could</i> not have been the object
+of the apostle to bind the Corinthian converts to
+the stations and employments in which the Gospel found
+them. For he exhorts some of them to escape, if possible,
+from their present condition. In the servile state,
+"under the yoke," they ought not to remain
+unless impelled by stern necessity. "If thou
+canst be free, use it rather." If they ought
+to prefer freedom to bondage and to exert themselves
+to escape from the latter for the sake of the former,
+could their master consistently with the claims and
+spirit of the Gospel have hindered or discouraged
+them in so doing? Their "brother" could
+<i>he</i> be, who kept "the yoke"
+upon their neck, which the apostle would have them
+shake off if possible? And had such masters been members
+of the Corinthian church, what inferences must they
+have drawn from this exhortation to their servants?
+That the apostle regarded slavery as a Christian institution?--or
+could look complacently on any efforts to introduce
+or maintain it in the church? Could they have expected
+less from him than a stern rebuke, if they refused
+to exert themselves in the cause of freedom?</p>
+
+<p>2. But while they were to use their freedom, if they
+could obtain it, they should not, even on such a subject,
+give themselves up to ceaseless anxiety. "The
+Lord was no respecter of persons." They need
+not fear, that the "low estate," to which
+they had been wickedly reduced, would prevent them
+from enjoying the gifts of his hand or the light of
+his countenance. <i>He</i> would respect their
+rights, sooth their sorrows, and pour upon their hearts,
+and cherish there, the spirit of liberty. "For
+he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is
+the Lord's freeman." In <i>him</i>,
+therefore, should they cheerfully confide.</p>
+
+<p>3. The apostle, however, forbids them so to acquiesce
+in the servile relation, as to act inconsistently
+with their Christian obligations. To their Savior
+they belonged. By his blood they had been purchased.
+It should be their great object, therefore, to render
+<i>Him</i> a hearty and effective service. They
+should permit no man, whoever he might be, to thrust
+in himself between them and their Redeemer. "<i>Ye
+are bought with a price</i>; BE NOT YE THE SERVANTS
+OF MEN."</p>
+
+<p>With his eye upon the passage just quoted and explained,
+the Princeton professor asserts that "Paul represents
+this relation"--the relation of slavery--"as
+of comparatively little account."[<a name="AE2_FR8A"></a><a href="#AE2_FN8A">A</a>] And this he applies--otherwise
+it is nothing to his purpose--to <i>American</i>
+slavery. Does he then regard it as a small matter,
+a mere trifle, to be thrown under the slave-laws of
+this republic, grimly and fiercely excluding their
+victim from almost every means of improvement, and
+field of usefulness, and source of comfort; and making
+him, body and substance, with his wife and babes,
+"the servant of men?" Could such a relation
+be acquiesced in consistently with the instructions
+of the apostle?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN8A"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR8A">A</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 10.]</p>
+
+<p>To the Princeton professor the commend a practical
+trial of the bearing of the passage in hand upon American
+slavery. His regard for the unity and prosperity of
+the ecclesiastical organizations, which in various
+forms and under different names unite the southern
+with the northern churches, will make the experiment
+grateful to his feelings. Let him, then, as soon as
+his convenience will permit, proceed to Georgia. No
+religious teacher[<a name="AE2_FR8B"></a><a href="#AE2_FN8B">B</a>] from any free state, can be likely
+to receive so general and so warm a welcome there.
+To allay the heat, which the doctrines and movements
+of the abolitionists have occasioned in the southern
+mind, let him with as much despatch as possible collect,
+as he goes from place to place, masters and their
+slaves. Now let all men, whom it may concern, see
+and own that slavery is a Christian institution! With
+his Bible in his hand and his eye upon the passage
+in question, he addresses himself to the task of instructing
+the slaves around him. Let not your hearts, my brethren,
+be overcharged with sorrow, or eaten up with anxiety.
+Your servile condition cannot deprive you of the fatherly
+regards of Him "who is no respecter of persons."
+Freedom you ought, indeed, to prefer. If you can escape
+from "the yoke," throw it off. In the
+mean time rejoice that "where the Spirit of the
+Lord is, there is liberty;" that the Gospel places
+slaves "on a perfect religious equality"
+with their master; so that every Christian is "the
+Lord's freeman." And, for your encouragement,
+remember that "Christianity has abolished both
+political and domestic servitude whenever it has had
+free scope. It enjoins a fair compensation for labor;
+it insists on the moral and intellectual improvement
+of all classes of men; it condemns all infractions
+of marital or parental rights; in short it requires
+not only that free scope be allowed to human improvement,
+but that all suitable means should be employed for
+the attainment of that end."[<a name="AE2_FR8C"></a><a href="#AE2_FN8C">C</a>] Let your lives, then,
+be honorable to your relations to your Savior. He
+bought you with his own blood; and is entitled to
+your warmest love and most effective service. "Be
+not ye the servants of men." Let no human arrangements
+prevent you, as citizens of the kingdom of heaven,
+from making the most of your powers and opportunities.
+Would such an effort, generally and heartily made,
+allay excitement at the South, and quench the flames
+of discord, every day rising higher and waxing hotter,
+in almost every part of the republic, and cement "the
+Union?"</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN8B"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR8B">B</a>: Rev. Mr. Savage, of Utica, New York,
+had, not very long ago, a free conversation with a
+gentleman of high standing in the literary and religious
+world from a slaveholding state, where the "peculiar
+institution" is cherished with great warmth and
+maintained with iron rigor. By him, Mr. Savage was
+assured, that the Princeton professor had, through
+the Pittsburgh pamphlet, contributed most powerfully
+and effectually to bring the "whole South"
+under the persuasion, <i>that slaveholding is in
+itself right</i>--a system <i>to which
+the Bible gives countenance and support</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In an extract from an article in the Southern Christian
+Sentinel, a new Presbyterian paper established in
+Charleston, South Carolina, and inserted in the Christian
+Journal for March 21, 1839, we find the following
+paragraphs from the pen of Rev. C.W. Howard, and according
+to Mr. Chester, ably and freely endorsed by the editor.
+"There is scarcely any diversity of sentiment
+at the North upon this subject. The great mass of
+the people believing slavery to be sinful, are clearly
+of the opinion that as a system, it should be abolished
+throughout this land and throughout the world. They
+differ as to the time and mode of abolition. The abolitionists
+consistently argue, that whatever is sinful, should
+be instantly abandoned. The others, <i>by a strange
+sort of reasoning for Christian men</i>, contend
+that though slavery is sinful, <i>yet it may be
+allowed to exist until it shall be expedient to abolish
+it</i>; or if, in many cases, this reasoning might
+be translated into plain English, the sense would
+be, both in church and State, <i>slavery, though
+sinful, may be allowed to exist until our interest
+will suffer us to say that it must be abolished</i>.
+This is not slander; it is simply a plain way of stating
+a plain truth. It does seem the evident duty of every
+man to become an abolitionist, who believes slavery
+to be sinful, for the Bible allows no tampering with
+sin."</p>
+
+<p>"To these remarks, there are some noble exceptions
+to be found in both parties in the church. <i>The
+South owes a debt of gratitude to the Biblical Repertory,
+for the fearless argument in behalf of the position,
+that slavery is not forbidden by the Bible</i>.
+The writer of that article is said, without contradiction,
+to be <i>Prof. Hodge of Princeton--HIS
+NAME OUGHT TO BE KNOWN AND REVERED AMONG YOU, my brethren,
+for in a land of anti-slavery men, he is the ONLY
+ONE who has dared to vindicate your character from
+the serious charge of living in the habitual transgression
+of God's holy law</i>."]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN8C"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR8C">C</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 31.]</p>
+
+<p>"It is," affirms the Princeton professor,
+"on all hands acknowledged, that, at the time
+of the advent of Jesus Christ, slavery in its worst
+forms prevailed over the whole world. <i>The Savior
+found it around him</i> in JUDEA."[<a name="AE2_FR8D"></a><a href="#AE2_FN8D">A</a>] To say that
+he found it <i>in Judea</i>, is to speak ambiguously.
+Many things were to be found "<i>in</i>
+Judea," which neither belonged to, nor were
+characteristic of <i>the Jews</i>. It is not denied
+that <i>the Gentiles</i>, who resided among them,
+might have had slaves; <i>but of the Jews this is
+denied</i>. How could the professor take that as
+granted, the proof of which entered vitally into the
+argument and was essential to the soundness of the
+conclusions to which he would conduct us? How could
+he take advantage of an ambiguous expression to conduct
+his confiding readers on to a position which, if his
+own eyes were open, he must have known they could
+not hold in the light of open day?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN8D"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR8D">A</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 9.]</p>
+
+<p>We do not charge the Savior with any want of wisdom,
+goodness, or courage,[<a name="AE2_FR8E"></a><a href="#AE2_FN8E">B</a>] for refusing to "break
+down the wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles"
+"before the time appointed." While this
+barrier stood, he could not, consistently with the
+plan of redemption, impart instruction freely to the
+Gentiles. To some extent, and on extraordinary occasions,
+he might have done so. But his business then was with
+"the lost sheep of the house of Israel."[<a name="AE2_FR8F"></a><a href="#AE2_FN8F">C</a>]
+The propriety of this arrangement is not the matter
+of dispute between the Princeton professor and ourselves.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN8E"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR8E">B</a>: The same, p. 10.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN8F"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR8F">C</a>: Matt. xv. 24.]</p>
+
+<p>In disposing of the question whether the Jews held
+slaves during our Savior's incarnation among
+them, the following points deserve earnest attention:--</p>
+
+<p>1. Slaveholding is inconsistent with the Mosaic economy.
+For the proof of this, we would refer our readers,
+among other arguments more or less appropriate and
+powerful, to the tract already alluded to.[<a name="AE2_FR90"></a><a href="#AE2_FN90">A</a>] In all
+the external relations and visible arrangements of
+life, the Jews, during our Savior's ministry
+among them, seem to have been scrupulously observant
+of the institutions and usages of the "Old Dispensation."
+They stood far aloof from whatever was characteristic
+of Samaritans and Gentiles. From idolatry and slaveholding--those
+twin-vices which had always so greatly prevailed among
+the heathen--they seem at length, as the
+result of a most painful discipline, to have been effectually
+divorced.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN90"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR90">A</a>: "The Bible against Slavery."]</p>
+
+<p>2. While, therefore, John the Baptist, with marked
+fidelity and great power, acted among the Jews the
+part of a <i>reprover</i>, he found no occasion
+to repeat and apply the language of his predecessors,[<a name="AE2_FR91"></a><a href="#AE2_FN91">B</a>]
+in exposing and rebuking idolatry and slaveholding.
+Could he, the greatest of the prophets, have been
+less effectually aroused by the presence of "the
+yoke," than was Isaiah?--or less intrepid
+and decisive in exposing and denouncing the sin of
+oppression under its most hateful and injurious forms?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN91"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR91">B</a>: Psalm lxxxii; Isa. lviii. 1-12; Jer.
+xxii. 13-16.]</p>
+
+<p>3. The Savior was not backward in applying his own
+principles plainly and pointedly to such forms of
+oppression as appeared among the Jews. These principles,
+whenever they have been freely acted on, the Princeton
+professor admits, have abolished domestic bondage.
+Had this prevailed within the sphere of our Savior's
+ministry, he could not, consistently with his general
+character, have failed to expose and condemn it. The
+oppression of the people by lordly ecclesiastics, of
+parents by their selfish children, of widows by their
+ghostly counsellors, drew from his lips scorching
+rebukes and terrible denunciations.[<a name="AE2_FR92"></a><a href="#AE2_FN92">C</a>] How, then, must
+he have felt and spoke in the presence of such tyranny,
+if <i>such tyranny had been within his official
+sphere</i>, as should <i>have made widows</i>,
+by driving their husbands to some flesh-market, and
+their children not orphans, <i>but cattle</i>?</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN92"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR92">C</a>: Matt. xxiii; Mark vii. 1-13.]</p>
+
+<p>4. Domestic slavery was manifestly inconsistent with
+the <i>industry</i>, which, <i>in the form
+of manual labor</i>, so generally prevailed among
+the Jews. In one connection, in the Acts of the Apostles,
+we are informed, that, coming from Athens to Corinth,
+Paul "found a certain Jew named Aquila, born
+in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;
+(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart
+from Rome;) and came unto them. And because he was
+of the same craft, he abode with them and wrought:
+(for by their occupation they were tent-makers.")[<a name="AE2_FR93"></a><a href="#AE2_FN93">A</a>]
+This passage has opened the way for different commentators
+to refer us to the public sentiment and general practice
+of the Jews respecting useful industry and manual
+labor. According to <i>Lightfoot</i>, "it
+was their custom to bring up their children to some
+trade, yea, though they gave them learning or estates."
+According to Rabbi Judah, "He that teaches not
+his son a trade, is as if he taught him to be a thief."[<a name="AE2_FR94"></a><a href="#AE2_FN94">B</a>]
+It was, <i>Kuinoel</i> affirms, customary even
+for Jewish teachers to unite labor (opificium) with
+the study of the law. This he confirms by the highest
+Rabbinical authority.[<a name="AE2_FR95"></a><a href="#AE2_FN95">C</a>] <i>Heinrichs</i> quotes
+a Rabbi as teaching, that no man should by any means
+neglect to train his son to honest industry.[<a name="AE2_FR96"></a><a href="#AE2_FN96">D</a>] Accordingly,
+the apostle Paul, though brought up at the "feet
+of Gamaliel," the distinguished disciple of
+a most illustrious teacher, practiced the art of tent-making.
+His own hands ministered to his necessities; and his
+example in so doing, he commends to his Gentile brethren
+for their imitation.[<a name="AE2_FR97"></a><a href="#AE2_FN97">E</a>] That Zebedee, the father of
+John the Evangelist, had wealth, various hints in
+the New Testament render probable.[<a name="AE2_FR98"></a><a href="#AE2_FN98">F</a>] Yet how do we
+find him and his sons, while prosecuting their appropriate
+business? In the midst of the hired servants, "in
+the ship mending their nets."[<a name="AE2_FR99"></a><a href="#AE2_FN99">G</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN93"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR93">A</a>: Acts xviii. 1-3.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN94"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR94">B</a>: Henry on Acts xviii, 1-3.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN95"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR95">C</a>: Kuinoel on Acts.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN96"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR96">D</a>: Heinrichs on Acts.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN97"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR97">E</a>: Acts xx. 34, 35; 1 Thess. iv. 11]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN98"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR98">F</a>: See Kuinoel's Prolegom. to the
+Gospel of John.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN99"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR99">G</a>: Mark i. 19, 20.]</p>
+
+<p>Slavery among a people who, from the highest to the
+lowest, were used to manual labor! What occasion for
+slavery there? And how could it be maintained? No
+place can be found for slavery among a people generally
+inured to useful industry. With such, especially if
+men of learning, wealth, and station "labor,
+working with their hands," such labor must be
+honorable. On this subject, let Jewish maxims and Jewish
+habits be adopted at the South, and the "peculiar
+institution" would vanish like a ghost at daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>5. Another hint, here deserving particular attention,
+is furnished in the allusions of the New Testament
+to the lowest casts and most servile employments among
+the Jews. With profligates, <i>publicans</i> were
+joined as depraved and contemptible. The outcasts
+of society were described, not as fit to herd with
+slaves, but as deserving a place among Samaritans
+and publicans. They were "<i>hired servants</i>,"
+whom Zebedee employed. In the parable of the prodigal
+son we have a wealthy Jewish family. Here servants
+seem to have abounded. The prodigal, bitterly bewailing
+his wretchedness and folly, described their condition
+as greatly superior to his own. How happy the change
+which should place him by their side! His remorse,
+and shame, and penitence made him willing to embrace
+the lot of the lowest of them all. But these--what
+was their condition? They were HIRED SERVANTS. "Make
+me as one of thy hired servants." Such he refers
+to as the lowest menials known in Jewish life.</p>
+
+<p>Lay such hints as have now been suggested together;
+let it be remembered, that slavery was inconsistent
+with the Mosaic economy; that John the Baptist in
+preparing the way for the Messiah makes no reference
+"to the yoke" which, had it been before
+him, he would, like Isaiah, have condemned; that the
+Savior, while he took the part of the poor and sympathized
+with the oppressed; was evidently spared the pain of
+witnessing within the sphere of his ministry, the presence
+of the chattel principle; that it was the habit of
+the Jews, whoever they might be, high or low, rich
+or poor, learned or rude, "to labor, working
+with their hands;" and that where reference
+was had to the most menial employments, in families,
+they were described as carried on by hired servants;
+and the question of slavery "in Judea,"
+so far as the seed of Abraham were concerned, is very
+easily disposed of. With every phase and form of society
+among them slavery was inconsistent.</p>
+
+<p>The position which, in the article so often referred
+to in this paper, the Princeton professor takes, is
+sufficiently remarkable. Northern abolitionists he
+saw in an earnest struggle with southern slaveholders.
+The present welfare and future happiness of myriads
+of the human family were at stake in this contest.
+In the heat of the battle, he throws himself between
+the belligerent powers. He gives the abolitionists
+to understand, that they are quite mistaken in the
+character of the object they have set themselves so
+openly and sternly against. Slaveholding is not, as
+they suppose, contrary to the law of God. It was witnessed
+by the Savior "in its worst form,"[<a name="AE2_FR9A"></a><a href="#AE2_FN9A">A</a>] without
+extorting from his lips a syllable of rebuke. "The
+sacred writers did not condemn it."[<a name="AE2_FR9B"></a><a href="#AE2_FN9B">B</a>] And why should
+they? By a definition[<a name="AE2_FR9C"></a><a href="#AE2_FN9C">C</a>] sufficiently ambiguous and
+slippery, he undertakes to set forth a form of slavery
+which he looks upon as consistent with the law of
+Righteousness. From this definition he infers that
+the abolitionists are greatly to blame for maintaining
+that American slavery is inherently and essentially
+sinful, and for insisting that it ought at once to
+be abolished. For this labor of love the slaveholding
+South is warmly grateful and applauds its reverend
+ally, as if a very Daniel had come as their advocate
+to judgment.[<a name="AE2_FR9D"></a><a href="#AE2_FN9D">D</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN9A"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR9A">A</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 9.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN9B"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR9B">B</a>: The same p. 13.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN9C"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR9C">C</a>: The same p. 12.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN9D"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR9D">D</a>: Supra p. 61.]</p>
+
+<p>A few questions, briefly put, may not here be inappropriate.</p>
+
+<p>1. Was the form of slavery which our professor pronounces
+innocent <i>the form</i> witnessed by our Savior
+"in Judea?" That, <i>he</i> will by
+no means admit. The slavery there was, he affirms,
+of the "worst" kind. <i>How then does
+he account for the alledged silence of the Savior?--a
+silence covering the essence and the form--the
+institution and its "worst" abuses?</i></p>
+
+<p>2. Is the slaveholding, which, according to the Princeton
+professor, Christianity justifies, the same as that
+which the abolitionists so earnestly wish to see abolished?
+Let us see.</p>
+
+<TABLE summary="Christianity vs. Slavery" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>Christianity in supporting Slavery,according to Prof. Hodge,</I>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>The American system for supporting Slavery,</i>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+"Enjoins a fair compensation for labor."
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Makes compensation impossible by reducing the laborer to a chattel.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+"It insists on the moral and intellectual improvement of all classes
+of men."
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+It sternly forbids its victim to learn to read even the name of his Creator and
+Redeemer.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+"It condemns all infractions of marital or parental rights."
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+It outlaws the conjugal and parental relations.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+"It requires that free scope should be allowed to human improvement."
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+It forbids any effort, on the part of myriads of the human
+family, to improve their character, condition, and prospects.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+"It requires that all suitable means should be employed to improve mankind."
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+It inflicts heavy penalties for teaching letters to the
+to the poorest of the poor.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+"Wherever it has had free scope, it abolished domestic bondage."
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Wherever it has free scope, it perpetuates domestic bondage.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p><i>Now it is slavery according to the American system</i>
+that the abolitionists are set against. <i>Of the
+existence of any</i> such form of slavery as is
+consistent with Prof. Hodge's account of the
+requisitions of Christianity, they know nothing. It
+has never met their notice, and of course, has never
+roused their feelings, or called forth their exertions.
+What, then, have <i>they</i> to do with the censures
+and reproaches which the Princeton professor deals
+around? Let those who have leisure and good nature
+protect the <i>man of straw</i> he is so hot
+against. The abolitionists have other business. It
+is not the figment of some sickly brain; but that
+system of oppression which in theory is corrupting,
+and in practice destroying both Church and State;--it
+is this that they feel pledged to do battle upon,
+till by the just judgment of Almighty God it is thrown,
+dead and damned, into the bottomless abyss.</p>
+
+<p>3. <i>How can the South feel itself protected by
+any shield which may be thrown over SUCH SLAVERY,
+as may be consistent with what the Princeton professor
+describes as the requisitions of Christianity?</i>
+Is <i>this?</i> THE <i>slavery</i> which
+their laws describe, and their hands maintain? "Fair
+compensation for labor"--"marital
+and parental rights"--"free scope"
+and "all suitable means" for the "improvement,
+moral and intellectual, of all classes of men;"--are
+these, according to the statutes of the South, among
+the objects of slaveholding legislation? Every body
+knows that any such requisition and American slavery
+are flatly opposed to and directly subversive of each
+other. What service, then, has the Princeton professor,
+with all his ingenuity and all his zeal, rendered the
+"peculiar institution?" Their gratitude
+must be of a stamp and complexion quite peculiar,
+if they can thank him for throwing their "domestic
+system" under the weight of such Christian requisitions
+as must at once crush its snaky head "and grind
+it to powder."</p>
+
+<p>And what, moreover, is the bearing of the Christian
+requisitions which Prof. Hodge quotes, upon <i>the
+definition of slavery</i> which he has elaborated?
+"All the ideas which necessarily enter into the
+definition of slavery are, deprivation of personal
+liberty, obligation of service at the discretion of
+another, and the transferable character of the authority
+and claim of service of the master[<a name="AE2_FR9E"></a><a href="#AE2_FN9E">A</a>]."</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN9E"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR9E">A</a>: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 12]</p>
+<TABLE summary="Christianity vs. Slavery" WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>According to Prof. Hodge's account of the requisitions of Christianity,</I>
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+<i>According to Prof. Hodge's account of Slavery,</I>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+The spring of effort in the labor is a fair compensation.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+The laborer must serve at the discretion of another.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+Free scope must be given for his moral
+and intellectual improvement.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+He is deprived of personal liberty--the necessary
+condition, and living soul of improvement, without which
+he has no control of either intellect or morals.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+His rights as a husband and a father are to be protected.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+The authority and claims of the master may throw an ocean
+between him and his family, and separate them from each
+other's presence at any moment and forever.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p>Christianity, then, requires such slavery as Prof.
+Hodge so cunningly defines, to be abolished. It was
+well provided, for the peace of the respective parties,
+that he placed <i>his definition</i> so far from
+<i>the requisitions of Christianity</i>. Had
+he brought them into each other's presence,
+their natural and invincible antipathy to each other
+would have broken out into open and exterminating
+warfare. But why should we delay longer upon an argument
+which is based on gross and monstrous sophistry? It
+can mislead only such as <i>wish</i> to be misled.
+The lovers of sunlight are in little danger of rushing
+into the professor's dungeon. Those who, having
+something to conceal, covet darkness, can find it
+there, to their hearts' content. The hour can
+not be far away, when upright and reflective minds
+at the South will be astonished at the blindness which
+could welcome such protection as the Princeton argument
+offers to the slaveholder.</p>
+
+<p>But <i>Prof. Stuart</i> must not be forgotten.
+In his celebrated letter to Dr. Fisk, he affirms that
+"<i>Paul did not expect slavery to be ousted
+in a day</i>[<a name="AE2_FR9F"></a><a href="#AE2_FN9F">A</a>]." <i>Did not</i> EXPECT!
+What then? Are the <i>requisitions</i> of Christianity
+adapted to any EXPECTATIONS which in any quarter and
+on any ground might have risen to human consciousness?
+And are we to interpret the <i>precepts</i> of
+the Gospel by the expectations of Paul? The Savior
+commanded all men every where to repent, and this,
+though "Paul did not expect" that human
+wickedness, in its ten thousand forms would in any
+community "be ousted in a day." Expectations
+are one thing; requisitions quite another.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FN9F"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FR9F">A</a>: Supra, p.8.]</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, while expectation waited, Paul,
+the professor adds, "gave precepts to Christians
+respecting their demeanor." <i>That</i>
+he did. Of what character were these precepts? Must
+they not have been in harmony with the Golden Rule?
+But this, according to Prof. Stuart, "decides
+against the righteousness of slavery" even as
+a "theory." Accordingly, Christians were
+required, <i>without</i> <i>respect of persons</i>,
+to do each other justice--to maintain equality
+as common ground for all to stand upon--to
+cherish and express in all their intercourse that
+tender love and disinterested charity which one <i>brother</i>
+naturally feels for another. These were the "ad
+interim precepts,"[<a name="AE2_FRA0"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA0">A</a>] which can not fail, if obeyed,
+to cut up slavery, "root and branch," at
+once and forever.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA0"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA0">A</a>: Letter to Dr. Fisk, p. 8.]</p>
+
+<p>Prof. Stuart comforts us with the assurance that "<i>Christianity
+will ultimately certainly destroy slavery</i>."
+Of this <i>we</i> have not the feeblest doubt.
+But how could <i>he</i> admit a persuasion and
+utter a prediction so much at war with the doctrine
+he maintains, that "<i>slavery may exist without</i>
+VIOLATING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH OR THE CHURCH?"[<a name="AE2_FRA1"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA1">B</a>] What,
+Christianity bent on the destruction of an ancient
+and cherished institution which hurts neither her
+character nor condition![<a name="AE2_FRA2"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA2">C</a>] Why not correct its abuses
+and purify its spirit; and shedding upon it her own
+beauty, preserve it, as a living trophy of her reformatory
+power? Whence the discovery that, in her onward progress,
+she would trample down and destroy what was no way
+hurtful to her? This is to be <i>aggressive</i>
+with a witness. Far be it from the Judge of all the
+earth to whelm the innocent and guilty in the same
+destruction! In aid of Professor Stuart, in the rude
+and scarcely covert attack which he makes upon himself,
+we maintain that Christianity will certainly destroy
+slavery on account of its inherent wickedness--its
+malignant temper--its deadly effects--its
+constitutional, insolent, and unmitigable opposition
+to the authority of God and the welfare of man.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA1"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA1">B</a>: The same, p. 7.]</p>
+
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA2"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA2">C</a>: Prof. Stuart applies here the words,
+<i>salva fide et salva ecclesia</i>.]</p>
+
+<p>"Christianity will <i>ultimately</i> destroy
+slavery." "ULTIMATELY!" What meaneth
+that portentous word? To what limit of remotest time,
+concealed in the darkness of futurity, may it look?
+Tell us, O watchman, on the hill of Andover. Almost
+nineteen centuries have rolled over this world of
+wrong and outrage--and yet we tremble in
+the presence of a form of slavery whose breath is
+poison, whose fang is death! If any one of the incidents
+of slavery should fall, but for a single day, upon
+the head of the prophet who dipped his pen, in such
+cold blood, to write that word "ultimately,"
+how, under the sufferings of the first tedious hour,
+would he break out in the lamentable cry, "How
+<i>long</i>, O Lord, HOW LONG!" In the
+agony of beholding a wife or daughter upon the table
+of the auctioneer, while every bid fell upon his heart
+like the groan of despair, small comfort would he
+find in the dull assurance of some heartless prophet,
+quite at "ease in Zion," that "ULTIMATELY
+<i>Christianity would destroy slavery</i>."
+As the hammer falls and the beloved of his soul, all
+helpless and most wretched, is borne away to the haunts
+of <i>legalized</i> debauchery, his heart turns
+to stone, while the cry dies upon his lips, "<i>How</i>
+LONG, <i>O Lord</i>, HOW LONG?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Ultimately!</i>" In <i>what
+circumstances</i> does Prof. Stuart assure himself
+that Christianity will destroy slavery? Are we, as
+American citizens, under the sceptre of a Nero? When,
+as integral parts of this republic--as living
+members of this community, did we forfeit the prerogatives
+of <i>freemen</i>? Have we not the right to speak
+and act as wielding the powers which the principle
+of self-government has put in our possession? And
+without asking leave of priest or statesman, of the
+North or the South, may we not make the most of the
+freedom which we enjoy under the guaranty of the ordinances
+of Heaven and the Constitution of our country? Can
+we expect to see Christianity on higher vantage-ground
+than in this country she stands upon? In the midst
+of a republic based on the principle of the equality
+of mankind, where every Christian, as vitally connected
+with the state, freely wields the highest political
+rights and enjoys the richest political privileges;
+where the unanimous demand of one-half of the members
+of the churches would be promptly met in the abolition
+of slavery, what "<i>ultimately</i>"
+must Christianity here wait for before she crushes
+the chattel principle beneath her heel? Her triumph
+over slavery is retarded by nothing but the corruption
+and defection so widely spread through the "sacramental
+host" beneath her banners! Let her voice be heard
+and her energies exerted, and the <i>ultimately</i>
+of the "dark spirit of slavery" would at
+once give place to the <i>immediately</i> of the
+Avenger of the Poor.</p>
+<p>
+<br>
+<a name="AE_8"></a>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<H2>
+NO. 8.
+<br>
+<br>
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER.</H2>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>CORRESPONDENCE,</p>
+
+<p>BETWEEN THE</p>
+
+<p>HON. F.H. ELMORE,</p>
+
+<p>ONE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DELEGATION IN CONGRESS,</p>
+
+<p>AND</p>
+
+<p>JAMES G. BIRNEY,</p>
+
+<p>ONE OF THE SECRETARIES OF THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY
+SOCIETY.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>NEW-YORK:</p>
+
+<p>PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY,</p>
+
+<p>No. 143 NASSAU STREET.</p>
+
+<p>1838.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>This periodical contains 5 sheets.--Postage
+under 100 miles, 7-1/2 cts.; over 100 miles, 12-1/2
+cts.</p>
+
+<p><i>Please read and circulate</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>REMARKS IN EXPLANATION.</b></p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>ANTI-SLAVERY OFFICE, <i>New York, May 24, 1838</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In January, a tract entitled "WHY WORK FOR THE
+SLAVE?" was issued from this office by the agent
+for the <i>Cent-a-week Societies</i>. A copy of
+it was transmitted to the Hon. John C. Calhoun;--to
+<i>him</i>, because he has seemed, from the first,
+more solicitous than the generality of Southern politicians,
+to possess himself of accurate information about the
+Anti-Slavery movement. A note written by me accompanied
+the tract, informing Mr. Calhoun, why it was sent
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>Not long afterward, the following letter was received
+from the Hon. F.H. Elmore, of the House of Representatives
+in Congress. From this and another of his letters
+just now received, it seems, that the Slaveholding
+Representatives in Congress, after conferring together,
+appointed a committee, of their own number, to obtain
+authentic information of the intentions and progress
+of the Anti-Slavery associations,--and that
+Mr. Elmore was selected, as the <i>South Carolina</i>
+member of the Committee.</p>
+
+<p>Several other communications have passed between Mr.
+Elmore and me. They relate, chiefly, however, to the
+transmission and reception of Anti-slavery publications,
+which he requested to be sent to him,--and
+to other matters not having any connection with the
+merits of the main subject. It is, therefore, thought
+unnecessary to publish them. It may be sufficient
+to remark of all the communications received from Mr.
+Elmore--that they are characterized by exemplary
+courtesy and good temper, and that they bear the impress
+of an educated, refined, and liberal mind.</p>
+
+<p>It is intended to circulate this correspondence throughout
+the <i>whole country</i>. If the information
+it communicates be important for southern Representatives
+in Congress, it is not less so for their Constituents.
+The Anti-slavery movement has become so important in
+a National point of view, that no statesman can innocently
+remain ignorant of its progress and tendencies. The
+facts stated in my answer may be relied on, in proportion
+to the degree of accuracy to which they lay claim;--the
+arguments will, of course, be estimated according to
+their worth.</p>
+
+<p>JAMES G. BIRNEY.</p>
+
+<p><b>CORRESPONDENCE.</b></p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>WASHINGTON CITY, FEB. 16, 1838</p>
+
+<p>To Jas. G. Birney, Esq., <i>Cor. Sec. A.A.S. Soc.</i></p>
+
+<p>Sir:--A letter from you to the Hon. John
+C. Calhoun, dated 29th January last, has been given
+to me, by him, in which you say, (in reference to
+the abolitionists or Anti-Slavery Societies,) "we
+have nothing to conceal--and should you
+desire any information as to our procedure, it will
+be cheerfully communicated on [my] being apprised of
+your wishes." The frankness of this unsolicited
+offer indicates a fairness and honesty of purpose,
+which has caused the present communication, and which
+demands the same full and frank disclosure of the views
+with which the subjoined inquiries are proposed.</p>
+
+<p>Your letter was handed to me, in consequence of a
+duty assigned me by my delegation, and which requires
+me to procure all the authentic information I can,
+as to the nature and intentions of yours and similar
+associations, in order that we may, if we deem it advisable,
+lay the information before our people, so that they
+may be prepared to decide understandingly, as to the
+course it becomes them to pursue on this all important
+question. If you "have nothing to conceal,"
+and it is not imposing too much on, what may have
+been, an unguarded proffer, I will esteem your compliance
+as a courtesy to an opponent, and be pleased to have
+an opportunity to make a suitable return. And if, on
+the other hand, you have the least difficulty or objection,
+I trust you will not hesitate to withhold the information
+sought for, as I would not have it, unless as freely
+given, as it will, if deemed expedient, be freely used.</p>
+
+<p>I am, Sir,</p>
+
+<p>Your ob'd't serv't,</p>
+
+<p>F.H. ELMORE, of S.C.</p>
+
+<p>QUESTIONS for J.G. Birney, Esq., Cor. Sec. A.A.S.
+Society.</p>
+
+<p>1. How many societies, affiliated with that of which
+you are the Corresponding Secretary, are there in
+the United States? And how many members belong to
+them <i>in the aggregate</i>?</p>
+
+<p>2. Are there any other societies similar to yours,
+and not affiliated with it, in the United States?
+and how many, and what is the aggregate their members?</p>
+
+<p>3. Have you affiliation, intercourse or connection
+with any similar societies out of the United States,
+and in what countries?</p>
+
+<p>4. Do your or similar societies exist in the Colleges
+and other Literary institutions of the non-slaveholding
+States, and to what extent?</p>
+
+<p>5. What do you estimate the numbers of those who co-operate
+in this matter at? What proportion do they bear in
+the population of the Northern states, and what in
+the Middle non-slaveholding states? Are they increasing,
+and at what rate?</p>
+
+<p>6. What is the object your associations aim at? does
+it extend to the abolition of slavery only in the
+District of Columbia, or in the whole slave country?</p>
+
+<p>7. By what means, and under what power, do you propose
+to carry your views into effect?</p>
+
+<p>8. What has been for three years past, the annual
+income of your societies? and how is it raised?</p>
+
+<p>9. In what way, and to what purposes, do you apply
+these funds?</p>
+
+<p>10. How many priming presses and periodical publications
+have you?</p>
+
+<p>11. To what classes of persons do you address your
+publications, and are they addressed to the judgment,
+the imagination, or the feelings?</p>
+
+<p>12. Do you propagate your doctrines by any other means
+than oral and written discussions,--for
+instance, by prints and pictures in manufactures--say
+pocket handkerchiefs, &amp;c. Pray, state the various
+modes?</p>
+
+<p>13. Are your hopes and expectations increased or lessened
+by the events of the last year, and, especially, by
+the action of this Congress? And will your exertions
+be relaxed or increased?</p>
+
+<p>14. Have you any permanent fund, and how much?</p>
+
+<p>ANTI-SLAVERY OFFICE, <i>New York, March 8, 1838</i></p>
+
+<p>Hon. F.H. ELMORE,</p>
+
+<p>Member of Congress from S. Carolina:</p>
+
+<p>SIR,--I take pleasure in furnishing the
+information you have so politely asked for, in your
+letter of the 16th ult., in relation to the American
+Anti-Slavery Society;--and trust, that this
+correspondence, by presenting in a sober light, the
+objects and measures of the society, may contribute
+to dispel, not only from your own mind, but--if
+it be diffused throughout the South--from
+the minds of our fellow-citizens there generally,
+a great deal of undeserved prejudice and groundless
+alarm. I cannot hesitate to believe, that such as enter
+on the examination of its claims to public favour,
+without bias, will find that it aims intelligently,
+not only at the promotion of the interests of the
+slave, but of the master,--not only at the
+re-animation of the Republican principles of our Constitution,
+but at the establishment of the Union on an enduring
+basis.</p>
+
+<p>I shall proceed to state the several questions submitted
+in your letter, and answer them, in the order in which
+they are proposed. You ask,--</p>
+
+<p>"1. <i>How many societies, affiliated with
+that of which you are corresponding secretary, are
+there in the United States? And how many members belong
+to them</i> IN THE AGGREGATE?"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--Our anniversary is held on the
+Tuesday immediately preceding the second Thursday
+in May. Returns of societies are made only a short
+time before. In May, 1835, there were 225 auxiliaries
+reported. In May, 1836, 527. In May, 1837, 1006. Returns
+for the anniversary in May next have not come in yet.
+It may, however, be safely said, that the increase,
+since last May, is not less than 400.[<a name="AE2_FRA3"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA3">A</a>] Of late, the
+multiplication of societies has not kept pace with
+the progress of our principles. Where these are well
+received, our agents are not so careful to organize
+societies as in former times, when our numbers were
+few; <i>societies, now</i>, being not deemed
+so necessary for the advancement of our cause. The
+auxiliaries average not less than 80 members each;
+making an aggregate of 112,480. Others estimate the
+auxiliaries at 1500, and the average of members at
+100. I give you, what I believe to be the lowest numbers.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA3"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA3">A</a>: The number reported for May was three
+hundred and forty, making, in the aggregate, 1346.--<i>Report
+for May</i>, 1838.]</p>
+
+<p>"2. <i>Are there any other societies similar
+to yours, and not affiliated with it in the United
+States? And how many, and what is the aggregate of
+their members</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--Several societies have been formed
+in the Methodist connection within the last two years,--although
+most of the Methodists who are abolitionists, are
+members of societies auxiliary to the American. These
+societies have been originated by Ministers, and others
+of weight and influence, who think that their brethren
+can be more easily persuaded, as a religious body,
+to aid in the anti-slavery movement by this twofold
+action. None of the large religious denominations bid
+fairer soon to be on the side of emancipation than
+the Methodist. Of the number of the Methodist societies
+that are not auxiliary, I am not informed.--The
+ILLINOIS SOCIETY comes under the same class. The REV.
+ELIJAH P. LOVEJOY, the corresponding secretary, was
+slain by a mob, a few days after its organization.
+It has not held a meeting since; and I have no data
+for stating the number of its members. It is supposed
+not to be large.--Neither is the DELAWARE
+SOCIETY, organized, a few weeks ago, at Wilmington,
+auxiliary to the American. I have no information as
+to its numbers.--The MANUMISSION SOCIETY
+in this city, formed in 1785, with JOHN JAY its first,
+and ALEXANDER HAMILTON its second president, might,
+from its name, be supposed to be affiliated with the
+American. Originally, its object, so far as regarded
+the slaves, and those illegally held in bondage <i>in
+this state</i>, was, in a great measure, similar.
+Slavery being extinguished in New-York in 1827, as
+a state system, the efforts of the Manumission Society
+are limited now to the rescue, from kidnappers and
+others, of such persons as are really free by the
+laws, but who have been reduced to slavery. Of the
+old Abolition societies, organized in the time, and
+under the influence of Franklin and Rush and Jay,
+and the most active of their coadjutors, but few remain.
+Their declension may be ascribed to this defect,--they
+did not inflexibly ask for <i>immediate</i> emancipation.--The
+PENNSYLVANIA ABOLITION SOCIETY, formed in 1789, with
+DR. FRANKLIN, president, and DR. RUSH, secretary,
+is still in existence--but unconnected with
+the American Society. Some of the most active and
+benevolent members of both the associations last named,
+are members of the American Society. Besides the societies
+already mentioned, there may be in the country a few
+others of anti-slavery name; but they are of small
+note and efficiency, and are unconnected with this.</p>
+
+<p>"3. <i>Have you affiliation, intercourse,
+or connection with any similar societies out of the
+United States, and in what countries</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--A few societies have spontaneously
+sprung up in Canada. Two have declared themselves
+auxiliary to the American. We have an agent--a
+native of the United States--in Upper Canada;
+not with a view to the organization of societies,
+but to the moral and intellectual elevation of the
+Ten thousand colored people there; most of whom have
+escaped from slavery in this Republic, to enjoy freedom
+under the protection of a Monarchy. In Great Britain
+there are numerous Anti-slavery Societies, whose particular
+object, of late, has been, to bring about the abolition
+of the Apprentice-system, as established by the emancipation
+act in her slaveholding colonies. In England, there
+is a society whose professed object is, to abolish
+slavery <i>throughout the world</i>. Of the existence
+of the British societies, you are, doubtless, fully
+aware; as also of the fact, that, in Britain, the
+great mass of the people are opposed to slavery as
+it existed, a little while ago, in their own colonies,
+and as it exists now in the United States.--In
+France, the "FRENCH SOCIETY FOR THE ABOLITION
+OF SLAVERY" was founded in 1834. I shall have
+the pleasure of transmitting to you two pamphlets,
+containing an account of some of its proceedings;
+from which you will learn, that, the <i>DUC</i> <i>DE</i>
+BROGLIE is its presiding officer, and many of the
+most distinguished and influential of the public men
+of that country are members.--In Hayti,
+also, "The HAYTIAN ABOLITION SOCIETY" was
+formed in May, 1836.</p>
+
+<p>These are all the foreign societies of which I have
+knowledge. They are connected with the American by
+no formal affiliation. The only intercourse between
+them and it, is, that which springs up spontaneously
+among those of every land who sympathize with Humanity
+in her conflicts with Slavery.</p>
+
+<p>"4. <i>Do your or similar societies exist
+in the Colleges and other Literary institutions of
+the non-slaveholding states, and to what extent</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--Strenuous efforts have been made,
+and they are still being made, by those who have the
+direction of most of the literary and theological
+institutions in the free states, to bar out our principles
+and doctrines, and prevent the formation of societies
+among the students. To this course they have been
+prompted by various, and possibly, in their view,
+good motives. One of them, I think it not uncharitable
+to say, is, to conciliate the wealthy of the south,
+that they may send their sons to the north, to swell
+the college catalogues. Neither do I think it uncharitable
+to say, that in this we have a manifestation of that
+Aristocratic pride, which, feeling itself honored
+by having entrusted to its charge the sons of distant,
+opulent, and distinguished planters, fails not to
+dull everything like sympathy for those whose unpaid
+toil supplies the means so lavishly expended in educating
+southern youth at northern colleges. These efforts
+at suppression or restraint, on the part of Faculties
+and Boards of Trustees, have heretofore succeeded
+to a considerable extent. Anti-Slavery Societies,
+notwithstanding, have been formed in a few of our
+most distinguished colleges and theological seminaries.
+Public opinion is beginning to call for a relaxation
+of restraints and impositions; they are yielding to
+its demands; and <i>now</i>, for the most part,
+sympathy for the slave may be manifested by our generous
+college youth, in the institution of Anti-Slavery
+Societies, without any downright prohibition by their
+more politic teachers. College societies will probably
+increase more rapidly hereafter; as, in addition to
+the removal or relaxation of former restraints, just
+referred to, the murder of Mr. Lovejoy, the assaults
+on the Freedom of speech and of the press, the prostration
+of the Right of petition in Congress, &amp;c, &amp;c, all
+believed to have been perpetrated to secure slavery
+from the scrutiny that the intelligent world is demanding,
+have greatly augmented the number of college abolitionists.
+They are, for the most part, the diligent, the intellectual,
+the religious of the students. United in societies,
+their influence is generally extensively felt in the
+surrounding region; <i>dispersed</i>, it seems
+scarcely less effective. An instance of the latter
+deserves particular notice.</p>
+
+<p>The Trustees and Faculty of one of our theological
+and literary institutions united for the suppression
+of anti-slavery action among the students. The latter
+refused to cease pleading for the slave, as he could
+not plead for himself. They left the institution; were
+providentially dispersed over various parts of the
+country, and made useful, in a remarkable manner,
+in advancing the cause of humanity and liberty. One
+of these dismissed students, the son of a slaveholder,
+brought up in the midst of slavery, and well acquainted
+with its peculiarities, succeeded in persuading a
+pious father to emancipate his fourteen slaves. After
+lecturing a long time with signal success--having
+contracted a disease of the throat, which prevented
+him from further prosecuting his labors in this way--he
+visited the West Indies, eighteen months ago, in company
+with another gentleman of the most ample qualifications,
+to note the operation of the British emancipation act.
+Together, they collected a mass of facts--now
+in a course of publication--that will astonish,
+as it ought to delight, the whole south; for it shows,
+conclusively, that IMMEDIATE emancipation is the best,
+the safest, the most profitable, as it is the most
+just and honorable, of all <i>emancipations</i>.[<a name="AE2_FRA4"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA4">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA4"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA4">A</a>: See Appendix, A.]</p>
+
+<p>Another of these dismissed students is one of the
+secretaries of this society. He has, for a long time,
+discharged its arduous and responsible duties with
+singular ability. To his qualifications as secretary,
+he adds those of an able and successful lecturer.
+He was heard, several times, before the joint committee
+of the Legislature of Massachusetts, a year ago, prior
+to the report of that committee, and to the adoption,
+by the Senate and House of Representatives, of their
+memorable resolutions in favor of the Power of Congress
+to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, and
+of the Right of petition.</p>
+
+<p>"5. <i>What do you estimate the number of
+those who co-operate in the matter at? What proportion
+do they bear in the population of the northern states,
+and what in the middle non-slaveholding states? Are
+they increasing, and at what rate</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--Those who stand <i>ready to join</i>
+our societies on the first suitable occasion, may
+be set down as equal in number to those who are now
+<i>actually members</i>. Those who are ready <i>fully
+to co-operate with us</i> in supporting the freedom
+of speech and the press, the right of petition, &amp;c,
+may be estimated at <i>double</i>, if not <i>treble</i>,
+the joint numbers of those who <i>already are members</i>,
+and those who are <i>ready to become members</i>.
+The Recording secretary of the MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY
+stated, a few weeks ago, that the abolitionists in
+the various minor societies in that state were one
+in thirty of the whole population. The proportion
+of abolitionists to the whole population is greater
+in Massachusetts than in any other of the free states,
+except VERMONT,--where the spirit of liberty
+has almost entirely escaped the <i>corruptions</i> which
+slavery has infused into it in most of her sister
+states, by means of commercial and other intercourse
+with them.</p>
+
+<p>In MAINE, not much of systematic effort has, as yet,
+been put forth to enlighten her population as to our
+principles and proceedings. I attended the anniversary
+of the State Society on the 31st of January, at Augusta,
+the seat of government. The Ministers of the large
+religious denominations were beginning, as I was told,
+to unite with us--and Politicians, to descry
+the ultimate prevalence of our principles. The impression
+I received was, that much could, and that much would,
+speedily be done.</p>
+
+<p>In NEW HAMPSHIRE, more labor has been expended, and
+a greater effect produced. Public functionaries, who
+have been pleased to speak in contemptuous terms of
+the progress of abolitionism, both in Maine and New
+Hampshire, will, it is thought, soon be made to see,
+through a medium not at all deceptive, the grossness
+of their error.</p>
+
+<p>In RHODE ISLAND, our principles are fast pervading
+the great body of the people. This, it is thought,
+is the only one of the free states, in which the subject
+of abolition has been fully introduced, which has not
+been disgraced by a mob, triumphant, for the time being,
+over the right of the people to discuss any, and every,
+matter in which they feel interested. A short time
+previous to the last election of members of Congress,
+questions, embodying our views as to certain political
+measures were propounded to the several candidates.
+Respectful answers and, in the main, conformable with
+our views, were returned. I shall transmit you a newspaper
+containing both the questions and the answers.[<a name="AE2_FRA5"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA5">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA5"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA5">A</a>: Since the above was written, at the last
+election in this state for governor and lieutenant
+governor, the abolitionists <i>interrogated</i>
+the gentlemen who stood candidates for these offices.
+Two of them answered respectfully, and conformably
+to the views of the abolitionists. Their opponents
+neglected to answer at all. The first were elected.--See
+Appendix, B.]</p>
+
+<p>In CONNECTICUT, there has not been, as yet, a great
+expenditure of abolition effort. Although the moral
+tone of this state, so far as slavery is concerned,
+has been a good deal weakened by the influence of
+her multiform connexions with the south, yet the energies
+that have been put forth to reanimate her ancient
+and lofty feelings, so far from proving fruitless,
+have been followed by the most encouraging results.
+Evidence of this is found in the faithful administration
+of the laws by judges and juries. In May last, a slave,
+who had been brought from Georgia to Hartford, successfully
+asserted her freedom under the laws of Connecticut.
+The cause was elaborately argued before the Supreme
+court. The most eminent counsel were employed on both
+sides. And it is but a few days, since two anti-abolition
+rioters (the only ones on trial) were convicted before
+the Superior court in New Haven, and sentenced to pay
+a fine of twenty dollars each, and to be imprisoned
+six months, the longest term authorized by the law.
+A convention, for the organization of a State Society,
+was held in the city of Hartford on the last day of
+February. It was continued three days. The <i>call</i>
+for it (which I send you) was signed by nearly EIGHTEEN
+HUNDRED of the citizens of that state. SEVENTEEN HUNDRED,
+as I was informed, are legal voters. The proceedings
+of the convention were of the most harmonious and animating
+character.[<a name="AE2_FRA6"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA6">B</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA6"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA6">B</a>: See Appendix, C.]</p>
+
+<p>In NEW YORK, our cause is evidently advancing. The
+state is rapidly coming up to the high ground of principle,
+so far as universal liberty is concerned, on which
+the abolitionists would place her. Several large Anti-Slavery
+conventions have lately been held in the western counties.
+Their reports are of the most encouraging character.
+Nor is the change more remarkable in the state than
+in this city. Less than five years ago, a few of the
+citizens advertised a meeting, to be held in Clinton
+Hall, to form a City Anti-Slavery Society. A mob prevented
+their assembling at the place appointed. They repaired,
+privately, to one of the churches. To this they were
+pursued by the mob, and routed from it, though not
+before they had completed, in a hasty manner, the form
+of organization. In the summer of 1834, some of the
+leading political and commercial journals of the city
+were enabled to stir up the mob against the persons
+and property of the abolitionists, and several of the
+most prominent were compelled to leave the city for
+safety; their houses were attacked, broken into, and,
+in one instance, the furniture publicly burnt in the
+street. <i>Now</i>, things are much changed. Many
+of the merchants and mechanics are favorable to our
+cause; gentlemen of the bar, especially the younger
+and more growing ones, are directing their attention
+to it; twenty-one of our city ministers are professed
+abolitionists; the churches are beginning to be more
+accessible to us; our meetings are held in them openly,
+attract large numbers, are unmolested; and the abolitionists
+sometimes hear themselves commended in other assemblies,
+not only for their honest <i>intentions</i>, but
+for their <i>respectability</i> and <i>intelligence</i>.</p>
+
+<p>NEW JERSEY has, as yet, no State Society, and the
+number of avowed abolitionists is small. In some of
+the most populous and influential parts of the state,
+great solicitude exists on the subject; and the call
+for lecturers is beginning to be earnest, if not importunate.</p>
+
+<p>PENNSYLVANIA has advanced to our principles just in
+proportion to the labor that has been bestowed, by
+means of lectures and publications in enlightening
+her population as to our objects, and the evils and
+dangers impending over the whole country, from southern
+slavery. The act of her late Convention, in depriving
+a large number of their own constituents (the colored
+people) of the elective franchise, heretofore possessed
+by them without any allegation of its abuse on their
+part, would seem to prove an unpropitious state of
+public sentiment. We would neither deny, nor elude,
+the force of such evidence. But when this measure of
+the convention is brought out and unfolded in its
+true light--shown to be a party measure
+to bring succor from the south--a mere following
+in the wake of North Carolina and Tennessee, who led
+the way, in their <i>new</i> constitutions, to
+this violation of the rights of their colored citizens,
+that they might the more firmly compact the wrongs
+of the enslaved--a pernicious, a profitless
+violation of great principles--a vulgar
+defiance of the advancing spirit of humanity and justice--a
+relapse into the by-gone darkness of a barbarous age--we
+apprehend from it no serious detriment to our cause.</p>
+
+<p>OHIO has been well advanced. In a short time, she
+will be found among the most prominent of the states
+on the right side in the contest now going on between
+the spirit of liberty embodied in the free institutions
+of the north, and the spirit of slavery pervading the
+south. Her Constitution publishes the most honorable
+reprobation of slavery of any other in the Union.
+In providing for its own revision or amendment, it
+declares, that <i>no alteration of it shall ever
+take place, so as to introduce slavery or involuntary
+servitude into the state</i>. Her Supreme court
+is intelligent and firm. It has lately decided, virtually,
+against the constitutionality of an act of the Legislature,
+made, in effect, to favor southern slavery by the
+persecution of the colored people within her bounds.
+She has, already, abolitionists enough to turn the
+scale in her elections, and an abundance of excellent
+material for augmenting the number.</p>
+
+<p>In INDIANA but little has been done, except by the
+diffusion of our publications. But even with these
+appliances, several auxiliary societies have been
+organized.[<a name="AE2_FRA7"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA7">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA7"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA7">A</a>: The first Legislative movement against
+the annexation of Texas to the Union, was made, it
+is believed, in Indiana. So early as December, 1836,
+a joint resolution passed its second reading in one
+or both branches of the Legislature. How it was ultimately
+disposed of, is not known.]</p>
+
+<p>In MICHIGAN, the leaven of abolitionists pervades
+the whole population. The cause is well sustained
+by a high order of talent; and we trust soon to see
+the influence of it in all her public acts.</p>
+
+<p>In ILLINOIS, the murder of Mr. Lovejoy has multiplied
+and confirmed abolitionists, and led to the formation
+of many societies, which, in all probability, would
+not have been formed so soon, had not that event taken
+place.</p>
+
+<p>I am not possessed of sufficient data for stating,
+with precision, what proportion the abolitionists
+bear in the population of the Northern and Middle
+non-slaveholding states respectively. Within the last
+ten months, I have travelled extensively in both these
+geographical divisions. I have had whatever advantage
+this, assisted by a strong interest in the general
+cause, and abundant conversations with the best informed
+abolitionists, could give, for making a fair estimate
+of their numbers. In the Northern states I should
+say, <i>they are one in ten</i>--in
+New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, <i>one in
+twenty</i>--of the whole adult population.
+That the abolitionists have multiplied, and that they
+are still multiplying rapidly, no one acquainted with
+the smallness of their numbers at their first organization
+a few years ago, and who has kept his eyes about him
+since, need ask. That they have not, thus far, been
+more successful, is owing to the vastness of the undertaking,
+and the difficulties with which they have had to contend,
+from comparatively limited means, for presenting their
+measures and objects, with the proper developments
+and explanations, to the great mass of the popular
+mind. The progress of their principles, under the same
+amount of intelligence in presenting them, and where
+no peculiar causes of prejudice exist in the minds
+of the hearers, is generally proportioned to the degree
+of religious and intellectual worth prevailing in the
+different sections of the country where the subject
+is introduced. I know no instance, in which any one
+notoriously profane or intemperate, or licentious,
+or of openly irreligious <i>practice</i>, has
+professed, cordially to have received our principles.</p>
+
+<p>"6. <i>What is the object your associations
+aim at? Does it extend to abolition of slavery only
+in the District of Columbia, or in the whole slave
+country</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--This question is fully answered
+in the second Article of the Constitution of the American
+Anti-Slavery Society, which is in these words:--</p>
+
+<p>"The object of this society is the entire abolition
+of slavery in the United States. While it admits that
+each state, in which slavery exists, has, by the Constitution
+of the United States, the exclusive right to <i>legislate</i>
+in regard to its abolition in said state, it shall
+aim to convince all our fellow-citizens, by arguments
+addressed to their understandings and consciences,
+that slaveholding is a heinous crime in the sight
+of God, and that the duty, safety, and best interests
+of all concerned require its immediate abandonment,
+without expatriation. The society will also endeavor,
+in a constitutional way, to influence Congress to
+put an end to the domestic slave-trade, and to abolish
+slavery in all those portions of our common country
+which come under its control, especially in the District
+of Columbia; and likewise to prevent the extension
+of it to any state that may hereafter be admitted to
+the Union."</p>
+
+<p>Other objects, accompanied by a pledge of peace, are
+stated in the third article of the Constitution,--</p>
+
+<p>"This Society shall aim to elevate the character
+and condition of the people of color, by encouraging
+their intellectual, moral, and religious improvement,
+and by removing public prejudice,--that thus
+they may, according to their intellectual and moral
+worth, share an equality with the whites of civil
+and religious privileges; but this Society will never
+in any way, countenance the oppressed in vindicating
+their rights by resorting to physical force."</p>
+
+<p>"7. <i>By what means and by what power do
+you propose to carry your views into effect</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--Our "means" are the
+Truth,--the "Power" under whose
+guidance we propose to carry our views into effect,
+is, the Almighty. Confiding in these means, when directed
+by the spirit and wisdom of Him, who has so made them
+as to act on the hearts of men, and so constituted
+the hearts of then as to be affected by them, we expect,
+1. To bring the CHURCH of this country to repentance
+for the sin of OPPRESSION. Not only the Southern portion
+of it that has been the oppressor--but the
+Northern, that has stood by, consenting, for half
+a century, to the wrong. 2. To bring our countrymen
+to see, that for a nation to persist in injustice
+is, but to rush on its own ruin; that to do justice
+is the highest expediency--to love mercy
+its noblest ornament. In other countries, slavery
+has sometimes yielded to fortuitous circumstances,
+or been extinguished by physical force. <i>We</i>
+strive to win for truth the victory over error, and
+on the broken fragments of slavery to rear for her
+a temple, that shall reach to the heavens, and toward
+which all nations shall worship. It has been said,
+that the slaveholders of the South will not yield,
+nor hearken to the influence of the truth on this subject.
+We believe it not--nor give we entertainment
+to the slander that such an unworthy defence of them
+implies. We believe them <i>men</i>,--that
+they have understandings that arguments will convince--consciences
+to which the appeals of justice and mercy will not
+be made in vain. If our principles be true--our
+arguments right--if slaveholders be men--and
+God have not delivered over our guilty country to
+the <i>retributions</i> of the oppressor, not only of
+the STRANGER but of the NATIVE--our success
+is certain.</p>
+
+<p>"8. <i>What has been for three years past,
+the annual income of your societies? And how has it
+been raised?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--The annual income of the societies
+at large, it would be impossible to ascertain. The
+total receipts of this society, for the year ending
+9th of May, 1835--leaving out odd numbers--was
+$10,000; for the year ending 9th of May, 1837, $25,000;
+and for the year ending 11th of May, 1836, $38,000.
+From the last date, up to this--not quite
+ten months--there has been paid into the
+treasury the sum of $36,000.[<a name="AE2_FRA8"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA8">A</a>] These sums are independent
+of what is raised by state and auxiliary societies,
+for expenditure within their own particular bounds,
+and for their own particular exigencies. Also, of
+the sums paid in subscriptions for the support of
+newspapers, and for the printing (by auxiliaries,)
+of periodicals, pamphlets, and essays, either for
+sale at low prices, or for gratuitous distribution.
+The moneys contributed in these various modes would
+make an aggregate greater, perhaps, than is paid into
+the treasury of any one of the Benevolent societies
+of the country. Most of the wealthy contributors of
+former years suffered so severely in the money-pressure
+of this, that they have been unable to contribute much
+to our funds. This has made it necessary to call for
+aid on the great body of abolitionists--persons,
+generally, in moderate circumstances. They have well
+responded to the call, considering the hardness of
+the times. To show you the extremes that meet at our
+treasury,--General Sewall, of Maine, a revolutionary
+officer, eighty-five years old--William
+Philbrick, a little boy near Boston, not four years
+old--and a colored woman, who makes her
+subsistence by selling apples in the streets in this
+city, lately sent in their respective sums to assist
+in promoting the emancipation of the "poor slave."</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA8"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA8">A</a>: The report for May states the sum received
+during the previous year at $44,000.]</p>
+
+<p>All contributions of whatever kind are <i>voluntary</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"9. <i>In what way, and to what purposes do
+you apply these funds!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--They are used in sustaining the
+society's office in this city--in
+paying lecturers and agents of various kinds--in
+upholding the press--in printing books,
+pamphlets, tracts, &amp;c, containing expositions of our
+principles--accounts of our progress--<i>refutations</i>
+of objections--and disquisitions on points,
+scriptural, constitutional, political, legal, economical,
+as they chance to arise and become important. In this
+office three secretaries are employed in different
+departments of duty; one editor; one publishing agent,
+with an assistant, and two or three young men and
+boys, for folding, directing, and despatching papers,
+executing errands, &amp;c. The business of the society
+has increased so much of late, as to make it necessary,
+in order to ensure the proper despatch of it, to employ
+additional clerks for the particular exigency. Last
+year, the society had in its service about sixty "permanent
+agents." This year, the number is considerably
+diminished. The deficiency has been more than made
+up by creating a large number of "Local"
+agents--so called, from the fact, that being
+generally Professional men, lawyers or physicians in
+good practice, or Ministers with congregations, they
+are confined, for the most part, to their respective
+neighborhoods. Some of the best minds in our country
+are thus engaged. Their labors have not only been eminently
+successful, but have been rendered at but small charge
+to the society; they receiving only their travelling
+expenses, whilst employed in lecturing and forming
+societies. In the case of a minister, there is the
+additional expense of supplying his pulpit while absent
+on the business of his agency, However, in many instances,
+these agents, being in easy circumstances, make no
+charge, even for their expenses.</p>
+
+<p>In making appointments, the executive committee have
+no regard to party discrimination. This will be fully
+understood, when it is stated, that on a late occasion,
+two of our local agents were the candidates of their
+respective political parties for the office of Secretary
+of State for the state of Vermont.</p>
+
+<p>It ought to be stated here, that two of the most effective
+advocates of the anti-slavery cause are females--the
+Misses Grimk&eacute;--natives of South Carolina--brought
+up in the midst of the usages of slavery--most
+intelligently acquainted with the merits of the system,
+and qualified, in an eminent degree, to communicate
+their views to others in public addresses. They are
+not only the advocates of the slave at their own charge,
+but they actually contribute to the funds of the societies.
+So successfully have they recommended the cause of
+emancipation to the crowds that attended their lectures
+during the last year, that they were permitted on
+three several occasions publicly to address the joint
+committee (on slavery) of the Massachusetts Legislature,
+now in session, on the interesting matters that occupy
+their attention.</p>
+
+<p>"10. <i>How many printing presses and periodical
+publications have you?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--We own no press. Our publications
+are all printed by contract. The EMANCIPATOR and HUMAN
+RIGHTS are the organs of the Executive Committee.
+The first (which you have seen,) is a large sheet,
+is published weekly, and employs almost exclusively
+the time of the gentleman who edits it. Human Rights
+is a monthly sheet of smaller size, and is edited
+by one of the secretaries. The increasing interest
+that is fast manifesting itself in the cause of emancipation
+and its kindred subjects will, in all probability,
+before long, call for the more frequent publication
+of one or both of these papers.--The ANTI-SLAVERY
+MAGAZINE, a quarterly, was commenced in October, 1835,
+and continued through two years. It has been intermitted,
+only to make the necessary arrangements for issuing
+it on a more extended scale.--It is proposed
+to give it size enough to admit the amplest discussions
+that we or our opponents may desire, and to give <i>them</i>
+a full share of its room--in fine, to make
+it, in form and merit, what the importance of the subject
+calls for. I send you a copy of the Prospectus for
+the new series.--The ANTI-SLAVERY RECORD,
+published for three years as a monthly, has been discontinued
+<i>as such</i>, and it will be issued hereafter,
+only as occasion may require:--THE SLAVE'S
+FRIEND, a small monthly tract, of neat appearance,
+intended principally for children and young persons,
+has been issued for several years. It is replete with
+facts relating to slavery, and with accounts of the
+hair-breadth escapes of slaves from their masters
+and pursuers that rarely fail to impart the most thrilling
+interest to its little readers.--Besides
+these, there is the ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER, in which
+are published, as the times call for them, our larger
+essays partaking of a controversial character, such
+as Smith's reply to the Rev. Mr. Smylie--Grimk&eacute;'s
+letter and "Wythe." By turning to page
+32 of our Fourth Report (included in your order for
+books, &amp;c,) you will find, that in the year ending
+11th May, the issues from the press were--bound
+volumes, 7,877--Tracts and Pamphlets, 47,250--Circulars,
+&amp;c, 4,100--Prints, 10,490--Anti-Slavery
+Magazine, 9000--Slave's Friend, 131,050--Human
+Rights, 189,400--Emancipator, 217,000. These
+are the issues of the American Anti-Slavery Society,
+from their office in this city. Other publications
+of similar character are issued by State Societies
+or individuals--the LIBERATOR, in Boston;
+HERALD OF FREEDOM, in Concord, N.H.; ZION'S WATCHMAN
+and the COLORED AMERICAN in this city. The latter
+is conducted in the editorial, and other departments,
+by colored citizens. You can judge of its character,
+by a few numbers that I send to you. Then, there is
+the FRIEND of MAN, in Utica, in this state. The NATIONAL
+ENQUIRER, in Philadelphia;[<a name="AE2_FRA9"></a><a href="#AE2_FNA9">A</a>] the CHRISTIAN WITNESS,
+in Pittsburgh; the PHILANTHROPIST, in Cincinnati.--All
+these are sustained by the friends, and devoted almost
+exclusively to the cause, of emancipation. Many of
+the Religious journals that do not make emancipation
+their main object have adopted the sentiments of abolitionists,
+and aid in promoting them. The Alton Observer, edited
+by the late Mr. Lovejoy, was one of these.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNA9"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRA9">A</a>: The NATIONAL ENQUIRER, edited by Benjamin
+Lundy, has been converted into the PENNSYLVANIA FREEMAN,
+edited by John G. Whittier. Mr. Lundy proposes to
+issue the GENIUS OF UNIVERSAL EMANCIPATION, in Illinois.]</p>
+
+<p>From the data I have, I set down the newspapers, as
+classed above, at upwards of one hundred. Here it
+may also be stated, that the presses which print the
+abolition journals above named, throw off besides,
+a great variety of other anti-slavery matter, in the
+form of books, pamphlets, single sheets, &amp;c, &amp;c, and
+that, at many of the principal commercial points throughout
+the free states, DEPOSITORIES are established, at
+which our publications of every sort are kept for sale.
+A large and fast increasing number of the Political
+journals of the country have become, within the last
+two years, if not the avowed supporters of our cause,
+well inclined to it. Formerly, it was a common thing
+for most of the leading <i>party</i>-papers, especially
+in the large cities, to speak of the abolitionists
+in terms signally disrespectful and offensive. Except
+in rare instances, and these, it is thought, only
+where they are largely subsidized by southern patronage,
+it is not so now. The desertions that are taking place
+from their ranks will, in a short time, render their
+position undesirable for any, who aspire to gain,
+or influence, or reputation in the North.</p>
+
+<p>"11. <i>To what class of persons do you address
+your publications--and are they addressed
+to the judgment, the imagination, or the feelings</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--They are intended for the great
+mass of intelligent mind, both in the free and in
+the slave states. They partake, of course, of the
+intellectual peculiarities of the different authors.
+Jay's "INQUIRY" and Mrs. Child's
+"APPEAL" abound in facts--are
+dispassionate, ingenious, argumentative. The "BIBLE
+AGAINST SLAVERY," by the most careful and laborious
+research, has struck from slavery the prop, which careless
+Annotators, (writing, unconscious of the influence,
+the prevailing system of slavery throughout the Christian
+world exercised on their own minds,) have admitted
+was furnished for it in the Scriptures. "Wythe"
+by a pains-taking and lucid adjustment of facts in
+the history of the Government, both before and after
+the adoption of the Constitution, and with a rigor
+of logic, that cannot, it is thought, be successfully
+encountered, has put to flight forever with unbiased
+minds, every doubt as to the "Power of Congress
+over the District of Columbia."</p>
+
+<p>There are among the abolitionists, Poets, and by the
+acknowledgment of their opponents, poets of no mean
+name too--who, as the use of poets is, do
+address themselves often--as John G. Whittier
+does <i>always</i>--powerfully to the
+imagination and feelings of their readers.</p>
+
+<p>Our publications cannot be classed according to any
+particular style or quality of composition. They may
+characterized generally, as well suited to affect
+the public mind--to rouse into healthful
+activity the conscience of this nation, stupified,
+torpid, almost dead, in relation to HUMAN RIGHTS,
+the high theme of which they treat!</p>
+
+<p>It has often been alleged, that our writings appeal
+to the worst passions of the slaves, and that they
+are placed in their hands with a view to stir them
+to revolt. Neither charge has any foundation in truth
+to rest upon. The first finds no support in the tenor
+of the writings themselves; the last ought forever
+to be abandoned, in the absence of any single well
+authenticated instance of their having been conveyed
+by abolitionists to slaves, or of their having been
+even found in their possession. To instigate the slaves
+to revolt, as the means of obtaining their liberty,
+would prove a lack of wisdom and honesty that none
+would impute to abolitionists, except such as are
+unacquainted with their character. Revolt would be
+followed by the sure destruction, not only of all
+the slaves who might be concerned in it, but of multitudes
+of the innocent. Moreover, the abolitionists, as a
+class, are religious--they favor peace,
+and stand pledged in their constitution, before the
+country and heaven, to abide in peace, so far as a
+forcible vindication of the right of the slaves to
+their freedom is concerned. Further still, no small
+number of them deny the right of defence, either to
+individuals or nations, even when forcibly and wrongfully
+attacked. This disagreement among ourselves on this
+single point--of which our adversaries are
+by no means ignorant, as they often throw it reproachfully
+in our teeth--would forever prevent concert
+in any scheme that looked to instigating servile revolt.
+If there be, in all our ranks, one, who--personal
+danger out of the question--would excite
+the slaves to insurrection and massacre, or who would
+not be swift to repeat the earliest attempt to concoct
+such an iniquity--I say, on my obligations
+as a man, he is unknown to me.</p>
+
+<p>Yet it ought not to be matter of surprise to abolitionists,
+that the South should consider them "fanatics,"
+"incendiaries," "cut-throats,"
+and call them so too. The South has had their character
+reported to them by the North, by those who are their
+neighbors, who, it was supposed, knew, and would speak
+the truth, and the truth only, concerning them. It
+would, I apprehend, be unavailing for abolitionists
+now to enter on any formal vindication of their character
+from charges that can be so easily repeated after
+every refutation. False and fraudulent as they knew
+them to be, they must be content to live under them
+till the consummation of the work of Freedom shall
+prove to the master that they have been <i>his</i>
+friends, as well as the friends of the slave. The mischief
+of these charges has fallen on the South--the
+malice is to be placed to the credit of the North.</p>
+
+<p>"12. <i>Do you propagate your doctrines by
+any other means than oral and written discussions--for
+instance, by prints and pictures in manufactures--say
+of pocket-handkerchiefs, calicoes, &amp;c? Pray, state
+the various modes?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--Two or three years ago, an abolitionist
+of this city procured to be manufactured, at his own
+charge, a small lot of children's pocket-handkerchiefs,
+impressed with anti-slavery pictures and mottoes.
+I have no recollection of having seen any of them but
+once. None such, I believe, are now to be found, or
+I would send you a sample. If any manufactures of
+the kinds mentioned, or others similar to theta, are
+in existence, they have been produced independently
+of the agency of this society. It is thought that
+none such exist, unless the following should be supposed
+to fall within the terms of the inquiry. Female abolitionists
+often unite in sewing societies. They meet together,
+usually once a week or fortnight, and labor through
+the afternoon, with their own hands, to furnish means
+for advancing the cause of the slave. One of the company
+reads passages from the Bible, or some religious book,
+whilst the others are engaged at their work. The articles
+they prepare, especially if they be of the "fancy"
+kind, are often ornamented with handsomely executed
+emblems, underwritten with appropriate mottoes. The
+picture of a slave kneeling (such as you will see impressed
+on one of the sheets of this letter) and supplicating
+in the words, "AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER,"
+is an example. The mottoes or sentences are, however,
+most generally selected from the Scriptures; either
+appealing to human sympathy in behalf of human suffering,
+or breathing forth God's tender compassion for
+the oppressed, or proclaiming, in thunder tones, his
+avenging justice on the oppressor. A few quotations
+will show their general character:--</p>
+
+<p>"Blessed is he that considereth the poor."</p>
+
+<p>"Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice
+to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and the
+needy; rid him out of the hand of the wicked."</p>
+
+<p>"Open thy mouth for the dumb, plead the cause
+of the poor and needy."</p>
+
+<p>"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain
+mercy."</p>
+
+<p>"First, be reconciled to thy brother, and then
+come and offer thy gift."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."</p>
+
+<p>"All things whatsoever ye would that men should
+do to you, do ye even so to them."</p>
+
+<p>Again:--</p>
+
+<p>"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth;
+the poor also, and him that hath no helper."</p>
+
+<p>"The Lord looseth the prisoners; the Lord raiseth
+them that are bowed down; the Lord preserveth the
+strangers."</p>
+
+<p>"He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted,
+to preach deliverance to the captives, to set at liberty
+them that are bruised."'</p>
+
+<p>"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing
+of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I
+will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him."</p>
+
+<p>Again:--</p>
+
+<p>"The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment
+for all that are oppressed."</p>
+
+<p>"Rob not the poor because he is poor, neither
+oppress the afflicted in the gate; for the Lord will
+plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that
+spoiled them."</p>
+
+<p>"And I will come near to you to judgment, and
+I will be a swift witness against those that oppress
+the hireling in his wages, the widow and the fatherless,
+and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and
+fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Wo</i> unto him that buildeth his house by
+unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth
+his neighbor's service without wages, and giveth
+him not for his work."</p>
+
+<p>Fairs, for the sale of articles fabricated by the
+hands of female abolitionists, and recommended by
+such pictures and sentences as those quoted above,
+are held in many of our cities and large towns. Crowds
+frequent them to purchase; hundreds of dollars are
+thus realized, to be appropriated to the anti-slavery
+cause; and, from the cheap rate at which the articles
+are sold, vast numbers of them are scattered far and
+wide over the country. Besides these, if we except
+various drawings or pictures on <i>paper</i>,
+(samples of which were put up in the packages you
+ordered a few days ago,) such as the Slave-market in
+the District of Columbia, with Members of congress
+attending it--views of slavery in the South--a
+Lynch court in the slave-states--the scourging
+of Mr. Dresser by a vigilance committee in the public
+square of Nashville--the plundering of the
+post-office in Charleston, S.C., and the conflagration
+of part of its contents, &amp;c, &amp;c, I am apprised of no
+other means of propagating our doctrines than by oral
+and written discussions.</p>
+
+<p>"13. <i>Are your hopes and expectations of
+success increased or lessened by the events of the
+last year, and especially by the action of this Congress?
+And will your exertions be relaxed or increased?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--The events of the last year, including
+the action of the present Congress, are of the same
+character with the events of the eighteen months which
+immediately preceded it. In the question before us,
+they may be regarded as one series. I would say, answering
+your interrogatory generally, that none of them, however
+unpropitious to the cause of the abolitionists they
+may appear, to those who look at the subject from
+an opposite point to the one <i>they</i> occupy,
+seem, thus far, in any degree to have lessened their
+hopes and expectations. The events alluded to have
+not come altogether unexpected. They are regarded as
+the legitimate manifestations of slavery--necessary,
+perhaps, in the present dull and unapprehensive state
+of the public mind as to human rights, to be brought
+out and spread before the people, before they will
+sufficiently revolt against slavery itself.</p>
+
+<p>1. They are seen in the CHURCH, and in the practice
+of its individual members. The southern portion of
+the American church may now be regarded as having
+admitted the dogma, that <i>slavery is a Divine institution</i>.
+She has been forced by the anti-slavery discussion
+into this position--either to cease from
+slaveholding, or formally to adopt the only alternative,
+that slaveholding is right. She has chosen the alternative--reluctantly,
+to be sure, but substantially, and, within the last
+year, almost unequivocally. In defending what was dear
+to her, she has been forced to cast away her garments,
+and thus to reveal a deformity, of which she herself,
+before, was scarcely aware, and the existence of which
+others did not credit. So much for the action of the
+southern church as a body.--On the part of
+her MEMBERS, the revelation of a time-serving spirit,
+that not only yielded to the ferocity of the multitude,
+but fell in with it, may be reckoned among the events
+of the last three years. Instances of this may be
+found in the attendance of the "clergy of all
+denominations," at a tumultuous meeting of the
+citizens of Charleston, S.C., held in August, 1835,
+for the purpose of reducing to <i>system</i>
+their unlawful surveillance and control of the post-office
+and mail; and in the alacrity with which they obeyed
+the popular call to dissolve the Sunday-schools for
+the instruction of the colored people. Also in the
+fact, that, throughout the whole South, church members
+are not only found on the Vigilance Committees, (tribunals
+organized in opposition to the laws of the states where
+they exist,) but uniting with the merciless and the
+profligate in passing sentence consigning to infamous
+and excruciating, if not extreme punishment, persons,
+by their own acknowledgment, innocent of any unlawful
+act. Out of sixty persons that composed the vigilance
+committee which condemned Mr. Dresser to be scourged
+in the public square of Nashville, TWENTY-SEVEN were
+members of churches, and one of them a professed Teachers
+of Christianity. A member of the committee stated
+afterward, in a newspaper of which he was the editor,
+that Mr. D. <i>had not laid himself liable to any
+punishment known to the laws</i>. Another instance
+is to be found in the conduct of the Rev. Wm. S. Plumer,
+of Virginia. Having been absent from Richmond, when
+the ministers of the gospel assembled together formally
+to testify their abhorrence of the abolitionists,
+he addressed the chairman of the committee of correspondence
+a note, in which he uses this language:--"If
+abolitionists will set the country in a blaze, it is
+but fair that they should have the first warming at
+the fire."--"Let them understand,
+that they will be caught, if they come among us, and
+they will take good heed to keep out of our way."
+Mr. P. has no doubtful standing in the Presbyterian
+church with which he is connected. He has been regarded
+as one of its brightest ornaments.[<a name="AE2_FRAA"></a><a href="#AE2_FNAA">A</a>] To drive the
+slaveholding church and its members from the equivocal,
+the neutral position, from which they had so long
+successfully defended slavery--to compel
+them to elevate their practice to an even height with
+their avowed principles, or to degrade their principles
+to the level of their known practice, was a preliminary,
+necessary in the view of abolitionists, either for
+bringing that part of the church into the common action
+against slavery, or as a ground for treating it as
+confederate with oppressors. So far, then, as the
+action of the church, or of its individual members,
+is to be reckoned among the events of the last two
+or three years, the abolitionists find in it nothing
+to lessen their hopes or expectations.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNAA"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRAA">A</a>: In the division of the General Assembly
+of the Presbyterian church, that has just taken place,
+Mr. Plumer has been elected Moderator of the "Old
+School" portion.]</p>
+
+<p>2. The abolitionists believed, from the beginning,
+that the slaves of the South were (as slaves are everywhere)
+unhappy, <i>because of their condition</i>. Their
+adversaries denied it, averring that, as a class, they
+were "contented and happy." The abolitionists
+thought that the argument against slavery could be
+made good, so far as this point was concerned, by
+either <i>admitting</i> or <i>denying</i>
+the assertion.</p>
+
+<p><i>Admitting</i> it, they insisted, that, nothing
+could demonstrate the turpitude of any system more
+surely than the fact, that MAN--made in the
+image of God--but a little lower than the
+angels--crowned with glory and honor, and
+set over the works of God's hands--his
+mind sweeping in an instant from planet to planet,
+from the sun of one system to the sun of another,
+even to the great centre sun of them all--contemplating
+the machinery of the universe "wheeling unshaken"
+in the awful and mysterious grandeur of its movements
+"through the void immense"--with
+a spirit delighting in upward aspiration--bounding
+from earth to heaven--that seats itself
+fast by the throne of God, to drink in the instructions
+of Infinite Wisdom, or flies to execute the commands
+of Infinite Goodness;--that such a being
+could be made "contented and happy" with
+"enough to eat, and drink, and wear," and
+shelter from the weather--with the base
+provision that satisfies the brutes, is (say the abolitionists)
+enough to render superfluous all other arguments for
+the <i>instant</i> abandonment of a system whose
+appropriate work is such infinite wrong.</p>
+
+<p><i>Denying</i> that "the slaves are contented
+and happy," the abolitionists have argued, that,
+from the structure of his moral nature--the
+laws of his mind--man cannot be happy in
+the fact, that he is <i>enslaved</i>. True, he
+may be happy in slavery, but it is not slavery that
+makes him so--it is virtue and faith, elevating
+him above the afflictions of his lot. The slave has
+a will, leading him to seek those things which the
+Author of his nature has made conducive to its happiness.
+In these things, the will of the master comes in collision
+with his will. The slave desires to receive the rewards
+of his own labor; the power of the master wrests them
+from him. The slave desires to possess his wife, to
+whom God has joined him, in affection, to have the
+superintendence, and enjoy the services, of the children
+whom God has confided to him as a parent to train
+them, by the habits of the filial relation, for the
+yet higher relation that they may sustain to him as
+their heavenly Father. But here he is met by the opposing
+will of the master, pressing <i>his</i> claims
+with irresistible power. The ties that heaven has
+sanctioned and blessed--of husband and wife,
+of parent and child--are all sundered
+in a moment by the master, at the prompting of avarice
+or luxury or lust; and there is none that can stay
+his ruthless hand, or say unto him, "What doest
+thou?" The slave thirsts for the pleasures of
+refined and elevated intellect--the master
+denies to him the humblest literary acquisition. The
+slave pants to know something of that still higher
+nature that he feels burning within him--of
+his present state, his future destiny, of the Being
+who made him, to whose judgment-seat he is going. The
+master's interests cry, "No!" "Such
+knowledge is too wonderful for you; it is high, you
+cannot attain unto it." To predicate <i>happiness</i>
+of a class of beings, placed in circumstances where
+their will is everlastingly defeated by an irresistible
+power--the abolitionists say, is to prove
+them destitute of the sympathies of <i>our</i>
+nature--not <i>human</i>. It is to
+declare with the Atheist, that man is independent of
+the goodness of his Creator for his enjoyments--that
+human happiness calls not for any of the appliances
+of his bounty--that God's throne is
+a nullity, himself a superfluity.</p>
+
+<p>But, independently of any abstract reasoning drawn
+from the nature of moral and intelligent beings, FACTS
+have been elicited in the discussion of the point
+before us, proving slavery everywhere (especially Southern
+slavery, maintained by enlightened Protestants of the
+nineteenth century) replete with torments and horrors--the
+direst form of oppression that upheaves itself before
+the sun. These facts have been so successfully impressed
+on a large portion of the intelligent mind of the
+country, that the slaves of the South are beginning
+to be considered as those whom God emphatically regards
+as the "poor," the "needy,"
+the "afflicted," the "oppressed,"
+the "bowed down;" and for whose consolation
+he has said, "Now will I arise--I will
+set him in safety from him that puffeth at him."</p>
+
+<p>This state of the public mind has been brought about
+within the last two or three years; and it is an event
+which, so far from lessening, greatly animates, the
+hopes and expectations of abolitionists.</p>
+
+<p>3. The abolitionists believed from the first, that
+the tendency of slavery is to produce, on the part
+of the whites, looseness of morals, disdain of the
+wholesome restraints of law, and a ferocity of temper,
+found, only in solitary instances, in those countries
+where slavery is unknown. They were not ignorant of
+the fact, that this was disputed; nor that the "CHIVALRY
+OF THE SOUTH" had become a cant phrase, including,
+all that is high-minded and honorable among men; nor,
+that it had been formally asserted in our National
+legislature, that slavery, as it exists in the South,
+"produces the highest toned, the purest, best
+organization of society that has ever existed on the
+face of the earth." Nor were the abolitionists
+unaware, that these pretensions, proving anything
+else but their own solidity, had been echoed and re-echoed
+so long by the unthinking and the interested of the
+North, that the character of the South had been injuriously
+affected by them--till she began boldly
+to attribute her <i>peculiar</i> superiority to
+her <i>peculiar</i> institution, and thus to
+strengthen it. All this the abolitionists saw and
+knew. But few others saw and understood it as they
+did. The revelations of the last three years are fast
+dissipating the old notion, and bringing multitudes
+in the North to see the subject as the abolitionists
+see it. When "Southern Chivalry" and the
+<i>purity</i> of southern society are spoken
+of now, it is at once replied, that a large number
+of the slaves show, by their <i>color</i>, their
+indisputable claim to white paternity; and that, notwithstanding
+their near consanguineous relation to the whites,
+they are still held and treated, in all respects,
+<i>as slaves</i>. Nor is it forgotten now, when
+the claims of the South to "hospitality"
+are pressed, to object, because they are grounded
+on the unpaid wages of the laborer--on the
+robbery of the poor. When "Southern generosity"
+is mentioned, the old adage, "be just before
+you are generous," furnishes the reply. It is
+no proof of generosity (say the objectors) to take
+the bread of the laborer, to lavish it in banquetings
+on the rich. When "Southern Chivalry" is
+the theme of its admirers, the hard-handed, but intelligent,
+working man of the North asks, if the espionage of
+southern hotels, and of ships and steamboats on their
+arrival at southern ports; if the prowl, by day and
+by night, for the solitary stranger suspected of sympathizing
+with the enslaved, that he may be delivered over to
+the mercies of a vigilance committee, furnishes the
+proof of its existence; if the unlawful importation
+of slaves from Africa[<a name="AE2_FRAB"></a><a href="#AE2_FNAB">A</a>] furnishes the proof; if the
+abuse, the scourging, the hanging on suspicion, without
+law, of friendless strangers, furnish the proof; if
+the summary execution of slaves and of colored freemen,
+almost by the score, without legal trial, furnishes
+the proof; if the cruelties and tortures to which
+<i>citizens</i> have been exposed, and the burning
+to death of slaves by slow fires,[<a name="AE2_FRAC"></a><a href="#AE2_FNAC">B</a>] furnish the proof.
+All these things, says he, furnish any thing but proof
+of <i>true</i> hospitality, or generosity, or
+gallantry, or purity, or chivalry.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNAB"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRAB">A</a>: Mr. Mercer, of Virginia, some years ago,
+asserted in Congress, that "CARGOES" of
+African slaves were smuggled into the southern states
+to a deplorable extent. Mr. Middleton, of South Carolina,
+declared it to be his belief, that THIRTEEN THOUSAND
+Africans were annually smuggled into the southern
+states. Mr. Wright, of Maryland, estimated the number
+at FIFTEEN THOUSAND. Miss Martineau was told in 1835,
+by a wealthy slaveholder of Louisiana, (who probably
+spoke of that state alone,) that the annual importation
+of native Africans was from THIRTEEN THOUSAND to FIFTEEN
+THOUSAND. The President of the United States, in his
+last Annual Message, speaking of the Navy, says, "The
+large force under Commodore Dallas [on the West India
+station] has been most actively and efficiently employed
+in protecting our commerce, IN PREVENTING THE IMPORTATION
+OF SLAVES, &amp;c."]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNAC"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRAC">B</a>: Within the last few years, four slaves,
+and one citizen of color, have been put to death in
+this manner, in Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, and
+Arkansas.]</p>
+
+<p>Certain it is, that the time when southern slavery
+derived countenance at the North, from its supposed
+connection with "chivalry," is rapidly
+passing away. "Southern Chivalry" will
+soon be regarded as one of the by-gone fooleries of
+a less intelligent and less virtuous age. It will
+soon be cast out--giving place to the more
+reasonable idea, that the denial of wages to the laborer,
+the selling of men and women, the whipping of husbands
+and wives in each others presence, to compel them
+to unrequited toil, the deliberate attempt to extinguish
+mind, and, consequently, to destroy the soul--is
+among the highest offences against God and man--unspeakably
+mean and ungentlemanly.</p>
+
+<p>The impression made on the minds of the people as
+to this matter, is one of the events of the last two
+or three years that does not contribute to lessen
+the hopes or expectations of abolitionists.</p>
+
+<p>4. The ascendency that Slavery has acquired, and exercises,
+in the administration of the government, and the apprehension
+now prevailing among the sober and intelligent, irrespective
+of party, that it will soon overmaster the Constitution
+itself, may be ranked among the events of the last
+two or three years that affect the course of abolitionists.
+The abolitionists regard the Constitution with unabated
+affection. They hold in no common veneration the memory
+of those who made it. They would be the last to brand
+Franklin and King and Morris and Wilson and Sherman
+and Hamilton with the ineffaceable infamy of attempting
+to ingraft on the Constitution, and therefore to <i>perpetuate</i>,
+a system of oppression in absolute antagonism to its
+high and professed objects, one which their own practice
+condemned,--and this, too, when they had
+scarcely wiped away the dust and sweat of the Revolution
+from their brows! Whilst abolitionists feel and speak
+thus of our Constitutional fathers, they do not justify
+the dereliction of principle into which they were betrayed,
+when they imparted to the work of their hands <i>any</i>
+power to contribute to the continuance of such a system.
+They can only palliate it, by supposing, that they
+thought, slavery was already a waning institution,
+destined soon to pass away. In their time, (1787) slaves
+were comparatively of little value--there
+being then no great slave-labor staple (as cotton
+is now) to make them profitable to their holders.[<a name="AE2_FRAD"></a><a href="#AE2_FNAD">A</a>]
+Had the circumstances of the country remained as they
+then were, slave-labor, always and every where the
+most expensive--would have disappeared before
+the competition of free labour. They had seen, too,
+the principle of universal liberty, on which the Revolution
+was justified, recognised and embodied in most of
+the State Constitutions; they had seen slavery utterly
+forbidden in that of Vermont--instantaneously
+abolished in that of Massachusetts--and laws
+enacted in the New-England States and in Pennsylvania,
+for its gradual abolition. Well might they have anticipated,
+that Justice and Humanity, now starting forth with
+fresh vigor, would, in their march, sweep away the
+whole system; more especially, as freedom of speech
+and of the press--the legitimate abolisher
+not only of the acknowledged vice of slavery, but
+of every other that time should reveal in our institutions
+or practices--had been fully secured to the
+people. Again; power was conferred on Congress to
+put a stop to the African slave-trade, without which
+it was thought, at that time, to be impossible to maintain
+slavery, as a system, on this continent,--so
+great was the havoc it committed on human life. Authority
+was also granted to Congress to prevent the transfer
+of slaves, as articles of commerce, from one State
+to another; and the introduction of slavery into the
+territories. All this was crowned by the power of
+refusing admission into the Union, to any new state,
+whose form of government was repugnant to the principles
+of liberty set forth in that of the United States.
+The faithful execution, by Congress, of these powers,
+it was reasonably enough supposed, would, at least,
+prevent the growth of slavery, if it did not entirely
+remove it. Congress did, at the set time, execute <i>one</i>
+of them--deemed, then, the most effectual
+of the whole; but, as it has turned out, the least
+so.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNAD"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRAD">A</a>: The cultivation of cotton was almost
+unknown in the United States before 1787. It was not
+till two years afterward that it began to be raised
+or exported. (See Report of the Secretary of the Treasury,
+Feb. 29, 1836.)--See Appendix, D.]</p>
+
+<p>The effect of the interdiction of the African slave-trade
+was, not to diminish the trade itself, or greatly
+to mitigate its horrors; it only changed its name
+from African to American--transferred the
+seat of commerce from Africa to America--its
+profits from African princes to American farmers.
+Indeed, it is almost certain, if the African slave-trade
+had been left unrestrained, that slavery would not
+have covered so large a portion of our country as
+it does now. The cheap rate at which slaves might
+have been imported by the planters of the south, would
+have prevented the rearing of them for sale, by the
+farmers of Maryland, Virginia, and the other slave-selling
+states. If these states could be restrained from the
+<i>commerce</i> in slaves, slavery could not be
+supported by them for any length of time, or to any
+considerable extent. They could not maintain it, as
+an economical system, under the competition of free
+labor. It is owing to the <i>non-user</i> by Congress,
+or rather to their unfaithful application of their
+power to the other points, on which it was expected
+to act for the limitation or extermination of slavery,
+that the hopes of our fathers have not been realized;
+and that slavery has, at length, become so audacious,
+as openly to challenge the principles of 1776--to
+trample on the most precious rights secured to the
+citizen--to menace the integrity of the
+Union and the very existence of the government itself.</p>
+
+<p>Slavery has advanced to its present position by steps
+that were, at first, gradual, and, for a long time,
+almost unnoticed; afterward, it made its way by intimidating
+or corrupting those who ought to have been forward
+to resist its pretensions. Up to the time of the "Missouri
+Compromise," by which the nation was wheedled
+out of its honor, slavery was looked on as an evil
+that was finally to yield to the expanding and ripening
+influences of our Constitutional principles and regulations.
+Why it has not yielded, we may easily see, by even
+a slight glance at some of the incidents in our history.</p>
+
+<p>It has already been said, that we have been brought
+into our present condition by the unfaithfulness of
+Congress, in not <i>exerting</i> the power vested
+in it, to stop the domestic slave-trade, and in the
+<i>abuse</i> of the power of admitting "<i>new</i>
+states" into the Union. Kentucky made application
+in 1792, with a slave-holding Constitution in her
+hand.--With what a mere <i>technicality</i>
+Congress suffered itself to be drugged into torpor:--<i>She
+was part of one of the "Original States"--and
+therefore entitled to all their privileges.</i></p>
+
+<p>One precedent established, it was easy to make another.
+Tennessee was admitted in 1796, without scruple, on
+the same ground.</p>
+
+<p>The next triumph of slavery was in 1803, in the purchase
+of Louisiana, acknowledged afterward, even by Mr.
+Jefferson who made it, to be unauthorized by the Constitution--and
+in the establishment of slavery throughout its vast
+limits, actually and substantially under the auspices
+of that instrument which declares its only objects
+to be--"to form a more perfect union,
+establish JUSTICE, insure DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY, provide
+for the common defence, promote the general welfare,
+and secure the blessings of LIBERTY to ourselves and
+our posterity."[<a name="AE2_FRAE"></a><a href="#AE2_FNAE">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNAE"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRAE">A</a>: It may be replied, The colored people
+were held as <i>property</i> by the laws of Louisiana
+previously to the cession, and that Congress had no
+right to divest the newly acquired citizens of their
+property. This statement is evasive. It does not include,
+nor touch the question, which is this:--Had
+Congress, or the treaty-making power, a right to recognise,
+and, by recognising, to establish, in a territory
+that had no claim of privilege, on the ground of being
+part of one of the "Original States,"
+a condition of things that it could not establish
+<i>directly</i>, because there was no grant in
+the constitution of power, direct or incidental, to
+do so--and because, <i>to do so</i>,
+was in downright oppugnancy to the principles of the
+Constitution itself? The question may be easily answered
+by stating the following case:--Suppose
+a law had existed in Louisiana, previous to the cession,
+by which the children--male and female--of
+all such parents as were not owners of real estate
+of the yearly value of $500, had been--no
+matter how long--held in slavery by their
+more wealthy land-holding neighbors:--would
+Congress, under the Constitution, have a right (by
+recognising) to establish, for ever, such a relation
+as one white person, under such a law, might hold
+to another? Surely not. And yet no substantial difference
+between the two cases can be pointed out.]</p>
+
+<p>In this case, the violation of the Constitution was
+suffered to pass with but little opposition, except
+from Massachusetts, because we were content to receive
+in exchange, multiplied commercial benefits and enlarged
+territorial limits.</p>
+
+<p>The next stride that slavery made over the Constitution
+was in the admission of the State of Louisiana into
+the Union. <i>She</i> could claim no favor as
+part of an "Original State." At this point,
+it might have been supposed, the friends of Freedom
+and of the Constitution according to its original
+intent, would have made a stand. But no: with the exception
+of Massachusetts, they hesitated and were persuaded
+to acquiesce, because the country was just about entering
+into a war with England, and the crisis was unpropitious
+for discussing questions that would create divisions
+between different sections of the Union. We must wait
+till the country was at peace. Thus it was that Louisiana
+was admitted without a controversy.</p>
+
+<p>Next followed, in 1817 and 1820, Mississippi and Alabama--admitted
+after the example of Kentucky and Tennessee, without
+any contest.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, Florida had given some uneasiness to the
+slaveholders of the neighboring states; and for their
+accommodation chiefly, a <i>negociation</i> was set
+on foot by the government to purchase it.</p>
+
+<p>Missouri was next in order in 1821. She could plead
+no privilege, on the score of being part of one of
+the original states; the country too, was relieved
+from the pressure of her late conflict with England;
+it was prosperous and quiet; every thing seemed propitious
+to a calm and dispassionate consideration of the claims
+of slaveholders to add props to their system, by admitting
+indefinitely, new slave states to the Union. Up to
+this time, the "EVIL" of slavery had been
+almost universally acknowledged and deplored by the
+South, and its termination (apparently) sincerely
+hoped for.[<a name="AE2_FRAF"></a><a href="#AE2_FNAF">A</a>] By this management its friends succeeded
+in blinding the confiding people of the North. They
+thought for the most part, that the slaveholders were
+acting in good faith. It is not intended by this remark,
+to make the impression, that the South had all along
+pressed the admission of new slave states, simply with
+a view to the increase of its own relative power.
+By no means: slavery had insinuated itself into favor
+because of its being mixed up with (other) supposed
+benefits--and because its ultimate influence
+on the government was neither suspected nor dreaded.
+But, on the Missouri question, there was a fair trial
+of strength between the friends of Slavery and the
+friends of the Constitution. The former triumphed,
+and by the prime agency of one whose raiment, the
+remainder of his days, ought to be sackcloth and ashes,--because
+of the disgrace he has continued on the name of his
+country, and the consequent injury that he has inflicted
+on the cause of Freedom throughout the world. Although
+all the different Administrations, from the first
+organization of the government, had, in the indirect
+manner already mentioned, favored slavery,--there
+had not been on any previous occasion, a direct struggle
+between its pretensions and the principles of liberty
+ingrafted on the Constitution. The friends of the
+latter were induced to believe, whenever they should
+be arrayed against each other, that <i>theirs</i>
+would be the triumph. Tremendous error! Mistake almost
+fatal! The battle was fought. Slavery emerged from
+it unhurt--her hands made gory--her
+bloody plume still floating in the air--exultingly
+brandishing her dripping sword over her prostrate and
+vanquished enemy. She had won all for which she fought.
+Her victory was complete--THE SANCTION OF
+THE NATION WAS GIVEN TO SLAVERY![<a name="AE2_FRB0"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB0">B</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNAF"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRAF">A</a>: Mr. Clay, in conducting the Missouri
+compromise, found it necessary to argue, that the
+admission of Missouri, as a slaveholding state, would
+aid in bringing about the termination of slavery. His
+argument is thus stated by Mr. Sergeant, who replied
+to him:--"In this long view of remote
+and distant consequences, the gentleman from Kentucky
+(Mr. Clay) thinks he sees how slavery, when thus spread,
+is at last to find its end. It is to be brought about
+by the combined operation of the laws which regulate
+the price of labor, and the laws which govern population.
+When the country shall be filled with inhabitants,
+and the price of labor shall have reached a minimum,
+(a comparative minimum I suppose is meant,) free labor
+will be found cheaper than slave labor. Slaves will
+then be without employment, and, of course, without
+the means of comfortable subsistence, which will reduce
+their numbers, and finally extirpate them. This is
+the argument as I understand it," says Mr. Sergeant;
+and, certainly, one more chimerical or more inhuman
+could not have been urged.]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB0"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB0">B</a>: See Appendix, E.]</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after this achievement, the slaveholding
+interest was still more strongly fortified by the
+acquisition of Florida, and the establishment of slavery
+there, as it had already been in the territory of
+Louisiana. The Missouri triumph, however, seems to
+have extinguished every thing like a systematic or
+spirited opposition, on the part of the free states,
+to the pretensions of the slaveholding South.</p>
+
+<p>Arkansas was admitted but the other day, with nothing
+that deserves to be called an effort to prevent it--although
+her Constitution attempts to <i>perpetuate</i>
+slavery, by forbidding the master to emancipate his
+bondmen without the consent of the Legislature, and
+the Legislature without the consent of the master.
+Emboldened, but not satisfied, with their success
+in every political contest with the people of the free
+states, the slaveholders are beginning now to throw
+off their disguise--to brand their former
+notions about the "<i>evil</i>, political
+and moral" of slavery, as "folly and delusion,"[<a name="AE2_FRB1"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB1">A</a>]--and
+as if to "make assurance double sure,"
+and defend themselves forever, by territorial power,
+against the progress of Free principles and the renovation
+of the Constitution, they now demand openly--scorning
+to conceal that their object is, to <i>advance and
+establish their political power in the country</i>,--that
+Texas, a foreign state, five or six times as large
+as all New England, with a Constitution dyed as deep
+in slavery, as that of Arkansas, shall be added to
+the Union.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB1"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB1">A</a>: Mr. Calhoun is reported, in the National
+Intelligencer, as having used these words in a speech
+delivered in the Senate, the 10th day of January:--</p>
+
+<p>"Many in the South once believed that it [slavery]
+was a moral and political evil; that folly and delusion
+are gone. We see it now in its true light, and regard
+it as the most safe and stable basis for free institutions
+in the world."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hammond, formerly a Representative in Congress
+from South Carolina, delivered a speech (Feb. 1, 1836)
+on the question of receiving petitions for the abolition
+of slavery in the District of Columbia. In answering
+those who objected to a slaveholding country, that
+it was "assimilated to an aristocracy,"
+he says--"In this they are right. I
+accept the terms. <i>It is a government of the best.</i>
+Combining all the advantages, and possessing but few
+of the disadvantages, of the aristocracy of the old
+world--without fostering, to an unwarrantable
+extent, the pride, the exclusiveness, the selfishness,
+the thirst for sway, the contempt for the rights of
+others, which distinguish the nobility of Europe--it
+gives us their education, their polish, their munificence,
+their high honor, their undaunted spirit. Slavery
+does indeed create an aristocracy--an aristocracy
+of talents, of virtue, of generosity, of courage. In
+a slave country, every freeman is an aristocrat. Be
+he rich or poor, if he does not possess a single slave,
+he has been born to all the natural advantages of
+the society in which he is placed; and all its honors
+lie open before him, inviting his genius and industry.
+Sir, I do firmly believe, that domestic slavery, regulated
+as ours is, produces the highest toned, the purest,
+best organization of society, that has ever existed
+on the face of the earth."</p>
+
+<p>That this <i>retraxit</i> of former <i>follies
+and delusions</i> is not confined to the mere politician,
+we have the following proofs:--</p>
+
+<p>The CHARLESTON (S.C.) UNION PRESBYTERY--"Resolved.
+That in the opinion of this Presbytery, the holding
+of slaves, so far from being a sin in the sight of
+God, is nowhere condemned in his holy word; that it
+is in accordance with the example, or consistent with
+the precepts, of patriarchs, prophets, and apostles;
+and that it is compatible with the most fraternal
+regard to the good of the servants whom God has committed
+to our charge."--Within the last few
+months, as we learn from a late No. of the Charleston
+Courier, the late Synod of the Presbyterian Church,
+in Augusta, (Ga.) passed resolutions declaring "That
+slavery is a CIVIL INSTITUTION, with which the General
+Assembly [the highest ecclesiastical tribunal] has
+NOTHING TO DO."</p>
+
+<p>Again:--The CHARLESTON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION,
+in a memorial to the Legislature of South Carolina,
+say--"The undersigned would further
+represent, that the said Association does not consider
+that the Holy Scriptures have made the FACT of slavery
+a question of morals at all." And further,--"The
+right of masters to dispose of the time of their slaves,
+has been distinctly recognised by the Creator of all
+things."</p>
+
+<p>Again:--The EDGEFIELD (S.C.) ASSOCIATION--"Resolved,
+That the practical question of slavery, in a country
+where the system has obtained as a part of its stated
+policy, is settled in the Scriptures by Jesus Christ
+and his apostles." "Resolved, That these
+uniformly recognised the relation of master and slave,
+and enjoined on both their respective duties, under
+a system of servitude more degrading and absolute than
+that which obtains in our country."</p>
+
+<p>Again we find, in a late No. of the Charleston Courier,
+the following:--</p>
+
+<p>"THE SOUTHERN CHURCH.--The Georgia
+Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at a
+recent meeting in Athens, passed resolutions, declaring
+that slavery, as it exists in the United States, is
+not a moral evil, and is a civil and domestic institution,
+with which Christian ministers have nothing to do,
+further than to meliorate the condition of the slave,
+by endeavoring to impart to him and his master the
+benign influence of the religion of Christ, and aiding
+both on their way to heaven."]</p>
+
+<p>The abolitionists feel a deep regard for the integrity
+and union of the government, <i>on the principles
+of the Constitution</i>. Therefore it is, that
+they look with earnest concern on the attempt now making
+by the South, to do, what, in the view of multitudes
+of our citizens, would amount to good cause for the
+separation of the free from the slave states. Their
+concern is not mingled with any feelings of despair.
+The alarm they sounded on the "annexation"
+question has penetrated the free states; it will,
+in all probability, be favorably responded to by every
+one of them; thus giving encouragement to our faith,
+that the admission of Texas will be successfully resisted,--that
+this additional stain will not be impressed on our
+national escutcheon, nor this additional peril brought
+upon the South.[<a name="AE2_FRB2"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB2">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB2"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB2">A</a>: See Appendix, F.]</p>
+
+<p>This, the present condition of the country, induced
+by a long train of <i>usurpations</i> on the part of
+the South, and by unworthy concessions to it by the
+North, may justly be regarded as one of the events
+of the last few years affecting in some way, the measures
+of the abolitionists. It has certainly done so. And
+whilst it is not to be denied, that many abolitionists
+feel painful apprehensions for the result, it has only
+roused them up to make more strenuous efforts for the
+preservation of the country.</p>
+
+<p>It may be replied--if the abolitionists
+are such firm friends of the Union, why do they persist
+in what must end in its rupture and dissolution? The
+abolitionists, let it be repeated <i>are</i> friends
+of <i>the</i> Union that was intended by the
+Constitution; but not of a Union from which is eviscerated,
+to be trodden under foot, the right to SPEAK,--to
+PRINT--to PETITION,--the rights
+of CONSCIENCE; not of a Union whose ligaments are
+whips, where the interest of the oppressor is the
+<i>great</i> interest, the right to oppress the
+<i>paramount</i> right. It is against the distortion
+of the glorious Union our fathers left us into one
+bound with despotic bands that the abolitionists are
+contending. In the political aspect of the question,
+they have nothing to ask, except what the Constitution
+authorizes--no change to desire, but that
+the Constitution may be restored to its pristine republican
+purity.</p>
+
+<p>But they have well considered the "dissolution
+of the Union." There is no just ground for apprehending
+that such a measure will ever be resorted to by the
+<i>South</i>. It is by no means intended by this,
+to affirm, that the South, like a spoiled child, for
+the first time denied some favourite object, may not
+fall into sudden frenzy and do herself some great
+harm. But knowing as I do, the intelligence and forecast
+of the leading men of the South--and believing
+that they will, if ever such a crisis should come,
+be judiciously influenced by the <i>existing</i>
+state of the case, and by the <i>consequences</i>
+that would inevitably flow from an act of dissolution--they
+would not, I am sure, deem it desirable or politic.
+They would be brought, in their calmer moments, to
+coincide with one who has facetiously, but not the
+less truly remarked, that it would be as indiscreet
+in the slave South to separate from the free North,
+as for the poor, to separate from the parish that supported
+them. In support of this opinion, I would say:</p>
+
+<p>First--A dissolution of the Union by the
+South would, in no manner, secure to her the object
+she has in view.--The <i>leaders</i>
+at the South, both in the church and in the state,
+must, by this time, be too well informed as to the
+nature of the anti-slavery movement, and the character
+of those engaged in it, to entertain fears that, violence
+of any kind will be resorted to, directly or indirectly.[<a name="AE2_FRB3"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB3">A</a>]
+The whole complaint of the South is neither more nor
+less than this--THE NORTH TALKS ABOUT SLAVERY.
+Now, of all the means or appliances that could be
+devised, to give greater life and publicity to the
+discussion of slavery, none could be half so effectual
+as the dissolution of the Union <i>because of the
+discussion</i>. It would astonish the civilized
+world--they would inquire into the cause
+of such a remarkable event in its history;--the
+result would be not only enlarged <i>discussion</i>
+of the whole subject, but it would bring such a measure
+of contempt on the guilty movers of the deed, that
+even with all the advantages of "their education,
+their polish, their munificence, their high honor,
+their undaunted spirit," so eloquently set forth
+by the Hon. Mr. Hammond, they would find it hard to
+withstand its influence. It is difficult for men in
+a <i>good</i> cause, to maintain their steadfastness
+in opposition to an extensively corrupt public sentiment;
+in a <i>bad</i> one, against public sentiment
+purified and enlightened, next to impossible, if not
+quite so.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB3"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB3">A</a>: "It is not," says Mr. Calhoun,
+"that we expect the abolitionists will resort
+to arms--will commence a crusade to deliver
+our slaves by force."--"Let me
+tell our friends of the South, who differ from us,
+that the war which the abolitionists wage against us
+is of a very different character, and <i>far more
+effective</i>. It is waged, not against our lives,
+but our character." More correctly, Mr. C. might
+have said against a <i>system</i>, with which
+the slaveholders have chosen to involve their characters,
+and which they have determined to defend, at the hazard
+of losing them.]</p>
+
+<p>Another result would follow the dissolution:--<i>Now</i>,
+the abolitionists find it difficult, by reason of
+the odium which the principal slaveholders and their
+friends have succeeded in attaching to their <i>name</i>,
+to introduce a knowledge of their principles and measures
+into the great mass of southern mind. There are multitudes
+at the South who would co-operate with us, if they
+could be informed of our aim.[<a name="AE2_FRB4"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB4">A</a>] Now, we cannot reach
+them--then, it would be otherwise. The united
+power of the large slaveholders would not be able
+longer to keep them in ignorance. If the Union were
+dissolved, they <i>would</i> know the cause, and
+discuss it, and condemn it.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB4"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB4">A</a>: There is abundant evidence of this. Our
+limits confine us to the following, from the first
+No. of the Southern Literary Journal, (Charleston,
+S.C.):--"There are <i>many good men
+even among us</i>, who have begun to grow <i>timid</i>.
+They think, that what the virtuous and high-minded
+men of the North look upon as a crime and a plague-spot,
+cannot be perfectly innocent or quite harmless in a
+slaveholding community."</p>
+
+<p>This, also, from the North Carolina Watchman:--</p>
+
+<p>"It (the abolition party) is the growing party
+at the North. We are inclined to believe that there
+is even more of it at the South than prudence will
+permit to be openly avowed."</p>
+
+<p>"It is well known, Mr. Speaker, that there is
+a LARGE, RESPECTABLE and INTELLIGENT PARTY in Kentucky,
+who will exert every nerve and spare no efforts to
+dislodge the subsisting rights to our Slave population,
+or alter in some manner, and to some extent, at least,
+the tenure by which that species of property is held."--<i>Speech
+of the Hon. James T. Morehead in the Kentucky Legislature,
+last winter</i>.]</p>
+
+<p>A second reason why the South will not dissolve the
+Union is, that she would be exposed to the visitation
+of <i>real</i> incendiaries, exciting her slaves
+to revolt. Now, it would cover any one with infamy,
+who would stir them up to vindicate their rights by
+the massacre of their masters. Dissolve the Union,
+and the candidates for "GLORY" would find
+in the plains of Carolina and Louisiana as inviting
+a theatre for their enterprise, as their prototypes,
+the Houstons, the Van Rennsselaers, and the Sutherlands
+did, in the prairies of Texas or the forests of Canada.</p>
+
+<p>A third reason why the South will not dissolve is,
+that the slaves would leave their masters and take
+refuge in the free states. The South would not be
+able to establish a <i>cordon</i> along her wide
+frontier sufficiently strong to prevent it. Then,
+the slaves could not be reclaimed, as they now are,
+under the Constitution. Some may say, the free states
+would not permit them to come in and dwell among them.--Believe
+it not. The fact of separation on the ground supposed,
+would abolitionize the whole North. Beside this, in
+an economical point of view, the <i>demand for labor</i>
+in the Western States would make their presence welcome.
+At all events, a passage through the Northern States
+to Canada would not be denied them.</p>
+
+<p>A fourth reason why the South will not dissolve is,
+that a large number of her most steady and effective
+population would emigrate to the free states. In the
+slave-<i>selling</i> states especially, there
+has always been a class who have consented to remain
+there with their families, only in the hope that slavery
+would, in some way or other, be terminated. I do not
+say they are abolitionists, for many of them are slaveholders.
+It may be, too, that such would expect compensation
+for their slaves, should they be emancipated, and
+also that they should be sent out of the country.
+The particular mode of emancipation, however crude
+it may be, that has occupied their minds, has nothing
+to do with the point before us. <i>They look for
+emancipation--in this hope they have remained,
+and now remain, where they are</i>. Take away this
+hope, by making slavery the <i>distinctive bond
+of union</i> of a new government, and you drive
+them to the North. These persons are not among the
+rich, the voluptuous, the effeminate; nor are they
+the despised, the indigent, the thriftless--they
+are men of moderate property, of intelligence, of
+conscience--in every way the "bone
+and sinew" of the South.</p>
+
+<p>A fifth reason why the South will not dissolve, is
+her <i>weakness</i>. It is a remarkable fact,
+that in modern times, and in the Christian world, all
+slaveholding countries have been united with countries
+that are free. Thus, the West Indian and Mexican and
+South American slaveholding colonies were united to
+England, France, Spain, Portugal, and other states
+of Europe. If England (before her Emancipation Act)
+and the others had at any time withdrawn the protection
+of their <i>power</i> from their colonies, slavery
+would have been extinguished almost simultaneously
+with the knowledge of the fact. In the West Indies
+there could have been no doubt of this, from the disparity
+in numbers between the whites and the slaves, from
+the multiplied attempts made from time to time by
+the latter to vindicate their rights by insurrection,
+and from the fact, that all their insurrections had
+to be suppressed by the <i>force</i> of the mother
+country. As soon as Mexico and the South American
+colonies dissolved their connexion with Spain, slavery
+was abolished in every one of them. This may, I know,
+be attributed to the necessity imposed on these states,
+by the wars in which they engaged to establish their
+independence. However this may be--the <i>fact</i>
+still remains. The free states of this Union are to
+the slave, so far as the maintenance of slavery is
+concerned, substantially, in the relation of the European
+states to their slaveholding colonies. Slavery, in
+all probability, could not be maintained by the South
+disjoined from the North, a single year. So far from
+there existing any reason for making the South an
+exception, in this particular, to other slave countries,
+there are circumstances in her condition that seem
+to make her dependence more complete. Two of them
+are, the superior intelligence of her slaves on the
+subject of human rights, and the geographical connexion
+of the slave region in the United States. In the West
+Indies, in Mexico and South America the great body
+of the slaves were far below the slaves of this country
+in their intellectual and moral condition--and,
+in the former, their power to act in concert was weakened
+by the insular fragments into which they were divided.</p>
+
+<p>Again, the depopulation of the South of large numbers
+of its white inhabitants, from the cause mentioned
+under the fourth head, would, it is apprehended, bring
+the two classes to something like a numerical equality.
+Now, consider the present state of the moral sentiment
+of the Christianized and commercial world in relation
+to slavery; add to it the impulse that this sentiment,
+acknowledged by the South already to be wholly opposed
+to her, would naturally acquire by an act of separation
+on her part, with a single view to the perpetuation
+of slavery; bring this sentiment in all its accumulation
+and intensity to act upon a nation where one half
+are enslavers, the other the enslaved--and
+what must be the effect? From the nature of mind;
+from the laws of moral influence, (which are as sure
+in their operation, if not so well understood, as
+the laws of physical influence,) the party "whose
+conscience with injustice is oppressed," must
+become dispirited, weakened in courage, and in the
+end unnerved and contemptible. On the other hand,
+the sympathy that would be felt for the oppressed--the
+comfort they would receive--the encouragement
+that would be given them to assert their rights, would
+make it an impossibility, to keep them in slavish
+peace and submission.</p>
+
+<p>This state of things would be greatly aggravated by
+the peculiarly morbid sensitiveness of the South to
+every thing that is supposed to touch her <i>character</i>.
+Her highest distinction would then become her most
+troublesome one. How, for instance, could her chivalrous
+sons bear to be taunted, wherever they went, on business
+or for pleasure, out of their own limits, with the
+cry "the knights of the lash!" "Go
+home and pay your laborers!" "Cease from
+the scourging of husbands and wives in each others
+presence--from attending the shambles, to
+sell or buy as slaves those whom God has made of the
+same blood with yourselves--your brethren--your
+sisters! Cease, high minded sons of the 'ANCIENT
+DOMINION,' from estimating your revenue by the
+number of children you rear, to sell in the flesh
+market!" "Go home and pay your laborers!"
+"Go home and pay your laborers!" This
+would be a trial to which "southern chivalry"
+could not patiently submit. Their "high honor,"
+their "undaunted spirit" would impel them
+to the field--only to prove that the "last
+resort" requires something more substantial than
+mere "honor" and "spirit"
+to maintain it. Suppose there should be a disagreement--as
+in all likelihood there soon would, leading to war
+between the North and the South? The North would scarcely
+have occasion to march a squadron to the field. She
+would have an army that could be raised up by the
+million, at the fireside of her enemy. It has been
+said, that during the late war with England, it was
+proposed to her cabinet, by some enterprising officers,
+to land five thousand men on the coast of South Carolina
+and proclaim liberty to the slates. The success of
+the scheme was well thought of. But then the example!
+England herself held nearly a million of slaves at
+no greater distance from the scene of action than
+the West Indies. <i>Now</i>, a restraint of this
+kind on such a scheme does not exist.</p>
+
+<p>It seems plain beyond the power of argument to make
+it plainer, that a slaveholding nation--one
+under the circumstances in which the South separated
+from the North would be placed--must be at
+the mercy of every free people having neither power
+to vindicate a right nor avenge a wrong.[<a name="AE2_FRB5"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB5">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB5"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB5">A</a>: Governor Hayne, of South Carolina, spoke
+in high terms, a few years ago, of the ability that
+the South would possess, in a military point of view,
+because her great wealth would enable her, at all
+times, to command the services of mercenary troops.
+Without stopping to dispute with him, as to her comparative
+wealth, I would remark, that he seemed entirely to
+have overlooked this truth--that whenever
+a government is under the necessity of calling in
+foreign troops, to keep in subjection one half of
+the people, the power of the government has already
+passed into the hands of the <i>Protectors</i>.
+They can and will, of course, act with whichever party
+will best subserve their purpose.]</p>
+
+<p>A sixth reason why the South will not dissolve the
+Union, is found in the difficulty of bringing about
+an <i>actual</i> separation. Preparatory to such
+a movement, it would seem indispensable, that <i>Union</i>
+among the seceding states themselves should be secured.
+A General Convention would be necessary to adjust
+its terms. This would, of course, be preceded by <i>particular</i>
+conventions in the several states. To this procedure
+the same objection applies, that has been made, for
+the last two or three years, to holding an anti-abolition
+convention in the South:--It would give
+to the <i>question</i> such notoriety, that the
+object of holding the convention could not be concealed
+from the slaves. The more sagacious in the South have
+been opposed to a convention; nor have they been influenced
+solely by the consideration just mentioned--which,
+in my view, is but of little moment--but
+by the apprehension, that the diversity of sentiment
+which exists among the slave states, themselves, in
+relation to the <i>system</i>, would be disclosed
+to the country; and that the slaveholding interest
+would be found deficient in that harmony which, from
+its perfectness heretofore, has made the slaveholders
+so successful in their action on the North.</p>
+
+<p>The slaveholding region may be divided into the <i>farming</i>
+and the <i>planting</i>--or the slave-<i>selling</i>
+and the slave-<i>buying</i> districts. Maryland,
+Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri and East Tennessee constitute
+the first. West Tennessee is somewhat equivocal. All
+the states south of Tennessee belong to the slave-<i>buying</i>
+district. The first, with but few exceptions, have
+from the earliest times, felt slavery a reproach to
+their good name--an encumbrance on their
+advancement--at some period, to be cast
+off. This sentiment, had it been at all encouraged
+by the action of the General Government, in accordance
+with the views of the convention that formed the Constitution,
+would, in all probability, by this time, have brought
+slavery in Maryland and Virginia to an end. Notwithstanding
+the easy admission of slave states into the Union,
+and the <i>yielding</i> of the free states whenever
+they were brought in collision with the South, have
+had a strong tendency to persuade the <i>farming</i>
+slave states to continue their system, yet the sentiment
+in favor of emancipation in some form, still exists
+among them. Proof, encouraging proof of this, is found
+in the present attitude of Kentucky. Her legislature
+has just passed a law, proposing to the people, to
+hold a convention to alter the constitution. In the
+discussion of the bill, slavery as connected with
+some form of emancipation, seems to have constituted
+the most important element. The public journals too,
+that are <i>opposed</i> to touching the subject
+at all, declare that the main object for recommending
+a convention was, to act on slavery in some way.</p>
+
+<p>Now, it would be in vain for the <i>planting</i>
+South to expect, that Kentucky or any other of the
+<i>farming</i> slave states would unite with
+her, in making slavery the <i>perpetual bond</i>
+of a new political organization. If they feel the
+inconveniences of slavery <i>in their present condition</i>,
+they could not be expected to enter on another, where
+these inconveniences would be inconceivably multiplied
+and aggravated, and, by the very terms of their new
+contract, <i>perpetuated</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This letter is already so protracted, that I cannot
+stop here to develop more at large this part of the
+subject. To one acquainted with the state of public
+sentiment, in what I have called, the <i>farming</i>
+district, it needs no further development. There is
+not one of these states embraced in it, that would
+not, when brought to the test, prefer the privileges
+of the Union to the privilege of perpetual slaveholding.
+And if there should turn out to be a single <i>desertion</i>
+in this matter, the whole project of secession must
+come to nought.</p>
+
+<p>But laying aside all the obstacles to union among
+the seceding states, how is it possible to take the
+first step to <i>actual</i> separation! The separation,
+at the worst, can only be <i>political</i>. There
+will be no chasm--no rent made in the earth
+between the two sections. The natural and ideal boundaries
+will remain unaltered. Mason and Dixon's line
+will not become a wall of adamant that can neither
+be undermined nor surmounted. The Ohio river will
+not be converted into flame, or into another Styx,
+denying a passage to every living thing.</p>
+
+<p>Besides this stability of natural things, the multiform
+interests of the two sections would, in the main,
+continue as they are. The complicate ties of commerce
+could not be suddenly unloosed. The breadstuffs, the
+beef, the pork, the turkies, the chickens, the woollen
+and cotton fabrics, the hats, the shoes, the socks,
+the "<i>horn flints and bark nutmegs</i>,"[<a name="AE2_FRB6"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB6">A</a>]
+the machinery, the sugar-kettles, the cotton-gins,
+the axes, the hoes, the drawing-chains of the North,
+would be as much needed by the South, the day after
+the separation as the day before. The newspapers of
+the North--its Magazines, its Quarterlies,
+its Monthlies, would be more sought after by the readers
+of the South than they now are; and the Southern journals
+would become doubly interesting to us. There would
+be the same lust for our northern summers and your
+southern winters, with all their health-giving influences;
+and last, though not least, the same desire of marrying
+and of being given in marriage that now exists between
+the North and South. Really it is difficult to say
+<i>where</i> this long threatened separation is
+to <i>begin</i>; and if the place of beginning
+could be found, it would seem like a poor exchange
+for the South, to give up all these pleasant and profitable
+relations and connections for the privilege of enslaving
+an equal number of their fellow-creatures.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB6"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB6">A</a>: Senator Preston's Railroad Speech,
+delivered at Colombia, S.C., in 1836.]</p>
+
+<p>Thus much for the menace, that the "UNION WILL
+BE DISSOLVED" unless the discussion of the slavery
+question be stopped.</p>
+
+<p>But you may reply, "Do you think the South is
+not in earnest in her threat of dissolving the Union?"
+I rejoin, by no means;--yet she pursues
+a perfectly reasonable course (leaving out of view
+the justice or morality of it)--just such
+a course as I should expect she would pursue, emboldened
+as she must be by her multiplied triumphs over the
+North by the use of the same weapon. "We'll
+dissolve the Union!" was the cry, "unless
+Missouri be admitted!!" The North were frightened,
+and Missouri was admitted with SLAVERY engraved on
+her forehead. "We'll dissolve the Union!"
+unless the Indians be driven out of the South!! The
+North forgot her treaties, parted with humanity, and
+it is done--the defenceless Indians are
+forced to "consent" to be driven out, or
+they are left, undefended, to the mercies of southern
+land-jobbers and gold-hunters. "We'll
+dissolve the Union! If the Tariff" [established
+at her own suggestion] "be not repealed or modified
+so that our slave-labor may compete with your free-labor."
+The Tariff is accordingly modified to suit the South.
+"We'll dissolve the Union!" unless
+the freedom of speech and the press be put down in
+the North!!--With the promptness of commission-merchants,
+the alternative is adopted. Public assemblies met
+for deliberation are assailed and broken up at the
+North; her citizens are stoned and beaten and dragged
+through the streets of her cities; her presses are
+attacked by mobs, instigated and led on by men of influence
+and character; whilst those concerned in conducting
+them are compelled to fly from their homes, pursued
+as if they were noxious wild beasts; or, if they remain
+to defend, they are sacrificed to appease the southern
+divinity. "We'll dissolve the Union"
+if slavery be abolished in the District of Columbia!
+The North, frightened from her propriety, declares
+that slavery ought not to be abolished there NOW.--"We'll
+dissolve the Union!" if you read petitions from
+your constituents for its abolition, or for stopping
+the slave-trade at the Capital, or between the states.
+FIFTY NORTHERN REPRESENTATIVES respond to the cry,
+"down, then, with the RIGHT OF PETITION!!"
+All these assaults have succeeded because the North
+has been frightened by the war-cry, "WE'LL
+DISSOLVE THE UNION!"</p>
+
+<p>After achieving so much by a process so simple, why
+should not the South persist in it when striving for
+further conquests? No other course ought to be expected
+from her, till this has failed. And it is not at all
+improbable, that she will persist, till she almost
+persuades herself that she is serious in her menace
+to dissolve the Union. She may in her eagerness, even
+approach so near the verge of dissolution, that the
+earth may give way under her feet and she be dashed
+in ruins in the gulf below.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing will more surely arrest her fury, than the
+firm array of the North, setting up anew the almost
+forgotten principles of our fathers, and saying to
+the "dark spirit of slavery,"--"thus
+far shalt thou go, and no farther." This is
+the best--the only--means of saving
+the South from the fruits of her own folly--folly
+that has been so long, and so strangely encouraged
+by the North, that it has grown into intolerable arrogance--down
+right presumption.</p>
+
+<p>There are many other "events" of the last
+two or three years which have, doubtless, had their
+influence on the course of the abolitionists--and
+which might properly be dwelt upon at considerable
+length, were it not that this communication is already
+greatly protracted beyond its intended limits. I shall,
+therefore, in mentioning the remaining topics, do
+little more than enumerate them.</p>
+
+<p>The Legislature of Vermont has taken a decided stand
+in favor of anti-slavery principles and action. In
+the Autumn of 1836, the following resolutions were
+passed by an almost unanimous vote in both houses:--</p>
+
+<p>"Resolved, By the General Assembly of the State
+of Vermont, That neither Congress nor the State Governments
+have any constitutional right to abridge the free
+expressions of opinions, or the transmission of them
+through the medium of the public mails."</p>
+
+<p>"Resolved, That Congress do possess the power
+to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia."</p>
+
+<p>"Resolved, That His Excellency, the Governor,
+be requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions
+to the Executive of each of the States, and to each
+of our Senators and Representatives in Congress."</p>
+
+<p>At the session held in November last, the following
+joint resolutions, preceded by a decisive memorial
+against the admission of Texas, were passed by both
+branches--with the exception of the <i>fifth</i>
+which was passed only by the House of Representatives:--</p>
+
+<p>1. Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives,
+That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our
+Representatives requested, to use their influence
+in that body to prevent the annexation of Texas to
+the Union.</p>
+
+<p>2. Resolved, That, representing, as we do, the people
+of Vermont, we do hereby, in their name, SOLEMNLY
+PROTEST against such annexation in any form.</p>
+
+<p>3. Resolved, That, as the Representatives of the people
+of Vermont, we do solemnly protest against the admission,
+into this Union, of any state whose constitution tolerates
+domestic slavery.</p>
+
+<p>4. Resolved, That Congress have full power, by the
+Constitution, to abolish slavery and the slave-trade
+in the District of Columbia and in the territories
+of the United States.</p>
+
+<p>[5. Resolved, That Congress has the constitutional
+power to prohibit the slave-trade between the several
+states of this Union, and to make such laws as shall
+effectually prohibit such trade.]</p>
+
+<p>6. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed,
+and our Representatives requested, to present the
+foregoing Report and Resolutions to their respective
+Houses in Congress, and use their influence to carry
+the same speedily into effect.</p>
+
+<p>7. Resolved, That the Governor of this State be requested
+to transmit a copy of the foregoing Report and Resolutions
+to the President of the United States, and to each
+of our Senators and Representatives in Congress.</p>
+
+<p>The influence of anti-slavery principles in Massachusetts
+has become decisive, if we are to judge from the change
+of sentiment in the legislative body. The governor
+of that commonwealth saw fit to introduce into his
+inaugural speech, delivered in January, 1836, a severe
+censure of the abolitionists, and to intimate that
+they were guilty of an offence punishable at common
+law. This part of the speech was referred to a joint
+committee of five, of which a member of the senate
+was chairman. To the same committee were also referred
+communications which had been received by the governor
+from several of the legislatures of the slaveholding
+states, requesting the Legislature of Massachusetts
+to enact laws, making it PENAL for citizens of that
+state to form societies for the abolition of slavery,
+or to speak or publish sentiments such as had been
+uttered in anti-slavery meetings and published in anti-slavery
+tracts and papers. The managers of the Massachusetts
+Anti-Slavery Society, in a note addressed to the chairman
+of the committee, requested permission, as a party
+whose rights were drawn in question, to appear before
+it. This was granted. The gentlemen selected by them
+to appear on their behalf were of unimpeachable character,
+and distinguished for professional merit and general
+literary and scientific intelligence. Such was <i>then</i>
+the unpopularity of abolitionism, that notwithstanding
+the personal influence of these gentlemen, they were
+ill--not to say rudely--treated,
+especially by the chairman of the committee; so much
+so, that respect for themselves, and the cause they
+were deputed to defend, persuaded them to desist before
+they had completed their remarks. A Report, including
+Resolutions unfavorable to the abolitionists was made,
+of which the following is a copy:--</p>
+
+<p>The Joint Special Committee, to whom was referred
+so much of the governor's message as related
+to the abolition of slavery, together with certain
+documents upon the same subject, communicated to the
+Executive by the several Legislatures of Virginia,
+North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama,
+transmitted by his Excellency to the Legislature,
+and hereunto annexed, have considered the same, and
+ask leave, respectfully, to submit the following:--</p>
+
+<p>Resolved, That this Legislature distinctly disavow
+any right whatever in itself, or in the citizens of
+this commonwealth, to interfere in the institution
+of domestic slavery in the southern states: it having
+existed therein before the establishment of the Constitution;
+it having been recognised by that instrument; and
+it being strictly within their own keeping.</p>
+
+<p>Resolved, That this Legislature, regarding the agitation
+of the question of domestic slavery as having already
+interrupted the friendly relations which ought to
+exist between the several states of this Union, and
+as tending permanently to injure, if not altogether
+to subvert, the principles of the Union itself; and
+believing that the good effected by those who excite
+its discussion in the non-slaveholding states is, under
+the circumstances of the case, altogether visionary,
+while the immediate and future evil is great and certain;
+does hereby express its entire disapprobation of the
+doctrine upon this subject avowed, and the general
+measures pursued by such as agitate the question; and
+does earnestly recommend to them carefully to abstain
+from all such discussion, and all such measures, as
+may tend to disturb and irritate the public mind.</p>
+
+<p>The report was laid on the table, whence it was not
+taken up during the session--its friends
+being afraid of a lean majority on its passage; for
+the <i>alarm</i> had already been taken by many
+of the members who otherwise would have favored it.
+From this time till the election in the succeeding
+autumn, the subject was much agitated in Massachusetts.
+The abolitionists again petitioned the Legislature
+at its session begun in January, 1837; especially,
+that it should remonstrate against the resolution
+of Mr. Hawes, adopted by the House of Representatives
+in Congress, by which all memorials, &amp;c, in relation
+to slavery were laid, and to be laid, on the table,
+without further action on them. The abolitionists
+were again heard, in behalf of their petitions, before
+the proper committee.[<a name="AE2_FRB7"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB7">A</a>] The result was, the passage
+of the following resolutions with only 16 dissenting
+voices to 378, in the House of Representatives, and
+in the Senate with not more than one or two dissentients
+on any one of them:--</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB7"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB7">A</a>: The gentleman who had been chairman of
+the committee the preceding year, was supposed, in
+consequence of the change in public opinion in relation
+to abolitionists, to have injured his political standing
+too much, even to be nominated as a candidate for re-election.]</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Whereas, The House of Representatives
+of the United States, in the month of January,
+in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
+and thirty-seven, did adopt a resolution, whereby
+it was ordered that all petitions, memorials,
+resolutions, propositions, or papers, relating
+in any way, or to any extent whatever, to the subject
+of slavery, or the abolition of slavery, without
+being either printed or referred, should be laid
+upon the table, and that no further action whatever
+should be had thereon; and whereas such a disposition
+of petitions, then or thereafter to be received, is
+a virtual denial of the right itself; and whereas,
+by the resolution aforesaid, which is adopted
+as a standing rule in the present House of Representatives,
+the petitions of a large number of the people of this
+commonwealth, praying for the removal of a great social,
+moral, and political evil, have been slighted
+and contemned: therefore,--</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Resolved, That the resolution above
+named is an assumption of power and authority
+at variance with the spirit and intent of the Constitution
+of the United States, and injurious to the cause of
+freedom and free institutions; that it does violence
+to the inherent, absolute, and inalienable rights
+of man; and that it tends, essentially, to impair
+those fundamental principles of natural justice
+and natural law which are antecedent to any written
+constitutions of government, independent of them
+all, and essential to the security of freedom
+in a state.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives
+in Congress, in maintaining and advocating the
+right of petition, have entitled themselves to
+the cordial approbation of the people of this commonwealth.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Resolved, That Congress, having exclusive
+legislation in the District of Columbia, possess
+the right to abolish slavery in said district,
+and that its exercise should only be restrained by
+a regard to the public good."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>That you may yourself, judge what influence the abolition
+question exercised in the elections in Massachusetts
+<i>last</i> autumn, I send you three numbers
+of the Liberator containing copies of letters addressed
+to many of the candidates, and their respective answers.</p>
+
+<p>The Legislature have passed, <i>unanimously</i>,
+at its present session, resolutions (preceded by a
+report of great ability) protesting "<i>earnestly
+and solemnly against the annexation of Texas to this
+Union</i>;" and declaring that, "<i>no
+act done, or compact made, for such purpose, by the
+government of the United States, will be binding on
+the states or the people</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Two years ago, Governor Marcy, of this state, showed
+himself willing, at the dictation of the South, to
+aid in passing laws for restraining and punishing
+the abolitionists, whenever the extremity of the case
+might call for it. Two weeks ago, at the request of
+the Young Men's Anti-Slavery Society of Albany,
+the Assembly-chamber, by a vote of the House (only
+two dissentient) was granted to Alvan Stewart, Esq.,
+a distinguished lawyer, to lecture on the subject
+of abolition.</p>
+
+<p>Kentucky is assuming an attitude of great interest
+to the friends of Liberty and the Constitution. The
+blessings of "them that are ready to perish"
+throughout the land, the applause of the good throughout
+the world will be hers, if she should show moral energy
+enough to break every yoke that she has hitherto imposed
+on the "poor," and by which her own prosperity
+and true power have been hindered.</p>
+
+<p>In view of the late action in the Senate and House
+of Representatives in Congress--adverse
+as they may seem, to those who think more highly of
+the branches of the Legislature than of the SOURCE
+of their power--the abolitionists see nothing
+that is cause for discouragement. They find the PEOPLE
+sound; they know that they still cherish, as their
+fathers did, the right of petition--the
+freedom of the press--the freedom of speech--the
+rights of conscience; that they love the liberty of
+the North more than they love the slavery of the South.
+What care they for <i>Resolutions</i> in the
+House, or Resolutions in the Senate, when the House
+and the Senate are but their ministers, their servants,
+and they know that they can discharge them at their
+pleasure? It may be, that Congress has yet to learn,
+that the people have but slight regard for their restraining
+resolutions. They ought to have known this from the
+history of such resolutions for the last two years.
+THIRTY-SEVEN THOUSAND petitioners for the abolition
+of slavery in the District of Columbia had their petitions
+laid on the table by the resolution of the House of
+Representatives in May, 1836. At the succeeding session,
+they had increased to ONE HUNDRED AND TEN THOUSAND.--The
+resolution of Jan. 18, 1837, laid all <i>their</i>
+petitions in the same way on the table. At the <i>called</i>,
+and at the present session, these 110,000 had multiplied
+to FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND[<a name="AE2_FRB8"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB8">A</a>]. Soon, Senators and Representatives
+will be sent from the free states who will need no
+petitions--they will know the prayer of
+their constituents <i>before they leave their homes</i>.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB8"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB8">A</a>: See Appendix, G.]</p>
+
+<p>In concluding this, my answer to your 13th interrogatory,
+I will say that I know of no event, that has transpired,
+either in or out of Congress, for the last two or
+three years, that has had any other influence on the
+efforts of abolitionists than to increase and stimulate
+them. Indeed, every thing that has taken place within
+that period, ought to excite to their utmost efforts
+all who are not despairing dastards. The Demon of
+oppression in this land is tenfold more fierce and
+rampant and relentless than he was supposed to be
+before roused from the quiet of his lair. To every
+thing that is precious the abolitionists have seen
+him lay claim. The religion of the Bible must be adulterated--the
+claims of Humanity must be smothered--the
+demands of justice must be nullified--a
+part of our Race must be shut out from the common sympathy
+of a common nature. Nor is this all: they see their
+<i>own</i> rights and those of the people; the
+right to SPEAK--to WRITE--to PRINT--to
+PUBLISH--to ASSEMBLE TOGETHER--to
+PETITION THEIR OWN SERVANTS--all brought
+in peril. They feel that the final conflict between
+Popular liberty and Aristocratic slavery has come;
+that one or the other must fall; and they have made
+up their minds, with the blessing of God on their
+efforts, that their adversary shall die.</p>
+
+<p>"14. <i>Have you any permanent fund, and how
+much?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>ANSWER.--We have none. The contributions
+are anticipated. We are always in debt, and always
+getting out of debt.</p>
+
+<p>I have now, Sir, completed my answers to the questions
+proposed in your letter of the 16th ult. It gives
+me pleasure to have had such an auspicious opportunity
+of doing so. I cannot but hope for good to both the
+parties concerned, where candor and civility have characterized
+their representatives.</p>
+
+<p>Part of the answer to your 13th question may seem
+to wander from the strict terms of the question proposed.
+Let it be set down to a desire, on my part, to give
+you all the information I can, at all germain to the
+inquiry. The "proffer," made in my note
+to Mr. Calhoun, was not "unguarded;"--nor
+was it <i>singular</i>. The information I have
+furnished has been always accessible to our adversaries--even
+though the application for it might not have been
+clothed in the polite and gentlemanly terms which
+have so strongly recommended yours to the most respectful
+consideration of</p>
+
+<p>Your very obedient servant,</p>
+
+<p>JAMES G. BIRNEY.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>[In the Explanatory Remarks placed at the beginning
+of this Correspondence, reasons were given, that were
+deemed sufficient, for not publishing more of the
+letters that passed between Mr. Elmore and myself
+than the two above. Since they were in type, I have
+received from Mr. Elmore a communication, in reply
+to one from me, informing him that I proposed limiting
+the publication to the two letters just mentioned.
+It is dated May 19. The following extract shows that
+he entertains a different opinion from mine, and thinks
+that justice to him requires that <i>another</i>
+of his letters should be included in the Correspondence:--</p>
+
+<p>"The order you propose in the publication is
+proper enough; the omission of business and immaterial
+letters being perfectly proper, as they can interest
+nobody. I had supposed my last letter would have formed
+an exception to the rule, which excluded immaterial
+papers. It explained, more fully than my first, my
+reasons for this correspondence, defined the limits
+to <i>which I had prescribed myself</i>, and was
+a proper accompaniment to <i>a publication</i>
+of what <i>I</i> had not written for publication.
+Allow me, Sir, to say, that it will be but bare justice
+to me that it should be printed with the other papers.
+I only suggest this for your own consideration, for--adhering
+to my former opinions and decision--I ask
+nothing and complain of nothing."</p>
+
+<p>It is still thought that the publication of the letter
+alluded to is unnecessary to the purpose of enlightening
+the public, as to the state, prospects, &amp;c, of the
+anti-slavery cause. It contains no denial of the facts,
+nor impeachment of the statements, nor answer to the
+arguments, presented in my communication. But as Mr.
+Elmore is personally interested in this matter, and
+as it is intended to maintain the consistent liberality
+which has characterized the Executive Committee in
+all their intercourse with their opponents, the suggestion
+made by Mr. Elmore is cheerfully complied with. The
+following is a copy of the letter alluded to.--J.G.B.]</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"WASHINGTON, May 5, 1838.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>To JAMES G. BIRNEY, Esq., Cor. Sec. A.A.S.S.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>SIR,--I have to acknowledge
+the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant,
+in which you again refer to the publication of the
+Correspondence between us, in relation to the measures
+and designs of the abolitionists. I would have
+certainly answered yours of the 2d ult., on the
+same subject, more fully before this, had it not escaped
+my recollection, in consequence [of] having been more
+engaged than usual in the business before the House.
+I hope the delay has been productive of no inconvenience.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>If I correctly understand your letters
+above referred to, the control of these papers,
+and the decision as to their publication, have
+passed into the 'Executive Committee of the American
+Anti-Slavery Society;' and, from their tenor,
+I infer that their determination is so far made,
+that nothing I could object would prevent it,
+if I desired to do so. I was certainly not apprised,
+when I entered into this Correspondence, that its
+disposition was to depend on any other will than
+yours and mine,--but that matters nothing
+now,--you had the power, and I am not disposed
+to question the right or propriety of its exercise.
+I heard of you as a man of intelligence, sincerity,
+and truth,--who, although laboring in a bad
+cause, did it with ability, and from a mistaken
+conviction of its justice. As one of the Representatives
+of a slave-holding constituency, and one of a
+committee raised by the Representatives of the
+slave-holding States, to ascertain the intentions and
+progress of your associations, I availed myself
+of the opportunity offered by your character and
+situation, to propose to you inquiries <i>as
+to facts</i>, which would make those <i>developments
+so important to be known by our people</i>.
+My inquiries were framed to draw out <i>full and
+authentic details</i> of the organization, numbers,
+resources, and designs of the abolitionists, of
+the means they resorted to for the accomplishment
+of their ends, and the progress made, and making, in
+their dangerous work, that all such information
+might be laid before the <i>four millions and
+a half of white inhabitants in the slave States,
+whose lives and property are menaced and endangered</i>
+by this ill-considered, misnamed, and disorganizing
+philanthropy. They should be informed of the full
+length and breadth and depth of this storm which
+is gathering over their heads, before it breaks in
+its desolating fury. Christians and civilized,
+they are <i>now</i> industrious, prosperous,
+and happy; but should your schemes of abolition
+prevail, it will bring upon them overwhelming ruin,
+and misery unutterable. The two races cannot exist
+together upon terms of equality--the
+extirpation of one and the ruin of the other <i>would
+be inevitable</i>. This humanity, conceived
+in wrong and born in civil strife, would be baptized
+in a people's blood. It was, that our people
+might know, in time to guard against the mad onset,
+the full extent of this gigantic conspiracy and
+crusade against their institutions; and of necessity
+upon their lives with which they must sustain
+them; and their fortunes and prosperity, which <i>exist
+only while these institutions exist</i>, that
+I was induced to enter into a correspondence with
+you, who by your official station and intelligence
+were known to be well informed on these points, and
+from your well established character for candor
+and fairness, would make no statements of facts
+which were not known or believed by you to be
+true. To a great extent, my end has been accomplished
+by your replies to my inquiries. How far, or whether
+at all, your answers have run, beyond <i>the
+facts inquired for</i>, into theories, arguments,
+and dissertations, as erroneous as mischievous,
+is not a matter of present consideration. We differed
+no wider than I expected, but that difference
+has been exhibited courteously, and has nothing to
+do with the question of publication. Your object,
+or rather the object of your Committee, is to
+publish; and I, having no reason to desire it,
+as you have put me in possession of the facts I wished,
+and no reason not to desire it, as there is nothing
+to conceal, will leave yourself and the Committee
+to take your own course, neither assenting nor
+dissenting, in what you may finally decide to do.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Very respectfully,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Your obedient servant,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>F.H. Elmore."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[This letter of Mr. Elmore contains but little more
+than a reiteration of alarming cries on the part of
+the slaveholder;--cries that are as old
+as the earliest attempts of philanthropy to break the
+fetters of the enslaved, and that have been repeated
+up to the present day, with a boldness that seems
+to increase, as instances of emancipation multiply
+to prove them groundless. Those who utter them seem,
+in their panic, not only to overlook the most obvious
+laws of the human mind, and the lights of experience,
+but to be almost unconscious of the great events connected
+with slavery, that are now passing around them in the
+world, and conspiring to bring about its early abrogation
+among all civilized and commercial nations.</p>
+
+<p>However <i>Christian, and civilized, industrious,
+prosperous and happy</i>, the SLAVEHOLDERS of the
+South may be, this cannot be said of the SLAVES. A
+large religious denomination of the state in which
+Mr. Elmore resides, has deliberately pronounced them
+to be "HEATHEN." <i>Their</i> "industry"
+is seen at the end of the lash--of "prosperity"
+they have none, for they cannot possess any thing
+that is an element of prosperity--their
+"happiness" they prove, by running away
+from their masters, whenever they think they can effect
+their escape. This is the condition of a large <i>majority</i>
+of the people in South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana.</p>
+
+<p>The "two races" exist in peace in Mexico,--in
+all the former South American dependencies of Spain,
+in Antigua, in the <i>Bermudas</i>, in Canada, in Massachusetts,
+in Vermont, in fine, in every country where they enjoy
+<i>legal equality</i>. It is the <i>denial</i>
+of this that produces discontent. MEN will never be
+satisfied without it. Let the slaveholders consult
+the irreversible laws of the human mind--make
+a full concession of right to those from whom they
+have withheld it, and they will be blessed with a
+peace, political, social, moral, beyond their present
+conceptions; without such concessions they never can
+possess it.</p>
+
+<p>A system that cannot withstand the assaults of truth--that
+replies to arguments with threats--that
+cannot be "talked about"--that
+flourishes in secrecy and darkness, and dies when
+brought forth into the light and examined, must in
+this time of inexorable scrutiny and relentless agitation,
+be a dangerous one. If <i>justice</i> be done,
+all necessity for the extirpation of any part of the
+people will at once be removed. Baptisms <i>of blood</i>
+are seen only when humanity has failed in her offices,
+and the suffering discern hope only in the brute efforts
+of despair.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Elmore is doubtless well versed in general history.
+To his vigorous declamation, I reply by asking, if
+he can produce from the history of our race a single
+instance, where emancipation, full and immediate, has
+been followed, as a legitimate consequence, by insurrection
+or bloodshed. I may go further, and ask him for a
+well authenticated instance, where an emancipated
+slave, singly has imbrued his hands in his master's
+blood. The first record of such an act in modern times,
+is yet to be made.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Elmore says "the white inhabitants in the
+slave states should be informed of the full length
+and breadth and depth of this storm which is gathering
+over their heads, before it breaks in its desolating
+fury." In this sentiment there is not a reasonable
+man in the country, be he abolitionist or not, who
+will not coincide with him. We rejoice at the evidence
+we here have, in a gentleman of the influence and intelligence
+of Mr. Elmore, of the returning sanity of the South.
+How wildly and mischievously has she been heretofore
+misled! Whilst the Governors of Virginia, Alabama,
+Tennessee and Arkansas, have been repelling offers,
+made in respectful terms, of the fullest and most authentic
+accounts of our movements; and whilst Governor Butler
+of South Carolina, has not only followed the example
+of his gubernatorial brethren just named, but is found
+corresponding with an obscure culprit in Massachusetts--bribing
+him with a few dollars, the sum he demanded for his
+fraudulent promise to aid in thwarting the abolitionists[<a name="AE2_FRB9"></a><a href="#AE2_FNB9">A</a>];
+whilst too, Mr. Calhoun has been willing to pass laws
+to shut out from his constituents and the South generally
+information that concerned them more nearly than all
+others--we now have it from the highest source,
+from one selected by a state delegation as its <i>representative</i>
+in a general committee of the whole slaveholding delegations,
+that the South ought to be "<i>informed of the
+full length and breadth and depth</i>" of
+the measures, intentions, &amp;c, of the abolitionists.
+At this there is not an abolitionist who will not
+rejoice. We ask for nothing but access to the popular
+mind of the South. We feel full confidence in the
+eternal rectitude of our principles, and of their
+reception at the South, when once they are understood.
+Let the conflict come, let the truth of liberty fairly
+enter the lists with the error of slavery, and we
+have not a doubt of a glorious triumph.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNB9"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRB9">A</a>: Appendix H.]</p>
+
+<p>May we not, after this, expect the aid of Mr. Elmore
+and others of equal distinction in the South, in giving
+to their fellow-citizens the information that we have
+always believed, and that they now acknowledge, to
+be so, important to them?</p>
+
+<p><i>May 24, 1838</i>.</p>
+
+<p>JAMES G. BIRNEY.]</p>
+
+<h3>APPENDIX.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h4>APPENDIX A.</h4>
+
+<p>Extract from an article addressed to the editor of
+the Christian Register and Observer, signed W.E.C.--attributed
+to the Rev. Dr. Channing.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Speaking of slavery, I wish to
+recommend to your readers a book just from the
+press, entitled 'Emancipation in the West Indies,'
+and written by J. A. Thome and J.H. Kimball, who
+had visited those islands to inquire into the
+great experiment now going on there. I regard
+it as the most important work which has appeared among
+us for years. No man, without reading it, should
+undertake to pass judgment on Emancipation. It
+is something more than a report of the observation
+and opinions of the writers. It consists, chiefly,
+of the opinions, conversations, letters, and other
+documents of the very inhabitants of the islands
+whose judgments are most trust-worthy; of the
+governors, special magistrates, police officers,
+managers, attorneys, physicians, &amp;c; and, in most cases,
+the names of these individuals are given, so that
+we have the strongest evidence of the correctness
+of the work.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The results of this great experiment
+surpass what the most sanguine could have hoped.
+It is hardly possible that the trial could have been
+made under more unfavorable circumstances. The planters
+on all the islands were opposed to the Act of
+Emancipation, and, in most, exceedingly and fiercely
+hostile to it, and utterly indisposed to give
+it the best chance of success. The disproportion of
+the colored race to the whites was fearfully great,
+being that of seven or eight to one; whilst, in
+our slaveholding states, the whites outnumber the
+colored people. The slaves of the West Indies were
+less civilized than ours, and less fit to be trusted
+with their own support. Another great evil was,
+that the proprietors, to a considerable extent,
+were absentees; residing in England, and leaving the
+care of their estates and slaves to managers and
+owners; the last people for such a trust, and
+utterly unfit to carry the wretched victims of their
+tyranny through the solemn transition from slavery
+to freedom. To complete the unhappy circumstances
+under which the experiment began, the Act of Emancipation
+was passed by a distant government, having no
+intimate knowledge of the subject; and the consequence
+was, that a system of 'Apprenticeship,'
+as it was called, was adopted, so absurd, and
+betraying such ignorance of the principles of
+human nature, that, did we not know otherwise, we might
+suspect its author of intending to produce a failure.
+It was to witness the results of an experiment
+promising so little good, that our authors visited
+three islands, particularly worthy of examination--Antigua,
+Barbadoes, and Jamaica.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Our authors went first to Antigua, an
+island which had been wise enough to foresee the
+mischiefs of the proposed apprenticeship, and had
+substituted for it immediate and unqualified emancipation.
+The report given of this island is most cheering.
+It is, indeed, one of the brightest records in
+history. The account, beginning page 143, of the
+transition from slavery to freedom, can hardly be read
+by a man of ordinary sensibility without a thrill
+of tender and holy joy. Why is it not published
+in all our newspapers as among the most interesting
+events of our age? From the accounts of Antigua, it
+appears that immediate emancipation has produced
+only good. Its fruits are, greater security, the
+removal of the fears which accompany slavery,
+better and cheaper cultivation of the soil, increased
+value of real estate, improved morals, more frequent
+marriages, and fewer crimes. <i>The people proclaim,
+with one voice, that emancipation is a blessing,
+and that nothing would tempt than to revert to
+slavery.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Our authors proceeded next to Barbadoes,
+where the apprenticeship system is in operation;
+and if any proof were needed of the docility and
+good dispositions of the negroes, it would be found
+in their acquiescence to so wonderful a degree
+in this unhappy arrangement. The planters on this
+island have been more disposed, than could have been
+anticipated, to make the best of this system, and here,
+accordingly, the same fruits of the Act of Emancipation
+are found as in Antigua, though less abundant;
+and a very general and strong conviction prevails
+of the happiness of the change.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>In Jamaica, apprenticeship manifests
+its worst tendencies. The planters of this island
+were, from first to last, furious in their hostility
+to the act of emancipation; and the effort seems to
+have been, to make the apprenticeship bear as
+heavily as possible on the colored people; so
+that, instead of preparing them for complete emancipation,
+it has rather unfitted them for this boon. Still,
+under all these disadvantages, there is strong
+reason for expecting, that emancipation, when
+it shall come, will prove a great good. At any
+rate, it is hardly possible for the slaves to fall
+into a more deplorable condition, than that in
+which this interposition of parliament found them.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The degree of success which has attended
+this experiment in the West Indies, under such
+unfavorable auspices, makes us sure, that emancipation
+in this country, accorded by the good will of the
+masters, would be attended with the happiest effects.
+One thing is plain, that it would be perfectly
+<i>safe</i>. Never were the West Indies so
+peaceful and secure as since emancipation. So far from
+general massacre and insurrection, not an instance
+is recorded or intimated of violence of any kind
+being offered to a white man. Our authors were
+continually met by assurances of security on the part
+of the planters, so that, in this respect at least,
+emancipation has been unspeakable gain. The only
+obstacle to emancipation is, therefore, removed;
+for nothing but well grounded fears of violence and
+crime can authorize a man to encroach one moment
+on another's freedom.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The subject of this book is of great
+interest at the present moment. Slavery, in the
+abstract, has been thoroughly discussed among
+us. We all agree that it is a great wrong. Not a voice
+is here lifted up in defence of the system, when
+viewed in a general light. We only differ when
+we come to apply our principles to a particular case.
+The only question is, whether the Southern states can
+abolish slavery consistently with the public safety,
+order, and peace? Many, very many well disposed
+people, both at the North and South, are possessed
+with vague fears of massacre and universal misrule,
+as the consequences of emancipation. Such ought
+to inquire into the ground of their alarm. They
+are bound to listen to the voice of <i>facts</i>,
+and such are given in this book. None of us have
+a right to make up our minds without inquiry,
+or to rest in opinions adopted indolently and
+without thought. It is a great crime to doom millions
+of our race to brutal degradation, on the ground
+of unreasonable fears. The power of public opinion
+is here irresistible, and to this power every
+man contributes something; so that every man, by his
+spirit and language, helps to loosen or rivet
+the chains of the slave."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>The following sentiments are expressed by GOVERNOR
+EVERETT, of Massachusetts, in a letter to EDMUND QUINCY,
+Esq., dated</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Boston, April 29, 1838.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>DEAR SIR,--I have your favor
+of the 21st, accompanied with the volume containing
+the account of the tour of Messrs. Thome and Kimball
+in the West Indies, for which you will be pleased to
+accept my thanks. I have perused this highly interesting
+narrative with the greatest satisfaction. From
+the moment of the passage of the law, making provision
+for the immediate or prospective abolition of slavery
+in the British colonial possessions, I have looked
+with the deepest solicitude for tidings of its
+operation. The success of the measure, as it seemed
+to me, would afford a better hope than had before
+existed, that a like blessing might be enjoyed by those
+portions of the United States where slavery prevails.
+The only ground on which I had been accustomed
+to hear the continuance of slavery defended at
+the South, was that of necessity, and the impossibility
+of abolishing it without producing consequences of
+the most disastrous character to both parties.
+The passage of a law providing for the emancipation
+of nearly a million of slaves in the British colonies,
+seemed to afford full opportunity of bringing this
+momentous question to the decisive test of experience.
+<i>If the result proved satisfactory, I have
+never doubted that it would seal the fate of slavery
+throughout the civilised world</i>. As far as the
+observations of Messrs. Thome and Kimball extended,
+the result is of the most gratifying character.
+It appears to place beyond a doubt, that the experiment
+of immediate emancipation, adopted by the colonial
+Legislature of Antigua, has fully succeeded in that
+island; and the plan of apprenticeship in other
+portions of the West Indies, as well as could
+have been expected from the obvious inherent vices
+of that measure. <i>It has given me new views
+of the practicability of emancipation</i>. It has
+been effected in Antigua, as appears from unquestionable
+authorities contained in the work of Messrs. Thome
+and Kimball, not merely <i>without danger</i>
+to the master, but without any sacrifice of his
+<i>interest</i>. I cannot but think that the
+information collected in the volume will have a
+powerful effect on public opinion, not only in
+the northern states, but in the slaveholding states."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>GOVERNOR ELLSWORTH, of Connecticut, writes thus to
+A.F. WILLIAMS, Esq., of this city:--</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"NEW HAVEN, <i>May</i> 19, 1838.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>MY DEAR SIR,--Just before
+I left home, I received from you the Journal of
+Thome and Kimball, for which token of friendship I
+intended to have made you my acknowledgments before
+this; but I wished first to read the book. As
+far as time would permit, I have gone over most
+of its pages; and let me assure you, it is justly
+calculated to produce great effects, provided you
+can once get it into the hands of the planters.
+Convince <i>them</i> that their interests,
+as well as their security, will be advanced by employing
+free blacks, and emancipation will be accomplished
+without difficulty or delay.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I have looked with great interest at
+the startling measure of emancipation in Antigua;
+but if this book is correct, the question is settled
+as to that island beyond a doubt, since there is such
+accumulated testimony from all classes, that the
+business and real estate of the island have advanced,
+by reason of the emancipation, one fourth, at
+least, in value; while personal security, without
+military force, is felt by the former masters,
+and contentment, industry, and gratitude, are
+seen in those who were slaves.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The great moral example of
+England, in abolishing slavery in the
+West Indies, will produce
+a revolution on this subject throughout
+the world, and put down slavery
+in every Christian country.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>With sentiments of high esteem, &amp;c,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>W.W. ELLSWORTH."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h4>APPENDIX B.</h4>
+
+<p>A short time previous to the late election in Rhode
+Island for governor and lieutenant-governor, a letter
+was addressed to each of the candidates for those
+offices by Mr. Johnson, Corresponding Secretary of
+the Rhode Island Anti-Slavery Society, embodying the
+views of the abolitionists on the several subjects
+it embraced, in a series of queries. Their purport
+will appear from the answer of Mr. Sprague, (who was
+elected governor,) given below. The answer of Mr. Childs
+(elected lieutenant-governor) is fully as direct as
+that of governor Sprague.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"WARWICK, <i>March 28, 1838</i>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>DEAR SIR,--Your favor of the
+19th inst. requesting of me, in conformity to
+a resolution of the Executive Committee of the Rhode
+Island Anti-Slavery Society, an expression of my
+opinions on certain topics, was duly received.
+I have no motive whatever for withholding my opinions
+on any subject which is interesting to any portion
+of my fellow-citizens. I will, therefore, cheerfully
+proceed to reply to the interrogatories proposed,
+and in the order in which they are submitted.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>1. Among the powers vested by the Constitution
+in Congress, is the power to exercise exclusive
+legislation, 'in all cases whatsoever,'
+over the District of Columbia? 'All cases'
+must, of course, include the <i>case</i>
+of slavery and the slave-trade. I am, therefore, clearly
+of opinion, that the Constitution does confer upon
+Congress the power to abolish slavery and the
+slave-trade in that District; and, as they are
+great moral and political evils, the principles of
+justice and humanity demand the exercise of that
+power.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>2. The traffic in slaves, whether foreign
+or domestic, is equally obnoxious to every principle
+of justice and humanity; and, as Congress has
+exercised its powers to suppress the slave-trade between
+this country and foreign nations, it ought, as a matter
+of consistency and justice, to exercise the same
+powers to suppress the slave-trade between the
+states of this Union. The slave-trade within the
+states is, undoubtedly, beyond the control of Congress;
+as the 'sovereignty of each state, to legislate
+exclusively on the subject of slavery, which is
+tolerated within its limits,' is, I believe,
+universally conceded. The Constitution unquestionably
+recognises the sovereign power of each state to
+legislate on the subject within its limits; but
+it imposes on us no obligation to add to the evils
+of the system by countenancing the traffic between
+the states. That which our laws have solemnly
+pronounced to be piracy in our foreign intercourse,
+no sophistry can make honorable or justifiable in a
+domestic form. For a proof of the feelings which
+this traffic naturally inspires, we need but refer
+to the universal execration in which the slave-dealer
+is held in those portions of the country where
+the institution of slavery is guarded with the most
+jealous vigilance.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>3. Congress has no power to abridge
+the right of petition. The right of the people
+of the non-slaveholding states to petition Congress
+for the abolition of slavery and the slave-trade in
+the District of Columbia, and the traffic of human
+beings among the states, is as undoubted as any
+right guarantied by the Constitution; and I regard
+the Resolution which was adopted by the House of Representatives
+on the 21st of December last as a virtual denial of
+that right, inasmuch as it disposed of all such
+petitions, as might be presented thereafter, in
+advance of presentation and reception. If it was
+right thus to dispose of petitions on <i>one</i>
+subject, it would be equally right to dispose
+of them in the same manner on <i>all</i>
+subjects, and thus cut of all communication, by petition
+between the people and their representatives. Nothing
+can be more clearly a violation of the spirit
+of the Constitution, as it rendered utterly nugatory
+a right which was considered of such vast importance
+as to be specially guarantied in that sacred instrument.
+A similar Resolution passed the House of Representatives
+at the first session of the last Congress, and
+as I then entertained the same views which I have
+now expressed, I recorded my vote against it.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>4. I fully concur in the sentiment,
+that 'every principle of justice and humanity
+requires, that every human being, when personal freedom
+is at stake, should have the benefit of a jury trial;'
+and I have no hesitation in saying, that the laws
+of this state ought to secure that benefit, so
+far as they can, to persons claimed as fugitives
+from 'service or labor,' without interfering
+with the laws of the United States. The course
+pursued in relation to this subject by the Legislature
+of Massachusetts meets my approbation.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>5. I am opposed to all attempts to abridge
+or restrain the freedom of speech and the press,
+or to forbid any portion of the people peaceably
+to assemble to discuss any subject--moral,
+political, or religious.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>6. I am opposed to the annexation
+of Texas to the United States.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>7. It is undoubtedly inconsistent with
+the principles of a free state, professing to
+be governed in its legislation by the principles
+of freedom, to sanction slavery, in any form, within
+its jurisdiction. If we have laws in this state
+which bear this construction, they ought to be
+repealed. We should extend to our southern brethren,
+whenever they may have occasion to come among us,
+all the privileges and immunities enjoyed by our
+own citizens, and all the rights and privileges
+guarantied to them by the Constitution of the
+United States; but they cannot expect of us to depart
+from the fundamental principles of civil liberty
+for the purpose of obviating any temporal inconvenience
+which they may experience.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>These are my views upon the topics proposed
+for my consideration. They are the views which
+I have always entertained, (at least ever since
+I have been awakened to their vast importance,) and
+which I have always supported, so far as I could,
+by my vote in Congress; and if, in any respect,
+my answers have not been sufficiently explicit,
+it will afford me pleasure to reply to any other questions
+which you may think proper to propose.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I am, Sir, very respectfully,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Your friend and fellow citizen,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>WILLIAM SPRAGUE."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Oliver Johnson, Esq., Cor. Sec. R.I.A.S. Society.</p>
+
+<h4>APPENDIX C.</h4>
+
+<p>The abolitionists in Connecticut petitioned the Legislature
+of that state at its late session on several subjects
+deemed by them proper for legislative action. In answer
+to these petitions--</p>
+
+<p>1. The law known as the "Black Act" or
+the "Canterbury law"--under which
+Miss Crandall was indicted and tried--was
+repealed, except a single provision, which is not
+considered objectionable.</p>
+
+<p>2. The right to <i>trial by jury</i> was secured
+to persons who are claimed as slaves.</p>
+
+<p>3. Resolutions were passed asserting the power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia,
+and recommending that it be done as soon as it can
+be, "consistently with the <i>best good</i>
+of the <i>whole country</i>."(!)</p>
+
+<p>4. Resolutions were passed protesting against the
+annexation of Texas to the Union.</p>
+
+<p>5. Resolutions were passed asserting the right of
+petition as inalienable--condemning Mr.
+Patton's resolution of Dec. 21, 1837 as an invasion
+of the rights of the people, and calling on the Connecticut
+delegation in Congress to use their efforts to have
+the same rescinded.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h4>APPENDIX D.</h4>
+
+<p>In the year 1793 there were but 5,000,000 pounds of
+cotton produced in the United States, and but 500,000
+exported. Cotton never could have become an article
+of much commercial importance under the old method
+of preparing it for market. By hand-picking, or by
+a process strictly <i>manual</i>, a cultivator
+could not prepare for market, during the year, more
+than from 200 to 300 pounds; being only about one-tenth
+of what he could cultivate to maturity in the field.
+In '93 Mr. Whitney invented the Cotton-gin now
+in use, by which the labor of at least <i>one thousand</i>
+hands under the old system, is performed by <i>one</i>,
+in preparing the crop for market. Seven years after
+the invention (1800) 35,000,000 pounds were raised,
+and 17,800,000 exported. In 1834, 460,000,000 were
+raised--384,750,000 exported. Such was the
+effect of Mr. Whitney's invention. It gave,
+at once, extraordinary value to the <i>land</i>
+in that part of the country where alone cotton could
+be raised; and to <i>slaves</i>, because it was
+the general, the almost universal, impression that
+the cultivation of the South could be carried on only
+by slaves. There being no <i>free</i> state in
+the South, competition between free and slave labor
+never could exist on a scale sufficiently extensive
+to prove the superiority of the former in the production
+of cotton, and in the preparation of it for market.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, it has happened that Mr. Whitney has been the
+innocent occasion of giving to slavery in this country
+its present importance--of magnifying it
+into the great interest to which all others must yield.
+How he was rewarded by the South--especially
+by the planters of Georgia--the reader may
+see by consulting Silliman's Journal for January,
+1832, and the Encyclopedia Americana, article, WHITNEY.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h4>APPENDIX E.</h4>
+
+<p>It is impossible, of course, to pronounce with precision,
+how great would have been the effect in favor of emancipation,
+if the effort to resist the admission of Missouri
+as a slaveholding state had been successful. We can
+only conjecture what it would have been, by the effect
+its admission has had in fostering slavery up to its
+present huge growth and pretensions. If the American
+people had shown, through their National legislature,
+a <i>sincere</i> opposition to slavery by the
+rejection of Missouri, it is probable at least--late
+as it was--that the early expiration of
+the 'system' would, by this time, have
+been discerned by all men.</p>
+
+<p>When the Constitution was formed, the state of public
+sentiment even in the South--with the exception
+of South Carolina and Georgia, was favorable to emancipation.
+Under the influence of this public sentiment was the
+Constitution formed. No person at all versed in constitutional
+or legal interpretation--with his judgment
+unaffected by interest or any of the prejudices to
+which the existing controversy has given birth--could,
+it is thought, construe the Constitution, <i>in its
+letter</i>, as intending to perpetuate slavery.
+To come to such a conclusion with a full knowledge
+of what was the mind of this nation in regard to slavery,
+when that instrument was made, demonstrates a moral
+or intellectual flaw that makes all reasoning useless.</p>
+
+<p>Although it is a fact beyond controversy in our history,
+that the power conferred by the Constitution on Congress
+to "regulate commerce with foreign nations"
+was known to include the power of abolishing the African
+slave-trade--and that it was expected that
+Congress, at the end of the period for which the exercise
+of that power on this particular subject was restrained,
+would use it (as it did) <i>with a view to the influence
+that the cutting off of that traffic would have on
+the "system" in this country</i>--yet,
+such has been the influence of the action of Congress
+on all matters with which slavery has been mingled--more
+especially on the Missouri question, in which slavery
+was the sole interest--that an impression
+has been produced on the popular mind, that the Constitution
+of the United States <i>guaranties</i>, and consequently
+<i>perpetuates</i>, slavery to the South. Most
+artfully, incessantly, and powerfully, has this lamentable
+error been harped on by the slaveholders, and by their
+advocates in the free states. The impression of <i>constitutional
+favor</i> to the slaveholders would, of itself,
+naturally create for them an undue and disproportionate
+influence in the control of the government; but when
+to this is added the arrogance that the possession
+of irresponsible power almost invariably engenders
+in its possessors--their overreaching assumptions--the
+contempt that the slaveholders entertain for the great
+body of the <i>people</i> of the North, it has
+almost delivered over the government, bound neck and
+heels, into the hands of slaveholding politicians--to
+be bound still more rigorously, or unloosed, as may
+seem well in their discretion.</p>
+
+<p>Who can doubt that, as a nation, we should have been
+more honorable and influential abroad--more
+prosperous and united at home--if Kentucky,
+at the very outset of this matter, had been refused
+admission to the Union until she had expunged from
+her Constitution the covenant with oppression? She
+would not have remained out of the Union a single year
+on that account. If the worship of Liberty had not
+been exchanged for that of Power--if her
+principles had been successfully maintained in this
+first assault, their triumph in every other would have
+been easy. We should not have had a state less in
+the confederacy, and slavery would have been seen,
+at this time, shrunk up to the most contemptible dimensions,
+if it had not vanished entirely away. But we have furnished
+another instance to be added to the long and melancholy
+list already existing, to prove that,--</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>------"facilis descensus Averni,<br>
+Sed revocare gradum------<br>
+Hoc opus hic labor est,"------</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>if <i>poetry</i> is not <i>fiction</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Success in the Missouri struggle--late as
+it was--would have placed the cause of freedom
+in our country out of the reach of danger from its
+inexorable foe. The principles of liberty would have
+struck deeper root in the free states, and have derived
+fresh vigor from such a triumph. If these principles
+had been honored by the government from that period
+to the present, (as they would have been, had the
+free states, even then, assumed their just preponderance
+in its administration,) we should now have, in Missouri
+herself, a healthful and vigorous ally in the cause
+of freedom; and, in Arkansas, a free people--<i>twice</i>
+her present numbers--pressing on the confines
+of slavery, and summoning the keepers of the southern
+charnel-house to open its doors, that its inmates might
+walk forth, in a glorious resurrection to liberty and
+life. Although young, as a people, we should be, among
+the nations, venerable for our virtue; and we should
+exercise an influence on the civilized and commercial
+world that we most despair of possessing, as long as
+we remain vulnerable to every shaft that malice, or
+satire, or philanthropy may find it convenient to
+hurl against us.[<a name="AE2_FRBA"></a><a href="#AE2_FNBA">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNBA"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRBA">A</a>: A comic piece--the production
+of one of the most popular of the French writers in
+his way--had possession of the Paris stage
+last winter. When one of the personages SEPARATES
+HUSBAND AND WIFE, he cries out, "BRAVO! THIS
+IS THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES!"
+[Bravo! <i>C'est</i> <i>la</i> Declaration d'Independence
+<i>des</i> <i>Etats</i> <i>Unis</i>.]</p>
+
+<p>One of our distinguished College-professors, lately
+on a tour in Europe, had his attention called, while
+passing along the street of a German city, to the
+pictorial representation of a WHITE MAN SCOURGING A
+SUPPLICATING COLORED FEMALE, with this allusion underwritten:--"A
+SPECIMEN OF EQUALITY--FROM REPUBLICAN AMERICA."</p>
+
+<p>Truly might our countryman have exclaimed in the language,
+if not with the generous emotions of the Trojan hero,
+when he beheld the noble deeds of his countrymen pencilled
+in a strange land--</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>------"Quis jam locus--<br>
+Quae regio in terris nostri non plena laboris?"<br>
+</p></blockquote>
+<p>]</p>
+
+<p>Instead of being thus seated on a "heaven-kissing
+hill," and seen of all in its pure radiance;
+instead of enjoying its delightful airs, and imparting
+to them the healthful savor of justice, truth, mercy,
+magnanimity, see what a picture we present;--our
+cannibal burnings of human beings--our Lynch
+courts--our lawless scourgings and capital
+executions, not only of slaves, but of freemen--our
+demoniac mobs raging through the streets of our cities
+and large towns at midday as well as at midnight,
+shedding innocent blood, devastating property, and
+applying the incendiaries' torch to edifices
+erected and dedicated to FREE DISCUSSION--the
+known friends of order, of law, of liberty, of the
+Constitution--citizens, distinguished for
+their worth at home, and reflecting honor on their
+country abroad, shut out from more than half our territory,
+or visiting it at the hazard of their lives, or of
+the most degrading and painful personal inflictions--freedom
+of speech and of the press overthrown and hooted at--the
+right of petition struck down in Congress, where,
+above all places, it ought to have been maintained
+to the last--the people mocked at, and attempted
+to be gagged by their own servants--the
+time the office-honored veteran, who fearlessly contended
+for the <i>right</i>, publicly menaced for words
+spoken in his place as a representative of the people,
+with an indictment by a slaveholding grand jury--in
+fine, the great principles of government asserted
+by our fathers in the Declaration of Independence,
+and embodied in our Constitution, with which they
+won for us the sympathy, the admiration of the world--all
+forgotten, dishonoured, despised, trodden under foot!
+And this for slavery!!</p>
+
+<p>Horrible catalogue!--yet by no means a complete
+one--for so young a nation, boasting itself,
+too, to be the freest on earth! It is the ripe fruit
+of that <i>chef d'oeuvre</i> of political
+skill and patriotic achievement--the MISSOURI
+COMPROMISE.</p>
+
+<p>Another such compromise--or any compromise
+now with slavery--and the nation is undone.</p>
+
+<h4>APPENDIX F.</h4>
+
+<p>The following is believed to be a correct exhibit
+of the legislative resolutions against the annexation
+of Texas--of the times at which they were
+passed, and of the <i>votes</i> by which they
+were passed:--</p>
+
+<p>1. VERMONT.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"1. <i>Resolved, By the Senate
+and House of Representatives</i>, That our Senators
+in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives
+requested, to use their influence in that body
+to prevent the annexation of Texas to the Union.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>2. <i>Resolved</i>, That
+representing, as we do, the people of Vermont,
+we do hereby, in their name,
+SOLEMNLY PROTEST against such
+annexation in any form."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[Passed unanimously, Nov. 1, 1837.]</p>
+
+<p>2. RHODE ISLAND.</p>
+
+<p>(<i>In General Assembly, October Session, A. D.
+1837</i>.)</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Whereas the compact of the Union
+between these states was entered into by the people
+thereof in their respective states, 'in order
+to form a more perfect Union, establish justice,
+ensure domestic tranquillity, provide for the
+common defence, promote the general welfare, and
+secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their
+posterity;' and, therefore, a Representative
+Government was instituted by them, with certain
+limited powers, clearly specified and defined
+in the Constitution--all other powers, not
+therein expressly relinquished, being 'reserved
+to the states respectively, or to the people.'</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>And whereas this limited government
+possesses no power to extend its jurisdiction
+over any foreign nation, and no foreign nation, country,
+or people, can be admitted into this Union but by the
+sovereign will and act of the free people of all
+and each of these United States, nor without the
+formation of a new compact of Union--and
+another frame of government radically different, in
+objects, principles, and powers, from that which
+was framed for our own self-government, and deemed
+to be adequate to all the exigencies of our own
+free republic:--</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Therefore, Resolved, That we have witnessed,
+with deep concern, the indications of a disposition
+to bring into this Union, as a constituent member
+thereof, the foreign province or territory of
+Texas.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Resolved, That, although we are fully
+aware of the consequences which must follow the
+accomplishment of such a project, could it be accomplished--aware
+that it would lead speedily to the conquest and annexation
+of Mexico itself, and its fourteen remaining provinces
+or intendencies--which, together with
+the revolted province of Texas, would furnish
+foreign territories and foreign people for at least
+twenty members of the new Union; that the government
+of a nation so extended and so constructed would
+soon become radically [changed] in character,
+if not in form--would unavoidably become
+a military government; and, under the plea of
+necessity, would free itself from the restraints
+of the Constitution and from its accountability to
+the people. That the ties of kindred, common origin
+and common interests, which have so long bound
+this people together, and would still continue
+to bind them: these ties, which ought to be held sacred
+by all true Americans, would be angrily dissolved,
+and sectional political combinations would be
+formed with the newly admitted foreign states,
+unnatural and adverse to the peace and prosperity
+of the country. The civil government, with all the
+arbitrary powers it might assume, would be unable
+to control the storm. The usurper would find himself
+in his proper element; and, after acting the patriot
+and the hero for a due season, as the only means
+of rescuing the country from the ruin which he had
+chiefly contributed to bring upon it, would reluctantly
+and modestly allow himself to be declared 'Protector
+of the Commonwealth.'</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>We are now fully aware of the deep degradation
+into which the republic would sink itself in the
+eyes of the whole world, should it annex to its
+own vast territories other and foreign territories
+of immense though unknown extent, for the purpose
+of encouraging the propagation of slavery, and
+giving aid to the raising of slaves within its
+own bosom, the very bosom of freedom, to be esported
+and sold in those unhallowed regions. Although
+we are fully aware of these fearful evils, and
+numberless others which would come in their train,
+yet we do not here dwell upon them; because we are
+here firmly convinced that the free people of
+most, and we trust of all these states, will never
+suffer the admission of the foreign territory
+of Texas into this Union as a constituent member thereof--will
+never suffer the integrity of this Republic to be
+violated, either by the introduction and addition
+to it of foreign nations or territories, one or
+many, or by dismemberment of it by the transfer
+of any one or more of its members to a foreign nation.
+The people will be aware, that should one foreign
+state or country be introduced, another and another
+may be, without end, whether situated in South
+America, in the West India islands, or in any other
+part of the world; and that a single foreign state,
+thus admitted, might have in its power, by holding
+the balance between contending parties, to wrest
+their own government from the hands and control
+of the people, by whom it was established for their
+own benefit and self-government. We are firmly
+convinced, that the free people of these states
+will look upon any attempt to introduce the foreign
+territory of Texas, or any other foreign territory
+or nation into this Union, as a constituent member
+or members thereof, as manifesting a willingness
+to prostrate the Constitution and dissolve the
+Union.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Resolved, That His Excellency, the Governor,
+be requested to forward a copy of the foregoing
+resolutions to each of our Senators and Representatives
+in Congress, and to each of the Executives of the
+several states, with a request that the same may be
+laid before the respective Legislatures of said
+states."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[The Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted,
+Nov. 3, 1837.]</p>
+
+<p>3. OHIO.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Resolved, by the General
+Assembly of the State of Ohio</i>, That in the
+name, and on behalf of the people of the State of Ohio,
+we do hereby SOLEMNLY PROTEST against the annexation
+of Texas to the Union of these United States.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>And be it further resolved</i>,
+That the Governor be requested to transmit to
+each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress,
+and to the Governors of each of the States, a copy
+of the foregoing resolution, with a statement
+of the votes by which it was passed in each branch
+of the Legislature."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[Passed by 64 out of 72, the whole number in the House
+of Representatives--unanomously in the Senate.
+Feb. 24, 1838.]</p>
+
+<p>4. MASSACHUSETTS.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Resolves against the
+annexation of Texas to the United States.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Whereas a proposition to admit into
+the United States as a constituent member thereof,
+the foreign nation of Texas, has been recommended
+by the legislative resolutions of several States, and
+brought before Congress for its approval and sanction;
+and whereas such a measure would involve great
+wrong to Mexico, and otherwise be of evil precedent,
+injurious to the interests and dishonorable to the
+character of this country; and whereas its avowed objects
+are doubly fraught with peril to the prosperity
+and permanence of this Union, as tending to disturb
+and destroy the conditions of those compromises
+and concessions, entered into at the formation of the
+Constitution, by which the relative weights of
+different sections and interests were adjusted,
+and to strengthen and extend the evils of a system
+which is unjust in itself, in striking contrast with
+the theory of our institutions, and condemned
+by the moral sentiment of mankind; and whereas
+the people of these United States have not granted
+to any or all of the departments of their Government,
+but have retained in themselves, the only power
+adequate to the admission of a foreign nation
+into this confederacy; therefore,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Resolved</i>, That we, the Senate
+and House of Representatives, in General Court
+assembled, do in the name of the people of Massachusetts,
+earnestly and solemnly protest against the incorporation
+of Texas into this Union, and declare, that no act
+done or compact made, for such purpose by the government
+of the United States, will be binding on the States
+or the People.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Resolved</i>, That his Excellency
+the Governor be requested to forward a copy of
+these resolutions and the accompanying report to the
+Executive of the United States, and the Executive of
+each State and also to each of our Senators and
+Representatives in Congress, with a request that
+they present the resolves to both Houses of Congress."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[Passed MARCH 16, 1838, UNANIMOUSLY, in both Houses.]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>5. MICHIGAN.</p>
+
+<p>Whereas, propositions have been made for the annexation
+of Texas to the United States, with a view to its
+ultimate incorporation into the Union:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"And whereas, the extension of
+this General Government over so large a country
+on the south-west, between which and that of the original
+states, there is little affinity, and less identity
+of interest, would tend, in the opinion of this
+Legislature, greatly to disturb the safe and harmonious
+operations of the Government of the United States,
+and put in imminent danger the continuance of this
+happy Union: Therefore,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Be it resolved, by the Senate and
+House of Representatives of the State of Michigan</i>,
+That in behalf, and in the name of the State of Michigan,
+this Legislature doth hereby dissent from, and solemnly
+protest against the annexation, for any purpose,
+to this Union, of Texas, or of any other territory
+or district of country, heretofore constituting
+a part of the dominions of Spain in America, lying
+west or south-west of Louisiana.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>And be it further Resolved, by the Authority
+aforesaid, That the Governor of this State be
+requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing
+preamble and resolve, under the great seal of this
+state, to the President of the United States;
+also, that he transmit one copy thereof, authenticated
+in manner aforesaid, to the President of the Senate
+of the United States, with the respectful request of
+this Legislature, that the same may be laid before
+the Senate; also, that he transmit one copy thereof
+to the Speaker of the House of Representatives
+of the United States, authenticated in like manner,
+with the respectful request of this Legislature,
+that the same may be laid before the House of
+Representatives; and also, that he transmit to
+each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress,
+one copy thereof, together with the Report adopted
+by this Legislature, and which accompanies said
+preamble and resolves."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[Passed nearly if not quite unanimously, April 2,
+1838].</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>6. CONNECTICUT.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Resolved</i>, That we,
+the Senate and House of Representatives in General
+Assembly convened, do, in the name of the people of
+this State, solemnly <i>protest</i> against
+the annexation of Texas to this Union."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[Passed, it is believed, unanimously in both houses.]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>(Those which follow were passed by but one branch
+of the respective Legislatures in which they were
+introduced.)</p>
+
+<p>7. PENNSYLVANIA.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Resolutions relative
+to the admission of Texas into the Union.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Whereas</i> the annexation
+of Texas to the United States has been advocated
+and strongly urged by many of our fellow-citizens,
+particularly in the southern part of our country,
+and the president of Texas has received authority
+to open a correspondence with, and appoint, a
+commissioner to our government to accomplish the object;--<i>And
+whereas</i> such a measure would bring to us a dangerous
+extension of territory, with a population generally
+not desirable, and would probably involve us in
+war;--<i>And whereas</i> the subject
+is now pressed upon and agitated in Congress;
+therefore,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Resolved</i>, &amp;c, That our Senators
+in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives
+requested, to use their influence and vote against
+the annexation of Texas to the territory of the united
+States.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Resolved</i>, That
+the Governor transmit to each of our Senators and
+Representatives a copy of
+the foregoing preamble and resolutions."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[Passed the Senate March 9, 1835, by 22 to 6. Postponed
+indefinitely in the House of Representatives, April
+13, by 41 to 39.]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>8. MAINE.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Resolved</i>, That the
+Legislature of the State of Maine, on behalf of
+the people of said state, do earnestly and solemnly
+protest against the annexation of the Republic
+of Texas to these United States; and that our
+Senators and Representatives in Congress be, and
+they hereby are, requested to exert their utmost influence
+to prevent the adoption of a measure at once so
+clearly unconstitutional, and so directly calculated
+to disturb our foreign relations, to destroy our
+domestic peace, and to dismember our blessed Union."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[Passed in the House of Representatives, March 22,
+1838, by 85 to 30. Senate (same day) refused to concur
+by 11 to 10.]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>9. NEW-YORK.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Resolved</i>, (if the
+Senate concur,) That the admission of the Republic
+of Texas into this Union would be entirely repugnant
+to the will of the people of this state, and would
+endanger the union of these United States.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Resolved</i>, (if
+the Senate concur,) That this Legislature do, in
+the name of the people of
+the State of New York, solemnly protest
+against the admission of the
+Republic of Texas into this Union.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Resolved</i>, (if the Senate concur.)
+That his Excellency the Governor be requested
+to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to
+each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress,
+and also to the governors of each of the United
+States, with a request that the same be laid before
+their respective Legislatures."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[These resolutions passed the House of Representatives
+in April, by a large majority--the newspapers
+say, 83 to 13. They were indefinitely postponed in
+the Senate, by a vote of 21 to 9.]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h4>APPENDIX G.</h4>
+
+<p>The number of petitioners for abolition in the District
+of Columbia, and on other subjects allied to it, have
+been ascertained (in the House of Representatives)
+to be as follows:--</p>
+
+<TABLE summary="petitioners for abolition in D.C." WIDTH="80%" BORDER="0" CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0">
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Men.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Women.
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Total.
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="left" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+For abolition in the District,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+51,366
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+78,882
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+130,248
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="left" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Against the annexation of Texas,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+104,973
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+77,419
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+182,392
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="left" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Rescinding the gag resolution,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+21,015
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+10,821
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+31,836
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="left" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Against admitting any new slave state,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+11,770
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+10,391
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+22,161
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="left" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+For abolition of the slave-trade between the states,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+11,864
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+11,541
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+23,405
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="left" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+For abolition of slavery in the territories,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+9,129
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+12,083
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+21,212<br>
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="left" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+At the extra session for rescinding the gag resolution of Jan. 21, 1837,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3,377
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+3,377
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+  <TR ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
+   <TD  ALIGN="left" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+Total,
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+213,494
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+201,137
+   </TD>
+   <TD  ALIGN="right" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
+414,631
+   </TD>
+  </TR>
+</TABLE>
+
+<p>The number in the Senate, where some difficulty was
+interposed that prevented its being taken, is estimated
+to have been about two-thirds as great as that in
+the House.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h4>APPENDIX H.</h4>
+
+<p>[On the 1st of December, one of the secretaries of
+the American Anti-Slavery Society addressed a note
+to each of the Governors of the slave states, in which
+he informed them, in courteous and respectful terms,
+that he had directed the Publishing Agent of this society,
+thereafter regularly to transmit to them, free of charge,
+the periodical publications issued from the office
+of the society. To this offer the following replies
+were received:--]</p>
+
+<p><b>GOVERNOR CAMPBELL'S LETTER.</b></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>JAMES G. BIRNEY, Esq., <i>New York</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>"RICHMOND, <i>Dec.  4, 1837</i>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>SIR,--I received, by yesterday's
+mail, your letter of the 1st instant, in which
+you state that you had directed the publishing agent
+of the American Anti-Slavery Society, hereafter, regularly
+to transmit, free of charge, by mail, to all the
+governors of the slave states, the periodical
+publications issued from that office.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Regarding your society as
+highly mischievous, I decline receiving
+any communications from it,
+and must request that no publications
+from your office be transmitted
+to me.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I am, &amp;c,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>DAVID CAMPBELL."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>GOVERNOR BAGBY'S LETTER.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"TUSCALOOSA, <i>Jan.  6, 1838</i></p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>SIR,--I received, by due course
+of mail, your favor of the 1st of December, informing
+me that you had directed the publishing agent of the
+American Anti-Slavery Society to forward to the governors
+of the slaveholding states the periodicals issued
+from that office. Taking it for granted, that
+the only object which the society or yourself could
+have in view, in adopting this course, is, the dissemination
+of the opinions and principles of the society--having
+made up my own opinion, unalterably, in relation
+to the whole question of slavery, as it exists
+in a portion of the United States, and feeling confident
+that, in the correctness of this opinion, I am sustained
+by the entire free white population of Alabama,
+as well as the great body of the people of this
+Union, I must, with the greatest respect for yourself,
+personally but not for the opinions or principles
+advocated by the society--positively
+decline receiving said publications, or any others
+of a similar character, either personally or officially.
+Indeed, it is presuming a little too much, to
+expect that the chief magistrate of a free people,
+elected by themselves, would hold correspondence
+or give currency to the publications of an organized
+society, openly engaged in a scheme fraught with
+more mischievous consequences to their interest and
+repose, than any that the wit or folly of mankind
+has heretofore devised.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I am, very respectfully,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Your ob't servant,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>A.P. BAGBY"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>JAMES G. BIRNEY, <i>Esq., New York</i>.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>GOVERNOR CANNON'S LETTER.</p>
+
+<p>[This letter required so many alterations to bring
+it up to the ordinary standard of epistolary, grammatical,
+and orthographical accuracy, that it is thought best
+to give it in <i>word</i> and <i>letter</i>,
+precisely as it was received at the office.]</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"EXECUTIVE DEPT.--</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>NASHVILLE. <i>Dec. 12th, 1837</i>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Sir</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I have rec'd yours of the 1st
+Inst notifying me, that you had directed, your
+periodical publications, on the subject of Slavery
+to be sent to me free of charge &amp;c--and
+you are correct, if sincere, in your views, in
+supposing that we widely differ, on this subject, we
+do indeed widely differ, on it, if the publications
+said to have emanated from you, are honest and
+sincere, which, I admit, is possible.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>My opinions are fix'd and settled,
+and I seldom Look into or examine, the, different
+vague notions of others who write and theorise
+on that subject. Hence I trust you will not expect
+me to examine, what you have printed on this subject,
+or cause to have printed. If you or any other
+man are influenced by feelings of humanity, and
+are laboring to relieve the sufferings, of the human
+race, you may find objects enough immediately around
+you, where you are, in any nonslaveholding State,
+to engage your, attention, and all your exertions,
+in that good cause.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>But if your aim is to make a flourish
+on the subject, before the world, and to gain
+yourself some notoriety, or distinction, without,
+doing good to any, and evil to many, of the human
+race, you are, pursuing the course calculated
+to effect. Such an object, in which no honest
+man need envy. Your honours, thus gaind, I know there
+are many such in our country, but would fain hope,
+you are not one of them. If you have Lived, as
+you state forty years in a Slave holding State,
+you know that, that class of its population, are not
+the most, miserable, degraded, or unhappy, either
+in their feelings or habits, You know they are
+generally governd, and provided for by men of
+information and understanding sufficient to guard them
+against the most, odious vices, and hibets of
+the country, from which, you know the slaves are
+in a far greater degree, exempt than, are other portions
+of the population. That the slaves are the most happy,
+moral and contented generally, and free from suffering
+of any kind, having, each full confidence, in
+his masters, skill means and disposition to provide
+well for him, knowing also at the same time that
+<i>it is his interest to do it</i>. Hence in this
+State of Society more than any other, Superior
+intelligence has the ascendency, in governing
+and provideing, for the wants of those inferior, also
+in giveing direction to their Labour, and industry,
+as should be the case, superior intelligence Should
+govern, when united with Virtue, and interest,
+that great predominating principle in all human affairs.
+It is my rule of Life, when I see any man labouring
+to produce effects, at a distance from him, while
+neglecting the objects immediately around him,
+(in doing good) to suspect his sincerity, to suspect
+him for some selfish, or sinister motive, all is
+not gold that glitters, and every man is not what he,
+endeavours to appear to be, is too well known.
+It is the duty of masters to take care of there
+slaves and provide for them, and this duty I believe
+is as generally and as fully complyd with as any other
+duty enjoind on the human family, for next to
+their children their own offspring, their slaves
+stand next foremost in their care and attention,
+there are indeed very few instances of a contrary
+character.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>You can find around you, I doubt not
+a large number of persons intemix'd, in
+your society, who are entirely destitute of that care,
+and attention, towards them that is enjoyed by
+our slaves, and who are destitute of that deep
+feeling of interest, in guarding their morals
+and habits, and directing them through Life in all
+things, which is here enjoyd by our slaves, to
+those let your efforts be directed immediately
+around you and do not trouble with your vague speculations
+those who are contented and happy, at a distance from
+you.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Very respectfully yours,</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>N. CANNON."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Mr. JAS. G. BIRNEY, <i>Cor. Sec.</i> &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>[The letter of the Secretary to the governor of South
+Carolina was not <i>answered</i>, but was so
+inverted and folded as to present the <i>subscribed</i>
+name of the secretary, as the <i>superscription</i>
+of the same letter to be returned. The addition of
+<i>New York</i> to the address brought it back
+to this office.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst governor Butler was thus refusing the information
+that was proffered to him in the most respectful terms
+from this office, he was engaged in another affair,
+having connection with the anti-slavery movement,
+as indiscreet, as it was unbecoming the dignity of
+the office he holds. The following account of it is
+from one of the Boston papers:--]</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Hoaxing a Governor</i>.--The
+National Aegis says, that Hollis Parker, who was
+sentenced to the state prison at the late term of the
+criminal court for Worcester county, for endeavoring
+to extort money from governor Everett, had opened
+an extensive correspondence, previous to his arrest,
+with similar intent, with other distinguished
+men of the country. Besides several individuals in
+New York, governor Butler, of South Carolina,
+was honored with his notice. A letter from that
+gentleman, directed to Parker, was lately received
+at the post office in a town near Worcester, enclosing
+a check for fifty dollars. So far as the character
+of Parker's letter can be inferred from
+the reply of governor Butler, it would appear, that
+Parker informed the governor, that the design was entertained
+by some of our citizens, of transmitting to South
+Carolina a quantity of 'incendiary publications,'
+and that with the aid of a little money, he (Parker)
+would be able to unravel the plot, and furnish
+full information concerning it to his excellency. The
+bait took, and the money was forwarded, with earnest
+appeals to Parker to be vigilant and active in
+thoroughly investigating the supposed conspiracy
+against the peace and happiness of the South.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The Aegis has the following very just
+remarks touching this case:--'Governor
+Butler belongs to a state loud in its professions
+of regard for state rights and state sovereignty.
+We, also, are sincere advocates of that good old
+republican doctrine. It strikes us, that it would
+have comported better with the spirit of that doctrine,
+the dignity, of his own station and character, the
+respect and courtesy due to a sovereign and independent
+state, if governor Butler had made the proper
+representation, if the subject was deserving of
+such notice, to the acknowledged head and constituted
+authorities of that state, instead of holding official
+correspondence with a citizen of a foreign jurisdiction,
+and employing a secret agent and informer, whose
+very offer of such service was proof of the base
+and irresponsible character of him who made it.'"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>GOVERNOR CONWAY'S LETTER.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, <i>March</i> 1, 1838.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Sir--A newspaper, headed '<i>The
+Emancipator</i>,' in which you are announced
+the 'publishing agent,' has, for some weeks
+past, arrived at the post office in this city,
+to my address. Not having subscribed, or authorized
+any individual to give my name as a subscriber,
+for that or any such paper, it is entirely <i>gratuitous</i>
+on the part of its publishers to send me a copy;
+and not having a favorable opinion of the <i>intentions</i>
+of the <i>authors and founders</i> of the
+'<i>American Anti-Slavery Society</i>;'
+I have to request a discontinuance of '<i>The
+Emancipator</i>.'</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Your ob't servant, "J.S.  CONWAY."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>R. G. WILLIAMS, Esq., New York.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>[NOTE.--The following extract of a letter,
+from the late Chief Justice Jay to the late venerable
+Elias Boudinot, dated Nov. 17, 1819, might well have
+formed part of Appendix E. Its existence, however,
+was not known till it was too late to insert it in
+its most appropriate place. It shows the view taken
+of some of the <i>constitutional</i> questions
+by a distinguished jurist,--one of the purest
+patriots too, by whom our early history was illustrated.]</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Little can be added to what has
+been said and written on the subject of slavery.
+I concur in the opinion, that it ought not to be <i>introduced,
+nor permitted</i> in any of the <i>new</i>
+states; and that it ought to be gradually diminished,
+and finally, abolished, in all of them.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>To me, the <i>constitutional
+authority</i> of the Congress to prohibit
+the <i>migration</i>
+and <i>importation</i> of slaves into any of the
+states,
+does not appear questionable.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>The first article of the Constitution
+specifics the legislative powers committed to
+Congress. The ninth section of that article has these
+words:--'The <i>migration</i>
+or <i>importation</i> of such persons as any
+of the <i>now existing</i> states shall think
+proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the
+Congress prior to the year 1808--but a tax
+or duty may be imposed on such importation not
+exceeding <i>ten dollars</i> for each person.'</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>I understand the sense and meaning of
+this clause to be, That the power of the Congress,
+although <i>competent to prohibit such migration
+and importation</i>, was not to be exercised with
+respect to the THEN existing states, and <i>them
+only</i>, until the year 1808; but that Congress
+were at liberty to make such prohibition as to any
+<i>new state</i> which might in the <i>meantime</i>
+be established. And further, that from and after
+<i>that</i> period, they were authorized to make
+such prohibition as to <i>all the states, whether
+new or old</i>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<blockquote><p>Slaves were the persons intended. The
+word slaves was avoided, on account of the existing
+toleration of slavery, and its discordancy with
+the principles of the Revolution; and from a consciousness
+of its being repugnant to those propositions to
+the Declaration of Independence:--'We
+hold these truths to be self-evident--that
+all men are created equal--that they
+are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable
+rights--and that, among these, are life,
+liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'"</p></blockquote>
+<p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<a name="AE_9"></a>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+<H2>NO. 9.
+<br>
+<br>
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER.</H2>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<h3>LETTER
+<br>
+OF
+<br>
+
+GERRIT SMITH,
+<br>
+
+TO
+<br>
+
+HON. HENRY CLAY.</h3>
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>NEW YORK:</p>
+
+<pre>PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, NO. 143 NASSAU STREET.
+----- 1839.</pre>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+<p>This No. contains 3-1/2 sheets.--Postage, under 100
+miles, 6 cts. over 100, 10 cts.</p>
+
+<p><i>Please Read and circulate</i>.</p>
+
+<p><b>LETTER.</b></p>
+
+<p>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>PETERBORO, MARCH 21, 1839.</p>
+
+<p>HON. HENRY CLAY:</p>
+
+<p>DEAR SIR,</p>
+
+<p>In the Annual Meeting of the American Colonization
+Society, held in the Capitol in the city of Washington,
+December, 1835, you commented on a speech made by
+myself, the previous autumn. Your objections to that
+speech formed the principal subject matter of your
+remarks. Does not this fact somewhat mitigate the
+great presumption of which I feel myself guilty, in
+undertaking, all unhonored and humble as I am, to review
+the production of one of the most distinguished statesmen
+of the age?</p>
+
+<p>Until the appearance of your celebrated speech on
+the subject of slavery, I had supposed that you cherished
+a sacred regard for the right of petition. I now find,
+that you value it no more highly than they do, who
+make open war upon it. Indeed, you admit, that, in
+relation to this right, "there is no substantial
+difference between" them and yourself. Instead
+of rebuking, you compliment them; and, in saying that
+"the majority of the Senate" would not
+"violate the right of petition in any case,
+in which, according to its judgment, the object of
+the petition could be safely or properly granted,"
+you show to what destructive conditions you subject
+this absolute right. Your doctrine is, that in those
+cases, where the object of the petition is such, as
+the supplicated party can approve, previously to any
+discussion of its merits--there, and there
+only, exists the right of petition. For aught I see,
+you are no more to be regarded as the friend of this
+right, than is the conspicuous gentleman[<a name="AE2_FRBB"></a><a href="#AE2_FNBB">A</a>] who framed
+the Report on that subject, which was presented to
+the Senate of my state the last month. That gentleman
+admits the sacredness of "the right to petition
+on any subject;" and yet, in the same breath,
+he insists on the equal sacredness of the right to
+refuse to attend to a petition. He manifestly failed
+to bear in mind, that a right to petition implies the
+correlative right to be heard. How different are the
+statesmen, who insist "on the right to refuse
+to attend to a petition," from Him, who says,
+"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor,
+he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard."
+And who are poor, if it be not those for whom the
+abolitionists cry? They must even cry by proxy. For,
+in the language of John Quincy Adams, the champion
+of the right of petition, "The slave is not
+permitted to cry for mercy--to plead for
+pardon--to utter the shriek of perishing
+nature for relief." It may be well to remark,
+that the error, which I have pointed out in the Report
+in question, lies in the premises of the principal
+argument of that paper; and that the correction of
+this error is necessarily attended with the destruction
+of the premises, and with the overthrow of the argument,
+which is built upon them.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNBB"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRBB">A</a>: Colonel Young.]</p>
+
+<p>I surely need not stop to vindicate the right of petition.
+It is a natural right--one that human laws
+can guarantee, but can neither create nor destroy.
+It is an interesting fact, that the Amendment to the
+Federal Constitution, which guarantees the right of
+petition, was opposed in the Congress of 1789 as superfluous.
+It was argued, that this is "a self-evident,
+inalienable right, which the people possess,"
+and that "it would never be called in question."
+What a change in fifty years!</p>
+
+<p>You deny the power of Congress to abolish the inter-state
+traffic in human beings; and, inasmuch as you say,
+that the right "to regulate commerce with foreign
+nations, and among the several states," does
+not include the right to prohibit and destroy commerce;
+and, inasmuch as it is understood, that it was in
+virtue of the right to regulate commerce, that Congress
+enacted laws to restrain our participation in the "African
+slave trade," you perhaps also deny, that Congress
+had the power to enact such laws. The history of the
+times in which the Federal Constitution was framed
+and adopted, justifies the belief, that the clause
+of that instrument under consideration conveys the
+power, which Congress exercised. For instance, Governor
+Randolph, when speaking in the Virginia Convention
+of 1788, of the clause which declares, that "the
+migration or importation of such persons as any of
+the states now existing shall think proper to admit,
+shall not be prohibited by Congress prior to the year
+1808," said, "This is an exception from
+the power of regulating commerce, and the restriction
+is to continue only till 1808. Then Congress can,
+by the exercise of that power, prevent future importations."</p>
+
+<p>Were I, however, to admit that the right "to
+regulate commerce," does not include the right
+to prohibit and destroy commerce, it nevertheless
+would not follow, that Congress might not prohibit
+or destroy certain branches of commerce. It might
+need to do so, in order to preserve our general commerce
+with a state or nation. So large a proportion of the
+cloths of Turkey might be fraught with the contagion
+of the plague, as to make it necessary for our Government
+to forbid the importation of all cloths from that
+country, and thus totally destroy one branch of our
+commerce with it, to the end that the other branches
+might be preserved. No inconsiderable evidence that
+Congress has the right to prohibit or destroy a branch
+of commerce, is to be found in the fact, that it has
+done so. From March, 1794, to May, 1820, it enacted
+several laws, which went to prohibit or destroy, and,
+in the end, did prohibit or destroy the trade of this
+country with Africa in human beings. And, if Congress
+has the power to pass embargo laws, has it not the
+power to prohibit or destroy commerce altogether?</p>
+
+<p>It is, however, wholly immaterial, whether Congress
+could prohibit our participation in the "African
+slave trade," in virtue of the clause which
+empowers it "to regulate commerce." That
+the Constitution does, in some one or more of its
+passages, convey the power, is manifest from the testimony
+of the Constitution itself. The first clause of the
+ninth section says: "The migration or importation
+of such persons, as any of the states now existing
+shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited
+by the Congress prior to they year 1808." Now
+the implication in this clause of the existence of
+the power in question, is as conclusive, as would
+be the express and positive grant of it. You will
+observe, too, that the power of Congress over "migration
+or importation," which this clause implies,
+is a power not merely to "regulate," as
+you define the word, but to "prohibit."</p>
+
+<p>It is clear, then, that Congress had the power to
+interdict our trade in human beings with Africa. But,
+in view of what has been said on that point--in
+view of the language of the Federal Constitution--of
+the proceedings of the Convention, which framed it--and
+of the cotemporary public sentiment--is
+it any less clear, that Congress has the power to
+interdict the inter-state traffic in human beings?</p>
+
+<p>There are some, who assert that the words "migration"
+and "importation," instead of referring,
+as I maintain they do--the former to the
+removal of slaves from state to state, and the latter
+to their introduction from Africa--are used
+in the Constitution as synonyms, and refer exclusively
+to the "African slave trade." But there
+is surely no ground for the imputation of such utter
+tautology, if we recollect that the Constitution was
+written by scholars, and that remarkable pains were
+taken to clear it of all superfluous words--a
+Committee having been appointed for that special purpose.
+But, it may be asked, Why, in reference to the taking
+of slaves from one state to another, use the word
+"migration," which denotes voluntary removal?
+One answer is--that it can be used with
+as much propriety in that case, as in the removal of
+slaves from Africa--the removal in the one
+case being no less involuntary than in the other.
+Another answer is--that the framers of the
+Constitution selected the word "migration,"
+because of its congruity with that of "persons,"
+under which their virtuous shame sought to conceal
+from posterity the existence of seven hundred thousand
+slaves amongst a people, who had but recently entered
+upon their national career, with the solemn declaration,
+that "all men are created equal."</p>
+
+<p>John Jay, whose great celebrity is partly owing to
+his very able expositions of the Constitution, says:
+"To me, the constitutional authority of the
+Congress to prohibit the migration <i>and</i>
+importation of slaves into any of the states, does
+not appear questionable." If the disjunctive
+between "migration" and "importation"
+in the Constitution, argues their reference to the
+same thing, Mr. Jay's copulative argues more
+strongly, that, in his judgment, they refer to different
+things.</p>
+
+<p>The law of Congress constituting the "Territory
+of Orleans," was enacted in 1804. It fully recognizes
+the power of that body to prohibit the trade in slaves
+between a territory and the states. But, if Congress
+had this power, why had it not as clear a power to
+prohibit, at that time, the trade in slaves between
+any two of the states? It might have prohibited it,
+but for the constitutional suspension of the exercise
+of the power. The term of that suspension closed,
+however, in 1808; and, since that year, Congress has
+had as full power to abolish the whole slave trade
+between the states, as it had in 1804 to abolish the
+like trade between the Territory of Orleans and the
+states.</p>
+
+<p>But, notwithstanding the conclusive evidence, that
+the Constitution empowers Congress to abolish the
+inter-state slave trade, it is incomprehensible to
+many, that such states as Virginia and Maryland should
+have consented to deprive themselves of the benefit
+of selling their slaves into other states. It is incomprehensible,
+only because they look upon such states in the light
+of their present character and present interests.
+It will no longer be so, if they will bear in mind,
+that slave labor was then, as it is now, unprofitable
+for ordinary agriculture, and that Whitney's
+cotton-gin, which gave great value to such labor,
+was not yet invented, and that the purchase of Louisiana,
+which has had so great an effect to extend and perpetuate
+the dominion of slavery, was not yet made. It will
+no longer be incomprehensible to them, if they will
+recollect, that, at the period in question, American
+slavery was regarded as a rapidly decaying, if not
+already expiring institution. It will no longer be
+so, if they will recollect, how small was the price
+of slaves then, compared with their present value;
+and that, during the ten years, which followed the
+passage of the Act of Virginia in 1782, legalizing
+<i>manumissions</i>, her citizens emancipated slaves
+to the number of nearly one-twentieth of the whole
+amount of her slaves in that year. To learn whether
+your native Virginia clung in the year 1787 to the
+inter-state traffic in human flesh, we must take our
+post of observation, not amongst her degenerate sons,
+who, in 1836, sold men, women, and children, to the
+amount of twenty-four millions of dollars--not
+amongst her President Dews, who write books in favor
+of breeding human stock for exportation--but
+amongst her Washingtons, and Jeffersons, and Henrys,
+and Masons, who, at the period when the Constitution
+was framed, freely expressed their abhorrence of slavery.</p>
+
+<p>But, however confident you may be, that Congress has
+not the lawful power to abolish the branch of commerce
+in question; nevertheless, would the abolition of
+it be so clearly and grossly unconstitutional, as to
+justify the contempt with which the numerous petitions
+for the measure are treated, and the impeachment of
+their fidelity to the Constitution, and of their patriotism
+and purity, which the petitioners are made to endure?</p>
+
+<p>I was about to take it for granted, that, although
+you deny the power of Congress to abolish the inter-state
+traffic in human beings, you do not justify the traffic--when
+I recollected the intimation in your speech, that
+there is no such traffic. For, when you speak of "the
+slave trade between the states," and add--"or,
+as it is described in abolition petitions, the traffic
+in human beings between the states"--do
+you not intimate there is no such traffic? Whence
+this language? Do you not believe slaves are human
+beings? And do you not believe that they suffer under
+the disruption of the dearest earthly ties, as human
+beings suffer? I will not detain you to hear what
+we of the North think of this internal slave trade.
+But I will call your attention to what is thought
+of it in your own Kentucky and in your native Virginia.
+Says the "Address of the Presbyterian Synod
+of Kentucky to the Churches in 1835:"--"Brothers
+and sisters, parents and children, husbands and wives,
+are torn asunder, and permitted to see each other no
+more. Those acts are daily occurring in the midst
+of us. The shrieks and the agony often witnessed on
+such occasions, proclaim with a trumpet tongue the
+iniquity and cruelty of the system. There is not a
+neighborhood where these heart-rending scenes are
+not displayed. There is not a village or road that
+does not behold the sad procession of manacled outcasts,
+whose chains and mournful countenances tell that they
+are exiled by force from all that their hearts hold
+dear." Says Thomas Jefferson Randolph, in the
+Virginia Legislature in 1832, when speaking of this
+trade: "It is a practice, and an increasing
+practice, in parts of Virginia, to rear slaves for
+market. How can an honourable mind, a patriot, and
+a lover of his country, bear to see this ancient dominion,
+rendered illustrious by the noble devotion and patriotism
+of her sons in the cause of liberty, converted into
+one grand menagerie, where men are to be reared for
+the market like oxen for the shambles. Is it better--is
+it not worse than the (foreign) slave trade--that
+trade which enlisted the labor of the good and wise
+of every creed and every clime to abolish? The (foreign)
+trader receives the slave, a stranger in language,
+aspect, and manner, from the merchant who has brought
+him from the interior. The ties of father, mother,
+husband, and child, have already been rent in twain;
+before he receives him, his soul has become callous.
+But here, sir, individuals whom the master has known
+from infancy, whom he has seen sporting in the innocent
+gambols of childhood--who have been accustomed
+to look to him for protection, he tears from the mother's
+arms, and sells into a strange country--among
+strange people, subject to cruel taskmasters."</p>
+
+<p>You are in favor of increasing the number of slave
+states. The terms of the celebrated "Missouri
+compromise" warrant, in your judgment, the increase.
+But, notwithstanding you admit, that this unholy compromise,
+in which tranquillity was purchased at the expense
+of humanity and righteousness, does not "in
+terms embrace the case," and "is not absolutely
+binding and obligatory;" you, nevertheless, make
+no attempt whatever to do away any one of the conclusive
+objections, which are urged against such increase.
+You do not attempt to show how the multiplication
+of slave states can consist with the constitutional
+duty of the "United States to guarantee to every
+state in the Union a republican form of government,"
+any more than if it were perfectly clear, that a government
+is republican under which one half of the people are
+lawfully engaged in buying and selling the other half;
+or than if the doctrine that "all men are created
+equal" were not the fundamental and distinctive
+doctrine of a republican government. You no more vindicate
+the proposition to enlarge the realm of slavery, than
+if the proposition were as obviously in harmony with,
+as it is opposed to the anti-slavery tenor and policy
+of the Constitution--the rights of man--and
+the laws of God.</p>
+
+<p>You are perhaps of the number of those, who, believing,
+that a state can change its Constitution as it pleases,
+deem it futile in Congress to require, that States,
+on entering the Union, shall have anti-slavery Constitutions.
+The Framers of the Federal Constitution doubtless foresaw
+the possibility of treachery, on the part of the new
+States, in the matter of slavery: and the restriction
+in that instrument to the old States--"the
+States now existing"--of the right
+to participate in the internal and "African
+slave trade" may be ascribed to the motive of
+diminishing, if not indeed of entirely preventing,
+temptation to such treachery. The Ordinance concerning
+the North-west Territory, passed by the Congress of
+1787, and ratified by the Congress of 1790, shows,
+so far as those bodies can be regarded as correct
+interpreters of the Constitution which was framed
+in 1787, and adopted in 1789, that slavery was not
+to have a constitutional existence in the new States.
+The Ordinance continues the privilege of recapturing
+fugitive slaves in the North-west Territory to the
+"existing States." Slaves in that territory,
+to be the subjects of lawful recapture, must in the
+language of the Ordinance, owe "labour or service
+in one of the <i>original</i> States."</p>
+
+<p>I close what I have to say on this topic, with the
+remark, that were it admitted, that the reasons for
+the increase of the number of slave States are sound
+and satisfactory, it nevertheless would not follow,
+that the moral and constitutional wrong of preventing
+that increase is so palpable, as to justify the scorn
+and insult, which are heaped by Congress upon this
+hundred thousand petitioners for this measure.</p>
+
+<p>It has hitherto been supposed, that you distinctly
+and fully admitted the Constitutional power of Congress
+to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia. But,
+on this point, as on that of the right of petition,
+you have for reasons known to yourself, suddenly and
+greatly changed your tone. Whilst your speech argues,
+at no small length, that Congress has not the right
+to abolish slavery in the District, all that it says
+in favor of the Constitutional power to abolish it,
+is that "the language (of the Constitution)
+may <i>possibly</i> be sufficiently comprehensive
+to include a power of abolition." "Faint
+praise dams;" and your very reluctant and qualified
+concession of the Constitutional power under consideration,
+is to be construed, rather as a denial than a concession.</p>
+
+<p>Until I acquire the skill of making white whiter,
+and black blacker, I shall have nothing to say in
+proof of the Constitutional power of Congress over
+slavery in the District of Columbia, beyond referring
+to the terms, in which the Constitution so plainly
+conveys this power. That instrument authorises Congress
+"to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever over such District." If these words
+do not confer the power, it is manifest that no words
+could confer it. I will add that, never, until the
+last few years, had doubts been expressed, that these
+words do fully confer that power.</p>
+
+<p>You will, perhaps, say, that Virginia and Maryland
+made their <i>cessions</i> of the territory, which constitutes
+the District of Columbia, with reservations on the
+subject of slavery. We answer, that none were expressed;[<a name="AE2_FRBC"></a><a href="#AE2_FNBC">A</a>]
+and that if there had been, Congress would not, and
+in view of the language of the Constitution, could
+not, have accepted the <i>cessions</i>. You may then
+say, that they would not have ceded the territory,
+had it occurred to them, that Congress would have cleared
+it of slavery; and that, this being the fact, Congress
+could not thus clear it, without being guilty of bad
+faith, and of an ungenerous and unjustifiable surprise
+on those States. There are several reasons for believing,
+that those States, not only did not, at the period
+in question, cherish a dread of the abolition of slavery;
+but that the public sentiment within them was decidedly
+in favor of its speedy abolition. At that period,
+their most distinguished statesmen were trumpet-tongued
+against slavery. At that period, there was both a
+Virginia and a Maryland society "for promoting
+the abolition of slavery;" and, it was then,
+that, with the entire consent of Virginia and Maryland,
+effectual measures were adopted to preclude slavery
+from that large territory, which has since given Ohio
+and several other States to the Union. On this subject,
+as on that of the inter-state slave trade, we misinterpret
+Virginia and Maryland, by not considering, how unlike
+was their temper in relation to slavery, amidst the
+decays and dying throes of that institution half a
+century ago, to what it is now, when slavery is not
+only revivified, but has become the predominant interest
+and giant power of the nation. We forget, that our
+whole country was, at that time, smitten with love
+for the holy cause of impartial and universal liberty.
+To judge correctly of the view, which our Revolutionary
+fathers took of oppression, we must go back and stand
+by their side, in their struggles against it,--we
+must survey them through the medium of the anti-slavery
+sentiment of their own times, and not impute to them
+the pro-slavery spirit so rampant in ours.</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNBC"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRBC">A</a>: There is a proviso in the Act of Virginia.
+It was on this, that three years ago, in the Senate
+of the United States, Benjamin Watkins Leigh built
+his argument against the constitutional power of Congress
+to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia. I well
+remember that you then denied the soundness of his
+argument. This superfluous proviso virtually forbids
+Congress to pass laws, which shall "affect the
+rights of individuals" in the ceded territory.
+Amongst the inviolable "rights" was that
+of holding slaves, as Mr. Leigh contended. I regret,
+that, in replying to him, you did not make use of the
+fact, that all the members of Congress from Virginia
+voted in favor of the Ordinance, which abolished slavery
+in the North-West Territory; and this too, notwithstanding,
+that, in the Act of 1784, by which she ceded the North-West
+Territory to the Confederacy, she provided, that the
+"citizens of Virginia" in the said Territory,
+many of whom held slaves, should "be protected
+in the enjoyment of their rights." This fact
+furnishes striking evidence that at, or about, the
+time of the cession by Virginia of her portion of
+the District of Columbia, her statesmen believed,
+that the right to hold slaves in those portions of
+our country under the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress,
+was not beyond the reach of the controlling power
+of Congress.]</p>
+
+<p>I will, however, suppose it true, that Virginia and
+Maryland would not have made the <i>cessions</i> in
+question, had they foreseen, that Congress would abolish
+slavery in the District of Columbia:--and
+yet, I affirm, that it would be the duty of Congress
+to abolish it. Had there been State Prisons in the
+territory, at the time Congress acquired jurisdiction
+over it, and had Congress immediately opened their
+doors, and turned loose hundreds of depraved and bloody
+criminals, there would indeed have been abundant occasion
+for complaint. But, had the exercise of its power
+in the premises extended no farther than to the liberation
+of such convicts, as, on a re-examination of their
+cases, were found to be clearly guiltless of the crimes
+charged upon them; the sternest justice could not
+have objected to such an occasion for the rejoicing
+of mercy. And are not the thousands in the District,
+for whose liberation Congress is besought, unjustly
+deprived of their liberty? Not only are they guiltless,
+but they are even unaccused of such crimes, as in the
+judgment of any, justly work a forfeiture of liberty.
+And what do Virginia and Maryland ask? Is it, that
+Congress shall resubject to their control those thousands
+of deeply wronged men? No--for this Congress
+cannot do. They ask, that Congress shall fulfil the
+tyrant wishes of these States. They ask, that the
+whole people of the United States--those
+who hate, as well as those who love slavery, shall,
+by their representatives, assume the guilty and awful
+responsibility of perpetuating the enslavement of
+their innocent fellow men:--of chaining
+the bodies and crushing the wills, and blotting out
+the minds of such, as have neither transgressed, nor
+even been accused of having transgressed, a single
+human law. And the crime, which Virginia and Maryland,
+and they, who sympathise with them, would have the
+nation perpetrate, is, not simply that of prolonging
+the captivity of those, who were slaves before the
+cession--for but a handful of them are now
+remaining in the District. Most of the present number
+became slaves under the authority of this guilty nation.
+Their wrongs originated with Congress: and Congress
+is asked, not only to perpetuate their oppression,
+but to fasten the yoke of slavery on generations yet
+unborn.</p>
+
+<p>There are those, who advocate the recession of the
+District of Columbia. If the nation were to consent
+to this, without having previously exercised her power
+to "break every yoke" of slavery in the
+District, the blood of those so cruelly left there
+in "the house of bondage," would remain
+indelible and damning upon her skirts:--and
+this too, whether Virginia and Maryland did or did
+not intend to vest Congress with any power over slavery.
+It is enough, that the nation has the power "to
+deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that
+are ready to be slain," to make her fearfully
+guilty before God, if she "forbear" to
+exercise it.</p>
+
+<p>Suppose, I were to obtain a lease of my neighbor's
+barn for the single and express purpose of securing
+my crops; and that I should find, chained up in one
+of its dark corners, an innocent fellow man, whom that
+neighbor was subjecting to the process of a lingering
+death; ought I to pause and recall President Wayland's,
+"Limitations of Human Responsibility,"
+and finally let the poor sufferer remain in his chains;
+or ought I not rather, promptly to respond to the laws
+of my nature and my nature's God, and let him
+go free? But, to make this case analogous to that
+we have been considering--to that, which
+imposes its claims on Congress--we must
+strike out entirely the condition of the lease, and
+with it all possible doubts of my right to release
+the victim of my neighbor's murderous hate.</p>
+
+<p>I am entirely willing to yield, for the sake of argument,
+that Virginia and Maryland, when ceding the territory
+which constitutes the District of Columbia, did not
+anticipate, and did not choose the abolition of slavery
+in it. To make the admission stronger, I will allow,
+that these States were, at the time of the cession,
+as warmly opposed to the abolition of slavery in the
+District as they are said to be now: and to make it
+stronger still, I will allow, that the abolition of
+slavery in the District would prove deeply injurious,
+not only to Virginia and Maryland but to the nation
+at large. And, after all these admissions, I must
+still insist, that Congress is under perfectly plain
+moral obligation to abolish slavery in the District
+of Columbia.</p>
+
+<p>They, who are deterred from favoring the abolition
+of slavery in the District by the apprehension, that
+Virginia and Maryland, if not, indeed, the nation
+at large, might suffer injurious consequences from
+the measure, overlook the fact, that there is a third
+party in the case. It is common to regard the nation
+as constituting one of the parties--Virginia
+and Maryland another, and the only other. But in point
+of fact, there is a third party. Of what does it consist?
+Of horses, oxen, and other brutes? Then we need not
+be greatly concerned about it--since its
+rights in that case, would be obviously subordinate
+to those of the other parties. Again, if such be the
+composition of this third party, we are not to be
+greatly troubled, that President Wayland and thousands
+of others entirely overlook its rights and interests;
+though they ought to be somewhat mindful even of brutes.
+But, this third party is composed, not of brutes--but
+of men--of the seven thousand men in the
+District, who have fallen under the iron hoofs of slavery--and
+who, because they are men, have rights equal to, and
+as sacred as the rights of any other men--rights,
+moreover, which cannot be innocently encroached on,
+even to the breadth of one hair, whether under the
+plea of "state necessity"--of
+the perils of emancipation--or under any
+other plea, which conscience-smitten and cowardly
+tyranny can suggest.</p>
+
+<p>If these lines shall ever be so favored, as to fall
+under the eye of the venerable and beloved John Quincy
+Adams, I beg, that, when he shall have read them,
+he will solemnly inquire of his heart, whether, if
+he should ever be left to vote against the abolition
+of slavery in the District of Columbia, and thus stab
+deeply the cause of civil liberty, of humanity, and
+of God; the guilty act would not result from overlooking
+the rights and interests, and even the existence itself,
+of a third party in the case--and from considering
+the claims of the nation and those of Virginia and
+Maryland, as the only claims on which he was called
+to pass, because they were the claims of the only
+parties, of which he was aware.</p>
+
+<p>You admit that "the first duty of Congress in
+relation to the District, of Columbia, is to render
+it available, comfortable, and convenient as a seat
+of the government of the whole Union." I thank
+you for an admission, which can be used, with great
+effect, against the many, who maintain, that Congress
+is as much bound to consult the interests and wishes
+of the inhabitants of the District, and be governed
+by them, as a State Legislature is to study and serve
+the interests and wishes of its constituents. The
+inhabitants of the District have taken up their residence
+in it, aware, that the paramount object of Congressional
+legislation is not their, but the nation's advantage.
+They judge, that their disfranchisement and the other
+disadvantages attending their residence are more than
+balanced by their favorable position for participating
+in Governmental patronage and other benefits. They
+know, that they have no better right to complain,
+that the legislation of Congress is not dictated by
+a primary regard to their interests, than has the
+Colonization Society, of which you are President, to
+complain, that the Capitol, in which it holds its
+annual meetings, is not constructed and fitted up
+in the best possible manner for such occasions. They
+know, that to sacrifice the design and main object
+of that building to its occasional and incidental
+uses, would be an absurdity no greater than would
+Congress be guilty of in shaping its legislation to
+the views of the thirty thousand white inhabitants
+of the District of Columbia, at the expense of neglecting
+the will and interests of the nation.</p>
+
+<p>You feel, that there is no hazard in your admission,
+that the paramount object in relation to the District
+of Columbia, is its suitableness for a seat of Government,
+since you accompany that admission with the denial,
+that the presence of slavery interferes with such suitableness.
+But is it not a matter of deep regret, that the place,
+in which our national laws are made--that
+the place from which the sentiment and fashion of
+the whole country derive so much of their tone and
+direction--should cherish a system, which
+you have often admitted, is at war with the first
+principles of our religion and civil polity;[<a name="AE2_FRBD"></a><a href="#AE2_FNBD">A</a>] and
+the influences of which are no less pervading and controlling
+than corrupting? Is it not a matter of deep regret,
+that they, whom other governments send to our own,
+and to whom, on account of their superior intellect
+and influence, it is our desire, as it is our duty,
+to commend our free institutions, should be obliged
+to learn their lessons of practical republicanism
+amidst the monuments and abominations of slavery?
+Is it no objection to the District of Columbia, as
+the seat of our Government, that slavery, which concerns
+the political and moral interests of the nation, more
+than any other subject coming within the range of
+legislation, is not allowed to be discussed there--either
+within or without the Halls of Congress? It is one
+of the doctrines of slavery, that slavery shall not
+be discussed. Some of its advocates are frank enough
+to avow, as the reason for this prohibition, that slavery
+cannot bear to be discussed. In your speech before
+the American Colonization Society in 1835, to which
+I have referred, you distinctly take the ground, that
+slavery is a subject not open to general discussion.
+Very far am I from believing, that you would employ,
+or intentionally countenance violence, to prevent
+such discussion. Nevertheless, it is to this doctrine
+of non-discussion, which you and others put forth,
+that the North is indebted for her pro-slavery mobs,
+and the South for her pro-slavery Lynchings. The declarations
+of such men as Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, that
+slavery is a question not to be discussed, are a license
+to mobs to burn up halls and break up abolition meetings,
+and destroy abolition presses, and murder abolition
+editors. Had such men held the opposite doctrine, and
+admitted, yea, and insisted, as it was their duty
+to do, that every question in morals and politics
+is a legitimate subject of free discussion--the
+District of Columbia would be far less objectionable,
+as the seat of our Government. In that case the lamented
+Dr. Crandall would not have been seized in the city
+of Washington on the suspicion of being an abolitionist,
+and thrown into prison, and subjected to distresses
+of mind and body, which resulted in his premature
+death. Had there been no slavery in the District,
+this outrage would not have been committed; and the
+murders, chargeable on the bloodiest of all bloody
+institutions, would have been one less than they now
+are. Talk of the slaveholding District of Columbia
+being a suitable locality for the seat of our Government!
+Why, Sir, a distinguished member of Congress was threatened
+there with an indictment for the <i>crime</i>
+of presenting, or rather of proposing to present,
+a petition to the body with which he was connected!
+Indeed the occasion of the speech, on which I am now
+commenting, was the <i>impudent</i> protest of
+inhabitants of that District against the right of the
+American people to petition their own Congress, in
+relation to matters of vital importance to the seat
+of their own Government! I take occasion here to admit,
+that I have seen but references to this protest--not
+the protest itself. I presume, that it is not dissimilar,
+in its spirit, to the petition presented about the
+same time by Mr. Moore in the other House of Congress--his
+speech on which, he complains was ungenerously anticipated
+by yours on the petition presented by yourself. As
+the petition presented by Mr. Moore is short, I will
+copy it, that I may say to you with the more effect--how
+unfit is the spirit of a slaveholding people, as illustrated
+in this petition, to be the spirit of the people at
+the seat of a free Government!</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNBD"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRBD">A</a>: "It (slavery) is a sin and a curse
+both to the master and the slave:"--<i>Henry
+Clay</i>.]</p>
+
+<p>"<i>To the Senate and House of Representatives
+of the United States</i>:</p>
+
+<p>The petition of the undersigned, citizens of the District
+of Columbia represents--That they have witnessed
+with deep regret the attempts which are making <i>to
+disturb the integrity</i> of the Union by a BAND
+OF FANATICS, embracing men, women, and children, who
+cease not day and night to crowd the tables of your
+halls with SEDITIOUS MEMORIALS--and
+solicit your honorable bodies that you will, in your
+wisdom, henceforth give neither support nor countenance
+to such UNHALLOWED ATTEMPTS, but that you will, in
+the most emphatic manner, set the seal of your disapprobation
+upon all such FOUL AND UNNATURAL EFFORTS, by refusing
+not only to READ and REFER, but also to RECEIVE any
+papers which either directly or indirectly, or by
+implication, aim at any interference with the rights
+of your petitioners, or of those of any citizen of
+any of the States or Territories of the United States,
+or of this District of which we are inhabitants."</p>
+
+<p>A Legislature should be imbued with a free, independent,
+fearless spirit. But it cannot be, where discussion
+is overawed and interdicted, or its boundaries at
+all contracted. Wherever slavery reigns, the freedom
+of discussion is not tolerated: and whenever slavery
+exists, there slavery reigns;--reigns too
+with that exclusive spirit of Turkish despotism, that,
+"bears no brother near the throne."</p>
+
+<p>You agree with President Wayland, that it is as improper
+for Congress to abolish slavery in the District of
+Columbia, as to create it in some place in the free
+States, over which it has jurisdiction. As improper,
+in the judgment of an eminent statesman, and of a no
+less eminent divine, to destroy what they both admit
+to be a system of unrighteousness, as to establish
+it! As improper to restrain as to practice, a violation
+of God's law! What will other countries and coming
+ages think of the politics of our statesmen and the
+ethics of our divines?</p>
+
+<p>But, besides its immorality, Congress has no Constitutional
+right to create slavery. You have not yet presumed
+to deny positively, that Congress has the right to
+abolish slavery in the District of Columbia; and,
+notwithstanding the intimation in your speech, you
+will not presume to affirm, that Congress has the
+Constitutional right to enact laws reducing to, or
+holding in slavery, the inhabitants of West Point,
+or any other locality in the free States, over which
+it has exclusive jurisdiction. I would here remark,
+that the law of Congress, which revived the operation
+of the laws of Virginia and Maryland in the District
+of Columbia, being, so far as it respects the slave
+laws of those States, a violation of the Federal Constitution,
+should be held of no avail towards legalizing slavery
+in the District--and the subjects of that
+slavery, should, consequently, be declared by our Courts
+unconditionally free.</p>
+
+<p>You will admit that slavery is a system of surpassing
+injustice:--but an avowed object of the
+Constitution is to "establish justice."
+You will admit that it utterly annihilates the liberty
+of its victims:--but another of the avowed
+objects of the Constitution is to "secure the
+blessings of liberty." You will admit, that slavery
+does, and necessarily must, regard its victims as
+<i>chattels</i>. The Constitution, on the contrary,
+speaks of them as nothing short of <i>persons</i>.
+Roger Sherman, a signer of the Declaration of Independence,
+a framer of the Federal Constitution, and a member
+of the first Congress under it, denied that this instrument
+considers slaves "as a species of property."
+Mr. Madison, in the 54th No. of the Federalist admits,
+that the Constitution "regards them as inhabitants."
+Many cases might be cited, in which Congress has,
+in consonance with the Constitution, refused to recognize
+slaves as property. It was the expectation, as well
+as the desire of the framers of the Constitution,
+that slavery should soon cease to exist is our country;
+and, but for the laws, which both Congress and the
+slave States, have, in flagrant violation of the letter
+and spirit and obvious policy of the Constitution,
+enacted in behalf of slavery, that vice would, ere
+this, have disappeared from our land. Look, for instance,
+at the laws enacted in the fact of the clause: "The
+citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the
+privileges and immunities of citizens in the several
+States"--laws too, which the States
+that enacted them, will not consent to repeal, until
+they consent to abandon slavery. It is by these laws,
+that they shut out the colored people of the North,
+the presence of a single individual of whom so alarms
+them with the prospect of a servile insurrection, that
+they immediately imprison him. Such was the view of
+the Federal Constitution taken by James Wilson one
+of its framers, that, without, as I presume, claiming
+for Congress any direct power over slavery in the slave
+States, he declared that it possessed "power
+to exterminate slavery from within our borders."
+It was probably under a like view, that Benjamin Franklin,
+another of its framers, and Benjamin Rush, a signer
+of the Declaration of Independence, and other men
+of glorious and blessed memory, petitioned the first
+Congress under the Constitution to "countenance
+the restoration to liberty of those unhappy men,"
+(the slaves of our country). And in what light that
+same Congress viewed the Constitution may be inferred
+from the fact, that, by a special act, it ratified
+the celebrated Ordinance, by the terms of which slavery
+was forbidden for ever in the North West Territory.
+It is worthy of note, that the avowed object of the
+Ordinance harmonizes with that of the Constitution:
+and that the Ordinance was passed the same year that
+the Constitution was drafted, is a fact, on which
+we can strongly rely to justify a reference to the
+spirit of the one instrument for illustrating the spirit
+of the other. What the spirit of the Ordinance is,
+and in what light they who passed it, regarded "republics,
+their laws and constitutions," may be inferred
+from the following declaration in the Ordinance of
+its grand object: "For extending the fundamental
+principles of civil and religious liberty, which form
+the basis wherever these Republics, their laws and
+constitutions are erected; to fix and establish those
+principles as the basis of all laws, constitutions,
+and governments, which forever hereafter shall be
+formed in the said territory, &amp;c.; it is hereby ordained
+and declared that the following articles, &amp;c."
+One of these articles is that, which has been referred
+to, and which declares that "there shall be
+neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said
+Territory."</p>
+
+<p>You will perhaps make light of my reference to James
+Wilson and Benjamin Franklin, for I recollect you
+say, that, "When the Constitution was about
+going into operation, its powers were not well understood
+by the community at large, and remained to be accurately
+interpreted and defined." Nevertheless, I think
+it wise to repose more confidence in the views, which
+the framers of the Constitution took of the spirit
+and principles of that instrument, than in the definitions
+and interpretations of the pro-slavery generation,
+which has succeeded them.</p>
+
+<p>It should be regarded as no inconsiderable evidence
+of the anti-slavery genius and policy of the Constitution,
+that Congress promptly interdicted slavery in the
+first portion of territory, and that, too, a territory
+of vast extent, over which it acquired jurisdiction.
+And is it not a perfectly reasonable supposition,
+that the seat of our Government would not have been
+polluted by the presence of slavery, had Congress
+acted on that subject by itself, instead of losing
+sight of it in the wholesale legislation, by which
+the laws of Virginia and Maryland were revived in
+the District?</p>
+
+<p>If the Federal Constitution be not anti-slavery in
+its general scope and character; if it be not impregnated
+with the principles of universal liberty; why was
+it necessary, in order to restrain Congress, for a
+limited period, from acting against the slave trade,
+which is but a branch or incident of slavery, to have
+a clause to that end in the Constitution? The fact
+that the framers of the Constitution refused to blot
+its pages with the word "slave" or "slavery;"
+and that, by <i>periphrase</i> and the substitution
+of "persons" for "slaves,"
+they sought to conceal from posterity and the world
+the mortifying fact, that slavery existed under a
+government based on the principle, that governments
+derive "their just powers from the consent of
+the governed," contains volumes of proof, that
+they looked upon American slavery as a decaying institution;
+and that they would naturally shape the Constitution
+to the abridgment and the extinction, rather than the
+extension and perpetuity of the giant vice of the country.</p>
+
+<p>It is not to be denied, that the Constitution tolerates
+a limited measure of slavery: but it tolerates this
+measure only as the exception to its rule of impartial
+and universal liberty. Were it otherwise, the principles
+of that instrument could be pleaded to justify the
+holding of men as property, in cases, other than those
+specifically provided for in it. Were it otherwise,
+these principles might be appealed to, as well to
+sanction the enslavement of men, as the capture of
+wild beasts. Were it otherwise, the American people
+might be Constitutionally realizing the prophet's
+declaration: "they all lie in wait for blood:
+they hunt every man his brother with a net."
+But mere principles, whether in or out of the Constitution,
+do not avail to justify and uphold slavery. Says Lord
+Mansfield in the famous Somerset case: "The state
+of slavery is of such a nature, that it is incapable
+of being now introduced by courts of justice upon
+mere reasoning or inferences from any principles, natural
+or political; it must take its rise from <i>positive
+law</i>; the origin of it can in no country or
+age be traced back to any other source. A case so
+odious as the condition of slaves, must be taken strictly."
+Grotius says, that "slavery places man in an
+unnatural relation to man--a relation which
+nothing but positive law can sustain." All are
+aware, that, by the common law, man cannot have property
+in man; and that wherever that law is not counteracted
+on this point by positive law, "slaves cannot
+breathe," and their "shackles fall."
+I scarcely need add, that the Federal Constitution
+does, in the main, accord with the common law. In
+the words of a very able writer: "The common
+law is the grand element of the United States Constitution.
+All its fundamental provisions are instinct with its
+spirit; and its existence, principles, and paramount
+authority, are presupposed and assumed throughout
+the whole."</p>
+
+<p>To argue the anti-slavery character of the Federal
+Constitution, it is not necessary to take the high
+ground of some, that whatever in the Constitution
+favors slavery is void, because opposed to the principles
+and general tenor of that instrument. Much less is
+it necessary to take the still higher ground, that
+every law in favor of slavery, in whatever code or
+connection it may be found, is utterly invalid because
+of its plain contravention of the law of nature. To
+maintain my position, that the Constitution is anti-slavery
+in its general character, and that constitutional
+slavery is, at the most, but an exception to that general
+character, it was not necessary to take either of these
+grounds; though, had I been disposed to take even
+the higher of them, I should not have lacked the countenance
+of the most weighty authorities. "The law of
+nature," says Blackstone, "being coeval
+with mankind, and dictated by God himself, is of course
+superior in obligation to any other. It is binding
+over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times:
+no human laws are of any validity if contrary to this."
+The same writer says, that "The law of nature
+requires, that man should pursue his own true and
+substantial happiness." But that slavery allows
+this pursuit to its victims, no one will pretend.
+"There is a law," says Henry Brougham,
+"above all the enactments of human codes. It
+is the law written by the finger of God on the heart
+of man; and by that law, unchangeable and eternal,
+while men despise fraud, and loathe rapine, and abhor
+blood, they shall reject with indignation the wild
+and guilty phantasy, that man can hold property in
+man."</p>
+
+<p>I add no more to what I have said on the subject of
+slavery in the District of Columbia, than to ask,
+as I have done in relation to the inter-state slave
+trade and the annexation of slave states, whether
+petitions for its abolition argue so great a contempt
+of the Constitution, and so entire a recklessness
+of propriety, as to merit the treatment which they
+receive at the hands of Congress. Admitting that Congress
+has not the constitutional power to abolish slavery
+in the District--admitting that it has not
+the constitutional power to destroy what itself has
+established--admitting, too, that if it has
+the power, it ought not to exercise it;--nevertheless,
+is the case so perfectly clear, that the petitioners
+for the measure deserve all the abuse and odium which
+their representatives in Congress heap upon them? In
+a word, do not the three classes of petitions to which
+you refer, merit, at the hands of those representatives,
+the candid and patient consideration which, until
+I read your acknowledgment, that, in relation to these
+petitions, "there is no substantial difference
+between" yourself and those, who are in favor
+of thrusting them aside undebated, unconsidered, and
+even unread, I always supposed you were willing to
+have bestowed on them?</p>
+
+<p>I pass to the examination of your charges against
+the abolitionists.</p>
+
+<p><i>They contemn the "rights of property."</i></p>
+
+<p>This charge you prefer against the abolitionists,
+not because they believe that a Legislature has the
+right to abolish slavery, nor because they deny that
+slaves are legally property; for this obvious truth
+they do not deny. But you prefer it, because they
+believe that man cannot rightfully be a subject of
+property.</p>
+
+<p>Abolitionists believe, to use words, which I have
+already quoted, that it is "a wild and guilty
+phantasy, that man can hold property in man."
+They believe, that to claim property in the exalted
+being, whom God has made in His own image, and but
+"a little lower than the angels," is scarcely
+less absurd than to claim it in the Creator himself.
+You take the position, that human laws can rightfully
+reduce a race of men to property; and that the outrage,
+to use your own language, is "sanctioned and
+sanctified" by "two hundred years"
+continuance of it. Abolitionists, on the contrary,
+trace back man's inalienable self-ownership to
+enactments of the Divine Legislator, and to the bright
+morning of time, when he came forth from the hand
+of his Maker, "crowned with glory and honor,"
+invested with self-control, and with dominion over
+the brute and inanimate creation. You soothe the conscience
+of the slaveholder, by reminding him, that the relation,
+which he has assumed towards his down-trodden fellow-man,
+is lawful. The abolitionist protests, that the wickedness
+of the relation is none the less, because it is legalized.
+In charging abolitionists with condemning "the
+rights of property," you mistake the innocent
+for the guilty party. Were you to be so unhappy as
+to fall into the hands of a kidnapper, and be reduced
+to a slave, and were I to remonstrate, though in vain,
+with your oppressor, who would you think was the despiser
+of "the rights of property"--myself,
+or the oppressor? As you would judge in that case,
+so judges every slave in his similar case.</p>
+
+<p>The man-stealer's complaint, that his "rights
+of property" in his stolen fellow men are not
+adequately respected by the abolitionist, recalls to
+my mind a very similar, and but little more ludicrous
+case of conscientious regard for the "rights
+of property." A traveler was plundered of the
+whole of his large sum of money. He pleaded successfully
+with the robber for a little of it to enable him to
+reach his home. But, putting his hand rather deeper
+into the bag of stolen coins than comported with the
+views of the robber, he was arrested with the cry,
+"Why, man, have you no conscience?" You
+will perhaps inquire, whether abolitionists regard
+all the slaves of the South as stolen--as
+well those born at the South, as those, who were confessedly
+stolen from Africa? I answer, that we do--that
+every helpless new-born infant, on which the chivalry
+of the South pounces, is, in our judgment, the owner
+of itself--that we consider, that the crime
+of man-stealing which is so terribly denounced in
+the Bible, does not consist, as is alleged, in stealing
+a slave from a third person, but in stealing him from
+himself--in depriving him of self control,
+and subjecting him, as property, to the absolute control
+of another. Joseph's declaration, that he "was
+stolen," favors this definition of man-stealing.
+Jewish Commentators authorise it. Money, as it does
+not own itself, cannot be stolen from itself But when
+we reflect, that man is the owner of himself, it does
+not surprise us, that wresting away his inalienable
+rights--his very manhood--should
+have been called man-stealing.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst on this subject of "the rights of property,"
+I am reminded of your "third impediment to abolition."
+This "impediment" consists in the fact
+of the great value of the southern slaves--which,
+according to your estimation, is not less than "twelve
+hundred millions of dollars." I will adopt your
+estimate, and thus spare myself from going into the
+abhorrent calculation of the worth in dollars and cents
+of immortal man--of the worth of "the
+image of God." I thank you for your virtual
+admission, that this wealth is grasped with a tenacity
+proportioned to its vast amount. Many of the wisest
+and best men of the North have been led into the belief
+that the slaveholders of the South are too humane
+and generous to hold their slaves fur the sake of gain.
+Even Dr. Channing was a subject of this delusion;
+and it is well remembered, that his too favorable
+opinions of his fellow men, made it difficult to disabuse
+him of it. Northern Christians have been ready to believe,
+that the South would give up her slaves, because of
+her conscious lack of title to them. But in what age
+of the world have impenitent men failed to cling as
+closely to that, which they had obtained by fraud,
+as to their honest acquisitions? Indeed, it is demonstrable
+on philosophical principles, that the more stupendous
+the fraud, the more tenacious is the hold upon that,
+which is gotten by it. I trust, that your admission
+to which I have just referred, will have no small effect
+to prevent the Northern apologist for slavery from
+repeating the remark that the South would gladly liberate
+her slaves, if she saw any prospect of bettering the
+condition of the objects of her tender and solicitous
+benevolence. I trust, too, that this admission will
+go far to prove the emptiness of your declaration,
+that the abolitionists "have thrown back for
+half a century the prospect of any species of emancipation
+of the African race, gradual or immediate, in any
+of the states," and the emptiness of your declaration,
+that, "prior to the agitation of this subject
+of abolition, there was a progressive melioration
+in the condition of slaves throughout all the slave
+states," and that "in some of them, schools
+of instruction were opened," &amp;c.; and I further
+trust, that this admission will render harmless your
+intimation, that this "melioration" and
+these "schools" were intended to prepare
+the slaves for freedom. After what you have said of
+the great value of the slaves, and of the obstacle
+it presents to emancipation, you will meet with little
+success in your endeavors to convince the world, that
+the South was preparing to give up the "twelve
+hundred millions of dollars," and that the naughty
+abolitionists have postponed her gratification "for
+half a century." If your views of the immense
+value of the slaves, and of the consequent opposition
+to their freedom, be correct, then the hatred of the
+South towards the abolitionists must be, not because
+their movements tend to lengthen, but because they
+tend to shorten the period of her possession of the
+"twelve hundred millions of dollars." May
+I ask you, whether, whilst the South clings to these
+"twelve hundred millions of dollars,"
+it is not somewhat hypocritical in her to be complaining,
+that the abolitionists are fastening the "twelve
+hundred millions of dollars" to her? And may
+I ask you, whether there is not a little inconsistency
+between your own lamentations over this work of the
+abolitionists, and your intimation that the South
+will never consent to give up her slaves, until the
+impossibility, of paying her "twelve hundred
+millions of dollars" for them, shall have been
+accomplished? Puerile and insulting as is your proposition
+to the abolitionists to raise "twelve hundred
+millions of dollars" for the purchase of the
+slaves, it is nevertheless instructive; inasmuch as
+it shows, that, in your judgment, the South is as
+little willing to give up her slaves, as the abolitionists
+are able to pay "twelve hundred millions of
+dollars" for them; and how unable the abolitionists
+are to pay a sum of money far greater than the whole
+amount of money in the world, I need not explain.</p>
+
+<p>But if the South must have "twelve hundred millions
+of dollars" to induce her to liberate her present
+number of slaves, how can you expect success fur your
+scheme of ridding her of several times the present
+number, "in the progress of some one hundred
+and fifty, or two hundred years?" Do you reply,
+that, although she must have "four hundred dollars"
+a-piece for them, if she sell them to the abolitionists,
+she is, nevertheless, willing to let the Colonization
+Society have them without charge? There is abundant
+proof, that she is not. During the twenty-two years
+of the existence of that Society, not so many slaves
+have been emancipated and given to it for expatriation,
+as are born in a single week. As a proof that the
+sympathies of the South are all with the slaveholding
+and <i>real</i> character of this two-faced institution,
+and not at all with the abolition purposes and tendencies,
+which it professes at the North, none of its Presidents,
+(and slave-holders only are deemed worthy to preside
+over it,) has ever contributed from his stock of slaves
+to swell those bands of emigrants, who, leaving our
+shores in the character of "nuisances,"
+are instantly transformed, to use your own language,
+into "missionaries, carrying with them credentials
+in the holy cause of Christianity, civilization, and
+free institutions." But you were not in earnest,
+when you held up the idea in your recent speech, that
+the rapidly multiplying millions of our colored countrymen
+would be expatriated. What you said on that point was
+but to indulge in declamation, and to round off a
+paragraph. It is in that part of your speech where
+you say that "no practical scheme for their removal
+or separation from us has yet been devised or proposed,"
+that you exhibit your real sentiments on this subject,
+and impliedly admit the deceitfulness of the pretensions
+of the American Colonization Society.</p>
+
+<p>Before closing my remarks on the topic of "the
+rights of property," I will admit the truth
+of your charge, that <i>Abolitionists deny, that
+the slaveholder is entitled to "compensation"
+for his slaves</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Abolitionists do not know, why he, who steals men
+is, any more than he, who steals horses, entitled
+to "compensation" for releasing his plunder.
+They do not know, why he, who has exacted thirty years'
+unrequited toil from the sinews of his poor oppressed
+brother, should be paid for letting that poor oppressed
+brother labor for himself the remaining ten or twenty
+years of his life. But, it is said, that the South
+bought her slaves of the North, and that we of the
+North ought therefore to compensate the South for
+liberating them. If there are individuals at the North,
+who have sold slaves, I am free to admit, that they
+should promptly surrender their ill-gotten gains;
+and no less promptly should the inheritors of such
+gains surrender them. But, however this may be, and
+whatever debt may be due on this score, from the North
+to the South, certain it is, that on no principle
+of sound ethics, can the South hold to the persons
+of the innocent slaves, as security for the payment
+of the debt. Your state and mine, and I would it were
+so with all others, no longer allow the imprisonment
+of the debtor as a means of coercing payment from
+him. How much less, then, should they allow the creditor
+to promote the security of his debt by imprisoning
+a third person--and one who is wholly innocent
+of contracting the debt? But who is imprisoned, if
+it be not he, who is shut up in "the house of
+bondage?" And who is more entirely innocent
+than he, of the guilty transactions between his seller
+and buyer?</p>
+
+<p>Another of your charges against abolitionists is,
+<i>that, although "utterly destitute of Constitutional
+or other rightful power--living in totally
+distinct communities--as alien to the communities
+in which the subject on which they would operate resides,
+so far as concerns political power over that subject,
+as if they lived in Africa or Asia; they nevertheless
+promulgate to the world their purpose to be, to manumit
+forthwith, and without compensation, and without moral
+preparation, three millions of negro slaves, under
+jurisdictions altogether separated from those under
+which they live."</i></p>
+
+<p>I will group with this charge several others of the
+same class.</p>
+
+<p><i>1.</i> <i>Abolitionists neglect the fact,
+that "the slavery which exists amongst us (southern
+people) is our affair--not theirs--and
+that they have no more just concern with it, than
+they have with slavery as it exists throughout the
+world."</i></p>
+
+<p><i>2.</i> <i>They are regardless of the "deficiency
+of the powers of the General Government, and of the
+acknowledged and incontestable powers of the States."</i></p>
+
+<p><i>3.</i> "Superficial men (meaning no
+doubt abolitionists) confound the totally different
+cases together of the powers of the British Parliament
+and those of the Congress of the United States in the
+matter of slavery."_</p>
+
+<p>Are these charges any thing more than the imagery
+of your own fancy, or selections from the numberless
+slanders of a time-serving and corrupt press? If they
+are founded on facts, it is in your power to state
+the facts. For my own part, I am utterly ignorant
+of any, even the least, justification for them. I
+am utterly ignorant that the abolitionists hold any
+peculiar views in relation to the powers of the General
+or State Governments. I do not believe, that one in
+a hundred of them supposes, that slavery in the states
+is a legitimate subject of federal legislation. I
+believe, that a majority of the intelligent men amongst
+them accord much more to the claims of "state
+sovereignty," and approach far more nearly to
+the character of "strict constructionists,"
+than does the distinguished statesman, who charges
+them with such latitudinarian notions. There may be
+persons in our country, who believe that Congress
+has the absolute power over all American slavery, which
+the British Parliament had over all British slavery;
+and that Congress can abolish slavery in the slave
+states, because Great Britain abolished it in her
+West India Islands; but, I do not know them; and were
+I to look for them, I certainly should not confine
+my search to abolitionists--for abolitionists,
+as it is very natural they should be, are far better
+instructed in the subject of slavery and its connections
+with civil government, than are the community in general.</p>
+
+<p>It is passing strange, that you, or any other man,
+who is not playing a desperate game, should, in the
+face of the Constitution of the American Anti-Slavery
+Society, which "admits, that each state, in which
+slavery exists, has, by the Constitution of the United
+States, the exclusive right to legislate in regard
+to the abolition of slavery in said state;"
+make such charges, as you have done.</p>
+
+<p>In an Address "To the Public," dated September
+3, 1835, and subscribed by the President, Treasurer,
+the three Secretaries, and the other five members
+of the Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery
+Society, we find the following language. 1. "We
+hold that Congress has no more right to abolish slavery
+in the Southern states than in the French West India
+Islands. Of course we desire no national legislation
+on the subject. 2. We hold that slavery can only be
+lawfully abolished by the legislatures of the several
+states in which it prevails, and that the exercise
+of any other than moral influence to induce such abolition
+is unconstitutional."</p>
+
+<p>But what slavery is it that the abolitionists call
+on Congress to abolish? Is it that in the slave states?
+No--it is that in the District of Columbia
+and in the territories--none other. And is
+it not a fair implication of their petitions, that
+this is the only slavery, which, in the judgment of
+the petitioners, Congress has power to abolish? Nevertheless,
+it is in the face of this implication, that you make
+your array of charges.</p>
+
+<p>Is it true, however, that the North has nothing more
+to do with slavery in the states, than with slavery
+in a foreign country? Does it not concern the North,
+that, whilst it takes many thousands of her voters
+to be entitled to a representative in Congress, there
+are districts at the South, where, by means of slavery,
+a few hundred voters enjoy this benefit. Again, since
+the North regards herself as responsible in common
+with the South, for the continuance of slavery in the
+District of Columbia and in the Territories, and for
+the continuance of the interstate traffic in human
+beings; and since she believes slavery in the slave
+states to be the occasion of these crimes, and that
+they will all of necessity immediately cease when
+slavery ceases--is it not right, that she
+should feel that she has a "just concern with
+slavery?" Again, is it nothing to the people
+of the North, that they may be called on, in obedience
+to a requirement of the federal constitution, to shoulder
+their muskets to quell "domestic violence?"
+But, who does not know, that this requirement owes
+its existence solely to the apprehension of servile
+insurrections?--or, in other words, to the
+existence of slavery in the slave states? Again, when
+our guiltless brothers escape from the southern prison-house,
+and come among us, we are under constitutional obligation
+to deliver them up to their stony-hearted pursuers.
+And is not slavery in the slave states, which is the
+occasion of our obligation to commit this outrage
+on humanity and on the law of God, a matter of "just
+concern to us?" To what too, but slavery, in
+the slave states, is to be ascribed the long standing
+insult of our government towards that of Hayti? To
+what but that, our national disadvantages and losses
+from the want of diplomatic relations between the
+two governments? To what so much, as to slavery in
+the slave states, are owing the corruption in our
+national councils, and the worst of our legislation?
+But scarcely any thing should go farther to inspire
+the North with a sense of her "just concern"
+in the subject of slavery in the slave states, than
+the fact, that slavery is the parent of the cruel
+and murderous prejudice, which crushes and kills her
+colored people; and, that it is but too probable,
+that the child will live as long as its parent. And
+has the North no "just concern" with the
+slavery of the slave states, when there is so much
+reason to fear that our whole blood-guilty nation is
+threatened with God's destroying wrath on account
+of it?</p>
+
+<p>There is another respect in which we of the North
+have a "just concern" with the slavery
+of the slave states. We see nearly three millions of
+our fellow men in those states robbed of body, mind,
+will, and soul--denied marriage and the
+reading of the Bible, and marketed as beasts. We see
+them in a word crushed in the iron folds of slavery.
+Our nature--the laws written upon its very
+foundations--the Bible, with its injunctions
+"to remember them that are in bonds as bound
+with them," and to "open thy mouth for
+the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed
+to destruction"--all require us to
+feel and to express what we feel for these wretched
+millions. I said, that we see this misery. There are
+many amongst us--they are anti-abolitionists--who
+do not see it; and to them God says; "but he
+that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."</p>
+
+<p>I add, that we of the North must feel concerned about
+slavery in the slave states, because of our obligation
+to pity the deluded, hard-hearted, and bloody oppressors
+in those states: and to manifest our love for them
+by rebuking their unsurpassed sin. And, notwithstanding
+pro-slavery statesmen at the North, who wink at the
+iniquity of slave holding, and pro-slavery clergymen
+at the North, who cry, "peace, peace"
+to the slaveholder, and sew "pillows to armholes,"
+tell us, that by our honest and open rebuke of the
+slaveholder, we shall incur his enduring hatred; we,
+nevertheless, believe that "open rebuke is better
+than secret love," and that, in the end, we
+shall enjoy more Southern favor than they, whose secret
+love is too prudent and spurious to deal faithfully
+with the objects of its regard. "He that rebuketh
+a man, afterward shall find more favor than he that
+flattereth with the tongue." The command, "thou
+shall in any wise rebuke thy neighbor and not suffer
+sin upon him," is one, which the abolitionist
+feels, that he is bound to obey, as well in the case
+of the slaveholder, as in that of any other sinner.
+And the question: "who is my neighbor,"
+is so answered by the Savior, as to show, that not
+he of our vicinity, nor even he of our country, is
+alone our "neighbor."</p>
+
+<p>The abolitionists of the North hold, that they have
+certainly as much "just concern" with
+slavery in the slave states, as the temperance men
+of the North have with "intemperance" at
+the South. And I would here remark, that the weapons
+with which the abolitionists of the North attack slavery
+in the slave states are the same, and no other than
+the same, with those, which the North employs against
+the vice of intemperance at the South. I add too,
+that were you to say, that northern temperance men
+disregard "the deficiency of the powers of the
+General Government," and also "the acknowledged
+and incontestable powers of the states;" your
+charge would be as suitable as when it is applied
+to northern abolitionists.</p>
+
+<p>You ascribe to us "the purpose to manumit the
+three millions of negro slaves." Here again
+you greatly misrepresent us, by holding us up as employing
+coercive, instead of persuasive, means for the accomplishment
+of our object. Our "purpose" is to persuade
+others to "manumit." The slaveholders
+themselves are to "manumit." It is evident,
+that others cannot "manumit" for them.
+If the North were endeavoring to persuade the South
+to give up the growing of cotton, you would not say,
+it is the purpose of the North to give it up. But,
+as well might you, as to say, that it is the "purpose"
+of the abolitionists to "manumit." It is
+very much by such misrepresentations, that the prejudices
+against abolitionists are fed and sustained. How soon
+they would die of atrophy, if they, who influence
+the public mind and mould public opinion, would tell
+but the simple truth about abolitionists.</p>
+
+<p>You say, that the abolitionists would have the slaves
+manumitted "without compensation and without
+moral preparation." I have already said enough
+on the point of "compensation." It is true,
+that they would have them manumitted immediately:--for
+they believe slavery is sin, and that therefore the
+slaveholder has no right to protract the bondage of
+his slaves for a single year, or for a single day or
+hour;--not even, were he to do so to afford
+them "a moral preparation" for freedom,
+or to accomplish any other of the kindest and best
+purposes. They believe, that the relation of slaveholder,
+as it essentially and indispensably involves the reduction
+of men to chattelship, cannot, under any plea whatever,
+be continued with innocence, for a single moment. If
+it can be--if the plain laws of God, in
+respect to marriage and religious instruction and
+many other blessings, of which chattelized man is
+plundered, can be innocently violated--why
+credit any longer the assertion of the Bible, that
+"sin is the transgression of the law?"--why
+not get a new definition of sin?</p>
+
+<p>Another reason with abolitionists in favor of immediate
+manumission, is, that the slaves do not, as a body,
+acquire, whilst in slavery, any "moral preparation"
+for freedom. To learn to swim we must be allowed the
+use of water. To learn the exercises of a freeman,
+we must enjoy he element of liberty. I will not say,
+that slaves cannot be taught, to some extent, the
+duties of freemen. Some knowledge of the art of swimming
+may be acquired before entering the water. I have not
+forgotten what you affirm about the "progressive
+melioration in the condition of slaves," and
+the opening of "schools of instruction"
+for them "prior to the agitation of the subject
+of abolition;" nor, have I forgotten, that I
+could not read it without feeling, that the creations
+of your fancy, rather than the facts of history, supplied
+this information. Instances, rare instances, of such
+"melioration" and of such "schools
+of instruction," I doubt not there have been:
+but, I am confident, that the Southern slaves have
+been sunk in depths of ignorance proportioned to the
+profits of their labor. I have not the least belief,
+that the proportion of readers amongst them is one
+half so great, as it was before the invention of Whitney's
+cotton gin.</p>
+
+<p>Permit me to call your attention to a few of the numberless
+evidences, that slavery is a poor school for "moral
+preparation" for freedom. 1st. Slavery turns
+its victims into thieves. "Who should be astonished,"
+says Thomas S. Clay, a very distinguished slaveholder
+of Georgia, "if the negro takes from the field
+or corn-house the supplies necessary for his craving
+appetite and then justifies his act, and denies that
+it is stealing?" What debasement in the slave
+does the same gentleman's remedy for theft indicate?
+"If," says he, "the negro is informed,
+that if he does not steal, he shall receive rice as
+an allowance; and if he does steal, he shall not,
+a motive is held out which will counteract the temptation
+to pilfer." 2nd. Slavery reeks with licentiousness.
+Another son of the South says, that the slaveholder's
+kitchen is a brothel, and a southern village a Sodom.
+The elaborate defence of slavery by Chancellor Harper
+of South Carolina justifies the heaviest accusations,
+that have been brought against it on the score of licentiousness.
+How could you blame us for deeply abhorring slavery,
+even were we to view it in no other light than that
+in which the Dews and Harpers and its other advocates
+present it? 3rd. Slavery puts the master in the place
+of God, and the master's law in the place of
+God's law! "The negro," says Thomas
+S. Clay, "is seldom taught to feel, that he is
+punished for breaking God's law! He only knows
+his master as law-giver and executioner, and the sole
+object held up to his view is to make him a more obedient
+and profitable slave. He oftener hears that he shall
+be punished if he steals, than if he breaks the Sabbath
+or swears; and thus he sees the very threatenings
+of God brought to bear on his master's interests.
+It is very manifest to him, that his own good is very
+far from forming the primary reason for his chastisement:
+his master's interests are to be secured at
+all events;--God's claims are secondary,
+or enforced merely for the purpose of advancing those
+of his owner. His own benefit is the residuum after
+this double distillation of moral motive--a
+mere accident." 4th. The laws of nearly all
+the slave-states forbid the teaching of the slaves
+to read. The abundant declarations, that those laws
+are without exception, a consequence of the present
+agitation of the question of slavery are glaringly
+false. Many of these laws were enacted long before
+this agitation; and some of them long before you and
+I were born. Say the three hundred and fifty-three
+gentlemen of the District of Abbeville and Edgefield
+in South Carolina, who, the last year, broke up a
+system of oral religious instruction, which the Methodist
+Conference of that State had established amongst their
+slaves: "Intelligence and slavery have no affinity
+for each other." And when those same gentlemen
+declare, that "verbal and lecturing instruction
+will increase a desire with the black population to
+learn"--that "the progress and
+diffusion of knowledge will be a consequence"--and
+that "a progressive system of improvement will
+be introduced, that will ultimately revolutionize
+our civil institutions," they admit, that the
+prohibition of "intelligence" to the slaves
+is the settled and necessary policy of slavery, and
+not, as you would have us believe, a temporary expedient
+occasioned by the present "agitation of this
+subject of abolition." 5th. Slavery--the
+system, which forbids marriage and the reading of
+the Bible--does of necessity turn its subjects
+into heathens. A Report of the Synod of South Carolina
+and Georgia, made five years ago, says: "Who
+could credit it, that in these years of revival and
+benevolent effort--that, in this Christian
+Republic, there are over two millions of human beings
+in the condition of heathen, and in some respects
+in a worse condition? They may be justly considered
+the heathen of this Christian country, and will bear
+comparison with heathen in any country in the world."
+I will finish what I have to say on this point of
+"moral preparation" for freedom, with the
+remark, that the history of slavery in no country
+warrants your implication, that slaves acquire such
+"moral preparation." The British Parliament
+substituted an apprenticeship for slavery with the
+express design, that it should afford a "moral
+preparation" for freedom. And yet, if you will
+read the reports of late visitors to the British West
+Indies, you will find, that the planters admit, that
+they made no use of the advantages of the apprenticeship
+to prepare their servants for liberty. Their own gain--not
+the slaves'--was their ruling motive,
+during the term of the apprenticeship, as well as
+preceding it.</p>
+
+<p>Another of your charges is, <i>that the abolitionists
+"have increased the rigors of legislation against
+slaves in most if not all the slave States</i>."</p>
+
+<p>And suppose, that our principles and measures have
+occasioned this evil--are they therefore
+wrong?--and are we, therefore, involved in
+sin? The principles and measures of Moses and Aaron
+were the occasion of a similar evil. Does it follow,
+that those principles and measures were wrong, and
+that Moses and Aaron were responsible for the sin of
+Pharaoh's increased oppressiveness? The truth,
+which Jesus Christ preached on the earth, is emphatically
+peace: but its power on the depravity of the human
+heart made it the occasion of division and violence.
+That depravity was the guilty cause of the division
+and violence. The truth was but the innocent occasion
+of them. To make it responsible for the effects of
+that depravity would be as unreasonable, as it is
+to make the holy principles of the anti-slavery cause
+responsible for the wickedness which they occasion:
+and to make the great Preacher Himself responsible
+for the division and violence, would be but to carry
+out the absurdity, of which the public are guilty,
+in holding abolitionists responsible for the mobs,
+which are got up against them. These mobs, by the
+way, are called "abolition mobs." A similar
+misnomer would pronounce the mob, that should tear
+down your house and shoot your wife, "Henry
+Clay's mob." Harriet Martineau, in stating
+the fact, that the mobs of 1834, in the city of New
+York, were set down to the wrong account, says, that
+the abolitionists were told, that "they had
+no business to scare the city with the sight of their
+burning property and demolished churches!"</p>
+
+<p>No doubt the light of truth, which the abolitionists
+are pouring into the dark den of slavery, greatly
+excites the monster's wrath: and it may be,
+that he vents a measure of it on the helpless and innocent
+victims within his grasp. Be it so;--it
+is nevertheless, not the Ithuriel spear of truth,
+that is to be held guilty of the harm:--it
+is the monster's own depravity, which cannot</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"endure<br>
+Touch of celestial temper, but returns<br>
+Of force to its own likeness."[<a name="AE2_FRBE"></a><a href="#AE2_FNBE">A</a>]</p>
+<p><a name="AE2_FNBE"></a>
+[Footnote <a href="#AE2_FRBE">A</a>: This is a reference to a passage in Milton's
+Paradise Lost, in which Satan in disguise is touched
+by the spear of the archangel Ithuriel and is thereby
+forced to return to his own form.]</p>
+
+<p>I am, however, far from believing, that the treatment
+of the slaves is rendered any more rigorous and cruel
+by the agitation of the subject of slavery. I am very
+far from believing, that it is any harsher now than
+it was before the organization of the American Anti-Slavery
+Society. Fugitive slaves tell us, it is not: and,
+inasmuch as the slaveholders are, and, by both words
+and actions, abundantly show, that they feel that
+they are, arraigned by the abolitionists before the
+bar of the civilized world, to answer to the charges
+of perpetrating cruelties on their slaves, it would,
+unless indeed, they are of the number of those "whose
+glory is in their shame," be most unphilosophical
+to conclude, that they are multiplying proofs of the
+truth of those charges, more rapidly than at any former
+stage of their barbarities. That slaveholders are
+not insensible to public opinion and to the value of
+a good character was strikingly exhibited by Mr. Calhoun,
+in his place in the Senate of the United States, when
+he followed his frank disclaimer of all suspicion,
+that the abolitionists are meditating a war against
+the slaveholder's person, with remarks evincive
+of his sensitiveness under the war, which they are
+waging against the slaveholder's character.</p>
+
+<p>A fact occurs to me, which goes to show, that the
+slaveholders feel themselves to be put upon their
+good behavior by the abolitionists. Although slaves
+are murdered every day at the South, yet never, until
+very recently, if at all, has the case occurred, in
+which a white man has been executed at the South for
+the murder of a slave. A few months ago, the Southern
+newspapers brought us copies of the document, containing
+the refusal of Governor Butler of South Carolina to
+pardon a man, who had been convicted of the murder
+of a slave. This document dwells on the protection
+due to the slave; and, if I fully recollect its character,
+an abolitionist himself could hardly have prepared
+a more appropriate paper for the occasion. Whence
+such a document--whence, in the editorial
+captions to this document, the exultation over its
+triumphant <i>refutations</i> of the slanders of the
+abolitionists against the South--but, that
+Governor Butler feels--but, that the writes
+of those captions feel--that the abolitionists
+have put the South upon her good behavior.</p>
+
+<p>Another of your charges is, <i>that the abolitionists
+oppose "the project of colonisation."</i></p>
+
+<p>Having, under another head, made some remarks on this
+"project," I will only add, that we must
+oppose the American Colonization Society, because
+it denies the sinfulness of slavery, and the duty of
+immediate, unqualified emancipation. Its avowed doctrine
+is, that, unless emancipation he accompanied by expatriation,
+perpetual slavery is to be preferred to it. Not to
+oppose that Society, would be the guiltiest treachery
+to our holy religion, which requires immediate and
+unconditional repentance of sin. Not to oppose it,
+would be to uphold slavery. Not to oppose it, would
+be to abandon the Anti-Slavery Society. Do you ask,
+why, if this be the character of the American Colonization
+Society, many, who are now abolitionists, continued
+in it so long? I answer for myself, that, until near
+the period of my withdrawal from it, I had very inadequate
+conceptions of the wickedness, both of that Society,
+and of slavery. For having felt the unequalled sin
+of slavery no more deeply--for feeling it
+now no more deeply, I confess myself to be altogether
+without excuse. The great criminality of my long continuance
+in the Colonization Society is perhaps somewhat palliated
+by the fact, that the strongest proofs of the wicked
+character and tendencies of the Society were not exhibited,
+until it spread out its wing over slavery to shelter
+the monster from the earnest and effective blows of
+the American Anti-Slavery Society.</p>
+
+<p>Another of your charges is, that the abolitionists,
+in declaring "that their object is not to stimulate
+the action of the General Government, <i>but to
+operate upon the States themselves, in which the institution
+of domestic slavery exists," are evidently insincere,
+since the "abolition societies and movements
+are all confined to the free Slates</i>."</p>
+
+<p>I readily admit, that our object is the abolition
+of slavery, as well in the slave States, as in other
+portions of the Nation, where it exists. But, does
+it follow, because only an insignificant share of our
+"abolition societies and movements" is
+in those States, that we therefore depend for the
+abolition of slavery in them on the General Government,
+rather than on moral influence? I need not repeat,
+that the charge of our looking to the General Government
+for such abolition is refuted by the language of the
+Constitution of the Anti-Slavery Society. You may,
+however, ask--"why, if you do not look
+to the General Government for it, is not the great
+proportion of your means of moral influence in the
+slave States, where is the great body of the slaves?"
+I answer that, in the first place, the South does
+not permit us to have them there; and that, in the
+words of one of your fellow Senators, and in the very
+similar words of another--both uttered on
+the floor of the Senate--"if the abolitionists
+come to the South, the South will hang them."
+Pardon the remark, that it seems very disingenuous
+in you to draw conclusions unfavorable to the sincerity
+of the abolitionists from premises so notoriously
+false, as are those which imply, that it is entirely
+at their own option, whether the abolitionists shall
+have their "societies and movements" in
+the free or slave States. I continue to answer your
+question, by saying, in the second place, that, had
+the abolitionists full liberty to multiply their "societies
+and movements" in the slave States, they would
+probably think it best to have the great proportion
+of them yet awhile in the free States. To rectify public
+opinion on the subject of slavery is a leading object
+with abolitionists. This object is already realized
+to the extent of a thorough anti-slavery sentiment
+in Great Britain, as poor Andrew Stevenson, for whom
+you apologise, can testify. Indeed, the great power
+and pressure of that sentiment are the only apology
+left to this disgraced and miserable man for uttering
+a bald falsehood in vindication of Virginia morals.
+He above all other men, must feel the truth of the
+distinguished Thomas Fowel Buxton's declaration,
+that "England is turned into one great Anti-Slavery
+Society." Now, Sir, it is such a change, as
+abolitionists have been the instruments of producing
+in Great Britain, that we hope to see produced in
+the free States. We hope to see public sentiment in
+these States so altered, that such of their laws, as
+uphold and countenance slavery, will be repealed--so
+altered, that the present brutal treatment of the
+colored population in them will give place to a treatment
+dictated by justice, humanity, and brotherly and Christian
+love;--so altered, that there will be thousands,
+where now there are not hundreds, to class the products
+of slave labor with other stolen goods, and to refuse
+to eat and to wear that, which is wet with the tears,
+and red with the blood of "the poor innocents,"
+whose bondage is continued, because men are more concerned
+to buy what is cheap, than what is honestly acquired;--so
+altered, that our Missionary and other religious Societies
+will remember, that God says: "I hate robbery
+for burnt-offering," and will forbear to send
+their agents after that plunder, which, as it is obtained
+at the sacrifice of the body and soul of the plundered,
+is infinitely more unfit, than the products of ordinary
+theft, to come into the Lord's treasury. And,
+when the warm desires of our hearts, on these points,
+shall be realized, the fifty thousand Southerners,
+who annually visit the North, for purposes of business
+and pleasure, will not all return to their homes,
+self-complacent and exulting, as now, when they carry
+with them the <i>suffrages</i> of the North in favor
+of slavery: but numbers of them will return to pursue
+the thoughts inspired by their travels amongst the
+enemies of oppression--and, in the sequel,
+they will let their "oppressed go free."</p>
+
+<p>It were almost as easy for the sun to call up vegetation
+by the side of an iceberg, as for the abolitionists
+to move the South extensively, whilst their influence
+is counteracted by a pro-slavery spirit at the North.
+How vain would be the attempt to reform the drunkards
+of your town of Lexington, whilst the sober in it
+continue to drink intoxicating liquors! The first
+step in the reformation is to induce the sober to
+change their habits, and create that total abstinence-atmosphere,
+in the breathing of which, the drunkard lives,--and,
+for the want of which, he dies. The first step, in
+the merciful work of delivering the slaveholder from
+his sin, is similar. It is to bring him under the influence
+of a corrected public opinion--of an anti-slavery
+sentiment:--and they, who are to be depended
+on to contribute to this public opinion--to
+make up this anti-slavery sentiment--are
+those, who are not bound up in the iron habits, and
+blinded by the mighty interests of the slaveholder.
+To depend on slaveholders to give the lead to public
+opinion in the anti-slavery enterprise, would be no
+less absurd, than to begin the temperance reformation
+with drunkards, and to look to them to produce the
+influences, which are indispensable to their own redemption.</p>
+
+<p>You say of the abolitionists, <i>that "they
+are in favor of amalgamation."</i></p>
+
+<p>The Anti-Slavery Society is, as its name imports,
+a society to oppose slavery--not to "make
+matches." Whether abolitionists are inclined
+to amalgamation more than anti-abolitionists are,
+I will not here take upon myself to decide. So far,
+as you and I may be regarded as representatives of
+these two parties, and so far as our marriages argue
+our tastes in this matter, the abolitionists and anti-abolitionists
+may be set down, as equally disposed to couple white
+with white and black with black--for our
+wives, as you are aware, are both white. I will here
+mention, as it may further argue the similarity in
+the matrimonial tastes of abolitionists and anti-abolitionists,
+the fact so grateful to us in the days, when we were
+"workers together" in promoting the "scheme
+of Colonization," that our wives are natives
+of the same town.</p>
+
+<p>I have a somewhat extensive acquaintance at the North;
+and I can truly say, that I do not know a white abolitionist,
+who is the reputed father of a colored child. At the
+South there are several hundred thousand persons,
+whose yellow skins testify, that the white man's
+blood courses through their veins. Whether the honorable
+portion of their parentage is to be ascribed exclusively
+to the few abolitionists scattered over the South--and
+who, under such supposition, must, indeed, be prodigies
+of industry and prolificness--or whether
+anti-abolitionists there have, notwithstanding all
+their pious horror of "amalgamation," been
+contributing to it, you can better judge than myself.</p>
+
+<p>That slavery is a great amalgamator, no one acquainted
+with the blended colors of the South will, for a moment,
+deny. But, that an increasing amalgamation would attend
+the liberation of the slaves, is quite improbable,
+when we reflect, that the extensive occasions of the
+present mixture are the extreme debasement of the
+blacks and their entire subjection to the will of
+the whites; and that even should the debasement continue
+under a state of freedom, the subjection would not.
+It is true, that the colored population of our country
+might in a state of freedom, attain to an equality
+with the whites; and that a multiplication of instances
+of matrimonial union between the two races might be
+a consequence of this equality: but, beside, that this
+would be a lawful and sinless union, instead of the
+adulterous and wicked one, which is the fruit of slavery,
+would not the improved condition of our down-trodden
+brethren be a blessing infinitely overbalancing all
+the violations of our taste, which it might occasion?
+I say violations of <i>our</i> taste;--for
+we must bear in mind that, offensive as the intermixture
+of different races may be to us, the country or age,
+which practices it, has no sympathy whatever with
+our feeling on this point.</p>
+
+<p>How strongly and painfully it argues the immorality
+and irreligion of the American people, that they should
+look so complacently on the "amalgamation,"
+which tramples the seventh commandment under foot,
+and yet be so offended at that, which has the sanction
+of lawful wedlock! When the Vice President of this
+Nation was in nomination for his present office, it
+was objected to him, that he had a family of colored
+children. The defence, set up by his partisans, was,
+that, although he had such a family, he nevertheless
+was not married to their mother! The defence was successful;
+and the charge lost all its odiousness; and the Vice
+President's popularity was retrieved, when, it
+turned out, that he was only the adulterous, and not
+the married father of his children!</p>
+
+<p>I am aware, that many take the ground, that we must
+keep the slaves in slavery to prevent the matrimonial
+"amalgamation," which, they apprehend,
+would be a fruit of freedom. But, however great a good,
+abolitionists might deem the separation of the white
+and black races, and however deeply they might be
+impressed with the power of slavery to promote this
+separation, they nevertheless, dare not "do evil,
+that good may come:"--they dare not
+seek to promote this separation, at the fearful expense
+of upholding, or in anywise, countenancing a humanity-crushing
+and God-defying system of oppression.</p>
+
+<p>Another charge against the abolitionists is implied
+in the inquiry you make, <i>whether since they do
+not "furnish in their own families or persons
+examples of intermarriage, they intend to contaminate
+the industrious and laborious classes of society of
+the North by a revolting admixture of the black element."</i></p>
+
+<p>This inquiry shows how difficult it is for southern
+minds, accustomed as they have ever been to identify
+labor with slavery, to conceive the true character
+and position of such "classes" at the North;
+and also how ignorant they are of the composition
+of our Anti-Slavery societies. To correct your misapprehensions
+on these points, I will briefly say, in the first
+place, that the laborers of the North are freemen and
+not slaves;--that they marry whom they please,
+and are neither paired nor unpaired to suit the interests
+of the breeder, or seller, or buyer, of human stock:--and,
+in the second place, that the abolitionists, instead
+of being a body of persons distinct from "the
+industrious and laborious classes," do, more
+than nineteen twentieths of them, belong to those
+"classes." You have fallen into great error
+in supposing, that <i>abolitionists</i> generally
+belong to the wealthy and aristocratic classes. This,
+to a great extent, is true of <i>anti-abolitionists</i>.
+Have you never heard the boast, that there have been
+anti-abolition mobs, which consisted of "gentlemen
+of property and standing?"</p>
+
+<p>You charge upon abolitionists "<i>the purpose
+to create a pinching competition between black labor
+and white labor;" and add, that "on the
+supposition of abolition the black class, migrating
+into the free states, would enter into competition
+with the white class, diminishing the wages of their
+labor</i>."</p>
+
+<p>In making this charge, as well as in making that which
+immediately precedes it, you have fallen into the
+error, that abolitionists do not belong to "the
+industrious and laborious classes." In point
+of fact, the abolitionists belong so generally to
+these classes, that if your charge be true, they must
+have the strange "purpose" of "pinching"
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Whether "the black class" would, or would
+not migrate, I am much more pleased to have you say
+what you do on this point, though it be at the expense
+of your consistency, than to have you say, as you do
+in another part of your speech, that abolition "would
+end in the extermination or subjugation of the one
+race or the other."</p>
+
+<p>It appears to me highly improbable, that emancipation
+would be followed by the migration of the emancipated.
+Emancipation, which has already added fifty per cent.
+to the value of estates in the British West Indies,
+would immediately add as much to the value of the soil
+of the South. Much more of it would be brought into
+use; and, notwithstanding the undoubted truth, that
+the freedman performs twice as much labor as when
+a slave, the South would require, instead of any diminution,
+a very great increase of the number of her laborers.
+The laboring population of the British West India
+Islands, is one-third as large as that of the southern
+states; and yet, since these islands have got rid of
+slavery, and have entered on their career of enterprize
+and industry, they find this population, great as
+it is, insufficient to meet the increased demand for
+labor. As you are aware, they are already inviting
+laborers of this and other countries to supply the
+deficiency. But what is the amount of cultivable land
+in those islands, compared with that in all the southern
+states? It is not so extensive as the like land in
+your single state.</p>
+
+<p>But you may suppose, that, in the event of the emancipation
+of her slaves, the South would prefer white laborers.
+I know not why she should. Such are, for the most
+part, unaccustomed to her kinds of labor, and they
+would exact, because they would need, far greater wages
+than those, who had never been indulged beyond the
+gratification of their simplest wants. There is another
+point of view, in which it is still more improbable,
+that the black laborers of the South would be displaced
+by <i>immigrations</i> of white laborers. The proverbial
+attachment of the slave to his "bornin-ground,"
+(the place of his nativity,) would greatly contribute
+to his contentment with low wages, at the hands of
+his old master. As an evidence of the strong attachment
+of our southern colored brethren to their birth-places,
+I remark, that, whilst the free colored population
+of the free states increased from 1820 to 1830 but
+nineteen per cent., the like population in the slave
+states increased, in the same period, thirty five
+per cent;--and this, too, notwithstanding
+the operation of those oppressive and cruel laws,
+whose enactment was dictated by the settled policy
+of expelling the free blacks from the South.</p>
+
+<p>That, in the event of the abolition of southern slavery,
+the emancipated slaves would migrate to the North,
+rather than elsewhere, is very improbable. Whilst
+our climate would be unfriendly to them, and whilst
+they would be strangers to our modes of agriculture,
+the sugar and cotton fields of Texas, the West Indies,
+and other portions of the earth, would invite them
+to congenial employments beneath congenial skies.
+That, in case southern slavery is abolished, the colored
+population of the North would be drawn off to unite
+with their race at the South, is, for reasons too
+obvious to mention, far more probable than the reverse.</p>
+
+<p>It will be difficult for you to persuade the North,
+that she would suffer in a pecuniary point of view
+by the extirpation of slavery. The consumption of
+the laborers at the South would keep pace with the
+improvement and elevation of their condition, and would
+very soon impart a powerful impulse to many branches
+of Northern industry.</p>
+
+<p>Another of your charges is in the following words:
+"The subject of slavery within the District
+of Florida," and that "of the right of
+Congress to prohibit the removal of slaves from one
+state to another," are, with abolitionists,
+"but so many masked batteries, concealing the
+real and ultimate point of attack. That point of attack
+is the institution of domestic slavery, as it exists
+in those states."</p>
+
+<p>If you mean by this charge, that abolitionists think
+that the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia
+and in Florida, and the suppression of the interstate
+traffic in human beings are, in themselves, of but
+little moment, you mistake. If you mean, that they
+think them of less importance than the abolition of
+slavery in the slave states, you are right; and if
+you further mean, that they prize those objects more
+highly, and pursue them more zealously, because they
+think, that success in them will set in motion very
+powerful, if not indeed resistless influences against
+slavery in the slave states, you are right in this
+also. I am aware, that the latter concession brings
+abolitionists under the condemnation of that celebrated
+book, written by a <i>modern</i> limiter of "human
+responsibility"--not by the <i>ancient</i>
+one, who exclaimed, "Am I my brother's
+keeper?" In that book, to which, by the way,
+the infamous Atherton Resolutions are indebted for
+their keynote, and grand pervading idea, we find the
+doctrine, that even if it were the duty of Congress
+to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, the
+North nevertheless should not seek for such abolition,
+unless the object of it be "ultimate within itself."
+If it be "for the sake of something ulterior"
+also--if for the sake of inducing the slaveholders
+of the slave states to emancipate their slaves--then
+we should not seek for it. Let us try this doctrine
+in another application--in one, where its
+distinguished author will not feel so much delicacy,
+and so much fear of giving offence. His reason why
+we should not go for the abolition of slavery in the
+District of Columbia, unless our object in it be "ultimate
+within itself," and unaccompanied by the object
+of producing an influence against slavery in the slave
+states, is, that the Federal Constitution has left
+the matter of slavery in the slave states to those
+states themselves. But will President Wayland say,
+that it has done so to any greater extent, than it
+has left the matter of gambling-houses and brothels
+in those states to those states themselves? He will
+not, if he consider the subject:--though,
+I doubt not, that when he wrote his bad book, he was
+under the prevailing error, that the Federal Constitution
+tied up the hands and limited the power of the American
+people in respect to slavery, more than to any other
+vice.</p>
+
+<p>But to the other application. We will suppose, that
+Great Britain has put down the gambling-houses and
+brothels in her wide dominions--that Mexico
+has done likewise; and that the George Thompsons, and
+Charles Stuarts, and other men of God, have come from
+England to beseech the people of the northern states
+to do likewise within their respective jurisdictions;--and
+we will further suppose, that those foreign missionaries,
+knowing the obstinate and infatuated attachment of
+the people of the southern states to their gambling-houses
+and brothels, should attempt, and successfully, too,
+to blend with the motive of the people of the northern
+states to get rid of their own gambling houses and
+brothels, the motive of influencing the people of the
+southern states to get rid of theirs--what,
+we ask, would this eminent divine advise in such a
+case? Would he have the people of the northern states
+go on in their good work, and rejoice in the prospect,
+not only that these polluting and ruinous establishments
+would soon cease to exist within all their limits,
+but that the influence of their overthrow would be
+fatal to the like establishments in the southern states?
+To be consistent with himself--with the
+doctrine in question--he must reply in the
+negative. To be consistent with himself, he must advise
+the people of the northern states to let their own
+gambling-houses and brothels stand, until they can
+make the object of their abolishment "ultimate
+within itself;"--until they can expel
+from their hearts the cherished hope, that the purification
+of their own states of these haunts of wickedness
+would exert an influence to induce the people of their
+sister states to enter upon a similar work of purity
+and righteousness. But I trust, that President Wayland
+would not desire to be consistent with himself on
+this point. I trust that he would have the magnanimity
+to throw away this perhaps most pernicious doctrine
+of a pernicious book, which every reader of it must
+see was written to flatter and please the slaveholder
+and arrest the progress of the anti-slavery cause.
+How great the sin of seizing on this very time, when
+special efforts are being made to enlist the world's
+sympathies in behalf of the millions of our robbed,
+outraged, crushed countrymen--how great the
+sin, of seizing on such a time to attempt to neutralize
+those efforts, by ascribing to the oppressors of these
+millions a characteristic "nobleness"--"enthusiastic
+attachment to personal right"--"disinterestedness
+which has always marked the southern character"--and
+a superiority to all others "in making any sacrifice
+for the public good!" It is this sin--this
+heinous sin--of which President Wayland
+has to repent. If he pities the slave, it is because
+he knows, that the qualities, which he ascribes to
+the slaveholder, do not, in fact, belong to him. On
+the other hand, if he believes the slaveholder to
+be, what he represents him to be, he does not--in
+the very nature of things, he cannot--pity
+the slave. He must rather rejoice, that the slave
+has fallen into the hands of one, who, though he has
+the name, cannot have the heart, and cannot continue
+in the relation of a slaveholder. If John Hook, for
+having mingled his discordant and selfish cries with
+the <i>acclamations</i> of victory and then general
+joy, deserved Patrick Henry's memorable rebuke,
+what does he not deserve, who finds it in his heart
+to arrest the swelling tide of pity for the oppressed
+by praises of the oppressor, and to drown the public
+lament over the slave's subjection to absolute
+power, in the congratulation, that the slaveholder
+who exercises that power, is a being of characteristic
+"nobleness," "disinterestedness,"
+and "sacrifice" of self-interest?</p>
+
+<p>President Wayland may perhaps say, that the moral
+influence, which he is unwilling to have exerted over
+the slaveholder, is not that, which is simply persuasive,
+but that, which is constraining--not that,
+which is simply inducing, but that, which is compelling.
+I cheerfully admit, that it is infinitely better to
+induce men to do right from their own approbation
+of the right, than it is to shame them, or in any other
+wise constrain them, to do so; but I can never admit,
+that I am not at liberty to effect the release of
+my colored brother from the fangs of his murderous
+oppressor, when I can do so by bringing public opinion
+to bear upon that oppressor, and to fill him with
+uneasiness and shame.</p>
+
+<p>I have not, overlooked the distinction taken by the
+reverend gentleman; though, I confess that, to a mind
+no less obtuse than my own, it is very little better
+than "a distinction without a difference."
+Whilst he denies, that I can, as an American citizen,
+rightfully labor for the abolition of slavery in the
+slave states, or even in the District of Columbia;
+he would perhaps, admit that, as a man, I might do
+so. But am I not interested, as an American citizen,
+to have every part of my country cleared of vice,
+and of whatever perils its free institutions? Am I
+not interested, as such, to promote the overthrow of
+gambling and rum drinking establishments in South
+Carolina?--but why any more than to promote
+the overthrow of slavery? In fine, am I not interested,
+as an American citizen, to have my country, and my
+whole country, "right in the sight of God?"
+If not, I had better not be an American citizen.</p>
+
+<p>I say no more on the subject of the sophistries of
+President Wayland's book on, "The limitations
+of human responsibility;" nor would I have said
+what I have, were it not that it is in reply to the
+like sophistries couched in that objection of yours,
+which I have now been considering.</p>
+
+<p>Another of your charges against the abolitionists
+is, <i>that they seek to "stimulate the rage
+of the people of the free states against the people
+of the slave states. Advertisements of fugitive slaves
+and of slaves to be sold are carefully collected and
+blazoned forth to infuse a spirit of detestation and
+hatred against one entire and the largest section of
+the Union."</i></p>
+
+<p>The slaveholders of the South represent slavery as
+a heaven-born institution--themselves as
+patriarchs and patterns of benevolence--and
+their slaves, as their tenderly treated and happy dependents.
+The abolitionists, on the contrary, think that slavery
+is from hell--that slaveholders are the
+worst of robbers--and that their slaves are
+the wretched victims of unsurpassed cruelties. Now,
+how do abolitionists propose to settle the points
+at issue?--by fanciful pictures of the abominations
+of slavery to countervail the like pictures of its
+blessedness?--by mere assertions against
+slavery, to balance mere assertions in its favor?
+No--but by the perfectly reasonable and fair
+means of examining slavery in the light of its own
+code--of judging of the character of the
+slaveholder in the light of his own conduct--and
+of arguing the condition of the slave from unequivocal
+evidences of the light in which the slave himself
+views it. To this end we publish extracts from the
+southern slave code, which go to show that slavery
+subjects its victims to the absolute control of their
+erring fellow men--that it withholds from
+them marriage and the Bible--that it classes
+them with brutes and things--and annihilates
+the distinctions between mind and matter. To this
+end we republish in part, or entirely, pamphlets and
+books, in which southern men exhibit, with their own
+pens, some of the horrid features of slavery. To this
+end we also republish such advertisements as you refer
+to--advertisements in which immortal beings,
+made in the image of God, and redeemed by a Savior's
+blood, and breathed upon by the Holy Spirit, are offered
+to be sold, at public auction, or sheriff's
+sale, in connection with cows, and horses, and ploughs:
+and, sometimes we call special attention to the common
+fact, that the husband and wife, the parent and infant
+child, are advertised to be sold together or separately,
+as shall best suit purchasers. It is to this end also,
+that we often republish specimens of the other class
+of advertisements to which you refer. Some of the advertisements
+of this class identify the fugitive slave by the scars,
+which the whip, or the manacles and fetters, or the
+rifle had made on his person. Some of them offer a
+reward for his head!--and it is to this same
+end, that we often refer to the ten thousands, who
+have fled from southern slavery, and the fifty fold
+that number, who have unsuccessfully attempted to fly
+from it. How unutterable must be the horrors of the
+southern prison house, and how strong and undying
+the inherent love of liberty to induce these wretched
+fellow beings to brave the perils which cluster so
+thickly and frightfully around their attempted escape?
+That love is indeed <i>undying</i>. The three
+hundred and fifty-three South Carolina gentlemen,
+to whom I have referred, admit, that even "the
+old negro man, whose head is white with age, raises
+his thoughts to look through the vista which will
+terminate his bondage."</p>
+
+<p>I put it to your candor--can you object
+to the reasonableness and fairness of these modes,
+which abolitionists have adopted for establishing
+the truth on the points at issue between themselves
+and slaveholders? But, you may say that our republication
+of your own representations of slavery proceeds from
+unkind motives, and serves to stir up the "hatred,"
+and "rage of the people of the free states against
+the people of the slave states." If such be an
+effect of the republication, although not at all responsible
+for it, we deeply regret it; and, as to our motives,
+we can only meet the affirmation of their unkindness
+with a simple denial. Were we, however, to admit the
+unkindness of our motives, and that we do not always
+adhere to the apostolic motto, of "speaking
+the truth in love"--would the admission
+change the features of slavery, or make it any the
+less a system of pollution and blood? Is the accused
+any the less a murderer, because of the improper motives
+with which his accuser brings forward the conclusive
+proof of his blood-guiltiness?</p>
+
+<p>We often see, in the speeches and writings of the
+South, that slaveholders claim as absolute and as
+rightful a property in their slaves, as in their cattle.
+Whence then their sensitiveness under our republication
+of the advertisements, is which they offer to sell
+their human stock? If the south will republish the
+advertisements of our property, we will only not be
+displeased, but will thank her; and any rebukes she
+may see fit to pour upon us, for offering particular
+kinds of property, will be very patiently borne, in
+view of the benefit we shall reap from her copies
+of our advertisements.</p>
+
+<p>A further charge in your speech is, <i>that the
+abolitionists pursue their object "reckless
+of all consequences, however calamitous they may be;"
+that they have no horror of a "civil war,"
+or "a dissolution of the Union;" that
+theirs is "a bloody road," and "their
+purpose is abolition, universal abolition, peaceably
+if it can, forcibly if it must."</i></p>
+
+<p>It is true that, the abolitionists pursue their object,
+undisturbed by apprehensions of consequences; but
+it is not true, that they pursue it "reckless
+of consequences." We believe that they, who unflinchingly
+press the claims of God's truth, deserve to be
+considered as far less "reckless of consequences,"
+than they, who, suffering themselves to be thrown
+into a panic by apprehensions of some mischievous results,
+local or general, immediate or remote, are guilty
+of compromising the truth, and substituting corrupt
+expediency for it. We believe that the consequences
+of obeying the truth and following God are good--only
+good--and that too, not only in eternity,
+but in time also. We believe, that had the confidently
+anticipated deluge of blood followed the abolition
+of slavery in the British West Indies, the calamity
+would have been the consequence, not of abolition,
+but of resistance to it. The insanity, which has been
+known to follow the exhibition of the claims of Christianity,
+is to be charged on the refusal to fall in with those
+claims, and not on our holy religion.</p>
+
+<p>But, notwithstanding, we deem it our duty and privilege
+to confine ourselves to the word of the Lord, and
+to make that word suffice to prevent all fears of
+consequences; we, nevertheless, employ additional
+means to dispel the alarms of those, who insist on
+walking "by sight;" and, in thus accommodating
+ourselves to their want of faith, we are justified
+by the example of Him, who, though he said, "blessed
+are they that have not seen and yet have believed,"
+nevertheless permitted an unbelieving disciple, both
+to see and to touch the prints of the nails and the
+spear. When dealing with such unbelievers, we do not
+confine ourselves to the "thus saith the Lord"--to
+the Divine command, to "let the oppressed go
+free and break every yoke"--to the
+fact, that God is an abolitionist: but we also show
+how contrary to all sound philosophy is the fear,
+that the slave, on whom have been heaped all imaginable
+outrages, will, when those outrages are exchanged for
+justice and mercy, turn and rend his penitent master.
+When dealing with such unbelievers, we advert to the
+fact, that the insurrections at the South have been
+the work of slaves--not one of them of persons
+discharged from slavery: we show how happy were the
+fruits of emancipation in St. Domingo: and that the
+"horrors of St. Domingo," by the parading
+of which so many have been deterred from espousing
+our righteous cause, were the result of the attempt
+to re-establish slavery. When dealing with them, we
+ask attention to the present peaceful, prosperous,
+and happy condition of the British West India Islands,
+which so triumphantly falsifies the predictions, that
+bankruptcy, violence, bloodshed, and utter ruin would
+follow the liberation of their slaves. We point these
+fearful and unbelieving ones to the fact of the very
+favorable influence of the abolition of slavery on
+the price of real estate in those islands; to that
+of the present rapid multiplication of schools and
+churches in them; to the fact, that since the abolition
+of slavery, on the first day of August 1834, not a
+white man in all those islands has been struck down
+by the arm of a colored man; and then we ask them whether
+in view of such facts, they are not prepared to believe,
+that God connects safety with obedience, and that
+it is best to "trust in the Lord with all thine
+heart, and lean not to thine own understanding."</p>
+
+<p>On the subject of "a dissolution of the Union,"
+I have only to say, that, on the one hand, there is
+nothing in my judgment, which, under God, would tend
+so much to preserve our Republic, as the carrying out
+into all our social, political and religious institutions
+of its great foundation principle, that "all
+men are created equal;" and that, on the other
+hand, the flagrant violation of that principle in the
+system of slavery, is doing more than all thing, else
+to hasten the destruction of the Republic. I am aware,
+that one of the doctrines of the South is, that "slavery
+is the corner-stone of the republican edifice."
+But, if it be true, that our political institutions
+harmonize with, and are sustained by slavery, then
+the sooner we exchange them for others the better.
+I am aware, that it is said, both at the North and
+at the South, that it is essential to the preservation
+of the Union. But, greatly as I love the Union, and
+much as I would sacrifice for its righteous continuance,
+I cannot hesitate to say, that if slavery be an indispensable
+cement, the sooner it is dissolved the better.</p>
+
+<p>I am not displeased, that you call ours "a bloody
+road"--for this language does not
+necessarily implicate our motives; but I am greatly
+surprised that you charge upon us the wicked and murderous
+"purpose" of a forcible abolition. In
+reply to this imputation, I need only refer you to
+the Constitution of the American Anti-Slavery Society--to
+the Declaration of the Convention which framed it--and
+to our characters, for pledges, that we design no
+force, and are not likely to stain our souls with
+the crime of murder. That Constitution says: "This
+society will never, in any way, countenance the oppressed
+in vindicating their rights by resorting to physical
+force." The Declaration says "Our principles
+forbid the doing of evil that good may come, and lead
+us to reject, and to entreat the oppressed to reject,
+the use of all carnal weapons for deliverance from
+bondage. Our measures shall be such only, as the opposition
+of moral purity to moral corruption--the
+destruction of error by the potency of truth--the
+overthrow of prejudice by the power of love--and
+the abolition of slavery by the spirit of repentance."
+As to our characters they are before the world. You
+would probably look in vain through our ranks for
+a horse-racer, a gambler, a profane person, a rum-drinker,
+or a duellist. More than nine-tenths of us deny the
+rightfulness of offensive, and a large majority, even
+that of defensive national wars. A still larger majority
+believe, that deadly weapons should not be used in
+cases of individual strife. And, if you should ask,
+"where in the free States are the increasing
+numbers of men and women, who believe, that the religion
+of the unresisting 'Lamb of God' forbids
+recourse to such weapons, in all circumstances, either
+by nations or individuals?"--the answer
+is, "to a man, to a woman, in the ranks of the
+abolitionists." You and others will judge for
+yourselves, how probable it is, that the persons,
+whom I have described, will prove worthy of being
+held up as murderers.</p>
+
+<p>The last of your charges against the abolitionists,
+which I shall examine, is the following: <i>Having
+begun "their operations by professing to employ
+only persuasive means," they "have ceased
+to employ the instruments of reason and persuasion,"
+and "they now propose to substitute the powers
+of the ballot box;" and "the inevitable
+tendency of their proceedings is if these should be
+found insufficient, to invoke finally the more potent
+powers of the bayonet."</i></p>
+
+<p>If the slaveholders would but let us draw on them
+for the six or eight thousand dollars, which we expend
+monthly to sustain our presses and lecturers, they
+would then know, from an experience too painful to
+be forgotten, how truthless is your declaration, that
+we "have ceased to employ the instruments of
+reason and persuasion."</p>
+
+<p>You and your friends, at first, employed "persuasive
+means" against "the sub-treasury system."
+Afterwards, you rallied voters against it. Now, if
+this fail, will you resort to "the more potent
+powers of the bayonet?" You promptly and indignantly
+answer, "No." But, why will you not? Is
+it because the prominent opposers of that system have
+more moral worth--more religious horror
+of blood--than Arthur Tappan, William Jay,
+and their prominent abolition friends? Were such to
+be your answer, the public would judge, whether the
+men of peace and purity, who compose the mass of abolitionists,
+would be more likely than the Clays and Wises and
+the great body of the followers of these Congressional
+leaders to betake themselves from a disappointment
+at "the ballot-box" to "the more
+potent powers of the bayonet?"</p>
+
+<p>You say, that we "<i>now</i> propose to
+substitute the powers of the ballot-box," as
+if it were only of late, that we had proposed to do
+so. What then means the following language in our
+Constitution: "The society will also endeavor
+in a Constitutional way to influence Congress to put
+an end to the domestic slave-trade, and to abolish
+slavery in all those portions of our common country,
+which come under its control--especially
+in the District of Columbia--and likewise
+to prevent the extension of it to any State, that
+may be hereafter admitted to the Union?" What
+then means the following language in the "Declaration"
+of the Convention, which framed our Constitution:
+"We also maintain, that there are at the present
+time the highest obligations resting upon the people
+of the Free States to remove slavery by moral and
+political action, as prescribed in the Constitution
+of the United States?" If it be for the first
+time, that we "<i>now</i> propose"
+"political action," what means it, that
+anti-slavery presses have, from year to year, called
+on abolitionists to remember the slave at the polls?</p>
+
+<p>You are deceived on this point; and the rapid growth
+of our cause has been the occasion of your deception.
+You suppose, because it is only within the last few
+months, that you have heard of abolitionists in this
+country carrying their cause to "the ballot box,"
+that it is only within the last few months that they
+have done so. But, in point of fact, some of them
+have done so for several years. It was not, however,
+until the last year or two, when the number of abolitionists
+had become considerable, and their hope of producing
+an impression on the Elections proportionately strong,
+that many of them were seen bringing their abolition
+principles to the "ballot-box." Nor was
+it until the Elections of the last Autumn, that abolition
+action at "the ballot-box" had become
+so extensive, as to apprise the Nation, that it is
+a principle with abolitionists to "remember"
+in one place as well as in another--at the
+polls as well as in the closet--"them
+that are in bonds." The fact that, at the last
+State Election, there were three or four hundred abolition
+votes given in the County in which I reside, is no
+more real because of its wide spread interest, than
+the comparatively unheard of fact, that about one
+hundred such votes were given the year before. By the
+way, when I hear complaints of abolition action at
+the "ballot-box," I can hardly refrain
+from believing, that they are made ironically. When
+I hear complaints, that the abolitionists of this
+State rallied, as such, at the last State Election,
+I cannot easily avoid suspecting, that the purpose
+of such complaints is the malicious one of reviving
+in our breasts the truly stinging and shame-filling
+recollection, that some five-sixths of the voters
+in our ranks, either openly apostatized from our principles,
+or took it into their heads, that the better way to
+vote for the slave and the anti-slavery cause was
+to vote for their respective political parties. You
+would be less afraid of the abolitionists, if I should
+tell you that more than ten thousand of them in this
+State voted at the last State Election, for candidates
+for law makers, who were openly in favor of the law
+of this State, which creates slavery, and of other
+laws, which countenance and uphold it. And you would
+owe me for one of your heartiest laughs, were I to
+tell you, that there are abolitionists--professed
+abolitionists--yes, actual members of the
+Anti-Slavery Society--who, carrying out this
+delusion of helping the slave by helping their "party,"
+say, that they would vote even for a slaveholder,
+if their party should nominate him. Let me remark,
+however, that I am happy to be able to inform you,
+that this delusion--at least in my own State--is
+fast passing away; and that thousands of the abolitionists
+who, in voting last Autumn for Gov. Marey or Gov. Seward,
+took the first step in the way, that leads to voting
+for the slaveholder himself, are now not only refusing
+to take another step in that inconsistent and wicked
+way, but are repenting deeply of that, which they
+have already taken in it.</p>
+
+<p>Much as you dislike, not to say <i>dread</i>,
+abolition action at "the ballot-box,"
+I presume, that I need not spend any time in explaining
+to you the inconsistency of which an abolitionist
+is guilty, who votes for an upholder of slavery. A
+wholesome citizen would not vote fur a candidate for
+a law maker, who is in favor of laws, which authorize
+gaming-houses or <i>groggeries</i>. But, in the
+eye of one, who his attempted to take the "guage
+and dimensions" of the hell of slavery, the laws,
+which authorize slaveholding, far transcend in wickedness,
+those, which authorize gaming-houses or <i>groggeries</i>.
+You would not vote for a candidate for a law-maker,
+who is in favor of "the sub-treasury system."
+But compared with the evil of slavery, what is that
+of the most pernicious currency scheme ever devised?
+It is to be "counted as the small dust of the
+balance." If you would withhold your vote in
+the case supposed--how gross in your eyes
+must be the inconsistency of the abolitionist, who
+casts his vote on the side of the system of fathomless
+iniquity!</p>
+
+<p>I have already remarked on "the third"
+of the "impediments" or "obstacles"
+to emancipation, which you bring to view. <i>"The
+first impediment," you say, "is the utter
+and absolute want of all power on the part of the
+General Government to effect the purpose."</i></p>
+
+<p>But because there is this want on the part of the
+General Government, it does not follow, that it also
+exists on the part of the States: nor does it follow,
+that it also exists on the part of the slaveholders
+themselves. It is a poor plea of your neighbor for
+continuing to hold his fellow man in slavery, that
+neither the Federal Government nor the State of Kentucky
+has power to emancipate them. Such a plea is about
+as valid, as that of the girl for not having performed
+the task, which her mistress had assigned to her.
+"I was tied to the table." "Who tied
+you there?" "I tied myself there."</p>
+
+<p><i>"The next obstacle," you say, "in
+the way of abolition arises out of the fact of the
+presence in the slave states of three millions of
+slaves."</i></p>
+
+<p>This is, indeed a formidable "obstacle:"
+and I admit, that it is as much more difficult for
+the impenitent slaveholder to surmount it, than it
+would be if there were but one million of slaves, as
+it is for the impenitent thief to restore the money
+he has stolen, than it would be, if the sum were one
+third as great. But, be not discouraged, dear sir,
+with this view of the case. Notwithstanding the magnitude
+of the obstacle, the warmest desires of your heart
+for the abolition of slavery, may yet be realized.
+Be thankful, that repentance can avail in every case
+of iniquity; that it can loosen the grasp of the man-thief,
+as well as that of the money-thief: of the oppressors
+of thousands as well as of hundreds:--of
+"three millions," as well as of one million.</p>
+
+<p>But, were I to allow, that the obstacle in question,
+is as great, as you regard it--nevertheless
+will it not increase with the lapse of years, and
+become less superable the longer the work of abolition
+is postponed? I suppose, however, that it is not to
+be disguised, that, notwithstanding the occasional
+attempts in the course of your speech to create a
+different impression, you are in favor of perpetual
+slavery; and that all you say about "ultra abolitionists"
+in distinction from "abolitionists," and
+about "gradual emancipation," in distinction
+from "immediate emancipation," is said,
+but to please those, who sincerely make, and are gulled
+by, such distinctions. I do not forget, that you say,
+that the abolition of slavery in Pennsylvania was proper.
+But, most obviously, you say it, to win favor with
+the anti-slavery portion of the North, and to sustain
+the world's opinion of your devotion to the cause
+of universal liberty;--for, having made this
+small concession to that holy cause--small
+indeed, since Pennsylvania never at any one time, had
+five thousand slaves--you, straightway, renew
+your claims to the confidence of slaveholders, by
+assuring them, that you are opposed to "any
+scheme whatever of emancipation, gradual or immediate,"
+in States where the slave population is extensive;--and,
+for proof of the sincerity of your declaration, you
+refer them to the fact of your recent open and effective
+opposition to the overthrow of slavery in your own
+State.</p>
+
+<p>The South is opposed to gradual, as well as to immediate
+emancipation: and, were she, indeed, to enter upon
+a scheme of gradual emancipation, she would speedily
+abandon it. The objections to swelling the number of
+her free colored population, whilst she continued to
+hold their brethren of the same race in bondage, would
+be found too real and alarming to justify her perseverance
+in the scheme. How strange, that men at the North,
+who think soundly on other subjects, should deduce
+the feasibility of gradual emancipation in the slave
+states--in some of which the slaves outnumber
+the free--from the fact of the like emancipation
+of the comparative handful of slaves in New York and
+Pennsylvania!</p>
+
+<p>You say, "<i>It is frequently asked, what
+will become of the African race among us? Are they
+forever to remain in bondage? That question was asked
+more than half a century ago. It has been answered
+by fifty years of prosperity</i>."</p>
+
+<p>The wicked man, "spreading himself like the
+green bay tree," would answer this question,
+as you have. They, who "walk after their own
+lusts, saying, where is the promise of his coming--for
+since the fathers fell asleep all things continue
+as they were from the beginning of the creation?"
+would answer it, as you have. They, whose "heart
+is fully set in them to do evil, because sentence
+against an evil work is not executed speedily,"
+would answer it, as you have. But, however you or
+they may answer it, and although God may delay his
+"coming" and the execution of his "sentence,"
+it, nevertheless, remains true, that "it shall
+be well with them that fear God, but it shall not be
+well with the wicked."</p>
+
+<p>"Fifty years of prosperity!" On whose
+testimony do we learn, that the last "fifty
+years" have been "years of prosperity"
+to the South?--on the testimony of oppressors
+or on that of the oppressed?--on that of
+her two hundred and fifty thousand slaveholders--for
+this is the sum total of the tyrants, who rule the
+South and rule this nation--or on that of
+her two millions and three quarters of bleeding and
+crushed slaves? It may well be, that those of the
+South, who "have lived in pleasure on the earth
+and been wanton and have nourished their hearts as
+in a day of slaughter," should speak of "prosperity:"
+but, before we admit, that the "prosperity,"
+of which they speak, is that of the South, instead
+of themselves merely, we must turn our weeping eyes
+to the "laborers, who have reaped down"
+their oppressors' "fields without wages,"
+and the "cries" of whom "are entered
+into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth;" and we
+must also take into the account the tears, and sweat,
+and groans, and blood, of the millions of similar
+laborers, whom, during the last "fifty years,"
+death has mercifully released from Southern bondage.
+Talks the slaveholder of the "prosperity"
+of the South? It is but his own "prosperity"--and
+a "prosperity," such as the wolf may boast,
+when gorging on the flock.</p>
+
+<p>You say, <i>that the people of the North would not
+think it "neighborly and friendly" if
+"the people of the slave states were to form
+societies, subsidize presses, make large pecuniary
+contributions, &amp;c. to burn the beautiful capitals,
+destroy the productive manufactories, and sink the
+gallant ships of the northern states</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, they would not! But, if you were to go to
+such pains, and expense for the purpose of relieving
+our poor, doubling our wealth, and promoting the spiritual
+interests of both rich and poor--then we
+should bless you for practising a benevolence towards
+us, so like that, which abolitionists practise towards
+you; and then our children, and children's children,
+would bless your memories, even as your children and
+children's children will, if southern slavery
+be peacefully abolished, bless our memories, and lament
+that their ancestors had been guilty of construing
+our love into hatred, and our purpose of naught but
+good into a purpose of unmingled evil.</p>
+
+<p>Near the close of your speech is the remark: "<i>I
+prefer the liberty of my own country to that of any
+other people</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Another distinguished American statesman uttered the
+applauded sentiment: "My country--my
+whole country--and nothing but my country;"--and
+a scarcely less distinguished countryman of ours commanded
+the public praise, by saying: "My country right--but
+my country, right or wrong." Such are the expressions
+of <i>patriotism</i> of that idolized compound
+of selfish and base affections!</p>
+
+<p>Were I writing for the favor, instead of the welfare
+of my fellow-men, I should praise rather than denounce
+patriotism. Were I writing in accordance with the
+maxims of a corrupt world, instead of the truth of
+Jesus Christ, I should defend and extol, rather than
+rebuke the doctrine, that we may prefer the interests
+of one section of the human family to those of another.
+If patriotism, in the ordinary acceptation of the
+word, be right, then the Bible is wrong--for
+that blessed book requires us to love all men, even
+as we love ourselves. How contrary to its spirit and
+precepts, that,</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Lands intersected by a narrow frith,<br>
+Abhor each other, Mountains interposed<br>
+Make enemies of nations, who had else,<br>
+Like kindred drops, been mingled into one."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>There are many, who consider that the doctrine of
+loving all our fellow men as ourselves, belongs, to
+use your words, "to a sublime but impracticable
+philosophy." Let them, however, but devoutly
+ask Him, who enjoins it, to warm and expand their
+selfish and contracted hearts with its influences;
+and they will know, by sweet experience, that under
+the grace of God, the doctrine is no less "practicable"
+than "sublime." Not a few seem to suppose,
+that he, who has come to regard the whole world as
+his country, and all mankind as his countrymen, will
+have less love of home and country than the patriot
+has, who makes his own nation, and no other, the cherished
+object of his affections. But did the Saviour, when
+on earth, love any individual the less, because the
+love of His great heart was poured out, in equal tides,
+over the whole human family? And would He not, even
+in the eyes of the patriot himself, be stamped with
+imperfection, were it, to appear, that one nation shares
+less than another in His "loving-kindness"
+and that "His tender mercies are (not) over
+all his works?" Blessed be His holy name, that
+He was cast down the "middle wall of partition"
+between the Jew and Gentile!--that there
+is no respect of persons with Him!--that
+"Greek" and "Jew, circumcision and
+uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond" and
+"free," are equal before Him!</p>
+
+<p>Having said, "<i>I prefer the liberty of my
+own country to that of any other people</i>,"
+you add--"<i>and the liberty of my
+own race to that of any other race."</i></p>
+
+<p>How perfectly natural, that the one sentiment should
+follow the other! How perfectly natural, that he who
+can limit his love by state or national lines, should
+be also capable of confining it to certain varieties
+of the human complexion! How perfectly natural, that,
+he who is guilty of the insane and wicked prejudice
+against his fellow men, because they happen to be
+born a dozen, or a hundred, or a thousand miles from
+the place of his nativity, should foster the no less
+insane and wicked prejudice against the "skin
+not colored like his own!" How different is
+man from God! "He maketh his sun to rise on the
+evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just
+and on the unjust." But were man invested with
+supreme control, he would not distribute blessings
+impartially even amongst the "good" and
+the "just."</p>
+
+<p>You close your speech with advice and an appeal to
+abolitionists. Are you sure that an appeal, to exert
+the most winning influence upon our hearts, would
+not have come from some other source better than from
+one who, not content with endeavoring to show the
+pernicious tendency of our principles and measures,
+freely imputes to us bloody and murderous motives?
+Are you sure, that you, who ascribe to us designs more
+diabolical than those of burning "beautiful capitals,"
+and destroying "productive manufactories,"
+and sinking "gallant ships," are our most
+suitable adviser? We have, however, waved all exception
+on this score to your appeal and advice, and exposed
+our minds and hearts to the whole power and influence
+of your speech. And now we ask, that you, in turn,
+will hear us. Presuming that you are too generous to
+refuse the reciprocation, we proceed to call on you
+to stay your efforts at quenching the world's
+sympathy for the slave--at arresting the
+progress of liberal, humane, and Christian sentiments--at
+upholding slavery against that Almighty arm, which
+now, "after so long a time," is revealed
+for its destruction. We urge you to worthier and more
+hopeful employments. Exert your great powers for the
+repeal of the matchlessly wicked laws enacted to crush
+the Saviour's poor. Set a happy and an influential
+example to your fellow slaveholders, by a righteous
+treatment of those, whom you unrighteously hold in
+bondage. Set them this example, by humbling yourself
+before God and your assembled slaves, in unfeigned
+penitence for the deep and measureless wrongs you have
+done the guiltless victims of your oppression--by
+paying those <i>men</i>, (speak of them, think
+of them, no longer, as <i>brutes</i> and <i>things</i>)--by
+paying these, who are my brother men and your brother
+men, the "hire" you have so long withheld
+from them, and "which crieth" to Heaven,
+because it "is of you kept back"--by
+breaking the galling yoke from their necks, and letting
+them "go free."</p>
+
+<p>Do you shrink from our advice--and say,
+that obedience to its just requirements would impoverish
+you? Infinitely better, that you be honestly poor
+than dishonestly rich. Infinitely better to "do
+justly," and be a Lazarus; than to become a
+Croesus, by clinging to and accumulating ill-gotten
+gains. Do you add to the fear of poverty, that of
+losing your honors--those which are anticipated,
+as well as those, which already deck your brow? Allow
+us to assure you, that it will be impossible for you
+to redeem "Henry Clay, the statesman,"
+and "Henry Clay, the orator," or even
+"Henry Clay, the President of the United States,"
+from the contempt of a slavery-loathing posterity,
+otherwise than by coupling with those designations
+the inexpressibly more honorable distinction of "HENRY
+CLAY, THE EMANCIPATOR."</p>
+
+<p>I remain,</p>
+
+<p>Your friend,</p>
+
+<p>GERRIT SMITH.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4
+by American Anti-Slavery Society
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/old/11272.txt b/old/11272.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4
+by American Anti-Slavery Society
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4
+
+Author: American Anti-Slavery Society
+
+Release Date: February 25, 2004 [EBook #11272]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER, PART 2 OF 4 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stan Goodman, Amy Overmyer and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER PART 2 OF 4
+
+BY The American Anti-Slavery Society
+
+1838
+
+
+    No.  5. THE CHATTEL PRINCIPLE THE ABHORRENCE OF JESUS CHRIST AND
+            THE APOSTLES; OR NO REFUGE FOR AMERICAN SLAVERY IN THE NEW
+            TESTAMENT.
+
+    No.  6. NARRATIVE OF JAMES WILLIAMS, AN AMERICAN SLAVE.
+
+    No.  7. EMANCIPATION IN THE WEST INDIES.
+
+    No.  8. CORRESPONDENCE, BETWEEN THE HON. F.H. ELMORE, ONE OF THE
+            SOUTH CAROLINA DELEGATION IN CONGRESS, AND JAMES G.
+            BIRNEY, ONE OF THE SECRETARIES OF THE AMERICAN
+            ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.
+
+    No.  9. LETTER OF GERRIT SMITH, TO HON. HENRY CLAY.
+
+    No. 10. EMANCIPATION In The WEST INDIES, IN 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NO. 5
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+POWER OF CONGRESS
+
+OVER THE
+
+DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE NEW-YORK EVENING POST, UNDER THE SIGNATURE
+OF "WYTHE."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WITH ADDITIONS BY THE AUTHOR.
+
+FOURTH EDITION.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, No. 143 NASSAU
+STREET. 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This No. contains 3-1/2 sheets.--Postage, under 100 miles, 6 cts. over
+100, 10 cts.
+
+
+
+POWER OF CONGRESS OVER THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
+
+A civilized community presupposes a government of law. If that
+government be a republic, its citizens are the sole _sources_, as well
+as the _subjects_ of its power. Its constitution is their bill of
+directions to their own agents--a grant authorizing the exercise of
+certain powers, and prohibiting that of others. In the Constitution of
+the United States, whatever else may be obscure, the clause granting
+power to Congress over the Federal District may well defy
+misconstruction. Art. 1, Sec. 8, Clause 18: "The Congress shall have
+power to exercise exclusive legislation, _in all cases whatsoever_, over
+such District." Congress may make laws for the District "in all
+_cases_," not of all _kinds_. The grant respects the _subjects_ of
+legislation, _not_ the moral nature of the laws. The law-making power
+every where, is subject to _moral_ restrictions, whether limited by
+constitutions or not. No legislature can authorize murder, nor make
+honesty penal, nor virtue a crime, nor exact impossibilities. In these
+and similar respects, the power of Congress is held in check by
+principles existing in the nature of things, not imposed by the
+Constitution, but presupposed and assumed by it. The power of Congress
+over the District is restricted only by those principles that limit
+ordinary legislation, and, in some respects, it has even wider scope.
+
+In common with the legislatures of the States, Congress cannot
+constitutionally pass ex post facto laws in criminal cases, nor suspend
+the writ of habeas corpus, nor pass a bill of attainder, nor abridge the
+freedom of speech and of the press, nor invade the right of the people
+to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, nor enact
+laws respecting an establishment of religion. These are general
+limitations. Congress cannot do these things _any where_. The exact
+import, therefore, of the clause "in all cases whatsoever," is, _on all
+subjects within the appropriate sphere of legislation_. Some
+legislatures are restrained by constitutions from the exercise of powers
+strictly within the proper sphere of legislation. Congressional power
+over the District has no such restraint. It traverses the whole field of
+legitimate legislation. All the power which any legislature has within
+its own jurisdiction, Congress holds over the District of Columbia.
+
+It has been asserted that the clause in question respects merely police
+regulations, and that its sole design was to enable Congress to protect
+itself against popular tumults. But if the framers of the Constitution
+aimed to provide for a _single_ case only, why did they provide for
+"_all_ cases whatsoever?" Besides, this clause was opposed in many of
+the state conventions, because the grant of power was not restricted to
+police regulations _alone_. In the Virginia Convention, George Mason,
+the father of the Virginia Constitution, said, "This clause gives an
+unlimited authority in every possible case within the District. He would
+willingly give them exclusive power as far as respected the police and
+good government of the place, but he would give them no more." Mr.
+Grayson said, that control over the _police_ was all-sufficient, and
+that the "Continental Congress never had an idea of exclusive
+legislation in all cases." Patrick Henry said. "Is it consistent with
+any principle of prudence or good policy, to grant _unlimited, unbounded
+authority?_" Mr. Madison said in reply: "I did conceive that the clause
+under consideration was one of those parts which would speak its own
+praise. When any power is given, its delegation necessarily involves
+authority to make laws to execute it. * * * * The powers which are found
+necessary to be given, are therefore delegated _generally_, and
+particular and minute specification is left to the legislature. * * * It
+is not within the limits of human capacity to delineate on paper all
+those particular cases and circumstances, in which legislation by the
+general legislature would be necessary." Governor Randolph said:
+"Holland has no ten miles square, but she has the Hague where the
+deputies of the States assemble. But the influence which it has given
+the province of Holland, to have the seat of government within its
+territory, subject in some respects to its control, has been injurious
+to the other provinces. The wisdom of the Convention is therefore
+manifest in granting to Congress exclusive jurisdiction over the place
+of their session." [_Deb. Va. Con._, p. 320.] In the forty-third number
+of the "Federalist," Mr. Madison says: "The indispensable necessity of
+_complete_ authority at the seat of government, carries its own
+evidence with it."
+
+Finally, that the grant in question is to be interpreted according to
+the obvious import of its _terms_, is proved by the fact, that Virginia
+proposed an amendment to the United States' Constitution at the time of
+its adoption, providing that this clause "should be so construed as to
+give power only over the _police and good government_ of said District,"
+_which amendment was rejected_.
+
+The former part of the clause under consideration, "Congress shall have
+power to exercise _exclusive_ legislation," gives _sole_ jurisdiction,
+and the latter part, "in all cases whatsoever," defines the _extent_ of
+it. Since, then, Congress is the _sole_ legislature within the District,
+and since its power is limited only by the checks common to all
+legislatures, it follows that what the law-making power is intrinsically
+competent to do _any_ where, Congress is competent to do in the District
+of Columbia. Having disposed of preliminaries, we proceed to state and
+argue the _real_ question at issue.
+
+IS THE LAW-MAKING POWER COMPETENT TO ABOLISH SLAVERY WHEN NOT RESTRICTED
+IN THAT PARTICULAR BY CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS--or, IS THE ABOLITION OF
+SLAVERY WITHIN THE APPROPRIATE SPHERE OF LEGISLATION?
+
+1. In every government, absolute sovereignty exists _somewhere_. In the
+United States it exists primarily with the _people_, and _ultimate_
+sovereignty _always_ exists with them. In each of the States, the
+legislature possesses a _representative_ sovereignty, delegated by the
+people through the Constitution--the people thus committing to the
+legislature a portion of their sovereignty, and specifying in their
+constitutions the amount of the grant and its conditions. That the
+_people_ in any state where slavery exists, have the power to abolish
+it, none will deny. If the legislature have not the power, it is because
+_the people_ have reserved it to themselves. Had they lodged with the
+legislature "power to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever," they would have parted with their sovereignty over the
+legislation of the State, and so far forth, the legislature would have
+become _the people_, clothed with all their functions, and as such
+competent, _during the continuance of the grant_, to do whatever the
+people might have done before the surrender of their power:
+consequently, they would have the power to abolish slavery. The
+sovereignty of the District of Columbia exists _somewhere_--where is it
+lodged? The citizens of the District have no legislature of their own,
+no representation in Congress, and no political power whatever. Maryland
+and Virginia have surrendered to the United States their "full and
+absolute right and entire sovereignty," and the people of the United
+States have committed to Congress by the Constitution, the power to
+"exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever over such
+District."
+
+Thus, the sovereignty of the District of Columbia, is shown to reside
+solely in the Congress of the United States; and since the power of the
+people of a state to abolish slavery within their own limits, results
+from their entire sovereignty within that state, so the power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District, results from its entire
+sovereignty within the District. If it be objected that Congress can
+have no more power over the District, than was held by the legislatures
+of Maryland and Virginia, we ask what clause of the constitution
+graduates the power of Congress by the standard of those legislatures?
+Was the United States' constitution worked into its present shape under
+the measuring line and square of Virginia and Maryland? and is its power
+to be bevelled down till it can run in the grooves of state legislation?
+There is a deal of prating about constitutional power over the District,
+as though Congress were indebted for it to Maryland and Virginia. The
+powers of those states, whether prodigies or nullities, have nothing to
+do with the question. As well thrust in the powers of the Grand Lama to
+join issue upon, or twist papal bulls into constitutional tether, with
+which to curb congressional action. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED
+STATES gives power to Congress, and takes it away, and _it alone_.
+Maryland and Virginia adopted the Constitution _before_ they ceded to
+the United States the territory of the District. By their acts of
+cession, they abdicated their own sovereignty over the District, and
+thus made room for that provided by the United States' constitution,
+which sovereignty was to commence as soon as a cession of territory by
+states, and its acceptance by Congress, furnished a sphere for its
+exercise. That the abolition of slavery is within the sphere of
+legislation, I argue.
+
+2. FROM THE FACT, THAT SLAVERY, AS A LEGAL SYSTEM, IS THE CREATURE OF
+LEGISLATION. The law, by _creating_ slavery, not only affirmed its
+_existence_ to be within the sphere and under the control of
+legislation, but also, the conditions and terms of its existence, and
+the _question_ whether or not it should exist. Of course legislation
+would not travel _out_ of its sphere, in abolishing what is _within_ it,
+and what had been recognized to be within it, by its own act. Cannot
+legislatures repeal their own laws? If law can take from a man his
+rights, it can give them back again. If it can say, "your body belongs
+to your neighbor," it can say, "it belongs to _yourself_." If it can
+annul a man's right to himself, held by express grant from his Maker,
+and can create for another an _artificial_ title to him, can it not
+annul the artificial title, and leave the original owner to hold himself
+by his original title?
+
+3. THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDERED WITHIN THE
+APPROPRIATE SPHERE OF LEGISLATION. Almost every civilized nation has
+abolished slavery by law. The history of legislation since the revival
+of letters, is a record crowded with testimony to the universally
+admitted competency of the law-making power to abolish slavery. It is so
+manifestly an attribute not merely of absolute sovereignty, but even of
+ordinary legislation, that the competency of a legislature to exercise
+it, may well nigh be reckoned among the legal axioms of the civilized
+world. Even the night of the dark ages was not dark enough to make this
+invisible.
+
+The Abolition decree of the great council of England was passed in 1102.
+The memorable Irish decree, "that all the English slaves in the whole of
+Ireland, be immediately emancipated and restored to their former
+liberty," was issued in 1171. Slavery in England was abolished by a
+general charter of emancipation in 1381. Passing over many instances of
+the abolition of slavery by law, both during the middle ages and since
+the reformation, we find them multiplying as we approach our own times.
+In 1776 slavery was abolished in Prussia by special edict. In St.
+Domingo, Cayenne, Guadaloupe, and Martinique, in 1794, where more than
+600,000 slaves were emancipated by the French government. In Java, 1811;
+in Ceylon, 1815; in Buenos Ayres, 1816; in St. Helena, 1819; in
+Colombia, 1821; by the Congress of Chili in 1821; in Cape Colony, 1823;
+in Malacca, 1825; in the southern provinces of Birmah, 1826; in Bolivia,
+1826; in Peru, Guatemala, and Monte Video, 1828; in Jamaica, Barbados,
+the Bermudas, the Bahamas, Anguilla, Mauritius, St. Christopers, Nevis,
+the Virgin Islands, (British), Antigua, Montserrat, Dominica, St.
+Vincents, Grenada, Berbice, Tobago, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Honduras,
+Demerara, Essequibo and the Cape of Good Hope, on the 1st of August,
+1834. But waving details, suffice it to say, that England, France,
+Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Russia, Austria, Prussia, and Germany, have
+all and often given their testimony to the competency of the legislative
+power to abolish slavery. In our own country, the Legislature of
+Pennsylvania passed an act of abolition in 1780, Connecticut in 1784;
+Rhode Island, 1784; New-York, 1799; New-Jersey, in 1804; Vermont, by
+Constitution, in 1777; Massachusetts, in 1780; and New-Hampshire,
+in 1784.
+
+When the competency of the law-making power to abolish slavery has thus
+been recognized every where and for ages, when it has been embodied in
+the highest precedents, and celebrated in the thousand jubilees of
+regenerated liberty, is it an achievement of modern discovery, that such
+a power is a nullity?--that all these acts of abolition are void, and
+that the millions disenthralled by them, are, either themselves or their
+posterity, still legally in bondage?
+
+4. LEGISLATIVE POWER HAS ABOLISHED SLAVERS IN ITS PARTS. The law of
+South Carolina prohibits the working of slaves more than fifteen hours
+in the twenty-four. In other words, it takes from the slaveholder his
+power over nine hours of the slave's time daily; and if it can take nine
+hours it may take twenty-four. The laws of Georgia prohibit the working
+of slaves on the first day of the week; and if they can do it for the
+first, they can for the six following. The law of North Carolina
+prohibits the "immoderate" correction of slaves. If it has power to
+prohibit _immoderate_ correction, it can prohibit _moderate_
+correction--_all_ correction, which would be virtual emancipation; for,
+take from the master the power to inflict pain, and he is master no
+longer. Cease to ply the slave with the stimulus of fear, and he
+is free.
+
+The Constitution of Mississippi gives the General Assembly power to make
+laws "to oblige the owners of slaves to _treat them with humanity_." The
+Constitution of Missouri has the same clause, and an additional one
+making it the DUTY of the legislature to pass such laws as may be
+necessary to secure the _humane_ treatment of the slaves. This grant to
+those legislatures, empowers them to decide what _is_ and what is _not_
+"humane treatment." Otherwise it gives no "power"--the clause is mere
+waste paper, and flouts in the face of a befooled legislature. A clause
+giving power to require "humane treatment" covers all the _particulars_
+of such treatment--gives power to exact it in _all respects--requiring_
+certain acts, and _prohibiting_ others--maiming, branding, chaining
+together, separating families, floggings for learning the alphabet, for
+reading the Bible, for worshiping God according to conscience--the
+legislature has power to specify each of these acts--declare that it is
+not "_humane_ treatment," and PROHIBIT it.--The legislature may also
+believe that driving men and women into the field, and forcing them to
+work without pay, is not "humane treatment," and being constitutionally
+bound "to _oblige_" masters to practise "humane treatment"--they have
+the _power_ to _prohibit such_ treatment, and are bound to do it.
+
+The law of Louisiana makes slaves real estate, prohibiting the holder,
+if he be also a _land_ holder, to separate them from the soil.[A] If it
+has power to prohibit the sale _without_ the soil, it can prohibit the
+sale _with_ it; and if it can prohibit the _sale_ as property, it can
+prohibit the _holding_ as property. Similar laws exist in the French,
+Spanish, and Portuguese colonies. The law of Louisiana requires the
+master to give his slaves a certain amount of food and clothing. If it
+can oblige the master to give the slave _one_ thing, it can oblige him
+to give him another: if food and clothing, then wages, liberty, his own
+body. By the laws of Connecticut, slaves may receive and hold property,
+and prosecute suits in their own name as plaintiffs: [This last was also
+the law of Virginia in 1795. See Tucker's "Dissertation on Slavery," p.
+73.] There were also laws making marriage contracts legal, in certain
+contingencies, and punishing infringements of them, ["_Reeve's Law of
+Baron and Femme_," p. 340-1.]
+
+[Footnote A: Virginia made slaves real estate by a law passed in 1705.
+(_Beverly's Hist. of Va._, p. 98.) I do not find the precise time when
+this law was repealed, probably when Virginia became the chief slave
+breeder for the cotton-growing and sugar-planting country, and made
+young men and women "from fifteen to twenty-five" the main staple
+production of the State.]
+
+Each of the laws enumerated above, does, _in principle_, abolish
+slavery; and all of them together abolish it _in fact_. True, not as a
+_whole_, and at a _stroke_, nor all in one place; but in its _parts_, by
+piecemeal, at divers times and places; thus showing that the abolition
+of slavery is within the boundary of legislation.
+
+In the "Washington (D.C.) City Laws," page 138, is "AN ACT to prevent
+horses from being cruelly beaten or abused." Similar laws have been
+passed by corporations in many of the slave states, and throughout the
+civilized world, such acts are punishable either as violations of common
+law or of legislative enactments. If a legislature can pass laws "to
+prevent _horses_ from being cruelly abused," it can pass laws to prevent
+_men_ from being cruelly abused, and if it can _prevent_ cruel abuse, it
+can define _what it is_. It can declare that to make men _work without
+pay_ is cruel abuse, and can PROHIBIT it.
+
+5. THE COMPETENCY OF THE LAW-MAKING POWER TO ABOLISH SLAVERY, HAS BEEN
+RECOGNIZED BY ALL THE SLAVEHOLDING STATES, EITHER DIRECTLY OR BY
+IMPLICATION. Some States recognize it in their _Constitutions_, by
+giving the legislature power to emancipate such slaves as may "have
+rendered the state some distinguished service," and others by express
+prohibitory restrictions. The Constitution of Mississippi, Arkansas, and
+other States, restrict the power of the legislature in this respect. Why
+this express prohibition, if the law-making power _cannot_ abolish
+slavery? A stately farce indeed, with appropriate rites to induct into
+the Constitution a special clause, for the express purpose of
+restricting a nonentity!--to take from the law-making power what it
+_never had_, and what _cannot_ pertain to it! The legislatures of those
+States have no power to abolish slavery, simply because their
+Constitutions have expressly _taken away_ that power. The people of
+Arkansas, Mississippi, &c. well knew the competency of the law-making
+power to abolish slavery, and hence their zeal to _restrict_ it.
+
+The slaveholding States have recognised this power in their _laws_.
+Virginia passed a law in 1786 to prevent the importation of Slaves, of
+which the following is an extract: "And be it further enacted that every
+slave imported into this commonwealth contrary to the true intent and
+meaning of this act, shall upon such importation become _free_." By a
+law of Virginia, passed Dec. 17, 1792, a slave brought into the state
+and kept _there a year_, was _free_. The Maryland Court of Appeals,
+Dec., 1813 [case of Stewart vs. Oakes,] decided that a slave owned in
+Maryland, and sent by his master into Virginia to work at different
+periods, making one year in the whole, became _free_, being
+_emancipated_ by the above law. North Carolina and Georgia in their acts
+of cession, transferring to the United States the territory now
+constituting the States of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, made it a
+condition of the grant, that the provisions of the ordinance of '87
+should be secured to the inhabitants, _with the exception of the sixth
+article which prohibits slavery_; thus conceding, both the competency of
+law to abolish slavery, and the power of Congress to do it, within its
+jurisdiction. (These acts show the prevalent belief at that time, in the
+slaveholding States, that the general government had adopted a line of
+policy aiming at the exclusion of slavery from the entire territory of
+the United States, not included within the original States, and that
+this policy would be pursued unless prevented by specific and formal
+stipulation.)
+
+Slaveholding States have asserted this power _in their judicial
+decisions_. In numerous cases their highest courts have decided that if
+the legal owner of slaves takes them into those States where slavery has
+been abolished either by law or by the constitution, such removal
+emancipates them, such law or constitution abolishing their slavery.
+This principle is asserted in the decision of the Supreme Court of
+Louisiana, Lunsford vs. Coquillon, 14 Martin's La. Reps. 401. Also by
+the Supreme Court of Virginia, Hunter vs. Fulcher, 1 Leigh's Reps. 172.
+The same doctrine was laid down by Judge Washington, of the U. S. Sup.
+Court, Butler vs. Hopper, Washington's C. C. Reps. 508; also, by the
+Court of Appeals in Kentucky, Rankin vs. Lydia, 2 Marshall's Reps. 407;
+see also, Wilson vs. Isbell, 5 Call's Reps. 425, Spotts vs. Gillespie, 6
+Randolph's Reps. 566. The State vs. Lasselle, 1 Blackford's Reps. 60,
+Marie Louise vs. Mariot, 8 La. Reps. 475. In this case, which was tried
+in 1836, the slave had been taken by her master to France and brought
+back; Judge Matthews, of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, decided that
+"residence for one moment" under the laws of France emancipated her.
+
+6. EMINENT STATESMEN, THEMSELVES SLAVEHOLDERS, HAVE CONCEDED THIS POWER.
+Washington, in a letter to Robert Morris, April 12, 1786, says: "There
+is not a man living, who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan
+adopted for the abolition of slavery; but there is only one proper and
+effectual mode by which it can be accomplished, and that is by
+_legislative_ authority." In a letter to Lafayette, May 10, 1786, he
+says: "It (the abolition of slavery) certainly might, and assuredly
+ought to be effected, and that too by _legislative_ authority." In a
+letter to John Fenton Mercer, Sept. 9, 1786, he says: "It is among my
+first wishes to see some plan adopted by which slavery in this country
+may be abolished by _law_." In a letter to Sir John Sinclair, he says:
+"There are in Pennsylvania, _laws_ for the gradual abolition of slavery,
+which neither Maryland nor Virginia have at present, but which nothing
+is more certain than that they _must have_, and at a period not remote."
+Jefferson, speaking of movements in the Virginia Legislature in 1777,
+for the passage of a law emancipating the slaves, says: "The principles
+of the amendment were agreed on, that is to say, the freedom of all born
+after a certain day; but it was found that the public mind would not
+bear the proposition, yet the day is not far distant when _it must bear
+and adopt it_."--Jefferson's Memoirs, v. i. p. 35. It is well known that
+Jefferson, Pendleton, Mason, Wythe and Lee, while acting as a committee
+of the Virginia House of Delegates to revise the State Laws, prepared a
+plan for the gradual emancipation of the slaves by law. These men were
+the great lights of Virginia. Mason, the author of the Virginia
+Constitution; Pendleton, the President of the memorable Virginia
+Convention in 1787, and President of the Virginia Court of Appeals;
+Wythe was the Blackstone of the Virginia bench, for a quarter of a
+century Chancellor of the State, the professor of law in the University
+of William and Mary, and the preceptor of Jefferson, Madison, and Chief
+Justice Marshall. He was the author of the celebrated remonstrance to
+the English House of Commons on the subject of the stamp act. As to
+Jefferson, his _name_ is his biography.
+
+Every slaveholding member of Congress from the States of Maryland,
+Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia, voted for the
+celebrated ordinance of 1787, which abolished the slavery then existing
+in the Northwest Territory. Patrick Henry, in his well known letter to
+Robert Pleasants, of Virginia, January 18, 1773, says: "I believe a time
+will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable
+evil." William Pinkney, of Maryland, advocated the abolition of slavery
+by law, in the legislature of that State, in 1789. Luther Martin urged
+the same measure both in the Federal Convention, and in his report to
+the Legislature of Maryland. In 1796, St. George Tucker, of Virginia,
+professor of law in the University of William and Mary, and Judge of the
+General Court, published a dissertation on slavery, urging the abolition
+of slavery by _law_.
+
+John Jay, while New-York was yet a slave State, and himself in law a
+slaveholder, said in a letter from Spain, in 1786, "An excellent law
+might be made out of the Pennsylvania one, for the gradual abolition of
+slavery. Were I in your legislature, I would present a bill for the
+purpose, and I would never cease moving it till it became a law, or I
+ceased to be a member."
+
+Governor Tompkins, in a message to the Legislature of New-York, January
+8, 1812, said: "To devise the means for the gradual and ultimate
+_extermination_ from amongst us of slavery, is a work worthy the
+_representatives_ of a polished and enlightened nation."
+
+The Virginia Legislature asserted this power in 1832. At the close of a
+month's debate, the following proceedings were had. I extract from an
+editorial article in the Richmond Whig, Jan. 26, 1832.
+
+"The report of the Select Committee, adverse to legislation on the
+subject of Abolition, was in these words: _Resolved_, as the opinion of
+this Committee, that it is INEXPEDIENT FOR THE PRESENT, to make any
+_legislative enactments for the abolition of slavery_." This Report Mr.
+Preston moved to reverse, and thus to declare that it _was_ expedient,
+_now_ to make legislative enactments for the abolition of slavery. This
+was meeting the question in its strongest form. It demanded action, and
+immediate action. On this proposition the vote was 58 to 73. Many of the
+most decided friends of abolition voted against the amendment, because
+they thought public opinion not sufficiently prepared for it, and that
+it might prejudice the cause to move too rapidly. The vote on Mr.
+Witcher's motion to postpone the whole subject indefinitely, indicates
+the true state of opinion in the House. That was the test question, and
+was so intended and proclaimed by its mover. That motion was
+_negatived_, 71 to 60; showing a majority of 11, who by that vote,
+declared their belief that at the proper time, and in the proper mode,
+Virginia ought to commence a system of gradual abolition.
+
+7. THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES HAVE ASSERTED THIS POWER. The
+ordinance of '87, declaring that there should be "neither slavery nor
+involuntary servitude," in the North Western Territory, abolished the
+slavery then existing there. The Sup. Court of Mississippi, [Harvey vs.
+Decker, Walker's Mi. Reps. 36,] declared that the ordinance of '87
+emancipated the slaves then held there. In this decision the question is
+argued ably and at great length. The Supreme Court of La. made the same
+decision in the case of Forsyth vs. Nash, 4 Martin's La. Reps. 385. The
+same doctrine was laid down by Judge Porter, (late United States Senator
+from La.,) in his decision at the March term of the La. Supreme Court,
+1830, Merry vs. Chexnaider, 20 Martin's Reps. 699.
+
+That the ordinance abolished the slavery then existing there is also
+shown by the fact, that persons holding slaves in the territory
+petitioned for the repeal of the article abolishing slavery, assigning
+_that_ as a reason. "The petition of the citizens of Randolph and St.
+Clair counties in the Illinois country, stating that they were in
+possession of slaves, and praying the repeal of that act (the 6th
+article of the ordinance of '87) and the passage of a law legalizing
+slavery there." [Am. State papers, Public Lands, v. 1. p. 69.] Congress
+passed this ordinance before the United States' Constitution was
+adopted, when it derived all its authority from the articles of
+Confederation, which conferred powers of legislation far more restricted
+than those committed to Congress over the District and Territories by
+the United States' Constitution. Now, we ask, how does the Constitution
+_abridge_ the powers which Congress possessed under the articles of
+confederation?
+
+The abolition of the slave trade by Congress, in 1808, is another
+illustration of the competency of legislative power to abolish slavery.
+The African slave trade has become such a mere _technic_, in common
+parlance, that the fact of its being _proper slavery_ is overlooked. The
+buying and selling, the transportation, and the horrors of the middle
+passage, were mere _incidents_ of the slavery in which the victims were
+held. Let things be called by their own names. When Congress abolished
+the African slave trade, it abolished SLAVERY--supreme slavery--power
+frantic with license, trampling a whole hemisphere scathed with its
+fires, and running down with blood. True, Congress did not, in the
+abolition of the slave trade, abolish all the slavery within its
+jurisdiction, but it did abolish _all_ the slavery _in one_ part of its
+jurisdiction. What has rifled it of power to abolish slavery in
+_another_ part of its jurisdiction, especially in that part where it has
+"exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever?"
+
+8. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES RECOGNIZES THIS POWER BY THE
+MOST CONCLUSIVE IMPLICATION. In Art. 1, sec. 3, clause 1, it prohibits
+the abolition of the slave trade previous to 1808: thus implying the
+power of Congress to do it at once, but for the restriction; and its
+power to do it _unconditionally_, when that restriction ceased. Again;
+In Art. 4, sec. 2, "No person held to service or labor in one state
+under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of
+any law or regulation therein, be discharged from said service or
+labor." This clause was inserted, as all admit, to prevent the runaway
+slave from being emancipated by the _laws_ of the free states. If these
+laws had _no power_ to emancipate, why this constitutional guard to
+prevent it?
+
+The insertion of the clause, was the testimony of the eminent jurists
+that framed the Constitution, to the existence of the _power_, and their
+public proclamation, that the abolition of slavery was within the
+appropriate sphere of legislation. The right of the owner to that which
+is rightfully property, is founded on a principle of _universal law_,
+and is recognized and protected by all civilized nations; property in
+slaves is, by general consent, an _exception_; hence slaveholders
+insisted upon the insertion of this clause in the United States'
+Constitution, that they might secure by an _express provision_, that
+from which protection is withheld, by the acknowledged principles of
+universal law.[A] By demanding this provision, slaveholders consented
+that their slaves should not be recognized as property by the United
+States' Constitution, and hence they found their claim, on the fact of
+their being "_persons_, and _held_ to service."
+
+[Footnote A: The fact, that under the articles of Confederation,
+slaveholders, whose slaves had escaped into free states, had no legal
+power to force them back,--that _now_ they have no power to recover, by
+process of law, their slaves who escape to Canada, the South American
+States, or to Europe--the case already cited, in which the Supreme Court
+of Louisiana decided, that residence "_for one moment_," under the laws
+of France emancipated an American slave--the case of Fulton, _vs._
+Lewis, 3 Har. and John's Reps., 56, where the slave of a St. Domingo
+slaveholder, who brought him to Maryland in '93, was pronounced free by
+the Maryland Court of Appeals--are illustrations of the acknowledged
+truth here asserted, that by the consent of the civilized world, and on
+the principles of universal law, slaves are not "_property_," and that
+whenever held as property under _law_, it is only by _positive
+legislative acts_, forcibly setting aside the law of nature, the common
+law, and the principles of universal justice and right between man and
+man,--principles paramount to all law, and from which alone, law derives
+its intrinsic authoritative sanction.]
+
+9. CONGRESS HAS UNQUESTIONABLE POWER TO ADOPT THE COMMON LAW, AS THE
+LEGAL SYSTEM, WITHIN ITS EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION.--This has been done,
+with certain restrictions, in most of the States, either by legislative
+acts or by constitutional implication. THE COMMON LAW KNOWS NO SLAVES.
+Its principles annihilate slavery wherever they touch it. It is a
+universal, unconditional, abolition act. Wherever slavery is a legal
+system, it is so only by _statute_ law, and in violation of the common
+law. The declaration of Lord Chief Justice Holt, that, "by the common
+law, no man can have property in another," is an acknowledged axiom, and
+based upon the well known common law definition of property. "The
+subjects of dominion or property are _things_, as contra-distinguished
+from _persons_." Let Congress adopt the common law in the District of
+Columbia, and slavery there is abolished. Congress may well be at home
+in common law legislation, for the common law is the grand element of
+the United States' Constitution. All its _fundamental_ provisions are
+instinct with its spirit; and its existence, principles, and paramount
+authority, are presupposed and assumed throughout the whole. The
+preamble of the Constitution plants the standard of the Common Law
+immovably in its foreground. "We, the people of the United States, in
+order to ESTABLISH JUSTICE, &c., do ordain and establish this
+Constitution;" thus proclaiming _devotion_ to JUSTICE, as the
+controlling motive in the organization of the Government, and its secure
+establishment the chief object of its aims. By this most solemn
+recognition, the common law, that grand legal embodyment of "justice"
+and fundamental right--was made the groundwork of the Constitution, and
+intrenched behind its strongest munitions. The second clause of Sec. 9,
+Art. 1; Sec. 4, Art. 2, and the last clause of Sec. 2, Art. 3, with
+Articles 7, 8, 9, and 13 of the Amendments, are also express
+recognitions of the common law as the presiding Genius of the
+Constitution.
+
+By adopting the common law within its exclusive jurisdiction Congress
+would carry out the principles of our glorious Declaration, and follow
+the highest precedents in our national history and jurisprudence. It is
+a political maxim as old as civil legislation, that laws should be
+strictly homogeneous with the principles of the government whose will
+they express, embodying and carrying them out--being indeed the
+_principles themselves_, in preceptive form--representatives alike of
+the nature and power of the Government--standing illustrations of its
+genius and spirit, while they proclaim and enforce its authority. Who
+needs be told that slavery makes war upon the principles of the
+Declaration, and the spirit of the Constitution, and that these and the
+principles of the common law gravitate towards each other with
+irrepressible affinities, and mingle into one? The common law came
+hither with our pilgrim fathers; it was their birthright, their panoply,
+their glory, and their song of rejoicing in the house of their
+pilgrimage. It covered them in the day of their calamity, and their
+trust was under the shadow of its wings. From the first settlement of
+the country, the genius of our institutions and our national spirit have
+claimed it as a common possession, and exulted in it with a common
+pride. A century ago, Governor Pownall, one of the most eminent
+constitutional jurists of colonial times, said of the common law, "In
+all the colonies the common law is received as the foundation and main
+body of their law." In the Declaration of Rights, made by the
+Continental Congress at its first session in '74, there was the
+following resolution: "Resolved, That the respective colonies are
+entitled to the common law of England, and especially to the great and
+inestimable privilege of being tried by their peers of the vicinage
+according to the course of that law." Soon after the organization of the
+general government, Chief Justice Ellsworth, in one of his decisions on
+the bench of the U. S. Sup. Court, said: "The common law of this country
+remains the same as it was before the revolution." Chief Justice
+Marshall, in his decision in the case of Livingston _vs._ Jefferson,
+said: "When our ancestors migrated to America, they brought with them
+the common law of their native country, so far as it was applicable to
+their new situation, and I do not conceive that the revolution in any
+degree changed the relations of man to man, or the law which regulates
+them. In breaking our political connection with the parent state, we did
+not break our connection with each other." [_Hall's Law Journal, new
+series_.] Mr. Duponceau, in his "Dissertation on the Jurisdiction of
+Courts in the United States," says, "I consider the common law of
+England the _jus commune_ of the United States. I think I can lay it
+down as a correct principle, that the common law of England, as it was
+at the time of the Declaration of Independence, still continues to be
+the national law of this country, so far as it is applicable to our
+present state, and subject to the modifications it has received here in
+the course of nearly half a century." Chief Justice Taylor of North
+Carolina, in his decision in the case of the State _vs._ Reed, in 1823,
+Hawkes' N.C. Reps. 454, says, "a law of _paramount, obligation to the
+statute_, was violated by the offence--COMMON LAW, founded upon the law
+of nature, and confirmed by revelation." The legislation of the United
+States abounds in recognitions of the principles of the common law,
+asserting their paramount binding power. Sparing details, of which our
+national state papers are full, we illustrate by a single instance. It
+was made a condition of the admission of Louisiana into the Union, that
+the right of trial by jury should be secured to all her citizens,--the
+United States government thus employing its power to enlarge the
+jurisdiction of the common law in this its great representative.
+
+Having shown that the abolition of slavery is within the competency of
+the law-making power, when unrestricted by constitutional provisions,
+and that the legislation of Congress over the District is thus
+unrestricted, its power to abolish slavery there is established. We
+argue it further, from the fact that,
+
+10. SLAVERY NOW EXISTS IN THE DISTRICT BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS. In the act
+of 16th July, 1790, Congress accepted portions of territory offered by
+the states of Maryland and Virginia, and enacted that the laws, as they
+then were, should continue in force, "until Congress shall otherwise by
+law provide." Under these laws, adopted by Congress, and in effect
+re-enacted and made laws of the District, the slaves there are now held.
+
+Is Congress so impotent in its own "exclusive jurisdiction" that it
+cannot "otherwise by law provide?" If it can say, what _shall_ be
+considered property, it can say what shall _not_ be considered property.
+Suppose a legislature should enact that marriage contracts should be
+mere bills of sale, making a husband the proprietor of his wife, as his
+_bona fide_ property; and suppose husbands should herd their wives in
+droves for the market as beasts of burden, or for the brothel as victims
+of lust, and then prate about their inviolable legal property, and deny
+the power of the legislature, which stamped them "property," to undo its
+own wrong, and secure to wives by law the rights of human beings. Would
+such cant about "legal rights" be heeded where reason and justice held
+sway, and where law, based upon fundamental morality, received homage?
+If a frantic legislature pronounces woman a chattel, has it no power,
+with returning reason, to take back the blasphemy? Is the impious edict
+irrepealable? Be it, that with legal forms it has stamped wives "wares."
+Can no legislation blot out the brand? Must the handwriting of Deity on
+human nature be expunged for ever? Has LAW no power to stay the erasing
+pen, and tear off the scrawled label that covers up the IMAGE OF GOD?
+
+II. THE POWER OF CONGRESS TO ABOLISH SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT HAS BEEN,
+TILL RECENTLY, UNIVERSALLY CONCEDED.
+
+1. It has been assumed by Congress itself. The following record stands
+on the journals of the House of Representatives for 1804, p. 225: "On
+motion made and seconded that the House do come to the following
+resolution: 'Resolved, That from and after the 4th day of July, 1805,
+all blacks and people of color that shall be born within the District of
+Columbia, or whose mothers shall be the property of any person residing
+within the said District, shall be free, the males at the age of ----,
+and the females at the age of ----. The main question being taken that
+the House do agree to said motions as originally proposed, it was
+negatived by a majority of 46.'" Though the motion was lost, it was on
+the ground of its alleged _inexpediency_ alone. In the debate which
+preceded the vote, the power of Congress was conceded. In March, 1816,
+the House of Representatives passed the following resolution: "Resolved,
+That a committee be appointed to inquire into the existence of an
+inhuman and illegal traffic in slaves, carried on in and through the
+District of Columbia, and to report whether any and what measures are
+necessary for _putting a stop to the same_."
+
+On the 9th of January, 1829, the House of Representatives passed the
+following resolution by a vote of 114 to 66: "Resolved, That the
+Committee on the District of Columbia, be instructed to inquire into the
+_expediency_ of providing by _law_ for the gradual abolition of slavery
+within the District, in such a manner that the interests of no
+individual shall be injured thereby." Among those who voted in the
+affirmative were Messrs. Barney of Md., Armstrong of Va., A.H. Shepperd
+of N.C., Blair of Tenn., Chilton and Lyon of Ky., Johns of Del., and
+others from slave states.
+
+2. IT HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS, ON THE DISTRICT OF
+COLUMBIA.--In a report of the committee on the District, Jan. 11, 1837,
+by their chairman, Mr. Powell of Va., there is the following
+declaration: "The Congress of the United States, has by the constitution
+exclusive jurisdiction over the District, and has power upon this
+subject (_slavery_,) as upon all other subjects of legislation, to
+exercise _unlimited discretion_." Reports of Comms. 2d Sess. 19th Cong.
+v. iv. No. 43. In December, 1831, the committee on the District, Mr.
+Doddridge of Va., Chairman, reported, "That until the adjoining states
+act on the subject, (_slavery_) it would be (not _unconstitutional_ but)
+unwise and impolitic, if not unjust, for Congress to interfere." In
+April, 1836, a special committee on abolition memorials reported the
+following resolutions by their Chairman, Mr. Pinckney of South Carolina:
+"Resolved, That Congress possesses no constitutional authority to
+interfere in any way with the institution of slavery in any of the
+states of this confederacy."
+
+"Resolved, That Congress _ought not to interfere_ in any way with
+slavery in the District of Columbia." "Ought not to interfere,"
+carefully avoiding the phraseology of the first resolution, and thus in
+effect conceding the constitutional power. In a widely circulated
+"Address to the electors of the Charleston District," Mr. Pinkney is
+thus denounced by his own constituents: "He has proposed a resolution
+which is received by the plain common sense of the whole country as a
+concession that Congress has authority to abolish slavery in the
+District of Columbia."
+
+3. IT HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY THE CITIZENS OF THE DISTRICT. A petition for
+the gradual abolition of slavery in the District, signed by nearly
+eleven hundred of its citizens, was presented to Congress, March 24,
+1827. Among the signers to this petition, were Chief Justice Cranch,
+Judge Van Ness, Judge Morsel, Prof. J.M. Staughton, and a large number
+of the most influential inhabitants of the District. Mr. Dickson, of New
+York, asserted on the floor of Congress in 1835, that the signers to
+this petition owned more than half the property in the District. The
+accuracy of this statement has never been questioned.
+
+THIS POWER HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY GRAND JURIES OF THE DISTRICT. The grand
+jury of the county of Alexandria, at the March term, 1802, presented the
+domestic slaves trade as a grievance, and said, "We consider these
+grievances demanding _legislative_ redress." Jan. 19, 1829, Mr.
+Alexander, of Virginia, presented a representation of the grand jury in
+the city of Washington, remonstrating against "any measure for the
+abolition of slavery within said District, unless accompanied by
+measures for the removal of the emancipated from the same;" thus, not
+only conceding the power to emancipate slaves, but affirming an
+additional power, that of _excluding them when free_. Journal H. R.
+1828-9, p. 174.
+
+4. THIS POWER HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY STATE LEGISLATURES. In 1828 the
+Legislature of Pennsylvania instructed their Senators in Congress "to
+procure, if practicable, the passage of a law to abolish slavery in the
+District of Columbia." Jan. 28, 1829, the House of Assembly of New York
+passed a resolution, that their "Senators in Congress be instructed to
+make every possible exertion to effect the passage of a law for the
+abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia." In February, 1837,
+the Senate of Massachusetts "Resolved, That Congress having exclusive
+legislation in the District of Columbia, possess the right to abolish
+slavery and the slave trade therein." The House of Representatives
+passed the following resolution at the same session: "Resolved, That
+Congress having exclusive legislation in the District of Columbia,
+possess the right to abolish slavery in said District." November 1,
+1837, the Legislature of Vermont, "Resolved that Congress have the full
+power by the constitution to abolish slavery and the slave trade in the
+District of Columbia, and in the territories."
+
+In May, 1838, the Legislature of Connecticut passed a resolution
+asserting the power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District
+of Columbia.
+
+In January, 1836, the Legislature of South Carolina "Resolved, That we
+should consider the abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia as
+a violation of the rights of the citizens of that District derived from
+the _implied_ conditions on which that territory was ceded to the
+General Government." Instead of denying the constitutional power, they
+virtually admit its existence, by striving to smother it under an
+_implication_. In February, 1836, the Legislature of North Carolina
+"Resolved, That, although by the Constitution _all legislative power_
+over the District of Columbia is vested in the Congress of the United
+States, yet we would deprecate any legislative action on the part of
+that body towards liberating the slaves of that District, as a breach of
+faith towards those States by whom the territory was originally ceded.
+Here is a full concession of the _power_. February 2, 1836, the Virginia
+Legislature passed unanimously the following resolution: "Resolved, by
+the General Assembly of Virginia, that the following article be proposed
+to the several states of this Union, and to Congress, as an amendment of
+the Constitution of the United States:" "The powers of Congress shall not
+be so construed as to authorize the passage of any law for the
+emancipation of slaves in the District of Columbia, without the consent
+of the individual proprietors thereof, unless by the sanction of the
+Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, and under such conditions as they
+shall by law prescribe."
+
+Fifty years after the formation of the United States' constitution the
+states are solemnly called upon by the Virginia Legislature, to amend
+that instrument by a clause asserting that, in the grant to Congress of
+"exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever" over the District, the
+"case" of slavery is not included!! What could have dictated such a
+resolution but the conviction that the power to abolish slavery is an
+irresistible inference from the constitution _as it is?_ The fact that
+the same legislature, passed afterward a resolution, though by no means
+unanimously, that Congress does not possess the power, abates not a
+title of the testimony in the first resolution. March 23d, 1824, "Mr.
+Brown presented the resolutions of the General Assembly of Ohio,
+recommending to Congress the consideration of a system for the gradual
+emancipation of persons of color held in servitude in the United
+States." On the same day, "Mr. Noble, of Indiana, communicated a
+resolution from the legislature of that state, respecting the gradual
+emancipation of slaves within the United States." Journal of the United
+States' Senate, for 1824-5, p.231.
+
+The Ohio and Indiana resolutions, by taking for granted the _general_
+power of Congress over the subject of slavery, do virtually assert its
+_special_ power within its _exclusive_ jurisdiction.
+
+5. THIS POWER HAS BEEN CONCEDED BY BODIES OF CITIZENS IN THE SLAVE
+STATES. The petition of eleven hundred citizens of the District, has
+been already mentioned. "March 5,1830, Mr. Washington presented a
+memorial of inhabitants of the county of Frederick, in the state of
+Maryland, praying that provision be made for the gradual abolition of
+slavery in the District of Columbia." Journal H.R. 1829-30, p. 358.
+
+March 30, 1828. Mr. A.H. Shepperd, of North Carolina, presented a
+memorial of citizens of that state, "praying Congress to take measures
+for the entire abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia."
+Journal H.R. 1829-30, p. 379.
+
+January 14, 1822. Mr. Rhea, of Tennessee, presented a memorial of
+citizens of that state, praying that "provision may be made, whereby all
+slaves that may hereafter be born in the District of Columbia, shall be
+free at a certain period of their lives." Journal H.R. 1821-22, p.142.
+
+December 13, 1824. Mr. Saunders of North Carolina, presented a memorial
+of the citizens of that state, praying "that measures may be taken for
+the gradual abolition of slavery in the United States." Journal H.R.
+1824-25, p.27.
+
+December 16, 1828. "Mr. Barnard presented the memorial of the American
+Convention for promoting the abolition of slavery, held in Baltimore,
+praying that slavery may be abolished in the District of Columbia."
+Journal U.S. Senate, 1828-29, p.24.
+
+6. DISTINGUISHED STATESMEN AND JURISTS IN THE SLAVEHOLDING STATES, HAVE
+CONCEDED THIS POWER. The testimony Of Messrs. Doddridge, and Powell, of
+Virginia, Chief Justice Cranch, and Judges Morsel and Van Ness, of the
+District, has already been given. In the debate in Congress on the
+memorial of the Society of Friends, in 1790, Mr. Madison, in speaking of
+the territories of the United States, explicitly declared, from his own
+knowledge of the views of the members of the convention that framed the
+constitution, as well as from the obvious import of its terms, that in
+the territories, "Congress have certainly the power to regulate the
+subject of slavery." Congress can have no more power over the
+territories than that of "exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever," consequently, according to Mr. Madison, "it has certainly
+the power to regulate the subject of slavery in the" _District_. In
+March, 1816, Mr. Randolph of Virginia, introduced a resolution for
+putting a stop to the domestic slave trade within the District. December
+12, 1827, Mr. Barney, of Maryland, presented a memorial for abolition in
+the District, and moved that it be printed. Mr. McDuffie, of S.C.,
+objected to the printing, but "expressly admitted the right of Congress
+to grant to the people of the District any measure which they might deem
+necessary to free themselves from the deplorable evil."--[See letter of
+Mr. Claiborne of Miss. to his constituents published in the Washington
+Globe, May 9, 1836.] The sentiments of Mr. Clay of Kentucky, on the
+subject are well known. In a speech before the U.S. Senate, in 1836, he
+declared the power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District
+"unquestionable." Messrs. Blair, of Tennessee, and Chilton, Lyon, and
+R.M. Johnson, of Kentucky, A.H. Shepperd, of N.C., Messrs. Armstrong and
+Smyth of Va., Messrs. Dorsey, Archer, and Barney, of Md., and Johns, of
+Del., with numerous others from slave states have asserted the power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District. In the speech of Mr. Smyth,
+of Virginia, on the Missouri question, January 28, 1820, he says on this
+point: "If the future freedom of the blacks is your real object, and not
+a mere pretence, why do you begin _here_? Within the ten miles square,
+you have _undoubted power_ to exercise exclusive legislation. _Produce a
+bill to emancipate the slaves in the District of Columbia_, or, if you
+prefer it, to emancipate those born hereafter."
+
+To this may be added the testimony of the present Vice President of the
+United States, Hon. Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky. In a speech before
+the U.S. Senate, February 1, 1820, (National Intelligencer, April 29,
+1829,) he says: "In the District of Columbia, containing a population of
+30,000 souls, and probably as many slaves as the whole territory of
+Missouri, THE POWER OF PROVIDING FOR THEIR EMANCIPATION RESTS WITH
+CONGRESS ALONE. Why then, this heart-rending sympathy for the slaves of
+Missouri, and this cold insensibility, this eternal apathy, towards the
+slaves in the District of Columbia?"
+
+It is quite unnecessary to add, that the most distinguished northern
+statesmen of both political parties, have always affirmed the power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District. President Van Buren in his
+letter of March 6, 1836, to a committee of Gentlemen in North Carolina,
+says, "I would not, from the light now before me, feel myself safe in
+pronouncing that Congress does not possess the power of abolishing
+slavery in the District of Columbia." This declaration of the President
+is consistent with his avowed sentiments touching the Missouri question,
+on which he coincided with such men as Daniel D. Thompkins, De Witt
+Clinton, and others, whose names are a host.[A] It is consistent, also
+with his recommendation in his last message, in which speaking of the
+District, he strongly urges upon Congress "a thorough and careful
+revision of its local government," speaks of the "entire independence"
+of the people of the District "upon Congress," recommends that a
+"uniform system of local government" be adopted, and adds, that
+"although it was selected as the seat of the General Government, the
+site of its public edifices, the depository of its archives, and the
+residences of officers intrusted with large amounts of public property,
+and the management of public business, yet it never has been subjected
+to, or received, that _special_ and _comprehensive_ legislation which
+these circumstances peculiarly demanded."
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Van Buren, when a member of the Senate of New-York,
+voted for the following preamble and resolutions, which passed
+unanimously:--Jan. 28th, 1820. "Whereas the inhibiting the further
+extension of slavery in the United States, is a subject of deep concern
+to the people of this state: and whereas, we consider slavery as an evil
+much to be deplored, and that _every constitutional barrier should be
+interposed to prevent its further extension_: and that the constitution
+of the United States _clearly gives Congress the right_ to require new
+states, not comprised within the original boundary of the United States,
+to _make the prohibition of slavery_ a condition of their admission into
+the Union: Therefore,
+
+    Resolved, That our Senators be instructed, and our members of
+    Congress be requested, to oppose the admission as a state into the
+    Union, of any territory not comprised as aforesaid, without making
+    _the prohibition of slavery_ therein an indispensible condition of
+    admission."
+]
+
+The tenor of Mr. Tallmadge's speech on the right of petition, and of Mr.
+Webster's on the reception of abolition memorials, may be taken as
+universal exponents of the sentiments of northern statesmen as to the
+power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia.
+
+An explicit declaration, that an "_overwhelming majority_" of the
+_present_ Congress concede the power to abolish slavery in the District
+has just been made by Robert Barnwell Rhett, a member of Congress from
+South Carolina, in a letter published in the Charleston Mercury of Dec.
+27, 1837. The following is an extract:
+
+"The time has arrived when we must have new guaranties under the
+constitution, or the Union must be dissolved. _Our views of the
+constitution are not those of the majority_. AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY
+_think that by the constitution, Congress may abolish slavery in the
+District of Columbia--may abolish the slave trade between the States;
+that is, it may prohibit their being carried out of the State in which
+they are--and prohibit it in all the territories, Florida among them.
+They think_, NOT WITHOUT STRONG REASONS, _that the power of Congress
+extends to all of these subjects_."
+
+_Direct testimony_ to show that the power of Congress to abolish slavery
+in the District, has always till recently been _universally conceded_,
+is perhaps quite superfluous. We subjoin, however, the following:
+
+The Vice-President of the United States in his speech on the Missouri
+question, quoted above, after contending that the restriction of slavery
+in Missouri would be unconstitutional, declares, that the power of
+Congress over slavery in the District "COULD NOT BE QUESTIONED." In the
+speech of Mr. Smyth, of Va., also quoted above, he declares the power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District to be "UNDOUBTED."
+
+Mr. Sutherland, of Penn., in a speech in the House of Representatives,
+on the motion to print Mr. Pinckney's Report, is thus reported in the
+Washington Globe, of May 9th, '36. "He replied to the remark that the
+report conceded that Congress had a right to legislate upon the subject
+in the District of Columbia, and said that SUCH A RIGHT HAD NEVER BEEN,
+TILL RECENTLY, DENIED."
+
+The American Quarterly Review, published at Philadelphia, with a large
+circulation and list of contributors in the slave states, holds the
+following language in the September No. 1833, p. 55: "Under this
+'exclusive jurisdiction,' granted by the constitution, Congress has
+power to abolish slavery and the slave trade in the District of
+Columbia. It would hardly be necessary to state this as a distinct
+proposition, had it not been occasionally questioned. The truth of the
+assertion, however, is too obvious to admit of argument--and we believe
+has NEVER BEEN DISPUTED BY PERSONS WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE
+CONSTITUTION."
+
+OBJECTIONS TO THE FOREGOING CONCLUSIONS CONSIDERED.
+
+We now proceed to notice briefly the main arguments that have been
+employed in Congress and elsewhere against the power of Congress to
+abolish slavery in the District. One of the most plausible is, that "the
+conditions on which Maryland and Virginia ceded the District to the
+United States, would be violated, if Congress should abolish slavery
+there." The reply to this is, that Congress had no power to _accept_ a
+cession coupled with conditions restricting that "power of exclusive
+legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District," which was
+given it by the constitution.
+
+To show the futility of the objection, we insert here the acts of
+cession. The cession of Maryland was made in November, 1788, and is as
+follows: "An act to cede to Congress a district of ten miles square in
+this state for the seat of the government of the United States."
+
+"Be it enacted, by the General Assembly of Maryland, that the
+representatives of this state in the House of Representatives of the
+Congress of the United States, appointed to assemble at New-York, on the
+first Wednesday of March next, be, and they are; hereby authorized and
+required on the behalf of this state, to cede to the Congress of the
+United States, any district in this state, not exceeding ten miles
+square, which the Congress may fix upon, and accept for the seat of
+government of the United States." Laws of Md., v. 2., c. 46.
+
+The cession of Virginia was made on the 3d of December, 1788, in the
+following words:
+
+"Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That a tract of country, not
+exceeding ten miles square, or any lesser quantity, to be located within
+the limits of the State, and in any part thereof; as Congress may, by
+law, direct, shall be, and the same is hereby forever ceded and
+relinquished to the Congress and Government of the United States, in
+full and absolute right, and exclusive jurisdiction, as well of soil, as
+of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the tenor and
+effect of the eighth section of the first article of the government of
+the constitution of the United States."
+
+But were there no provisos to these acts? The Maryland act had _none_.
+The Virginia act had this proviso: "Sect. 2. Provided, that nothing
+herein contained, shall be construed to vest in the United States any
+right of property in the soil, or to affect the rights of individuals
+_therein_, otherwise than the same shall or may be transferred by such
+individuals to the United States."
+
+This specification touching the soil was merely definitive and
+explanatory of that clause in the act of cession, "_full and absolute
+right_." Instead of restraining the power of Congress on _slavery_ and
+other subjects, it even gives it freer course; for exceptions to _parts_
+of a rule, give double confirmation to those parts not embraced in the
+exceptions. If it was the _design_ of the proviso to restrict
+congressional action on the subject of _slavery_, why is the _soil
+alone_ specified? As legal instruments are not paragons of economy in
+words, might not "John Doe," out of his abundance, and without spoiling
+his style, have afforded an additional word--at least a hint--that
+slavery was _meant_, though nothing was said about it?
+
+But again, Maryland and Virginia, in their acts of cession, declare them
+to be made "in pursuance of" that clause of the constitution which gives
+to Congress "exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever" over the ten
+miles square--thus, instead of _restricting_ that clause, both States
+_confirm_ it. Now, their acts of cession either accorded with that
+clause of the constitution, or they conflicted with it. If they
+conflicted with it, _accepting_ the cessions was a violation of the
+constitution. The fact that Congress accepted the cessions, proves that
+in its views their _terms_ did not conflict with its constitutional
+grant of power. The inquiry whether these acts of cession were
+consistent or inconsistent with the United Status' constitution, is
+totally irrelevant to the question at issue. What with the CONSTITUTION?
+That is the question. Not, what with Virginia, or Maryland, or--equally
+to the point--John Bull! If Maryland and Virginia had been the
+authorized interpreters of the constitution for the Union, these acts of
+cession could hardly have been more magnified than they have been
+recently by the southern delegation in Congress. A true understanding of
+the constitution can be had, forsooth, only by holding it up in the
+light of Maryland and Virginia legislation!
+
+We are told, again, that those States would not have ceded the District
+if they had supposed the constitution gave Congress power to abolish
+slavery in it.
+
+This comes with an ill grace from Maryland and Virginia. They _knew_ the
+constitution. They were parties to it. They had sifted it, clause by
+clause, in their State conventions. They had weighed its words in the
+balance--they had tested them as by fire; and, finally, after long
+pondering, they adopted the constitution. And _afterward_, self-moved,
+they ceded the ten miles square, and declared the cession made "in
+pursuance of" that oft-cited clause, "Congress shall have power to
+exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever over such
+District." And now verily "they would not have ceded if they had
+_supposed_!" &c. Cede it they _did_, and in "full and absolute right
+both of soil and persons." Congress accepted the cession--state power
+over the District ceased, and congressional power over it
+commenced,--and now, the sole question to be settled is, the _amount of
+power over the District lodged in Congress by the constitution_. The
+constitution--THE CONSTITUTION--that is the point. Maryland and Virginia
+"suppositions" must be potent suppositions to abrogate a clause of the
+United States' Constitution! That clause either gives Congress power to
+abolish slavery in the District, or it does _not_--and that point is to
+be settled, not by state "suppositions," nor state usages, nor state
+legislation, but _by the terms of the clause themselves_.
+
+Southern members of Congress, in the recent discussions, have conceded
+the power of a contingent abolition in the District, by suspending it
+upon the _consent_ of the people. Such a doctrine from _declaimers_ like
+Messrs. Alford, of Georgia, and Walker, of Mississippi, would excite no
+surprise; but that it should be honored with the endorsement of such men
+as Mr. Rives and Mr. Calhoun, is quite unaccountable. Are attributes of
+sovereignty mere creatures of contingency? Is delegated authority mere
+conditional permission? Is a constitutional power to be exercised by
+those who hold it, only by popular sufferance? Must it lie helpless at
+the pool of public sentiment, waiting the gracious troubling of its
+waters? Is it a lifeless corpse, save only when popular "consent" deigns
+to puff breath into its nostrils? Besides, if the consent of the people
+of the District be necessary, the consent of the _whole_ people must be
+had--not that of a majority, however large. Majorities, to be
+authoritative, must be _legal_--and a legal majority without legislative
+power, or right of representation, or even the electoral franchise,
+would be truly an anomaly! In the District of Columbia, such a thing as
+a majority in a legal sense is unknown to law. To talk of the power of a
+majority, or the will of a majority there, is mere mouthing. A majority?
+Then it has an authoritative will, and an organ to make it known, and an
+executive to carry it into effect--Where are they? We repeat it--if the
+consent of the people of the District be necessary, the consent of
+_every one_ is necessary--and _universal_ consent will come only with
+the Greek Kalends and a "perpetual motion." A single individual might
+thus perpetuate slavery in defiance of the expressed will of a whole
+people. The most common form of this fallacy is given by Mr. Wise, of
+Virginia, in his speech, February 16, 1835, in which he denied the power
+of Congress to abolish slavery in the District, unless the inhabitants
+owning slaves petitioned for it!! Southern members of Congress at the
+present session (1837-8) ring changes almost daily upon the same
+fallacy. What! pray Congress _to use_ a power which it _has not_? "It is
+required of a man according to what he _hath_," saith the Scripture. I
+commend Mr. Wise to Paul for his ethics. Would that he had got his
+_logic_ of him! If Congress does not possess the power, why taunt it
+with its weakness, by asking its exercise? Petitioning, according to Mr.
+Wise, is, in matters of legislation, omnipotence itself; the very
+_source_ of all constitutional power; for, _asking_ Congress to do what
+it _cannot_ do, gives it the power!--to pray the exercise of a power
+that is _not, creates_ it! A beautiful theory! Let us work it both ways.
+If to petition for the exercise of a power that is _not_, creates it--to
+petition against the exercise of a power that _is_, annihilates it. As
+southern gentlemen are partial to summary processes, pray, sirs, try the
+virtue of your own recipe on "exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever;" a better subject for experiment and test of the
+prescription could not be had. But if the petitions of the citizens of
+the District give Congress the _right_ to abolish slavery, they impose
+the _duty_; if they confer constitutional _authority_, they create
+constitutional _obligation_. If Congress _may_ abolish because of an
+expression of their will, it _must_ abolish at the bidding of that will.
+If the people of the District are a _source of power_ to Congress, their
+_expressed will_ has the force of a constitutional provision, and has
+the same binding power upon the National Legislature. To make Congress
+dependent on the District for authority, is to make it a _subject_ of
+its authority, restraining the exercise of its own discretion, and
+sinking it into a mere organ of the District's will. We proceed to
+another objection.
+
+"_The southern states would not have ratified the constitution, if they
+had supposed that it gave this power_." It is a sufficient answer to
+this objection, that the northern states would not have ratified it, if
+they had supposed that it _withheld_ the power. If "suppositions" are to
+take the place of the constitution--coming from both sides, they
+neutralize each other. To argue a constitutional question by _guessing_
+at the "suppositions" that might have been made by the parties to it
+would find small favor in a court of law. But even a desperate shift is
+some easement when sorely pushed. If this question is to be settled by
+"suppositions," suppositions shall be forthcoming, and that
+without stint.
+
+First, then, I affirm that the North ratified the constitution,
+"supposing" that slavery had begun to wax old, and would speedily vanish
+away, and especially that the abolition of the slave trade, which by the
+constitution was to be surrendered to Congress after twenty years, would
+plunge it headlong.
+
+Would the North have adopted the constitution, giving three-fifths of
+the "slave property" a representation, if it had "supposed" that the
+slaves would have increased from half a million to two millions and a
+half by 1838--and that the census of 1840 would give to the slave states
+thirty representatives of "slave property?"
+
+If they had "supposed" that this representation would have controlled
+the legislation of the government, and carried against the North every
+question vital to its interests, would Hamilton, Franklin, Sherman,
+Gerry, Livingston, Langdon, and Rufus King have been such madmen, as to
+sign the constitution, and the Northern States such suicides as to
+ratify it? Every self-preserving instinct would have shrieked at such an
+infatuate immolation. At the adoption of the United States constitution,
+slavery was regarded as a fast waning system. This conviction was
+universal. Washington, Jefferson, Henry, Grayson, Tucker, Madison,
+Wythe, Pendleton, Lee, Blair, Mason, Page, Parker, Randolph, Iredell,
+Spaight, Ramsey, Pinkney, Martin, McHenry, Chase, and nearly all the
+illustrious names south of the Potomac, proclaimed it before the sun. A
+reason urged in the convention that formed the United States'
+constitution, why the word slave should not be used in it, was, _that
+when slavery should cease_ there might remain upon the National Charter
+no record that it had ever been. (See speech of Mr. Burrill, of R.I., on
+the Missouri question.)
+
+I now proceed to show by testimony, that at the date of the United
+States' constitution, and for several years before and after that
+period, slavery was rapidly on the wane; that the American Revolution
+with the great events preceding, accompanying, and following it, had
+wrought an immense and almost universal change in the public sentiment
+of the nation on the subject, powerfully impelling it toward the entire
+abolition of the system--and that it was the _general belief_ that
+measures for its abolition throughout the Union, would be commenced by
+the States generally before the lapse of many years. A great mass of
+testimony establishing this position might be presented, but narrow
+space, and the importance of speedy publication, counsel brevity. Let
+the following proofs suffice. First, a few dates as points of
+observation.
+
+In 1757, Commissioners from seven colonies met at Albany, resolved upon
+a Union and proposed a plan of general government. In 1765, delegates
+from nine colonies met at New York and sent forth a bill of rights. The
+first _general_ Congress met in 1774. The first Congress of the
+_thirteen_ colonies met in 1775. The revolutionary war commenced in '75.
+Independence was declared in '76. The articles of confederation were
+adopted by the thirteen states in '77 and '78. Independence acknowledged
+in '83. The convention for forming the U.S. constitution was held in
+'87, the state conventions for considering it in '87 and '88. The first
+Congress under the constitution in '89.
+
+Dr. Rush, of Pennsylvania, one of the signers of the Declaration of
+Independence, in a letter to Granville Sharpe, May 1, 1773, says: "A
+spirit of humanity and religion begins to awaken in several of the
+colonies in favor of the poor negroes. Great events have been brought
+about by small beginnings. _Anthony Benezet stood alone a few years_
+_ago in opposing negro slavery in Philadelphia_, and NOW THREE-FOURTHS
+OF THE PROVINCE AS WELL AS OF THE CITY CRY OUT AGAINST IT."--[Stuart's
+Life of Granville Sharpe, p. 21.]
+
+In the preamble to the act prohibiting the importation of slaves into
+Rhode Island, June, 1774, is the following: "Whereas the inhabitants of
+America are generally engaged in the preservation of their own rights
+and liberties, among which that of personal freedom must be considered
+the greatest, and as those who are desirous of enjoying all the
+advantages of liberty themselves, _should be willing to extend personal
+liberty to others_, therefore," &c.
+
+October 20, 1774, the Continental Congress passed the following: "We,
+for ourselves and the inhabitants of the several colonies whom we
+represent, _firmly agree and associate under the sacred ties of virtue,
+honor, and love of our country_, as follows:"
+
+"2d Article. _We will neither import nor purchase any slaves imported_
+after the first day of December next, after which time we will _wholly
+discontinue_ the slave trade, and we will neither be concerned in it
+ourselves, nor will we hire our vessels nor _sell our commodities or
+manufactures_ to those who are concerned in it."
+
+The Continental Congress, in 1775, setting forth the causes and the
+necessity for taking up arms, say: "_If it were possible_ for men who
+exercise their reason to believe that the divine Author of our existence
+intended a part of the human race _to hold an absolute property in_, and
+_unbounded power over others_," &c.
+
+In 1776, Dr. Hopkins, then at the head of New England divines,
+in "An Address to the owners of negro slaves in the American colonies,"
+says: "The conviction of the unjustifiableness of this practice (slavery)
+has been _increasing_, and _greatly spreading of late_, and _many_
+who have had slaves, have found themselves so unable to justify their
+own conduct in holding them in bondage, as to be induced to _set them
+at liberty_.       *       *       *       *       *      Slavery is _in
+every instance_, wrong, unrighteous, and oppressive--a very great and
+crying sin--_there being nothing of the kind equal to it on the face of
+the earth_."
+
+The same year the American Congress issued a solemn MANIFESTO to the
+world. These were its first words: "We hold these truths to be
+self-evident, that _all_ men are created equal, that they are endowed by
+their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are
+life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." _Once_, these were words
+of power; _now_, "a rhetorical flourish."
+
+The Virginia Gazette of March 19, 1767, in an essay on slavery says:
+"_There cannot be in nature, there is not in all history, an instance in
+which every right of man is more flagrantly violated_. Enough I hope has
+been effected to prove that slavery is a violation of justice and
+religion."
+
+The celebrated Patrick Henry of Virginia, in a letter, Jan. 18, 1773, to
+Robert Pleasants, afterwards president of the Virginia Abolition
+Society, says: "Believe me, I shall honor the Quakers for their noble
+efforts to abolish slavery. It is a debt we owe to the purity of our
+religion to show that it is at variance with that law that warrants
+slavery. I exhort you to persevere in so worthy a resolution."
+
+The Pennsylvania Chronicle of Nov. 21, 1768, says: "Let every black that
+shall henceforth be born amongst us be deemed free. One step farther
+would be to emancipate the whole race, restoring that liberty we have so
+long unjustly detained from them. Till some step of this kind be taken
+we shall justly be the derision of the whole world."
+
+In 1779, the Continental Congress ordered a pamphlet to be published,
+entitled, "Observations on the American Revolution," from which the
+following is an extract: "The great principle (of government) is and
+ever will remain in force, _that men are by Nature free_; and so long as
+we have any idea of divine _justice_, we must associate that of _human
+freedom_. It is _conceded on all hands, that the right to be free_ CAN
+NEVER BE ALIENATED."
+
+Extract from the Pennsylvania act for the abolition of slavery, passed
+March 1, 1780: * * * "We conceive that it is our duty, and we rejoice
+that it is in our power, to extend a portion of that freedom to others
+which has been extended to us. Weaned by a long course of experience
+from those narrow prejudices and partialities we had imbibed, we find
+our hearts enlarged with kindness and benevolence towards men of all
+conditions and nations: * * * Therefore be it enacted, that no child
+born hereafter be a slave," &c.
+
+Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, written just before the close of
+the Revolutionary War, says: "I think a change already perceptible since
+the origin of the present revolution. The spirit of the master is
+abating, that of the slave is rising from the dust, his condition
+mollifying, _and the way I hope preparing, under the auspices of
+heaven_, FOR A TOTAL EMANCIPATION."
+
+In a letter to Dr. Price, of London, who had just published a pamphlet
+in favor of the abolition of slavery, Mr. Jefferson, then minister at
+Paris, (August 7, 1785,) says: "From the mouth to the head of the
+Chesapeake, _the bulk of the people will approve of your pamphlet in
+theory_, and it will find a respectable minority ready to _adopt it in
+practice_--a minority which, for weight and worth of character,
+_preponderates against the greater number_." Speaking of Virginia, he
+says: "This is the next state to which we may turn our eyes for the
+interesting spectacle of justice in conflict with avarice and
+oppression,--a conflict in which the SACRED SIDE IS GAINING DAILY
+RECRUITS. Be not, therefore, discouraged--what you have written will do
+a _great deal of good_; and could you still trouble yourself with our
+welfare, no man is more able to give aid to the laboring side. The
+College of William and Mary, since the remodelling of its plan, is the
+place where are collected together all the young men of Virginia, under
+preparation for public life. They are there under the direction (most of
+them) of a Mr. Wythe, one of the most virtuous of characters, and _whose
+sentiments on the subject of slavery are unequivocal_. I am satisfied,
+if you could resolve to address an exhortation to those young men with
+all that eloquence of which you are master, that _its influence on the
+future decision of this important question would be great, perhaps
+decisive_. Thus. you see, that so far from thinking you have cause to
+repent of what you have done, _I wish you to do more, and I wish it on
+an assurance of its effect_."--Jefferson's Posthumous Works, vol. 1,
+p. 268.
+
+In 1786, John Jay drafted and signed a petition to the Legislature of
+New York, on the subject of slavery, beginning with these words: "Your
+memorialists being deeply affected by the situation of those, who,
+although, FREE BY THE LAWS OF GOD, are held in slavery by the laws of
+the State," &c. This memorial bore also the signatures of the celebrated
+Alexander Hamilton; Robert R. Livingston, afterwards Secretary of
+Foreign Affairs of the United States, and Chancellor of the State of New
+York; James Duane, Mayor of the City of New York, and many others of the
+most eminent individuals in the State.
+
+In the preamble of an instrument, by which Mr. Jay emancipated a slave
+in 1784, is the following passage:
+
+"Whereas, the children of men are by nature equally free, and cannot,
+without injustice, be either reduced to or HELD in slavery."
+
+In his letter while Minister at Spain, in 1786, he says, speaking of the
+abolition of slavery: "Till America comes into this measure, her prayers
+to heaven will be IMPIOUS. I believe God governs the world; and I
+believe it to be a maxim in his, as in our court, that those who ask for
+equity _ought to do it_."
+
+In 1785, the New York Manumission Society was formed. John Jay was
+chosen its first President, and held the office five years. Alexander
+Hamilton was its second President, and after holding the office one
+year, resigned upon his removal to Philadelphia as Secretary of the
+United States' Treasury. In 1787, the Pennsylvania Abolition Society was
+formed. Benjamin Franklin, warm from the discussions of the convention
+that formed the U.S. constitution, was chosen President, and Benjamin
+Rush Secretary--both signers of the Declaration of Independence. In
+1789, the Maryland Abolition Society was formed. Among its officers were
+Samuel Chase, Judge of the U.S. Supreme Court, and Luther Martin, a
+member of the convention that formed the U.S. constitution. In 1790, the
+Connecticut Abolition Society was formed. The first President was Rev.
+Dr. Stiles, President of Yale College, and the Secretary, Simeon
+Baldwin, (late Judge Baldwin of New Haven.) In 1791, this Society sent a
+memorial to Congress, from which the following is an extract:
+
+"From a sober conviction of the unrighteousness of slavery, your
+petitioners have long beheld, with grief, our fellow men doomed to
+perpetual bondage, in a country which boasts of her freedom. Your
+petitioners were led, by motives, we conceive, of general philanthropy,
+to associate ourselves for the protection and assistance of this
+unfortunate part of our fellow men; and, though this Society has been
+_lately_ established, it has now become _generally extensive_ through
+this state, and, we fully believe, _embraces, on this subject, the
+sentiments of a large majority of its citizens_."
+
+The same year the Virginia Abolition Society was formed. This Society,
+and the Maryland Society, had auxiliaries in different parts of those
+States. Both societies sent up memorials to Congress. The memorial of
+the Virginia Society is headed--"The memorial of the _Virginia Society_,
+for promoting the Abolition of Slavery," &c. The following is
+an extract:
+
+"Your memorialists, fully believing that slavery is not only an odious
+degradation, but an _outrageous violation of one of the most essential
+rights of human nature, and utterly repugnant to the precepts of the
+gospel_," &c.
+
+About the same time a Society was formed in New-Jersey. It had an acting
+committee of five members in each county in the State. The following is
+an extract from the preamble to its constitution:
+
+"It is our boast, that we live under a government, wherein _life,
+liberty_, and the _pursuit of happiness_, are recognized as the
+universal rights of men. We _abhor that inconsistent, illiberal, and
+interested policy, which withholds those rights from an unfortunate and
+degraded class of our fellow creatures_."
+
+Among other distinguished individuals who were efficient officers of
+these Abolition Societies, and delegates from their respective state
+societies, at the annual meetings of the American convention for
+promoting the abolition of slavery, were Hon. Uriah Tracy, United
+States' Senator, from Connecticut; Hon. Zephaniah Swift, Chief Justice
+of the same State; Hon. Cesar A. Rodney, Attorney General of the United
+States; Hon. James A. Bayard, United States' Senator, from Delaware;
+Governor Bloomfield, of New-Jersey; Hon. Wm. Rawle, the late venerable
+head of the Philadelphia bar; Dr. Caspar Wistar, of Philadelphia;
+Messrs. Foster and Tillinghast, of Rhode Island; Messrs. Ridgely,
+Buchanan, and Wilkinson, of Maryland; and Messrs. Pleasants, McLean, and
+Anthony, of Virginia.
+
+In July, 1787, the old Congress passed the celebrated ordinance
+abolishing slavery in the northwestern territory, and declaring that it
+should never thereafter exist there. This ordinance was passed while the
+convention that formed the United States' constitution was in session.
+At the first session of Congress under the constitution, this ordinance
+was ratified by a special act. Washington, fresh from the discussions of
+the convention, in which _more than forty days had been spent in
+adjusting the question of slavery, gave it his approval_. The act passed
+with only one dissenting voice, (that of Mr. Yates, of New York,) _the
+South equally with the North avowing the fitness and expediency of the
+measure on general considerations, and indicating thus early the line of
+national policy, to be pursued by the United States' Government on the
+subject of slavery_.
+
+In the debates in the North Carolina Convention, Mr. Iredell, afterward
+a Judge of the United States' Supreme Court, said, "_When the entire
+abolition of slavery takes place_, it will be an event which must be
+pleasing to every generous mind and every friend of human nature." Mr.
+Galloway said, "I wish to see this abominable trade put an end to. I
+apprehend the clause (touching the slave trade) means _to bring forward
+manumission_." Luther Martin, of Maryland, a member of the convention
+that formed the United States' Constitution, said, "We ought to
+authorize the General Government to make such regulations as shall be
+thought most advantageous for _the gradual abolition of slavery_, and
+the _emancipation of the slaves_ which are already in the States." Judge
+Wilson, of Pennsylvania, one of the framers of the constitution, said,
+in the Pennsylvania convention of '87, [Deb. Pa. Con. p. 303, 156:] "I
+consider this (the clause relative to the slave trade) as laying the
+foundation for _banishing slavery out of this country_. It will produce
+the same kind of gradual change which was produced in Pennsylvania; the
+new States which are to be formed will be under the control of Congress
+in this particular, and _slaves will never be introduced_ among them. It
+presents us with the pleasing prospect that the rights of mankind will
+be acknowledged and established _throughout the Union_. Yet the lapse of
+a few years, and Congress will have power to _exterminate slavery_
+within our borders." In the Virginia convention of '87, Mr. Mason,
+author of the Virginia constitution, said, "The augmentation of slaves
+weakens the States, and such a trade is _diabolical_ in itself, and
+disgraceful to mankind. As much as I value a union of all the States, I
+would not admit the Southern States, (i.e., South Carolina and Georgia,)
+into the union, _unless they agree to a discontinuance of this
+disgraceful trade_." Mr. Tyler opposed with great power the clause
+prohibiting the abolition of the slave trade till 1808, and said, "My
+earnest desire is, that it shall be handed down to posterity that I
+oppose this wicked clause." Mr. Johnson said, "The principle of
+emancipation _has begun since the revolution. Let us do what we will, it
+will come round_."--[Deb. Va. Con. p. 463.] Patrick Henry, arguing the
+power of Congress under the United States' constitution to abolish
+slavery in the States, said, in the same convention, "Another thing will
+contribute to bring this event (the abolition of slavery) about. Slavery
+is _detested_. We feel its fatal effects; we deplore it with all the
+pity of humanity." Governor Randolph said: "They insist that the
+_abolition of slavery will result from this Constitution_. I hope that
+there is no one here, who will advance _an objection so dishonorable_ to
+Virginia--I hope that at the moment they are securing the rights of
+their citizens, an objection will not be started, that those unfortunate
+men now held in bondage, _by the operation of the general government_
+may be made free!" [_Deb. Va. Con._ p. 421.] In the Mass. Con. of '88,
+Judge Dawes said, "Although slavery is not smitten by an apoplexy, yet
+_it has received a mortal wound_, and will die of consumption."--[_Deb.
+Mass. Con._ p. 60.] General Heath said that, "Slavery was confined to
+the States _now existing_, it _could not be extended_. By their
+ordinance, Congress had declared that the new States should be
+republican States, _and have no slavery_."--p. 147.
+
+In the debate, in the first Congress, February 11th and 12th, 1789, on
+the petitions of the Society of Friends, and the Pennsylvania Abolition
+Society, Mr. Parker, of Virginia, said, "I cannot help expressing the
+pleasure I feel in finding _so considerable a part_ of the community
+attending to matters of such a momentous concern to the _future
+prosperity_ and happiness of the people of America. I think it my duty,
+as a citizen of the Union, to _espouse their cause_."
+
+Mr. Page, of Virginia, (afterwards Governor)--"Was _in favor_ of the
+commitment: he hoped that the designs of the respectable memorialists
+would not be stopped at the threshold, in order to preclude a fair
+discussion of the prayer of the memorial. He placed himself in the case
+of a slave, and said, that on hearing that Congress had refused to
+listen to the decent suggestions of the respectable part of the
+community, he should infer, that the general government, _from which was
+expected great good would result to_ EVERY CLASS _of citizens_, had shut
+their ears against the voice of humanity, and he should despair of any
+alleviation of the miseries he and his posterity had in prospect; if any
+thing could induce him to rebel, it must be a stroke like this,
+impressing on his mind all the horrors of despair. But if he was told,
+that application was made in his behalf, and that Congress were willing
+to hear what could be urged in favor of discouraging the practice of
+importing his fellow-wretches, he would trust in their justice and
+humanity, and _wait the decision patiently_."
+
+Mr. Scott of Pennsylvania: "I cannot, for my part, conceive how any
+person _can be said to acquire a property in another. I do not know how
+far I might go, if I was one of the judges of the United States, and
+those people were to come before me and claim their emancipation, but I
+am sure I would go as far as I could_."
+
+Mr. Burke, of South Carolina, said, "He _saw the disposition of the
+House_, and he feared it would be referred to a committee, maugre all
+their opposition."
+
+Mr. Baldwin of Georgia said that the clause in the U.S. Constitution
+relating to direct taxes "was intended to prevent Congress from laying
+any special tax upon negro slaves, _as they might, in this way, so
+burthen the possessors of them, as to induce a_ GENERAL EMANCIPATION."
+
+Mr. Smith of South Carolina, said, "That on entering into this
+government, they (South Carolina and Georgia) apprehended that the other
+states, * * * _would, from motives of humanity and benevolence, be led
+to vote for a general emancipation_."
+
+In the debate, at the same session, May 13th, 1789, on the petition of
+the society of Friends respecting the slave trade, Mr. Parker, of
+Virginia, said, "He hoped Congress would do all that lay in their power
+_to restore to human nature its inherent privileges_. The inconsistency
+in our principles, with which we are justly charged _should be
+done away_."
+
+Mr. Jackson, of Georgia, said, "IT WAS THE FASHION OF THE DAY
+TO FAVOR THE LIBERTY OF THE SLAVES. * * * * * Will Virginia
+set her negroes free? _When this practice comes to be tried, then
+the sound of liberty will lose those charms which make it grateful to the
+ravished ear_."
+
+Mr. Madison of Virginia,--"The dictates of humanity, the principles
+of the people, the national safety and happiness, and prudent policy,
+require it of us. * * * * * * * I conceive the constitution
+in this particular was formed in order that the Government, whilst it
+was restrained from laying a total prohibition, might be able to _give
+some testimony of the sense of America_, with respect to the African
+trade. * * * * * * It is to be hoped, that by expressing a
+national disapprobation of this trade, we may destroy it, and save
+ourselves from reproaches, AND OUR PROSPERITY THE IMBECILITY EVER
+ATTENDANT ON A COUNTRY FILLED WITH SLAVES."
+
+Mr. Gerry, of Massachusetts, said, "he highly commended the part the
+Society of Friends had taken; it was the cause of humanity they had
+interested themselves in."--Cong. Reg. v. 1, p. 308-12.
+
+A writer in the "Gazette of the Unites States," Feb. 20th, 1790, (then
+the government paper,) who opposes the abolition of slavery, and avows
+himself a _slaveholder_, says, "I have seen in the papers accounts of
+_large associations_, and applications to Government for _the abolition
+of slavery_. Religion, humanity, and the generosity natural to a free
+people, are the _noble principles which dictate those measures_. SUCH
+MOTIVES COMMAND RESPECT, AND ARE ABOVE ANY EULOGIUM WORDS CAN BESTOW."
+
+In the convention that formed the constitution of Kentucky in 1790, the
+effort to prohibit slavery was nearly successful. A decided majority of
+that body would undoubtedly have voted for its exclusion, but for the
+great efforts and influence of two large slaveholders--men of commanding
+talents and sway--Messrs. Breckenridge and Nicholas. The following
+extract from a speech made in that convention by a member of it, Mr.
+Rice a native Virginian, is a specimen of the _free discussion_ that
+prevailed on that "delicate subject." Said Mr. Rice: "I do a man greater
+injury, when I deprive him of his liberty, than when I deprive him of
+his property. It is vain for me to plead that I have the sanction of
+law; for this makes the injury the greater--it arms the community
+against him, and makes his case desperate. The owners of such slaves
+then are _licensed robbers_, and not the just proprietors of what they
+claim. Freeing them is not depriving them of property, but _restoring it
+to the right owner_. The master is the enemy of the slave; he _has made
+open war upon him_, AND IS DAILY CARRYING IT ON in unremitted efforts.
+Can any one imagine, then, that the slave is indebted to his master, and
+_bound to serve him?_ Whence can the obligation arise? What is it
+founded upon? What is my duty to an enemy that is carrying on war
+against me? I do not deny, but in some circumstances, it is the duty of
+the slave to serve; but it is a duty he owes himself, and not
+his master."
+
+President Edwards, the younger, said, in a sermon preached before the
+Connecticut Abolition Society, Sept. 15, 1791: "Thirty years ago,
+scarcely a man in this country thought either the slave trade or the
+slavery of negroes to be wrong; but now how many and able advocates in
+private life, in our legislatures, in Congress, have appeared, and have
+openly and irrefragably pleaded the rights of humanity in this as well
+as other instances? And if we judge of the future by the past, _within
+fifty years from this time, it will be as shameful for a man to hold a
+negro slave, as to be guilty of common robbery or theft_."
+
+In 1794, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church adopted its
+"Scripture proofs," notes, and comments. Among these was the following:
+
+"1 Tim. i. 10. The law is made for manstealers. This crime among the
+Jews exposed the perpetrators of it to capital punishment. Exodus xxi.
+16. And the apostle here classes them with _sinners of the first rank_.
+The word he uses, in its original import comprehends all who are
+concerned in bringing any of the human race into slavery, or in
+_retaining_ them in it. _Stealers of men_ are all those who bring off
+slaves or freemen, and _keep_, sell, or buy them."
+
+In 1794, Dr. Rush declared: "Domestic slavery is repugnant to the
+principles of Christianity. It prostrates every benevolent and just
+principle of action in the human heart. It is rebellion against the
+authority of a common Father. It is a practical denial of the extent and
+efficacy of the death of a common Saviour. It is an usurpation of the
+prerogative of the great Sovereign of the universe, who has solemnly
+claimed an exclusive property in the souls of men."
+
+In 1795, Mr. Fiske, then an officer of Dartmouth College, afterward a
+Judge in Tennessee, said, in an oration published that year, speaking of
+slaves: "I steadfastly maintain, that we must bring them to _an equal
+standing, in point of privileges, with the whites!_ They must enjoy all
+the rights belonging to human nature."
+
+When the petition on the abolition of the slave trade was under
+discussion in the Congress of '89, Mr. Brown, of North Carolina, said,
+"The emancipation of the slaves _will be effected_ in time; it ought to
+be a gradual business, but he hoped that Congress would not
+_precipitate_ it to the great injury of the southern States." Mr.
+Hartley, of Pennsylvania, said, in the same debate, "_He was not a
+little surprised to hear the cause of slavery advocated in that house_."
+WASHINGTON, in a letter to Sir John Sinclair, says, "There are, in
+Pennsylvania, laws for the gradual abolition of slavery which neither
+Maryland nor Virginia have at present, but which _nothing is more
+certain_ than that they _must have_, and at a period NOT REMOTE." In
+1782, Virginia passed her celebrated manumission act. Within nine years
+from that time nearly eleven thousand slaves were voluntarily
+emancipated by their masters. [Judge Tucker's "Dissertation on Slavery,"
+p. 72.] In 1787, Maryland passed an act legalizing manumission. Mr.
+Dorsey, of Maryland, in a speech in Congress, December 27th, 1826,
+speaking of manumissions under that act, said, that "_The progress of
+emancipation was astonishing_, the State became crowded with a free
+black population."
+
+The celebrated William Pinkney, in a speech before the Maryland House of
+Delegates, in 1789, on the emancipation of slaves, said, "Sir, by the
+eternal principles of natural justice, _no master in the state has a
+right to hold his slave in bandage for a single hour_... Are we
+apprehensive that these men will become more dangerous by becoming
+freemen? Are we alarmed, lest by being admitted into the enjoyment of
+civil rights, they will be inspired with a deadly enmity against the
+rights of others? Strange, unaccountable paradox! How much more rational
+would it be, to argue that the natural enemy of the privileges of a
+freeman, is he who is robbed of them himself!"
+
+Hon. James Campbell, in an address before the Pennsylvania Society of
+Cincinnati, July 4, 1787, said, "Our separation from Great Britain has
+extended the empire of _humanity_. The time _is not far distant_ when
+our sister states, in imitation of our example, _shall turn their
+vassals into freemen_." The Convention that formed the United States'
+constitution being then in session, attended on the delivery of this
+oration with General Washington at their head.
+
+A Baltimore paper of September 8th, 1780, contains the following notice
+of Major General Gates: "A few days ago passed through this town the
+Hon. General Gates and lady. The General, previous to leaving Virginia,
+summoned his numerous family of slaves about him, and amidst their tears
+of affection and gratitude, gave them their FREEDOM."
+
+In 1791, the university of William and Mary, in Virginia, conferred upon
+Granville Sharpe the degree of Doctor of Laws. Sharpe was at that time
+the acknowledged head of British abolitionists. His indefatigable
+exertions, prosecuted for years in the case of Somerset, procured that
+memorable decision in the Court of King's Bench, which settled the
+principle that no slave could be held in England. He was most
+uncompromising in his opposition to slavery, and for twenty years
+previous he had spoken, written, and accomplished more against it than
+any man living.
+
+In the "Memoirs of the Revolutionary War in the Southern Department," by
+Gen. Lee, of Va., Commandant of the Partizan Legion, is the following:
+"The Constitution of the United States, adopted lately with so much
+difficulty, has effectually provided against this evil (by importation)
+after a few years. It is much to be lamented that having done so much in
+this way, _a provision had not been made for the gradual abolition of
+slavery_."--pp. 233, 4.
+
+Mr. Tucker, of Virginia, Judge of the Supreme Court of that state, and
+professor of law in the University of William and Mary, addressed a
+letter to the General Assembly of that state, in 1796, urging the
+abolition of slavery, from which the following is an extract. Speaking
+of the slaves in Virginia, he says: "Should we not, at the time of the
+revolution, have broken their fetters? Is it not our duty _to embrace
+the first moment_ of constitutional health and vigor to effectuate so
+desirable an object, and to remove from us a stigma with which our
+enemies will never fail to upbraid us, nor our consciences to
+reproach us?"
+
+Mr. Faulkner, in a speech before the Virginia House of Delegates, Jan.
+20, 1832, said: "The idea of a gradual emancipation and removal of the
+slaves from this commonwealth, is coeval with the declaration of our
+independence from the British yoke. When Virginia stood sustained in her
+legislation by the pure and philosophic intellect of Pendleton, by the
+patriotism of Mason and Lee, by the searching vigor and sagacity of
+Wythe, and by the all-embracing, all-comprehensive genius of Thomas
+Jefferson! Sir, it was a committee composed of those five illustrious
+men, who, in 1777, submitted to the general assembly of this state, then
+in session, _a plan for the gradual emancipation of the slaves of this
+commonwealth_."
+
+Hon. Benjamin Watkins Leigh, late United States' senator from Virginia,
+in his letters to the people of Virginia, in 1832, signed Appomattox, p.
+43, says: "I thought, till very lately, that it was known to every body
+that during the revolution, _and for many years after, the abolition of
+slavery was a favorite topic with many of our ablest statesmen_, who
+entertained, with respect, all the schemes which wisdom or ingenuity
+could suggest for accomplishing the object. Mr. Wythe, to the day of his
+death, _was for a simple abolition, considering the objection to color
+as founded in prejudice_. By degrees, all projects of the kind were
+abandoned. Mr. Jefferson _retained_ his opinion, and now we have these
+projects revived."
+
+Governor Barbour, of Virginia, in his speech in the U.S. Senate, on the
+Missouri question, Jan. 1820, said: "We are asked why has Virginia
+changed her policy in reference to slavery? That the sentiments of our
+most distinguished men, for thirty years _entirely corresponded_ with
+the course which the friends of the restriction (of slavery in Missouri)
+now advocated; and that the Virginia delegation, one of whom was the
+late President of the United States, voted for the restriction (of
+slavery) in the northwestern territory, and that Mr. Jefferson has
+delineated a gloomy picture of the baneful effects of slavery. When it
+is recollected that the Notes of Mr. Jefferson were written during the
+progress of the revolution, it is no matter of surprise that the writer
+should have imbibed a large portion of that enthusiasm which such an
+occasion was so well calculated to produce. As to the consent of the
+Virginia delegation to the restriction in question, whether the result
+of a disposition to restrain the slave-trade indirectly, or the
+influence of that enthusiasm to which I have just alluded, * * * * it is
+not now important to decide. We have witnessed its effects. The
+liberality of Virginia, or, as the result may prove, her folly, which
+submitted to, or, if you will, PROPOSED _this measure_ (abolition of
+slavery in the N.W. territory) has eventuated in effects which speak a
+monitory lesson. _How is the representation from this quarter on the
+present question_?"
+
+Mr. Imlay, in his early history of Kentucky, p. 185, says: "We have
+disgraced the fair face of humanity, and trampled upon the sacred
+privileges of man, at the very moment that we were exclaiming against
+the tyranny of your (the English) ministry. But in contending for the
+birthright of freedom, we have learned to feel _for the bondage of
+others_, and in the libations we offer to the goddess of liberty, we
+contemplate an _emancipation of the slaves of this country_, as
+honorable to themselves as it will be glorious to us."
+
+In the debate in Congress, Jan. 20, 1806, on Mr. Sloan's motion to lay a
+tax on the importation of slaves, Mr. Clark of Va. said: "He was no
+advocate for a system of slavery." Mr. Marion, of S. Carolina, said: "He
+never had purchased, nor should he ever purchase a slave." Mr. Southard
+said: "Not revenue, but an expression of the _national sentiment_ is the
+principal object." Mr. Smilie--"I rejoice that the word (slave) is not
+in the constitution; its not being there does honor to the worthies who
+would not suffer it to become a _part_ of it." Mr. Alston, of N.
+Carolina--"In two years we shall have the power to prohibit the trade
+altogether. Then this House will be unanimous. No one will object to our
+exercising our full constitutional powers." National Intelligencer,
+Jan. 24, 1806.
+
+These witnesses need no vouchers to entitle them to credit; nor their
+testimony comments to make it intelligible--their _names_ are their
+_endorsers_, and their strong words their own interpreters. We waive all
+comments. Our readers are of age. Whosoever hath ears to _hear_, let him
+HEAR. And whosoever will not hear the fathers of the revolution, the
+founders of the government, its chief magistrates, judges, legislators
+and sages, who dared and perilled all under the burdens, and in the heat
+of the day that tried men's souls--then "neither will he be persuaded
+though THEY rose from the dead."
+
+Some of the points established by this testimony are--The universal
+expectation that Congress, state legislatures, seminaries of learning,
+churches, ministers of religion, and public sentiment widely embodied in
+abolition societies, would act against slavery, calling forth the moral
+sense of the nation, and creating a power of opinion that would abolish
+the system throughout the Union. In a word, that free speech and a free
+press would be wielded against it without ceasing and without
+restriction. Full well did the South know, not only that the national
+government would probably legislate against slavery wherever the
+constitution placed it within its reach, but she knew also that Congress
+had already marked out the line of national policy to be pursued on the
+subject--had committed itself before the world to a course of action
+against slavery, wherever she could move upon it without encountering a
+conflicting jurisdiction--that the nation had established by solemn
+ordinance a memorable precedent for subsequent action, by abolishing
+slavery in the northwest territory, and by declaring that it should
+never thenceforward exist there; and this too, as soon as by cession of
+Virginia and other states, the territory came under congressional
+control. The South knew also that the sixth article in the ordinance
+prohibiting slavery, was first proposed by the largest slaveholding
+state in the confederacy--that in the Congress of '84, Mr. Jefferson, as
+chairman of the committee on the N.W. territory, reported a resolution
+abolishing slavery there--that the chairman of the committee that
+reported the ordinance of '87 was also a slaveholder--that the ordinance
+was enacted by Congress during the session of the convention that formed
+the United States' Constitution--that the provisions of the ordinance
+were, both while in prospect and when under discussion, matters of
+universal notoriety and _approval_ with all parties, and when finally
+passed, received the vote of _every member of Congress from each of the
+slaveholding states_. The South also had every reason for believing that
+the first Congress under the constitution would _ratify_ that
+ordinance--as it did unanimously.
+
+A crowd of reflections, suggested by the preceding testimony, presses
+for utterance. The right of petition ravished and trampled by its
+constitutional guardians, and insult and defiance hurled in the faces of
+the SOVEREIGN PEOPLE while calmly remonstrating _with their_ SERVANTS
+for violence committed on the nation's charter and their own dearest
+rights! Added to this "the right of peaceably assembling" violently
+wrested--the rights of minorities, _rights_ no longer--free speech
+struck dumb--free _men_ outlawed and murdered--free presses cast into
+the streets and their fragments strewed with shoutings, or flourished in
+triumph before the gaze of approving crowds as proud mementos of
+prostrate law! The spirit and power of our fathers, where are they?
+Their deep homage always and every where rendered to FREE THOUGHT, with
+its _inseparable signs--free speech and a free press_--their reverence
+for justice, liberty, _rights_ and all-pervading law, where are they?
+
+But we turn from these considerations--though the times on which we have
+fallen, and those toward which we are borne with headlong haste, call
+for their discussion as with the voices of departing life--and proceed
+to topics relevant to the argument before us.
+
+The seventh article of the amendments to the constitution is alleged to
+withhold from Congress the power to abolish slavery in the District. "No
+person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due
+process of law." All the slaves in the District have been "deprived of
+liberty" by legislative acts. Now, these legislative acts "depriving"
+them "of liberty," were either "due process of law," or they were _not_.
+If they _were_, then a legislative act, taking from the master that
+"property" which is the identical "liberty" previously taken from the
+slave, would be "due process of law" _also_, and of course a
+_constitutional_ act; but if the legislative acts "depriving" them of
+"liberty" were _not_ "due process of law," then the slaves were deprived
+of liberty _unconstitutionally_, and these acts are _void_. In that case
+the _constitution emancipates them_.
+
+If the objector reply, by saying that the import of the phrase "due
+process of law," is _judicial_ process solely, it is granted, and that
+fact is our rejoinder; for no slave in the District _has_ been deprived
+of his liberty by "a judicial process," or, in other words, by "due
+process of law;" consequently, upon the objector's own admission, every
+slave in the District has been deprived of liberty _unconstitutionally_,
+and is therefore _free by the constitution_. This is asserted only of
+the slaves under the "exclusive legislation" of Congress.
+
+The last clause of the article under consideration is quoted for the
+same purpose: "Nor shall private property he taken for public use
+without just compensation." Each of the state constitutions has a clause
+of similar purport. The abolition of slavery in the District by
+Congress, would not, as we shall presently show; violate this clause
+either directly or by implication. Granting for argument's sake, that
+slaves are "private property," and that to emancipate them, would be to
+"take private property" for "public use," the objector admits the power
+of Congress to do _this_, provided it will do something _else_, that is,
+_pay_ for them. Thus, instead of denying the _power_, the objector not
+only admits, but _affirms_ it, as the ground of the inference that
+compensation must accompany it. So far from disproving the existence of
+_one_ power, he asserts the existence of _two_--one, the power to take
+the slaves from their masters, the other, the power to take the property
+of the United States to pay for them.
+
+If Congress cannot constitutionally impair the right of private
+property, or take it without compensation, it cannot constitutionally,
+_legalize_ the perpetration of such acts, by _others_, nor _protect_
+those who commit them. Does the power to rob a man of his earnings, rob
+the earner of his _right_ to them? Who has a better right to the
+_product_ than the producer?--to the _interest_, than the owner of the
+_principal_?--to the hands and arms, than he from whose shoulders they
+swing?--to the body and soul, than he whose they are? Congress not only
+impairs but annihilates the right of private property, while it
+withholds from the slaves of the District their title to _themselves_.
+What! Congress powerless to protect a man's right to _himself_, when it
+can make inviolable the right to a _dog_! But, waiving this, I deny that
+the abolition of slavery in the District would violate this clause. What
+does the clause prohibit? The "taking" of "private property" for "public
+use." Suppose Congress should emancipate the slaves in the District,
+what would it "_take_?" Nothing. What would it _hold_? Nothing. What
+would it put to "public use?" Nothing. Instead of _taking_ "private
+property," Congress, by abolishing slavery, would say "_private
+property_ shall not be taken; and those who have been robbed of it
+already, shall be kept out of it no longer; and every man's right to his
+own body shall be protected." True, Congress may not arbitrarily take
+property, _as_ property, from one man and give it to another--and in the
+abolition of slavery no such thing is done. A legislative act changes
+the _condition_ of the slave--makes him his own _proprietor_, instead of
+the property of another. It determines a question of _original right_
+between two classes of persons--doing an act of justice to one, and
+restraining the other from acts of injustice; or, in other words,
+preventing one from robbing the other, by granting to the injured party
+the protection of just and equitable laws.
+
+Congress, by an act of abolition, would change the condition of seven
+thousand "persons" in the District, but would "take" nothing. To
+construe this provision so as to enable the citizens of the District to
+hold as property, and in perpetuity, whatever they please, or to hold it
+as property in all circumstances--all necessity, public welfare, and the
+will and power of the government to the contrary notwithstanding--is a
+total perversion of its whole _intent_. The _design_ of the provision,
+was to throw up a barrier against Governmental aggrandizement. The right
+to "take property" for _State uses_ is one thing;--the right so to
+adjust the _tenures_ by which property is held, that _each may have his
+own secured to him_, is another thing, and clearly within the scope of
+legislation. Besides, if Congress were to "take" the slaves in the
+District, it would be _adopting_, not abolishing slavery--becoming a
+slaveholder itself, instead of requiring others to be such no longer.
+The clause in question, prohibits the "taking" of individual property
+for public use, to be employed or disposed of _as_ property for
+governmental purposes. Congress, by abolishing slavery in the District,
+would do no such thing. It would merely change the _condition_ of that
+which has been recognized as a qualified property by congressional acts,
+though previously declared "persons" by the constitution. More than this
+is done continually by Congress and every other Legislature. Property
+the most absolute and unqualified, is annihilated by legislative acts.
+The embargo and non-intercourse act, levelled at a stroke a forest of
+shipping, and sunk millions of capital. To say nothing of the power of
+Congress to take hundreds of millions from the people by direct
+taxation, who doubts its power to abolish at once the whole tariff
+system, change the seat of Government, arrest the progress of national
+works, prohibit any branch of commerce with the Indian tribes or with
+foreign nations, change the locality of forts, arsenals, magazines and
+dock yards; abolish the Post Office system, and the privilege of patents
+and copyrights? By such acts Congress might, in the exercise of its
+acknowledged powers, annihilate property to an incalculable amount, and
+that without becoming liable to claims for compensation.
+
+Finally, this clause prohibits the taking for public use of
+"_property_." The constitution of the United States does not recognize
+slaves as "PROPERTY" any where, and it does not recognize them in _any
+sense_ in the District of Columbia. All allusions to them in the
+constitution recognize them as "persons." Every reference to them points
+_solely_ to the element of _personality_; and thus, by the strongest
+implication, declares that the constitution _knows_ them only as
+"persons," and _will_ not recognize them in any other light. If they
+escape into free States, the constitution authorizes their being taken
+back. But how? Not as the property of an "owner," but as "persons;" and
+the peculiarity of the expression is a marked recognition of their
+_personality_--a refusal to recognize them as chattels--"persons _held_
+to service." Are _oxen "held_ to service?" That can be affirmed only of
+_persons_. Again, slaves give political power as "persons." The
+constitution, in settling the principle of representation, requires
+their enumeration in the census. How? As property? Then why not include
+race horses and game cocks? Slaves, like other inhabitants, are
+enumerated as "persons." So by the constitution, the government was
+pledged to non-interference with "the migration or importation of such
+_persons_" as the States might think proper to admit until 1808, and
+authorized the laying of a tax on each "person" so admitted. Further,
+slaves are recognized as _persons_ by the exaction of their _allegiance_
+to the government. For offences against the government slaves are tried
+as _persons_; as persons they are entitled to counsel for their defence,
+to the rules of evidence, and to "due process of law," and as _persons_
+they are punished. True, they are loaded with cruel disabilities in
+courts of law, such as greatly obstruct and often inevitably defeat the
+ends of justice, yet they are still recognized as _persons_. Even in the
+legislation of Congress, and in the diplomacy of the general government,
+notwithstanding the frequent and wide departures from the integrity of
+the constitution on this subject, slaves are not recognized as
+_property_ without qualification. Congress has always refused to grant
+compensation for slaves killed or taken by the enemy, even when these
+slaves had been impressed into the United States' service. In half a
+score of cases since the last war, Congress has rejected such
+applications for compensation. Besides, both in Congressional acts, and
+in our national diplomacy, slaves and property are not used as
+convertible terms. When mentioned in treaties and state papers it is in
+such a way as to distinguish them from mere property, and generally by a
+recognition of their _personality_. In the invariable recognition of
+slaves as _persons_, the United States' constitution caught the mantle
+of the glorious Declaration, and most worthily wears it. It recognizes
+all human beings as "men," "persons," and thus as "equals." In the
+original draft of the Declaration, as it came from the hand of
+Jefferson, it is alleged that Great Britain had "waged a cruel war
+against _human_ nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life
+and liberty in the persons of a distant people, carrying them into
+slavery, * * determined to keep up a market where MEN should be bought
+and sold,"--thus disdaining to make the charter of freedom a warrant for
+the arrest of _men_, that they might be shorn both of liberty
+and humanity.
+
+The celebrated Roger Sherman, one of the committee of five appointed to
+draft the Declaration of Independence, and a member of the convention
+that formed the United States' constitution, said, in the first Congress
+after its adoption: "The constitution _does not consider these persons,
+(slaves,) as a species of property_."--[Lloyd's Cong. Reg. v. 1, p.
+313.] That the United States' Constitution does not make slaves
+"property," is shown in the fact, that no person, either as a citizen of
+the United States, or by having his domicile within the United States'
+government, can hold slaves. He can hold them only by deriving his power
+from _state_ laws, or from the laws of Congress, if he hold slaves
+within the District. But no person resident within the United States'
+jurisdiction, and _not_ within the District, nor within a state whose
+laws support slavery, nor "held to service" under the laws of such a
+state or district, having escaped therefrom, _can be held as a slave_.
+
+Men can hold _property_ under the United States' government though
+residing beyond the bounds of any state, district, or territory. An
+inhabitant of the Iowa Territory can hold property there under the laws
+of the United States, but he cannot hold _slaves_ there under the United
+States' laws, nor by virtue of the United States' Constitution, nor upon
+the ground of his United States' citizenship, nor by having his domicile
+within the United States' jurisdiction. The constitution no where
+recognizes the right to "slave property," _but merely the fact that the
+states have jurisdiction each in its own limits, and that there are
+certain "persons" within their jurisdictions "held to service" by their
+own laws_.
+
+Finally, in the clause under consideration "private property" is not to
+be taken "without just compensation." "JUST!" If justice is to be
+appealed to in determining the _amount_ of compensation, let her
+determine the _grounds_ also. If it be her province to say _how much_
+compensation is "just," it is hers to say whether _any_ is
+"just,"--whether the slave is "just" property _at all_, rather than a
+"_person_". Then, if justice adjudges the slave to be "private
+property," it adjudges him to be _his own_ property, since the right to
+one's self is the first right--the source of all others--the original
+stock by which they are accumulated--the principal, of which they are
+the interest. And since the slave's "private property" has been "taken,"
+and since "compensation" is impossible--there being no _equivalent_ for
+one's self--the least that can be done is to restore to him his original
+private property.
+
+Having shown that in abolishing slavery, "property" would not be "taken
+for public use," it may be added that, in those states where slavery has
+been abolished by law, no claim for compensation has been allowed.
+Indeed the manifest absurdity of demanding it seems to have quite
+forestalled the _setting up_ of such a claim.
+
+The abolition of slavery in the District instead of being a legislative
+anomaly, would proceed upon the principles of every day legislation. It
+has been shown already, that the United States' Constitution does not
+recognize slaves as "property." Yet ordinary legislation is full of
+precedents, showing that even _absolute_ property is in many respects
+wholly subject to legislation. The repeal of the law of entailments--all
+those acts that control the alienation of property, its disposal by
+will, its passing to heirs by descent, with the question, who shall be
+heirs, and what shall be the rule of distribution among them, or whether
+property shall be transmitted at all by descent, rather than escheat to
+the estate--these, with statutes of limitation, and various other
+classes of legislative acts, serve to illustrate the acknowledged scope
+of the law-making power, even where property _is in every sense
+absolute_. Persons whose property is thus affected by public laws,
+receive from the government no compensation for their losses; unless the
+state has been put in possession of the property taken from them.
+
+The preamble of the United States' Constitution declares it to be a
+fundamental object of the organization of the government "to ESTABLISH
+JUSTICE." Has Congress _no power_ to do that for which it was made the
+depository of power? CANNOT the United States' Government fulfil the
+purpose for which it was brought into being?
+
+To abolish slavery, is to take from no rightful owner his property; but
+to "establish justice" between two parties. To emancipate the slave, is
+to "establish justice" between him and his master--to throw around the
+person, character, conscience; liberty, and domestic relations of the
+one, _the same law_ that secures and blesses the other. In other words,
+to prevent by legal restraints one class of men from seizing upon
+another class, and robbing them at pleasure of their earnings, their
+time, their liberty, their kindred, and the very use and ownership of
+their own persons. Finally, to abolish slavery is to proclaim and
+_enact_ that innocence and helplessness--now _free plunder_--are
+entitled to _legal protection_; and that power, avarice, and lust, shall
+no longer revel upon their spoils under the license, and by the
+ministration of _law_! Congress, by possessing "exclusive legislation in
+all cases whatsoever," has a _general protective power for_ ALL the
+inhabitants of the District. If it has no power to protect _one_ man in
+the District it has none to protect another--none to protect _any_--and
+if it _can_ protect one man and is _bound_ to do it, it _can_ protect
+_every_ man--and is _bound_ to do it. All admit the power of Congress to
+protect the masters in the District against their slaves. What part of
+the constitution gives the power? The clause so often quoted,--"power of
+legislation in all cases whatsoever," equally in the "_case_" of
+defending blacks against whites, as in that of defending whites against
+blacks. The power is also conferred by Art. 1, Sec. 8, clause
+15--"Congress shall have power to suppress insurrections"--a power to
+protect, as well blacks against whites, as whites against blacks. If the
+constitution gives power to protect _one_ class against the other, it
+gives power to protect _either_ against the other. Suppose the blacks in
+the District should seize the whites, drive them into the fields and
+kitchens, force them to work without pay, flog them, imprison them, and
+sell them at their pleasure, where would Congress find power to restrain
+such acts? Answer; a _general_ power in the clause so often cited, and
+an _express_ one in that cited above--"Congress shall have power to
+suppress insurrections." So much for a supposed case. Here follows a
+real one. The whites in the District are _perpetrating these identical
+acts_ upon seven thousand blacks daily. That Congress has power to
+restrain these acts in _one_ case, all assert, and in so doing they
+assert the power "in _all_ cases whatsoever." For the grant of power to
+suppress insurrections, is an _unconditional_ grant, not hampered by
+provisos as to the color, shape, size, sex, language, creed, or
+condition of the insurgents. Congress derives its power to suppress this
+_actual_ insurrection, from the same source whence it derived its power
+to suppress the _same_ acts in the case supposed. If one case is an
+insurrection, the other is. The _acts_ in both are the same; the
+_actors_ only are different. In the one case, ignorant and
+degraded--goaded by the memory of the past, stung by the present, and
+driven to desperation by the fearful looking for of wrongs for ever to
+come. In the other, enlightened into the nature of _rights_, the
+principles of justice, and the dictates of the law of love, unprovoked
+by wrongs, with cool deliberation, and by system, they perpetrate these
+acts upon those to whom they owe unnumbered obligations for _whole
+lives_ of unrequited service. On which side may palliation be pleaded,
+and which party may most reasonably claim an abatement of the rigors of
+law? If Congress has power to suppress such acts _at all_, it has power
+to suppress them _in_ all.
+
+It has been shown already that _allegiance_ is exacted of the slave. Is
+the government of the United States unable to grant _protection_ where
+it exacts _allegiance_? It is an axiom of the civilized world, and a
+maxim even with savages, that allegiance and protection are reciprocal
+and correlative. Are principles powerless with us which exact homage of
+barbarians? _Protection is the_ CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT _of every human.
+being under the exclusive legislation of Congress who has not forfeited
+it by crime_.
+
+In conclusion, I argue the power of Congress to abolish slavery in the
+District, from Art. 1, sec. 8, clause 1, of the constitution; "Congress
+shall have power to provide for the common defence and the general
+welfare of the United States." Has the government of the United States
+no power under this grant to legislate within its own exclusive
+jurisdiction on subjects that vitally affect its interest? Suppose the
+slaves in the district should rise upon their masters, and the United
+States' government, in quelling the insurrection, should kill any number
+of them. Could their masters claim compensation of the government?
+Manifestly not; even though no proof existed that the particular slaves
+killed were insurgents. This was precisely the point at issue between
+those masters, whose slaves were killed by the State troops at the time
+of the Southampton insurrection, and the Virginia Legislature: no
+evidence was brought to show that the slaves killed by the troops were
+insurgents; yet the Virginia Legislature decided that their masters were
+_not entitled to compensation._ They proceeded on the sound principle,
+that the government may in self-protection destroy the claim of its
+subjects even to that which has been recognized as property by its own
+acts. If in providing for the common defence, the United States'
+government, in the case supposed, would have power to destroy slaves
+both as _property_ and _persons_, it surely might stop _half-way_,
+destroy them _as property_ while it legalized their existence as
+_persons_, and thus provided for the common defence by giving them a
+personal and powerful interest in the government, and securing their
+strength for its defence.
+
+Like other Legislatures, Congress has power to abate nuisances--to
+remove or tear down unsafe buildings--to destroy infected cargoes--to
+lay injunctions upon manufactories injurious to the public health--and
+thus to "provide for the common defence and general welfare" by
+destroying individual property, when such property puts in jeopardy the
+public weal.
+
+Granting, for argument's sake, that slaves are "property" in the
+District of Columbia--if Congress has a right to annihilate property
+there when the public safety requires it, it may annihilate its
+existence _as_ property when the public safety requires it, especially
+if it transform into a _protection_ and _defence_ that which as
+_property_ perilled the public interests. In the District of Columbia
+there are, besides the United States' Capitol, the President's house,
+the national offices, and archives of the Departments of State,
+Treasury, War, and Navy, the General Post-office, and Patent office. It
+is also the residence of the President, of all the highest officers of
+the government, of both houses of Congress, and of all the foreign
+ambassadors. In this same District there are also seven thousand slaves.
+Jefferson, in his Notes on Va. p. 241, says of slavery, that "the State
+permitting one half of its citizens to trample on the rights of the
+other, transforms them into _enemies_;" and Richard Henry Lee, in the
+Va. House of Burgesses in 1758, declared that to those who held them,
+"_slaves must be natural enemies_." Is Congress so impotent that it
+_cannot_ exercise that right pronounced both by municipal and national
+law, the most sacred and universal--the right of self-preservation and
+defence? Is it shut up to the _necessity_ of keeping seven thousand
+"enemies" in the heart of the nation's citadel? Does the iron fiat of
+the constitution doom it to such imbecility that it _cannot_ arrest the
+process that _made_ them "enemies," and still goads to deadlier hate by
+fiery trials, and day by day adds others to their number? Is _this_
+providing for the common defence and general welfare? If to rob men of
+rights excites their hate, freely to restore them and make amends, will
+win their love.
+
+By emancipating the slaves in the District, the government of the United
+States would disband an army of "enemies," and enlist "for the common
+defence and general welfare," a body guard of _friends_ seven thousand
+strong. In the last war, a handful of British soldiers sacked Washington
+city, burned the capitol, the President's house, and the national
+offices and archives; and no marvel, for thousands of the inhabitants of
+the District had been "TRANSFORMED INTO ENEMIES." Would _they_ beat back
+invasion? If the national government had exercised its constitutional
+"power to provide for the common defence and to promote the general
+welfare," by turning those "enemies" into friends, then, instead of a
+hostile ambush lurking in every thicket inviting assault, and secret
+foes in every house paralyzing defence, an army of allies would have
+rallied in the hour of her calamity, and shouted defiance from their
+munitions of rocks; whilst the banner of the republic, then trampled in
+dust, would have floated securely over FREEMEN exulting amidst bulwarks
+of strength.
+
+To show that Congress can abolish slavery in the District, under the
+grant of power "to provide for the common defence and to promote the
+general welfare," I quote an extract from a speech of Mr. Madison, of
+Va., in the first Congress under the constitution, May 13, 1789.
+Speaking of the abolition of the slave trade, Mr. Madison says: "I
+should venture to say it is as much for the interests of Georgia and
+South Carolina, as of any state in the union. Every addition they
+receive to their number of slaves tends to _weaken_ them, and renders
+them less capable of self-defence. In case of hostilities with foreign
+nations, they will be the means of _inviting_ attack instead of
+repelling invasion. It is a necessary duty of the general government to
+protect every part of the empire against danger, as well _internal_ as
+external. _Every thing, therefore, which tends to increase this danger,
+though it may be a local affair, yet if it involves national expense or
+safety, it becomes of concern to every part of the union, and is a
+proper subject for the consideration of those charged with the general
+administration of the government._" Cong. Reg. vol. 1, p. 310, 11.
+
+WYTHE.
+
+POSTSCRIPT
+
+My apology for adding a _postscript_, to a discussion already perhaps
+too protracted, is the fact that the preceding sheets were in the hands
+of the printer, and all but the concluding pages had gone through the
+press, before the passage of Mr. Calhoun's late resolutions in the
+Senate of the United States. A proceeding so extraordinary,--if indeed
+henceforward _any_ act of Congress in derogation of freedom and in
+deference to slavery, can be deemed extraordinary,--should not be passed
+in silence at such a crisis as the present; especially as the passage of
+one of the resolutions by a vote of 36 to 9, exhibits a shift of
+position on the part of the South, as sudden as it is unaccountable,
+being nothing less than the surrender of a fortress which until then,
+they had defended with the pertinacity of a blind and almost infuriated
+fatuity. Upon the discussions during the pendency of the resolutions,
+and upon the vote, by which they were carried, I make no comment, save
+only to record my exultation in the fact there exhibited, that great
+emergencies are _true touchstones_, and that henceforward, until this
+question is settled, whoever holds a seat in Congress will find upon,
+and around him, a pressure strong enough to test him--a focal blaze that
+will find its way through the carefully adjusted cloak of fair
+pretension, and the sevenfold brass of two faced political intrigue, and
+_no_-faced _non-committalism_, piercing to the dividing asunder of
+joints and marrow. Be it known to every northern man who aspires to a
+seat in our national councils, that hereafter congressional action on
+this subject will be a MIGHTY REVELATOR--making secret thoughts public
+property, and proclaiming on the house-tops what is whispered in the
+ear--smiting off masks, and bursting open sepulchres beautiful
+outwardly, and up-heaving to the sun their dead men's bones. To such we
+say,--_Remember the Missouri Question, and the fate of those who then
+sold the free states and their own birthright!_
+
+Passing by the resolutions generally without remark--the attention of
+the reader is specially solicited to Mr. Clay's substitute for Mr.
+Calhoun's fifth resolution.
+
+"Resolved, That when the District of Columbia was ceded by the states of
+Virginia and Maryland to the United States, domestic slavery existed in
+both of these states, including the ceded territory, and that, as it
+still continues in both of them, it could not be abolished within the
+District without a violation of that good faith, which was implied in
+the cession and in the acceptance of the territory; nor, unless
+compensation were made to the proprietors of slaves, without a manifest
+infringement of an amendment to the constitution of the United States;
+nor without exciting a degree of just alarm and apprehension in the
+states recognizing slavery, far transcending in mischievous tendency,
+any possible benefit which could be accomplished by the abolition."
+
+By advocating this resolution, the south shifted its mode of defence,
+not by taking a position entirely new, but by attempting to refortify an
+old one--abandoned mainly long ago, as being unable to hold out against
+assault however unskillfully directed. In the debate on this resolution,
+the southern members of Congress silently drew off from the ground
+hitherto maintained by them, viz.--that Congress has no power by the
+constitution to abolish slavery in the District.
+
+The passage of this resolution--with the vote of every southern senator,
+forms a new era in the discussion of this question. We cannot join in
+the lamentations of those who bewail it. We hail it, and rejoice in it.
+It was as we would have had it--offered by a southern senator, advocated
+by southern senators, and on the ground that it "was no
+compromise"--that it embodied the true southern principle--that "this
+resolution stood on as high ground as Mr. Calhoun's."--(Mr.
+Preston)--"that Mr. Clay's resolution was as strong as Mr.
+Calhoun's"--(Mr. Rives)--that "the resolution he (Mr. Calhoun) now
+refused to support, was as strong as his own, and that in supporting it,
+there was no abandonment of principle by the south."--(Mr. Walker, of
+Mi.)--further, that it was advocated by the southern senators generally
+as an expression of their views, and as setting the question of slavery
+in the District on its _true_ ground--that finally, when the question
+was taken, every slaveholding senator, including Mr. Calhoun himself,
+voted for the resolution.
+
+By passing this resolution, and with such avowals, the south has
+unwittingly but explicitly, conceded the main point argued in the
+preceding pages, and surrendered the whole question at issue between
+them and the petitioners for abolition in the District.
+
+The _only_ ground taken against the right of Congress to abolish slavery
+in the District is, that it existed in Maryland and Virginia when the
+cession was made, and "_as it still continues in both of them_, it could
+not be abolished without a violation of that good faith which was
+implied in the cession," &c. The argument is not that exclusive
+_sovereignty_ has no power to abolish slavery within its jurisdiction,
+nor that the powers of even ordinary legislation cannot do it, nor that
+the clause granting Congress "exclusive legislation in all cases what
+soever over such District," gives no power to do it; but that the
+_unexpressed expectation_ of one of the parties that the other would not
+"in all cases" use the power which said party had consented might be
+used "_in all cases," prohibits_ the use of it. The only cardinal point
+in the discussion, is here not only yielded, but formally laid down by
+the South as the leading article in their creed on the question of
+Congressional jurisdiction over slavery in the District. The reason
+given why Congress should not abolish, and the sole evidence that if it
+did, such abolition would be a violation of "good faith," is that
+"_slavery still continues in those states_,"--thus admitting, that if
+slavery did _not_ "still continue" in those States, Congress could
+abolish it in the District. The same admission is made also in the
+_premises_, which state that slavery existed in those states _at the
+time of the cession_, &c. Admitting that if it had not existed there
+then, but had grown up in the District under United States' laws,
+Congress might constitutionally abolish it. Or that if the ceded parts
+of those states had been the _only_ parts in which slaves were held
+under their laws, Congress might have abolished in such a contingency
+also. The cession in that case leaving no slaves in those states,--no
+"good faith" would be "implied" in it, nor any "violated" by an act of
+abolition. The resolution makes virtually this further admission, that
+if Maryland and Virginia should at once abolish their slavery, Congress
+might at once abolish it in the District. The principle goes even
+further than this, and _requires_ Congress in such case to abolish
+slavery in the District "by the _good faith implied_ in the cession and
+acceptance of the territory." Since, according to the spirit and scope
+of the resolution, this "implied good faith" of Maryland and Virginia
+in making the cession, was, that Congress would do nothing within the
+District which should counteract the policy, or discredit the
+"institutions," or call in question the usages, or even in any way
+ruffle the prejudices of those states, or do what _they_ might think
+would unfavorably bear upon their interests; _themselves_ of course
+being the judges.
+
+But let us dissect another limb of the resolution. What is to be
+understood by "that good faith which was IMPLIED?" It is of course an
+admission that such a condition was not _expressed_ in the acts of
+cession--that in their terms there is nothing restricting the power of
+Congress on the subject of slavery in the District. This "implied
+faith," then, rests on no clause or word in the United States'
+Constitution, or in the acts of cession, or in the acts of Congress
+accepting the cession, nor on any declarations of the legislatures of
+Maryland and Virginia, nor on any _act_ of theirs, nor on any
+declaration of the _people_ of those states, nor on the testimony of the
+Washingtons, Jeffersons, Madisons, Chases, Martins, and Jennifers, of
+those states and times. The assertion rests _on itself alone!_ Mr. Clay
+_guesses_ that Maryland and Virginia _supposed_ that Congress would by
+no means _use_ the power given them by the Constitution, except in such
+ways as would be well pleasing in the eyes of those states; especially
+as one of them was the "Ancient Dominion!" And now after half a century,
+this _assumed expectation_ of Maryland and Virginia, the existence of
+which is mere matter of conjecture with the 36 senators, is conjured up
+and duly installed upon the judgment-seat of final appeal, before whose
+nod constitutions are to flee away, and with whom, solemn grants of
+power and explicit guaranties are, when weighed in the balance,
+altogether lighter than vanity!
+
+But survey it in another light. Why did Maryland and Virginia leave so
+much to be "_implied?_?" Why did they not in some way _express_ what lay
+so near their hearts? Had their vocabulary run so low that a single word
+could not be eked out for the occasion? Or were those states so bashful
+of a sudden that they dare not speak out and tell what they wanted? Or
+did they take it for granted that Congress would always know their
+wishes by intuition, and always take them for law? If, as honorable
+senators tell us, Maryland and Virginia did verily travail with such
+abounding _faith_, why brought they forth no _works_?
+
+It is as true in legislation as in religion, that the only evidence of
+"faith" is works, and that "faith" _without_ works is _dead_, i.e. has
+no _power_. But here, forsooth, a blind implication with nothing
+_expressed_, an "implied" faith without works, is omnipotent! Mr. Clay
+is lawyer enough to know that Maryland and Virginia notions of
+constitutional power, _abrogate no grant_, and that to plead them in a
+court of law, would be of small service, except to jostle "their
+Honors'" gravity! He need not be told that the Constitution gives
+Congress "power to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases
+whatsoever over such District;" nor that Maryland and Virginia
+constructed their acts of cession with this clause _before their eyes_,
+and declared those acts made "in _pursuance_" of it. Those states knew
+that the U.S. Constitution had left nothing to be "_implied_" as to the
+power of Congress over the District; an admonition quite sufficient, one
+would think, to put them on their guard, and lead them to eschew vague
+implications, and to resort to _stipulations_. They knew, moreover, that
+those were times when, in matters of high import, _nothing_ was left to
+be "implied." The colonies were then panting from a twenty years'
+conflict with the mother country, about bills of rights, charters,
+treaties, constitutions, grants, limitations, and _acts of cession_. The
+severities of a long and terrible discipline had taught them to guard at
+all points _legislative grants_, that their exact import and limit might
+be self-evident--leaving no scope for a blind "faith" that _somehow_ in
+the lottery of chances, every ticket would turn up a prize. Toil,
+suffering, blood, and treasure outpoured like water over a whole
+generation, counselled them to make all sure by the use of explicit
+terms, and well chosen words, and just enough of them. The Constitution
+of the United States, with its amendments, those of the individual
+states, the national treaties, and the public documents of the general
+and state governments at that period, show the universal conviction of
+legislative bodies, that nothing should be left to be "implied," when
+great public interests were at stake.
+
+Further: suppose Maryland and Virginia had expressed their "implied
+faith" in _words_, and embodied it in their acts of cession as a
+proviso, declaring that Congress should not "exercise exclusive
+legislation in _all_ cases whatsoever over the District," but that the
+"case" of _slavery_ should be an exception: who does not know that
+Congress, if it had accepted the cession on those terms, would have
+violated the Constitution; and who that has studied the free mood of
+those times in its bearings on slavery--proofs of which are given in
+scores on the preceding pages--[See pp. 25-37.] can be made to believe
+that the people of the United States would have re-modelled their
+Constitution for the purpose of providing for slavery an inviolable
+sanctuary; that when driven in from its outposts, and everywhere
+retreating discomfited before the march of freedom, it might be received
+into everlasting habitations on the common homestead and hearth-stone of
+the republic? Who can believe that Virginia made such a condition, or
+cherished such a purpose, when Washington, Jefferson, Wythe, Patrick
+Henry, St. George Tucker, and all her most illustrious men, were at that
+moment advocating the abolition of slavery by law; when Washington had
+said, two years before, that Maryland and Virginia "must have laws for
+the gradual abolition of slavery, and at a period _not remote_;" and when
+Jefferson in his letter to Dr. Price, three years before the cession,
+had said, speaking of Virginia, "This is the next state to which we may
+turn our eyes for the interesting spectacle of justice in conflict with
+avarice and oppression--a conflict in which THE SACRED SIDE IS GAINING
+DAILY RECRUITS;" when voluntary emancipations on the soil were then
+progressing at the rate of between one and two thousand annually, (See
+Judge Tucker's "Dissertation on Slavery," p. 73;) when the public
+sentiment of Virginia had undergone, so mighty a revolution that the
+idea of the continuance of slavery as a permanent system could not be
+tolerated, though she then contained about half the slaves in the Union.
+Was this the time to stipulate for the _perpetuity_ of slavery under the
+exclusive legislation of Congress? and that too when at the _same_
+session _every one_ of her delegation voted for the abolition of slavery
+in the North West Territory; a territory which she herself had ceded to
+the Union, and surrendered along with it her jurisdiction over her
+citizens, inhabitants of that territory, who held slaves there--and
+whose slaves were emancipated by that act of Congress, in which all her
+delegation with one accord participated?
+
+Now in view of the universal belief then prevalent, that slavery in this
+country was doomed to short life, and especially that in Maryland and
+Virginia it would be _speedily_ abolished--must we adopt the monstrous
+conclusion that those states _designed_ to bind Congress _never_ to
+terminate it?--that it was the _intent_ of the Ancient Dominion thus to
+_bind_ the United States by an "implied faith," and that when the
+national government _accepted_ the cession, she did solemnly thus plight
+her troth, and that Virginia did then so _understand_ it? Verily,
+honorable senators must suppose themselves deputed to do our _thinking_
+for us as well as our legislation, or rather, that they are themselves
+absolved from such drudgery by virtue of their office!
+
+Another absurdity of this "implied faith" dogma is, that where there was
+no power to exact an _express_ pledge, there was none to demand an
+_implied_ one, and where there was no power to give the one, there was
+none to give the other. We have shown already that Congress could not
+have accepted the cession with such a condition. To have signed away a
+part of its constitutional grant of power would have been a _breach_ of
+the Constitution. The Congress which accepted the cession was competent
+to pass a resolution pledging itself not to _use all_ the power over the
+District committed to it by the Constitution. But here its power ended.
+Its resolution could only bind _itself_. It had no authority to bind a
+subsequent Congress. Could the members of one Congress say to those of
+another, because we do not choose to exercise all the authority vested
+in us by the Constitution, therefore you _shall_ not? This would, have
+been a prohibition to do what the Constitution gives power to do. Each
+successive Congress would still have gone to THE CONSTITUTION for its
+power, brushing away in its course the cobwebs stretched across its path
+by the officiousness of an impertinent predecessor. Again, the
+legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, had no power to bind Congress,
+either by an express or an implied pledge, never to abolish slavery in
+the District. Those legislatures had no power to bind _themselves_ never
+to abolish slavery within their own territories--the ceded parts
+included. Where then would they get power to bind _another_ not to do
+what they had no power to bind _themselves_ not to do? If a legislature
+could not in this respect control the successive legislatures of its own
+State, could it control the successive Congresses of the United States?
+
+But perhaps we shall be told, that the "implied faith" of Maryland and
+Virginia was _not_ that Congress should _never_ abolish slavery in the
+District, but that it should not do it until _they_ had done it within
+their bounds! Verily this "faith" comes little short of the faith of
+miracles! Maryland and Virginia have "good faith" that Congress will not
+abolish until _they_ do; and then just as "good faith" that Congress
+_will_ abolish _when_ they do! Excellently accommodated! Did those
+states suppose that Congress would legislate over the national domain,
+for Maryland and Virginia alone? And who, did they suppose, would be
+judges in the matter?--themselves merely? or the whole Union?
+
+This "good faith implied in the cession" is no longer of doubtful
+interpretation. The principle at the bottom of it, when fairly stated,
+is this:--That the Government of the United States are bound in "good
+faith" to do in the District of Columbia, without demurring, just what
+and when, Maryland and Virginia do within their own bounds. In short,
+that the general government is eased of all the burdens of legislation
+within its exclusive jurisdiction, save that of hiring a scrivener to
+copy off the acts of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures as fast as
+they are passed, and engross them, under the title of "Laws of the
+United States for the District of Columbia!" A slight additional expense
+would also be incurred in keeping up an express between the capitols of
+those States and Washington city, bringing Congress from time to time
+its "_instructions_" from head quarters!
+
+What a "glorious Union" this doctrine of Mr. Clay bequeaths to the
+people of the United States! We have been permitted to set up at our own
+expense, and on our own territory, two great _sounding-boards_ called
+"Senate Chamber" and "Representatives' Hall," for the purpose of sending
+abroad "by authority" _national_ echoes of _state_ legislation!
+--permitted also to keep in our pay a corps of pliant _national_
+musicians, with peremptory instructions to sound on any line of the
+staff according as Virginia and Maryland may give the sovereign
+key note!
+
+A careful analysis of Mr. Clay's resolution and of the discussions upon
+it, will convince every fair mind that this is but the legitimate
+carrying out of the _principle_ pervading both. They proceed virtually
+upon the hypothesis that the will and pleasure of Virginia and Maryland
+are paramount to those of the Union. If the original design of setting
+apart a federal district had been for the sole accommodation of the
+south, there could hardly have been higher assumption or louder
+vaunting. The only object of _having_ such a District was in effect
+totally perverted in the resolution of Mr. Clay, and in the discussions
+of the entire southern delegation, upon its passage. Instead of taking
+the ground, that the benefit of the whole Union was the sole _object_ of
+a federal district, and that it was to be legislated over _for this
+end_--the resolution proceeds upon an hypothesis totally the reverse. It
+takes a single point of _state_ policy, and exalts it above NATIONAL
+interests, utterly overshadowing them; abrogating national rights;
+making void a clause of the Constitution; humbling the general
+government into a subject crouching for favors to a superior, and that
+too within its own exclusive jurisdiction. All the attributes of
+sovereignty vested in Congress by the Constitution, it impales upon the
+point of an alleged _implication_. And this is Mr. Clay's
+peace-offering, to the lust of power and the ravenings of state
+encroachment! A "compromise," forsooth! that sinks the general
+government on _its own territory_, into a mere colony, with Virginia and
+Maryland for its "mother country!" It is refreshing to turn from these
+shallow, distorted constructions and servile cringings, to the high
+bearing of other southern men in other times; men, who as legislators
+and lawyers, scorned to accommodate their interpretations of
+constitutions and charters to geographical lines, or to bend them to the
+purposes of a political canvass. In the celebrated case of Cohens _vs._
+the State of Virginia, Hon. William Pinkney, late of Baltimore, and Hon.
+Walter Jones, of Washington city, with other eminent constitutional
+lawyers, prepared an elaborate opinion, from which the following is an
+extract: "Nor is there any danger to be apprehended from allowing to
+Congressional legislation with regard to the District of Columbia, its
+FULLEST EFFECT. Congress is responsible to the States, and to the people
+for that legislation. It is in truth the legislation of the states over
+a district placed under their control FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT, not for
+that of the District, except as the prosperity of the District is
+involved, and _necessary to the general advantage_."--[Life of
+Pinkney, p. 612.]
+
+This profound legal opinion asserts, 1st, that Congressional legislation
+over the District, is "the legislation of the _states_ and the
+_people_." (not of _two_ states, and a mere _fraction_ of the people;)
+2d. "Over a District placed under _their_ control," i.e. under the
+control of _all_ the States, not of _two twenty-sixths_ of them. 3d.
+That it was thus put under their control "_for_ THEIR OWN _benefit_."
+4th. It asserts that the design of this exclusive control of Congress
+over the District was "not for the benefit of the _District_," except as
+that is _connected_ with, and _a means of promoting_ the _general_
+advantage. If this is the case with the _District_, which is _directly_
+concerned, it is pre-eminently so with Maryland and Virginia, which are
+but _indirectly_ interested. The argument of Mr. Madison in the Congress
+of '89, an extract from which has been given on a preceding page, lays
+down the same principle; that though any matter "_may be a local affair,
+yet if it involves national_ EXPENSE or SAFETY, _it becomes of concern
+to every part of the union, and is a proper subject for the
+consideration of those charged with the general administration of the
+government_."--Cong. Reg. vol. 1. p. 310.
+
+But these are only the initiatory absurdities of this "good faith
+_implied_." Mr. Clay's resolution aptly illustrates the principle, that
+error not only conflicts with truth, but is generally at issue with
+itself: For if it would be a violation of "good faith" to Maryland and
+Virginia, for Congress to abolish slavery in the District, it would be
+_equally_ a violation for Congress to do it _with the consent_, or even
+at the unanimous petition of the people of the District: yet for years
+it has been the southern doctrine, that if the people of the District
+demand of Congress relief in this respect, it has power, as their local
+legislature, to grant it, and by abolishing slavery there, carry out the
+will of the citizens. But now new light has broken in! The optics of Mr.
+Clay have pierced the millstone with a deeper insight, and discoveries
+thicken faster than they can be telegraphed! Congress has no power, O
+no, not a modicum! to help the slaveholders of the District, however
+loudly they may clamor for it. The southern doctrine, that Congress is
+to the District a mere local Legislature to do its pleasure, is tumbled
+from the genitive into the vocative! Hard fate--and that too at the
+hands of those who begat it! The reasonings of Messrs. Pinckney and
+Wise, are now found to be wholly at fault, and the chanticleer rhetoric
+of Messrs. Glascock and Garland stalks featherless and crest-fallen. For
+the resolution sweeps by the board all those stereotyped common-places,
+such as "Congress a local Legislature," "consent of the District,"
+"bound to consult the wishes of the District," with other catch phrases,
+which for the last two sessions of Congress have served to eke out
+scanty supplies. It declares, that as slavery existed in _Maryland and
+Virginia at the time of the cession, and as_ it still continues _in both
+those states_, it could not be abolished in the District without a
+violation of "that good faith," &c.
+
+But let us see where this principle will lead us. If "implied faith" to
+Maryland and Virginia _restrains_ Congress from the abolition of slavery
+in the District, because those states have not abolished _their_
+slavery, it _requires_ Congress to do in the District what those states
+have done within their own limits, i.e., restrain _others_ from
+abolishing it. Upon the same principle Congress is _bound_ to _prohibit
+emancipation_ within the District. There is no _stopping place_ for this
+plighted "faith." Congress must not only refrain from laying violent
+hands on slavery, and see to it that the slaveholders themselves do not,
+but it is bound to keep the system up to the Maryland and Virginia
+standard of vigor!
+
+Again, if the good faith of Congress to Virginia and Maryland requires
+that slavery should exist in the District, while it exists in those
+states, it requires that it should exist there as it exists in those
+states. If to abolish _every_ form of slavery in the District would
+violate good faith, to abolish _the_ form existing in those states, and
+to substitute a different one, would also violate it. The Congressional
+"good faith" is to be kept not only with _slavery_, but with the
+_Maryland and Virginia systems_ of slavery. The faith of those states
+being not that Congress would maintain a system, but _their_ system;
+otherwise instead of _sustaining_, Congress would counteract their
+policy--principles would be brought into action there conflicting with
+their system, and thus the true sprit of the "implied" pledge would be
+violated. On this principle, so long as slaves are "chattels personal"
+in Virginia and Maryland, Congress could not make them _real estate_ in
+the District, as they are in Louisiana; nor could it permit slaves to
+read, nor to worship God according to conscience; nor could it grant
+them trial by jury, nor legalize marriage; nor require the master to
+give sufficient food and clothing; nor prohibit the violent sundering of
+families--because such provisions would conflict with the existing
+slave laws of Virginia and Maryland, and thus violate the "good faith
+implied," &c. So the principle of the resolution binds Congress in all
+these particulars: 1st. Not to abolish slavery in the District _until_
+Virginia and Maryland abolish. 2d. Not to abolish any _part_ of it that
+exists in those states. 3d. Not to abolish any _form_ or _appendage_ of
+it still existing in those states. 4th. To _abolish_ when they do. 5th.
+To increase or abate its rigors _when, how,_ and _as_ the same are
+modified by those states. In a word, Congressional action in the
+District is to float passively in the wake of legislative action on the
+subject in those states.
+
+But here comes a dilemma. Suppose the legislation of those states should
+steer different courses--then there would be _two_ wakes! Can Congress
+float in both? Yea, verily! Nothing is too hard for it! Its
+obsequiousness equals its "power of legislation in _all_ cases
+whatsoever." It can float _up_ on the Virginia tide, and ebb down on the
+Maryland. What Maryland does, Congress will do in the Maryland part.
+What Virginia does, Congress will do in the Virginia part. Though it
+might not always be able to run at the bidding of both _at once_,
+especially in different directions, yet if it obeyed orders cheerfully,
+and "kept in its place," according to its "good faith implied,"
+impossibilities might not be rigidly exacted. True, we have the highest
+sanction for the maxim that no _man_ can serve two masters--but if
+"corporations have no souls," analogy would absolve Congress on that
+score, or at most give it only a _very small soul_--not large enough to
+be at all in the way, as an exception to the universal rule laid down in
+the maxim!
+
+In following out the absurdities of this "implied good faith," it will
+be seen at once that the doctrine of Mr. Clay's Resolution extends to
+_all the subjects of legislation_ existing in Maryland and Virginia,
+which exist also within the District. Every system, "institution," law,
+and established usage there, is placed beyond Congressional control
+equally with slavery, and by the same "implied faith." The abolition of
+the lottery system in the District as an immorality, was a flagrant
+breach of this "good faith" to Maryland and Virginia, as the system
+"still continued in those states." So to abolish imprisonment for debt,
+or capital punishment, to remodel the bank system, the power of
+corporations, the militia law, laws of limitation, &c., in the District,
+_unless Virginia and Maryland took the lead,_ would violate the "good
+faith implied in the cession."
+
+That in the acts of cession no such "good faith" was "implied" by
+Virginia and Maryland as is claimed in the Resolution, we argue from the
+fact, that in 1784 Virginia ceded to the United States all her
+north-west territory, with the special proviso that her citizens
+inhabiting that territory should "have their _possessions_ and _titles_
+confirmed to them, and be _protected_ in the enjoyment of their _rights_
+and liberties." (See Journals of Congress, vol. 9, p. 63.) The cession
+was made in the form of a deed, and signed by Thomas Jefferson, Samuel
+Hardy, Arthur Lee, and James Munroe. Many of these inhabitants _held
+slaves._ Three years after the cession, the Virginia delegation in
+Congress _proposed_ the passage of an ordinance which should abolish
+slavery, in that territory, and declare that it should never thereafter
+exist there. All the members of Congress from Virginia and Maryland
+voted for this ordinance. Suppose some member of Congress had during the
+passage of the ordinance introduced the following resolution: "Resolved,
+that when the northwest territory was ceded by Virginia to the United
+States, domestic slavery existed in that State, including the ceded
+territory, and as it still continues in that State, it could not be
+abolished within the territory without a violation of that good faith,
+which was implied in the cession and in the acceptance of the
+territory." What would have been the indignant response of Grayson,
+Griffin, Madison, and the Lees, in the Congress of '87, to such a
+resolution, and of Carrington, Chairman of the Committee, who reported
+the ratification of the ordinance in the Congress of '89, and of Page
+and Parker, who with every other member of the Virginia delegation
+supported it?
+
+But to enumerate all the absurdities into which those interested for
+this resolution have plunged themselves, would be to make a quarto
+inventory. We decline the task; and in conclusion merely add, that Mr.
+Clay, in presenting it, and each of the thirty-six Senators who voted
+for it, entered on the records of the Senate, and proclaimed to the
+world, a most unworthy accusation against the millions of American
+citizens who have during nearly half a century petitioned the national
+legislature to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia,--charging
+them either with the ignorance or the impiety of praying the nation to
+violate its "Plighted Faith." The resolution virtually indicts at the
+bar of public opinion, and brands with odium, all the early Manumission
+Societies, the _first_ petitioners for the abolition of slavery in the
+District, and for a long time the only ones, petitioning from year to
+year through evil report and good report, still petitioning, by
+individual societies and in their national conventions.
+
+But as if it were not enough to table the charge against such men as
+Benjamin Rush, William Rawle, John Sergeant, Roberts Vaux, Cadwallader
+Colden, and Peter A. Jay,--to whom we may add Rufus King, James
+Hillhouse, William Pinkney, Thomas Addis Emmett, Daniel D. Tompkins, De
+Witt Clinton, James Kent, and Daniel Webster, besides eleven hundred
+citizens of the District itself, headed by their Chief Justice and
+Judges--even the sovereign States of Pennsylvania, New-York,
+Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut, whose legislatures have either
+memorialized Congress to abolish slavery in the District, or instructed
+their Senators to move such a measure, must be gravely informed by
+Messrs. Clay, Norvell, Niles, Smith, Pierce, Benton, Black, Tipton, and
+other honorable Senators, either that their perception is so dull, they
+know not whereof they affirm, or that their moral sense is so blunted
+they can demand without compunction a violation of the nation's faith!
+
+We have spoken already of the concessions unwittingly made in this
+resolution to the true doctrine of Congressional power over the
+District. For that concession, important as it is; we have small thanks
+to render. That such a resolution, passed with such an _intent_, and
+pressing at a thousand points on relations and interests vital to the
+free states, should be hailed, as it has been, by a portion of the
+northern press as a "compromise" originating in deference to northern
+interests, and to be received by us as a free-will offering of
+disinterested benevolence, demanding our gratitude to the mover,--may
+well cover us with shame. We deserve the humiliation and have well
+earned the mockery. Let it come!
+
+If, after having been set up at auction in the public sales-room of the
+nation, and for thirty years, and by each of a score of "compromises,"
+treacherously knocked off to the lowest bidder, and that without money
+and without price, the North, plundered and betrayed, _will not_, in
+this her accepted time, consider the things that belong to her peace
+before they are hidden from her eyes, then let her eat of the fruit of
+her own way, and be filled with her own devices! Let the shorn and
+blinded giant grind in the prison-house of the Philistines, till taught
+by weariness and pain the folly of entrusting to Delilahs the secret and
+the custody of his strength.
+
+Have the free States bound themselves by an oath never to profit by the
+lessons of experience? If lost to reason, are they dead to _instinct_
+also? Can nothing rouse them to cast about for self preservation? And
+shall a life of tame surrenders be terminated by suicidal sacrifice?
+
+A "COMPROMISE!" Bitter irony! Is the plucked and hoodwinked North to be
+wheedled by the sorcery of another Missouri compromise? A compromise in
+which the South gained all, and the North lost all, and lost it forever.
+A compromise which embargoed the free laborer of the North and West,
+and, clutched at the staff he leaned upon, to turn it into a bludgeon
+and fell him with its stroke. A compromise which wrested from liberty
+her boundless birthright domain, stretching westward to the sunset,
+while it gave to slavery loose reins and a free coarse, from the
+Mississippi to the Pacific.
+
+The resolution, as it finally passed, is here inserted.
+
+"Resolved, That the interference by the citizens of any of the states,
+with the view to the abolition of slavery in the District, is
+endangering the rights and security of the people of the District; and
+that any act or measure of Congress designed to abolish slavery in the
+District, would be a violation of the faith implied in the cessions by
+the states of Virginia and Maryland, a just cause of alarm to the people
+of the slaveholding states, and have a direct and inevitable tendency to
+disturb and endanger the Union."
+
+The vote upon the resolution stood as follows:
+
+_Yeas_.--Messrs. Allen, Bayard, Benton, Black, Buchanan, Brown, Calhoun,
+Clay of Alabama, Clay of Kentucky, Clayton, Crittenden, Cuthbert,
+Fulton, Grundy, Hubbard, King, Lumpkin, Lyon, Nicholas. Niles, Norvell,
+Pierce, Preston, Rives, Roane, Robinson, Sevier, Smith, of Connecticut,
+Strange, Tallmadge, Tipton, Walker, White, Williams, Wright, Young--36.
+
+_Nays_.--Messrs. DAVIS, KNIGHT, McKEAN, MORRIS, PRENTISS, RUGGLES,
+SMITH, of Indiana, SWIFT, WEBSTER--9.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER. NO. 6.
+
+NARRATIVE OF JAMES WILLIAMS, AN AMERICAN SLAVE.
+
+ONE DOLLAR PER 100] [143 NASSAU ST. N.Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+"American Slavery," said the celebrated John Wesley, "is the _vilest_
+beneath the sun!" Of the truth of this emphatic remark, no other proof
+is required, than an examination of the statute books of the American
+slave states. Tested by its own laws, in all that facilitates and
+protects the hateful process of converting a man into a "_chattel
+personal_;" in all that stamps the law-maker, and law-upholder with
+meanness and hypocrisy, it certainly has no present rival of its "bad
+eminence," and we may search in vain the history of a world's despotism
+for a parallel. The civil code of Justinian never acknowledged, with
+that of our democratic despotisms, the essential equality of man. The
+dreamer in the gardens of Epicurus recognized neither in himself, nor in
+the slave who ministered to his luxury, the immortality of the spiritual
+nature. Neither Solon nor Lycurgus taught the inalienability of human
+rights. The Barons of the Feudal System, whose maxim was emphatically
+that of Wordsworth's robber,
+
+   "That he should take who had the power,
+   And he should keep who can."
+
+while trampling on the necks of their vassals, and counting the life of
+a man as of less value than that of a wild beast, never appealed to God
+for the sincerity of their belief, that all men were created equal. It
+was reserved for American slave-holders to present to the world the
+hideous anomaly of a code of laws, beginning with the emphatic
+declaration of the inalienable rights of all men to life, liberty, and
+the pursuit of happiness, and closing with a deliberate and systematic
+denial of those rights, in respect to a large portion of their
+countrymen; engrossing on the same parchment the antagonist laws of
+liberty and tyranny. The very nature of this unnatural combination has
+rendered it necessary that American slavery, in law and in practice,
+should exceed every other in severity and cool atrocity. The masters of
+Greece and Rome permitted their slaves to read and write and worship the
+gods of paganism in peace and security, for there was nothing in the
+laws, literature, or religion of the age to awaken in the soul of the
+bondman a just sense of his rights as a man. But the American
+slaveholder cannot be thus lenient. In the excess of his benevolence, as
+a political propagandist, he has kindled a fire for the oppressed of the
+old world to gaze at with hope, and for crowned heads and dynasties to
+tremble at; but a due regard to the safety of his "peculiar
+institution," compels him to put out the eyes of his own people, lest
+they too should see it. Calling on all the world to shake off the
+fetters of oppression, and wade through the blood of tyrants to freedom,
+he has been compelled to smother, in darkness and silence, the minds of
+his own bondmen, lest they too should hear and obey the summons, by
+putting the knife to his own throat.--Proclaiming the truths of Divine
+Revelation, and sending the Scriptures to the four quarters of the
+earth, he has found it necessary to maintain heathenism at home by
+special enactments; and to make the second offence of teaching his
+slaves the message of salvation punishable with _death_!
+
+What marvel then that American slavery even on the _statute book_
+assumes the right to transform moral beings into brutes:[A] that it
+legalizes man's usurpation of Divine authority; the substitution of the
+will of the master, for the moral government of God: that it annihilates
+the rights of conscience; debars from the enjoyment of religious rights
+and privileges by specific enactments; and enjoins disobedience to the
+Divine lawgiver: that it discourages purity and chastity, encourages
+crime, legalizes concubinage; and, while it places the slave entirely in
+the hands of his master, provides no real protection for his life or
+his person.
+
+[Footnote A: The _cardinal principle_ of slavery, that a slave is not to
+be ranked among sentient beings, but among things, as an article of
+property, a chattel personal, obtains as undoubted law, in all the slave
+states. (Judge Stroud's Sketch of Slave Laws, p. 22.)]
+
+But it may be said, that these laws afford no certain evidence of the
+actual condition of the slaves: that, in judging the system by its code,
+no allowance is made for the humanity of individual masters. It was a
+just remark of the celebrated Priestley, that "_no people ever were
+found to be better than their laws, though many have been known to be
+worse._" All history and common experience confirm this. Besides,
+admitting that the legal severity of a system may be softened in the
+practice of the humane, may it not also be aggravated by that of the
+avaricious and cruel?
+
+But what are the testimony and admissions of slaveholders themselves on
+this point? In an Essay published in Charleston, S.C., in 1822, and
+entitled "A Refutation of the Calumnies circulated against the Southern
+and Western States," by the late Edwin C. Holland, Esq., it is stated,
+that "all slaveholders have laid down non-resistance, and perfect and
+uniform _obedience_ to their orders as fundamental principles in the
+government of their slaves:" that this is "a _necessary_ result of the
+relation," and "_unavoidable_." Robert J. Turnbull, Esq., of South
+Carolina, in remarking upon the management of slaves, says, "The only
+principle upon which may authority over them, (the slaves,) can be
+maintained is _fear_, and he who denies this has little knowledge of
+them." To this may be added the testimony of Judge Ruffin, of North
+Carolina, as quoted in Wheeler's Law of Slavery, p. 217. "The slave, to
+remain a slave, must feel that there is _no appeal from his master_. No
+man can anticipate the provocations which the slave would give, nor the
+consequent wrath of the master, prompting him to BLOODY VENGEANCE on the
+turbulent traitor, a vengeance _generally_ practised with impunity by
+reason of its _privacy_."
+
+In an Essay on the "improvement of negroes on plantations," by Rev.
+Thomas S. Clay, a slaveholder of Bryan county, Georgia, and Printed at
+the request of the Georgia Presbytery, in 1833, we are told "that the
+present economy of the slave system is _to get all you can_ from the
+slave, and give him in return _as little as will barely support him in a
+working condition_!" Here, in a few words, the whole enormity of slavery
+is exposed to view: "to _get all you can_ from the slave"--by means of
+whips and forks and irons--by every device for torturing the body,
+without destroying its capability of labor; and in return give him as
+little of his coarse fare as will keep him, like a mere beast of burden,
+in a "_working condition_;" this is slavery, as explained by the
+slaveholder himself. Mr. Clay further says: "_Offences against the
+master_ are more severely punished than violations of the law of God, a
+fault which affects the slave's personal character a good deal. As
+examples we may notice, that _running away_ is more severely punished
+than adultery." "He (the slave) only knows his master as lawgiver and
+executioner, and the _sole object of punishment_ held up to his view, is
+to make him _a more obedient and profitable slave_."
+
+Hon. W.B. Seabrook, in an address before the Agricultural Society of St.
+John's, Colleton, published by order of the Society, at Charleston, in
+1834, after stating that "as Slavery exists in South Carolina, the
+action of the citizens should rigidly conform to that state of things:"
+and, that "no _abstract opinions of the rights of man_ should be allowed
+in any instance to modify the _police system of a plantation_," proceeds
+as follows. "_He_ (the slave) _should be practically treated as a
+slave_; and thoroughly taught the true cardinal principle on which our
+peculiar institutions are founded, viz.; that to his owner he is bound
+by the law of God and man; and that no human authority can sever the
+link which unites them. The great aim of the slaveholder, then, should
+be to keep his people in strict _subordination_. In this, it may in
+truth be said, lies his _entire duty_." Again, in speaking of the
+punishments of slaves, he remarks: "If to our army the disuse of THE
+LASH has been prejudicial, to the slaveholder it would operate to
+deprive him of the MAIN SUPPORT of his authority. For the first class of
+offences, I consider imprisonment in THE STOCKS[A] at night, with or
+without hard labor by day, as a powerful auxiliary in the cause of
+_good_ government." "_Experience_ has convinced me that there is no
+punishment to which the slave looks with more horror, than that upon
+which I am commenting, (the stocks,) and none which has been attended
+with happier results."
+
+[Footnote A: Of the nature of this punishment in the stocks, something
+may be learned by the following extract of a letter from a gentleman in
+Tallahassee, Florida, to the editor of the Ohio Atlas, dated June 9,
+1835: "A planter, a professer of religion, in conversing upon the
+universality of whipping, remarked, that a planter in G____, who had
+whipped a great deal, at length got tired of it, and invented the
+following _excellent_ method of punishment, which I saw practised while
+I was paying him a visit. The negro was placed in a sitting position,
+with his hands made fast above his head, and his feet in the stocks, so
+that he could not move any part of the body. The master retired,
+intending to leave him till morning, but we were awakened in the night
+by the groans of the negro, which were so doleful that we feared he was
+dying. We went to him, and found him covered with a cold sweat, and
+almost gone. He could not have lived an hour longer. Mr. ---- found the
+'stocks' such an effective punishment, that it almost superseded
+the whip."]
+
+There is yet another class of testimony quite as pertinent as the
+foregoing, which may at any time be gleaned from the newspapers of the
+slave states--the advertisements of masters for their runaway slaves,
+and casual paragraphs coldly relating cruelties, which would disgrace a
+land of Heathenism. Let the following suffice for a specimen:
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To the Editors of the Constitutionalist.
+
+_Aiken, S.C., Dec._ 20, 1836.
+
+I have just returned from an inquest I held over the dead body of a
+negro man, a runaway, that was shot near the South Edisto, in this
+district, (Barnwell,) on Saturday morning last. He came to his death by
+his own recklessness. He refused to be taken alive; and said that other
+attempts to take him had been made, and he was determined that he would
+not be taken. When taken he was nearly naked--had a large dirk or knife
+and a heavy club. He was at first, (when those who were in pursuit of
+him found it absolutely necessary,) shot at with small shot, with the
+intention of merely crippling him. He was shot at several times, and at
+last he was so disabled as to be compelled to surrender. He kept in the
+run of a creek in a very dense swamp all the time that the neighbors
+were in pursuit of him. As soon as the negro was taken, the best medical
+aid was procured, but he died on the same evening. One of the witnesses
+at the inquisition stated that the negro boy said that he was from
+Mississippi, and belonged to so many persons he did not know who his
+master was; but again he said his master's name was _Brown_. He said his
+own name was Sam; and when asked by another witness who his master was,
+he muttered something like Augusta or Augustine. The boy was apparently
+above 35 or 40 years of age--about six feet high--slightly yellow in the
+face--very long beard or whiskers--and very stout built, and a stern
+countenance; and appeared to have been run away a long time.
+
+WILLIAM H. PRITCHARD,
+
+_Coroner, (ex officio,) Barnwell Dist., S.C._
+
+The Mississippi and other papers will please copy the above.--_Georgia
+Constitutionalist_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+$100 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, living on Herring Bay, Ann
+Arundel county, Md., on Saturday, 28th January, negro man Elijah, who
+calls himself Elijah Cook, is about 21 years of age, well made, of a
+very dark complexion has an impediment in his speech, and _a scar on his
+left cheek bone, apparently occasioned by a shot_.
+
+J. SCRIVENER. Annapolis (Md.) Rep., Feb., 1837.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+$40 REWARD.--Ran away from my residence near Mobile, two negro men,
+Isaac and Tim. Isaac is from 25 to 30 years old, dark complexion, scar
+on the right side of the head, and also one on the right side of the
+body, occasioned by BUCK SHOT. Tim is 22 years old, dark complexion,
+scar on the right cheek, as also another on the back of the neck.
+Captains and owners of steamboats, vessels, and water crafts of every
+description, are cautioned against taking them on board under the
+penalty of the law; and all other persons against harboring or in any
+manner favoring the escape of said negroes under like penalty.
+
+_Mobile, Sept_. 1. SARAH WALSH. Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser, Sept. 29,
+1837.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+$200 REWARD.--Ran away from the subscriber, about three years ago, a
+certain negro man named Ben, (commonly known by the name of Ben Fox.) He
+is about five feet five or six inches high, chunky made, yellow
+complexion, and has but one eye. Also, one other negro, by the name of
+Rigdon, who ran away on the 8th of this month. He is stout made, tall,
+and very black, with large lips.
+
+I will give the reward of one hundred dollars for each of the above
+negroes, to be delivered to me or confined in the jail of Lenoir or
+Jones county, or _for the killing of them so that I can see them_.
+Masters of vessels and all others are cautioned against harboring,
+employing, or carrying them away, under the penalty of the law.
+
+W.D. COBB. _Lenoir county, N.C., Nov_. 12, 1836.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"A negro who had absconded from his master, and for who a reward was
+offered of $100, has been apprehended and committed to prison in
+Savannah, Georgia. The Editor who states the fact, adds, with as much
+coolness as though there was no barbarity in the matter, that he did not
+surrender until he was considerably _maimed by the dogs_[A] that had
+been set on him,--desperately fighting them, one of which he cut badly
+with a sword."
+
+_New-York Commercial Advertiser, June_, 8, 1827.
+
+[Footnote A: In regard to the use of bloodhounds, for the recapture of
+runaway slaves, we insert the following from the New-York Evangelist,
+being an extract of a letter from Natchez (Miss.) under date of January
+31, 1835: "An instance was related to me in Claiborne County, in
+Mississippi. A runaway was heard about the house in the night. The hound
+was put upon his track, and in the morning was found watching the dead
+body of the negro. The dogs are trained to this service when young. A
+negro is directed to go into the woods and secure himself upon a tree.
+When sufficient time has elapsed for doing this, the hound is put upon
+his track. The blacks are compelled to worry them until they make them
+their implacable enemies: and it is common to meet with dogs which will
+take no notice of whites, though entire strangers, but will suffer no
+blacks beside the house servants to enter the yard."]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+From the foregoing evidence on the part of slaveholders themselves, we
+gather the following facts:
+
+1. That perfect obedience is required of the slave--that he is made to
+feel that there is no appeal from his master.
+
+2. That the authority of the master is only maintained by fear--a
+"_reign of terror_."
+
+3. That "the economy of slavery is to _get all you can_ from the slave,
+and give him in return as little as will barely support him in a working
+condition."
+
+4. That runaway slaves may be shot down with impunity by any white
+person.
+
+5. That masters offer rewards for "_killing_" their slaves, "_so that
+they may see them_!"
+
+6. That slaves are branded with hot irons, and very much scarred with
+the whip.
+
+7. That _iron collars_, with projecting prongs, rendering it almost
+impossible for the wearer to lie down, are fastened upon the _necks
+of women_.
+
+8. That the LASH is the MAIN SUPPORT of the slaveholder's authority:
+but, that the _stocks_ are "a powerful auxiliary" to his government.
+
+9. That runaway slaves are chased with dogs--men hunted like beasts of
+prey.
+
+Such is American Slavery in practice.
+
+The testimony thus far adduced is only that of the slaveholder and
+wrong-doer himself: the admission of men who have a direct interest in
+keeping out of sight the horrors of their system. It is besides no
+voluntary admission. Having "framed iniquity by law," it is out of their
+power to hide it. For the recovery of their runaway property, they are
+compelled to advertise in the public journals, and that it may be
+identified, they are under the necessity of describing the marks of the
+whip on the backs of women, the iron collars about the neck--the
+gun-shot wounds, and the traces of the branding-iron. Such testimony
+must, in the nature of things, be partial and incomplete. But for a full
+revelation of the secrets of the prison-house, we must look to the slave
+himself. The Inquisitors of Goa and Madrid never disclosed the peculiar
+atrocities of their "hall of horrors." It was the escaping heretic, with
+his swollen and disjointed limbs, and bearing about him the scars of
+rack and fire, who exposed them to the gaze and abhorrence of
+Christendom.
+
+The following pages contain the simple and unvarnished story of an
+AMERICAN SLAVE,--of one, whose situation, in the first place, as a
+favorite servant in an aristocratic family in Virginia; and afterwards
+as the sole and confidential driver on a large plantation in Alabama,
+afforded him rare and peculiar advantages for accurate observation of
+the practical workings of the system. His intelligence, evident candor,
+and grateful remembrance of those kindnesses, which in a land of
+Slavery, made his cup of suffering less bitter; the perfect accordance
+of his statements, (made at different times, and to different
+individuals),[B] one with another, as well as those statements
+themselves, all afford strong confirmation of the truth and accuracy of
+his story. There seems to have been no effort, on his part to make his
+picture of Slavery one of entire darkness--he details every thing of a
+mitigating character which fell under his observation; and even the
+cruel deception of his master has not rendered him unmindful of his
+early kindness.
+
+[Footnote B: The reader is referred to JOHN G. WHITTIER, of
+Philadelphia, or to the following gentlemen, who have heard the whole,
+or a part of his story, from his own lips: Emmor Kimber, of Kimberton,
+Pa., Lindley Coates, of Lancaster Co., do.; James Mott, of Philadelphia,
+Lewis Tappan, Elizur Wright Jun., Rev. Dr. Follen, and James G. Birney,
+of New York. The latter gentleman, who was a few years ago, a citizen of
+Alabama, assures us that the statements made to him by James Williams,
+were such as he had every reason to believe, from his own knowledge of
+slavery in that State.]
+
+The editor is fully aware that he has not been able to present this
+affecting narrative in the simplicity and vivid freshness with which it
+fell from the lips of the narrator. He has, however, as closely as
+possible, copied his manner, and in many instances his precise language.
+THE SLAVE HAS SPOKEN FOR HIMSELF. Acting merely as his amanuensis, he
+has carefully abstained from comments of his own.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: As the narrator was unable to read or write, it is quite
+possible that the orthography of some of the names of individuals
+mentioned in his story may not be entirely correct. For instance, the
+name of his master may have been either Larrimer, or Larrrimore.]
+
+The picture here presented to the people of the free states, is, in many
+respects, a novel one. We all know something of Virginia and Kentucky
+Slavery. We have heard of the internal slave trade--the pangs of
+separation--the slave ship with its "cargo of despair" bound for the
+New-Orleans market--the weary journey of the chained Coffle to the
+cotton country. But here, in a great measure, we have lost sight of the
+victims of avarice and lust. We have not studied the dreadful economy of
+the cotton plantation, and know but little of the secrets of its
+unlimited despotism.
+
+But in this narrative the scenes of the plantation rise before us, with
+a distinctness which approaches reality. We hear the sound of the horn
+at daybreak, calling the sick and the weary to toil unrequited. Woman,
+in her appealing delicacy and suffering, about to become a mother, is
+fainting under the lash, or sinking exhausted beside her cotton row. We
+hear the prayer for mercy answered with sneers and curses. We look on
+the instruments of torture, and the corpses of murdered men. We see the
+dogs, reeking hot from the chase, with their jaws foul with human blood.
+We see the meek and aged Christian scarred with the lash, and bowed down
+with toil, offering the supplication of a broken heart to his Father in
+Heaven, for the forgiveness of his brutal enemy. We hear, and from our
+inmost hearts repeat the affecting interrogatory of the aged slave,
+_"How long, Oh Lord! how long!"_
+
+The editor has written out the details of this painful narrative with
+feelings of sorrow. If there be any who feel a morbid satisfaction in
+dwelling upon the history of outrage and cruelty, he at least is not one
+of them. His taste and habits incline him rather to look to the pure and
+beautiful in our nature--the sunniest side of humanity--its kindly
+sympathies--its holy affections--its charities and its love. But, it is
+because he has seen that all which is thus beautiful and excellent in
+mind and heart, perishes in the atmosphere of slavery: it is because
+humanity in the slave sinks down to a level with the brute and in the
+master gives place to the attributes of a fiend--that he has not felt at
+liberty to decline the task. He cannot sympathize with that abstract and
+delicate philanthropy, which hesitates to bring itself in contact with
+the sufferer, and which shrinks from the effort of searching out the
+extent of his afflictions. The emblem of Practical Philanthropy is the
+Samaritan stooping over the wounded Jew. It must be no fastidious hand
+which administers the oil and the wine, and binds up the
+unsightly gashes.
+
+Believing, as he does, that this narrative is one of truth; that it
+presents an unexaggerated picture of Slavery as it exists on the cotton
+plantations of the South and West, he would particularly invite to its
+perusal, those individuals, and especially those professing Christians
+at the North, who have ventured to claim for such a system, the sanction
+and approval of the Religion of Jesus Christ. In view of the facts here
+presented, let these men seriously inquire of themselves, whether in
+advancing such a claim, they are not uttering a higher and more
+audacious blasphemy than any which ever fell from the pens of Voltaire
+and Paine. As if to cover them with confusion, and leave them utterly
+without excuse for thus libelling the character of a just God, these
+developments are making, and the veil rising, which for long years of
+sinful apathy has rested upon the abominations of American Slavery.
+Light is breaking into it's dungeons, disclosing the wreck of buried
+intellect--of hearts broken--of human affections outraged--of souls
+ruined. The world will see it as God has always seen it; and when He
+shall at length make inquisition for blood, and His vengeance kindle
+over the habitations of cruelty, with a destruction more terrible than
+that of Sodom and Gomorrah, His righteous dealing will be justified of
+man, and His name glorified among the nations, and there will be a voice
+of rejoicing in Earth and in Heaven. ALLELUIA!--THE PROMISE IS
+FULFILLED!--FOR THE SIGHING OF THE POOR AND THE OPPRESSION OF THE NEEDY,
+GOD HATH RISEN!
+
+It is the earnest desire of the Editor, that this narrative may be the
+means, under God, of awakening in the hearts of all who read it, a
+sympathy for the oppressed which shall manifest itself in immediate,
+active, self-sacrificing exertion for their deliverance; and, while it
+excites abhorrence of his crimes, call forth pity for the oppressor. May
+it have the effect to prevent the avowed and associated friends of the
+slave, from giving such an undue importance to their own trials and
+grievances, as to forget in a great measure the sorrows of the slave.
+Let its cry of wo, coming up from the plantations of the South, suppress
+every feeling of selfishness in our hearts. Let our regret and
+indignation at the denial of the right of petition, be felt only because
+we are thereby prevented from pleading in the Halls of Congress for the
+"suffering and the dumb." And let the fact, that we are shut out from
+half the territory of our country, be lamented only because it prevents
+us from bearing personally to the land of Slavery, the messages of hope
+for the slave, and of rebuke and warning for the oppressor.
+
+_New-York, 24th 1st mo._, 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+NARRATIVE
+
+I was born in Powhatan County, Virginia, on the plantation of George
+Larrimore. Sen., at a place called Mount Pleasant, on the 16th of May
+1805. May father was the slave of an orphan family whose name I have
+forgotten, and was under the care of a Mr. Brooks, guardian of the
+family. He was a native of Africa, and was brought over when a mere
+child, with his mother. My mother was the slave of George Larrimore,
+Sen. She was nearly white, and is well known to have been the daughter
+of Mr. Larrimore himself. She died when myself and my twin brother
+Meshech were five years of age--I can scarcely remember her. She had in
+all eight children, of whom only five are now living. One, a brother,
+belongs to the heirs of the late Mr. Brockenbrough of Charlottesville;
+of whom he hires his time, and pays annually $120 for it. He is a member
+of the Baptist church, and used to preach occasionally. His wife is a
+free woman from Philadelphia, and being able to read and write, taught
+her husband. The whites do not know that he can write, and have often
+wondered that he could preach so well without learning. It is the
+practice when a church is crowded, to turn the blacks out of their
+seats. My brother did not like this, and on one occasion preached a
+sermon from a text, showing that all are of one blood. Some of the
+whites who heard it, said that such preaching would raise an
+insurrection among the negroes. Two of them told him that if he would
+prove his doctrine by Scripture, they would let him go, but if he did
+not, he should have nine and thirty lashes. He accordingly preached
+another sermon and spoke with a great deal of boldness. The two men who
+were in favor of having him whipped, left before the sermon was over;
+those who remained, acknowledged that he had proved his doctrine, and
+preached a good sermon, and many of them came up and shook hands with
+him. The two opposers, Scott and Brockley, forbid my brother, after
+this, to come upon their estates. They were both Baptists, and my
+brother had before preached to their people. During the cholera at
+Richmond, my brother preached a sermon, in which he compared the
+pestilence to the plagues, which afflicted the Egyptian slaveholders,
+because they would not let the people go. After the sermon some of the
+whites threatened to whip him. Mr. Valentine, a merchant on Shocko Hill
+prevented them; and a young lawyer named Brooks said it was wrong to
+threaten a man for preaching the truth. Since the insurrection of Nat.
+Turner he has not been allowed to preach much.
+
+My twin brother was for some time the property of Mr. John Griggs, of
+Richmond, who sold him about three years since, to an Alabama Cotton
+Planter, with whom he staid one year, and then ran away and in all
+probability escaped into the free states or Canada, as he was seen near
+the Maryland line. My other brother lives in Fredericksburg, and belongs
+to a Mr. Scott, a merchant formerly of Richmond. He was sold from Mr.
+Larrimore's plantation because his wife was a slave of Mr. Scott. My
+only sister is the slave of John Smith, of King William. Her husband was
+the slave of Mr. Smith, when the latter lived in Powhatan county, and
+when he removed to King William, she was taken with her husband.
+
+My old master, George Larrimore, married Jane Roane, the sister of a
+gentleman named John Roane, one of the most distinguished men in
+Virginia, who in turn married a sister of my master. One of his sisters
+married a Judge Scott, and another married Mr. Brockenbrough of
+Charlottesville. Mr. Larrimore had three children; George, Jane, and
+Elizabeth. The former was just ten days older than myself; and I was his
+playmate and constant associate in childhood. I used to go with him to
+his school, and carry his books for him as far as the door, and meet him
+there when the school was dismissed. We were very fond of each other,
+and frequently slept together. He taught me the letters of the alphabet,
+and I should soon have acquired a knowledge of reading, had not George's
+mother discovered her son in the act of teaching me. She took him aside
+and severely reprimanded him. When I asked him, not long after, to tell
+me more of what he had learned at school, he said that his mother had
+forbidden him to do so any more, as her father had a slave, who was
+instructed in reading and writing, and on that account proved very
+troublesome. He could, they said, imitate the hand-writing of the
+neighboring planters, and used to write passes and certificates of
+freedom for the slaves, and finally wrote one for himself, and went off
+to Philadelphia, from whence her father received from him a saucy
+letter, thanking him for his education.
+
+The early years of my life went by pleasantly. The bitterness of my lot
+I had not yet realized. Comfortably clothed and fed, kindly treated by
+my old master and mistress and the young ladies, and the playmate and
+confidant of my young master, I did not dream of the dark reality of
+evil before me.
+
+When he was fourteen years of age, master George went to his uncle
+Brockenbrough's at Charlottesville, as a student of the University.
+After his return from College, he went to Paris and other parts of
+Europe, and spent three or four years in study and travelling. In the
+mean time I was a waiter in the house, dining-room servant, &c. My old
+master visited and received visits from a great number of the principal
+families in Virginia. Each summer, with his family, he visited the
+Sulphur Springs and the mountains. While George was absent, I went with
+him to New-Orleans, in the winter season, on account of his failing
+health. We spent three days in Charleston, at Mr. McDuffie's, with whom
+my master was on intimate terms. Mr. McDuffie spent several days on one
+occasion at Mt. Pleasant. He took a fancy to me, and offered my master
+the servant whom he brought with him and $500 beside, for me. My master
+considered it almost an insult, and said after he was gone, that Mr.
+McDuffie needed money to say the least, as much as he did.
+
+He had a fine house in Richmond, and used to spend his winters there
+with his family, taking me with him. He was not there much at other
+times, except when the Convention of 1829 for amending the State
+Constitution, was held in that city. He had a quarrel with Mr. Neal of
+Richmond Co., in consequence of some remarks upon the subject of
+Slavery. It came near terminating in a duel. I recollect that during the
+sitting of the Convention, my master asked me before several other
+gentlemen, if I wished to be free and go back to my own country. I
+looked at him with surprise, and inquired what country?
+
+"Africa, to be sure," said he, laughing.
+
+I told him that was not my country--that I was born in Virginia.
+
+"Oh yes," said he, "but your father was born in Africa." He then said
+that there was a place on the African coast called Liberia where a great
+many free blacks were going; and asked me to tell him honestly, whether
+I would prefer to be set free on condition of going to Africa, or live
+with him and remain a slave. I replied that I had rather be as I was.
+
+I have frequently heard him speak against slavery to his visitors. I
+heard him say on one occasion, when some gentlemen were arguing in favor
+of sending the free colored people to Africa, that this was as really
+the black man's country as the white's, and that it would be as humane
+to knock the free negroes, at once, on the head, as to send them to
+Liberia. He was a kind man to his slaves. He was proud of them, and of
+the reputation he enjoyed of feeding and clothing them well. They were
+as near as I can judge about 300 in number. He never to my knowledge
+sold a slave, unless to go with a wife or husband, and at the slave's
+own request. But all except the very wealthiest planters in his
+neighborhood sold them frequently. John Smoot of Powhatan Co. has sold a
+great number. Bacon Tait[A] used to be one of the principal purchasers.
+He had a jail at Richmond where he kept them. There were many others who
+made a business of buying and selling slaves. I saw on one occasion
+while travelling with my master, a gang of nearly two hundred men
+fastened with chains. The women followed unchained and the children in
+wagons. It was a sorrowful sight. Some were praying, some crying, and
+they all had a look of extreme wretchedness. It is an awful thing to a
+Virginia slave to be sold for the Alabama and Mississippi country. I
+have known some of them to die of grief, and others to commit suicide,
+on account of it.
+
+[Footnote A: Bacon Tait's advertisement of "new and commodious
+buildings" for the keeping of negroes, situated at the corner of 15th
+and Carey streets, appears in the Richmond Whig of Sept. 1896.--EDITOR.]
+
+In my seventeenth year, I was married to a girl named Harriet, belonging
+to John Gatewood, a planter living about four miles from Mr. Pleasant.
+She was about a year younger than myself--was a tailoress, and used to
+cut out clothes for the hands.
+
+We were married by a white clergyman named Jones; and were allowed to or
+three weeks to ourselves, which we spent in visiting and other
+amusements.
+
+The field hands are seldom married by a clergyman. They simply invite
+their friends together, and have a wedding party.
+
+Our two eldest children died in their infancy: two are now living. The
+youngest was only two months old when I saw him for the last time. I
+used to visit my wife on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
+
+My young master came back from Europe in delicate health. He was advised
+by his physicians to spend the winter in New-Orleans, whither he
+accordingly went, taking me with him. Here he became acquainted with a
+French lady of one of the first families in the city. The next winter he
+also spent in New-Orleans, and on his third visit, three years after his
+return from Europe, he was married to the lady above mentioned. In May
+he returned to Mt. Pleasant, and found the elder Larrimore on his sick
+bed, from which he never rose again. He died on the 14th of July. There
+was a great and splendid funeral, as his relatives and friends
+were numerous.
+
+His large property was left principally in the hands of his widow until
+her decease, after which it was to be divided among the three children.
+In February Mrs. Larrimore also died. The administrators upon the estate
+were John Green, Esq., and Benjamin Temple. My young master came back
+from Europe in delicate health. He way advised by his physicians to
+spend the winter in New-Orleans, whither he accordingly went, taking me
+with him. Here he became acquainted with a French lady of one of the
+first families in the city. The next winter he also spent in
+New-Orleans, and on his third visit, three years after his return from
+Europe, he was married to the lady above mentioned. In May he returned
+to Mt. Pleasant, and found the elder Larrimore on his sick bed, from
+which he never rose again. He died on the 14th of July. There was a
+great and splendid funeral, as his relatives and friends were numerous.
+
+His large property was left principally in the hands of his widow until
+her decease, after which it was to be divided among the three children.
+In February Mrs. Larrimore also died. The administrators upon the estate
+were John Green, Esq., and Benjamin Temple.
+
+My young mistresses, Jane and Elizabeth, were very kind to the servants.
+They seemed to feel under obligations to afford them every comfort and
+gratification, consistent with the dreadful relation of ownership which
+they sustained towards them. Whipping was scarcely known on the estate;
+and, whenever it did take place, it was invariably against the wishes of
+the young ladies.
+
+But the wife of master George was of a disposition entirely the reverse.
+Feeble, languid, and inert, sitting motionless for hours at her window,
+or moving her small fingers over the strings of her guitar, to some soft
+and languishing air, she would have seemed to a stranger incapable of
+rousing herself from that indolent repose, in which mind as well as body
+participated. But, the slightest disregard of her commands--and
+sometimes even the neglect to anticipate her wishes, on the part of the
+servants; was sufficient to awake her. The inanimate and delicate beauty
+then changed into a stormy virago. Her black eyes flawed and sparkled
+with a snaky fierceness, her full lips compressed, and her brows bent
+and darkened. Her very voice, soft and sweet when speaking to her
+husband, and exquisitely fine and melodious, when accompanying her
+guitar, was at such times, shrill, keen, and loud. She would order the
+servants of my young mistresses upon her errands, and if they pleaded
+their prior duty to obey the calls of another, would demand that they
+should be forthwith whipped for their insolence. If the young ladies
+remonstrated with her, she met them with a perfect torrent of invective
+and abuse. In these paroxysms of fury she always spoke in French, with a
+vehemence and volubility, which strongly contrasted with the calmness
+and firmness of the young ladies. She would boast of what she had done
+in New-Orleans, and of the excellent discipline of her father's slaves.
+She said she had gone down in the night to the cell under her father's
+house, and whipped the slaves confined there with her own hands. I had
+heard the same thing from her father's servants at New-Orleans, when I
+was there with my master. She brought with her from New-Orleans a girl
+named Frances. I have seen her take her by the ear, lead her up to the
+side of the room, and beat her head against it. At other times she would
+snatch off her slipper and strike the girl on her face and head with it.
+
+She seldom manifested her evil temper before master George. When she
+did, he was greatly troubled, and he used to speak to his sisters about
+it. Her manner towards him was almost invariably that of extreme
+fondness. She was dark complexioned, but very beautiful; and the smile
+of welcome with which she used to meet him was peculiarly fascinating. I
+did not marvel that _he_ loved her; while at the same time, in common
+with all the house servants, I regarded her as a being possessed with an
+evil spirit,--half woman, and half fiend.
+
+Soon after the settlement of the estate, I heard my master speak of
+going out to Alabama. His wife had 1500 acres of wild land in Greene
+County in that State: and he had been negociating for 500 more. Early in
+the summer of 1833, he commenced making preparations for removing to
+that place a sufficient number of hands to cultivate it. He took great
+pains to buy up the wives and husbands of those of his own slaves who
+had married out of the estate, in order, as he said, that his hands
+might be contented in Alabama, and not need chaining together while on
+their journey. It is always found necessary by the regular
+slave-traders, in travelling with their slaves to the far South, to
+handcuff and chain their wretched victims, who have been bought up as
+the interest of the trader, and the luxury or necessities of the planter
+may chance to require, without regard to the ties sundered or the
+affections made desolate, by these infernal bargains. About the 1st of
+September, after the slaves destined for Alabama had taken a final
+farewell of their old home, and of the friends they were leaving behind,
+our party started on their long journey. There were in all 214 slaves,
+men, women and children. The men and women travelled on foot--the small
+children in the wagons, containing the baggage, &c. Previous to my
+departure, I visited my wife and children at Mr. Gatewood's. I took
+leave of them with the belief that I should return with my master, as
+soon as he had seen his hands established on his new plantation. I took
+my children in my arms and embraced them; my wife, who was a member of
+the Methodist church, implored the blessing of God upon me, during my
+absence, and I turned away to follow my master.
+
+Our journey was a long and tedious one, especially to those who were
+compelled to walk the whole distance. My master rode in a sulky, and I,
+as his body servant, on horseback: When we crossed over the Roanoke, and
+were entering upon North Carolina, I remember with what sorrowful
+countenances and language the poor slaves looked back for the last time
+upon the land of their nativity. It was their last farewell to Old
+Virginia. We passed through Georgia, and crossing the Chattahoochee,
+entered Alabama. Our way for many days was through a sandy tract of
+country, covered with pine woods, with here and there the plantation of
+an Indian or a half-breed. After crossing what is called Line Creek, we
+found large plantations along the road, at intervals of four or five
+miles. The aspect of the whole country was wild and forbidding, save to
+the eye of a cotton-planter. The clearings were all new, and the houses
+rudely constructed of logs. The cotton fields, were skirted with an
+enormous growth of oak, pine, and other wood. Charred stumps stood
+thickly in the clearings, with here and there a large tree girdled by
+the axe and left to decay. We reached at last the place of our
+destination. It was a fine tract of land with a deep rich soil. We
+halted on a small knoll, where the tents were pitched, and the wagons
+unladen. I spent the night with my master at a neighboring plantation,
+which was under the care of an overseer named Flincher.
+
+The next morning my master received a visit from a man named Huckstep,
+who had undertaken the management of his plantation as an overseer. He
+had been an overseer on cotton plantations many years in Georgia and
+North Carolina. He was apparently about forty years of age, with a
+sunburnt and sallow countenance. His thick shock of black hair was
+marked in several places with streaks of white, occasioned as he
+afterwards told me by blows received from slaves whom he was chastising.
+
+After remaining in the vicinity for about a week, my master took me
+aside one morning--told me he was going to Selma in Dallas County, and
+wished me to be in readiness on his return the next day, to start for
+Virginia. This was to me cheering news. I spent that day and the next
+among my old fellow servants who had lived with me in Virginia. Some of
+them had messages to send by me to their friends and acquaintances. In
+the afternoon of the second day after my master's departure, I
+distributed, among them all the money which I had about me, viz.,
+fifteen dollars. I noticed that the overseer Huckstep laughed at this
+and called me a fool: and that whenever I spoke of going home with my
+master, his countenance indicated something between a smile and a sneer.
+
+Night came; but contrary to his promise, my master did not come. I still
+however expected him the next day. But another night came, and he had
+not returned. I grew uneasy, and inquired of Huckstep where be thought
+my master was.
+
+"On his way to Old Virginia," said he, with a malicious laugh.
+
+"But," said I. "Master George told me that he should come back and take
+me with him to Virginia."
+
+"Well, boy," said the overseer, "I'll now tell ye what master George, as
+you call him, told me. You are to stay here and act as driver of the
+field hands. That was the order. So you may as well submit to it
+at once."
+
+I stood silent and horror-struck. Could it be that the man whom I had
+served faithfully from our mutual boyhood, whose slightest wish had been
+my law, to serve whom I would have laid down my life, while I had
+confidence in his integrity--could it be that he had so cruelly and
+wickedly deceived me? I looked at the overseer. He stood laughing at me
+in my agony.
+
+"Master George gave you no such orders," I exclaimed, maddened by the
+overseer's look and manner.
+
+The overseer looked at me with a fiendish grin. "None of your
+insolence," said he, with a dreadful oath. "I never saw a Virginia
+nigger that I couldn't manage, proud as they are. Your master has left
+you in my hands, and you must obey my orders. If you don't, why I shall
+have to make you '_hug the widow there_,'" pointing to a tree, to which I
+afterwards found the slaves were tied when they were whipped.
+
+That night was one of sleepless agony. Virginia--the hills and the
+streams of my birth-place; the kind and hospitable home; the
+gentle-hearted sisters, sweetening with their sympathy the sorrows of
+the slave--my wife--my children--all that had thus far made up my
+happiness, rose in contrast with my present condition. Deeply as he has
+wronged me, may my master himself never endure such a night of misery!
+
+At daybreak, Huckstep told me to dress myself, and attend to his
+directions. I rose, subdued and wretched, and at his orders handed the
+horn to the headmen of the gang, who summoned the hands to the field.
+They were employed in clearing land for cultivation, cutting trees and
+burning. I was with them through the day, and at night returned once
+more to my lodgings to be laughed at by the overseer. He told me that I
+should do well, he did not doubt, by and by, but that a Virginia driver
+generally had to be whipped a few times himself before he could be
+taught to do justice to the slaves under his charge. They were not equal
+to those raised in North Carolina, for keeping the lazy hell-hounds, as
+he called the slaves, at work.
+
+And this was my condition!--a driver set over more than one hundred and
+sixty of my kindred and friends, wish orders to apply the whip
+unsparingly to every one, whether man or woman, who faltered in the
+task, or was careless in the execution of it, myself subject at any
+moment to feel the accursed lash upon my own back, if feelings of
+humanity should perchance overcome the selfishness of misery, and induce
+me to spare and pity.
+
+I lived in the same house with Huckstep,--a large log house, roughly
+finished; where we were waited upon by an old woman, whom we used to
+call aunt Polly. Huckstep was, I soon found, inordinately fond of peach
+brandy; and once or twice in the course of a month he had a drunken
+debauch, which usually lasted from two to four days. He was then full of
+talk, laughed immoderately at his own nonsense and would keep me up
+until late at night listening to him. He was at these periods terribly
+severe to his hands, and would order me to use up the cracker of my whip
+every day upon the poor creatures, who were toiling in the field, and in
+order to satisfy him, I used to tear it off when returning home at
+night. He would then praise me for a good fellow, and invite me to
+drink with him.
+
+He used to tell me at such times, that if I would only drink as he did,
+I should be worth a thousand dollars more for it. He would sit hours
+with his peach brandy, cursing and swearing, laughing and telling
+stories full of obscenity and blasphemy. He would sometimes start up,
+take my whip, and rush out to the slave quarters, flourish it about and
+frighten the inmates and often cruelly beat them. He would order the
+women to pull up their clothes, in Alabama style, as he called it, and
+then whip them for not complying. He would then come back roaring and
+shouting to the house, and tell me what he had done; if I did not laugh
+with him, he would get angry and demand what the matter was. Oh! how
+often I have laughed, at such times, when my heart ached within me; and
+how often, when permitted to retire to my bed, have I found relief
+in tears!
+
+He had no wife, but kept a colored mistress in a house situated on a
+gore of land between the plantation and that of Mr. Goldsby. He brought
+her with him from North Carolina, and had three children by her.
+
+Sometimes in his fits of intoxication, he would come riding into the
+field, swinging his whip, and crying out to the hands to strip off their
+shirts, and be ready to take a whipping: and this too when they were all
+busily at work. At another time, he would gather the hands around him
+and fall to cursing and swearing about the neighboring overseers. They
+were, he said, cruel to their hands, whipped them unmercifully, and in
+addition starved them. As for himself, he was the kindest and best
+fellow within forty miles; and the hands ought to be thankful that they
+had such a good man for their overseer.
+
+He would frequently be very familiar with me, and call me his child; he
+would tell me that our people were going to get Texas, a fine cotton
+country, and that he meant to go out there and have a plantation of his
+own, and I should go with him and be his overseer.
+
+The houses in the "_negro quarters_" were constructed of logs, and from
+twelve to fifteen feet square; they had no glass, but there were holes
+to let in the light and air. The furniture consisted of a table, a few
+stools, and dishes made of wood, and an iron pot, and some other cooking
+utensils. The houses were placed about three or four rods apart, with a
+piece of ground attached to each of them for a garden, where the
+occupant could raise a few vegetables. The "quarters" were about three
+hundred yards from the dwelling of the overseer.
+
+The hands were occupied in clearing land and burning brush, and in
+constructing their houses, through the winter. In March we commenced
+ploughing: and on the first of April began planting seed for cotton. The
+hoeing season commenced about the last of May. At the earliest dawn of
+day, and frequently before that time, the laborers were roused from
+their sleep by the blowing of the horn. It was blown by the headman of
+the gang who led the rest in the work and acted under my direction, as
+my assistant.
+
+Previous to the blowing of the horn the hands generally rose and eat
+what was called the "morning's bit," consisting of ham and bread. If
+exhaustion and fatigue prevented their rising before the dreaded sound
+of the horn broke upon their slumbers, they had no time to snatch a
+mouthful, but were harried out at once.
+
+It was my business to give over to each of the hands his or her
+appropriate implement of labor, from the toolhouse where they were
+deposited at night. After all had been supplied, they were taken to the
+field, and set at work as soon as it was sufficiently light to
+distinguish the plants from the grass and weeds. I was employed in
+passing from row to row, in order to see that the work was well done,
+and to urge forward the laborers. At 12 o'clock, the horn was blown from
+the overseer's house, calling the hands to dinner, each to his own
+cabin. The intermission of labor was one hour and a half to hoers and
+pickers, and two hours to the ploughmen. At the expiration of this
+interval, the horn again summoned them to thus labor. They were kept in
+the field until dark, when they were called home to supper.
+
+There was little leisure for any of the hands on the plantation. In the
+evenings, after it was too dark for work in the field, the men were
+frequently employed in burning brush and in other labors until late at
+night. The women after toiling in the field by day, were compelled to
+card, spin, and weave cotton for their clothing, in the evening. Even on
+Sundays there was little or no respite from toil. Those who had not been
+able to work out all their tasks during the week were allowed by the
+overseer to finish it on the Sabbath, and thus save themselves from a
+whipping on Monday morning. Those whose tasks were finished frequently
+employed most of that day in cultivating their gardens.
+
+Many of the female hands were delicate young women, who in Virginia had
+never been accustomed to field labor. They suffered greatly from the
+extreme heat and the severity of the toil. Oh! how often have I seen
+them dragging their weary limbs from the cotton field at nightfall,
+faint and exhausted. The overseer used to laugh at their sufferings.
+They were, he said, Virginia ladies, and altogether too delicate for
+Alabama use: but they must be made to do their tasks notwithstanding.
+The recollection of these things even now is dreadful. I used to tell
+the poor creatures, when compelled by the overseer to urge them forward
+with the whip, that I would much rather take their places, and endure
+the stripes than inflict them.
+
+When but three months old, the children born on the estate were given up
+to the care of the old women who were not able to work out of doors.
+Their mothers were kept at work in the field.
+
+It was the object of the overseer to separate me in feeling and interest
+as widely as possible from my suffering brethren and sisters. I had
+relations among the field hands, and used to call them my cousins. He
+forbid my doing so; and told me if I acknowledged relationship with any
+of the hands I should be flogged for it. He used to speak of them as
+devils and hell-hounds, and ridicule them in every possible way; and
+endeavoured to make me speak of them and regard them in the same manner.
+He would tell long stories about hunting and shooting "runaway niggers,"
+and detail with great apparent satisfaction the cruel and horrid
+punishments which he had inflicted. One thing he said troubled him. He
+had once whipped a slave so severely that he died in consequence of it,
+and it was soon after ascertained that he was wholly innocent of the
+offence charged against him. That slave, he said, had haunted him
+ever since.
+
+Soon after we commenced weeding our cotton, some of the hands who were
+threatened with a whipping for not finishing their tasks, ran away. The
+overseer and myself went out after them, taking with us five
+bloodhounds, which were kept on the Estate for the sole purpose of
+catching runaways. There were no other hounds in the vicinity, and the
+overseers of the neighboring plantations used to borrow them to hunt
+their runaways. A Mr. Crop, who lived about ten miles distant, had two
+packs, and made it his sole business to catch slaves with them. We used
+to set the dogs upon the track of the fugitives, and they would follow
+them until, to save themselves from being torn in pieces, they would
+climb into a tree, where the dogs kept them until we came up and
+secured them.
+
+These hounds, when young, are taught to run after the negro boys; and
+being always kept confined except when let out in pursuit of runaways,
+they seldom fail of overtaking the fugitive, and seem to enjoy the sport
+of hunting men as much as other dogs do that of chasing a fox or a deer.
+My master gave a large sum for his five dogs,--a slut and her
+four puppies.
+
+While going over our cotton picking for the last time, one of our hands
+named Little John, ran away. The next evening the dogs were started on
+his track. We followed them awhile, until we knew by their ceasing to
+bark that they had found him. We soon met the dogs returning. Their
+jaws, heads, and feet, were bloody. The overseer looked at them and
+said, "he was afraid the dogs had killed the nigger." It being dark, we
+could not find him that night. Early the next morning, we started off
+with our neighbors, Sturtivant and Flincher; and after searching about
+for some time, we found the body of Little John lying in the midst of a
+thicket of cane. It was nearly naked, and dreadfully mangled and gashed
+by the teeth of the dogs. They had evidently dragged it some yards
+through the thicket: blood, tatters of clothes, and even the entrails of
+the unfortunate man, were clinging to the stubs of the old and broken
+cane. Huckstep stooped over his saddle, looked at the body, and muttered
+an oath. Sturtivant swore it was no more than the fellow deserved. We
+dug a hole in the cane-brake, where he lay, buried him, and
+returned home.
+
+The murdered young man had a mother and two sisters on the plantation,
+by whom he was dearly loved. When I told the old woman of what had
+befallen her son, she only said that it was better for poor John than to
+live in slavery.
+
+Late in the fall of this year, a young man, who had already run away
+several times, was missing from his task. It was four days before we
+found him. The dogs drove him at last up a tree, where he was caught,
+and brought home. He was then fastened down to the ground by means of
+forked sticks of wood selected for the purpose, the longest fork being
+driven into the ground until the other closed down upon the neck,
+ancles, and wrists. The overseer then sent for two large cats belonging
+to the house. These he placed upon the naked shoulders of his victim,
+and dragged them suddenly by their tails downward. At first they did not
+scratch deeply. He then ordered me to strike them with a small stick
+after he had placed them once more upon the back of the sufferer. I did
+so; and the enraged animals extended their claws, and tore his back
+deeply and cruelly as they were dragged along it. He was then whipped
+and placed in the stocks, where he was kept for three days. On the third
+morning as I passed the stocks, I stopped to look at him. His head hung
+down over the chain which supported his neck. I spoke, but he did not
+answer. _He was dead in the stocks_! The overseer on seeing him seemed
+surprised, and, I thought, manifested some remorse. Four of the field
+hands took him out of the stocks and buried him: and every thing went
+on as usual.
+
+It is not in my power to give a narrative of the daily occurrences on
+the plantation. The history of one day was that of all. The gloomy
+monotony of our slavery, was only broken by the overseer's periodical
+fits of drunkenness, at which times neither life nor limb on the estate
+were secure from his caprice or violence.
+
+In the spring of 1835, the overseer brought me a letter from my wife,
+written for her by her young mistress, Mr. Gateweed's daughter. He read
+it to me: it stated that herself and children were well--spoke of her
+sad and heavy disappointment in consequence of my not returning with my
+master; and of her having been told by him that I should come back the
+next fall.
+
+Hope for a moment lightened my heart; and I indulged the idea of once
+more returning to the bosom of my family. But I recollected that my
+master had already cruelly deceived me; and despair again took hold
+on me.
+
+Among our hands was one whom we used to call Big Harry. He was a stout,
+athletic man--very intelligent, and an excellent workman; but he was of
+a high and proud spirit, which the weary and crushing weight of a life
+of slavery had not been able to subdue. On almost every plantation at
+the South you may find one or more individuals, whose look and air show
+that they have preserved their self-respect as _men_;--that with them
+the power of the tyrant ends with the coercion of the body--that the
+soul is free, and the inner man retaining the original uprightness of
+the image of God. You may know them by the stern sobriety of their
+countenances, and the contempt with which they regard the jests and
+pastimes of their miserable and degraded companions, who, like Samson,
+make sport for the keepers of their prison-house. These men are always
+feared as well as hated by their task-masters. Harry had never been
+whipped, and had always said that he would die rather than submit to it.
+He made no secret of his detestation of the overseer. While most of the
+slaves took off their hats, with cowering submission, in his presence,
+Harry always refused to do so. He never spoke to him except in a brief
+answer to his questions. Master George, who knew, and dreaded the
+indomitable spirit of the man, told the overseer, before he left the
+plantation, to beware how he attempted to punish him. But, the habits of
+tyranny in which Huckstep had so long indulged, had accustomed him to
+abject submission, on the part of his subjects; and he could not endure
+this upright and unbroken manliness. He used frequently to curse and
+swear about him, and devise plans for punishing him on account of his
+impudence as he called it.
+
+A pretext was at last afforded him. Sometime in August of this year,
+there was a large quantity of yellow unpicked cotton lying in the gin
+house. Harry was employed at night in removing the cotton see, which has
+been thrown out by the gin. The rest of the male hands were engaged
+during the day in weeding the cotton for the last time, and in the nigh,
+in burning brush on the new lands clearing for the next year's crop.
+Harry was told one evening to go with the others and assist in burning
+the brush. He accordingly went and the next night a double quantity of
+seed had accumulated in the gin house: and although he worked until
+nearly 2 o'clock in the morning, he could not remove it all.
+
+The next morning the overseer came into the field, and demanded of me
+why I had not whipped Harry for not removing all the cotton seed. He
+then called aloud to Harry to come forward and be whipped. Harry
+answered somewhat sternly that he would neither be struck by overseer
+nor driver; that he had worked nearly all night, and had scarcely fallen
+asleep when the horn blew to summon him to his toil in the field. The
+overseer raved and threatened, but Harry paid no farther attention to
+him. He then turned to me and asked me for my pistols, with a pair of
+which he had furnished me. I told him they were not with me. He growled
+an oath, threw himself on his horse and left us. In the evening I found
+him half drunk and raving like a madman. He said he would no longer bear
+with that nigger's insolence; but would whip him if it cost him his
+life. He at length fixed upon a plan for seizing him; and told me that
+he would go out in the morning, ride along by the side of Harry and talk
+pleasantly to him, and then, while Harry was attending to him, I was to
+steal upon him and knock him down, by a blow on the head, from the
+loaded and heavy handle of my whip. I was compelled to promise to obey
+his directions.
+
+The next morning when we got to the field I told Harry of the overseer's
+plan, and advised him by all means to be on his guard and watch my
+motions. His eye glistened with gratitude. "Thank you James", said he,
+"I'll take care that you don't touch me."
+
+Huckstep came into the field about 10 o'clock. He rode along by the side
+of Harry talking and laughing. I was walking on the other side. When I
+saw that Harry's eye was upon me I aimed a blow at him intending however
+to miss him. He evaded the blow and turned fiercely round with his hoe
+uplifted, threatening to cut down any one who again attempted to strike
+him. Huckstep cursed my awkwardness, and told Harry to put down his hoe
+and came to him. He refused to do so and swore he would kill the first
+man who tried to lay hands on him. The cowardly tyrant shrank away from
+his enraged bondman, and for two weeks Harry was not again molested.
+
+About the first of September, the overseer had one of his drunken fits.
+He made the house literally an earthly hell. He urged me to drink,
+quarrelled and swore at me for declining, and chased the old woman round
+the house, with his bottle of peach brandy. He then told me that Harry
+had forgotten the attempt to seize him, and that is the morning we must
+try our old game over again.
+
+On the following morning, as I was handing to each of the hands their
+hoes from the tool house, I caught Harry's eye. "Look out," said I to
+him. "Huckstep will be after you again to day." He uttered a deep curse
+against the overseer and passed on to his work. After breakfast Huckstep
+came riding out to the cotton field. He tied his horse to a tree, and
+came towards us. His sallow and haggard countenance was flushed, and his
+step unsteady. He came up by the side of Harry and began talking about
+the crops and the weather; I came at the same time on the other side,
+and in striking at him, beat off his hat. He sprang aside and stepped
+backwards. Huckstep with a dreadful oath commanded him to stop, saying
+that he had determined to whip him, and neither earth nor hell should
+prevent him. Harry defied him: and said he had always done the work
+allotted to him and that was enough: he would sooner die than have the
+accursed lash touch him. The overseer staggered to his horse, mounted
+him and rode furiously to the house, and soon made his appearance,
+returning, with his gun in his hand.
+
+"Yonder comes the devil!" said one of the women whose row was near
+Harry's.
+
+"Yes," said another, "He's trying to scare Harry with his gun."
+
+"Let him try as he pleases," said Harry, in his low, deep, determined
+tones, "He may shoot me, but he can't whip me."
+
+Huckstep came swearing on: when within a few yards of Harry he stopped,
+looked at him with a stare of mingled rage and drunken imbecility; and
+bid him throw down his hoe and come forward. The undaunted slave refused
+to comply, and continuing his work told the drunken demon to shoot if he
+pleased. Huckstep advanced within a few steps of him when Harry raised
+his hoe and told him to stand back. He stepped back a few paces, leveled
+his gun and fired. Harry received the charge in his breast, and fell
+instantly across a cotton row. He threw up his hands wildly, and
+groaned, "Oh, Lord!"
+
+The hands instantly dropped their hoes. The women shrieked aloud. For my
+own part I stood silent with horror. The cries of the women enraged the
+overseer, he dropped his gun, and snatching the whip from my hand, with
+horrid oaths, and imprecations fell to whipping them, laying about him
+like a maniac. Upon Harry's sister he bestowed his blows without mercy,
+commanding her to quit her screaming and go to work. The poor girl,
+whose brother had thus been murdered before her eyes, could not wrestle
+down the awful agony of her feelings, and the brutal tormentor left her
+without effecting his object. He then, without going to look of his
+victim, told four of the hands to carry him to the house, and taking up
+his gun left the field. When we got to the poor fellow, he was alive,
+and groaning faintly. The hands took him up, but before they reached the
+house he was dead. Huckstep came out, and looked at him, and finding him
+dead, ordered the hands to bury him. The burial of a slave in Alabama is
+that of a brute. No coffin--no decent shroud--no prayer. A hole is dug,
+and the body (sometimes enclosed in a rude box,) is thrown in without
+further ceremony.
+
+From this time the overseer was regarded by the whole gang with
+detestation and fear--as a being to whose rage and cruelty there were no
+limits. Yet he was constantly telling us that he was the kindest of
+overseers--that he was formerly somewhat severe in managing his hands,
+but that now he was, if any thing, too indulgent. Indeed he had the
+reputation of being a good overseer, and an excellent manager, when
+sober. The slaves on some of the neighboring plantations were certainly
+worse clothed and fed, and more frequently and cruelly whipped than
+ours. Whenever the saw them they complained of over working and short
+feeding. One of Flincher's, and one of Sturtivant's hands ran away,
+while I was in Alabama: and after remaining in the woods awhile, and
+despairing of being able to effect their escape, resolved to put an end
+to their existence and their slavery together. Each twisted himself a
+vine of the muscadine grape, and fastened one end around the limb of an
+oak, and made a noose in the other. Jacob, Flincher's man, swung himself
+off first, and expired after a long struggle. The other, horrified by
+the contortions and agony of his comrade, dropped his noose, and was
+retaken. When discovered, two or three days afterwards, the body of
+Jacob was dreadfully torn and mangled, by the buzzards, those winged
+hyenas and goules of the Southwest.
+
+Among the slaves who were brought from Virginia, were two young and
+bright mulatto women, who were always understood throughout the
+plantation to have been the daughters of the elder Larrimore, by one of
+his slaves. One was named Sarah and the other Hannah. Sarah, being in a
+state of pregnancy, failed of executing her daily allotted task of
+hoeing cotton. I was ordered to whip her, and on my remonstrating with
+the overseer, and representing the condition of the woman, I was told
+that my business was to obey orders, and that if I was told "to whip a
+dead nigger I must do it." I accordingly gave her fifty lashes. This was
+on Thursday evening. On Friday she also failed through weakness, and was
+compelled to lie down in the field. That night the overseer himself
+whipped her. On Saturday the wretched woman dragged herself once more to
+the cotton field. In the burning sun, and in a situation which would
+have called forth pity in the bosom of any one save a cotton-growing
+overseer, she struggled to finish her task. She failed--nature could do
+no more--and sick and despairing, she sought her cabin. There the
+overseer met her and inflicted fifty more lashes upon her already
+lacerated back.
+
+The next morning was the Sabbath. It brought no joy to that suffering
+woman. Instead of the tones of the church bell summoning to the house of
+prayer, she heard the dreadful sound of the lash falling upon the backs
+of her brethren and sisters in bondage. For the voice of prayer she
+heard curses. For the songs of Zion obscene and hateful blasphemies. No
+bible was there with its consolations for the sick of heart. Faint and
+fevered, scarred and smarting from the effects of her cruel punishment,
+she lay upon her pallet of moss--dreading the coming of her relentless
+persecutor,--who, in the madness of one of his periodical fits of
+drunkenness, was now swearing and cursing through the quarters.
+
+Some of the poor woman's friends on the evening before, had attempted to
+relieve her of the task which had been assigned her, but exhausted
+nature, and the selfishness induced by their own miserable situation,
+did not permit them to finish it and the overseer, on examination, found
+that the week's work of the woman, was still deficient. After breakfast,
+he ordered her to be tied up to the limb of a tree, by means of a rope
+fastened round her wrists, so as to leave her feet about six inches from
+the ground. She begged him to let her down for she was very sick.
+
+"Very well!" he exclaimed with a sneer and a laugh,--"I shall bleed you
+then, and take out some of your Virginia blood. You are too proud a miss
+for Alabama."
+
+He struck her a few blows. Swinging thus by her arms, she succeeded in
+placing one of her feet against the body of the tree, and thus partly
+supported herself, and relieved in some degree the painful weight upon
+her wrists. He threw down his whip--took a rail from the garden fence,
+ordered her feet to be tied together, and thrust the rail between them.
+He then ordered one of the hands to sit upon it. Her back at this time
+was bare, but the strings of the only garment which she wore passed over
+her shoulders and prevented the full force of the whip from acting on
+her flesh. These he cut off with his pen-knife, and thus left her
+entirely naked. He struck her only two blows, for the second one cut
+open her side and abdomen with a frightful gash. Unable to look on any
+longer in silence, I entreated him to stop, as I feared he had killed
+her. The overseer looked at the wound--dropped his whip, and ordered her
+to be untied. She was carried into the house in a state of
+insensibility, and died in three days after.
+
+During the whole season of picking cotton, the whip was frequently and
+severely plied. In his seasons of intoxication, the overseer made no
+distinction between the stout man and the feeble and delicate woman--the
+sick and the well. Women in a far advanced state of pregnancy were
+driven out to the cotton field. At other times he seemed to have some
+consideration; and to manifest something like humanity. Our hands did
+not suffer for food--they had a good supply of ham and corn-meal, while
+on Flincher's plantation the slaves had meat but once a year, at
+Christmas.
+
+Near the commencement of the weeding season of 1835, I was ordered to
+whip a young woman, a light mustee, for not performing her task. I told
+the overseer that she was sick. He said he did not care for that, she
+should be made to work. A day or two afterwards, I found him in the
+house half intoxicated. He demanded of me why I had not whipped the
+girl; and I gave the same reason as before. He flew into a dreadful
+rage, but his miserable situation made him an object of contempt rather
+than fear. He sat shaking his fist at me, and swearing for nearly half
+an hour. He said he would teach the Virginia lady to sham sickness; and
+that the only reason I did not whip her was, that she was a white woman,
+and I did not like to cut up her delicate skin. Some time after I was
+ordered to give two of our women, named Hannah and big Sarah, 150 lashes
+each, for not performing their tasks. The overseer stood by until he saw
+Hannah whipped, and until Sarah had been tied up to the tree. As soon as
+his back was turned I struck the tree instead of the woman, who
+understanding my object, shrieked as if the whip at every blow was
+cutting into her flesh. The overseer heard the blows and the woman's
+cries, and supposing that all was going on according to his mind, left
+the field. Unfortunately the husband of Hannah stood looking on; and
+indignant that his wife should be whipped and Sarah spared, determined
+to revenge himself by informing against me.
+
+Next morning Huckstep demanded of me whether I had whipped Sarah the day
+before; I replied in the affirmative. Upon this he called Sarah forward
+and made her show her back, which bore no traces of recent whipping. He
+then turned upon me and told me that the blows intended for Sarah should
+be laid on my back. That night the overseer, with the help of three of
+the hands, tied me up to a large tree--my arms and legs being clasped
+round it, and my body drawn up hard against it by two men pulling at my
+arms and one pushing against my back. The agony occasioned by this alone
+was almost intolerable. I felt a sense of painful suffocation, and could
+scarcely catch my breath.
+
+A moment after I felt the first blow of the overseer's whip across my
+shoulders. It seemed to cut into my very heart. I felt the blood gush,
+and run down my back. I fainted at length under the torture, and on
+being taken down, my shoes contained blood which ran from the gashes in
+my back. The skin was worn off from by breast, arms, and thighs, against
+the rough bark of the tree. I was sick and feverish, and in great pain
+for three weeks afterwards; most of which time I was obliged to lie with
+my face downwards, in consequence of the extreme soreness of my sides
+and back, Huckstep himself seemed concerned about me, and would come
+frequently to see me, and tell me that he should not have touched me had
+it not been for "the cursed peach brandy."
+
+Almost the first person that I was compelled to whip after I recovered,
+was the man who pushed at my back when I was tied up to the tree. The
+hands who were looking on at that time, all thought he pushed me much
+harder than was necessary: and they expected that I would retaliate upon
+him the injury I had received. After he was tied up, the overseer told
+me to give him a severe flogging, and left me. I struck the tree instead
+of the man. His wife, who was looking on, almost overwhelmed me with her
+gratitude.
+
+At length one morning, late in the fall of 1835, I saw Huckstep, and a
+gentleman ride out to the field. As they approached, I saw the latter
+was my master. The hands all ceased their labor, and crowded around him,
+inquiring about old Virginia. For my own part, I could not hasten to
+greet him. He had too cruelly deceived me. He at length came towards me,
+and seemed somewhat embarrassed. "Well James," said he, "how do you
+stand it here?" "Badly enough," I replied. "I had no thought that you
+could be so cruel as to go away and leave me as you did." "Well, well,
+it was too bad, but it could not be helped--you must blame Huckstep for
+it." "But," said I, "I was not his servant; I belonged to you, and you
+could do as you pleased." "Well," said he, "we will talk about that by
+and by." He then inquired of Huckstep where big Sarah was. "She was sick
+and died," was the answer. He looked round amoung the slaves again, and
+inquired for Harry. The overseer told him that Harry undertook to kill
+him, and that, to save his life, he was obliged to fire upon him, and
+that he died of the wound. After some further inquiries, he requested me
+to go into the house with him. He then asked me to tell him how things
+had been managed during his absence. I gave him a full account of the
+overseer's cruelty. When he heard of the manner of Harry's death, he
+seemed much affected and shed tears. He was a favorite servant of his
+father's. I showed him the deep scars on my back occasioned by the
+whipping I had received. He was, or professed to be, highly indignant
+with Huckstep; and said he would see to it that he did not lay hands on
+me again. He told me he should be glad to take me with him to Virginia,
+but he did not know where he should find a driver who would be so kind
+to the hands as I was. If I would stay ten years, he would give me a
+thousand dollars, and a piece of land to plant on my own account. "But,"
+said I, "my wife and children." "Well," said he, "I will do my best to
+purchase them, and send them on to you." I now saw that my destiny was
+fixed: and that I was to spend my days in Alabama, and I retired to my
+bed that evening with a heavy heart.
+
+My master staid only three or four days on the plantation. Before he
+left, he cautioned Huckstep to be careful and not strike me again, as he
+would on no account permit it. He told him to give the hands food
+enough, and not over-work them, and, having thus satisfied his
+conscience, left us to our fate.
+
+Out of the two hundred and fourteen slaves who were brought out from
+Virginia, at least one-third of them were members of the Methodist and
+Baptist churches in that State. Of this number five or six could read.
+Then had been torn away from the care and discipline of their respective
+churches, and from the means of instruction, but they retained their
+love for the exercises of religion; and felt a mournful pleasure in
+speaking of the privileges and spiritual blessings which they enjoyed in
+Old Virginia. Three of them had been preachers, or exhorters, viz.
+Solomon, usually called Uncle Solomon, Richard and David. Uncle Solomon
+was a grave, elderly man, mild and forgiving in his temper, and greatly
+esteemed among the more serious portion of our hands. He used to snatch
+every occasion to talk to the lewd and vicious about the concerns of
+their souls, and to advise them to fix their minds upon the Savior, as
+their only helper. Some I have heard curse and swear in answer, and
+others would say that they could not keep their minds upon God and the
+devil (meaning Huckstep) at the same time: that it was of no use to try
+to be religious--they had no time--that the overseer wouldn't let them
+meet to pray--and that even Uncle Solomon, when he prayed, had to keep
+one eye open all the time, to see if Huckstep was coming. Uncle Solomon
+could both read and write, and had brought out with him from Virginia a
+Bible, a hymn-book, and some other religious books, which he carefully
+concealed from the overseer, Huckstep was himself an open infidel as
+well as blasphemer. He used to tell the hands that there was no hell
+hereafter for white people, but that they had their punishment on earth
+in being obliged to take care of the negroes. As for the blacks, he was
+sure there was a hell for them. He used frequently to sit with his
+bottle by his side, and a Bible in his hand; and read passages and
+comment on them, and pronounce them lies. Any thing like religious
+feeling among the slaves irritated him. He said that so much praying and
+singing prevented the people from doing their tasks, as it kept them up
+nights, when they should be asleep. He used to mock, and in every
+possible way interrupt the poor slaves, who after the toil of the day,
+knelt in their lowly cabins to offer their prayers and supplications to
+Him whose ear is open to the sorrowful sighing of the prisoner, and who
+hath promised in His own time to come down and deliver. In his drunken
+seasons he would make excursions at night through the slave-quarters,
+enter the cabins, and frighten the inmates, especially if engaged in
+prayer or singing. On one of these occasions he came back rubbing his
+hands and laughing. He said he had found Uncle Solomon in his garden,
+down on his knees, praying like an old owl, and had tipped him over, and
+frightened him half out of his wits. At another time he found Uncle
+David sitting on his stool with his face thrust up the chimney, in order
+that his voice might not be heard by his brutal persecutor. He was
+praying, giving utterance to these words, probably in reference to his
+bondage:--"_How long, oh, Lord, how long_?" "As long as my whip!" cried
+the overseer, who had stolen behind him, giving him a blow. It was the
+sport of a demon.
+
+Not long after my master had left us, the overseer ascertained for the
+first time that some of the hands could read, and that they had brought
+books with them from Virginia. He compelled them to give up the keys of
+their chests, and on searching found several Bibles and hymn-books.
+Uncle Solomon's chest contained quite a library, which he could read at
+night by the light of knots of the pitchpine. These books he collected
+together, and in the evening called Uncle Solomon into the house. After
+jeering him for some time, he gave him one of the Bibles and told him to
+name his text and preach him a sermon. The old man was silent. He then
+made him get up on the table, and ordered him to pray. Uncle Solomon
+meekly replied, that "forced prayer was not good for soul or body." The
+overseer then knelt down himself, and in a blasphemous manner, prayed
+that the Lord would send his spirit into Uncle Solomon; or else let the
+old man fall from the table and break his neck, and so have an end of
+"nigger preaching." On getting up from his knees he went to the
+cupboard, poured out a glass of brandy for himself, and brought another
+to the table. "James," said he, addressing me, "Uncle Solomon stands
+there, for all the world, like a Hickory Quaker. His spirit don't move.
+I'll see if another spirit wont move it." He compelled the old preacher
+to swallow the brandy; and then told him to preach and exhort, for the
+spirit was in him. He set one of the Bibles on fire, and after it was
+consumed, mixed up the ashes of it in a glass of water, and compelled
+the old man to drink it, telling him that as the spirit and the word
+were now both in him, there was no longer any excuse for not preaching.
+After tormenting the wearied old man in this way until nearly midnight
+he permitted him to go to his quarters.
+
+The next day I saw Uncle Solomon, and talked with him about his
+treatment. He said it would not always be so--that slavery was to come
+to an end, for the Bible said so--that there would then be no more
+whippings and fightings, but the lion the lamb would lie down together,
+and all would be love. He said he prayed for Huckstep--that it was not
+he but the devil in him who behaved so. At his request, I found means to
+get him a Bible and a hymn-book from the overseer's room; and the old
+man ever afterwards kept them concealed in the hen-house.
+
+The weeding season of 1836, was marked by repeated acts of cruelty on
+the part of Huckstep. One of the hands, Priscilla, was, owing to her
+delicate situation, unable to perform her daily task. He ordered her to
+be tied up against a tree, in the same manner that I had been. In this
+situation she was whipped until _she was delivered of a dead infant, at
+the foot of the tree_! Our men took her upon a sheet, and carried her to
+the house, where she lay sick for several months, but finally recovered.
+I have heard him repeatedly laugh at the circumstance.
+
+Not long after this, we were surprised, one morning about ten o'clock,
+by hearing the horn blown at the house. Presently Aunt Polly came
+screaming into the field. "What is the matter, Aunty?" I inquired. "Oh
+Lor!" said she, "Old Huckstep's pitched off his horse and broke his
+head, and is e'en about dead."
+
+"Thank God!" said little Simon, "The devil will have him at last."
+
+"God-a-mighty be praised!" exclaimed half a dozen others.
+
+The hands, with one accord dropped their hoes; and crowded round the old
+woman, asking questions. "Is he dead?"--"Will he die?" "Did you feel of
+him--was he cold?"
+
+Aunt Polly explained as well as she could, that Huckstep, in a state of
+partial intoxication, had attempted to leap his horse over a fence, had
+fallen and cut a deep gash in his head, and that he was now lying
+insensible.
+
+It is impossible to describe the effect produced by this news among the
+hands. Men, women and children shouted, clapped their hands, and laughed
+aloud. Some cursed the overseer, and others thanked the Lord for taking
+him away. Little Simon got down on his knees, and called loudly upon God
+to finish his work, and never let the overseer again enter a cotton
+field. "Let him die, Lord," said he, "let him. He's killed enough of us:
+Oh, good Lord, let him die and not live."
+
+"Peace, peace! it is a bad spirit," said Uncle Solomon, "God himself
+willeth not the death of a sinner."
+
+I followed the old woman to the house; and found Huckstep at the foot of
+one of those trees, so common at the South, called the Pride of China.
+His face was black, and there was a frightful contusion on the side of
+his head. He was carried into the house, where, on my bleeding him, he
+revived. He lay in great pain for several days, and it was nearly three
+weeks before he was able to come out to the cotton fields.
+
+On returning to the field after Huckstep had revived, I found the hands
+sadly disappointed to hear that he was still living. Some of them fell
+to cursing and swearing, and were enraged with me for trying to save his
+life. Little Simon said I was a fool; if he had bled him he would have
+done it to some purpose. He would at least, have so disable his arm that
+he would never again try to swing a whip. Uncle Solomon remonstrated
+with Simon, and told that I had done right.
+
+The neighbouring overseers used frequently to visit Huckstep, and he, in
+turn, visited them. I was sometimes present during their interviews, and
+heard them tell each other stories of horse-racing, negro-huntings, &c.
+Some time during this season, Ludlow, who was overseer of a plantation
+about eight miles from ours, told of a slave of his named Thornton, who
+had twice attempted to escape with his wife and one child. The first
+time he was caught without much difficulty, chained to the overseer's
+horse, and in that way brought back. The poor man, to save his wife from
+a beating, laid all the blame upon himself; and said that his wife had
+no wish to escape, and tried to prevent him from attempting it. He was
+severely whipped; but soon ran away again, and was again arrested. The
+overseer, Ludlow, said he was determined to put a stop to the runaway,
+and accordingly had resort to a somewhat unusual method of punishment.
+
+There is a great scarcity of good water in that section of Alabama; and
+you will generally see a large cistern attached to the corners of the
+houses to catch water for washing &c. Underneath this cistern is
+frequently a tank from eight to ten feet deep, into which, when the
+former is full the water is permitted to run. From this tank the water
+is pumped out for use. Into one of these tanks the unfortunate slave was
+placed, and confined by one of his ancles to the bottom of it; and the
+water was suffered to flow in from above. He was compelled to pump out
+the water as fast as it came in, by means of a long rod or handle
+connected with the pump above ground. He was not allowed to begin until
+the water had risen to his middle. Any pause or delay after this, from
+weakness and exhaustion, would have been fatal, as the water would have
+risen above his head. In this horrible dungeon, toiling for his life, he
+was kept for twenty-four hours without any sustenance. Even Huckstep
+said that this was too bad--that he had himself formerly punished
+runaways in that way--but should not do it again.
+
+I rejoice to be able to say that this sufferer has at last escaped with
+his wife and child, into a free state. He was assisted by some white
+men, but I do not know all the particulars of his escape.
+
+Our overseer had not been long able to ride about the plantation after
+his accident, before his life was again endangered. He found two of the
+hands, Little Jarret and Simon, fighting with each other, and attempted
+to chastise both of them. Jarret bore it patiently, but Simon turned
+upon him, seized a stake or pin from a cart near by, and felled him to
+the ground. The overseer got up--went to the house, and told aunt Polly
+that he had nearly been killed by the 'niggers,' and requested her to
+tie up his head, from which the blood was streaming. As soon as this was
+done, he took down his gun, and went out in pursuit of Simon, who had
+fled to his cabin, to get some things which he supposed necessary
+previous to attempting his escape from the plantation. He was just
+stepping out of the door when he met the enraged overseer with his gun
+in his hand. Not a word was spoken by either. Huckstep raised his gun
+and fired. The man fell without a groan across the door-sill. He rose up
+twice on his hands and knees, but died in a few minutes. He was dragged
+off and buried. The overseer told me that there was no other way to deal
+with such a fellow. It was Alabama law, if a slave resisted to shoot him
+at once. He told me of a case which occurred in 1834, on a plantation
+about ten miles distant, and adjoining that where Crop, the negro
+hunter, boarded with his hounds. The overseer had bought some slaves at
+Selma, from a drove or coffle passing through the place. They proved
+very refractory. He whipped three of them, and undertook to whip a
+fourth who was from Maryland. The man raised his hoe in a threatening
+manner, and the overseer fired upon him. The slave fell, but instantly
+rose up on his hands and knees, and was beaten down again by the stock
+of the overseer's gun. The wounded wretch raised himself once more, drew
+a knife from the waistband of his pantaloons, and catching hold of the
+overseer's coat, raised himself high enough to inflict a fatal wound
+upon the latter. Both fell together, and died immediately after.
+
+Nothing more of special importance occurred until July, of last year,
+when one of our men named John, was whipped three times for not
+performing his task. On the last day of the month, after his third
+whipping, he ran away. On the following morning, I found that he was
+missing at his row. The overseer said we must hunt him up; and he blew
+the "nigger horn," as it is called, for the dogs. This horn was only
+used when we went out in pursuit of fugitives. It is a cow's horn, and
+makes a short, loud sound. We crossed Flincher's and Goldsby's
+plantations, as the dogs had got upon John's track, and went of barking
+in that direction, and the two overseers joined us in the chase. The
+dogs soon caught sight of the runaway, and compelled him to climb a
+tree. We came up; Huckstep ordered him down, and secured him upon my
+horse by tying him to my back. On reaching home he was stripped entirely
+naked and lashed up to a tree. Flincher then volunteered to whip him on
+one side of his legs, and Goldsby on the other. I had, in the meantime,
+been ordered to prepare a wash of salt and pepper, and wash his wounds
+with it. The poor fellow groaned, and his flesh shrunk and quivered as
+the burning solution was applied to it. This wash, while it adds to the
+immediate torment of the sufferer, facilitates the cure of the wounded
+parts. Huckstep then whipped him from his neck down to his thighs,
+making the cuts lengthwise of his back. He was very expert with the
+whip, and could strike, at any time, within an inch of his mark. He then
+gave the whip to me and told me to strike directly across his back. When
+I had finished, the miserable sufferer, from his neck to his heel, was
+covered with blood and bruises. Goldsby and Flincher now turned to
+Huckstep, and told him, that I deserved a whipping as much as John did:
+that they had known me frequently disobey his orders, and that I was
+partial to the "Virginia ladies," and didn't whip them as I did the men.
+They said if I was a driver of theirs they would know what to do with
+me. Huckstep agreed with them; and after directing me to go to the house
+and prepare more of the wash for John's back, he called after me with an
+oath, to see to it that I had some for myself, for he meant to give me,
+at least, two hundred and fifty lashes. I returned to the house, and
+scarcely conscious of what I was doing, filled an iron vessel with
+water, put in the salt and pepper; and placed it over the embers.
+
+As I stood by the fire watching the boiling of the mixture, and
+reflecting upon the dreadful torture to which I was about to he
+subjected, the thought of _escape_ flashed upon my mind. The chance was
+a desperate one; but I resolved to attempt it. I ran up stairs, tied my
+shirt in a handkerchief, and stepped out of the back door of the house,
+telling Aunt Polly to take care of the wash at the fire until I
+returned. The sun was about one hour high, but luckily for me the hands
+as well as the three overseers, were on the other side of the house. I
+kept the house between them and myself, and ran as fast as I could for
+the woods. On reaching them I found myself obliged to proceed slowly as
+there was a thick undergrowth of cane and reeds. Night came on. I
+straggled forward by a dim star-light, amidst vines and reed beds. About
+midnight the horizon began to be overcast; and the darkness increased
+until in the thick forest, I could scarcely see a yard before me.
+Fearing that I might lose my way and wander towards the plantation,
+instead of from it, I resolved to wait until day. I laid down upon a
+little hillock, and fell asleep.
+
+When I awoke it was broad day. The clouds had vanished, and the hot
+sunshine fell through the trees upon my face. I started up, realizing my
+situation, and darted onward. My object was to reach the great road by
+which we had travelled when we came out from Virginia. I had, however,
+very little hope of escape. I knew that a hot pursuit would be made
+after me, and what I most dreaded was, that the overseer would procure
+Crop's bloodhounds to follow my track. If only the hounds of our
+plantation were sent after me, I had hopes of being able to make friends
+of them, as they were always good-natured and obedient to me. I
+travelled until, as near as I could judge, about ten o'clock, when a
+distant sound startled me. I stopped and listened. It was the deep bay
+of the bloodhound, apparently at a great distance. I hurried on until I
+came to a creek about fifteen yards wide, skirted by an almost
+impenetrable growth of reeds and cane. Plunging into it, I swam across
+and ran down by the side of it a short distance, and, in order to baffle
+the dogs, swam back to the other side again. I stopped in the reed-bed
+and listened. The dogs seemed close at hand, and by the loud barking I
+felt persuaded that Crop's hounds were with them. I thought of the fate
+of Little John, who had been torn in pieces by the hounds, and of the
+scarcely less dreadful condition of those who had escaped the dogs only
+to fall into the hands of the overseer. The yell of the dogs grew
+louder. Escape seemed impossible. I ran down to the creek with a
+determination to drown myself. I plunged into the water and went down to
+the bottom; but the dreadful strangling sensation compelled me to
+struggle up to the surface. Again I heard the yell of the bloodhounds;
+and again desperately plunged down into the water. As I went down I
+opened my mouth, and, choked and gasping, I found myself once more
+struggling upward. As I rose to the top of the water and caught a
+glimpse of the sunshine and the trees, the love of life revived in me. I
+swam to the other side of the creek, and forced my way through the reeds
+to a large tree, and stood under one of its lowest limbs, ready in case
+of necessity, to spring up into it. Here panting and exhausted, I stood
+waiting for the dogs. The woods seemed full of them. I heard a bell
+tinkle, and, a moment after, our old hound Venus came bounding through
+the cane, dripping wet from the creek. As the old hound came towards me,
+I called to her as I used to do when out hunting with her. She stopped
+suddenly, looked up at me, and then came wagging her tail and fawning
+around me. A moment after the other dog came up hot in the chase, and
+with their noses to the ground. I called to them, but they did not look
+up, but came yelling on. I was just about to spring into the tree to
+avoid them when Venus the old hound met them, and stopped them. They
+then all came fawning and playing and jumping about me. The very
+creatures whom a moment before I had feared would tear me limb from
+limb, were now leaping and licking my hands, and rolling on the leaves
+around me. I listened awhile in the fear of hearing the voices of men
+following the dogs, but there was no sound in the forest save the
+gurgling of the sluggish waters of the creek, and the chirp of black
+squirrels in the trees. I took courage and started onward once more,
+taking the dogs with me. The bell on the neck of the old dog, I feared
+might betray me, and, unable to get it off her neck, I twisted some of
+the long moss of the trees around it, so as to prevent its ringing. At
+night I halted once more with the dogs by my side. Harassed with fear,
+and tormented with hunger, I laid down and tried to sleep. But the dogs
+were uneasy, and would start up and bark at the cries or the footsteps
+of wild animals, and I was obliged, to use my utmost exertions to keep
+them quiet, fearing that their barking would draw my pursuers upon me. I
+slept but little; and as soon as daylight, started forward again. The
+next day towards evening, I reached a great road which, I rejoiced to
+find, was the same which my master and myself had travelled on our way
+to Greene county. I now thought it best to get rid of the dogs, and
+accordingly started them in pursuit of a deer. They went off, yelling on
+the track, and I never saw them again. I remembered that my master told
+me, near this place, that we were in the Creek country, and that there
+were some Indian settlements not far distant. In the course of the
+evening I crossed the road, and striking into a path through the woods,
+soon came to a number of Indian cabins. I went into one of them and
+begged for some food. The Indian women received me with a great deal of
+kindness, and gave me a good supper of venison, corn bread, and stewed
+pumpkin. I remained with them till the evening of the next day, when I
+started afresh on my journey. I kept on the road leading to Georgia. In
+the latter part of the night I entered into a long low bottom, heavily
+timbered--sometimes called Wolf Valley. It was a dreary and frightful
+place. As I walked on, I heard on all sides the howling of the wolves,
+and the quick patter of their feet on the leaves and sticks, as they ran
+through the woods. At daylight I laid down, but had scarcely closed my
+eyes when I was roused up by the wolves snarling and howling around me.
+I started on my feet, and saw several of them running by me. I did not
+again close my eyes during the whole day. In the afternoon, a bear with
+her two cubs came to a large chestnut tree near where I lay. She crept
+up the tree, went out on one of the limbs, and broke off several twigs
+in trying to shake down the nuts. They were not ripe enough to fall,
+and, after several vain attempts to procure some of them, she crawled
+down the tree again and went off with her young.
+
+The day was long and tedious. As soon as it was dark, I once more
+resumed my journey. But fatigue and the want of food and sleep rendered
+me almost incapable of further effort. It was not long before I fell
+asleep, while walking, and wandered out of the road. I was awakened by a
+bunch of moss which hung down from the limb of a tree and met my face. I
+looked up and saw, as I thought, a large man standing just before me. My
+first idea was that some one had struck me over the face, and that I had
+been at last overtaken by Huckstep. Rubbing my eyes once more, I saw the
+figure before me sink down upon its hands and knees. Another glance
+assured me that it was a bear and not a man. He passed across the road
+and disappeared. This adventure kept me awake for the remainder of the
+night. Towards morning I passed by a plantation, on which was a fine
+growth of peach trees, full of ripe fruit. I took as many of them as I
+could conveniently carry in my hands and pockets, and retiring a little
+distance into the woods, laid down and slept till evening, when I again
+went forward.
+
+Sleeping thus by day and travelling by night, in a direction towards the
+North Star, I entered Georgia. As I only travelled in the night time, I
+was unable to recognize rivers and places which I had seen before until
+I reached Columbus, where I recollected I had been with my master. From
+this place I took the road leading to Washington, and passed directly
+through that village. On leaving the village, I found myself contrary to
+my expectation, in an open country with no woods in view. I walked on
+until day broke in the east. At a considerable distance ahead, I saw a
+group of trees, and hurried on towards it. Large and beautiful
+plantations were on each side of me, from which I could hear dogs bark,
+and the driver's horn sounding. On reaching the trees, I found that they
+afforded but a poor place of concealment. On either hand, through its
+openings, I could see the men turning out to the cotton fields. I found
+a place to lie down between two oak stumps, around which the new shoots
+had sprung up thickly, forming a comparatively close shelter. After
+eating some peaches, which since leaving the Indian settlement had
+constituted my sole food, I fell asleep. I was waked by the barking of a
+dog. Raising my head and looking through the bushes, I found that the
+dog was barking at a black squirrel who was chattering on a limb almost
+directly above me. A moment after, I heard a voice speaking to the dog,
+and soon saw a man with a gun in his hand, stealing through the wood. He
+passed close to the stumps, where I lay trembling with terror lest he
+should discover me. He kept his eye however upon the tree, and raising
+his gun, fired. The squirrel dropped dead close by my side. I saw that
+any further attempt at concealment would be in vain, and sprang upon my
+feet. The man started forward on seeing me, struck at me with his gun
+and beat my hat off. I leaped into the road; and he followed after,
+swearing he would shoot me if I didn't stop. Knowing that his gun was
+not loaded, I paid no attention to him, but ran across the road into a
+cotton field where there was a great gang of slaves working. The man
+with the gun followed, and called to the two colored drivers who were on
+horseback, to ride after me and stop me. I saw a large piece of woodland
+at some distance ahead, and directed my course towards it. Just as I
+reached it, I looked back, and saw my pursuer far behind me; and found,
+to my great joy, that the two drivers had not followed me. I got behind
+a tree, and soon heard the man enter the woods and pass me. After all
+had been still for more than an hour, I crept into a low place in the
+depth of the woods and laid down amidst a bed of reeds, where I again
+fell asleep. Towards evening, on awaking, I found the sky beginning to
+be cloudy, and before night set in it was completely overcast. Having
+lost my hat, I tied an old handkerchief over my head, and prepared to
+resume my journey. It was foggy and very dark, and involved as I was in
+the mazes of the forest, I did not know in what direction I was going. I
+wandered on until I reached a road, which I supposed to be the same one
+which I had left. The next day the weather was still dark and rainy, and
+continued so for several days. During this time I slept only by leaning
+against the body of a tree, as the ground was soaked with rain. On the
+fifth night after my adventure near Washington, the clouds broke away,
+and the clear moonlight and the stars shone down upon me.
+
+I looked up to see the North Star, which I supposed still before me. But
+I sought it in vain in all that quarter of the heavens. A dreadful
+thought came over me that I had been travelling out of my way. I turned
+round and saw the North Star, which had been shining directly upon my
+back. I then knew that I had been travelling away from freedom, and
+towards the place of my captivity ever since I left the woods into which
+I had been pursued on the 21st, five days before. Oh, the keen and
+bitter agony of that moment! I sat down on the decaying trunk of a
+fallen tree, and wept like a child. Exhausted in mind and body, nature
+came at last to my relief, and I fell asleep upon the log. When I awoke
+it was still dark. I rose and nerved myself for another effort for
+freedom. Taking the North Star for my guide, I turned upon my track, and
+left once more the dreaded frontiers of Alabama behind me. The next
+night, after crossing the one on which I travelled, and which seemed to
+lead more directly towards the North. I took this road, and the next
+night after, I came to a large village. Passing through the main street,
+I saw a large hotel which I at once recollected. I was in Augusta, and
+this was the hotel at which my master had spent several days when I was
+with him, on one of his southern visits. I heard the guards patrolling
+the town cry the hour of twelve; and fearful of being taken up, I turned
+out of the main street, and got upon the road leading to Petersburg. On
+reaching the latter place, I swam over the Savannah river into South
+Carolina, and from thence passed into North Carolina.
+
+Hitherto I had lived mainly upon peaches, which were plenty on almost
+all the plantations in Alabama and Georgia; but the season was now too
+far advanced for them, and I was obliged to resort to apples. These I
+obtained without much difficulty until within two or three days journey
+of the Virginia line. At this time I had had nothing to eat but two or
+three small and sour apples for twenty-four hours, and I waited
+impatiently for night, in the hope of obtaining fruit from the orchards
+along the road. I passed by several plantations, but found no apples.
+After midnight, I passed near a large house, with fruit trees around it.
+I searched under, and climbed up and shook several of them to no
+purpose. At last I found a tree on which there were a few apples. On
+shaking it, half a dozen fell. I got down, and went groping and feeling
+about for them in the grass, but could find only two, the rest were
+devoured by several hogs who were there on the same errand with myself.
+I pursued my way until day was about breaking, when I passed another
+house. The feeling of extreme hunger was here so intense, that it
+required all the resolution I was master of to keep myself from going,
+up to the house and breaking into it in search of food. But the thought
+of being again made a slave, and of suffering the horrible punishment of
+a runaway restrained me. I lay in the worlds all that day without food.
+The next evening, I soon found a large pile of excellent apples, from
+which I supplied myself.
+
+The next evening I reached Halifax Court House, and I then knew that I
+was near Virginia. On the 7th of October, I came to the Roanoke, and
+crossed it in the midst of a violent storm of rain and thunder. The
+current ran so furiously that I was carried down with it, and with great
+difficulty, and in a state of complete exhaustion, reached the
+opposite shore.
+
+At about 2 o'clock, on the night of the 15th, I approached Richmond, but
+not daring to go into the city at that hour, on account of the patrols,
+I lay in the woods near Manchester, until the next evening, when I
+started in the twilight, in order to enter before the setting of the
+watch. I passed over the bridge unmolested, although in great fear, as
+my tattered clothes and naked head were well calculated to excite
+suspicion; and being well acquainted with the localities of the city,
+made my way to the house of a friend. I was received with the utmost
+kindness, and welcomed as one risen from the dead. Oh, how inexpressibly
+sweet were the tones of human sympathy, after the dreadful trials to
+which I had been subjected--the wrongs and outrages which I witnessed
+and suffered! For between two and three months I had not spoken with a
+human being, and the sound even of my own voice now seemed strange to my
+ears. During this time, save in two or three instances I had tasted of
+no food except peaches and apples. I was supplied with some dried meat
+and coffee, but the first mouthful occasioned nausea and faintness. I
+was compelled to take my bed, and lay sick for several days. By the
+assiduous attention and kindness of my friends, I was supplied with
+every thing which was necessary during my sickness. I was detained in
+Richmond nearly a month. As soon as I had sufficiently recovered to be
+able to proceed on my journey, I bade my kind host and his wife an
+affectionate farewell, and set forward once more towards a land of
+freedom. I longed to visit my wife and children in Powhatan county, but
+the dread of being discovered prevented me from attempting it. I had
+learned from my friends in Richmond that they were living and in good
+health, but greatly distressed on my account.
+
+My friends had provided me with a fur cap, and with as much lean ham,
+cake and biscuit, as I could conveniently carry. I proceeded in the same
+way as before, travelling by night and lying close and sleeping by day.
+About the last of November I reached the Shenandoah river. It was very
+cold; ice had already formed along the margin, and in swimming the river
+I was chilled through; and my clothes froze about me soon after I had
+reached the opposite side. I passed into Maryland, and on the 5th of
+December, stepped across the line which divided the free state of
+Pennsylvania from the land of slavery.
+
+I had a few shillings in money which were given me at Richmond, and
+after travelling nearly twenty-four hours from the time I crossed the
+line, I ventured to call at a tavern, and buy a dinner. On reaching
+Carlisle, I enquired of the ostler in a stable if he knew of any one who
+wished to hire a house servant or coachman. He said he did not. Some
+more colored people came in, and taking me aside told me that they knew
+that I was from Virginia, by my pronunciation of certain words--that I
+was probably a runaway slave--but that I need not be alarmed, as they
+were friends, and would do all in their power to protect me. I was taken
+home by one of them, and treated with the utmost kindness; and at night
+he took me in a wagon, and carried me some distance on my way to
+Harrisburg, where he said I should meet with friends.
+
+He told me that I had better go directly to Philadelphia, as there would
+be less danger of my being discovered and retaken there than in the
+country, and there were a great many persons there who would exert
+themselves to secure me from the slaveholders. In parting he cautioned
+me against conversing or stopping with any man on the road, unless he
+wore a plain, straight collar on a round coat, and said, "thee," and
+"thou." By following his directions I arrived safely in Philadelphia,
+having been kindly entertained and assisted on my journey, by several
+benevolent gentlemen and ladies, whose compassion for the wayworn and
+hunted stranger I shall never forget, and whose names will always be
+dear to me. On reaching Philadelphia, I was visited by a large number of
+the Abolitionists, and friends of the colored people, who, after hearing
+my story, thought it would not be safe for me to remain in any part of
+the United States. I remained in Philadelphia a few days; and then a
+gentleman came on to New-York with me, I being considered on board the
+steam-boat, and in the cars, as his servant. I arrived at New-York, on
+the 1st of January. The sympathy and kindness which I have every where
+met with since leaving the slave states, has been the more grateful to
+me because it was in a great measure unexpected. The slaves are always
+told that if they escape into a free state, they will be seized and put
+in prison, until their masters send for them. I had heard Huckstep and
+the other overseers occasionally speak of the Abolitionists, but I did
+not know or dream that they were the friends of the slave. Oh, if the
+miserable men and women, now toiling on the plantations of Alabama,
+could know that thousands in the free states are praying and striving
+for their deliverance, how would the glad tidings be whispered from
+cabin to cabin, and how would the slave-mother as she watches over her
+infant, bless God, on her knees, for the hope that this child of her day
+of sorrow, might never realize in stripes, and toil, and grief
+unspeakable, what it is to be a slave?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This Narrative can he had at the Depository of the American Anti-Slavery
+Society, No 143 Nassau Street, New York, in a neat volume, 108 pp.
+12mo., embellished with an elegant and accurate steel engraved likeness
+of James Williams, price 25 cts. single copy, $17 per hundred.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NO. 7
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER.
+
+
+
+EMANCIPATION IN THE WEST INDIES.
+
+A SIX MONTHS' TOUR IN ANTIGUA, BARBADOES, AND JAMAICA IN THE YEAR 1837.
+
+BY JAS. A. THOME, AND J. HORACE KIMBALL.
+
+NEW YORK:
+
+PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, No. 143 NASSAU-STREET.
+1838.
+
+This periodical contains 4 sheets.--Postage under 100 miles, 6 cents;
+over 100 miles, 10 cents.
+
+
+   ENTERED,
+   according to the act of Congress, in the year 1838, by
+   JOHN RANKIN,
+   Treasurer, of the American, Anti-Slavery Society,
+   in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States,
+   for the Southern District of New York.
+
+Price $12 50 per hundred copies, 18-3/4 cents single copy, _in sheets_:
+$13 25 per hundred, and 20 cents single, _if stitched_.
+
+NOTE.--This work is published in this cheap form, to give it a wide
+circulation. Please, _after perusal_, to send it to some friend.
+
+This work, as originally published, can be had at the Depository of the
+American Anti-Slavery Society, No. 143, Nassau Street, New York, on fine
+paper, handsomely bound, in a volume of 489 pages, price one dollar per
+copy, $75 per hundred.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ANTIGUA.--CHAPTER I.
+
+    Geography and Statistics of the Island,--Reflections on
+    arrival,--Interview with Clergymen,--with the Governor,--with a
+    member of Assembly,--Sabbath,--Service at the Moravian
+    Chapel,--Sabbath School,--Service at the Episcopal Church,--Service
+    at the Wesleyan Chapel,--Millar's Estate,--Cane-holing,--Colored
+    planter,--Fitch's Creek Estate,--Free Villages,--Dinner at the
+    Governor's,--Donovan's Estate,--Breakfast at Mr. Watkins,--Dr.
+    Ferguson,--Market,--Lockup house,--Christmas Holidays,--Colored
+    Population,--Thibou Jarvis's Estate,--Testimony of the
+    Manager,--Anniversary of the Friendly Society,--A negro
+    patriarch,--Green Castle Estate,--Testimony of the
+    Manager,--Anniversary of the Juvenile Association,--Wetherill
+    Estate,--Testimony of the Manager,--Conversation with a
+    boatman,--Moravian station at Newfield,--Testimony of the
+    Missionaries,--School for Adults,--Interview with the Speaker of the
+    Assembly,--Moravian "Speaking,"--Conversation with Emancipated
+    Slaves,--The Rector of St. Philip's,--Frey's Estate,--Interview with
+    the American Consul,--Sabbath at Millar's,--Breakfast at the Villa
+    Estate,--A Fair,--Breakfast at Mr. Cranstoun's,--His
+    Testimony,--Moravian Station at Cedar Hall,--Conversation with
+    Emancipated Slaves,--Moravian Station at Grace Bay,--Testimony of
+    the Missionaries,--Grandfather Jacob,--Mr. Scotland's Estate.--A day
+    at Fitch's Creek,--Views of the Manager,--A call from the
+    Archdeacon,--from Rev. Edward Fraser,--Wesleyan District
+    Meeting,--Social interviews with the Missionaries,--Their Views and
+    Testimony,--Religious Anniversaries,--Temperance Society,--Bible
+    Society,--Wesleyan Missionary Society.--Resolution of the
+    Meeting,--Laying the Corner Stone of a Wesleyan Chapel,--Resolutions
+    of the Missionaries.
+
+
+ANTIGUA.--CHAPTER II.
+
+GENERAL RESULTS.
+
+    Religion,--Statistics of Denominations,--Morality,--Reverence for
+    the Lord's Day,--Marriage,--Conjugal faithfulness,--Concubinage
+    decreasing,--Temperance,--Profane Language rare,--Statistics of the
+    Bible Society,--Missionary Associations,--Temperance
+    Societies,--Friendly Societies,--Daily Meal Society,--Distressed
+    Females' Friend Society,--Education,--Annual Examination of the
+    Parochial School,--Infant Schools in the Country,--Examination at
+    Parham,--at Willoughby Bay,--Mr. Thwaite's Replies to Queries on
+    Education,--Great Ignorance before Emancipation,--Aptness of the
+    Negroes to learn,--Civil and Political Condition of the Emancipated.
+
+
+ANTIGUA.--CHAPTER III.
+
+FACTS AND TESTIMONY.
+
+    IMMEDIATE ABOLITION--an immense change to the condition of the
+    Slave,--Adopted from Political and Pecuniary Considerations,--Went
+    into operation peaceably,--gave additional security to Persons and
+    Property,--Is regarded by all as a great blessing to the
+    Island,--Free, cheaper than Slave labor,--More work done, and better
+    done, since Emancipation,--Freemen more easily managed than
+    Slaves,--The Emancipated more Trustworthy than when Slaves,--They
+    appreciate and reverence Law,--They stay at home and mind their own
+    business,--Are less "insolent" than when Slaves,--Gratitude a strong
+    trait of their character,--Emancipation has elevated them,--It has
+    raised the price of Real Estate, given new life to Trade, and to all
+    kinds of business,--Wrought a total change in the views of the
+    Planters,--Weakened Prejudice against Color,--The Discussions
+    preceding Emancipation restrained Masters from
+    Cruelties,--Concluding Remarks.
+
+
+BARBADOES.
+
+    Passage to Barbadoes,--Bridgetown,--Visit to the Governor,--To the
+    Archdeacon,--Lear's Estate,--Testimony of the Manager,--Dinner Party
+    at Lear's,--Ride to Scotland,--The Red Shanks,--Sabbath at Lear's;
+    Religious Service,--Tour to the Windward,--Breakfast Party at the
+    Colliton Estate,--Testimony to the Working of the
+    Apprenticeship,--The Working of it in Demerara,--The Codrington
+    Estate,--Codrington College,--The "Horse,"--An Estate on Fire,--The
+    Ridge Estate; Dinner with a Company of Planters,--A Day at Colonel
+    Ashby's; his Testimony to the Working of the
+    Apprenticeship,--Interviews with Planters; their Testimony,--The
+    Belle Estate,--Edgecombe Estate; Colonel Barrow,--Horton
+    Estate,--Drax Hall Estate,--Dinner Party at the
+    Governor's,--Testimony concerning the Apprenticeship,--Market
+    People,--Interview with Special Justice Hamilton; his
+    Testimony,--Station House, District A; Trials of Apprentices before
+    Special Magistrate Colthurst,--Testimony of the Superintendent of
+    the Rural Police,--Communication from Special Justice
+    Colthurst,--Communication from Special Justice Hamilton,--Testimony
+    of Clergymen and Missionaries,--Curate of St. Paul's,--A FREE
+    Church,--A Sabbath School Annual Examination,--Interview with
+    Episcopal Clergymen; their Testimony,--Visit to Schools,--Interview
+    with the Superintendent of the Wesleyan Mission,--Persecution of the
+    Methodists by Slaveholders,--The Moravian Mission,--Colored
+    Population,--Dinner Party at Mr. Harris's,--Testimony concerning the
+    objects of our Mission,--A New Englander,--History of an Emancipated
+    Slave,--Breakfast Party at Mr. Thorne's,--Facts and Testimony
+    concerning Slavery and the Apprenticeship,--History of an
+    Emancipated Slave,--Breakfast Party at Mr. Prescod's,--Character and
+    History of the late Editor of the New Times,--Breakfast Party at Mr.
+    Bourne's,--Prejudice,--History and Character of an Emancipated
+    Slave,--Prejudice, vincible,--Concubinage,--Barbadoes as it was;
+    "Reign of Terror;"--Testimony; Cruelties,--Insurrection of
+    1816,--Licentiousness,--Prejudice--Indolence and Inefficiency of the
+    Whites,--Hostility to Emancipation,--Barbadoes as it is,--The
+    Apprenticeship System; Provisions respecting the Special
+    Magistrates,--Provisions respecting the Master,--Provisions
+    respecting the Apprentice,--The Design of the
+    Apprenticeship,--Practical Operation of the
+    Apprenticeship,--Sympathy of the Special Magistrates with the
+    Masters,--Apprenticeship, modified Slavery,--Vexatious to the
+    Master,--No Preparation for Freedom,--Begets hostility between
+    Master and Apprentice,--Has illustrated the Forbearance of the
+    Negroes,--Its tendency to exasperate them,--Testimony to the Working
+    of the Apprenticeship in the Windward Islands generally.
+
+
+JAMAICA.
+
+    Sketch of its Scenery,--Interview with the Attorney General,--The
+    Solicitor General; his Testimony,--The American Consul; his
+    Testimony,--The Superintendent of the Wesleyan Missions,--The
+    Baptist Missionaries; Sabbath; Service in a Baptist
+    Chapel,--Moravians; Episcopalians; Scotch Presbyterians,--Schools in
+    Kingston,--Communication from the Teacher of the Wolmer Free School;
+    Education; Statistics,--The Union School,--"Prejudice
+    Vincible,"--Disabilities and Persecutions of Colored People,--Edward
+    Jordan, Esq.,--Colored Members of Assembly,--Richard Hill,
+    Esq.,--Colored Artisans and Merchants in Kingston,--Police Court of
+    Kingston,--American Prejudice in the "limbos,"--"Amalgamation!"--St.
+    Andrew's House of Correction; Tread-mill,--Tour through "St. Thomas
+    in the East,"--Morant Bay; Local Magistrate; his lachrymal
+    forebodings,--Proprietor of Green Wall Estate; his
+    Testimony,--Testimony of a Wesleyan Missionary,--Belvidere Estate;
+    Testimony of the Manager,--Chapel built by Apprentices,--House of
+    Correction,--Chain-Gang,--A call from Special Justice Baines; his
+    Testimony,--Bath,--Special Justice's Office; his
+    Testimony,--"Alarming Rebellion,"--Testimony of a Wesleyan
+    Missionary,--Principal of the Mico Charity School; his
+    Testimony,--Noble instance of Filial Affection in a Negro
+    Girl,--Plantain Garden River Valley; Alexander Barclay,
+    Esq.,--Golden Grove Estate; Testimony of the Manager,--The Custos of
+    the Parish; his Testimony,--Amity Hall Estate; Testimony of the
+    Manager,--Lord Belmore's Prophecy,--Manchioneal; Special Magistrate
+    Chamberlain; his Testimony,--his Weekly Court,--Pro slavery
+    gnashings,--Visit with the Special Magistrate to the Williamsfield
+    Estate; Testimony of the Manager,--Oppression of
+    Book-keepers,--Sabbath; Service at a Baptist Chapel,--Interview with
+    Apprentices; their Testimony,--Tour through St. Andrew's and Port
+    Royal,--Visit to Estates in company with Special Justice
+    Bourne,--White Emigrants to Jamaica,--Dublin Castle Estate; Special
+    Justice Court,--A Despot in convulsions; arbitrary power dies
+    hard,--Encounter with Mules in a mountain pass,--Silver Hill Estate;
+    cases tried; Appraisement of an Apprentice,--Peter's Rock
+    Estate,--Hall's Prospect Estate,--Female Traveling Merchant,--Negro
+    Provision Grounds,--Apprentices eager to work for Money,--Jury of
+    Inquest,--Character of Overseers,--Conversation with Special Justice
+    Hamilton,--With a Proprietor of Estates and Local Magistrate;
+    Testimony,--Spanishtown,--Richard Hill, Esq., Secretary of the
+    Special Magistracy,--Testimony of Lord Sligo concerning him,--Lord
+    Sligo's Administration; its independence and
+    impartiality,--Statements of Mr. Hill,--Statements of Special
+    Justice Ramsey,--Special Justice's Court,--Baptist Missionary at
+    Spanishtown; his Testimony,--Actual Working of the Apprenticeship;
+    no Insurrection; no fear of it; no Increase of Crime; Negroes
+    improving; Marriage increased; Sabbath better kept; Religious
+    Worship better attended; Law obeyed,--Apprenticeship vexatious to
+    both parties,--Atrocities perpetrated by Masters and
+    Magistrates,--Causes of the ill-working of the
+    Apprenticeship--Provisions of the Emancipation Act defeated by
+    Planters and Magistrates,--The present Governor a favorite with the
+    Planters,--Special Justice Palmer suspended by him,--Persecution of
+    Special Justice Bourne,--Character of the Special
+    Magistrates,--Official Cruelty; Correspondence between a Missionary
+    and Special Magistrate,--Sir Lionel Smith's Message to the House of
+    Assembly,--Causes of the Diminished Crops since
+    Emancipation,--Anticipated Consequences of full Emancipation in
+    1840,--Examination of the grounds of such anticipations,--Views of
+    Missionaries and Colored People, Magistrates and
+    Planters;--Concluding Remarks.
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+    Official Communication from Special Justice Lyon,--Communication
+    from the Solicitor General of Jamaica,--Communication from Special
+    Justice Colthurst,--Official Returns of the Imports and Exports of
+    Barbadoes,--Valuations of Apprentices in Jamaica,--Tabular View of
+    the Crops in Jamaica for fifty-three years preceding 1836; Comments
+    of the Jamaica Watchman on the foregoing Table,--Comments of the
+    Spanishtown Telegraph,--Brougham's Speech in Parliament.
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+It is hardly possible that the success of British West India
+Emancipation should be more conclusively proved, than it has been by the
+absence among us of the exultation which awaited its failure. So many
+thousands of the citizens of the United States, without counting
+slaveholders, would not have suffered their prophesyings to be
+falsified, if they could have found whereof to manufacture fulfilment.
+But it is remarkable that, even since the first of August, 1834, the
+evils of West India emancipation on the lips of the advocates of
+slavery, or, as the most of them nicely prefer to be termed, the
+opponents of abolition, have remained in the future tense. The bad
+reports of the newspapers, spiritless as they have been compared with
+the predictions, have been traceable, on the slightest inspection, not
+to emancipation, but to the illegal continuance of slavery, under the
+cover of its legal substitute. Not the slightest reference to the rash
+act, whereby the thirty thousand slaves of Antigua were immediately
+"turned loose," now mingles with the croaking which strives to defend
+our republican slavery against argument and common sense.
+
+The Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society, deemed it
+important that the silence which the pro-slavery press of the United
+States has seemed so desirous to maintain in regard to what is strangely
+enough termed the "great experiment of freedom," should be thoroughly
+broken up by a publication of facts and testimony collected on the spot.
+To this end, REV. JAMES A. THOME, and JOSEPH H. KIMBALL, ESQ., were
+deputed to the West Indies to make the proper investigations. Of their
+qualifications for the task, the subsequent pages will furnish the best
+evidence: it is proper, however, to remark, that Mr. Thome is thoroughly
+acquainted with our own system of slavery, being a native and still a
+resident of Kentucky, and the son of a slaveholder, (happily no longer
+so,) and that Mr. Kimball is well known as the able editor of the Herald
+of Freedom, published at Concord, New Hampshire.
+
+They sailed from New York, the last of November, 1836, and returned
+early in June, 1837. They improved a short stay at the Danish island of
+St. Thomas, to give a description of slavery as it exists there, which,
+as it appeared for the most part in the anti-slavery papers, and as it
+is not directly connected with the great question at issue, has not been
+inserted in the present volume. Hastily touching at some of the other
+British islands, they made Antigua, Barbadoes, and Jamaica, successively
+the objects of their deliberate and laborious study--as fairly
+presenting the three grand phases of the "experiment"--Antigua,
+exemplifying immediate unrestricted abolition; Barbadoes, the best
+working of the apprenticeship, and Jamaica the worst. Nine weeks were
+spent in Antigua, and the remainder of their time was divided between
+the other two islands.
+
+The reception of the delegates was in the highest degree favorable to
+the promotion of their object, and their work will show how well they
+have used the extraordinary facilities afforded them. The committee
+have, in some instances, restored testimonials which their modesty led
+them to suppress, showing in what estimation they themselves, as well as
+the object of their mission, were held by some of the most distinguished
+persons in the islands which they visited.
+
+So wide was the field before them, and so rich and various the fruit to
+be gathered, that they were tempted to go far beyond the strength
+supplied by the failing health they carried with them. Most nobly did
+they postpone every personal consideration to the interests of the
+cause, and the reader will, we think, agree with us, that they have
+achieved a result which undiminished energies could not have been
+expected to exceed--a result sufficient, if any thing could be, to
+justify the sacrifice it cost them. We regret to add that the labors and
+exposures of Mr. Kimball, so far prevented his recovery from the
+disease[A] which obliged him to resort to a milder climate, or perhaps
+we should say aggravated it, that he has been compelled to leave to his
+colleague, aided by a friend, nearly the whole burden of preparing for
+the press--which, together with the great labor of condensing from the
+immense amount of collected materials, accounts for the delay of the
+publication. As neither Mr. Thome nor Mr. Kimball were here while the
+work was in the press, it is not improbable that trivial errors have
+occurred, especially in the names of individuals.
+
+[Footnote A: We learn that Mr. Kimball closed his mortal career at
+Pembroke, N.H. April 12th, in the 25th year of his age. Very few men in
+the Anti-Slavery cause have been more distinguished, than this lamented
+brother, for the zeal, discretion and ability with which he has
+advocated the cause of the oppressed. "Peace to the memory of a man
+of worth!"]
+
+It will be perceived that the delegates rest nothing of importance on
+their own unattested observation. At every point they are fortified by
+the statements of a multitude of responsible persons in the islands,
+whose names, when not forbidden, they leave taken the liberty to use in
+behalf of humanity. Many of these statements were given in the
+handwriting of the parties, and are in the possession of the Executive
+Committee. Most of these island authorities are as unchallengeable on
+the score of previous leaning towards abolitionism, as Mr. McDuffie of
+Mr. Calhoun would be two years hence, if slavery were to be abolished
+throughout the United States tomorrow.
+
+Among the points established in this work, beyond the power of dispute
+or cavil, are the following:
+
+1. That the act of IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION in Antigua, was not attended
+with any disorder whatever.
+
+2. That the emancipated slaves have readily, faithfully, and efficiently
+worked for wages from the first.
+
+3. That wherever there has been any disturbance in the working of the
+apprenticeship, it has been invariably by the fault of the masters, or
+of the officers charged with the execution of the "Abolition Act."
+
+4. That the prejudice of caste is fast disappearing in the emancipated
+islands.
+
+5. That the apprenticeship was not sought for by the planters as a
+_preparation for freedom_.
+
+6. That no such preparation was needed.
+
+7. That the planters who have fairly made the "experiment," now greatly
+prefer the new system to the old.
+
+8. That the emancipated people are perceptibly rising in the scale of
+civilization, morals, and religion.
+
+From these established facts, reason cannot fail to make its inferences
+in favor of the two and a half millions of slaves in our republic. We
+present the work to our countrymen who yet hold slaves, with the utmost
+confidence that its perusal will not leave in their minds a doubt,
+either of the duty or perfect safety of _immediate emancipation_,
+however it may fail to persuade their hearts--which God grant it
+may not!
+
+By order of the Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery
+Society.
+
+New York, April 28th, 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED IN THE NARRATIVE.
+
+1. The words 'Clergy' and 'Missionary' are used to distinguish between
+the ministers of the English or Scotch church, and those of all other
+denominations.
+
+2. The terms 'church' and 'chapel' denote a corresponding distinction in
+the places of worship, though the English Church have what are
+technically called 'chapels of ease!'
+
+3. 'Manager' and 'overseer' are terms designating in different islands
+the same station. In Antigua and Barbadoes, _manager_ is the word in
+general use, in Jamaica it is _overseer_--both meaning the practical
+conductor or immediate superintendent of an estate. In our own country,
+a peculiar odium is attached to the latter term. In the West Indies, the
+station of manager or overseer is an honorable one; proprietors of
+estates, and even men of rank, do not hesitate to occupy it.
+
+4. The terms 'colored' and 'black' or 'negro' indicate a distinction
+long kept up in the West Indies between the mixed blood and the pure
+negro. The former as a body were few previous to the abolition act; and
+for this reason chiefly we presume the term of distinction was
+originally applied to them. To have used these terms interchangeably in
+accordance with the usage in the United States, would have occasioned
+endless confusion in the narrative.
+
+5. 'Praedial' and 'non-praedial' are terms used in the apprenticeship
+colonies to mark the difference between the agricultural class and the
+domestic; the former are called _praedials_, the latter _non-praedials_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+POPULATION OF THE BRITISH (FORMERLY SLAVE) COLONIES.
+
+(_Compiled from recent authentic documents._)
+
+British Colonies.          White.   Slave.   F. Col'd.   Total.
+Anguilla                     365    2,388       357      3,110
+Antigua[A]                 1,980   29,839     3,895     35,714
+Bahamas                    4,240    9,268     2,991     16,499
+Barbadoes                 15,000   82,000     5,100    102,100
+Berbicel                     550   21,300     1,150     23,000
+Bermuda[A]                 3,900    4,600       740      9,240
+Cape of Good Hope[B]      43,000   35,500    29,000    107,500
+Demerara[B]                3,000   70,000     6,400     79,400
+Dominica                     850   15,400     3,600     19,850
+Grenada                      800   24,000     2,800     27,600
+Honduras[B]                  250    2,100     2,300      4,650
+Jamaica                   37,000  323,000    55,000    415,000
+Mauritius[B]               8,000   76,000    15,000     99,000
+Montserrat                   330    6,200       800      7,330
+Nevis                        700    6,600     2,000      9,300
+St. Christophers,St. Kitts 1,612   19,310     3,000     23,922
+St. Lucia[B]                 980   13,600     3,700     18,280
+St. Vincent                1,300   23,500     2,800     27,600
+Tobago                       320   12,500     1,200     14,020
+Tortola                      480    5,400     1,300      7,180
+Trinidad[B]                4,200   24,000    16,000     44,200
+Virgin Isles                 800    5,400       600      6,800
+
+Total                    131,257  831,105   162,733  1,125,095
+
+[Footnote A: These islands adopted immediate emancipation, Aug 1, 1834.]
+
+[Footnote B: These are crown colonies, and have no local legislature.]
+
+
+
+ANTIGUA.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Antigua is about eighteen miles long and fifteen broad; the interior is
+low and undulating, the coast mountainous. From the heights on the coast
+the whole island may be taken in at one view, and in a clear day the
+ocean can be seen entirely around the land, with the exception of a few
+miles of cliff in one quarter. The population of Antigua is about
+37,000, of whom 30,000 are negroes--lately slaves--4500 are free people
+of color, and 2500 are whites.
+
+The cultivation of the island is principally in sugar, of which the
+average annual crop is 15,000 hogsheads. Antigua is one of the oldest of
+the British West India colonies, and ranks high in importance and
+influence. Owing to the proportion of proprietors resident in the
+Island, there is an accumulation of talent, intelligence and refinement,
+greater, perhaps, than in any English colony, excepting Jamaica.
+
+Our solicitude on entering the Island of Antigua was intense. Charged
+with a mission so nearly concerning the political and domestic
+institutions of the colony, we might well be doubtful as to the manner
+of our reception. We knew indeed that slavery was abolished, that
+Antigua had rejected the apprenticeship, and adopted entire
+emancipation. We knew also, that the free system had surpassed the hopes
+of its advocates. But we were in the midst of those whose habits and
+sentiments had been formed under the influences of slavery, whose
+prejudices still clinging to it might lead them to regard our visit with
+indifference at least, if not with jealousy. We dared not hope for aid
+from men who, not three years before, were slaveholders, and who, as a
+body, strenuously resisted the abolition measure, finally yielding to it
+only because they found resistance vain.
+
+Mingled with the depressing anxieties already referred to, were emotions
+of pleasure and exultation, when we stepped upon the shores of an
+unfettered isle. We trod a soil from which the last vestige of slavery
+had been swept away! To us, accustomed as we were to infer the existence
+of slavery from the presence of a particular hue, the numbers of negroes
+passing to and fro, engaged in their several employments, denoted a land
+of oppression; but the erect forms, the active movements, and the
+sprightly countenances, bespoke that spirit of disinthrallment which had
+gone abroad through Antigua.
+
+On the day of our arrival we had an interview with the Rev. James Cox,
+the superintendent of the Wesleyan mission in the island. He assured us
+that we need apprehend no difficulty in procuring information, adding,
+"We are all free here now; every man can speak his sentiments unawed. We
+have nothing to conceal in our present system; had you come here as the
+_advocates of slavery_ you might have met with a very different
+reception."
+
+At the same time we met the Rev. N. Gilbert, a clergyman of the English
+Church, and proprietor of an estate. Mr. G. expressed the hope that we
+might gather such facts during our stay in the island, as would tend
+effectually to remove the curse of slavery from the United States. He
+said that the failure of the crops, from the extraordinary drought which
+was still prevailing, would, he feared, be charged by persons abroad to
+the new system. "The enemies of freedom," said he, "will not ascribe the
+failure to the proper cause. It will be in vain that we solemnly
+declare, that for more than thirty years the island has not experienced
+such a drought. Our enemies will persist in laying all to the charge of
+our free system; men will look only at the amount of sugar exported,
+which will be less than half the average. They will run away with this
+fact, and triumph over it as the disastrous consequence of abolition."
+
+On the same day we were introduced to the Rev. Bennet Harvey, the
+principal of the Moravian mission, to a merchant, an agent for several
+estates, and to an intelligent manager. Each of these gentlemen gave us
+the most cordial welcome, and expressed a warm sympathy in the objects
+of our visit. On the following day we dined, by invitation, with the
+superintendent of the Wesleyan mission, in company with several
+missionaries. _Freedom in Antigua_ was the engrossing and delightful
+topic. They rejoiced in the change, not merely from sympathy with the
+disinthralled negroes, but because it had emancipated them from a
+disheartening surveillance, and opened new fields of usefulness. They
+hailed the star of freedom "with exceeding great joy," because it
+heralded the speedy dawning of the Sun of Righteousness.
+
+We took an early opportunity to call on the Governor, whom we found
+affable and courteous. On learning that we were from the United States,
+he remarked, that he entertained a high respect for our country, but its
+slavery was a stain upon the whole nation. He expressed his conviction
+that the instigators of northern mobs must be implicated in some way,
+pecuniary or otherwise, with slavery. The Governor stated various
+particulars in which Antigua had been greatly improved by the abolition
+of slavery. He said, the planters all conceded that emancipation had
+been a great blessing to the island, and he did not know of a single
+individual who wished to return to the old system.
+
+His excellency proffered us every assistance in his power, and requested
+his secretary--_a colored gentleman_--to furnish us with certain
+documents which he thought would be of service to us. When we rose to
+leave, the Governor followed us to the door, repeating the advice that
+we should "see with our own eyes, and hear with our own ears." The
+interest which his Excellency manifested in our enterprise, satisfied us
+that the prevalent feeling in the island was opposed to slavery, since
+it was a matter well understood that the Governor's partialities, if he
+had any, were on the side of the planters rather than the people.
+
+On the same day we were introduced to a barrister, a member of the
+assembly and proprietor of an estate. He was in the assembly at the time
+the abolition act was under discussion. He said that it was violently
+opposed, until it was seen to be inevitable. Many were the predictions
+made respecting the ruin which would be brought upon the colony; but
+these predictions had failed, and abolition was now regarded as the
+salvation of the island.
+
+SABBATH.
+
+The morning of our first Sabbath in Antigua came with that hushed
+stillness which marks the Sabbath dawn in the retired villages of New
+England. The arrangements of the family were conducted with a studied
+silence that indicated habitual respect for the Lord's day. At 10
+o'clock the streets were filled with the church-going throng. The rich
+rolled along in their splendid vehicles with liveried outriders and
+postillions. The poor moved in lowlier procession, yet in neat attire,
+and with the serious air of Christian worshippers. We attended the
+Moravian service. In going to the chapel, which is situated on the
+border of the town, we passed through and across the most frequented
+streets. No persons were to be seen, excepting those whose course was
+toward some place of worship. The shops were all shut, and the voices of
+business and amusement were hushed. The market place, which yesterday
+was full of swarming life, and sent forth a confused uproar, was
+deserted and dumb--not a straggler was to be seen of all the multitude.
+
+On approaching the Moravian chapel we observed the negroes, wending
+their way churchward, from the surrounding estates, along the roads
+leading into town.
+
+When we entered the chapel the service had begun, and the people were
+standing, and repeating their liturgy. The house, which was capable of
+holding about a thousand persons, was filled. The audience were all
+black and colored, mostly of the deepest Ethiopian hue, and had come up
+thither from the estates, where once they toiled as slaves, but now as
+freemen, to present their thank-offerings unto Him whose truth and
+Spirit had made them free. In the simplicity and tidiness of their
+attire, in its uniformity and freedom from ornament, it resembled the
+dress of the Friends. The females were clad in plain white gowns, with
+neat turbans of cambric or muslin on their heads. The males were dressed
+in spencers, vests, and pantaloons, all of white. All were serious in
+their demeanor, and although the services continued more than two hours,
+they gave a wakeful attention to the end. Their responses in the litany
+were solemn and regular.
+
+Great respect was paid to the aged and infirm. A poor blind man came
+groping his way, and was kindly conducted to a seat in an airy place. A
+lame man came wearily up to the door, when one within the house rose and
+led him to the seat he himself had just occupied. As we sat facing the
+congregation, we looked around upon the multitude to find the marks of
+those demoniac passions which are to strew carnage through our own
+country when its bondmen shall be made free. The countenances gathered
+there, bore the traces of benevolence, of humility, of meekness, of
+docility, and reverence; and we felt, while looking on them, that the
+doers of justice to a wronged people "shall surely dwell in safety and
+be quiet from fear of evil."
+
+After the service, we visited the Sabbath school. The superintendent was
+an interesting young colored man. We attended the recitation of a
+Testament class of children of both sexes from eight to twelve. They
+read, and answered numerous questions with great sprightliness.
+
+In the afternoon we attended the Episcopal church, of which the Rev.
+Robert Holberton is rector. We here saw a specimen of the aristocracy of
+the island. A considerable number present were whites,--rich proprietors
+with their families, managers of estates, officers of government, and
+merchants. The greater proportion of the auditory, however, were colored
+people and blacks. It might be expected that distinctions of color would
+be found here, if any where;--however, the actual distinction, even in
+this the most fashionable church in Antigua, amounted only to this, that
+the body pews on each side of the broad aisle were occupied by the
+whites, the side pews by the colored people, and the broad aisle in the
+middle by the negroes. The gallery, on one side, was also appropriated
+to the colored people, and on the other to the blacks. The finery of the
+negroes was in sad contrast with the simplicity we had just seen at the
+Moravian chapel. Their dresses were of every color and style; their hats
+were of all shapes and sizes, and fillagreed with the most tawdry
+superfluity of ribbons. Beneath these gaudy bonnets were glossy
+ringlets, false and real, clustering in tropical luxuriance. This
+fantastic display was evidently a rude attempt to follow the example set
+them by the white aristocracy.
+
+The choir was composed chiefly of colored boys, who were placed on the
+right side of the organ, and about an equal number of colored girls on
+the left. In front of the organ were eight or ten white children. The
+music of this colored, or rather "amalgamated" choir, directed by a
+colored chorister, and accompanied by a colored organist, was in
+good taste.
+
+In the evening, we accompanied a friend to the Wesleyan chapel, of which
+the Rev. James Cox is pastor. The minister invited us to a seat within
+the altar, where we could have a full view of the congregation. The
+chapel was crowded. Nearly twelve hundred persons were present. All sat
+promiscuously in respect of color. In one pew was a family of whites,
+next a family of colored persons, and behind that perhaps might be seen,
+side by side, the ebon hue of the negro, the mixed tint of the mulatto,
+and the unblended whiteness of the European. Thus they sat in crowded
+contact, seemingly unconscious that they were outraging good taste,
+violating natural laws, and "confounding distinctions of divine
+appointment!" In whatever direction we turned, there was the same
+commixture of colors. What to one of our own countrymen whose contempt
+for the oppressed has defended itself with the plea of _prejudice
+against color_, would have been a combination absolutely shocking, was
+to us a scene as gratifying as it was new.
+
+On both sides, the gallery presented the same unconscious blending of
+colors. The choir was composed of a large number, mostly colored, of all
+ages. The front seats were filled by children of various ages--the rear,
+of adults, rising above these tiny choristers, and softening the
+shrillness of their notes by the deeper tones of mature age.
+
+The style of the preaching which we heard on the different occasions
+above described, so far as it is any index to the intelligence of the
+several congregations, is certainly a high commendation. The language
+used, would not offend the taste of any congregation, however refined.
+
+On the other hand, the fixed attention of the people showed that the
+truths delivered were understood and appreciated.
+
+We observed, that in the last two services the subject of the present
+drought was particularly noticed in prayer.
+
+The account here given is but a fair specimen of the solemnity and
+decorum of an Antigua sabbath.
+
+VISIT TO MILLAR'S ESTATE.
+
+Early in the week after our arrival, by the special invitation of the
+manager, we visited this estate. It is situated about four miles from
+the town of St. John's.
+
+The smooth MacAdamized road extending across the rolling plains and
+gently sloping hill sides, covered with waving cane, and interspersed
+with provision grounds, contributed with the fresh bracing air of the
+morning to make the drive pleasant and animating.
+
+At short intervals were seen the buildings of the different estates
+thrown together in small groups, consisting of the manager's mansion and
+out-houses, negro huts, boiling house, cooling houses, distillery, and
+windmill. The mansion is generally on an elevated spot, commanding a
+view of the estate and surrounding country. The cane fields presented a
+novel appearance--being without fences of any description. Even those
+fields which lie bordering on the highways, are wholly unprotected by
+hedge, ditch, or rails. This is from necessity. Wooden fences they
+cannot have, for lack of timber. Hedges are not used, because they are
+found to withdraw the moisture from the canes. To prevent depredations,
+there are watchmen on every estate employed both day and night. There
+are also stock keepers employed by day in keeping the cattle within
+proper grazing limits. As each estate guards its own stock by day and
+folds them by night, the fields are in little danger.
+
+We passed great numbers of negroes on the road, loaded with every kind
+of commodity for the town market. _The head is the beast of burthen_
+among the negroes throughout the West Indies. Whatever the load, whether
+it be trifling or valuable, strong or frail, it is consigned to the
+head, both for safe keeping and for transportation. While the head is
+thus taxed, the hands hang useless by the side, or are busied in
+gesticulating, as the people chat together along the way. The negroes we
+passed were all decently clad. They uniformly stopped as they came
+opposite to us, to pay the usual civilities. This the men did by
+touching their hats and bowing, and the women, by making a low courtesy,
+and adding, sometimes, "howdy, massa," or "mornin', massa." We passed
+several loaded wagons, drawn by three, four, or five yoke of oxen, and
+in every instance the driver, so far from manifesting any disposition
+"insolently" to crowd us off the road, or to contend for his part of it,
+turned his team aside, leaving us double room to go by, and sometimes
+stopping until we had passed.
+
+We were kindly received at Millar's by Mr. Bourne, the manager. Millar's
+is one of the first estates in Antigua. The last year it made the
+largest sugar crop on the island. Mr. B. took us before breakfast to
+view the estate. On the way, he remarked that we had visited the island
+at a very unfavorable time for seeing the cultivation of it, as every
+thing was suffering greatly from the drought. There had not been a
+single copious rain, such as would "make the water run," since the first
+of March previous. As we approached the laborers, the manager pointed
+out one company of ten, who were at work with their hoes by the side of
+the road, while a larger one of thirty were in the middle of the field.
+They greeted us in the most friendly manner. The manager spoke kindly to
+them, encouraging them to be industrious He stopped a moment to explain
+to us the process of cane-holing. The field is first ploughed[A] in one
+direction, and the ground thrown up in ridges of about a foot high. Then
+similar ridges are formed crosswise, with the hoe, making regular
+squares of two-feet-sides over the field. By raising the soil, a clear
+space of six inches square is left at the bottom. In this space the
+_plant_ is placed horizontally, and slightly covered with earth. The
+ridges are left about it, for the purpose of conducting the rain to the
+roots, and also to retain the moisture. When we came up to the large
+company, they paused a moment, and with a hearty salutation, which ran
+all along the line, bade us "good mornin'," and immediately resumed
+their labor. The men and women were intermingled; the latter kept pace
+with the former, wielding their hoes with energy and effect. The manager
+addressed them for a few moments, telling them who we were, and the
+object of our visit. He told them of the great number of slaves in
+America, and appealed to them to know whether they would not be sober,
+industrious, and diligent, so as to prove to American slaveholders the
+benefit of freeing all their slaves. At the close of each sentence, they
+all responded, "Yes, massa," or "God bless de massas," and at the
+conclusion, they answered the appeal, with much feeling, "Yes, massa;
+please God massa, we will all do so." When we turned to leave, they
+wished to know what we thought of their industry. We assured them that
+we were much pleased, for which they returned their "thankee, massa."
+They were working at a _job_. The manager had given them a piece of
+ground "to hole," engaging to pay them sixteen dollars when they had
+finished it. He remarked that he had found it a good plan to give
+_jobs_. He obtained more work in this way than he did by giving the
+ordinary wages, which is about eleven cents per day. It looked very much
+like slavery to see the females working in the field; but the manager
+said they chose it generally "_for the sake of the wages_." Mr. B.
+returned with us to the house, leaving the gangs in the field, with only
+an aged negro in charge of the work, as _superintendent._ Such now is
+the name of the overseer. The very _terms_, _driver_ and _overseer_, are
+banished from Antigua; and the _whip_ is buried beneath the soil
+of freedom.
+
+[Footnote A: In those cases where the plough is used at all. It is not
+yet generally introduced throughout the West Indies. Where the plough is
+not used, the whole process of holing is done with the hoe, and is
+extremely laborious]
+
+When we reached the house we were introduced to Mr. Watkins, a _colored_
+planter, whom Mr. B. had invited to breakfast with us. Mr. Watkins was
+very communicative, and from him and Mr. B., who was equally free, we
+obtained information on a great variety of points, which we reserve for
+the different heads to which they appropriately belong.
+
+FITCH'S CREEK ESTATE.
+
+From Millar's we proceeded to Fitch's Creek Estate, where we had been
+invited to dine by the intelligent manager, Mr. H. Armstrong. We three
+met several Wesleyan missionaries. Mr. A. is himself a local preacher in
+the Wesleyan connection. When a stranger visits an estate in the West
+Indies, almost the first thing is an offer from the manager to accompany
+him through the sugar works. Mr. A. conducted us first to a new boiling
+house, which he was building after a plan of his own devising. The house
+is of brick, on a very extensive scale. It has been built entirely by
+negroes--chiefly those belonging to the estate who were emancipated in
+1834. Fitch's Creek Estate is one of the largest on the Island,
+consisting of 500 acres, of which 300 are under cultivation. The number
+of people employed and living on the property is 260. This estate
+indicates any thing else than an apprehension of approaching ruin. It
+presents the appearance, far more, of a _resurrection_, from the grave.
+In addition to his improved sugar and boiling establishment, he has
+projected a plan for a new village, (as the collection of negro houses
+is called,) and has already selected the ground and begun to build. The
+houses are to be larger than those at present in use, they are to be
+built of stone instead of mud and sticks, and to be neatly roofed.
+Instead of being huddled together in a bye place, as has mostly been the
+case, they are to be built on an elevated site, and ranged at regular
+intervals around three sides of a large square, in the centre of which a
+building for a chapel and school house is to be erected. Each house is
+to have a garden. This and similar improvements are now in progress,
+with the view of adding to the comforts of the laborers, and attaching
+them to the estate. It has become the interest of the planter to make it
+for the _interest of the people_ to remain on his estate. This _mutual
+interest_ is the only sure basis of prosperity on the one hand and of
+industry on the other.
+
+The whole company heartily joined in assuring us that a knowledge of the
+actual working of abolition in Antigua, would be altogether favorable to
+the cause of freedom, _and that the more thorough our knowledge of the
+facts in the case, the more perfect would be our confidence in the
+safety of_ IMMEDIATE _emancipation_.
+
+Mr. A. said that the spirit of enterprise, before dormant, had been
+roused since emancipation, and planters were now beginning to inquire as
+to the best modes of cultivation, and to propose measures of general
+improvement. One of these measures was the establishing of _free
+villages_, in which the laborers might dwell by paying a small rent.
+When the adjacent planters needed help they could here find a supply for
+the occasion. This plan would relieve the laborers from some of that
+dependence which they must feel so long as they live on the estate and
+in the houses of the planters. Many advantages of such a system were
+specified. We allude to it here only as an illustration of that spirit
+of inquiry, which freedom has kindled in the minds of the planters.
+
+No little desire was manifested by the company to know the state of the
+slavery question in this country. They all, planters and missionaries,
+spoke in terms of abhorrence of our slavery, our snobs, our prejudice,
+and our Christianity. One of the missionaries said it would never do for
+him to go to America, for he should certainly be excommunicated by his
+Methodist brethren, and Lynched by the advocates of slaver. He insisted
+that slaveholding professors and ministers should be cut off from the
+communion of the Church.
+
+As we were about to take leave, the _proprietor_ of the estate rode up,
+accompanied by the governor, who he had brought to see the new
+boiling-house, and the other improvements which were in progress. The
+proprietor reside in St. John's, is a gentleman of large fortune, and a
+member of the assembly. He said he would be happy to aid us in any
+way--but added, that in all details of a practical kind, and in all
+matters of fact, the planters were the best witnesses, for they were the
+conductors of the present system. We were glad to obtain the endorsement
+of an influential proprietor to the testimony of practical planters.
+
+DINNER AT THE GOVERNOR'S.
+
+On the following day having received a very courteous invitation[A] from
+the governor, to dine at the government house, we made our arrangements
+to do so. The Hon. Paul Horsford, a member of the council, called during
+the day, to say, that he expected to dine with us at the government
+house and that he would be happy to call for us at the appointed hour,
+and conduct us thither. At six o'clock Mr. H.'s carriage drove up to our
+door, and we accompanied him to the governor's, where we were introduced
+to Col. Jarvis, a member of the privy council, and proprietor of several
+estates in the island, Col. Edwards, a member of the assembly and a
+barrister, Dr. Musgrave, a member of the assembly, and Mr. Shiel,
+attorney general. A dinner of state, at a Governor's house, attended by
+a company of high-toned politicians, professional gentlemen, and
+proprietors, could hardly be expected to furnish large accessions to our
+stock of information, relating to the object of our visit. Dinner being
+announced, we were hardly seated at the table when his excellency
+politely offered to drink a glass of Madeira with us. We begged leave to
+decline the honor. In a short time he proposed a glass of
+Champaign--again we declined. "Why, surely, gentlemen," exclaimed the
+Governor, "you must belong to the temperance society." "Yes, sir, we
+do." "Is it possible? but you will surely take a glass of liqueur?"
+"Your excellency must pardon us if we again decline the honor; we drink
+no wines." This announcement of ultra temperance principles excited no
+little surprise. Finding that our allegiance to cold water was not to be
+shaken, the governor condescended at last to meet us on middle ground,
+and drink his wine to our water.
+
+[Footnote A: We venture to publish the note in which the governor
+conveyed his invitation, simply because, though a trifle in itself, it
+will serve to show the estimation in which our mission was held.
+
+    "If Messrs. Kimball and Thome are not engaged Tuesday next, the
+    Lieut. Governor will be happy to see them at dinner, at six o'clock,
+    when he will endeavor to facilitate their philanthropic inquiries,
+    by inviting two or three proprietors to met them."
+
+    "_Government House, St. John's, Dec. 18th_, 1836."
+]
+
+The conversation on the subject of emancipation served to show that the
+prevailing sentiment was decidedly favorable to the free system. Col.
+Jarvis, who is the proprietor of three estates, said that he was in
+England at the time the bill for immediate emancipation passed the
+legislature. Had he been in the island he should have opposed it; but
+_now_ he was glad it had prevailed. The evil consequences which he
+apprehended had not been realized, and he was now confident that they
+never would be.
+
+As to prejudice against the black and colored people, all thought it was
+rapidly decreasing--indeed, they could scarcely say there was now any
+such thing. To be sure, there was an aversion among the higher classes
+of the whites, and especially among _females_, to associating in parties
+with colored people; but it was not on account of their _color_, but
+chiefly because of their _illegitimacy_. This was to us a new _source_
+of prejudice: but subsequent information fully explained its bearings.
+The whites of the West Indies are themselves the authors of that
+_illegitimacy_, out of which their aversion springs. It is not to be
+wondered at that they should be unwilling to invite the colored people
+to their social parties, seeing they might not unfrequently be subjected
+to the embarrassment of introducing to their white wives a colored
+mistress or an _illegitimate_ daughter. This also explains the special
+prejudice which the _ladies_ of the higher classes feel toward those
+among whom are their guilty rivals in a husband's affections, and those
+whose every feature tells the story of a husband's unfaithfulness!
+
+A few days after our dinner with the governor and his friends, we took
+breakfast, by invitation, with Mr. Watkins, the _colored_ planter whom
+we had the pleasure of meeting at Millar's, on a previous occasion. Mr.
+W. politely sent in his chaise for us, a distance of five miles, At an
+early hour we reached Donovan's, the estate of which he is manager. We
+found the sugar works in active operation: the broad wings of the
+windmill were wheeling their stately revolutions, and the smoke was
+issuing in dense volumes from the chimney of the boiling house. Some of
+the negroes were employed in carrying cane to the mill, others in
+carrying away the _trash_ or _megass_, as the cane is called after the
+juice is expressed from it. Others, chiefly the old men and women, were
+tearing the megass apart, and strewing it on the ground to dry. It is
+the only fuel used for boiling the sugar.
+
+On entering the house we found three planters whom Mr. W. had invited to
+breakfast with us. The meeting of a number of intelligent practical
+planters afforded a good opportunity for comparing their views. On all
+the main points, touching the working of freedom, there was a strong
+coincidence.
+
+When breakfast was ready, Mrs. W. entered the room, and after our
+introduction to her, took her place at the head of the table. Her
+conversation was intelligent, her manners highly polished, and she
+presided at the table with admirable grace and dignity.
+
+On the following day, Dr. Ferguson, of St. John's, called on us. Dr.
+Ferguson is a member of the assembly, and one of the first physicians in
+the island. The Doctor said that freedom had wrought like a magician,
+and had it not been for the unprecedented drought, the island would now
+be in a state of prosperity unequalled in any period of its history. Dr.
+F. remarked that a general spirit of improvement was pervading the
+island. The moral condition of the whites was rapidly brightening;
+formerly concubinage was _respectable_; it had been customary for
+married men--those of the highest standing--to keep one or two colored
+mistresses. This practice was now becoming disreputable. There had been
+a great alteration as to the observance of the Sabbath; formerly more
+business was done in St. John's on Sunday, by the merchants, than on all
+the other days of the week together. The mercantile business of the town
+had increased astonishingly; he thought that the stores and shops had
+multiplied in a _ratio of ten to one_. Mechanical pursuits were likewise
+in a flourishing condition. Dr. F. said that a greater number of
+buildings had been erected since emancipation, than had been put up for
+twenty years before. Great improvements had also been made in the
+streets and roads in town and country.
+
+MARKET.
+
+SATURDAY.--This is the regular market-day here. The negroes come from all
+parts of the island; walking sometimes ten or fifteen miles to attend
+the St. John's market. We pressed our way through the dense mass of all
+hues, which crowded the market. The ground was covered with wooden trays
+filled with all kinds of fruits, grain, vegetables, fowls, fish, and
+flesh. Each one, as we passed, called attention to his or her little
+stock. We passed up to the head of the avenue, where men and women were
+employed in cutting up the light fire-wood which they had brought from
+the country on their heads, and in binding it into small bundles for
+sale. Here we paused a moment and looked down upon the busy multitude
+below. The whole street was a moving mass. There were broad Panama hats,
+and gaudy turbans, and uncovered heads, and heads laden with water pots,
+and boxes, and baskets, and trays--all moving and mingling in seemingly
+inextricable confusion. There could not have been less than fifteen
+hundred people congregated in that street--all, or nearly all,
+emancipated slaves. Yet, amidst all the excitements and competitions of
+trade, their conduct toward each other was polite and kind. Not a word,
+or look, or gesture of insolence or indecency did we observe. Smiling
+countenances and friendly voices greeted us on every side, and we felt
+no fears either of having our pockets picked or our throats cut!
+
+At the other end of the market-place stood the _Lock-up House_, the
+_Cage_, and the _Whipping Post_, with stocks for feet and wrists. These
+are almost the sole relics of slavery which still linger in the town.
+The Lock-up House is a sort of jail, built of stone--about fifteen feet
+square, and originally designed as a place of confinement for slaves
+taken up by the patrol. The Cage is a smaller building, adjoining the
+former, the sides of which are composed of strong iron bars--fitly
+called a _cage!_ The prisoner was exposed to the gaze and insult of
+every passer by, without the possibility of concealment. The Whipping
+Post is hard by, but its occupation is gone. Indeed, all these
+appendages of slavery have gone into entire disuse, and Time is doing
+his work of dilapidation upon them. We fancied we could see in the
+marketers, as they walked in and out at the doorless entrance of the
+Lock-up House, or leaned against the Whipping Post, in careless chat,
+that harmless defiance which would prompt one to beard the dead lion.
+
+Returning from the market we observed a negro woman passing through the
+street, with several large hat boxes strung on her arm. She accidentally
+let one of them fall. The box had hardly reached the ground, when a
+little boy sprang from the back of a carriage rolling by, handed the
+woman the box, and hastened to remount the carriage.
+
+CHRISTMAS.
+
+During the reign of slavery, the Christmas holidays brought with them
+general alarm. To prevent insurrections, the militia was uniformly
+called out, and an array made of all that was formidable in military
+enginery. This custom was dispensed with at once, after emancipation. As
+Christmas came on the Sabbath, it tested the respect for that day. The
+morning was similar, in all respects, to the morning of the Sabbath
+described above; the same serenity reigning everywhere--the same quiet
+in the household movements, and the same tranquillity prevailing through
+the streets. We attended morning service at the Moravian chapel.
+Notwithstanding the descriptions we had heard of the great change which
+emancipation had wrought in the observance of Christmas, we were quite
+unprepared for the delightful reality around us. Though thirty thousand
+slaves had but lately been "turned loose" upon a white population of
+less than three thousand! instead of meeting with scenes of disorder,
+what were the sights which greeted our eyes? The neat attire, the
+serious demeanor, and the thronged procession to the place of worship.
+In every direction the roads leading into town were lined with happy
+beings--attired for the house of God. When groups coming from different
+quarters met at the corners, they stopped a moment to exchange
+salutations and shake hands, and then proceeded on together.
+
+The Moravian chapel was slightly decorated with green branches. They
+were the only adorning which marked the plain sanctuary of a plain
+people. It was crowded with black and colored people, and very many
+stood without, who could not get in. After the close of the service in
+the chapel, the minister proceeded to the adjacent school room, and
+preached to another crowded audience. In the evening the Wesleyan chapel
+was crowded to overflowing. The aisles and communion place were full. On
+all festivals and holidays, which occur on the Sabbath, the churches and
+chapels are more thronged than on any other Lord's day.
+
+It is hardly necessary to state that there was no instance of a dance or
+drunken riot, nor wild shouts of mirth during the day. The Christmas,
+instead of breaking in upon the repose of the Sabbath, seemed only to
+enhance the usual solemnity of the day.
+
+The holidays continued until the next Wednesday morning, and the same
+order prevailed to the close of them. On Monday there were religious
+services in most of the churches and chapels, where sabbath-school
+addresses, discourses on the relative duties of husband and wife, and on
+kindred subjects, were delivered.
+
+An intelligent gentleman informed us that the negroes, while slaves,
+used to spend during the Christmas holidays, the extra money which they
+got during the year. Now they save it--_to buy small tracts of land for
+their own cultivation_.
+
+The Governor informed us that the police returns did not report a single
+case of arrest during the holidays. He said he had been well acquainted
+with the country districts of England, he had also travelled extensively
+in Europe, yet he had never found such a _peaceable, orderly, and
+law-abiding people as those of Antigua_.
+
+An acquaintance of nine weeks with the colored population of St. John's,
+meeting them by the wayside, in their shops, in their parlors, and
+elsewhere, enables us to pronounce them a people of general
+intelligence, refinement of manners, personal accomplishments, and true
+politeness. As to their style of dress and mode of living, were we
+disposed to make any criticism, we should say that they were
+extravagant. In refined and elevated conversation, they would certainly
+bear a comparison with the white families of the island.
+
+VISIT TO THIBOU JARVIS'S ESTATE.
+
+After the Christmas holidays were over, we resumed our visits to the
+country. Being provided with a letter to the manager of Thibou Jarvis's
+estate, Mr. James Howell, we embraced the earliest opportunity to call
+on him. Mr. H. has been in Antigua for thirty-six years, and has been a
+practical planter during the whole of that time. He has the management
+of two estates, on which there are more than five hundred people. The
+principal items of Mr. Howell's testimony will be found in another
+place. In this connection we shall record only miscellaneous statements
+of a local nature.
+
+1. The severity of the drought. He had been in Antigua since the year
+1800, and he had never known so long a continuance of dry weather,
+although the island is subject to severe droughts. He stated that a
+field of yams, which in ordinary seasons yielded ten cart-loads to the
+acre, would not produce this year more than _three_. The failure in the
+crops was not in the least degree chargeable upon the laborers, for in
+the first place, the cane plants for the present crop were put in
+earlier and in greater quantities than usual, and _until_ the drought
+commenced, the fields promised a large return.
+
+2. _The religious condition_ of the negroes, during slavery, was
+extremely low. It seemed almost impossible to teach them any higher
+_religion_ than _obedience to their masters_. Their highest notion of
+God was that he was a _little above_ their owner. He mentioned, by way
+of illustration, that the slaves of a certain large proprietor used to
+have this saying, "Massa only want he little finger to touch God!" that
+is, _their master was lower than God only by the length of his little
+finger_. But now the religious and moral condition of the people was
+fast improving.
+
+3. A great change in the use of _rum_ had been effected on the estates
+under his management since emancipation. He formerly, in accordance with
+the prevalent custom, gave his people a weekly allowance of rum, and
+this was regarded as essential to their health and effectiveness. But he
+has lately discontinued this altogether, and his people had not suffered
+any inconvenience from it. He gave them in lieu of the rum, an allowance
+of molasses, with which they appeared to be entirely satisfied. When Mr.
+H. informed the people of his intention to discontinue the spirits, he
+told them that he should _set them the example_ of total abstinence, by
+abandoning wine and malt liquor also, which he accordingly did.
+
+4. There had been much less _pretended sickness_ among the negroes since
+freedom. They had now a strong aversion to going to the sick house[A],
+so much so that on many estates it had been put to some other use.
+
+[Footnote A: The _estate hospital_, in which, during slavery, all sick
+persons were placed for medical attendance and nursing. There was one on
+every estate.]
+
+We were taken through the negro village, and shown the interior of
+several houses. One of the finest looking huts was decorated with
+pictures, printed cards, and booksellers' advertisements in large
+letters. Amongst many ornaments of this kind, was an advertisement not
+unfamiliar to our eyes--"THE GIRL'S OWN BOOK. BY MRS. CHILD."
+
+We generally found the women at home. Some of them had been informed of
+our intention to visit them, and took pains to have every thing in the
+best order for our reception. The negro village on this estate contains
+one hundred houses, each of which is occupied by a separate family. Mr.
+H. next conducted us to a neighboring field, where the _great gang_[B]
+were at work. There were about fifty persons in the gang--the majority
+females--under two inspectors or superintendents, men who take the place
+of the _quondam drivers_, though their province is totally different.
+They merely direct the laborers in their work, employing with the
+loiterers the stimulus of persuasion, or at farthest, no more than the
+violence of the tongue.
+
+[Footnote B: The people on most estates are divided into three gangs;
+first, the great gang, composed of the principal effective men and
+women; second, the weeding gang, consisting of younger and weekly
+persons; and third, the grass gang, which embraces all the children
+able to work.]
+
+Mr. H. requested them to stop their work, and told them who we were, and
+as we bowed, the men took off their hats and the women made a low
+courtesy. Mr. Howell then informed them that we had come from America,
+where there were a great many slaves: that we had visited Antigua to see
+how freedom was working, and whether the people who were made free on
+the first of August were doing well--and added, that he "hoped these
+gentlemen might be able to carry back such a report as would induce the
+masters in America to set their slaves free." They unanimously replied,
+"Yes, massa, we hope dem will gib um free." We spoke a few words: told
+them of the condition of the slaves in America, urged them to pray for
+them that they might be patient under their sufferings, and that they
+might soon be made free. They repeatedly promised to pray for the poor
+slaves in America. We then received their hearty "Good bye, massa," and
+returned to the house, while they resumed their work.
+
+We took leave of Mr. Howell, grateful for his kind offices in
+furtherance of the objects of our mission.
+
+We had not been long in Antigua before we perceived the distress of the
+poor from the scarcity of water. As there are but few springs in the
+island, the sole reliance is upon rain water. Wealthy families have
+cisterns or tanks in their yards, to receive the rain from the roofs.
+There are also a few public cisterns in St. John's. These ordinarily
+supply the whole population. During the present season many of these
+cisterns have been dry, and the supply of water has been entirely
+inadequate to the wants of the people. There are several large open
+ponds in the vicinity of St. John's, which are commonly used to water
+"stock." There are one or more on every estate, for the same purpose.
+The poor people were obliged to use the water from these ponds both for
+drinking and cooking while we were in Antigua. In taking our morning
+walks, we uniformly met the negroes either going to, or returning from
+the ponds, with their large pails balanced on their heads, happy
+apparently in being able to get even such foul water.
+
+Attended the anniversary of the "Friendly Society," connected with the
+church in St. John's. Many of the most respectable citizens, including
+the Governor, were present. After the services in the church, the
+society moved in procession to the Rectory school-room. We counted one
+hundred males and two hundred and sixty females in the procession.
+Having been kindly invited by the Rector to attend at the school-room,
+we followed the procession. We found the house crowded with women, many
+others, besides those in the procession, having convened. The men were
+seated without under a canvass, extended along one side of the house.
+The whole number present was supposed to be nine hundred. Short
+addresses were made by the Rector, the Archdeacon, and the Governor.
+
+The Seventh Annual Report of the Society, drawn up by the secretary, a
+colored man, was read. It was creditable to the author. The Rector in
+his address affectionally warned the society, especially the female
+members, against extravagance in dress.
+
+The Archdeacon exhorted them to domestic and conjugal faithfulness. He
+alluded to the prevalence of inconstancy during past years, and to the
+great improvement in this particular lately; and concluded by wishing
+them all "a happy new-year and _many_ of them, and a blessed immortality
+in the end." For this kind wish they returned a loud and general
+"thankee, massa."
+
+The Governor then said, that he rose merely to remark, that this society
+might aid in the emancipation of millions of slaves, now in bondage in
+other countries. A people who are capable of forming such societies as
+this among themselves, deserve to be free, and ought no longer to be
+held in bondage. You, said he, are showing to the world what the negro
+race are capable of doing. The Governor's remarks were received with
+applause. After the addresses the audience were served with
+refreshments, previous to which the Rector read the following lines,
+which were sung to the tune of Old Hundred, the whole congregation
+standing.
+
+   "Lord at our table now appear
+     And bless us here, as every where;
+   Let manna to our souls be given,
+     The bread of life sent down from heaven."
+
+The simple refreshment was then handed round. It consisted merely of
+buns and lemonade. The Governor and the Rector, each drank to the health
+and happiness of the members. The loud response came up from all within
+and all around the house--"thankee--thankee--thankee--massa--thankee
+_good_ massa." A scene of animation ensued. The whole concourse of
+black, colored and white, from the humblest to the highest, from the
+unlettered apprentice to the Archdeacon and the Governor of the island,
+joined in a common festivity.
+
+After the repast was concluded, thanks were returned in the following
+verse, also sung to Old Hundred.
+
+   "We thank thee, Lord, for this our food,
+     But bless thee more for Jesus' blood;
+   Let manna to our souls be given,
+     The bread of life sent down from heaven."
+
+The benediction was pronounced, and the assembly retired.
+
+There was an aged negro man present, who was noticed with marked
+attention by the Archdeacon, the Rector and other clergymen. He is
+sometimes called the African Bishop. He was evidently used to
+familiarity with the clergy, and laid his hand on their shoulders as he
+spoke to them. The old patriarch was highly delighted with the scene. He
+said, when he was young he "never saw nothing, but sin and Satan. _Now I
+just begin to live_."
+
+On the same occasion the Governor remarked to us that the first thing to
+be done in our country, toward the removal of slavery, was to discard
+the absurd notion that _color_ made any difference, intellectually or
+morally, among men. "All distinctions," said he, "founded in color, must
+be abolished everywhere. We should learn to talk of men not as _colored_
+men, but as MEN _as fellow citizens and fellow subjects_." His
+Excellency certainly showed on this occasion a disposition to put in
+practice his doctrine. He spoke affectionately to the children, and
+conversed freely with the adults.
+
+VISIT TO GREEN CASTLE.
+
+According to a previous engagement, a member of the assembly called and
+took us in his carriage to Green Castle estate.
+
+Green Castle lies about three miles south-east from St. John's, and
+contains 940 acres. The mansion stands on a rocky cliff; overlooking the
+estate, and commanding a wide view of the island. In one direction
+spreads a valley, interspersed with fields of sugar-cane and provisions.
+In another stretches a range of hills, with their sides clad in culture,
+and their tops covered with clouds. At the base of the rock are the
+sugar Houses. On a neighboring upland lies the negro village, in the
+rear of which are the provision grounds. Samuel Bernard, Esq., the
+manager, received us kindly. He said, he had been on the island
+forty-four years, most of the time engaged in the management of estates.
+He is now the manager of two estates, and the attorney for six, and has
+lately purchased an estate himself. Mr. B. is now an aged man, grown old
+in the practice of slave holding. He has survived the wreck of slavery,
+and now stripped of a tyrant's power, he still lives among the people,
+who were lately his slaves, and manages an estate which was once his
+empire. The testimony of such a man is invaluable. Hear him.
+
+1. Mr. B. said, that the negroes throughout the island were very
+peaceable when they received their freedom.
+
+2. He said he had found no difficulty in getting his people to work
+after they had received their freedom. Some estates had suffered for a
+short time; there was a pretty general fluctuation for a month or two,
+the people leaving one estate and going to another. But this, said Mr.
+B., was chargeable to the _folly_ of the planters, who _overbid_ each
+other in order to secure the best hands and enough of them. The negroes
+had a _strong attachment to their homes_, and they would rarely abandon
+them unless harshly treated.
+
+3. He thought that the assembly acted very wisely in rejecting the
+apprenticeship. He considered it absurd. It took the chains partly from
+off the slave, and fastened them on the master, _and enslaved them
+both_. It withdrew from the latter the power of compelling labor, and it
+supplied to the former no incentive to industry.
+
+He was opposed to the measures which many had adopted for further
+securing the benefits of emancipation.--He referred particularly to the
+system of education which now prevailed. He thought that the education
+of the emancipated negroes should combine industry with study even in
+childhood, so as not to disqualify the taught for cultivating the
+ground. It will be readily seen that this prejudice against education,
+evidently the remains of his attachment to slavery, gives additional
+weight to his testimony.
+
+The Mansion on the Rock (which from its elevated and almost inaccessible
+position, and from the rich shrubbery in perpetual foliage surrounding
+it, very fitly takes the name of Green Castle) is memorable as the scene
+of the murder of the present proprietor's grandfather. He refused to
+give his slaves holiday on a particular occasion. They came several
+times in a body and asked for the holiday, but he obstinately refused to
+grant it. They rushed into his bedroom, fell upon him with their hoes,
+and killed him.
+
+On our return to St. John's, we received a polite note from a colored
+lady, inviting us to attend the anniversary of the "Juvenile
+Association," at eleven o'clock. We found about forty children
+assembled, the greater part of them colored girls, but some were white.
+The ages of these juvenile philanthropists varied from four to fourteen.
+After singing and prayer, the object of the association was stated,
+which was to raise money by sewing, soliciting contributions, and
+otherwise, for charitable purposes.
+
+From the annual report it appeared that this was the _twenty-first
+anniversary_ of the society. The treasurer reported nearly L60 currency
+(or about $150) received and disbursed during the year. More than one
+hundred dollars had been given towards the erection of the new Wesleyan
+chapel in St. John's. Several resolutions were presented by little
+misses, expressive of gratitude to God for continued blessings, which
+were adopted unanimously--every child holding up its right hand in token
+of assent.
+
+After the resolutions and other business were despatched, the children
+listened to several addresses from the gentlemen present. The last
+speaker was a member of the assembly. He said that his presence there
+was quite accidental; but that he had been amply repaid for coming by
+witnessing the goodly work to which this juvenile society was engaged.
+As there was a male branch association about to be organized, he begged
+the privilege of enrolling his name as an honorary member, and promised
+to be a constant contributor to its funds. He concluded by saying, that
+though he had not before enjoyed the happiness of attending their
+anniversaries, he should never again fail to be present (with the
+permission of their worthy patroness) at the future meetings of this
+most interesting society. We give the substance of this address, as one
+of the signs of the times. The speaker was a wealthy merchant of
+St. John's.
+
+This society was organized in 1815. The _first proposal_ came from a few
+_little colored girls_, who, after hearing a sermon on the blessedness
+of doing good, wanted to know whether they might not have a society for
+raising money to give to the poor.
+
+This Juvenile Association has, since its organization, raised the sum of
+_fourteen hundred dollars_! Even this little association has experienced
+a great impulse from the free system. From a table of the annual
+receipts since 1815, we found that the amount raised the two last years,
+is nearly equal to that received during any three years before.
+
+DR. DANIELL--WEATHERILL ESTATE.
+
+On our return from Thibou Jarvis's estate, we called at Weatherill's;
+but the manager, Dr. Daniell, not being at home, we left our names, with
+an intimation of the object of our visit. Dr. D. called soon after at
+our lodgings. As authority, he is unquestionable. Before retiring from
+the practice of medicine, he stood at the head of his profession in the
+island. He is now a member of the council, is proprietor of an estate,
+manager of another, and attorney for six.
+
+The fact that such men as Dr. D., but yesterday large slaveholders, and
+still holding high civil and political stations, should most cheerfully
+facilitate our anti-slavery investigations, manifesting a solicitude to
+furnish us with all the information in their power, is of itself the
+highest eulogy of the new system. The testimony of Dr. D. will be found
+mainly in a subsequent part of the work. We state, in passing, a few
+incidentals. He was satisfied that immediate emancipation was better
+policy than a temporary apprenticeship. The apprenticeship was a middle
+state--kept the negroes in suspense--vexed and harrassed them--_fed them
+on a starved hope_; and therefore they would not be so likely, when they
+ultimately obtained freedom, to feel grateful, and conduct themselves
+properly. The reflection that they had been cheated out of their liberty
+for six years would _sour their minds_. The planters in Antigua, by
+giving immediate freedom, had secured the attachment of their people.
+
+The Doctor said he did not expect to make more than two thirds of his
+average crop; but he assured us that this was owing solely to the want
+of rain. There had been no deficiency of labor. The crops were _in_, in
+season, throughout the island, and the estates were never under better
+cultivation than at the present time. Nothing was wanting but
+RAIN--RAIN.
+
+He said that the West India planters were very anxious to _retain_ the
+services of the negro population.
+
+Dr. D. made some inquiries as to the extent of slavery in the United
+States, and what was doing for its abolition. He thought that
+emancipation in our country would not be the result of a slow process.
+The anti-slavery feeling of the civilized world had become too strong to
+wait for a long course of "preparations" and "ameliorations." And
+besides, continued he, "the arbitrary control of a master can never be a
+preparation for freedom;--_sound and wholesome legal restraints are the
+only preparative_."
+
+The Doctor also spoke of the absurdity and wickedness of the caste of
+color which prevailed in the United States. It was the offspring of
+slavery, and it must disappear when slavery is abolished.
+
+CONVERSATION WITH A NEGRO.
+
+We had a conversation one morning with a boatman, while he was rowing us
+across the harbor of St. John's. He was a young negro man. Said he was a
+slave until emancipation. We inquired whether he heard any thing about
+emancipation before it took place. He said, yes--the slaves heard of it,
+but it was talked about so long that many of them lost all _believement_
+in it, got tired waiting, and bought their freedom; but he had more
+patience, and got his for nothing. We inquired of him, what the negroes
+did on the first of August, 1834. He said they all went to church and
+chapel. "Dare was more _religious_ on dat day dan you could tire of."
+Speaking of the _law_, he said it was his _friend_. If there was no law
+to take his part, a man, who was stronger than he, might step up and
+knock him down. But now no one dare do so; all were afraid of the
+_law_,--the law would never hurt any body who behaved well; but a master
+would _slash a fellow, let him do his best_.
+
+VISIT TO NEWFIELD.
+
+Drove out to Newfield, a Moravian station, about eight miles from St.
+John's. The Rev. Mr. Morrish, the missionary at that station, has under
+his charge two thousand people. Connected with the station is a day
+school for children, and a night school for adults twice in each week.
+
+We looked in upon the day school, and found one hundred and fifteen
+children. The teacher and assistant were colored persons. Mr. M.
+superintends. He was just dismissing the school, by singing and prayer,
+and the children marched out to the music of one of their little songs.
+During the afternoon, Mr. Favey, manager of a neighboring estate,
+(Lavicount's,) called on us.
+
+He spoke of the tranquillity of the late Christmas holidays. They ended
+Tuesday evening, and his people were all in the field at work on
+Wednesday morning--there were no stragglers. Being asked to specify the
+chief advantages of the new system over slavery, he stated at once the
+following things: 1st. It (free labor) is less _expensive_. 2d. It costs
+a planter far less _trouble_ to manage free laborers, than it did to
+manage slaves. 3d. It had _removed all danger of insurrection,
+conflagration, and conspiracies_.
+
+ADULT SCHOOL.
+
+In the evening, Mr. Morrish's adult school for women was held. About
+thirty women assembled from different estates--some walking several
+miles. Most of them were just beginning to read. They had just begun to
+learn something about figures, and it was no small effort to add 4 and 2
+together. They were incredibly ignorant about the simplest matters. When
+they first came to the school, they could not tell which was their right
+arm or their right side, and they had scarcely mastered that secret,
+after repeated showing. We were astonished to observe that when Mr. M.
+asked them to point to their cheeks, they laid their finger upon their
+chins. They were much pleased with the evolutions of a dumb clock, which
+Mr. M. exhibited, but none of them could tell the time of day by it.
+Such is a specimen of the intelligence of the Antigua negroes. Mr. M.
+told us that they were a pretty fair sample of the country negroes
+generally. It surely cannot be said that they were uncommonly well
+prepared for freedom; yet with all their ignorance, and with the merest
+infantile state of intellect, they prove the peaceable subjects of law.
+That they have a great desire to learn, is manifest from their coming
+such distances, after working in the field all day. The school which
+they attend has been established since the abolition of slavery.
+
+The next morning, we visited the day school. It was opened with singing
+and prayer. The children knelt and repeated the Lord's Prayer after Mr.
+M. They then formed into a line and marched around the room, singing and
+keeping the step. A tiny little one, just beginning to walk,
+occasionally straggled out of the line. The next child, not a little
+displeased with such disorderly movements, repeatedly seized the
+straggler by the frock, and pulled her into the ranks; but finally
+despaired of reducing her to subordination. When the children had taken
+their seats, Mr. M., at our request, asked all those who were free
+before August, 1834, to rise. Only one girl arose, and she was in no way
+distinguishable from a white child. The first exercise, was an
+examination of a passage of scripture. The children were then questioned
+on the simple rules of addition and subtraction, and their answers were
+prompt and accurate.
+
+DR. NUGENT.
+
+The hour having arrived when we were to visit a neighboring estate, Mr.
+M. kindly accompanied us to Lyon's, the estate upon which Dr. Nugent
+resides. In respect to general intelligence, scientific acquirements,
+and agricultural knowledge, no man in Antigua stands higher than Dr.
+Nugent. He has long been speaker of the house of assembly, and is
+favorably known in Europe as a geologist and man of science. He is
+manager of the estate on which he resides, and proprietor of another.
+
+The Doctor informed us that the crop on his estate had almost totally
+failed, on account of the drought--being reduced from one hundred and
+fifty hogsheads, the average crop, to _fifteen_! His provision grounds
+had yielded almost nothing. The same soil which ordinarily produced ten
+cart-loads of yams to the acre--the present season barely averaged _one
+load to ten acres_! Yams were reduced from the dimensions of a man's
+head, to the size of a radish. The _cattle were dying_ from want of
+water and grass. He had himself lost _five oxen_ within the past week.
+
+Previous to emancipation, said the Doctor, no man in the island dared to
+avow anti-slavery sentiments, if he wished to maintain a respectable
+standing. Planters might have their hopes and aspirations; but they
+could not make them public without incurring general odium, and being
+denounced as the enemies of their country.
+
+In allusion to the motives which prompted the legislature to reject the
+apprenticeship and adopt immediate emancipation, Dr. N. said, "When we
+saw that abolition was _inevitable_, we began, to inquire what would be
+the safest course for getting rid of slavery. _We wished to let
+ourselves down in the easiest manner possible_--THEREFORE WE CHOSE
+IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION!" These were his words.
+
+On returning to the hospitable mansion of Mr. Morrish, we had an
+opportunity of witnessing a custom peculiar to the Moravians. It is
+called 'speaking.' All the members of the church are required to call on
+the missionary once a month, and particular days are appropriated to it.
+They come singly or in small companies, and the minister converses with
+each individual.
+
+Mr. M. manifested great faithfulness in this duty. He was affectionate
+in manner--entered into all the minutiae of individual and family
+affairs, and advised with them as a father with his children. We had an
+opportunity of conversing with some of those who came. We asked one old
+man what he did on the "First of August?"[A] His reply was, "Massa, we
+went to church, and tank de Lord for make a we all free."
+
+[Footnote A: By this phrase the freed people always understand the 1st
+of August, 1834, when slavery was abolished.]
+
+An aged infirm woman said to us, among other things, "Since de _free_
+come de massa give me no--no, nothing to eat--gets all from my
+cousins." We next conversed with two men, who were masons on an estate.
+Being asked how they liked liberty, they replied, "O, it very
+comfortable, Sir--very comfortable indeed." They said, "that on the day
+when freedom came, they were as happy, as though they had just been
+going to heaven." They said, now they had got free, they never would be
+slaves again. They were asked if they would not be willing to sell
+themselves to a man who would treat them well. They replied immediately
+that they would be very willing to _serve_ such a man, but they would
+not _sell themselves_ to the best person in the world! What fine
+logicians a slave's experience had made these men! Without any effort
+they struck out a distinction, which has puzzled learned men in church
+and state, the difference between _serving_ a man and _being his
+property_.
+
+Being asked how they conducted themselves on the 1st of August they said
+they had no frolicking, but they all went to church to "_tank God for
+make a we free_." They said, they were very desirous to have their
+children learn all they could while they were young. We asked them if
+they did not fear that their children would become lazy if they went to
+school all the time. One said, shrewdly, "Eh! nebber mind--dey _come to_
+by'm by--_belly 'blige 'em_ to work."
+
+In the evening Mr. M. held a religious meeting in the chapel; the weekly
+meeting for exhortation. He stated to the people the object of our
+visit, and requested one of us to say a few words. Accordingly, a short
+time was occupied in stating the number of slaves in America, and in
+explaining their condition, physical, moral, and spiritual; and the
+congregation were urged to pray for the deliverance of the millions of
+our bondmen. They manifested much sympathy, and promised repeatedly to
+pray that they might be "free like we." At the close of the meeting they
+pressed around us to say "howdy, massa;" and when we left the chapel,
+they showered a thousand blessings upon us. Several of them, men and
+women, gathered about Mr. M.'s door after we went in, and wished to talk
+with us. The men were mechanics, foremen, and watchmen; the women were
+nurses. During our interview, which lasted nearly an hour, these persons
+remained standing.
+
+When we asked them how they liked freedom, and whether it was better
+than slavery, they answered with a significant _umph_ and a shrug of the
+shoulders, as though they would say, "Why you ask dat question, massa?"
+
+They said, "all the people went to chapel on the first of August, to
+tank God for make such poor undeserving sinners as we free; we no nebber
+expect to hab it. But it please de Lord to gib we free, and we tank him
+good Lord for it."
+
+We asked them if they thought the wages they got (a shilling per day, or
+about eleven cents,) was enough for them. They said it seemed to be very
+small, and it was as much as they could do to get along with it; but
+they could not get any more, and they had to be "satify and conten."
+
+As it grew late and the good people had far to walk, we shook hands with
+them, and bade them good bye, telling them we hoped to meet them again
+in a world where all would be free. The next morning Mr. M. accompanied
+us to the residence of the Rev. Mr. Jones, the rector of St. Phillip's.
+
+Mr. J. informed us that the planters in that part of the island were
+gratified with the working of the new system. He alluded to the
+prejudices of some against having the children educated, lest it should
+foster indolence. But, said Mr. J., the planters have always been
+opposed to improvements, until they were effected, and their good
+results began to be manifest. They first insisted that the abolition of
+the slave-trade would ruin the colonies--next the _abolition of slavery_
+was to be the certain destruction of the islands--and now the education
+of children is deprecated as fraught with disastrous consequences.
+
+FREY'S ESTATE--MR. HATLEY.
+
+Mr. Morrish accompanied us to a neighboring estate called Frey's, which
+lies on the road from Newfield to English Harbor. Mr. Hatley, the
+manager, showed an enthusiastic admiration of the new system. Most of
+his testimony will be found in Chapter III. He said, that owing to the
+dry weather he should not make one third of his average crop. Yet his
+people had acted their part well. He had been encouraged by their
+improved industry and efficiency, to bring into cultivation lands that
+had never before been tilled.
+
+It was delightful to witness the change which had been wrought in this
+planter by the abolition of slavery. Although accustomed for years to
+command a hundred human beings with absolute authority, he could rejoice
+in the fact that his power was wrested from him, and when asked to
+specify the advantages of freedom over slavery, he named emphatically
+and above all others _the abolition of flogging_. Formerly, he said, it
+was "_whip--whip--whip--incessantly_, but now we are relieved from this
+disagreeable task."
+
+THE AMERICAN CONSUL
+
+We called on the American Consul, Mr. Higginbotham, at his country
+residence, about four miles from St. John's. Shortly after we reached
+his elevated and picturesque seat, we were joined by Mr. Cranstoun, a
+planter, who had been invited to dine with us. Mr. C. is a _colored
+gentleman_. The Consul received him in such a manner as plainly showed
+that they were on terms of intimacy. Mr. C. is a gentleman of
+intelligence and respectability, and occupies a station of trust and
+honor in the island. On taking leave of us, he politely requested our
+company at breakfast on a following morning, saying, he would send his
+gig for us.
+
+At the urgent request of Mr. Bourne, of Miller's, we consented to
+address the people of his estate, on Sabbath evening. He sent in his gig
+for us in the afternoon, and we drove out.
+
+At the appointed hour we went to the place of meeting. The chapel was
+crowded with attentive listeners. Whenever allusions were made to the
+grout blessings which God had conferred upon them in delivering them
+from bondage, the audience heartily responded in their rough but earnest
+way to the sentiments expressed. At the conclusion of the meeting, they
+gradually withdrew, bowing or courtesying as they passed us, and
+dropping upon our ear their gentle "good bye, massa." During slavery
+every estate had its _dungeon_ for refractory slaves. Just as we were
+leaving Miller's, me asked Mr. B. what had become of these dungeons. He
+instantly replied, "I'll show you one," In a few moments we stood at the
+door of the old prison, a small stone building, strongly built, with two
+cells. It was a dismal looking den, surrounded by stables, pig-styes,
+and cattlepens. The door was off its hinges, and the entrance partly
+filled up with mason work. The sheep and goats went in and out
+at pleasure.
+
+We breakfasted one morning at the Villa estate, which lies within half a
+mile of St. John's. The manager was less sanguine in his views of
+emancipation than the planters generally. We were disposed to think
+that, were it not for the force of public sentiment, he might declare
+himself against it. His feelings are easily accounted for. The estate is
+situated so near the town; that his people are assailed by a variety of
+temptations to leave their work; from which those on other estates are
+exempt. The manager admitted that the danger of insurrection was
+removed--crime was lessened--and the moral condition of society was
+rapidly improving.
+
+A few days after, we went by invitation to a bazaar, or fair, which was
+held in the court-house in St. John's. The avails were to be
+appropriated to the building of a new Wesleyan chapel in the town. The
+council chamber and the assembly's call were given for the purpose. The
+former spacious room was crowded with people of every class and
+complexion. The fair was got up by the _colored_ members of the Wesleyan
+church; nevertheless, some of the first ladies and gentlemen in town
+attended it, and mingled promiscuously in the throng. Wealthy
+proprietors, lawyers legislators, military officers in their uniform,
+merchants, etc. swelled the crowd. We recognised a number of ladies whom
+we had previously met at a fashionable dinner in St. John's. Colored
+ladies presided at the tables, and before them was spread a profusion of
+rich fancy articles. Among a small number of books exhibited for sale
+were several copies of a work entitled "COMMEMORATIVE WREATH," being a
+collection of poetical pieces relating to the abolition of slavery in
+the West Indies.
+
+VISIT TO MR. CRANSTOUN'S.
+
+On the following morning Mr. C.'s gig came for us, and we drove out to
+his residence. We were met at the door by the American Consul, who
+breakfasted with us. When he had taken leave, Mr. C. proposed that we
+should go over his grounds. To reach the estate, which lies in a
+beautiful valley far below Mr. C.'s mountainous residence, we were
+obliged to go on foot by a narrow path that wound along the sides of the
+precipitous hills. This estate is the property of Mr. Athill, a colored
+gentleman now residing in England. Mr. A. is post-master general of
+Antigua, one of the first merchants in St. John's, and was a member of
+the assembly until the close of 1836, when, on account of his continued
+absence, he resigned his seat. A high-born white man, the Attorney
+General, now occupies the same chair which this colored member vacated.
+Mr. C. was formerly attorney for several estates, is now agent for a
+number of them, and also a magistrate.
+
+He remarked, that since emancipation the nocturnal disorders and
+quarrels in the negro villages, which were incessant during slavery, had
+nearly ceased. The people were ready and willing to work. He had
+frequently given his gang jobs, instead of paying them by the day. This
+had proved a gear stimulant to industry, and the work of the estate was
+performed so much quicker by this plan that it was less expensive than
+daily wages. When they had jobs given them, they would sometimes go to
+work by three o'clock in the morning, and work by moonlight. When the
+moon was not shining, he had known them to kindle fires among the trash
+or dry cane leaves to work by. They would then continue working all day
+until four o clock, stopping only for breakfast, and dispensing with the
+usual intermission from twelve to two.
+
+We requested him to state briefly what were in his estimation the
+advantages of the free system over slavery. He replied thus: 1st. The
+diminished expense of free labor. 2d. _The absence of coercion_. 3d. The
+greater facility in managing an estate. Managers had not half the
+perplexity and trouble in watching, driving, &c. They could leave the
+affairs of the estate in the hands of the people with safety. 4th. _The
+freedom from danger_. They had now put away all fears of insurrections,
+robbery, and incendiarism.
+
+There are two reflections which the perusal of these items will probably
+suggest to most minds: 1st. The coincidence in the replies of different
+planters to the question--What are the advantages of freedom over
+slavery? These replies are almost identically the same in every case,
+though given by men who reside in different parts of the island, and
+have little communication with each other. 2d. They all speak
+exclusively of the advantages to the _master_, and say nothing of the
+benefit accruing to the emancipated. We are at some loss to decide
+whether this arose from indifference to the interests of the
+emancipated, or from a conviction that the blessings of freedom to them
+were self-evident and needed no specification.
+
+While we were in the boiling-house we witnessed a scene which
+illustrated one of the benefits of freedom to the slave; it came quite
+opportunely, and supplied the deficiency in the manager's enumeration of
+advantages. The head boiler was performing the work of 'striking off;'
+i.e. of removing the liquor, after it had been sufficiently boiled, from
+the copper to the coolers. The liquor had been taken out of the boiler
+by the skipper, and thence was being conducted to the coolers by a long
+open spout. By some means the spout became choaked, and the liquor began
+to run over. Mr. C. ordered the man to let down the valve, but he became
+confused, and instead of letting go the string which lifted the valve,
+he pulled on it the more. The consequence was that the liquor poured
+over the sides of the spout in a torrent. The manager screamed at the
+top of his voice--"_let down the valve, let it down_!" But the poor man,
+more and more frightened, hoisted it still higher,--and the precious
+liquid--pure sugar--spread in a thick sheet over the earthen floor. The
+manager at last sprang forward, thrust aside the man, and stopped the
+mischief, but not until many gallons of sugar were lost. Such an
+accident as this, occurring during slavery, would have cost the negro a
+severe flogging. As it was, however, in the present case, although Mr.
+C. 'looked daggers,' and exclaimed by the workings of his countenance,
+'a kingdom for a _cat_,'[A] yet the severest thing which he could say
+was, "You bungling fellow--if you can't manage better than this, I shall
+put some other person in your place--that's all." '_That_'s ALL' indeed,
+but it would not have been all, three years ago. The negro replied to
+his chidings in a humble way, saying 'I couldn't help it, sir, I
+couldn't help it' Mr. C. finally turned to us, and said in a calmer
+tone, "The poor fellow got confused, and was frightened half to death."
+
+[Footnote A: A species of whip, well know in the West Indies.]
+
+VISIT TO GRACE BAY.
+
+We made a visit to the Moravian settlement at Grace Bay, which is on the
+opposite side of the island. We called, in passing, at Cedar Hall, a
+Moravian establishment four miles from town. Mr. Newby, one of the
+missionaries stationed at this place, is the oldest preacher of the
+Gospel in the island. He has been in Antigua for twenty-seven years. He
+is quite of the _old way of thinking_ on all subjects, especially the
+divine right of kings, and the scriptural sanction of slavery.
+Nevertheless, he was persuaded that emancipation had been a great
+blessing to the island and to all parties concerned. When he first came
+to Antigua in 1809, he was not suffered to teach the slaves. After some
+time he ventured to keep an evening school _in a secret way_. Now there
+is a day school of one hundred and twenty children connected with the
+station. It has been formed since emancipation.
+
+From Cedar Hail we proceeded to Grace Bay. On the way we met some negro
+men at work on the road, and stopped our chaise to chat with them. They
+told us that they lived on Harvey's estate, which they pointed out to
+us. Before emancipation that estate had four hundred slaves on it, but a
+great number had since left because of ill usage during slavery. They
+would not live on the estate, because the same manager remained, and
+they could not trust him.
+
+They told us they were Moravians, and that on the first of August they
+all went to the Moravian chapel at Grace Bay, 'to tank and praise de
+good Savior for make a we free.' We asked them if they still liked
+liberty; they said, "Yes, massa, we all quite _proud_ to be free." The
+negroes use the word _proud_ to express a strong feeling of delight. One
+man said, "One morning as I was walking along the road all alone, I
+prayed that the Savior would make me free, for then I could be so happy.
+I don't know what made me pray so, for I wasn't looking for de free; but
+please massa, _in one month de free come_."
+
+They declared that they worked a great deal better since emancipation,
+because they were _paid for it_. To be sure, said they, we get very
+little wages, but it is better than none. They repeated it again and
+again, that men could not be made to work well by _flogging_ them, "_it
+was no use to try it_."
+
+We asked one of the men, whether he would not be willing to be a slave
+again provided he was _sure_ of having a kind master. "Heigh! me massa,"
+said he, "me neber slave no more. A good massa a very good ting, _but
+freedom till better_." They said that it was a great blessing to them to
+have their children go to school. After getting them to show us the way
+to Grace Bay, we bade them good bye.
+
+We were welcomed at Grace Bay by the missionary, and his wife, Mr. and
+Mrs. Moehne.[B] The place where these missionaries reside is a beautiful
+spot. Their dwelling-house and the chapel are situated on a high
+promontory, almost surrounded by the sea. A range of tall hills in the
+rear cuts off the view of the island, giving to the missionary station
+an air of loneliness and seclusion truly impressive. In this sequestered
+spot, the found Mr. and Mrs. M. living alone. They informed us that they
+rarely have white visiters, but their house is the constant resort of
+the negroes, who gather there after the toil of the day to 'speak' about
+their souls. Mr. and Mrs. M. are wholly engrossed in their labors of
+love. They find their happiness in leading their numerous flock "by the
+still waters and the green pastures" of salvation. Occupied in this
+delightful work, they covet not other employments, nor other company,
+and desire no other earthly abode than their own little hill-embosomed,
+sea-girt missionary home.
+
+[Footnote B: Pronounced Maynuh.]
+
+There are a thousand people belonging to the church at this station,
+each of whom, the missionaries see once every month. A day school has
+been lately established, and one hundred children are already in
+attendance. After dinner we walked out accompanied by the missionaries
+to enjoy the beautiful sunset. It is one of the few _harmless_ luxuries
+of a West India climate, to go forth after the heat of the day is spent
+and the sun is sinking in the sea, and enjoy the refreshing coolness of
+the air. The ocean stretched before us, motionless after the turmoil of
+the day, like a child which has rocked itself asleep, yet indicating by
+its mighty breathings as it heaved along the beach, that it only
+slumbered. As the sun went down, the full moon arose, only less
+luminous, and gradually the stars began to light up their beaming fires.
+The work of the day now being over, the weary laborers were seen coming
+from different directions to have a 'speak' with the missionaries. Mr.
+M. stated a fact illustrative of the influence of the missionaries over
+the negroes. Some time ago, the laborers on a certain estate became
+dissatisfied with the wages they were receiving, and refused to work
+unless they were increased. The manager tried in vain to reconcile his
+people to the grievance of which they complained, and then sent to Mr.
+M., requesting him to visit the estate, and use his influence to
+persuade the negroes, most of whom belonged to his church, to work at
+the usual terms. Mr. M. sent word to the manager that it was not his
+province, as minister, to interfere with the affairs of any estate; but
+he would talk with the people about it individually, when they came to
+'speak.' Accordingly he spoke to each one, as he came, in a kind manner,
+advising him to return to his work, and live as formerly. In a short
+time peace and confidence were restored, and the whole gang to a man
+were in the field.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. M. stated that notwithstanding the very low rate of wages,
+which was scarcely sufficient to support life, they had never seen a
+single individual who desired to return to the condition of a slave.
+Even the old and infirm, who were sometimes really in a suffering state
+from neglect of the planters and from inability of their relatives
+adequately to provide for them, expressed the liveliest gratitude for
+the great blessing which the Savior had given them. They would often say
+to Mrs. M. "Why, Missus, old sinner just sinkin in de grave, but God let
+me old eyes see dis blessed sun."
+
+The missionaries affirmed that the negroes were an affectionate
+people--remarkably so. Any kindness shown them by a white person, was
+treasured up and never forgotten. On the other hand, the slightest
+neglect or contempt from a white person, was keenly felt. They are very
+fond of saying '_howdy_' to white people; but if the salutation is not
+returned, or noticed kindly, they are not likely to repeat it to the
+same individual. To shake hands with a white person is a gratification
+which they highly prize. Mrs. M. pleasantly remarked, that after service
+on Sabbath, she was usually wearied out with saying _howdy_, and
+_shaking hands_.
+
+During the evening we had some conversation with two men who came to
+'speak.' They spoke about the blessings of liberty, and their gratitude
+to God for making them free. They spoke also, with deep feeling, of the
+still greater importance of being free from _sin_. That, they said, was
+better. _Heaven was the first best, and freedom was the next best_.
+
+They gave us some account, in the course of the evening, of an aged
+saint called Grandfather Jacob, who lived on a neighboring estate. He
+had been a _helper_[A] in the Moravian church, until he became too
+infirm to discharge the duties connected with that station. Being for
+the same reason discharged from labor on the estate, he now occupied
+himself in giving religious instruction to the other superannuated
+people on the estate.
+
+[Footnote A: An office somewhat similar to that of deacon]
+
+Mrs. M. said it would constitute an era in the life of the old man, if
+he could have an interview with two strangers from a distant land;
+accordingly, she sent a servant to ask him to come to the mission-house
+early the next morning. The old man was prompt to obey the call. He left
+home, as he said, 'before the gun fire'--about five o'clock--and came
+nearly three miles on foot. He was of a slender form, and had been tall,
+but age and slavery had bowed him down. He shook us by the hand very
+warmly, exclaiming, "God bless you, God bless you--me bery glad to see
+you." He immediately commenced giving us an account of his conversion.
+Said he, putting his hand on his breast, "You see old Jacob? de old
+_sinner_ use to go on _drinkin', swearin', dancin', fightin'!_ No God--
+no Savior--no soul! _When old England and de Merica fall out de first
+time_, old Jacob was a man--a wicked sinner!--drink rum, fight--love to
+fight! Carry coffin to de grabe on me head; put dead body under
+ground--dance over it--den fight and knock man down--go 'way, drink rum,
+den take de fiddle. And so me went on, just so, till me get sick and
+going to die--thought when me die, dat be de end of me;--_den de Savior
+come to me!_ Jacob love de Savior, and been followin' de good Savior
+ever since." He continued his story, describing the opposition he had to
+contend with, and the sacrifices he made to go to church. After working
+on the estate till six o'clock at night, he and several others would
+each take a large stone on his head and start for St. John's; nine miles
+over the hills. They carried the stones to aid is building the Moravian
+chapel at Spring Garden, St. John's. After he had finished this account,
+he read to us, in a highly animated style, some of the hymns which he
+taught to the old people, and then sung one of them. These exercises
+caused the old man's heart to burn within him, and again he ran over his
+past life, his early wickedness, and the grace that snatched him from
+ruin, while the mingled tides of gratitude burst forth from heart, and
+eyes, and tongue.
+
+When we turned his attention to the temporal freedom he had received, he
+instantly caught the word FREE, and exclaimed vehemently, "O yes, me
+Massa--dat is anoder kind blessin from de Savior! Him make we all
+_free_. Can never praise him too much for dat." We inquired whether he
+was now provided for by the manager. He said he was not--never received
+any thing from him--his _children_ supported him. We then asked him
+whether it was not better to be a slave if he could get food and
+clothing, than to be free and not have enough. He darted his quick eye
+at us and said 'rader be free _still_.' He had been severely flogged
+twice since his conversion, for leaving his post as watchman to bury the
+dead. The minister was sick, and he was applied to, in his capacity of
+_helper_, to perform funeral rites, and he left his watch to do it. He
+said, his heavenly Master called him, and he _would_ go though he
+expected a flogging. He must serve his Savior whatever come. "Can't put
+we in dungeon _now_," said Grandfather Jacob with a triumphant look.
+
+When told that there were slaves in America, and that they were not yet
+emancipated, he exclaimed, "Ah, de Savior make we free, and he will make
+dem free too. He come to Antigo first--he'll be in Merica soon."
+
+When the time had come for him to leave, he came and pressed our hands,
+and fervently gave us his patriarchal blessing. Our interview with
+Grandfather Jacob can never be forgotten. Our hearts, we trust, will
+long cherish his heavenly savor--well assured that if allowed a part in
+the resurrection of the just, we shall behold his tall form, erect in
+the vigor of immortal youth, amidst the patriarchs of past generations.
+
+After breakfast we took leave of the kind-hearted missionaries, whose
+singular devotedness and delightful spirit won greatly upon our
+affections, and bent our way homeward by another route.
+
+MR. SCOTLAND'S ESTATE.
+
+We called at the estate of Mr. J. Scotland, Jr., barrister, and member
+of the assembly. We expected to meet with the proprietor, but the
+manager informed us that pressing business at court had called him to
+St. John's on the preceding day. The testimony of the manager concerning
+the dry weather, the consequent failure in the crop, the industry of the
+laborers, and so forth, was similar to that which we had heard before.
+He remarked that he had not been able to introduce job-work among his
+people. It was a new thing with them, and they did not understand it. He
+had lately made a proposal to give the gang four dollars per acre for
+holding a certain field. They asked a little time to consider upon so
+novel a proposition. He gave them half a day, and at the end of that
+time asked them what their conclusion was. One, acting as spokesman for
+the rest, said, "We rada hab de shilling wages." That was _certain_; the
+job might yield them more, and it might fall short--quite a common sense
+transaction!
+
+At the pressing request of Mr. Armstrong we spent a day with him at
+Fitch's Creek. Mr. A. received us with the most cordial hospitality,
+remarking that he was glad to have another opportunity to state some
+things which he regarded as obstacles to the complete success of the
+experiment in Antigua. One was the entire want of concert among the
+planters. There was no disposition to meet and compare views respecting
+different modes of agriculture, treatment of laborers, and employment of
+machinery. Another evil was, allowing people to live on the estates who
+took no part in the regular labor of cultivation. Some planters had
+adapted the foolish policy of encouraging such persons to remain on the
+estates, in order that they might have help at hand in cases of
+emergency. Mr. A. strongly condemned this policy. It withheld laborers
+from the estates which needed them; it was calculated to make the
+regular field hands discontented, and it offered a direct encouragement
+to the negroes to follow irregular modes of living. A third obstacle to
+the successful operation of free labor, was the absence of the most
+influential proprietors. The consequences of absenteeism were very
+serious. The proprietors were of all men the most deeply interested in
+the soil; and no attorneys, agents, or managers, whom they could employ,
+would feel an equal interest in it, nor make the same efforts to secure
+the prosperous workings of the new system.
+
+In the year 1833, when the abolition excitement was at its height in
+England, and the people were thundering at the doors of parliament for
+emancipation, Mr. A. visited that country for his health. To use his own
+expressive words, he "got a terrible scraping wherever he went." He said
+he could not travel in a stage-coach, or go into a party, or attend a
+religious meeting, without being attacked. No one the most remotely
+connected with the system could have peace there. He said it was
+astonishing to see what a feeling was abroad, how mightily the mind of
+the whole country, peer and priest and peasant, was wrought up. The
+national heart seemed on fire.
+
+Mr. A. said, he became a religious man whilst the manager of a slave
+estate, and when he became a Christian, he became an abolitionist. Yet
+this man, while his conscience was accusing him--while he was longing
+and praying for abolition--did not dare open his mouth in public to
+urge it on! How many such men are there in our southern states--men who
+are inwardly cheering on the abolitionist in his devoted work, and yet
+send up no voice to encourage him, but perhaps are traducing and
+denouncing him!
+
+We received a call at our lodgings in St. John's from the Archdeacon. He
+made interesting statements respecting the improvement of the negroes in
+dress, morals, education and religion, since emancipation. He had
+resided in the island some years previous to the abolition of slavery,
+and spoke from personal observation.
+
+Among many other gentlemen who honored us with a call about the same
+time, was the Rev. Edward Fraser, Wesleyan missionary, and a colored
+gentleman. He is a native of Bermuda, and ten years ago was a _slave_.
+He received a mercantile education, and was for several years the
+confidential clerk of his master. He was treated with much regard and
+general kindness. He said he was another Joseph--every thing which his
+master had was in his hands. The account books and money were all
+committed to him. He had servants under him, and did almost as he
+pleased--except becoming free. Yet he must say, as respected himself,
+kindly as he was treated, that slavery was a _grievous wrong, most
+unjust and sinful_. The very thought--and it often came over him--that
+he was a slave, brought with it a terrible sense of degradation. It came
+over the soul like a frost. His sense of degradation grew more intense
+in proportion as his mind became more cultivated. He said, _education
+was a disagreeable companion for a slave_. But while he said this, Mr.
+F. spoke very respectfully and tenderly of his master. He would not
+willingly utter a word which would savor of unkindness towards him. Such
+was the spirit of one whose best days had been spent under the exactions
+of slavery. He was a local preacher in the Wesleyan connection while he
+was a slave, and was liberated by his master, without remuneration, at
+the request of the British Conference, who wished to employ him as an
+itinerant. He is highly esteemed both for his natural talents and
+general literary acquisitions and moral worth. The Conference have
+recently called him to England to act as an agent in that country, to
+procure funds for educational and religious purposes in these islands.
+
+MEETING OF WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES.
+
+As we were present at the annual meeting of the Wesleyan missionaries
+for this district, we gained much information concerning the object of
+our mission, as there were about twenty missionaries, mostly from
+Dominica, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Christophers, Anguilla, and Tortola.
+
+Not a few of them were men of superior acquirements, who had sacrificed
+ease and popular applause at home, to minister to the outcast and
+oppressed. They are the devoted friends of the black man. It was
+soul-cheering to hear them rejoice over the abolition of slavery. It was
+as though their own limbs had been of a sudden unshackled, and a high
+wall had fallen from around them. Liberty had broken upon them like the
+bursting forth of the sun to the watchman on his midnight tower.
+
+During the session, the mission-house was thrown open to us, and we
+frequently dined with the numerous company of missionaries, who there
+ate at a common table. Mrs. F., wife of the colored clergyman mentioned
+above, presided at the social board. The missionaries and their wives
+associated with Mr. and Mrs. F. as unreservedly as though they wore the
+most delicate European tint. The first time we took supper with them, at
+one side of a large table, around which were about twenty missionaries
+with their wives, sat Mrs. F., with the furniture of a tea table before
+her. On the other side, with the coffee urn and its accompaniments, sat
+the wife of a missionary, with a skin as lily-hued as the fairest
+Caucasian. Nearly opposite to her, between two white preachers, sat a
+colored missionary. Farther down, with the chairman of the district on
+his right, sat another colored gentleman, a merchant and local preacher
+in Antigua. Such was the uniform appearance of the table, excepting that
+the numbers were occasionally swelled by the addition of several other
+colored gentlemen and ladies. On another occasion, at dinner, we had an
+interesting conversation, in which the whole company of missionaries
+participated. The Rev. M. Banks, of St. Bartholomews, remarked, that one
+of the grossest of all absurdities was that of _preparing men for
+freedom_. Some, said he, pretend that immediate emancipation is unsafe,
+but it was evident to him that if men _are peaceable while they are
+slaves_, they might be trusted in any other condition, for they could
+not possibly be placed in one more aggravating. If _slavery_ is a safe
+system, _freedom_ surely will be. There can be no better evidence that a
+people are prepared for liberty, _than their patient endurance of
+slavery_. He expressed the greatest regret at the conduct of the
+American churches, particularly that of the Methodist church. "Tell
+them," said he, "on your return, that the missionaries in these islands
+are cast down and grieved when they think of their brethren in America.
+We feel persuaded that they are holding back the car of freedom; they
+are holding up the gospel." Rev. Mr. Cheesbrough, of St. Christopher's,
+said, "Tell them that much as we desire to visit the United States, we
+cannot go so long as we are prohibited from speaking against slavery, or
+while that _abominable prejudice_ is encouraged in the churches. _We
+could not administer the sacrament to a church in which the distinction
+of colors was maintained._" "Tell our brethren of the Wesleyan
+connection," said Mr. B. again, "that slavery must be abolished by
+_Christians_, and the church ought to take her stand at once against
+it." We told him that a large number of Methodists and other Christians
+had engaged already in the work, and that the number was daily
+increasing. "That's right," he exclaimed, "agitate, _agitate_, AGITATE!
+_You must succeed_: the Lord is with you." He dwelt particularly on the
+obligations resting upon Christians in the free states. He said, "Men
+must be at a distance from slavery to judge of its real character.
+Persons living in the midst of it, gradually become familiarized with
+its horrors and woes, so that they can view calmly, exhibitions from
+which they would once have shrunk in dismay."
+
+We had some conversation with Rev. Mr. Walton, of Montserrat. After
+making a number of statements in reference to the apprenticeship there,
+Mr. W. stated that there had been repeated instances of planters
+_emancipating all their apprentices_. He thought there had been a case
+of this kind every month for a year past. The planters were becoming
+tired of the apprenticeship, and from mere considerations of interest
+and comfort, were adopting free labor.
+
+A new impulse had been given to education in Montserrat, and schools
+were springing up in all parts of the island. Mr. W. thought there was
+no island in which education was so extensive. Religious influences were
+spreading among the people of all classes. Marriages were occurring
+every week.
+
+We had an interview with the Rev. Mr. H., an aged colored minister. He
+has a high standing among his brethren, for talents, piety, and
+usefulness. There are few ministers in the West Indies who have
+accomplished more _for the cause of Christ_ than has Mr. H.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: It is a fact well known in Antigua and Barbadoes, that this
+colored missionary has been instrumental in the conversion of several
+clergymen of the Episcopal Church in those islands, who are now
+currently devoted men.]
+
+He said he had at different periods been stationed in Antigua, Anguilla,
+Tortola, and some other islands. He said that the negroes in the other
+islands in which he had preached, were as intelligent as those in
+Antigua, and in every respect as well prepared for freedom. He was in
+Anguilla when emancipation took place. The negroes there were kept at
+work on the very _day that freedom came!_ They worked as orderly as on
+any other day. The Sabbath following, he preached to them on their new
+state, explaining the apprenticeship to them. He said the whole
+congregation were in a state of high excitement, weeping and shouting.
+One man sprang to his feet, and exclaimed, 'Me never forget God and King
+William.' This same man was so full that he went out of the chapel, and
+burst into loud weeping.
+
+The preaching of the missionaries, during their stay in Antigua, was
+full of allusions to the abolition of slavery in the West Indies, and
+especially to the entire emancipation in Antigua. Indeed, we rarely
+attended a meeting in Antigua, of any kind, in which the late
+emancipation was not in some way alluded to with feelings of gratitude
+and exultation. In the ordinary services of the Sabbath, this subject
+was almost uniformly introduced, either in the prayer or sermon.
+Whenever thanksgiving was rendered to God for favors, _freedom_ was
+among the number.
+
+The meeting of the district afforded an opportunity for holding a number
+of anniversary meetings. We notice them here, believing that they will
+present the most accurate view that can be given of the religious and
+moral condition of Antigua.
+
+On the evening of the 1st of February, the first anniversary of the
+Antigua Temperance Society was held in the Wesleyan chapel. We had been
+invited to attend and take a part in the exercises. The chapel was
+crowded with a congregation of all grades and complexions. Colored and
+white gentlemen appeared together on the platform. We intimated to a
+member of the committee, that we could not conscientiously speak without
+advocating _total abstinence_, which doctrine, we concluded from the
+nature of the pledge, (which only included ardent spirits,) would not be
+well received. We were assured that we might use the most perfect
+freedom in avowing our sentiments.
+
+The speakers on this occasion were two planters, a Wesleyan missionary,
+and ourselves. All advocated the doctrine of total abstinence. The first
+speaker, a planter, concluded by saying, that it was commonly believed
+that wine and malt were rendered absolutely indispensable in the West
+Indies, by the exhausting nature of the climate. But facts disprove the
+truth of this notion. "I am happy to say that I can now present this
+large assembly with ocular demonstration of the fallacy of the popular
+opinion. I need only point you to the worthy occupants of this platform.
+Who are the healthiest among them? _The cold water drinkers--the
+teetotallers_! We can assure you that we have not lost a pound of flesh,
+by abandoning our cups. We have tried the cold water experiment
+faithfully, and we can testify that since we became cold water men, _we
+work better, we eat better, we sleep better, and we do every thing
+better than before_." The next speaker, a planter also, dwelt on the
+inconsistency of using wine and malt, and at the same time calling upon
+the poor to give up ardent spirits. He said this inconsistency had been
+cast in his teeth by his negroes. He never could prevail upon them to
+stop drinking rum, until he threw away his wine and porter. Now he and
+all his people were teetotallists. There were two other planters who had
+taken the same course. He stated, as the result of a careful calculation
+which he had made, that he and the two planters referred to, had been in
+the habit of giving to their people not less than _one thousand gallons
+of rum annually_. The whole of this was now withheld, and molasses and
+sugar were given instead. The missionary who followed them was not a
+whit behind in boldness and zeal, and between them, they left us little
+to say in our turn on the subject of total abstinence.
+
+On the following evening the anniversary of the Bible Society was held
+in the Moravian school-room. During the day we received a note from the
+Secretary of the Society, politely requesting us to be present. The
+spacious school-room was filled, and the broad platform crowded with
+church clergymen, Moravian ministers, and Wesleyan missionaries, colored
+and white. The Secretary, a Moravian minister, read the twenty-first
+annual report. It spoke emphatically of 'the joyful event of
+emancipation', and in allusion to an individual in England, of whom it
+spoke in terms of high commendation, it designated him, as one "who was
+distinguished for his efforts in the abolition of slavery." The adoption
+of the report was moved by one of the Wesleyan missionaries, who spoke
+at some length. He commenced by speaking of "the peculiar emotions with
+which he always arose to address an assembly of the free people of
+Antigua." It had been his lot for a year past to labor in a colony[A]
+where slavery still reigned, and he could not but thank God for the
+happiness of setting his foot once more on the free soil of an
+emancipated island.
+
+[Footnote A: St. Martin's]
+
+Perhaps the most interesting meeting in the series, was the anniversary
+of the Wesleyan Missionary Society of Antigua. Both parts of the day
+were devoted to this anniversary. The meetings were held in the Wesleyan
+chapel, which was filled above and below, with the usual commixture of
+white, colored, and black. We saw, as on former occasions, several
+colored gentlemen seated among the ministers. After the usual
+introductory exercises of singing and prayer, the annual report was read
+by the Secretary, Rev. E. Fraser, the colored minister already
+mentioned. It was terse, direct, and business like. The meeting was then
+addressed by a Moravian missionary. He dwelt upon the decrease of the
+sectarian spirit, and hailed the coming of Christian charity and
+brotherly communion. He opened his Bible, and read about the middle wall
+of partition being broken down. "Yes, brother," said Mr. Horne, "and
+every other wall." "The rest are but paper walls," responded the
+speaker, "and when once the middle wall is removed, these will soon be
+burned up by the fire of Christian love."
+
+The next speaker was a Wesleyan missionary of Nevis. He spoke of the
+various instrumentalities which were now employed for the conversion of
+the world. "We welcome," said he, "the co-operation of America, and with
+all our hearts do we rejoice that she is now beginning to put away from
+her that vile system of oppression which has hitherto crippled her moral
+energy and her religious enterprise." Then turning and addressing
+himself to us, he said, "We hail you, dear brethren, as co-workers with
+us. Go forward in your blessed undertaking. Be not dismayed with the
+huge dimensions of that vice which you are laboring to overthrow! Be not
+disheartened by the violence and menaces of your enemies! Go forward.
+Proclaim to the church and to your countrymen the sinfulness of slavery,
+and be assured that soon the fire of truth will melt down the massy
+chains of oppression." He then urged upon the people of Antigua _their_
+peculiar obligations to extend the gospel to other lands. It was the
+_Bible_ that made them free, and he begged them to bear in mind that
+there were millions of their countrymen _still in the chains of
+slavery_. This appeal was received with great enthusiasm.
+
+We then spoke on a resolution which had been handed us by the Secretary,
+and which affirmed "that the increasing and acknowledged usefulness of
+Christian missions was a subject of congratulation." We spoke of the
+increase of missionary operations in our own country, and of the spirit
+of self-denial which was widely spreading, particularly among young
+Christians. We spoke of that accursed thing in our midst, which not only
+tended greatly to kill the spirit of missions in the church, but which
+directly withheld _many_ young men from foreign missionary fields. It
+had made more than two millions of heathen in our country; and so long
+as the cries of these _heathen at home_ entered the ears of our young
+men and young women, they could not, dare not, go abroad. How could they
+go to Ceylon, to Burmah, or to Hindostan, with the cry of their
+_country's heathen_ ringing their ears! How could they tear themselves
+away from famished millions kneeling at their feet in chains and begging
+for the bread of life, and roam afar to China or the South Sea Islands!
+Increasing numbers filed with a missionary spirit felt that their
+obligations were at home, and they were resolved that if they could not
+carry the gospel _forthwith_ to the slaves, they would labor for the
+overthrow of that system which made it a crime punishable with death to
+preach salvation to the poor. In conclusion, the hope was expressed that
+the people of Antigua--so highly favored with freedom, education, and
+religion, would never forget that in the nation whence we came, there
+were _two millions and a half of heathen_, who, instead of bread,
+received stones and scorpions; instead of the Bible, bolts and bars;
+instead of the gospel, chains and scourgings; instead of the hope of
+salvation thick darkness and despair. They were entreated to remember
+that in the gloomy dungeon, from which they had lately escaped there
+were deeper and more dismal cells, _yet filled_ with millions of their
+countrymen. The state of feeling produced by this reference to slavery,
+was such as might be anticipated in an audience, a portion of which were
+once slaves, and still remembered freshly the horrors of their late
+condition.
+
+The meeting was concluded after a sitting of more than four hours. The
+attendance in the evening was larger than on any former occasion. Many
+were unable to get within the chapel. We were again favored with an
+opportunity of urging a variety of considerations touching the general
+cause, as well as those drawn from the condition of our own country, and
+the special objects of our mission.
+
+The Rev. Mr. Horne spoke very pointedly on the subject of slavery. He
+began by saying that he had been _so long accustomed_ to speak
+cautiously about slavery that he was even now almost afraid of his own
+voice when he alluded to it. [General laughter.] But he would remember
+that he was in a _free island_, and that he spoke to _freemen_, and
+therefore he had nothing to fear.
+
+He said the peace and prosperity of these colonies is a matter of great
+moment in itself considered, but it was only when viewed as an example
+to the rest of the slaveholding world that its real magnitude and
+importance was perceived. The influence of abolition, and especially of
+entire emancipation in Antigua, must be very great. The eyes of the
+world were fixed upon her. The great nation of America must now soon
+_toll the knell_ of slavery, and this event will be hastened by the
+happy operation of freedom here.
+
+Mr. H. proceeded to say, that during the agitation of the slavery
+question at home, he had been suspected of not being a friend to
+emancipation; and it would probably be remembered by some present that
+his name appeared in the report of the committee of the House of
+Commons, where it stood in _no enviable society_. But whatever might be
+thought of his course at that time, he felt assumed that the day was not
+far distant when he should be able to clear up every thing connected
+with it. It was not a little gratifying to us to see that the time had
+come in the West Indies, when the suspicion of having been opposed to
+emancipation is a stain upon the memory from which a public man is glad
+to vindicate himself.
+
+RESOLUTION OF THE MEETING.
+
+After a few other addresses were delivered, and just previous to the
+dismission of the assembly, Rev. Mr. Cox, Chairman of the District,
+arose and said, that as this was the last of the anniversary meetings,
+he begged to move a resolution which he had no doubt would meet with the
+hearty and unanimous approval of that large assembly. He then read the
+following resolution, which we insert here as an illustration of the
+universal sympathy in the objects of our mission. As the resolution is
+not easily divisible, we insert the whole of it, making no ado on the
+score of modesty.
+
+"Resolved, that this meeting is deeply impressed with the importance of
+the services rendered this day to the cause of missions by the
+acceptable addresses of Mr. ----, from America, and begs especially to
+express to him and his friend Mr. ----, the assurance of their sincere
+sympathy in the object of their visit to Antigua."
+
+Mr. C. said he would make no remarks in support of the resolution he had
+just read for he did not deem them necessary. He would therefore propose
+at once that the vote be taken by rising. The Chairman read the
+resolution accordingly, and requested those who were in favor of
+adopting it, to rise. Not an individual in the crowded congregation kept
+his seat. The masters and the slaves of yesterday--all rose together--a
+phalanx of freemen, to testify "their sincere sympathy" in the efforts
+and objects of American abolitionists.
+
+After the congregation had resumed their seats, the worthy Chairman
+addressed us briefly in behalf of the congregation, saying, that it was
+incumbent on him to convey to us the unanimous expression of sympathy on
+the part of this numerous assembly in the object of our visit to the
+island. We might regard it as an unfeigned assurance that we were
+welcomed among them, and that the cause which we were laboring to
+promote was dear to the hearts of the people of Antigua.
+
+This was the testimonial of an assembly, many of whom, only three years
+before, were themselves slaveholders. It was not given at a meeting
+specially concerted and called for the purpose, but grew up unexpectedly
+and spontaneously out of the feelings of the occasion, a free-will
+offering, the cheerful impulsive gush of _free_ sympathies. We returned
+our acknowledgments in the best manner that our excited emotions
+permitted.
+
+LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A WESLEYAN CHAPEL.
+
+The corner stone of a new Wesleyan Chapel was laid in St. John's, during
+the district meeting. The concourse of spectators was immense. At eleven
+o'clock religious exercises were held in the old chapel. At the close of
+the service a procession was formed, composed of Wesleyan missionaries,
+Moravian ministers, clergymen of the church, members of the council and
+of the assembly, planters, merchants, and other gentlemen, and the
+children of the Sunday and infant schools, connected with the
+Wesleyan Chapel.
+
+As the procession moved to the new site, a hymn was sung, in which the
+whole procession united. Our position in the procession, to which we
+were assigned by the marshal, and much to our satisfaction, was at
+either side of two colored gentlemen, with whom we walked, four abreast.
+
+On one side of the foundation a gallery had been raised, which was
+covered with an awning, and was occupied by a dense mass of white and
+colored ladies. On another side the gentlemen of the procession stood.
+The other sides were thronged with a promiscuous multitude of all
+colors. After singing and prayer, the Hon. Nicholas Nugent, speaker of
+the house of assembly, descended from the platform by a flight of stairs
+into the cellar, escorted by two missionaries. The sealed phial was then
+placed in his hand, and Mr. P., a Wesleyan missionary, read from a paper
+the inscription written on the parchment within the phial. The closing
+words of the inscription alluded to the present condition of the island,
+thus: "The demand for a new and larger place of worship was pressing,
+and the progress of public liberality advancing on a scale highly
+creditable to this FREE, enlightened, and evangelized colony." The
+Speaker then placed the phial in the cavity of the rock. When it was
+properly secured, and the corner stone lowered down by pullies to its
+place, he struck three blows upon it with a mallet, and then returned to
+the platform. The most eager curiosity was exhibited on every side to
+witness the ceremony.
+
+At the conclusion of it, several addresses were delivered. The speakers
+were, Rev. Messrs. Horne and Harvey, and D.B. Garling, Esq. Mr. Horne,
+after enumerating several things which were deserving of praise, and
+worthy of imitation, exclaimed, "The grand crowning glory of all--that
+which places Antigua above all her sister colonies--was the magnanimous
+measure of the legislature in entirely abolishing slavery." It was
+estimated that there were more than two thousand persons assembled on
+this occasion. The _order_ which prevailed among such a concourse was
+highly creditable to the island. It was pleasing to see the perfect
+intermixture of colors and conditions; not less so to observe the kindly
+bearing of the high toward the low.[A] After the exercises were
+finished, the numerous assembly dispersed quietly. Not an instance of
+drunkenness, quarrelling, or anger, fell under our notice during
+the day.
+
+[Footnote A: During Mr. Home's address, we observed Mr. A., a planter,
+send his umbrella to a negro man who stood at the corner-stone, exposed
+to the sun.]
+
+RESOLUTIONS OF THE MISSIONARIES.
+
+Toward the close of the district meeting, we received a kind note from
+the chairman, inviting us to attend the meeting, and receive in person,
+a set of resolutions which had been drawn up at our request, and signed
+by all the missionaries. At the hour appointed, we repaired to the
+chapel. The missionaries all arose as we entered, and gave us a
+brotherly salutation. We were invited to take our seats at the right
+hand of the chairman. He then, in the presence of the meeting, read to
+us the subjoined resolutions; we briefly expressed, in behalf of
+ourselves and our cause, the high sense we had of the value of the
+testimony, which the meeting had been pleased to give us. The venerable
+father Horne then prayed with us, commending our cause to the blessing
+of the Head of the church, and ourselves to the protection and guidance
+of our heavenly Father. After which we shook hands with the brethren,
+severally, receiving their warmest assurances of affectionate regard,
+and withdrew.
+
+_"Resolutions passed at the meeting of the Wesleyan Missionaries of the
+Antigua District, assembled at St. John's, Antigua, February 7th, 1837._
+
+    1. That the emancipation of the slaves of the West Indies, while it
+    was an act of undoubted justice to that oppressed people, has
+    operated most favorably in furthering the triumphs of the gospel, by
+    removing one prolific source of unmerited suspicion of religious
+    teachers, and thus opening a door to their more extensive labors and
+    usefulness--by furnishing a greater portion of time for the service
+    of the negro, and thus preventing the continuance of unavoidable
+    Sabbath desecrations, in labor and neglect of the means of
+    grace--and in its operation as a stimulus to proprietors and other
+    influential gentlemen, to encourage religious education, and the
+    wide dissemination of the Scriptures, as an incentive to industry
+    and good order.
+
+    2. That while the above statements are true with reference to all
+    the islands, even where the system of apprenticeship prevails, they
+    are especially applicable to Antigua, where the results of the great
+    measure, of entire freedom, so humanely and judiciously granted by
+    the legislature, cannot be contemplated without the most devout
+    thanks givings to Almighty God.
+
+    3. That we regard with much gratification, the great diminution
+    among all classes in these islands, of the most unchristian
+    prejudice of color the total absence of it in the government and
+    ordinances of the churches of God, with which we are connected, and
+    the prospect of its complete removal, by the abolition of slavery,
+    by the increased diffusion of general knowledge, and of that
+    religion which teaches to "honor _all_ men," and to love our
+    neighbor as ourselves.
+
+    4. That we cannot but contemplate with much humiliation and
+    distress, the existence, among professing Christians in America, of
+    this partial, unseemly, and unchristian system of _caste_, so
+    distinctly prohibited in the word of God, and so utterly
+    irreconcileable with Christian charity.
+
+    5. That regarding slavery as a most unjustifiable infringement of
+    the rational and inalienable rights of men, and in its moral
+    consequences, (from our own personal observation as well as other
+    sources,) as one of the greatest curses with which the great
+    Governor of the nations ever suffered this world to be blighted: we
+    cannot but deeply regret the connection which so intimately exists
+    between the various churches of Christ in the United States of
+    America, and this unchristian system. With much sorrow do we learn
+    that the _principle_ of the lawfulness of slavery has been defended
+    by some who are ministers of Christ, that so large a proportion of
+    that body in America, are exerting their influence in favor of the
+    continuance of so indefensible and monstrous a system--and that
+    these emotions of sorrow are especially occasioned with reference to
+    our own denomination.
+
+    6. That while we should deprecate and condemn any recourse on the
+    part of the slaves, to measures of rebellion, as an unjustifiable
+    mode of obtaining their freedom, we would most solemnly, and
+    affectionately, and imploringly, adjure our respected fathers and
+    brethren in America, to endeavor, in every legitimate way, to wipe
+    away this reproach from their body, and thus act in perfect
+    accordance with the deliberate and recorded sentiments of our
+    venerated founder on this subject, and in harmony with the feelings
+    and proceedings of their brethren in the United Kingdom, who have
+    had the honor to take a distinguished part in awakening such a
+    determined and resistless public feeling in that country, as issued
+    in the abolition of slavery among 800,000 of our fellow subjects.
+
+    7. That we hail with the most lively satisfaction the progress in
+    America of anti-slavery principles, the multiplication of
+    anti-slavery societies, and the diffusion of correct views on this
+    subject. We offer to the noble band of truly patriotic, and
+    enlightened, and philanthropic men, who are combating in that
+    country with such a fearful evil, the assurance of our most cordial
+    and fraternal sympathy, and our earnest prayers for their complete
+    success. We view with pity and sorrow the vile calumnies with which
+    they have been assailed. We welcome with Christian joyfulness, in
+    the success which has already attended their efforts, the dawn of a
+    cloudless day of light and glory, which shall presently shine upon
+    that vast continent, when the song of universal freedom shall sound
+    in its length and breadth.
+
+    8. That these sentiments have been increased and confirmed by the
+    intercourse, which some of our body Have enjoyed with our beloved
+    brethren, the Rev. James A. Thome, and Joseph Horace Kimball, Esq.,
+    the deputation to these islands, front the Anti-Slavery Society in
+    America. We regard this appointment, and the nomination of such men
+    to fulfil it, as most judicious. We trust we can appreciate the
+    spirit of entire devotedness to this cause, which animates our
+    respected brethren, and breathes throughout their whole deportment,
+    and rejoice in such a manifestation of the fruits of that divine
+    charity, which flow from the constraining love of Christ, and which
+    many waters cannot quench.
+
+    9. That the assurance of the affectionate sympathy of the
+    twenty-five brethren who compose this district meeting, and our
+    devout wishes for their success in the objects of their mission, are
+    hereby presented, in our collective and individual capacity, to our
+    endeared and Christian friends from America.
+
+    (Signed) JAMES COX, chairman of the district, and resident in
+    Antigua.
+
+    Jonathan Cadman, St. Martin's. James Horne, St. Kitts. Matthew
+    Banks, St. Bartholomew's. E. Frazer, Antigua. Charles Bates, do.
+    John Keightley, do. Jesse Pilcher, do. Benjamin Tregaskiss, do.
+    Thomas Edwards, St. Kitts. Robert Hawkins, Tortola. Thomas Pearson,
+    Nevis. George Craft, do. W.S. Wamouth, St. Kitts. John Hodge,
+    Tortola. William Satchel, Dominica. John Cullingford, Dominica. J.
+    Cameron, Nevis. B. Gartside, St. Kitts. John Parker, do. Hilton
+    Cheeseborough, do. Thomas Jeffery, do. William Rigglesworth,
+    Tortola. Daniel Stepney, Nevis. James Walton, Montserrat."
+
+      *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+GENERAL RESULTS.
+
+Having given a general outline of our sojourn in Antigua, we proceed to
+a mere minute account of the results of our investigations. We arrange
+the testimony in two general divisions, placing that which relates to
+the past and present condition of the colony in one, and that which
+bears directly upon the question of slavery in America in another.
+
+RELIGION.
+
+There are three denominations of Christians in Antigua: the Established
+Church; the Moravians, and Wesleyans. The Moravians number fifteen
+thousand--almost exclusively negroes. The Wesleyans embrace three
+thousand members, and about as many more attendants. Of the three
+thousand members, says a Wesleyan missionary, "not fifty are whites--a
+larger number are colored; but the greater part black." "The attendance
+of the negro population at the churches and chapels," (of the
+established order,) says the Rector of St. John's, "amounts to four
+thousand six hundred and thirty-six." The whole number of blacks
+receiving religious instruction from these Christian bodies, making
+allowance for the proportion of white and colored included in the three
+thousand Wesleyans, is about twenty-two thousand--leaving a population
+of eight thousand negroes in Antigua who are unsupplied with religious
+instruction.
+
+The Established Church has six parish churches, as many "chapels of
+ease," and nine clergymen. The Moravians have five settlements and
+thirteen missionaries. The Wesleyans have seven chapels, with as many
+more small preaching places on estates, and twelve ministers; half of
+whom are itinerant missionaries, and the other half, local preachers,
+employed as planters, or in mercantile, and other pursuits, and
+preaching only occasionally. From the limited number of chapels and
+missionaries, it may be inferred that only a portion of the twenty-two
+thousand can enjoy stated weekly instruction. The superintendent of the
+Moravian mission stated that their chapels could not accommodate more
+than _one third_ of their members.
+
+Each of the denominations complains of the lack of men and houses. The
+Wesleyans are now building a large chapel in St. John's. It will
+accommodate two thousand persons. "Besides free sittings, there will be
+nearly two hundred pews, every one of which is now in demand."
+
+However much disposed the churches of different denominations might have
+been during slavery to maintain a strict discipline, they found it
+exceedingly difficult to do so. It seems impossible to elevate a body of
+slaves, _remaining such,_ to honesty and purity. The reekings of slavery
+will almost inevitably taint the institutions of religion, and degrade
+the standard of piety. Accordingly the ministers of every denomination
+in Antigua, feel that in the abolition of slavery their greatest enemy
+has been vanquished, and they now evince a determination to assume
+higher ground than they ever aspired to during the reign of slavery. The
+motto of all creeds is, "_We expect great things of freemen_." A report
+which we obtained from the Wesleyan brethren, states, "Our own brethren
+preach almost daily." "We think the negroes are uncommonly punctual and
+regular in their attendance upon divine worship, particularly on the
+Sabbath." "They always show a readiness to contribute to the support of
+the gospel. With the present low wages, and the entire charge of
+self-maintenance, they have little to spare." Parham and Sion Hill (taken
+as specimens) have societies almost entirely composed of rural
+blacks--about thirteen hundred and fifty in number. These have
+contributed this year above L330 sterling, or sixteen hundred and fifty
+dollars, in little weekly subscriptions; besides giving to special
+objects occasionally, and contributing for the support of schools.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: The superintendent of the Wesleyan mission informed us that
+the collection in the several Wesleyan chapels last year, independent of
+occasional contributions to Sunday schools, Missionary objects, &c.,
+amounted to L850 sterling, or more than $4000!]
+
+In a letter dated December 2d, 1834, but four months after emancipation,
+and addressed to the missionary board in England, the Rev. B. Harvey
+thus speaks of the Moravian missions: "With respect to our people, I
+believe; I may say that in all our places here, they attend the meetings
+of the church more numerously than ever, and that many are now in
+frequent attendance who _could very seldom appear amongst us during
+slavery_." The same statements substantially were made to us by Mr. H.,
+showing that instead of any falling off the attendance was still on
+the increase.
+
+In a statement drawn up at our request by the Rector of St. John's, is
+the following: "Cases of discipline are more frequent than is usual in
+English congregations, but at the same time it should be observed, that
+a _closer oversight_ is maintained by the ministers, and a _greater
+readiness to submit themselves_ (to discipline) is manifested by the
+late slaves here than by those who have always been a free people." "I
+am able to speak very favorably of the attendance at church--it is
+regular and crowded." "The negroes on some estates have been known to
+contribute willingly to the Bible Society, since 1832. They are now
+beginning to pay a penny and a half currency per week for their
+children's instruction."
+
+MORALITY.
+
+The condition of Antigua, but a very few years previous to emancipation,
+is represented to have been truly revolting. It has already been stated
+that the Sabbath was the market day up to 1832, and this is evidence
+enough that the Lord's day was utterly desecrated by the mass of the
+population. Now there are few parts of our own country, equal in
+population, which can vie with Antigua in the solemn and respectful
+observance of the Sabbath. Christians in St. John's spoke with joy and
+gratitude of the tranquillity of the Sabbath. They had long been shocked
+with its open and abounding profanation--until they had well-nigh forgot
+the aspect of a Christian Sabbath. At length the full-orbed blessing
+beamed upon them, and they rejoiced in its brightness, and thanked God
+for its holy repose.
+
+All persons of all professions testify to the fact that _marriages_ are
+rapidly increasing. In truth, there was scarcely such a thing as
+marriage before the abolition of slavery. Promiscuous intercourse of the
+sexes was almost universal. In a report of the Antigua Branch
+Association of the Society for advancing the Christian Faith in the
+British West Indies, (for 1836,) the following statements are made:
+
+"The number of marriages in the six parishes of the island, in the year
+1835, the first entire year of freedom, was 476; all of which, excepting
+about 50, were between persons formerly slaves. The total number of
+marriages between slaves solemnized in the Church during the nine years
+ending December 31, 1832, was 157; in 1833, the last entire year of
+slavery, it was 61."
+
+Thus it appears that the whole number of marriages during _ten years_
+previous to emancipation (by far the most favorable ten years that could
+have been selected) was but _half_ as great as the number for a single
+year following emancipation!
+
+The Governor, in one of our earliest interviews with him, said, "the
+great crime of this island, as indeed of all the West India Colonies,
+has been licentiousness, but we are certainly fast improving in this
+particular." An aged Christian, who has spent many years in the island,
+and is now actively engaged in superintending several day schools for
+the negro children, informed us that there was not _one third_ as much
+concubinage as formerly. This he said was owing mainly to the greater
+frequency of marriages, and the cessation of late night work on the
+estates, and in the boiling houses, by which the females were constantly
+exposed during slavery. Now they may all be in their houses by dark.
+Formerly the mothers were the betrayers of their daughters, encouraging
+them to form unhallowed connections, and even _selling_ them to
+licentious white and colored men, for their own gain. Now they were
+using great strictness to preserve the chastity of their daughters.
+
+A worthy planter, who has been in the island since 1800, stated, that it
+used to be a common practice for mothers to _sell their daughters_ to
+the highest bidder!--generally a manager or overseer. "But now;" said he,
+"the mothers _hold their daughters up for marriage_, and take pains to
+let every body know that their virtue is not to be bought and sold any
+longer." He also stated that those who live unmarried now are uniformly
+neglected and suffer great deprivations. Faithfulness after marriage,
+exists also to a greater extent than could have been expected from the
+utter looseness to which they had been previously accustomed, and with
+their ignorance of the nature and obligations of the marriage relation.
+We were informed both by the missionaries and the planters, that every
+year and month they are becoming more constant, as husband and wife,
+more faithful as parents, and more dutiful as children. One planter said
+that out of a number who left his employ after 1834, nearly all had
+companions on other estates, and left for the purpose of being with
+them. He was also of the opinion that the greater proportion of changes
+of residence among the emancipated which took place at that time, were
+owing to the same cause.[A] In an address before the Friendly Society in
+St. John's, the Archdeacon stated that during the previous year (1835)
+several individuals had been expelled from that society for domestic
+unfaithfulness; but he was happy to say that he had not heard of a
+single instance of expulsion for this cause during the year then ended.
+Much inconvenience is felt on account of the Moravian and Wesleyan
+missionaries being prohibited from performing the marriage service, even
+for their own people. Efforts are now making to obtain the repeal of the
+law which makes marriages performed by sectarians (as all save the
+established church are called) void.
+
+[Footnote A: What a resurrection to domestic life was that, when long
+severed families flocked from the four corners of the island to meet
+their kindred members! And what a glorious resurrection will that be in
+our own country, when the millions of emancipated beings scattered over
+the west and south, shall seek the embraces of parental and fraternal
+and conjugal love.]
+
+That form of licentiousness which appears among the higher classes in
+every slaveholding country, abounded in Antigua during the reign of
+slavery. It has yielded its redundant fruits in a population of four
+thousand colored people; double the number of whites. The planters, with
+but few exceptions, were unmarried and licentious. Nor was this vice
+confined to the unmarried. Men with large families, kept one or more
+mistresses without any effort at concealment. We were told of an
+"Honorable" gentleman, who had his English wife and two concubines, a
+colored and a black one. The governor himself stated as an apology for
+the prevalence of licentiousness among the slaves, that the example was
+set them constantly by their masters, and it was not to be wondered at
+if they copied after their superiors. But it is now plain that
+concubinage among the whites is nearly at an end. An unguarded statement
+of a public man revealed the conviction which exists among his class
+that concubinage must soon cease. He said that the present race of
+colored people could not be received into the society of the whites,
+_because of illegitimacy_; but the next generation would be fit
+associates for the whites, _because they would be chiefly born
+in wedlock_.
+
+The uniform testimony respecting _intemperance_ was, that it _never had
+been one of the vices of the negroes_. Several planters declared that
+they had rarely seen a black person intoxicated. The report of the
+Wesleyan missionaries already referred to, says, "Intemperance is most
+uncommon among the rural negroes. Many have joined the Temperance
+Society, and many act on tee-total principles." The only _colored_
+person (either black or brown) whom we saw drunk during a residence of
+nine weeks in Antigua, was a carpenter in St. John's, who as he reeled
+by, stared in our faces and mumbled out his sentence of condemnation
+against wine bibbers, "--Gemmen--you sees I'se a little bit drunk, but
+'pon honor I only took th--th-ree bottles of wine--that's all." It was
+"Christmas times," and doubtless the poor man thought he would venture
+for once in the year to copy the example of the whites.
+
+In conclusion, on the subject of morals in Antigua, we are warranted in
+stating, 1st., That during the continuance of slavery, immoralities
+were rife.
+
+2d. That the repeated efforts of the home Government and the local
+Legislature, for several successive years previous to 1834, to
+_ameliorate_ the system of slavery, seconded by the labors of clergymen
+and missionaries, teachers and catechists, to improve the character of
+the slaves, failed to arrest the current of vice and profligacy. What
+few reformations were effected were very partial, leaving the more
+enormous immoralities as shameless and defiant as ever, up to the very
+day of abolition; demonstrating the utter impotence of all attempts to
+purify the _streams_ while the _fountain_ is poison.
+
+3d. That the abolition of slavery gave the death blow to open vice,
+overgrown and emboldened as it had become. Immediate emancipation,
+instead of lifting the flood-gates, was the only power strong enough to
+shut them down! It restored the proper restraints upon vice, and
+supplied the incentives to virtue. Those great controllers of moral
+action, _self-respect, attachment to law, and veneration for God_, which
+slavery annihilated, _freedom has resuscitated_, and now they stand
+round about the emancipated with flaming swords deterring from evil, and
+with cheering voices exhorting to good. It is explicitly affirmed that
+the grosser forms of immorality, which in every country attend upon
+slavery, have in Antigua either shrunk into concealment or
+become extinct.
+
+BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.
+
+We insert here a brief account of the benevolent institutions of
+Antigua. Our design in giving it, is to show the effect of freedom in
+bringing into play those charities of social life, which slavery
+uniformly stifles. Antigua abounds in benevolent societies, all of which
+have been _materially revived_ since emancipation, and some of them have
+been formed since that event.
+
+THE BIBLE SOCIETY.
+
+This is the oldest society in the island. It was organized in 1815. All
+denominations in the island cordially unite in this cause. The principal
+design of this society is to promote the Circulation of the Scriptures
+among the laboring population of the island. To secure this object
+numerous branch associations--amounting to nearly fifty--have been
+organized throughout the island _among the negroes themselves._ The
+society has been enabled not only to circulate the Scriptures among the
+people of Antigua, but to send them extensively to the neighboring
+islands.
+
+The following table, drawn up at our request by the Secretary of the
+Society, will show the extent of foreign operations:
+
+Years.     Colonies Supplied. Bibles. Test's.
+1822       Anguilla             94      156
+  23       Demerara             18       18
+  24       Dominica             89      204
+  25       Montserrat           57      149
+  27       Nevis                79      117
+  32       Saba                  6       12
+  33       St. Bart's          111       65
+  34       St. Eustatius        97      148
+  35       St. Kitts           227      487
+           St. Martins          48       37
+  36       Tortola              69      136
+To
+1837       Trinidad             25       67
+                              ____     ____
+                   Total       920     1596
+
+From the last annual report we quote the following cheering account,
+touching the events of 1834:
+
+"The next event of importance in or annals is the magnificent grant of
+the parent society, on occasion of the emancipation of the slaves, and
+the perpetual banishment of slavery from the shores of Antigua, on the
+first of August, 1834; by which a choice portion of the Holy Scriptures
+was gratuitously circulated to about one third of the inhabitants of
+this colony. Nine thousand seven hundred copies of the New Testament,
+bound together with the book of Psalms, were thus placed at the disposal
+of your committee."
+
+* * * "Following hard upon this joyful event another gratifying
+circumstance occurred among us. The attention of the people was roused,
+and their gratitude excited towards the Bible Society, and they who had
+freely received, now freely gave, and thus a considerable sum of money
+was presented to the parent society in acknowledgment of its
+beneficent grant."
+
+We here add an extract from the annual report for 1826. Its sentiments
+contrast strongly with the congratulations of the last report upon 'the
+joyful event' of emancipation.
+
+"Another question of considerable delicacy and importance still remains
+to be discussed. Is it advisable, under all the circumstances of the
+case, to circulate the Holy Scriptures, without note of comment, among
+the slave population of these islands? Your Committee can feel no
+hesitation in affirming that such a measure is not merely expedient, but
+one of almost indispensable necessity. The Sacred Volume is in many
+respects peculiarly adapted to the slave. It enjoins upon him precepts
+so plain, that the most ignorant cannot fail to understand them:
+'Slaves, obey in all things your masters, not with eye service, as men
+pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.' It furnishes him
+with motives the most impressive and consoling: 'Ye serve,' says the
+Apostle, 'the Lord Christ.' It promises him rewards sufficient to
+stimulate the most indolent to exertion: 'Whatsoever good thing any man
+doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or
+free.' And it holds forth to him an example so glorious, that it would
+ennoble even angels to imitate it: 'Let this mind be in you which was
+also in Christ Jesus, who made himself of no reputation, and took upon
+him the form of a _slave_!'"
+
+"It may here be proper to observe, that the precise import of the word,
+which in general throughout the English Bible is translated _servant_,
+is strictly that which has been assigned it in the foregoing quotations;
+(!) and so understood, the Sacred Volume will be found to hold out to
+our slaves, both by precept and example the most persuasive and the most
+compelling motives to industry, obedience, and submission."
+
+Nothing could more plainly show the corrupting influences of slavery,
+upon all within its reach, than this spectacle of a noble, religious
+institution, prostituted to the vile work of defending oppression, and,
+in the zeal of its advocacy, blasphemously degrading the Savior into a
+self-made slave!
+
+The receipts of the Antigua Branch Society have greatly increased since
+emancipation. From receipts for the year 1836, in each of the British
+islands, it appears that the contributions from Antigua and Bermuda, the
+only two islands which adopted entire emancipation, are about _double_
+those from any other two islands.
+
+MISSIONARY ASSOCIATIONS.
+
+These associations are connected with the Wesleyan mission, and have
+been in existence since 1820. Their object is to raise funds for the
+parent society in England. Although it has been in existence for several
+years, yet it was mostly confined to the whites and free people of
+color, during slavery. The calling together assemblies of rural negroes,
+and addressing them on the subject of missions, and soliciting
+contributions in aid of the cause, is a new feature in the missionary
+operations to which nothing but freedom could give birth.
+
+TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
+
+The first temperance society in Antigua was formed at the beginning of
+1836. We give an extract from the first annual report: "Temperance
+societies have been formed in each town, and on many of the estates. A
+large number of persons who once used spirituous liquors moderately,
+have entirely relinquished the use. Some who were once intemperate have
+been reclaimed, and in some instances an adoption of the principles of
+the temperance society, has been followed by the pursuit and enjoyment
+of vital religion. Domestic peace and quietness have superseded discord
+and strife, and a very general sense of astonishment at the gross
+delusion which these drinks have long produced on the human species
+is manifest."
+
+"The numbers on the various books of the society amount to about 1700.
+One pleasing feature in their history, is the very small number of those
+who have violated their pledge."
+
+"On several estates, the usual allowance of spirits has been
+discontinued, and sugar or molasses substituted."
+
+The temperance society in Antigua may be specially regarded as a result
+of emancipation. It is one of the guardian angels which hastened to the
+island as soon as the demon of slavery was cast out.
+
+FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.
+
+The friendly societies are designed exclusively for the benefit of the
+negro population. The general object is thus stated in the constitution
+of one of these societies: "The object of this society is to assist in
+the purchase of articles of mourning for the dead; to give relief in
+cases of unlooked for distress; to help those who through age or
+infirmities are incapable of helping themselves by marketing, or working
+their grounds; _to encourage sobriety and industry, and to check
+disorderly and immoral conduct."_
+
+These societies obtain their funds by laying a tax of one shilling per
+month on every member above eighteen years of age, and of six pence per
+month on all members under that age and above twelve, which is the
+minimum of membership. The aged members are required to pay no more than
+the sum last mentioned.
+
+The first society of this kind was established in St. John's by the
+present rector, in 1829. Subsequently the Moravians and Wesleyans formed
+similar societies among their own people. Independent of the pecuniary
+assistance which these societies bestow, they encourage in a variety of
+ways the good order of the community. For example, no one is allowed to
+receive assistance who is "disabled by drunkenness, debauchery, or
+disorderly living;" also, "if any member of the society, male or female,
+is guilty of adultery or fornication, the offending member shall be
+suspended for so long a time as the members shall see fit, and shall
+lose all claim on the society for any benefit during the suspension, and
+shall not be readmitted until clear and satisfactory evidence is given
+of penitence." Furthermore, "If any member of the society shall be
+expelled from the church to which he or she belongs, or shall commit any
+offence punishable by a magistrate, that member forfeits his membership
+in the society." Again, the society directly encourages marriage, by
+"making a present of a young pig to every child born in wedlock, and
+according as their funds will admit of it, giving rewards to those
+married persons living faithfully, or single persons living virtuously,
+who take a pride in keeping their houses neat and tidy, and their
+gardens flourishing."
+
+These societies have been more than doubled, both in the number of
+members and in the annual receipts, since emancipation.
+
+Of the societies connected with the established church, the rector of
+St. John's thus speaks: "At the beginning of 1834 there were eleven
+societies, embracing 1602 members. At the beginning of 1835 they
+numbered 4197; and in 1836 there were 4560 members," _almost quadrupled
+in two years!_
+
+The societies connected with the Moravian church, have more than
+doubled, both in members and funds, since emancipation. The funds now
+amount to $10,000 per year.
+
+The Wesleyans have four Friendly societies. The largest society, which
+contained six hundred and fifty members, was organized in the _month of
+August_, 1834. The last year it had expended L700 currency, and had then
+in its treasury L600 currency.
+
+Now, be it remembered that the Friendly societies exist solely among the
+freed negroes, _and that the moneys are raised exclusively among them._
+Among whom? A people who are said to be so proverbially improvident,
+that to emancipate them, would be to abandon them to beggary, nakedness,
+and starvation;--a people who "cannot take care of themselves;" who
+"will not work when freed from the fear of the lash;" who "would
+squander the earnings of the day in debaucheries at night;" who "would
+never provide for to-morrow for the wants of a family, or for the
+infirmities of old age." Yea, among _negroes_ these things are done; and
+that, too, where the wages are but one shilling per day--less than
+sufficient, one would reasonably suppose, to provide daily food.
+
+DAILY MEAL SOCIETY.
+
+The main object of this society is denoted by its name. It supplies a
+daily meal to those who are otherwise unprovided for. A commodious house
+had just been completed in the suburbs of the town, capable of lodging a
+considerable number of beneficiaries. It is designed to shelter those
+who are diseased, and cannot walk to and fro for their meals. The number
+now fed at this house is from eighty to a hundred. The diseased, who
+live at the dispensary, are mostly those who are afflicted with the
+elephantiasis, by which they are rendered entirely helpless. Medical aid
+is supplied free of expense. It is worthy of remark, that there is no
+_public poor-house_ in Antigua,--a proof of the industry and prosperity
+of the emancipated people.
+
+DISTRESSED FEMALES' FRIEND SOCIETY.
+
+This is a society in St. John's: there is also a similar one, called the
+Female Refuge Society, at English Harbor. Both these societies were
+established and are conducted by colored ladies. They are designed to
+promote two objects: the support of destitute aged females of color, and
+the rescue of poor young colored females from vice. The necessity for
+special efforts for the first object, arose out of the fact, that the
+colored people were allowed no parochial aid whatever, though they were
+required to pay their parochial taxes; hence, the support of their own
+poor devolved upon themselves. The demand for vigorous action in behalf
+of the young, grew out of the prevailing licentiousness of slave-holding
+times. The society in St. John's has been in existence since 1815. It
+has a large and commodious asylum, and an annual income, by
+subscriptions, of L350, currency. This society, and the Female Refuge
+Society established at English Harbor, have been instrumental in
+effecting a great reform in the morals of females, and particularly in
+exciting reprobation against that horrid traffic--the sale of girls by
+their mothers for purposes of lust. We were told of a number of cases in
+which the society in St. John's had rescued young females from impending
+ruin. Many members of the society itself, look to it as the guardian of
+their orphanage. Among other cases related to us, was that of a lovely
+girl of fifteen, who was bartered away to a planter by her mother, a
+dissolute woman. The planter was to give her a quantity of cloth to the
+value of L80 currency, and two young slaves; he was also to give the
+grandmother, for her interest in the girl, _one gallon of rum_! The
+night was appointed, and a gig in waiting to take away the victim, when
+a female friend was made acquainted with the plot, just in time to save
+the girl by removing her to her own house. The mother was infuriated,
+and endeavored to get her back, but the girl had occasionally attended a
+Sabbath school, where she imbibed principles which forbade her to yield
+even to her mother for such an unhallowed purpose. She was taken before
+a magistrate, and indentured herself to a milliner for two years. The
+mother made an attempt to regain her, and was assisted by some whites
+with money to commence a suit for that purpose. The lady who defended
+her was accordingly prosecuted, and the whole case became notorious. The
+prosecutors were foiled. At the close of her apprenticeship, the young
+woman was married to a highly respectable colored gentleman, now
+resident in St. John's. The notoriety which was given to the above case
+had a happy effect. It brought the society and its object more fully
+before the public, and the contributions for its support greatly
+increased. Those for whose benefit the asylum was opened, heard of it,
+and came begging to be received.
+
+This society is a signal evidence that the colored people neither lack
+the ability to devise, nor the hearts to cherish, nor the zeal to
+execute plans of enlarged benevolence and mercy.
+
+The Juvenile Association, too, of which we gave some account in
+describing its anniversary, originated with the colored people, and
+furnishes additional evidence of the talents and charities of that class
+of the community. Besides the societies already enumerated, there are
+two associations connected with the Established Church, called the
+"Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge," and the "Branch
+Association of the Society for Advancing the Christian Faith in the
+British West Indies, &c." These societies are also designed chiefly for
+the benefit of the negro population.
+
+EDUCATION.
+
+Our inquiries under this head were directed to three principal
+points--first, The extent to which education prevailed previous to
+emancipation; second, The improvements introduced since; and third, The
+comparative capacity of negroes for receiving instruction.
+
+Being providentially in the island at the season of the year when all
+the schools have their annual examinations, we enjoyed the most
+favorable opportunities for procuring intelligence on the subject of
+education. From various quarters we received invitations to attend
+school examinations. We visited the schools at Parham, Willoughby Bay,
+Newfield; Cedar Hall, Grace Bay, Fitch's Creek, and others: besides
+visiting the parochial school, the rectory school, the Moravian and
+Wesleyan schools, in St. John's. All the schools, save those in St.
+John's, were almost exclusively composed of emancipated children from
+the estates.
+
+VISIT TO THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.
+
+At the invitation of the Governor, we accompanied him to the annual
+examination of the parochial school, in St. John's, under the
+superintendance of the Episcopal church. It has increased greatly, both
+in scholars and efficiency, since emancipation, and contributions are
+made to its support by the parents whose children receive its benefits.
+We found one hundred and fifty children, of both sexes, assembled in the
+society's rooms. There was every color present, from the deepest hue of
+the Ethiopian, to the faintest shadowing of brown.
+
+The boys constituting the first class, to the number of fifty, were
+called up. They read with much fluency and distinctness, equalling white
+boys of the same age anywhere. After reading, various questions were put
+to them by the Archdeacon, which they answered with promptness and
+accuracy. Words were promiscuously selected from the chapter they had
+read, and every one was promptly spelled. The catechism was the next
+exercise, and they manifested a thorough acquaintance with its contents.
+
+Our attention was particularly called to the examination in arithmetic.
+Many of the children solved questions readily in the compound rules, and
+several of them in Practice, giving the different parts of the pound,
+shilling, and penny, used in that rule, and all the whys and wherefores
+of the thing, with great promptness. One lad, only ten years of age,
+whose attendance had been very irregular on account of being employed in
+learning a trade, performed intricate examples in Practice, with a
+facility worthy the counting-house desk. We put several inquiries on
+different parts of the process, in order to test their real knowledge,
+to which we always received clear answers.
+
+The girls were then examined in the same studies and exercises, except
+arithmetic, and displayed the same gratifying proficiency. They also
+presented specimens of needlework and strawbraiding, which the ladies,
+on whose better judgment we depend, pronounced very creditable. We
+noticed several girls much older than the others, who had made much less
+advance in their studies, and on inquiry learned, that they had been
+members of the school but a short time, having formerly been employed to
+wield the heavy hoe in the cane field. The parents are very desirous to
+give their children education, and make many sacrifices for that
+purpose. Many who are field-laborers in the country, receiving their
+shilling a day, have sent their children to reside with some relations
+or friends in town, for the purpose of giving them the benefits of this
+school. Several such children were pointed out to us. The increase of
+female scholars during the first year of emancipation, was in this
+school alone, about eighty.
+
+For our gratification, the Governor requested that all the children
+emancipated on the _first of August_, might be called up and placed on
+our side of the room. Nearly one hundred children, of both sexes, who
+two years ago were _slaves_, now stood up before us FREE. We noticed one
+little girl among the rest, about ten years old, who bore not the least
+tinge of color. Her hair was straight and light, and her face had that
+mingling of vermilion and white, which Americans seem to consider, not
+only the nonpareil standard of beauty, but the immaculate test of human
+rights. At her side was another with the deepest hue of the native
+African. There were high emotions on the countenances of those redeemed
+ones, when we spoke to them of emancipation. The undying principle of
+freedom living and burning in the soul of the most degraded slave, like
+lamps amid the darkness of eastern sepulchres, was kindling up
+brilliantly within them, young as they were, and flashing in smiles upon
+their ebon faces.
+
+The Governor made a few remarks, in which he gave some good advice, and
+expressed himself highly pleased with the appearance and proficiency of
+the school.
+
+His excellency remarked to us in a tone of pleasantry, "You see,
+gentlemen, these children have _souls_."
+
+During the progress of the examination; he said to us, "You perceive
+that it is our policy to give these children every chance to make _men_
+of themselves. We look upon them as our _future citizens_." He had no
+doubt that the rising generation would assume a position in society
+above the contempt or opposition of the whites.
+
+INFANT SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY.
+
+We had the pleasure of attending one of the infant schools in the
+vicinity of Parham, on the east side of the island. Having been invited
+by a planter, who kindly sent his horse and carriage for our conveyance,
+to call and take breakfast with him on our way, we drove out early in
+the morning.
+
+While we were walking about the estate, our attention was arrested by
+distant singing. As we cast our eyes up a road crossing the estate, we
+discovered a party of children! They were about twenty in number, and
+were marching hand in hand to the music of their infant voices. They
+were children from a neighboring estate, on their way to the examination
+at Parham, and were singing the hymns which they had learned at school.
+All had their Testaments in their hands, and seemed right merry-hearted.
+
+We were received at the gate of the chapel by the Wesleyan missionary
+located in this distinct, a highly respectable and intelligent colored
+man, who was ten years since a _slave_. He gave us a cordial welcome,
+and conducted us to the chapel, where we found the children, to the
+number of _four hundred_, assembled, and the examination already
+commenced. There were six schools present, representing about twenty
+estates, and arranged under their respective teachers. The ages of the
+pupils were from three to ten or twelve. They were all, with the
+exception of two or three, the children of emancipated slaves.
+
+They came up by classes to the superintendent's desk, where they read
+and were examined. They read correctly; some of them too, who had been
+in school only a few mouths, in any portion of the New Testament
+selected for them. By request of the superintendent, we put several
+inquiries to them, which they answered in a way which showed that they
+_thought_. They manifested an acquaintance with the Bible and the use of
+language which was truly surprising. It was delightful to see so many
+tiny beings stand around you, dressed in their tidy gowns and frocks,
+with their bright morning faces, and read with the self-composure of
+manhood, any passage chosen for them. They all, large and small, bore in
+their hands the charter of their freedom, the book by the influence of
+which they received all the privileges they were enjoying. On the cover
+of each was stamped in large capitals--"PRESENTED BY THE BRITISH AND
+FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY, IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST OF AUGUST, 1834."
+
+At the close of the examination, the rewards, consisting of books,
+work-bags, &c. &c., chiefly sent by a society of females in England,
+were distributed. It was impossible to repress the effervescence of the
+little expectants. As a little one four years old came up for her
+reward, the superintendent said to her--"Well, little Becky, what do you
+want?" "Me wants a bag," said Becky, "and me wants a pin-cushion, and me
+wants a little book." Becky's desires were large, but being a good girl,
+she was gratified. Occasionally the girls were left to choose between a
+book and a work-bag, and although the bag might be gaudy and tempting,
+they invariably took the book.
+
+The teachers were all but one blacks, and were formerly slaves. They are
+very devoted and faithful, but are ill-qualified for their duties,
+having obtained all the learning they possess in the Sabbath school.
+They are all pious, and exert a harpy influence on the morals of
+their pupils.
+
+The number of scholars has very greatly increased since emancipation,
+and their morals have essentially improved. Instances of falsehood and
+theft, which at first were fearfully frequent and bold, have much
+lessened. They begin to have a regard for _character_. Their sense of
+right and wrong is enlightened, and their power of resisting temptation,
+and adhering to right, manifestly increased.
+
+On the whole, we know not where we have looked on a more delightful
+scene. To stand in front of the pulpit and look around on a multitude of
+negro children, gathered from the sordid huts into which slavery had
+carried ignorance and misery--to see them coming up, with their teachers
+of the same proscribed hue, to hear them read the Bible, answer with
+readiness the questions of their superintendent, and lift up together
+their songs of infant praise, and then to remember that two years ago
+these four hundred children were _slaves_, and still more to remember
+that in our own country, boasting its republicanism and Christian
+institutions, there are thousands of just such children under the yoke
+and scourge, in utter heathenism, the victims of tyrannic _law_ or of
+more tyrannic public opinion--caused the heart to swell with emotions
+unutterable. There were as many intelligent countenances, and as much
+activity and sprightliness, as we ever saw among an equal number of
+children anywhere. The correctness of their reading, the pertinence of
+their replies, the general proofs of talent which they showed through
+all the exercises, evinced that they are none inferior to the children
+of their white oppressors.
+
+After singing a hymn they all kneeled down, and the school closed with a
+prayer and benediction. They continued singing as they retired from the
+house, and long after they had parted on their different ways home,
+their voices swelled on the breeze at a distance as the little parties
+from the estates chanted on their way the songs of the school room.
+
+WILLOUGHBY BAY EXAMINATION.
+
+When we entered the school house at Willoughby Bay, which is capable of
+containing a thousand persons, a low murmur, like the notes of
+preparation, ran over the multitude. One school came in after we
+arrived, marching in regular file, with their teacher, a negro man, at
+their head, and their _standard bearer_ following; next, a sable girl
+with a box of Testaments on her head. The whole number of children was
+three hundred and fifty. The male division was first called out, and
+marched several times around the room, singing and keeping a regular
+step. After several rounds, they came to a halt, filing off and forming
+into ranks four rows deep--in quarter-circle shape. The music still
+continuing, the girls sallied forth, went through the same evolutions,
+and finally formed in rows corresponding with those of the boys, so as
+to compose with the latter a semicircle.
+
+The schools were successively examined in spelling, reading, writing,
+cyphering, &c., after the manner already detailed. In most respects they
+showed equal proficiency with the children of Parham; and in reading the
+Testament, their accuracy was even greater. In looking over the writing,
+several "incendiary" copies caught our eyes. One was, "_Masters, give
+unto your servants that which is just and equal_." Another, "_If I
+neglect the cause of my servant, what shall I do when I appear before my
+Master_!" A few years ago, _had children been permitted to write at
+all_, one such copy as the above would have exploded the school, and
+perchance sent the teacher to jail for sedition. But now, thanks to God!
+the Negro children of Antigua are taught liberty from their Bibles, from
+their song books, and from their _copy books_ too; they read of liberty,
+they sing of it, and they write of it; they chant to liberty in their
+school rooms, and they resume the strains on their homeward way, till
+every rustling lime-grove, and waving cane-field, is alive with their
+notes, and every hillock and dell rings with "free" echoes.
+
+The girls, in their turn, pressed around us with the liveliest eagerness
+to display their little pieces of needle-work. Some had samplers marked
+with letters and devices in vari-colored silk. Others showed specimens
+of stitching; while the little ones held up their rude attempts at
+hemming handkerchiefs, aprons, and so on.
+
+During the exercises we spoke to several elderly women, who were present
+to witness the scene. They were laborers on the estates, but having
+children in the school, they had put on their Sunday dresses, and "come
+to see." We spoke to one, of the privileges which the children were
+enjoying, since freedom. Her eyes filled, and she exclaimed, "Yes,
+massa, we do tank de good Lord for bring de free--never can be too
+tankful." She said she had seven children present, and it made her feel
+happy to know that they were learning to read. Another woman said, when
+she heard the children reading so finely, she wanted to "take de word's
+out of da mouts and put em in her own." In the morning, when she first
+entered the school house, she felt quite sick, but all the pleasant
+things she saw and heard, had made her well, and she added, "I tell you,
+me massa, it do my old heart good to come here." Another aged woman, who
+had grand-children in the school, said, when she saw what advantages the
+children enjoyed, she almost cried to think she was not a child too.
+Besides these there were a number of adult men and women, whom curiosity
+or parental solicitude had brought together, and they were thronging
+about the windows and doors witnessing the various exercises with the
+deepest interest. Among the rest was one old patriarch, who, anxious to
+bear some part however humble in the exercises of the occasion, walked
+to and fro among the children, with a six feet pole in his hand, to
+keep order.
+
+These schools, and those examined at Parham, are under the general
+supervision of Mr. Charles Thwaites, an indefatigable and long tried
+friend of the negroes.
+
+We here insert a valuable communication which we received from Mr. T. in
+reply to several queries addressed to him. It will give further
+information relative to the schools.
+
+_Mr. Charles Thwaites' Replies to Queries on Education in Antigua._
+
+1. What has been your business for some years past in Antigua?
+
+A superintendent of schools, and catechist to the negroes.
+
+2. How long have you been engaged in this business?
+
+Twenty-four years. The first four years engaged gratuitously, ten years
+employed by the Church Missionary Society, and since, by the Wesleyan
+Missionary Society.
+
+3. How many schools have you under your charge?
+
+Sunday schools, (including all belonging to the Wesleyan Missionary
+Society,) eight, with 1850 scholars; day schools, seventeen with 1250
+scholars; night schools on twenty-six estates, 336 scholars. The total
+number of scholars under instruction is about 3500.
+
+4. Are the scholars principally the children who were emancipated in
+August, 1834?
+
+Yes, except the children in St. John's, most of whom were free before.
+
+5. Are the teachers negroes, colored, or white?
+
+One white, four colored, and sixteen black.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: This number includes only salaried teachers, and not the
+gratuitous.]
+
+6. How many of the teachers were slaves prior to the first of August,
+1834?
+
+Thirteen.
+
+7. What were their opportunities for learning?
+
+The Sunday and night schools; and they have much improved themselves
+since they have been in their present employment.
+
+8. What are their qualifications for teaching, as to education,
+religion, zeal, perseverance, &c.?
+
+The white and two of the colored teachers, I presume, are well
+calculated, in all respects, to carry on a school in the ablest manner.
+The others are deficient in education, but are zealous, and very
+persevering.
+
+9. What are the wages of these teachers?
+
+The teachers' pay is, some four, and some three dollars per month. This
+sum is far too small, and would be greater if the funds were sufficient.
+
+10. How and by whom are the expenses of superintendent, teachers, and
+schools defrayed?
+
+The superintendent's salary, &c., is paid by the Wesleyan Missionary
+Society. The expenses of teachers and schools are defrayed by charitable
+societies and friends in England, particularly the Negro Education
+Society, which grants 50l. sterling per annum towards this object, and
+pays the rent of the Church Missionary Society's premises in Willoughby
+Bay for use of the schools. About 46l. sterling per annum is also raised
+from the children; each child taught writing and needle-work, pays
+1-1/2d. sterling per week.
+
+11. Is it your opinion that the negro children are as ready to receive
+instruction as white children?
+
+Yes, perfectly so.
+
+12. Do parents manifest interest in the education of their children?
+
+They do. Some of the parents are, however, still very ignorant, and are
+not aware how much their children lose by irregular attendance at
+the schools.
+
+13. Have there been many instances of _theft_ among the scholars?
+
+Not more than among any other class of children.
+
+RESULTS.
+
+Besides an attendance upon the various schools, we procured specific
+information from teachers, missionaries, planters, and others, with
+regard to the past and present state of education, and the weight of
+testimony was to the following effect:
+
+First, That education was by no means extensive previous to
+emancipation. The testimony of one planter was, that not a _tenth part_
+of the present adult population knew the letters of the alphabet. Other
+planters, and some missionaries, thought the proportion might be
+somewhat larger; but all agreed that it was very small. The testimony of
+the venerable Mr. Newby, the oldest Moravian missionary in the island,
+was, that such was the opposition among the planters, it was impossible
+to teach the slaves, excepting by night, secretly. Mr. Thwaites informed
+us that the children were not allowed to attend day school after they
+were six years old. All the instruction they obtained after that age,
+was got at night--a very unsuitable time to study, for those who worked
+all day under an exhausting sun. It is manifest that the instruction
+received under six years of age, would soon be effaced by the incessant
+toil of subsequent life. The account given in a former connection of the
+adult school under the charge of Mr. Morrish, at Newfield, shows most
+clearly the past inattention to education. And yet Mr. M. stated that
+his school was a _fair specimen of the intelligence of the negroes
+generally_. One more evidence in point is the acknowledged ignorance of
+Mr. Thwaites' teachers. After searching through the whole freed
+population for a dozen suitable teachers of children. Mr. T. could not
+find even that number who could _read well_. Many children in the
+schools of six years old read better than their teachers.
+
+We must not be understood to intimate that up to the period of the
+Emancipation, the planters utterly prohibited the education of their
+slaves. Public sentiment had undergone some change previous to that
+event. When the public opinion of England began to be awakened against
+slavery, the planters were indured, for peace sake, to _tolerate_
+education to some extent; though they cannot be said to have
+_encouraged_ it until after Emancipation. This is the substance of the
+statements made to us. Hence it appears that when the active opposition
+of the planters to education ceased, it was succeeded by a general
+indifference, but little less discouraging. We of course speak of the
+planters as a body; there were some honorable exceptions.
+
+Second, Education has become very extensive _since_ emancipation. There
+are probably not less than _six thousand_ children who now enjoy daily
+instruction. These are of all ages under twelve. All classes feel an
+interest in _knowledge_. While the schools previously established are
+flourishing in newness of life, additional ones are springing up in
+every quarter. Sabbath schools, adult and infant schools, day and
+evening schools, are all crowded. A teacher in a Sabbath school in St.
+John's informed us, that the increase in that school immediately after
+emancipation was so sudden and great, that he could compare it to
+nothing but the rising of the mercury when the thermometer is removed
+_out of the shade into the sun_.
+
+We learned that the Bible was the principal book taught in all the
+schools throughout the island. As soon as the children have learned to
+read, the Bible is put into their hands. They not only read it, but
+commit to memory portions of it every day:--the first lesson in the
+morning is an examination on some passage of scripture. We have never
+seen, even among Sabbath school children, a better acquaintance with the
+characters and events recorded in the Old and New Testaments, than among
+the negro children in Antigua. Those passages which inculcate _obedience
+to law_ are strongly enforced; and the prohibitions against stealing,
+lying, cheating, idleness, &c., are reiterated day and night.
+
+Great attention is paid to _singing_ in all the schools.
+
+The songs which they usually sung, embraced such topics as Love to
+God--the presence of God--obedience to parents--friendship for brothers
+and sisters and schoolmates--love of school--the sinfulness of sloth, of
+lying, and of stealing. We quote the following hymn as a specimen of the
+subjects which are introduced into their songs: often were we greeted
+with this sweet hymn, while visiting the different schools throughout
+the island.
+
+BROTHERLY LOVE.
+
+   CHORUS.
+
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers,
+   We're sisters and brothers,
+
+   And heaven is our home.
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers,
+   We're sisters and brothers,
+   And heaven is our home.
+
+   The God of heaven is pleased to see
+   That little children all agree;
+   And will not slight the praise they bring,
+   When loving children join to sing:
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &c.
+
+   For love and kindness please him more
+   Than if we gave him all our store;
+   And children here, who dwell in love,
+   Are like his happy ones above.
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &c.
+
+   The gentle child that tries to please,
+   That hates to quarrel, fret, and teaze,
+   And would not say an angry word--
+   That child is pleasing to the Lord.
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &c.
+
+   O God! forgive, whenever we
+   Forget thy will, and disagree;
+   And grant that each of us, may find
+   The sweet delight of being kind.
+   We're all brothers, sisters, brothers, &c.
+
+We were convinced that the negroes were as capable of receiving
+instruction as any people in the world. The testimony of teachers,
+missionaries, clergymen, and planters, was uniform on this point.
+
+Said one planter of age and long experience on the island, "The negroes
+are as capable of culture as any people on earth. _Color makes no
+difference in minds_. It is slavery alone that has degraded the negro."
+
+Another planter, by way of replying to our inquiry on this subject, sent
+for a negro child of five years, who read with great fluency in any part
+of the Testament to which we turned her. "Now," said the gentleman, "I
+should be ashamed to let you hear my own son, of the same age with that
+little girl, read after her." We put the following questions to the
+Wesleyan missionaries: "Are the negroes as _apt to learn_, as other
+people in similar circumstances?" Their written reply was this: "We
+think they are; the same diversified qualities of intellect appear among
+them, as among other people." We put the same question to the Moravian
+missionaries, to the clergymen, and to the teachers of each
+denomination, some of whom, having taught schools in England, were well
+qualified to judge between the European children and the negro children;
+and we uniformly received substantially the same answer. Such, however,
+was the air of surprise with which our question was often received, that
+it required some courage to repeat it. Sometimes it excited a smile, as
+though we could not be serious in the inquiry. And indeed we seldom got
+a direct and explicit answer, without previously stating by way of
+explanation that we had no doubts of our own, but wished to remove those
+extensively entertained among our countrymen. After all, we were
+scarcely credited in Antigua. Such cases as the following were common in
+every school: children of four and five years old reading the Bible;
+children beginning in their A, B, C's, and learning to read in four
+months; children of five and six, answering a variety of questions on
+the historical parts of the Old Testament; children but a little older,
+displaying fine specimens of penmanship, performing sums in the compound
+rules, and running over the multiplication table, and the pound,
+shilling, and pence table, without mistake.
+
+We were grieved to find that most of the teachers employed in the
+instruction of the children, were exceedingly unfit for the work. They
+are very ignorant themselves, and have but little skill in the
+management of children. This however is a necessary evil. The
+emancipated negroes feel a great anxiety for the education of their
+children. They encourage them to go to school, and they labor to support
+them, while they have strong temptation to detain them at home to work.
+They also pay a small sum every week for the maintenance of the schools.
+
+In conclusion, we would observe, that one of the prominent features of
+_regenerated_ Antigua, is its _education_. An intelligent religion, and
+a religious education, are the twin glories of this emancipated colony.
+It is comment enough upon the difference between slavery and freedom,
+that the same agents which are deprecated as the destroyers of the one,
+are cherished as the defenders of the other.
+
+Before entering upon a detail of the testimony which bears more directly
+upon slavery in America, we deem it proper to consider the inquiry.
+
+"What is the amount of freedom in Antigua, as regulated by law?"
+
+1st. The people are entirely free from the whip, and from all compulsory
+control of the master.
+
+2d. They can change employers whenever they become dissatisfied with
+their situation, by previously giving a month's notice.
+
+3d. They have the right of trial by jury in all cases of a serious
+nature, while for small offences, the magistrate's court is open. They
+may have legal redress for any wrong or violence inflicted by their
+employers.
+
+4th. Parents have the entire control of their children. The planter
+cannot in any way interfere with them. The parents have the whole charge
+of their support.
+
+5th. By an express provision of the legislature, it was made obligatory
+upon every planter to support all the superannuated, infirm, or diseased
+on the estate, _who were such at this time of emancipation_. Those who
+have become so since 1834, fall upon the hands of their relatives for
+maintenance.
+
+6th. The amount of wages is not determined by law. By a general
+understanding among the planters, the rate is at present fixed at a
+shilling per day, or a little more than fifty cents per week, counting
+five working days. This matter is wisely left to be regulated by the
+character of the seasons, and the mutual agreement of the parties
+concerned. As the island is suffering rather from a paucity of laborers,
+than otherwise, labor must in good seasons command good wages. The
+present rate of wages is extremely low, though it is made barely
+tolerable by the additional perquisites which the people enjoy. They
+have them houses rent free, and in connection with them small premises
+forty feet square, suitable for gardens, and for raising poultry, and
+pigs, &c.; for which they always find a ready market. Moreover, they are
+burthened with no taxes whatever; and added to this, they are supplied
+with medical attendance at the expense of the estates.
+
+7th. The master is authorized in case of neglect of work, or turning out
+late in the morning, or entire absence from labor, to reduce the wages,
+or withhold them for a time, not exceeding a week.
+
+8th. The agricultural laborers may leave the field whenever they choose,
+(provided they give a month's previous notice,) and engage in any other
+business; or they may purchase land and become cultivators themselves,
+though in either case they are of course liable to forfeit their houses
+on the estates.
+
+9th. They may leave the island, if they choose, and seek their fortunes
+in any other part of the world, by making provision for their near
+relatives left behind. This privilege has been lately tested by the
+emigration of some of the negroes to Demerara. The authorities of the
+island became alarmed lest they should lose too many of the laboring
+population, and the question was under discussion, at the time we were
+in Antigua, whether it would not be lawful to prohibit the emigration.
+It was settled, however, that such a measure would be illegal, and the
+planters were left to the alternative of either being abandoned by their
+negroes, or of securing their continuance by adding to their comforts
+and treating them kindly.
+
+10. The right of suffrage, and eligibility to office are subject to no
+restrictions, save the single one of property, which is the same with
+all colors. The property qualification, however, is so great, as
+effectually to exclude the whole agricultural negro population for
+many years.
+
+11th. _The main constabulary force is composed of emancipated negroes,
+living on the estates_. One or two trust-worthy men on each estate are
+empowered with the authority of constables in relation to the people on
+the same estate, and much reliance is placed upon these men, to preserve
+order and to bring offenders to trial.
+
+12th. A body of police has been established, whose duty it is to arrest
+all disorderly or riotous persons, to repair to the estates in case of
+trouble, and co-operate with the constables, in arraigning all persons
+charged with the violation of law.
+
+13th. The punishment for slight offences, such as stealing sugar-canes
+from the field, is confinement in the house of correction, or being
+sentenced to the tread-mill, for any period from three days to three
+months. The punishment for burglary, and other high offences, is
+solitary confinement in chains, or transportation for life to
+Botany Bay.
+
+Such are the main features in the statutes, regulating the freedom of
+the emancipated population of Antigua. It will be seen that there is no
+enactment which materially modifies, or unduly restrains, the liberty of
+the subject. There are no secret reservations or postscript provisoes,
+which nullify the boon of freedom. Not only is slavery utterly
+abolished, but all its appendages are scattered to the winds; and a
+system of impartial laws secures justice to all, of every color and
+condition.
+
+The measure of success which has crowned the experiment of emancipation
+in Antigua--an experiment tried under so many adverse circumstances, and
+with comparatively few local advantages--is highly encouraging to
+slaveholders in our country. It must be evident that the balance of
+advantages between the situation of Antigua and that of the South, _is
+decidedly in favor of the latter_. The South has her resident
+proprietors, her resources of wealth, talent, and enterprise, and her
+preponderance of white population; she also enjoys a regularity of
+seasons, but rarely disturbed by desolating droughts, a bracing climate,
+which imparts energy and activity to her laboring population, and
+comparatively numerous wants to stimulate and press the laborer up to
+the _working mark_; she has close by her side the example of a free
+country, whose superior progress in internal improvements, wealth, the
+arts and sciences, morals and religion, all ocular demonstration to her
+of her own wretched policy, and a moving appeal in favor of abolition;
+and above all, site has the opportunity of choosing her own mode, and of
+ensuring all the blessings of a _voluntary and peaceable manumission_,
+while the energies, the resources, the sympathies, and the prayers of
+the North, stand pledged to her assistance.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+FACTS AND TESTIMONY.
+
+We have reserved the mass of facts and testimony, bearing immediately
+upon slavery in America, in order that we might present them together in
+a condensed furor, under distinct heads. These heads, it will be
+perceived, consist chiefly of propositions which are warmly contested in
+our country. Will the reader examine these principles in the light of
+facts? Will the candid of our countrymen--whatever opinions they may
+hitherto hate entertained on this subject--hear the concurrent testimony
+of numerous planters, legislators, lawyers, physicians, and merchants,
+who have until three years past been wedded to slavery by birth,
+education, prejudice, associations, and supposed interest, but who have
+since been divorced from all connection with the system?
+
+In most cases we shall give the names, the stations, and business of our
+witnesses; in a few instances, in which we were requested to withhold
+the name, we shall state such circumstances as will serve to show the
+standing and competency of the individuals. If the reader should find in
+what follows, very little testimony unfavorable to emancipation, he may
+know the reason to be, that little was to be gleaned from any part of
+Antigua. Indeed, we may say that, with very few exceptions, the
+sentiments here recorded as coming from individuals, are really the
+sentiments of the whole community. There is no such thing known in
+Antigua as an _opposing, disaffected party_. So complete and thorough
+has been the change in public opinion, that it would be now
+_disreputable_ to speak against emancipation.
+
+FIRST PROPOSITION.--The transition from slavery to freedom is
+represented as a greet revolution, by which a prodigious change was
+effected in _the condition of the negroes_.
+
+In conversation with us, the planters often spoke of the greatness and
+suddenness of the change. Said Mr. Barnard, of Green Castle estate, "The
+transition from slavery to freedom, was like passing suddenly out of a
+dark dungeon into the light of the sun."
+
+R.B. Eldridge, Esq., a member of the assembly, remarked, that, "There
+never had been in the history of the world so great and instantaneous a
+change in the condition of so large a body of people."
+
+The Honorable Nicholas Nugent, speaker of the house of assembly, and
+proprietor, said, "There never was so sudden a transition from one state
+to another, by so large a body of people. When the clock began to strike
+the hour of twelve on the last night of July, 1834, the negroes of
+Antigua were _slaves_--when it ceased they were all _freemen!_ It was a
+stupendous change," he said, "and it was one of the sublimest spectacles
+ever witnessed, to see the subjects of the change engaged at the very
+moment it occurred, in worshipping God."
+
+These, and very many similar ones, were the spontaneous expressions of
+men _who had long contended against the change_ of which they spoke.
+
+It is exceedingly difficult to make slaveholders see that there is any
+material difference between slavery and freedom; but when they have once
+renounced slavery, they _will magnify this distinction_ more than any
+other class of men.
+
+SECOND PROPOSITION.--Emancipation in Antigua was the result of political
+and pecuniary considerations merely.
+
+Abolition was seen to be inevitable, and there were but two courses left
+to the colonists--to adopt the apprenticeship system, or immediate
+emancipation. Motives of convenience led them to choose the latter.
+Considerations of general philanthropy, of human rights, and of the
+sinfulness of slavery, were scarcely so much as thought of.
+
+Some time previous to the abolition of slavery, a meeting of the
+influential men of the island was called in St. John's, to memorialize
+parliament against the measure of abolition. When the meeting convened,
+the Hon. Samuel O. Baijer, who had been the champion of the opposition,
+was called upon to propose a plan of procedure. To the consternation of
+the pro-slavery meeting, their leader arose and spoke to the following
+effect:--"Gentlemen, my previous sentiments on this subject are well
+known to you all; be not surprised to learn that they have undergone an
+entire change, I have not altered my views without mature deliberation.
+I have been making calculations with regard to the probable results of
+emancipation, and _I have ascertained beyond a doubt, that I can
+cultivate my estate at least one third cheaper by free labor than by
+slave labor_." After Mr. B. had finished his remarks, Mr. S. Shands,
+member of assembly, and a wealthy proprietor, observed that he
+entertained precisely the same views with those just expressed; but he
+thought that the honorable gentleman had been unwise in uttering them in
+so public a manner; "for," said he, "should these sentiments reach the
+ear of parliament, as coming from us, _it might induce them to withhold
+the compensation_."
+
+Col. Edwards, member of the assembly, then arose and said, that he had
+long been opposed to slavery, but he had not _dared to avow his
+sentiments_.
+
+As might be supposed, the meeting adjourned without effecting the object
+for which it was convened.
+
+When the question came before the colonial assembly, similar discussions
+ensued, and finally the bill for immediate emancipation passed both
+bodies _unanimously_. It was an evidence of the spirit of selfish
+expediency, which prompted the whole procedure, that they clogged the
+emancipation bill with the proviso that a certain governmental tax on
+exports, called the four and a half per cent tax[A], should be repealed.
+Thus clogged, the bill was sent home for sanction, but it was rejected
+by parliament, and sent back with instructions, that before it could
+receive his majesty's seal, it must appear wholly unencumbered with
+extraneous provisoes. This was a great disappointment to the
+legislature, and it so chagrined them that very many actually withdrew
+their support from the bill for emancipation, which passed finally in
+the assembly only by the casting vote of the speaker.
+
+[Footnote A: We subjoin the following brief history of the four and a
+half per cent. tax, which we procured from the speaker of the assembly.
+In the rein of Charles II., Antigua was conquered by the French, and the
+inhabitants were forced to swear allegiance to the French government. In
+a very short time the French were driven off the island and the English
+again took possession of it. It was then declared, by order of the king,
+that as the people had, by swearing allegiance to another government,
+forfeited the protection of the British government, and all title to
+their lands, they should not again receive either, except on condition
+of paying to the king a duty of four and a half per cent on every
+article exported from the island--and that they were to do in
+_perpetuity_. To this hard condition they were obliged to submit, and
+they have groaned under the onerous duty ever since. On every occasion,
+which offered any hope, they have sought the repeal of the tax, but have
+uniformly been defeated. When they saw that the abolition question was
+coming to a crisis, they resolved to make a last effort for the repeal
+of the four and a half percent duty. They therefore adopted immediate
+emancipation, and then, covered as they were, with the laurels of so
+magnanimous an act, they presented to parliament their cherished object.
+The defeat was a humiliating one, and it produced such a reaction in the
+island, as well nigh led to the rescinding of the abolition bill.]
+
+The verbal and written statements of numerous planters also confirm the
+declaration that emancipation was a measure solely of selfish policy.
+
+Said Mr. Bernard, of Green Castle estate "Emancipation was preferred to
+apprenticeship, because it was attended with less trouble, and left the
+planters independent, instead of being saddled with a legion of
+stipendiary magistrates."
+
+Said Dr. Daniell, member of the council, and proprietor--"The
+apprenticeship was rejected by us solely from motives of policy. We did
+not wish to be annoyed with stipendiary magistrates."
+
+Said Hon. N. Nugent--"We wished to let ourselves down in the easiest
+manner possible; _therefore_ we chose immediate freedom in preference to
+the apprenticeship."
+
+"Emancipation was preferred to apprenticeship, because of the inevitable
+and endless perplexities connected with the latter system."--_David
+Cranstoun, Esq., colonial magistrate and planter_.
+
+"It is not pretended that emancipation was produced by the influence of
+religious considerations. It was a measure of mere convenience and
+interest."--_A Moravian Missionary_.
+
+The following testimony is extracted from a letter addressed to us by a
+highly respectable merchant of St. John's--a gentleman of long
+experience on the island, and now agent for several estates.
+"Emancipation was an act of mere policy, adopted as _the safest and most
+economic_ measure."
+
+Our last item of testimony under this head is from a written statement
+by the Hon. N. Nugent, speaker of the assembly, at the time of
+emancipation. His remarks on this subject, although long, we are sure
+will be read with interest. Alluding to the adoption of immediate
+emancipation in preference to the apprenticeship, he observes:--
+
+"The reasons and considerations which led to this step were various, of
+course impressing the minds of different individuals in different
+degrees. As slave emancipation could not be averted, and must inevitably
+take place very shortly, it was better to meet the crisis at once, than
+to have it hanging over our heads for six years, with all its harassing
+doubts and anxieties; better to give an air of grace to that which would
+be ultimately unavoidable; the slaves should rather have a motive of
+gratitude and kind reciprocation, than to feel, on being declared free,
+that their emancipation could neither be withheld nor retarded by their
+owners. The projected apprenticeship, while it destroyed the means of an
+instant coercion in a state of involuntary labor, equally withdrew or
+neutralized all those urgent motives which constrain to industrious
+exertion in the case of freemen. It abstracted from the master, in a
+state of things then barely remunerative, one fourth of the time and
+labor required in cultivation, and gave it to the servant, while it
+compelled the master to supply the same allowances as before. With many
+irksome restraints, conditions, and responsibilities imposed on the
+master, it had no equivalent advantages. There appeared no reason, in
+short, why general emancipation would not do as well in 1834 as in 1840.
+Finally, a strong conviction existed that from peculiarity of climate
+and soil, the physical wants and necessities of the peasantry would
+compel them to labor for their subsistence, to seek employment and wages
+from the proprietors of the soil; and if the _transformation_ could be
+safely and quietly brought about, that the _free_ system might be
+cheaper and more profitable than the other."
+
+The general testimony of planters, missionaries, clergymen, merchants,
+and others, was in confirmation of the same truth.
+
+There is little reason to believe that the views of the colonists on
+this subject have subsequently undergone much change. We did not hear,
+excepting occasionally among the missionaries and clergy, the slightest
+insinuation thrown out that _slavery was sinful_; that the slaves had a
+right to freedom, or that it would have been wrong to have continued
+them in bondage. The _politics_ of anti-slavery the Antiguans are
+exceedingly well versed in, but of its _religion_, they seem to feel but
+little. They seem never to have examined slavery in its moral relations;
+never to have perceived its monstrous violations of right and its
+impious tramplings upon God and man. The Antigua planters, it would
+appear, have _yet_ to repent of the sin of slaveholding.
+
+If the results of an emancipation so destitute of _principle_, so purely
+selfish, could produce such general satisfaction, and be followed by
+such happy results, it warrants us in anticipating still more decided
+and unmingled blessings in the train of a voluntary, conscientious, and
+religious abolition.
+
+THIRD PROPOSITION.--The _event_ of emancipation passed PEACEFULLY. The
+first of August, 1834, is universally regarded in Antigua, as having
+presented a most imposing and sublime moral spectacle. It is almost
+impossible to be in the company of a missionary, a planter, or an
+emancipated negro, for ten minutes, without hearing some allusion to
+that occasion. Even at the time of our visit to Antigua, after the lapse
+of nearly three years, they spoke of the event with an admiration
+apparently unabated.
+
+For some time previous to the first of August, forebodings of disaster
+lowered over the island. The day was fixed! Thirty thousand degraded
+human beings were to be brought forth from the dungeon of slavery and
+"turned loose on the community!" and this was to be done "in a moment,
+in the twinkling of an eye."
+
+Gloomy apprehensions were entertained by many of the planters. Some
+timorous families did not go to bed on the night of the 31st of July;
+fear drove sleep from their eyes, and they awaited with fluttering pulse
+the hour of midnight, fearing lest the same bell which sounded the
+jubilee of the slaves might toll the death knell of the masters.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: We were informed by a merchant of St. John's, that several
+American vessels which had lain for weeks in the harbor, weighed anchor
+on the 31st of July, and made their escape, through actual fear, that
+the island would be destroyed on the following day. Ere they set sail
+they earnestly besought our informant to escape from the island, as he
+valued his life.]
+
+The more intelligent, who understood the disposition of the negroes, and
+contemplated the natural tendencies of emancipation, through
+philosophical principles, and to the light of human nature and history,
+were free from alarm.
+
+To convey to the reader some idea of the manner in which the great
+crisis passed, we give the substance of several accounts which were
+related to us in different parts of the island, by those who
+witnessed them.
+
+The Wesleyans kept "watch-night" in all their chapels on the night of
+the 31st July. One of the Wesleyan missionaries gave us an account of
+the watch meeting at the chapel in St. John's. The spacious house was
+filled with the candidates for liberty. All was animation and eagerness.
+A mighty chorus of voices swelled the song of expectation and joy, and
+as they united in prayer, the voice of the leader was drowned in the
+universal acclamations of thanksgiving and praise, and blessing, and
+honor, and glory, to God, who had come down for their deliverance. In
+such exercises the evening was spent until the hour of twelve
+approached. The missionary then proposed that when the clock on the
+cathedral should begin to strike, the whole congregation should fall
+upon their knees and receive the boon of freedom in silence.
+Accordingly, as the loud bell tolled its first note, the immense
+assembly fell prostrate on their knees. All was silence, save the
+quivering half-stifled breath of the struggling spirit. The slow notes
+of the clock fell upon the multitude; peal on peal, peal on peal, rolled
+over the prostrate throng, in tones of angels' voices, thrilling among
+the desolate chords and weary heart strings. Scarce had the clock
+sounded its last note, when the lightning flashed vividly around, and a
+loud peal of thunder roared along the sky--God's pillar of fire, and
+trump of jubilee! A moment of profoundest silence passed--then came the
+_burst_--they broke forth in prayer; they shouted, they sung, "Glory,"
+"alleluia;" they clapped their hands, leaped up, fell down, clasped each
+other in their free arms, cried, laughed, and went to and fro, tossing
+upward their unfettered hands; but high above the whole there was a
+mighty sound which ever and anon swelled up; it was the utterings in
+broken negro dialect of gratitude to God.
+
+After this gush of excitement had spent itself; and the congregation
+became calm, the religious exercises were resumed, and the remainder of
+the night was occupied in singing and prayer, in reading the Bible, and
+in addresses from the missionaries explaining the nature of the freedom
+just received, and exhorting the freed people to be industrious, steady,
+obedient to the laws, and to show themselves in all things worthy of the
+high boon which God had conferred upon them.
+
+The first of August came on Friday, and a release was proclaimed from
+all work until the next Monday. The day was chiefly spent by the great
+mass of the negroes in the churches and chapels. Thither they flocked
+"as clouds, and as doves to their windows." The clergy and missionaries
+throughout the island were actively engaged, seizing the opportunity in
+order to enlighten the people on all the duties and responsibilities of
+their new relation, and above all, urging them to the attainment of that
+higher liberty with which Christ maketh his children free. In every
+quarter we were assured that the day was like a Sabbath. Work had
+ceased; the hum of business was still, and noise and tumult were unheard
+on the streets. Tranquillity pervaded the towns and country. A Sabbath
+indeed! when the wicked ceased from troubling, and the weary were at
+rest, and the slave was free from his master! The planters informed us
+that they went to the chapels where their own people were assembled,
+greeted them, shook hands with them, and exchanged the most hearty
+good wishes.
+
+The churches and chapels were thronged all over the island. At Cedar
+Hall, a Moravian station, the crowd was so great that the minister was
+obliged to remove the meeting from the chapel to a neighboring grove.
+
+At Grace Hill, another Moravian station, the negroes went to the
+Missionary on the day before the first of August, and begged that they
+might be allowed to have a meeting in the chapel at sunrise. It is the
+usual practice among the Moravians to hold but one sunrise meeting
+during the year, and that is on the morning of Easter: but as the people
+besought very earnestly for this special favor on the Easter morning of
+their freedom, it was granted to them.
+
+Early in the morning they assembled at the chapel. For some time they
+sat in perfect silence. The missionary then proposed that they should
+kneel down and sing. The whole audience fell upon their knees, and sung
+a hymn commencing with the following verse:
+
+   "Now let us praise the Lord,
+   With body, soul and spirit,
+   Who doth such wondrous things,
+   Beyond our sense and merit."
+
+The singing was frequently interrupted with the tears and sobbings of
+the melted people, until finally it was wholly arrested, and a tumult of
+emotion overwhelmed the congregation.
+
+During the day, repeated meetings were held. At eleven o'clock, the
+people assembled in vast numbers. There were at least a _thousand_
+persons around the chapel, who could not get in. For once the house of
+God suffered violence, and the violent took it by force. After all the
+services of the day, the people went again to the missionaries in a
+body, and petitioned to have a meeting in the evening.
+
+At Grace Bay, the people, all dressed in white, assembled in a spacious
+court in front of the Moravian chapel. They formed a procession and
+walked arm in arm into the chapel. Similar scenes occurred at all the
+chapels and at the churches also. We were told by the missionaries that
+the dress of the negroes on that occasion was uncommonly simple and
+modest. There was not the least disposition of gaiety.
+
+We were also informed by planters and missionaries in every part of the
+island, that there was not a single dance known of, either day or night,
+nor so much as a fiddle played. There were no riotous assemblies, no
+drunken carousals. It was not in such channels that the excitement of
+the emancipated flowed. They were as far from dissipation and
+debauchery, as they were from violence and carnage. GRATITUDE was the
+absorbing emotion. From the hill-tops, and the valleys, the cry of a
+disenthralled people went upward like the sound of many waters, "Glory
+to God, glory to God."
+
+The testimony of the planters corresponds fully with that of the
+missionaries.
+
+Said R.B. Eldridge, Esq., after speaking of the number emancipated, "Yet
+this vast body, (30,000,) _glided_ out of slavery into freedom with the
+utmost tranquillity."
+
+Dr. Daniell observed, that after so prodigious a revolution in the
+condition of the negroes, he expected that some irregularities would
+ensue; but he had been entirely disappointed. He also said that he
+anticipated some relaxation from labour during the week following
+emancipation. But he found his hands in the field early on Monday
+morning, and not one missing. The same day he received word from another
+estate, of which he was proprietor,[A] that the negroes had to a man
+refused to go to the field. He immediately rode to the estate and found
+the people standing with their hoes in their hands doing nothing. He
+accosted them in a friendly manner: "What does this mean, my fellows,
+that you are not at work this morning?" They immediately replied, "It's
+not because we don't want to work, massa, but we wanted to see you first
+and foremost to _know what the bargain would be_." As soon as that
+matter was settled, the whole body of negroes turned out cheerfully,
+without a moment's cavil.
+
+[Footnote A: It is not unusual in the West Indies for proprietors to
+commit their own estates into the hands of managers; and be themselves,
+the managers of other men's estates.]
+
+Mr. Bourne, of Millar's, informed us that the largest gang he had ever
+seen in the field on his property, turned out the _week after
+emancipation_.
+
+Said Hon. N. Nugent, "Nothing could surpass the universal propriety of
+the negroes' conduct on the first of August, 1834! Never was there a
+more beautiful and interesting spectacle exhibited, than on that
+occasion."
+
+FOURTH PROPOSITION.--There has been _since_ emancipation, not only _no
+rebellion in fact_, but NO FEAR OF IT in Antigua.
+
+Proof 1st. The militia were not called out during Christmas holidays.
+_Before_ emancipation, martial law invariably prevailed on the holidays,
+but the very first Christmas after emancipation, the Governor made a
+proclamation stating that _in consequence of the abolition of slavery_
+it was no longer necessary to resort to such a precaution. There has not
+been a parade of soldiery on any subsequent Christmas.[B]
+
+[Footnote B: This has been followed by a measure on the part of the
+Legislature, which is further proof of the same thing. It is "an Act for
+amending and further continuing the several Acts at present in force for
+better organizing and ordering the militia."
+
+The preamble reads thus:
+
+    "WHEREAS the abolition of slavery in this island renders it
+    expedient to provide against an unnecessary augmentation of the
+    militia, and the existing laws for better organizing and ordering
+    that local force require amendment."
+
+The following military advertisement also shows the increasing
+confidence which is felt in the freed men:
+
+    "RECRUITS WANTED.--The free men of Antigua are now called on to show
+    their gratitude and loyalty to King WILLIAM, for the benefits he has
+    conferred on them and their families, by volunteering their services
+    as soldiers in his First West India Regiment; in doing which they
+    will acquire a still higher rank in society, by being placed on a
+    footing of perfect equality with the other troops in his Majesty's
+    service, and receive the same bounty, pay, clothing, rations and
+    allowances.
+
+    None but young men of good character can be received, and all such
+    will meet with every encouragement by applying at St. John's
+    Barracks, to
+
+    H. DOWNIE, _Capt. 1st W.I. Regt_. _September 15th_, 1836."
+]
+
+2d. The uniform declaration of planters and others:
+
+"Previous to emancipation, many persons apprehended violence and
+bloodshed as the consequence of turning the slaves all loose. But when
+emancipation took place, all these apprehensions vanished. The sense of
+personal security is universal. We know not of a single instance in
+which the negroes have exhibited a _revengeful spirit_."
+
+_S. Bourne, Esq., of Millar's.--Watkins, Esq., of Donovan's._
+
+"It has always appeared to me self-evident, that if a man is peaceable
+while a _slave_, he will be so when a _free man_."
+
+_Dr. Ferguson._
+
+"There is no possible danger of personal violence from the slaves;
+should a foreign power invade our island, I have no doubt that the
+negroes would, to a man, fight for the planters. I have the utmost
+confidence in all the people who are under my management; they are my
+friends, and they consider me their friend."
+
+_H. Armstrong, Esq., of Fitch's Creek._
+
+The same gentleman informed us that during slavery, he used frequently
+to lie sleepless on his bed, thinking about his dangerous situation--a
+lone white person far away from help, and surrounded by hundreds of
+savage slaves; and he had spent hours thus, in devising plans of
+self-defence in case the house should be attacked by the negroes. "If
+they come," he would say to himself, "and break down the door, and fill
+my bedroom, what shall I do? It will be useless to fire at them; my only
+hope is to frighten the superstitious fellows by covering myself with a
+white sheet, and rushing into the midst of them, crying,
+'ghost, ghost.'"
+
+Now Mr. A. sleeps in peace and safety, without conjuring up a ghost to
+keep guard at his bedside. His bodyguard is a battalion of substantial
+flesh and blood, made up of those who were once the objects of his
+nightly terror!
+
+"There has been no instance of personal violence since freedom. Some
+persons pretended, prior to emancipation, to apprehend disastrous
+results; but for my part I cannot say that I ever entertained such
+fears. I could not see any thing which was to instigate negroes to
+rebellion, _after_ they had obtained their liberty. I have not heard of
+a single case of even _meditated_ revenge."
+
+_Dr. Daniell, Proprietor, Member of Council, Attorney of six estates,
+and Manager of Weatherill's._
+
+"One of the blessings of emancipation has been, that it has banished the
+_fear_ of insurrections, incendiarism, &c."
+
+_Mr. Favey, Manager of Lavicount's._
+
+"In my extensive intercourse with the people, as missionary, I have
+never heard of an instance of violence or revenge on the part of the
+negroes, even where they had been ill-treated during slavery."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Morrish, Moravian Missionary._
+
+"Insurrection or revenge is in no case dreaded, not even by those
+planters who were most cruel in the time of slavery. My family go to
+sleep every night with the doors unlocked, and we fear neither violence
+nor robbery."
+
+_Hon. N. Nugent._
+
+Again, in a written communication, the same gentleman remarks:--"There
+is not the slightest feeling of insecurity--quite the contrary. Property
+is more secure, _for all idea of insurrection is abolished forever_."
+
+"We have no cause now to fear insurrections; emancipation has freed us
+from all danger on this score."
+
+_David Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+Extract of a letter from a merchant of St. John's who has resided in
+Antigua more than thirty years:
+
+"There is no sense of personal danger arising from insurrections or
+conspiracies among the blacks. Serious apprehensions of this nature were
+formerly entertained; but they gradually died away _during the first
+year of freedom_."
+
+We quote the following from a communication addressed to us by a
+gentleman of long experience in Antigua--now a merchant in St.
+John's--_James Scotland, Sen., Esq._
+
+"Disturbances, insubordinations, and revelry, have greatly decreased
+since emancipation; and it is a remarkable fact, that on the day of
+abolition, which was observed with the solemnity and services of the
+Sabbath, not an instance of common insolence was experienced from any
+freed man."
+
+"There is no feeling of insecurity. A stronger proof of this cannot be
+given than the dispensing, within five months after emancipation, with
+the Christmas guards, which had been regularly and uninterruptedly kept,
+for nearly one hundred years--during the whole time of slavery."
+
+"The military has never been called out, but on one occasion, since the
+abolition, and that was when a certain planter, the most violent enemy
+of freedom, reported to the Governor that there were strong symptoms of
+insurrection among his negroes. The story was generally laughed at, and
+the reporter of it was quite ashamed of his weakness and fears."
+
+"My former occupation, as editor of a newspaper, rendered it necessary
+for me to make incessant inquiries into the conduct as well as the
+treatment of the emancipated, and I have _never heard any instance of
+revenge_ for former injuries. The negroes have _quitted_ managers who
+were _harsh or cruel_ to them in their bondage, but they removed in a
+peaceable and orderly manner."
+
+"Our negroes, and I presume other negroes too, are very little less
+sensible to the force of those motives which lead to the peace, order,
+and welfare of society, than any other set of people."
+
+"The general conduct of the negroes has been worthy of much praise,
+especially considering the sudden transition from slavery to
+unrestricted freedom. Their demeanor is peaceable and orderly."
+
+_Ralph Higinbothom, U. S. Consul._
+
+As we mingled with the missionaries, both in town and country, they all
+bore witness to the security of their persons and families. They,
+equally with the planters, were surprised that we should make any
+inquiries about insurrections. A question on this subject generally
+excited a smile, a look of astonishment, or some exclamation, such as
+"_Insurrection_! my dear sirs, we do not think of such a thing;" or,
+"Rebellion indeed! why, what should they rebel for _now_, since they
+have got their liberty!"
+
+Physicians informed us that they were in the habit of riding into the
+country at all hours of the night, and though they were constantly
+passing negroes, both singly and in companies, they never had
+experienced any rudeness, nor even so much as an insolent word. They
+could go by night or day, into any part of the island where their
+professional duties called them, without the slightest sense of danger.
+
+A residence of nine weeks in the island gave us no small opportunity of
+testing the reality of its boasted security. The hospitality of planters
+and missionaries, of which we have recorded so many instances in a
+previous part of this work, gave us free access to their houses in every
+part of the island. In many cases we were constrained to spend the night
+with them, and thus enjoyed, in the intimacies of the domestic circle,
+and in the unguarded moments of social intercourse, every opportunity of
+detecting any lurking fears of violence, if such there had been; but we
+saw no evidence of it, either in the arrangements of the houses or in
+the conduct of the inmates[A].
+
+[Footnote A: In addition to the evidence derived from Antigua, we
+would mention the following fact:
+
+A planter, who is also an attorney, informed us that on the neighboring
+little island of Barbuda, (which is leased from the English government
+by Sir Christopher Coddrington,) there are five hundred negroes and only
+_three white men_. The negroes are entirely free, yet the whites
+continue to live among them without any fear of having their throats
+cut. The island is cultivated in sugar.--Barbuda is under the
+government of Antigua, and accordingly the act of entire emancipation
+extended to that island.]
+
+FIFTH PROPOSITION.--There has been no fear of house breaking, highway
+robberies, and like misdemeanors, since emancipation. Statements,
+similar to those adduced under the last head, from planters, and other
+gentlemen, might be introduced here; but as this proposition is so
+intimately involved in the foregoing, separate proof is not necessary.
+The same causes which excite apprehensions of insurrection, produce
+fears of robberies and other acts of violence; so also the same state of
+society which establishes security of person, insures the safety of
+property. Both in town and country we heard gentlemen repeatedly speak
+of the slight fastenings to their houses. A mere lock, or bolt, was all
+that secured the outside doors, and they might be burst open with ease,
+by a single man. In some cases, as has already been intimated, the
+planters habitually neglect to fasten their doors--so strong is their
+confidence of safety. We were not a little struck with the remark of a
+gentleman in St. John's. He said he had long been desirous to remove to
+England, his native country, and had slavery continued much longer in
+Antigua, he certainly should have gone; but _now_ the _security of
+property was so much greater in Antigua than it was in England_, that he
+thought it doubtful whether he should ever _venture_ to take his
+family thither.
+
+SIXTH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation is regarded by all classes as a great
+blessing to the island.
+
+There is not a class, or party, or sect, who do not esteem the abolition
+of slavery as a _special blessing to them_. The rich, because it
+relieved them of "property" which was fast becoming a disgrace, as it
+had always been a vexation and a tax, and because it has emancipated
+them from the terrors of insurrection, which kept them all their life
+time subject to bondage. The poor whites--because it lifted from off
+them the yoke of civil oppression. The free colored population--because
+it gave the death blow to the prejudice that crushed them, and opened
+the prospect of social, civil, and political equality with the whites.
+The _slaves_--because it broke open their dungeon, led them out to
+liberty, and gave them, in one munificent donation, their wives, their
+children, their bodies, their souls--every thing!
+
+The following extracts from the journals of the legislature, show the
+state of feeling existing shortly after emancipation. The first is dated
+October 30, 1834:
+
+"The Speaker said, that he looked with exultation at the prospect before
+us. The hand of the Most High was evidently working for us. Could we
+regard the universal tranquillity, the respectful demeanor of the lower
+classes, as less than an interposition of Providence? The agricultural
+and commercial prosperity of the island were absolutely on the advance;
+and for his part he would not hesitate to purchase estates to-morrow."
+
+The following remark was made in the course of a speech by a member of
+the council, November 12, 1834:
+
+"Colonel Brown stated, that since emancipation he had never been without
+a sufficient number of laborers, and he was certain he could obtain as
+many more to-morrow as he should wish."
+
+The general confidence in the beneficial results of emancipation, has
+grown stronger with every succeeding year and month. It has been seen
+that freedom will bear trial; that it will endure, and continue to bring
+forth fruits of increasing value.
+
+The Governor informed us that "it was _universally admitted_, that
+emancipation had been a great blessing to the island."
+
+In a company of proprietors and planters, who met us on a certain
+occasion, among whom were lawyers, magistrates, and members of the
+council, and of the assembly, the sentiment was distinctly avowed, that
+emancipation was highly beneficial to the island, and there was not a
+dissenting opinion.
+
+"Emancipation is working most admirably, especially for the planters. It
+is infinitely better policy than slavery or the apprenticeship either."
+--_Dr. Ferguson_.
+
+"Our planters find that freedom answers a far better purpose than
+slavery ever did. A gentleman, who is attorney for eight estates,
+assured me that there was no comparison between the benefits and
+advantages of the two systems."--_Archdeacon Parry_.
+
+"All the planters in my neighborhood (St. Philip's parish) are highly
+pleased with the operation of the new system."--_Rev. Mr. Jones, Rector
+of St. Philip's_.
+
+"I do not know of more than one or two planters in the whole island, who
+do not consider emancipation as a decided advantage to all parties."
+--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+That emancipation should be universally regarded as a blessing, is
+remarkable, when we consider that combination of untoward circumstances
+which it has been called to encounter--a combination wholly
+unprecedented in the history of the island. In 1835, the first year of
+the new system, the colony was visited by one of the most desolating
+hurricanes which has occurred for many years. In the same year,
+cultivation was arrested, and the crops greatly reduced, by drought.
+About the same time, the yellow fever prevailed with fearful mortality.
+The next year the drought returned, and brooded in terror from March
+until January, and from January until June: not only blasting the
+harvest of '36, but extending its blight over the crops of '37.
+
+Nothing could be better calculated to try the confidence in the new
+system. Yet we find all classes zealously exonerating emancipation, and
+in despite of tornado, plague, and wasting, still affirming the
+blessings and advantages of freedom!
+
+SEVENTH PROPOSITION.--_Free labor_ is decidedly LESS EXPENSIVE than
+_slave labor_. It costs the planter actually less to pay his free
+laborers daily wages, than it did to maintain his slaves. It will be
+observed in the testimony which follows, that there is some difference
+of opinion as to the _precise amount_ of reduction in the expenses,
+which is owing to the various modes of management on different estates,
+and more particularly, to the fact that some estates raise all their
+provisions, while others raise none. But as to the fact itself, there
+can scarcely be said to be any dispute among the planters. There was one
+class of planters whose expenses seemed to be somewhat increased, viz.
+those who raised all their provisions before emancipation, and ceased to
+raise any _after_ that event. But in the opinion of the most intelligent
+planters, even these did not really sustain any loss, for originally it
+was bad policy to raise provisions, since it engrossed that labor which
+would have been more profitably directed to the cultivation of sugar;
+and hence they would ultimately be gainers by the change.
+
+S. Bourne, Esq. stated that the expenses on Millar's estate, of which he
+is manager, had diminished about _one third_.
+
+Mr. Barnard, of Green Castle, thought his expenses were about the same
+that they were formerly.
+
+Mr. Favey, of Lavicount's estate, enumerated, among the advantages of
+freedom over slavery, "the diminished expense."
+
+Dr. Nugent also stated, that "the expenses of cultivation were greatly
+diminished."
+
+Mr. Hatley, manager of Fry's estate, said that the expenses on his
+estate had been greatly reduced since emancipation. He showed us the
+account of his expenditures for the last year of slavery, and the first
+full year of freedom, 1835. The expenses during the last year of slavery
+were 1371_l._ 2_s._ 4-1/2_d._; the expenses for 1835 were 821_l._ 16_s._
+7-1/2_d._: showing a reduction of more than one third.
+
+D. Cranstoun, Esq., informed us that his weekly expenses during slavery,
+on the estate which he managed, were, on an average, 45_l._; the average
+expenses now do not exceed 20_l._
+
+Extract of a letter from Hon. N. Nugent:
+
+"The expenses of cultivating sugar estates have in no instance, I
+believe, been found _greater_ than before. As far as my experience goes,
+they are certainly less, particularly as regards those properties which
+were overhanded before, when proprietors were compelled to support more
+dependents than they required. In some cases, the present cost is less
+by _one third_. I have not time to furnish you with any detailed
+statements, but the elements of the calculation are simple enough."
+
+It is not difficult to account for the diminution in the cost of
+cultivation. In the first place, for those estates that bought their
+provision previous to emancipation, it cost more money to purchase their
+stores than they now pay out in wages. This was especially true in dry
+seasons, when home provisions failed, and the island was mainly
+dependent upon foreign supplies.
+
+But the chief source of the diminution lies in the reduced number of
+people to be supported by the planter. During slavery, the planter was
+required by law to maintain _all_ the slaves belonging to the estate;
+the superannuated, the infirm, the pregnant, the nurses, the young
+children, and the infants, as well as the working slaves. Now it is only
+the latter class, the effective laborers, (with the addition of such as
+were superannuated or infirm at the period of emancipation,) who are
+dependent upon the planter. These are generally not more than one half,
+frequently less than a third, of the whole number of negroes resident on
+the estate; consequently a very considerable burthen has been removed
+from the planter.
+
+The reader may form some estimate of the reduced expense to the planter,
+resulting from these causes combined, by considering the statement made
+to us by Hon. N. Nugent, and repeatedly by proprietors and managers,
+that had slavery been in existence during the present drought, many of
+the smaller estates _must have been inevitably ruined_; on account of
+the high price of imported provisions, (home provisions having fallen
+short) and the number of slaves to be fed.
+
+EIGHTH PROPOSITION.--The negroes work _more cheerfully_, and _do their
+work better_ than they did during slavery. Wages are found to be an
+ample substitute for the lash--they never fail to secure the amount of
+labor desired. This is particularly true where task work is tried, which
+is done occasionally in cases of a pressing nature, when considerable
+effort is required. We heard of no complaints on the score of idleness,
+but on the contrary, the negroes were highly commended for the
+punctuality and cheerfulness with which they performed the work
+assigned them.
+
+The Governor stated, that "he was assured by planters, from every part
+of the island, that the negroes were very industriously disposed."
+
+"My people have become much more industrious since they were
+emancipated. I have been induced to extend the sugar cultivation over a
+number of acres more than have ever been cultivated before."--_Mr.
+Watkins, of Donovan's_.
+
+"Fearing the consequences of emancipation, I reduced my cultivation in
+the year '34; but soon finding that my people would work as well as
+ever, I brought up the cultivation the next year to the customary
+extent, and this year ('36) I have added fifteen acres of new
+land."--_S. Bourne, of Millar's_.
+
+"Throughout the island the estates were never in a more advanced state
+than they now are. The failure in the crops is not in the slightest
+degree chargeable to a deficiency of labor. I have frequently adopted
+the job system for short periods; the results have always been
+gratifying--the negroes accomplished twice as much as when they worked
+for daily wages, because they made more money. On some days they would
+make three shillings--three times the ordinary wages."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"They are as a body _more_ industrious than when slaves, for the obvious
+reason that they are _working for themselves_."--_Ralph Higinbothom,
+U.S. Consul_.
+
+"I have no hesitation in saying that on my estate cultivation is more
+forward than ever it has been at the same season. The failure of the
+crops is not in the least degree the fault of the laborers. They have
+done well."--_Mr. Favey, of Lavicount's estate_.
+
+"The most general apprehension prior to emancipation was, that the
+negroes would not work after they were made free--that they would be
+indolent, buy small parcels of land, and '_squat_' on them to the
+neglect of sugar cultivation. Time, however, has proved that there was
+no foundation for this apprehension. The estates were never in better
+order than they are at present. If you are interrogated on your return
+home concerning the cultivation of Antigua, you can say that every thing
+depends upon the _weather_. If we have _sufficient rain_, you may be
+certain that we shall realize abundant crops. If we have no rain, the
+crops _must inevitably_ fail. _But we always depend upon the laborers_.
+On account of the stimulus to industry which wages afford, there is far
+less feigned sickness than there was during slavery. When slaves, the
+negroes were glad to find any excuse for deserting their labor, and they
+were incessantly feigning sickness. The sick-house was thronged with
+real and pretended invalids. After '34, it was wholly deserted. The
+negroes would not go near it; and, in truth, I have lately used it for a
+stable."--_Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+"Though the laborers on both the estates under my management have been
+considerably reduced since freedom, yet the grounds have never been in a
+finer state of cultivation, than they are at present. When my work is
+backward, I give it out in jobs, and it is always done in half the
+usual time."
+
+"Emancipation has almost wholly put an end to the practice of
+_skulking_, or pretending to be sick. That was a thing which caused the
+planter a vast deal of trouble during slavery. Every Monday morning
+regularly, when I awoke, I found ten or a dozen, or perhaps twenty men
+and women, standing around my door, waiting for me to make my first
+appearance, and begging that I would let them off from work that day on
+account of sickness. It was seldom the case that one fourth of the
+applicants were really unwell; but every one would maintain that he was
+very sick, and as it was hard to contend with them about it, they were
+all sent off to the sick-house. Now this is entirely done away, and my
+sick-house is converted into a chapel for religious worship."--_James
+Howell, Esq._
+
+"I find my people much more disposed to work than they formerly were.
+The habit of feigning sickness to get rid of going to the field, is
+completely broken up. This practice was very common during slavery. It
+was often amusing to hear their complaints. One would come carrying an
+arm in one hand, and declaring that it had a mighty pain in it, and he
+could not use the hoe no way; another would make his appearance with
+both hands on his breast, and with a rueful look complain of a great
+pain in the stomach; a third came limping along, with a _dreadful
+rheumatiz_ in his knees; and so on for a dozen or more. It was vain to
+dispute with them, although it was often manifest that nothing earthly
+was ailing them. They would say, 'Ah! me massa, you no tink how bad me
+feel--it's _deep in_, massa.' But all this trouble is passed. We have no
+sick-house now; no feigned sickness, and really much less actual illness
+than formerly. My people say, '_they have not time to be sick now_.' My
+cultivation has never been so far advanced at the same season, or in
+finer order than it is at the present time. I have been encouraged by
+the increasing industry of my people to bring several additional acres
+under cultivation."--_Mr. Hatley, Fry's estate_.
+
+"I get my work done better than formerly, and with incomparably more
+cheerfulness. My estate was never in a finer state of cultivation than
+it is now, though I employ _fewer_ laborers than during slavery. I have
+occasionally used job, or task work, and with great success. When I give
+out a job, it is accomplished in about half the time that it would have
+required by giving the customary wages. The people will do as much in
+one week at job work, as they will in two, working for a shilling a day.
+I have known them, when they had a job to do, turn out before three
+o'clock in the morning, and work by moonlight."--_D. Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+"My people work very well for the ordinary wages; I have no fault to
+find with them in this respect."--_Manager of Scotland's estate_.
+
+_Extract from the Superintendent's Report to the Commander in Chief_.
+
+SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, _June 6th_. 1836.
+
+    "During the last month I have visited the country in almost every
+    direction, with the express object of paying a strict attention to
+    all branches of agricultural operations at that period progressing.
+
+    The result of my observations is decidedly favorable, as regards
+    proprietors and laborers. The manufacture of sugar has advanced as
+    far as the long and continued want of rain will admit; the lands,
+    generally, appear to be in a forward state of preparation for the
+    ensuing crop, and the laborers seem to work with more steadiness and
+    satisfaction to themselves and their employers, than they have
+    manifested for some length of time past, and their work is much more
+    correctly performed.
+
+    Complaints are, for the most part, adduced by the employers against
+    the laborers, and principally consist, (as hitherto,) of breaches of
+    contract; but I am happy to observe, that a diminution of
+    dissatisfaction on this head even, has taken place, as will be seen
+    by the accompanying general return of offences reported.
+
+    Your honor's most obedient, humble servant,
+
+    _Richard S. Wickham, Superintendent of police_."
+
+NINTH PROPOSITION.--The negroes are _more easily managed_ as freemen
+than they were when slaves.
+
+On this point as well as on every other connected with the system of
+slavery, public opinion in Antigua has undergone an entire revolution,
+since 1834. It was then a common maxim that the peculiar characteristics
+of the negro absolutely required a government of terror and brute force.
+
+The Governor said, "The negroes are as a race remarkable for _docility_;
+they are very easily controlled by kind influence. It is only necessary
+to gain their confidence, and you can sway them as you please."
+
+"Before emancipation took place, I dreaded the consequence of abolishing
+the power of compelling labor, but I have since found by experience that
+forbearance and kindness are sufficient for all purposes of authority. I
+have seldom had any trouble in managing my people. They consider me
+their friend, and the expression of my wish is enough for them. Those
+planters who have retained their _harsh manner_ do not succeed under the
+new system. The people will not bear it."--_Mr. J. Howell_.
+
+"I find it remarkably easy to manage my people. I govern them entirely
+by mildness. In every instance in which managers have persisted in their
+habits of arbitrary command, they have failed. I have lately been
+obliged to discharge a manager from one of the estates under my
+direction, on account of his overbearing disposition. If I had not
+dismissed him, the people would have abandoned the estate _en
+masse_."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"The management of an estate under the free system is a much lighter
+business than it used to be. We do not have the trouble to get the
+people to work, or to keep them in order."--_Mr. Favey_.
+
+"Before the abolition of slavery, I thought it would be utterly
+impossible to manage my people without tyrannizing over them as usual,
+and that it would be giving up the reins of government entirely, to
+abandon the whip; but I am now satisfied that I was mistaken. I have
+lost all desire to exercise arbitrary power. I have known of several
+instances in which unpleasant disturbances have been occasioned by
+managers giving way to their anger, and domineering over the laborers.
+The people became disobedient and disorderly, and remained so until the
+estates went into other hands, and a good management immediately
+restored confidence and peace."--_Mr. Watkins_.
+
+"Among the advantages belonging to the free system, may he enumerated
+the greater facility in managing estates. We are freed from a world of
+trouble and perplexity."--_David Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+"I have no hesitation in saying, that if I have a supply of cash, I can
+take off any crop it may please God to send. Having already, since
+emancipation, taken off one fully sixty hogsheads above the average of
+the last twenty years. I can speak with confidence."--_Letter from S.
+Bourne, Esq._
+
+Mr. Bourne stated a fact which illustrates the ease with which the
+negroes are governed by gentle means. He said that it was a prevailing
+practice during slavery for the slaves to have a dance soon after they
+had finished gathering in the crop. At the completion of his crop in
+'35, the people made arrangements for having the customary dance. They
+were particularly elated because the crop which they had first taken off
+was the largest one that had ever been produced by the estate, and it
+was also the largest crop on the island for that year. With these
+extraordinary stimulants and excitements, operating in connection with
+the influence of habit, the people were strongly inclined to have a
+dance. Mr. B. told them that dancing was a bad practice--and a very
+childish, barbarous amusement, and he thought it was wholly unbecoming
+_freemen_. He hoped therefore that they would dispense with it. The
+negroes could not exactly agree with their manager--and said they did
+not like to be disappointed in their expected sport. Mr. B. finally
+proposed to them that he would get the Moravian minister, Rev. Mr.
+Harvey, to ride out and preach to them on the appointed evening. The
+people all agreed to this. Accordingly, Mr. Harvey preached, and they
+said no more about the dance--nor have they ever attempted to get up a
+dance since.
+
+We had repeated opportunities of witnessing the management of the
+laborers on the estates, and were always struck with the absence of
+every thing like coercion.
+
+By the kind invitation of Mr. Bourne, we accompanied him once on a
+morning circuit around his estate. After riding some distance, we came
+to the 'great gang' cutting canes. Mr. B. saluted the people in a
+friendly manner, and they all responded with a hearty 'good mornin,
+massa.' There were more than fifty persons, male and female, on the
+spot. The most of them were employed in cutting canes[A], which they did
+with a heavy knife called a _bill_. Mr. B. beckoned to the
+superintendent, a black man, to come to him, and gave him some
+directions for the forenoon's work, and then, after saying a few
+encouraging words to the people, took us to another part of the estate,
+remarking as we rode off, "I have entire confidence that those laborers
+will do their work just as I want to have it done." We next came upon
+some men, who were hoeing in a field of corn. We found that there had
+been a slight altercation between two of the men. Peter, who was a
+foreman, came to Mr. B., and complained that George would not leave the
+cornfield and go to another kind of work as he had bid him. Mr. B.
+called George, and asked for an explanation. George had a long story to
+tell, and he made an earnest defence, accompanied with impassioned
+gesticulation; but his dialect was of such outlandish description, that
+we could not understand him. Mr. B. told us that the main ground of his
+defence was that Peter's direction was _altogether unreasonable_. Peter
+was then called upon to sustain his complaint; he spoke with equal
+earnestness and equal unintelligibility. Mr. B. then gave his decision,
+with great kindness of manner, which quite pacified both parties.
+
+[Footnote A: The process of cutting canes is this:--The leafy part, at
+top is first cut off down as low as the saccharine matter A few of the
+lowest joints of the part thus cut off, are then stripped of the leaves,
+and cut off for _plants_, for the next crop. The stalk is then cut off
+close to the ground--and it is that which furnishes the juice for
+sugar. It is from three to twelve feet long, and from one to two inches
+in diameter, according to the quality of the soil, the seasonableness of
+the weather, &c. The cutters are followed by _gatherers_, who bind up
+the plants and stalks, as the cutters cast them behind them, in
+different bundles. The carts follow in the train, and take up the
+bundles--carrying the stalks to the mill to be ground, and the plants in
+another direction.]
+
+As we rode on, Mr. B. informed us that George was himself the foreman of
+a small weeding gang, and felt it derogatory to his dignity to be
+ordered by Peter.
+
+We observed on all the estates which we visited, that the planters, when
+they wish to influence their people, are in the habit of appealing to
+them as _freemen_, and that now better things are expected of them. This
+appeal to their self-respect seldom fails of carrying the point.
+
+It is evident from the foregoing testimony, that if the negroes do not
+work well on any estate, it is generally speaking the _fault of the
+manager_. We were informed of many instances in which arbitrary men were
+discharged from the management of estates, and the result has been the
+restoration of order and industry among the people.
+
+On this point we quote the testimony of James Scotland, Sen., Esq., an
+intelligent and aged merchant of St. John's:
+
+"In this colony, the evils and troubles attending emancipation have
+resulted almost entirely from the perseverance of the planters in their
+old habits of domination. The planters very frequently, indeed, _in the
+early stage of freedom_, used their power as employers to the annoyance
+and injury of their laborers. For the slightest misconduct, and
+sometimes without any reason whatever, the poor negroes were dragged
+before the magistrates, (planters or their friends,) and mulcted in
+their wages, fined otherwise, and committed to jail or the house of
+correction. And yet those harassed people remained patient, orderly and
+submissive. _Their treatment now is much improved. The planters have
+happily discovered, that as long as they kept the cultivators of their
+lands in agitations and sufferings, their own interests were
+sacrificed._"
+
+TENTH PROPOSITION.--The negroes are _more trust-worthy, and take a
+deeper interest in their employers' affairs_, since emancipation.
+
+"My laborers manifest an increasing attachment to the estate. In all
+their habits they are becoming more settled, and they begin to feel that
+they have a personal interest in the success of the property on which
+they live."--_Mr. Favey_.
+
+"As long as the negroes felt uncertain whether they would remain in one
+place, or be dismissed and compelled to seek a home elsewhere, they
+manifested very little concern for the advancement of their employers'
+interest; but in proportion as they become permanently established on an
+estate, they seem to identify themselves with its prosperity. The
+confidence between master and servant is mutually increasing."--_Mr.
+James Howell_.
+
+The Hon. Mr. Nugent, Dr. Daniell, D. Cranstoun, Esq., and other
+planters, enumerated among the advantages of freedom, the planters being
+released from the perplexities growing out of want of confidence in the
+sympathy and honesty of the slaves.
+
+S. Bourne, Esq., of Millar's, remarked as we were going towards his mill
+and boiling-house, which had been in operation about a week, "I have not
+been near my works for several days; yet I have no fears but that I
+shall find every thing going on properly."
+
+The planters have been too deeply experienced in the nature of slavery,
+not to know that mutual jealousy, distrust, and alienation of feeling
+and interest, are its legitimate offspring; and they have already seen
+enough of the operation of freedom, to entertain the confident
+expectation, that fair wages, kind treatment, and comfortable homes,
+will attach the laborers to the estates, and identify the interests of
+the employer and the employed.
+
+ELEVENTH PROPOSITION.--The experiment in Antigua proves that emancipated
+slaves can _appreciate law_. It is a prevailing opinion that those who
+have long been slaves, cannot at once be safely subjected to the
+control of law.
+
+It will now be seen how far this theory is supported by facts. Let it be
+remembered that the negroes of Antigua passed, "by a single _jump_, from
+absolute slavery to unqualified freedom."[A] In proof of _their
+subordination to law_, we give the testimony of planters, and quote also
+from the police reports sent in monthly to the Governor, with copies of
+which we were kindly furnished by order of His Excellency.
+
+[Footnote A: Dr. Daniell.]
+
+"I have found that the negroes are readily controlled by law; more so
+perhaps than the laboring classes in other countries."--_David
+Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+"The conduct of the negro population generally, has surpassed all
+expectation. They are as pliant to the hand of legislation, as any
+people; perhaps more so than some." _Wesleyan Missionary_.
+
+Similar sentiments were expressed by the Governor, the Hon. N. Nugent,
+R.B. Eldridge, Esq., Dr. Ferguson, Dr. Daniell, and James Scotland, Jr.,
+Esq., and numerous other planters, managers, &c. This testimony is
+corroborated by the police reports, exhibiting, as they do,
+comparatively few crimes, and those for the most part minor ones. We
+have in our possession the police reports for every month from
+September, 1835, to January, 1837. We give such specimens as will serve
+to show the general tenor of the reports.
+
+    _Police-Office, St. John's, Sept_. 3, 1835.
+
+    "From the information which I have been able to collect by my own
+    personal exertions, and from the reports of the assistant
+    inspectors, at the out stations, I am induced to believe that, in
+    general, a far better feeling and good understanding at present
+    prevails between the laborers and their employers, than hitherto.
+
+    Capital offences have much decreased in number, as well as all minor
+    ones, and the principal crimes lately submitted for the
+    investigation of the magistrates, seem to consist chiefly in
+    trifling offences and breaches of contract.
+
+    _Signed, Richard S. Wickham,
+
+    Superintendent of Police_."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "To his excellency,
+
+    _Sir C.I. Murray McGregor, Governor, &c_.
+
+    _St. John's, Antigua, Oct_. 2, 1835.
+
+    Sir--The general state of regularity and tranquillity which prevails
+    throughout the island, admits of my making but a concise report to
+    your Excellency, for the last month.
+
+    The autumnal agricultural labors continue to progress favorably, and
+    I have every reason to believe, that the agriculturalists,
+    generally, are far more satisfied with the internal state of the
+    island affairs, than could possibly have been anticipated a short
+    period since.
+
+    From conversations which I have had with several gentlemen of
+    extensive interest and practical experience, united with my own
+    observations, I do not hesitate in making a favorable report of the
+    general easy and quietly progressing state of contentedness,
+    evidently showing itself among the laboring class; and I may add,
+    that with few exceptions, a reciprocity of kind and friendly feeling
+    at present is maintained between the planters and their laborers.
+
+    Although instances do occur of breach of contract, they are not very
+    frequent, and in many cases I have been induced to believe, that the
+    crime has originated more from the want of a proper understanding of
+    the time, intent, and meaning of the contract into which the
+    laborers have entered, than from the actual existence of any
+    dissatisfaction on their part."
+
+    _Signed, &c._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _St. John's, Antigua, Dec. 2d_, 1835.
+
+    "Sir--I have the honor to report that a continued uninterrupted
+    state of peace and good order has happily prevailed throughout the
+    island, during the last month.
+
+    The calendar of offences for trial at the ensuing sessions, bears
+    little comparison with those of former periods, and I am happy to
+    state, that the crimes generally, are of a trifling nature, and
+    principally petty thefts.
+
+    By a comparison of the two last lists of offences submitted for
+    investigation, it will be found that a decrease has taken place in
+    that for November."
+
+    _Signed, &c_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    St. John's, January 2d, 1836.
+
+    "Sir--I have great satisfaction in reporting to your Honor the
+    peaceable termination of the last year, and of the
+    Christmas vacation.
+
+    At this period of the year, which has for ages been celebrated for
+    scenes of gaiety and amusement among the laboring, as well as all
+    other classes of society, and when several successive days of
+    idleness occur, I cannot but congratulate your Honor, on the quiet
+    demeanor and general good order, which has happily been maintained
+    throughout the island.
+
+    It may not be improper here to remark, that during the holidays, I
+    had only one prisoner committed to my charge, and that even his
+    offence was of a minor nature."
+
+    _Signed, &c_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Extract of Report for February, 1836._
+
+    "The operation of the late Contract Acts, caused some trifling
+    inconvenience at the commencement, but now that they are clearly
+    understood, even by the young and ignorant, I am of opinion, that
+    the most beneficial effects have resulted from these salutary Acts,
+    equally to master and servant, and that a permanent understanding is
+    fully established.
+
+    A return of crimes reported during the month of January, I beg leave
+    to enclose, and at the same time, to congratulate your Honor on the
+    vast diminution of all minor misdemeanors, and of the continued
+    total absence of capital offences."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _Superintendent's office_, _Antigua, April 4th_, 1836.
+
+    "SIR--I am happy to remark, for the information of your Honor, that
+    the Easter holidays have passed off, without the occurrence of any
+    violation of the existing laws sufficiently serious to merit
+    particular observation."[A]
+
+    _Signed, &c_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Footnote A: This and the other reports concern, not St. John's merely,
+but the entire population of the island.]
+
+_Extract from the Report for May, 1836._
+
+    "It affords me great satisfaction in being able to report that the
+    continued tranquillity prevailing throughout the island, prevents
+    the necessity of my calling the particular attention of your Honor
+    to the existence of any serious or flagrant offence.
+
+    The crop season having far advanced, I have much pleasure in
+    remarking the continued steady and settled disposition, which on
+    most properties appear to be reciprocally established between the
+    proprietors and their agricultural laborers; and I do also venture
+    to offer as my opinion, that a considerable improvement has taken
+    place, in the behavior of domestic, as well as other laborers, not
+    immediately employed in husbandry."
+
+We quote the following table of offences as a specimen of the monthly
+reports:
+
+_Police Office, St. John's, 1836._
+
+RETURN OF OFFENCES REPORTED AT THE POLICE STATIONS FROM 1ST TO 31ST MAY.
+
+NATURE OF   St.      E.     Par-  John-    Total.  More    Less
+OFFENSES.  John's.  Har-    ham.  ston's           than    than
+                    bour.         Point.           last    last
+                                                  month.  month.
+
+Assaults.    2       2                       4               5
+  Do. and
+  Batteries. 2       3       5              10               8
+
+Breach of
+Contract.    4      11      59              74              16
+
+Burglaries.  2               3               5       2
+
+Commitments
+  under
+  Vagrant
+  Act.       4       1                       5              10
+  Do. for
+  Fines.     5                               5       2
+  Do under
+  amended
+  Porter's
+  and
+  Jobber's
+  Act.                                                       7
+
+Felonies.    2                               2       2
+
+Injury to
+property.    4       9       7              20               5
+
+Larcenies.   4                               4       4
+
+Misdemeanors.3      12                      15      15
+
+Murders.
+
+Petty
+Thefts.              1                       1              10
+
+Trespasses.  1       2       2               5
+
+Riding
+improperly
+thro' the
+streets.
+
+Total       33      41      76             150      25      61
+
+_Signed_,     Richard S. Wickham,
+_Superintendent of Police_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     _Superintendent's office_,
+     _Antigua, July 6th_, 1836.
+
+    "SIR,--I have the honor to submit for your information, a general
+    return of all offences reported during the last month, by which your
+    Honor will perceive, that no increase of 'breach of contract' has
+    been recorded.
+
+    While I congratulate your Honor on the successful maintenance of
+    general peace, and a reciprocal good feeling among all classes of
+    society, I beg to assure you, that the opinion which I have been
+    able to form in relation to the behavior of the laboring population,
+    differs but little from my late observations.
+
+    At a crisis like this, when all hopes of the ultimate success of so
+    grand and bold an experiment, depends, almost entirely, on a cordial
+    co-operation of the community, I sincerely hope, that no obstacles
+    or interruptions will now present themselves, to disturb that
+    general good understanding so happily established, since the
+    adoption of unrestricted freedom."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _Superintendent's office_,
+    _St. John's, Sept. 4th_, 1836.
+
+    "SIR--I have the honor to enclose, for the information of your
+    Excellency, the usual monthly return of offences reported for
+    punishment.
+
+    It affords me very great satisfaction to report, that the internal
+    peace and tranquillity of the island has remained uninterrupted
+    during the last month; the conduct of all classes of the community
+    has been orderly and peaceable, and strictly obedient to the laws of
+    their country.
+
+    The agricultural laborers continue a steady and uniform line of
+    conduct, and with some few exceptions, afford a general satisfaction
+    to their several employers.
+
+    Every friend to this country, and to the liberties of the world,
+    must view with satisfaction the gradual improvement in the character
+    and behavior of this class of the community, under the constant
+    operation of the local enactments.
+
+    The change must naturally be slow, but I feel sure that, in due
+    time, a general amelioration in the habits and industry of the
+    laborers will be sensibly experienced by all grades of society in
+    this island, and will prove the benign effects and propitious
+    results of the co-operated exertions of all, for their general
+    benefit and future advancement.
+
+    Complaints have been made in the public prints of the robberies
+    committed in this town, as well as the neglect of duty of the police
+    force, and as these statements must eventually come under the
+    observation of your Excellency, I deem it my duty to make a few
+    observations on this point.
+
+    The town of St. John's occupies a space of one hundred and sixty
+    acres of land, divided into fourteen main, and nine cross streets,
+    exclusive of lanes and alleys--with a population of about three
+    thousand four hundred persons.
+
+    The numerical strength of the police force in this district, is
+    eleven sergeants and two officers; five of these sergeants are on
+    duty every twenty-four hours. One remains in charge of the premises,
+    arms, and stores; the other four patrole by day and night, and have
+    also to attend to the daily duties of the magistrates, and the
+    eleventh is employed by me (being an old one) in general patrole
+    duties, pointing out nuisances and irregularities.
+
+    One burglary and one felony alone were reported throughout the
+    island population of 37,000 souls in the month of July; and no
+    burglary, and three felonies, were last month reported.
+
+    The cases of robbery complained of, have been effected without any
+    violence or noise, and have principally been by concealment in
+    stores, which, added to the great want of a single lamp, or other
+    light, in any one street at night, must reasonably facilitate the
+    design of the robber, and defy the detection of the most active and
+    vigilant body of police."
+
+    _Signed, &c._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _Superintendent's office,_
+    _Antigua, January 4th, 1837._
+
+    "SIR--It is with feelings of the most lively gratification that I
+    report, for your notice the quiet and peaceable termination of
+    Christmas vacation, and the last year, which were concluded without
+    a single serious violation of the governing laws.
+
+    I cannot refrain from cordially congratulating your Excellency on
+    the regular and steady behavior, maintained by all ranks of society,
+    at this particular period of the year.
+
+    Not one species of crime which can be considered of an heinous
+    nature, has yet been discovered; and I proudly venture to declare my
+    opinion, that in no part of his Majesty's dominions, has a
+    population of thirty thousand conducted themselves with more strict
+    propriety, at this annual festivity, or been more peaceably obedient
+    to the laws of their country."
+
+    _Signed, &c._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In connection with the above quotation from the monthly reports, we
+present an extract of a letter from the superintendent of the police,
+addressed to us.
+
+    _St. John's, 9th February, 1837._
+
+    "MY DEAR SIRS--In compliance with your request, I have not any
+    hesitation in affording you any information on the subject of the
+    free system adopted in this island, which my public situation has
+    naturally provided me with.
+
+    The opinion which I have formed has been, and yet remains, in favor
+    of the emancipation; and I feel very confident that the system has
+    and continues to work well, in almost all instances. The laborers
+    have conducted themselves generally in a highly satisfactory manner
+    to all the authorities, and strikingly so when we reflect that the
+    greater portion of the population of the island were at once removed
+    from a state of long existing slavery, to one of unrestricted
+    freedom. Unacquainted as they are with the laws newly enacted for
+    their future government and guidance, and having been led in their
+    ignorance to expect incalculable wonders and benefits arising from
+    freedom, I cannot but reflect with amazement on the peace and good
+    order which have been so fortunately maintained throughout the
+    island population of thirty thousand subjects.
+
+    Some trifling difficulties sprang up on the commencement of the new
+    system among the laborers, but even these, on strict investigation,
+    proved to originate more from _an ignorance of their actual
+    position_, than from any bad feeling, or improper motives, and
+    consequently _were of short duration_. In general the laborers are
+    peaceable orderly, and civil, not only to those who move in higher
+    spheres of life than themselves, but also to each other.
+
+    The crimes they are generally guilty of, are petty thefts, and other
+    minor offences against the local acts; but crimes of an heinous
+    nature are very rare among them; and I may venture to say, that
+    petty thefts, _breaking sugar-canes to eat_, and offences of the
+    like description, _principally_ swell the calendars of our quarterly
+    courts of sessions. _Murder_ has been a stranger to this island for
+    many years; no execution has occurred among the island population
+    for a very long period; the only two instances were two
+    _Irish_ soldiers.
+
+    The lower class having become more acquainted with their governing
+    laws, have also become infinitely more obedient to them, and I have
+    observed _that particular care is taken among most of them to
+    explain to each other the nature of the laws_, and to point out in
+    their usual style the ill consequences attending any violation of
+    them. ==> _A due fear of, and a prompt obedience to, the
+    authority of the magistrates, is a prominent feature of the lower
+    orders_, and to this I mainly attribute the successful maintenance
+    of rural tranquillity.
+
+    Since emancipation, the agricultural laborer has had to contend with
+    two of the most obstinate droughts experienced for many years in the
+    island, which has decreased the supply of his accustomed vegetables
+    and ground provisions, and consequently subjected him and family to
+    very great privations; but this even, I think, has been submitted to
+    with becoming resignation.
+
+    To judge of the past and present state of society throughout the
+    island, I presume that _the lives and properties of all classes are
+    as secure in this, as in any other portion of his Majesty's
+    dominions_; and I sincerely hope that the future behavior of all,
+    will more clearly manifest the correctness of my views of this
+    highly important subject.
+
+    I remain, dear sirs, yours faithfully, RICHARD S. WICKHAM,
+    _Superintendent of police_."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This testimony is pointed and emphatic; and it comes from one whose
+_official business it is to know_ the things whereof he here affirms. We
+have presented not merely the opinions of Mr. W., relative to the
+subordination of the emancipated negroes in Antigua, but likewise the
+_facts_ upon which be founded his opinion.
+
+On a point of such paramount importance we cannot be too explicit. We
+therefore add the testimony of planters as to the actual state of crime
+compared with that previous to emancipation.
+
+Said J. Howell, Esq., of T. Jarvis's estate, "I do not think that
+aggressions on property, and crime in general, have increased since
+emancipation, but rather decreased. They _appear_ to be more frequent,
+because they are made _more public_. During slavery, all petty thefts,
+insubordination, insolence, neglect of work, and so forth, were punished
+summarily on the estate, by order of the manager, and not even so much
+as the rumor of them ever reached beyond the confines of the property.
+Now all offences, whether great or trifling, are to be taken cognizance
+of by the magistrate or jury, and hence they become notorious. Formerly
+each planter knew only of those crimes which occurred on his own
+property; now every one knows something about the crimes committed on
+every other estate, as well as his own."
+
+It will be remembered that Mr. H. is a man of thorough and long
+experience in the condition of the island, having lived in it since the
+year 1800, and being most of that time engaged directly is the
+management of estates.
+
+"Aggression on private property, such as breaking into houses, cutting
+canes, &c., are decidedly fewer than formerly. It is true that crime is
+made more _public_ now, than during slavery, when the master was his own
+magistrate."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"I am of the opinion that crime in the island has diminished rather than
+increased since the abolition of slavery. There is an _apparent_
+increase of crime, because every misdemeanor, however petty, floats to
+the surface."--_Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+We might multiply testimony on this point; but suffice it to say that
+with very few exceptions, the planters, many of whom are also civil
+magistrates, concur in these two statements; that the amount of crime is
+actually less than it was during slavery; and that it _appears_ to _be
+greater_ because of the publicity which is necessarily given by legal
+processes to offences which were formerly punished and forgotten on the
+spot where they occurred.
+
+Some of the prominent points established by the foregoing evidence are,
+
+1st. That most of the crimes committed are petty misdemeanors such as
+turning out to work late in the morning, cutting canes to eat, &c. _High
+penal offences_ are exceedingly rare.
+
+2d. That where offences of a serious nature do occur, or any open
+insubordination takes place, they are founded in ignorance or
+misapprehension of the law, and are seldom repeated a second time, if
+the law be properly explained and fully understood.
+
+3d. That the above statements apply to no particular part of the island,
+where the negroes are peculiarly favored with intelligence and religion,
+but are made with reference to tire island generally. Now it happens
+that in one quarter of the island the negro population are remarkably
+ignorant and degraded. We were credibly informed by various
+missionaries, who had labored in Antigua and in a number of the other
+English islands, that they had not found in any colony so much
+debasement among the people, as prevailed in the part of Antigua just
+alluded to. Yet they testified that the negroes in that quarter were as
+peaceable, orderly, and obedient to law, as in any other part of the
+colony. We make this statement here particularly for the purpose of
+remarking that in the testimony of the planters, and in the police
+reports; there is not a single allusion to this portion of the island as
+forming an exception to the prevailing state of order and subordination.
+
+After the foregoing facts and evidences, we ask, what becomes of the
+dogma, that slaves cannot be immediately placed under the government of
+_equitable laws_ with safety to themselves and the community?
+
+Twelfth proposition.--The emancipated negroes have shown _no disposition
+to roam from place to place._ A tendency to rove about, is thought by
+many to be a characteristic of the negro; he is not allowed even an
+ordinary share of local attachment, but must leave the chain and staple
+of slavery to hold him amidst the graves of his fathers and the society
+of his children. The experiment in Antigua shows that such sentiments
+are groundless prejudices. There a large body of slaves were "_turned
+loose_;" they had full liberty to leave their old homes and settle on
+other properties--or if they preferred a continuous course of roving,
+they might change employers every six weeks, and pass from one estate to
+another until they had accomplished the circuit of the island. But, what
+are the facts? "The negroes are not disposed to leave the estates on
+which they have formerly lived, unless they are forced away by bad
+treatment. I have witnessed many facts which illustrate this remark. Not
+unfrequently one of the laborers will get dissatisfied about something,
+and in the excitement of the moment will notify me that he intends to
+leave my employ at the end of a month. But in nine cases out of ten such
+persons, before the month has expired, beg to be allowed to remain on
+the estate. The strength of their _local attachment_ soon overcomes
+their resentment and even drives them to make the most humiliating
+confessions in order to be restored to the favor of their employer, and
+thus be permitted to remain in their old homes."--_H. Armstrong, Esq._
+
+"Nothing but bad treatment on the part of the planters has ever caused
+the negroes to leave the estates on which they were accustomed to live,
+and in such cases a _change of management_ has almost uniformly been
+sufficient to induce them to return. We have known several instances of
+this kind."--_S. Bourne, Esq., of Millar's, and Mr. Watkins, of
+Donavan's_.
+
+"The negroes are remarkably attached to their homes. In the year 1828,
+forty-three slaves were sold from the estate under my management, and
+removed to another estate ten miles distant. After emancipation, the
+whole of these came back, and plead with me to employ them, that they
+might live in their former houses."--_James Howell, Esq._
+
+"Very few of my people have left me. The negroes are peculiar for their
+attachment to their homes."--_Samuel Barnard, Esq., of Green Castle_.
+
+"Love of home is very remarkable in the negroes. It is a passion with
+them. On one of the estates of which I am attorney, a part of the
+laborers were hired from other proprietors. They had been for a great
+many years living on the estate, and they became so strongly attached to
+it, that they all continued to work on it after emancipation, and they
+still remain on the same property. The negroes are loth to leave their
+homes, and they very seldom do so unless forced away by ill
+treatment."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+On a certain occasion we were in the company of four planters, and among
+other topics this subject was much spoken of. They all accorded
+perfectly in the sentiment that the negroes were peculiarly sensible to
+the influence of local attachments. One of the gentlemen observed that
+it was a very common saying with them--"_Me nebber leave my bornin'
+ground_,"--i.e., birth-place.
+
+An aged gentleman in St. John's, who was formerly a planter, remarked,
+"The negroes have very strong local attachments. They love their little
+hut, where the calabash tree, planted at the birth of a son, waves over
+the bones of their parents. They will endure almost any hardship and
+suffer repeated wrongs before they will desert that spot."
+
+Such are the sentiments of West India planters; expressed, in the
+majority of cases, spontaneously, and mostly in illustration of other
+statements. We did not hear a word that implied an opposite sentiment.
+It is true, much was said about the emigration to Demerara, but the
+facts in this case only serve to confirm the testimony already quoted.
+In the first place, nothing but the inducement of very high wages[A]
+could influence any to go, and in the next place, after they got there
+they sighed to return, (but were not permitted,) and sent back word to
+their relatives and friends not to leave Antigua.
+
+[Footnote A: From fifty cents to a dollar per day.]
+
+Facts clearly prove, that the negroes, instead of being indifferent to
+local attachments, are peculiarly alive to them. That nothing short of
+cruelty can drive them from their homes--that they will endure even
+that, as long as it can be borne, rather than leave; and that as soon as
+the instrument of cruelty is removed, they will hasten back to their
+"_bornin' ground._"
+
+THIRTEENTH PROPOSITION.--"The gift of unrestricted freedom, though so
+suddenly bestowed, has not made the negroes more insolent than they were
+while slaves, but has rendered them _less so_."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+Said James Howell, Esq.--"A short time after emancipation, the negroes
+showed some disposition to assume airs and affect a degree of
+independence; but this soon disappeared, and they are now respectful and
+civil. There has been a mutual improvement in this particular. The
+planters treat the laborers more like fellow men, and this leads the
+latter to be respectful in their turn."
+
+R.B. Eldridge, Esq., asked us if we had not observed the civility of the
+lower classes as we passed them on the streets, both in town and in the
+country. He said it was their uniform custom to bow or touch their hat
+when they passed a white person. They did so during slavery, and he had
+not discovered any change in this respect since emancipation.
+
+Said Mr. Bourne--"The negroes are decidedly less insolent now than they
+were during slavery."
+
+Said Mr. Watkins, of Donovan's--"The negroes are now all _cap in hand_;
+as they know that it is for their interest to be respectful to their
+employers."
+
+Said Dr. Nugent--"Emancipation has not produced insolence among the
+negroes."
+
+During our stay in Antigua, we saw no indications whatsoever of
+insolence. We spoke in a former part of this work of the uncommon
+civility manifested in a variety of ways on the road-sides.
+
+A trifling incident occurred one day in St. John's, which at first
+seemed to be no small rudeness. As one of us was standing in the
+verandah of our lodging house, in the dusk of the evening, a brawny
+negro man who was walking down the middle of the street, stopped
+opposite us, and squaring himself, called out. "Heigh! What for you
+stand dare wid your arms so?" placing his arms akimbo, in imitation of
+ours. Seeing we made no answer, he repeated the question, still standing
+in the same posture. We took no notice of him, seeing that his supposed
+insolence was at most good-humored and innocent. Our hostess, a colored
+lady, happened to step out at the moment, and told us that the man had
+mistaken us for her son, with whom he was well acquainted, at the same
+time calling to the man, and telling him of his mistake. The negro
+instantly dropped his arms, took off his hat, begged pardon, and walked
+away apparently quite ashamed.
+
+FOURTEENTH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation in Antigua has demonstrated that
+GRATITUDE _is a prominent trait of the negro character_. The conduct of
+the negroes on the first of August, 1834, is ample proof of this; and
+their uniform conduct since that event manifests an _habitual_ feeling
+of gratitude. Said one, "The liberty we received from the king, we can
+never sufficiently thank God for; whenever we think of it, our hearts go
+out in gratitude to God." Similar expressions we heard repeatedly from
+the negroes.--We observed that the slightest allusion to the first of
+August in a company of freed persons, would awaken powerful emotions,
+accompanied with exclamations of "tank de good Lord," "bless de Savior,"
+"praise de blessed Savior," and such like.
+
+It was the remark of Mr. James Howell, manager of Thibou Jarvis's--"That
+the negroes evinced very little gratitude to their _masters_ for
+freedom. Their gratitude all flowed toward God and the king, whom they
+regarded as the sole authors of their liberty."
+
+Mr. Watkins observed that "the negroes' motto was God and the king. This
+feeling existed particularly at the time of emancipation, and shortly
+after it. They have since become more attached to their former masters."
+
+It is by no means strange that the negroes should feel little gratitude
+toward their late masters, since they knew their opposition to the
+benevolent intentions of the English government. We were informed by Dr.
+Daniell and many others, that for several months before emancipation
+took place, the negroes had an idea that the king had sent them 'their
+free papers,' and that _their masters were keeping them back._ Besides,
+it was but two years before that period, that they had come into fierce
+and open hostility with the planters for abolishing the Sunday market,
+and giving them no market-day instead thereof. In this thing their
+masters had shown themselves to be their enemies.
+
+That any good thing could come from such persons the slaves were
+doubtless slow to believe. However, it is an undeniable fact, that since
+emancipation, kind treatment on the part of the masters, has never
+failed to excite gratitude in the negroes. The planters understand fully
+how they may secure the attachment and confidence of their people. A
+_grateful_ and _contented_ spirit certainly characterizes the negroes of
+Antigua. They do not lightly esteem what they have got, and murmur
+because they have no more. They do not complain of small wages, and
+strike for higher. They do not grumble about their simple food and their
+coarse clothes, and flaunt about, saying '_freemen ought to live
+better_.' They do not become dissatisfied with their lowly,
+cane-thatched huts, and say we ought to have as good houses as massa.
+They do not look with an evil eye upon the political privileges of the
+whites, and say we have the majority, and we'll rule. It is the common
+saying with them, when speaking of the inconveniences which they
+sometimes suffer, "Well, we must be satify and conten."
+
+FIFTEENTH PROPOSITION.--The freed negroes of Antigua have proved that
+_they are able to take care of themselves_. It is affirmed by the
+opponents of emancipation in the United States, that if the slaves were
+liberated, they could not take care of themselves. Some of the reasons
+assigned for entertaining this view are--1st, "The negro is naturally
+improvident." 2d, "He is constitutionally indolent." 3d, "Being of an
+inferior race, he is deficient in that shrewdness and management
+necessary to prevent his being imposed upon, and which are indispensable
+to enable him to conduct any business with success." 4th, "All these
+natural defects have been aggravated by slavery. The slave never
+provides for himself, but looks to his master for everything he needs.
+So likewise he becomes increasingly averse to labor, by being driven to
+it daily, and flogged for neglecting it. Furthermore, whatever of mind
+he had originally has been extinguished by slavery." Thus by nature and
+by habit the negro is utterly unqualified to take care of himself. So
+much for theory; now for testimony. First, what is the evidence with
+regard to the _improvidence_ of the negroes?
+
+"During slavery, the negroes squandered every cent of money they got,
+because they were sure of food and clothing. Since their freedom, they
+have begun to cultivate habits of carefulness and economy".--_Mr.
+James Howell_.
+
+Facts--1st. The low wages of the laborers is proof of their providence.
+Did they not observe the strictest economy, they could not live on fifty
+cents per week.
+
+2d. That they buy small parcels of land to cultivate, is proof of
+economy and foresight. The planters have to resort to every means in
+their power to induce their laborers not to purchase land.
+
+3d. The Friendly Societies are an evidence of the same thing. How can we
+account for the number of these societies, and for the large sums of
+money annually contributed in them? And how is it that these societies
+have trebled, both in members and means since emancipation, if it be
+true that the negroes are thus improvident, and that freedom brings
+starvation?
+
+4th. The weekly and monthly contributions to the churches, to benevolent
+societies, and to the schools, demonstrate the economy of the negroes;
+and the _great increase_ of these contributions since August, 1834,
+proves that emancipation has not made them less economical.
+
+5th. The increasing attention paid to the cultivation of their private
+provision grounds is further proof of their foresight. For some time
+subsequent to emancipation, as long as the people were in an unsettled
+state, they partially neglected their grounds. The reason was, they did
+not know whether they should remain on the same estate long enough to
+reap their provisions, should they plant any. This state of uncertainty
+very naturally paralyzed all industry and enterprise; and their
+neglecting the cultivation of their provision grounds, _under such
+circumstances_, evinced foresight rather than improvidence. Since they
+have become more permanently established on the estates, they are
+resuming the cultivation of their grounds with renewed vigor.
+
+Said Dr. Daniell--"There is an increasing attention paid by the negroes
+to cultivating their private lands, since they have become more
+permanently settled."
+
+6th. The fact that the parents take care of the wages which their
+children earn, shows their provident disposition. We were informed that
+the mothers usually take charge of the money paid to their children,
+especially their daughters, and this, in order to teach them proper
+subordination, and to provide against casualties, sickness, and the
+infirmities of age.
+
+7th. The fact that the negroes are able to support their aged parents,
+is further proof.
+
+As it regards the second specification, viz., _constitutional
+indolence_, we may refer generally to the evidence on this subject under
+a former proposition. We will merely state here two facts.
+
+1st. Although the negroes are not obliged to work on Saturday, yet they
+are in the habit of going to estates that are weak-handed, and hiring
+themselves out on that day.
+
+2d. It is customary throughout the island to give two hours (from 12 to
+2) recess from labor. We were told that in many cases this time is spent
+in working on their private provision grounds, or in some active
+employment by which a pittance may be added to their scanty earnings.
+
+What are the facts respecting the natural _inferiority_ of the negro
+race, and their incompetency to manage their own affairs?
+
+Said Mr. Armstrong--"The negroes are exceedingly quick _to turn a
+thought_. They show a great deal of shrewdness in every thing which
+concerns their own interests. To a stranger it must be utterly
+incredible how they can manage to live on such small wages. They are
+very exact in keeping their accounts with the manager."
+
+"The negroes are very acute in making bargains. A difficulty once arose
+on an estate under my charge, between the manager and the people, in
+settling for a job which the laborers had done. The latter complained
+that the manager did not give them as much as was stipulated in the
+original agreement. The manager contended that he had paid the whole
+amount. The people brought their complaint before me, as attorney, and
+maintained that there was one shilling and six-pence (about nineteen
+cents) due each of them. I examined the accounts and found that they
+were right, and that the manager had really made a mistake to the very
+amount specified."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"The emancipated people manifest as much cunning and address in
+business, as any class of persons."--_Mr. J. Howell_.
+
+"The capabilities of the blacks for education are conspicuous; so also
+as to mental acquirements and trades."--_Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+It is a little remarkable that while Americans fear that the negroes, if
+emancipated, could not take care of themselves, the West Indians fear
+lest they _should_ take care of themselves; hence they discourage them
+from buying lands, from learning trades, and from all employments which
+might render them independent of sugar cultivation.
+
+SIXTEENTH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation has operated at once to elevate and
+improve the negroes. It introduced them into the midst of all relations,
+human and divine. It was the first formal acknowledgment that they were
+MEN--personally interested in the operations of law, and the
+requirements of God. It laid the corner-stone in the fabric of their
+moral and intellectual improvement.
+
+"The negroes have a growing self-respect and regard for character. This
+was a feeling which was scarcely known by them during slavery."--_Mr.
+J. Howell_.
+
+"The negroes pay a great deal more attention to their personal
+appearance, than they were accustomed to while slaves. The _women_ in
+particular have improved astonishingly in their dress and
+manners."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+Abundant proof of this proposition may be found in the statements
+already made respecting the decrease of licentiousness, the increased
+attention paid to marriage, the abandonment by the mothers of the
+horrible practice of selling their daughters to vile white men, the
+reverence for the Sabbath, the attendance upon divine worship, the
+exemplary subordination to law, the avoidance of riotous conduct,
+insolence, and intemperance.
+
+SEVENTEENTH PROPOSITION--Emancipation promises a vast improvement in the
+condition of woman. What could more effectually force woman from her
+sphere, than slavery has done by dragging her to the field, subjecting
+her to the obscene remarks, and to the vile abominations of licentious
+drivers and overseers; by compelling her to wield the heavy hoe, until
+advancing pregnancy rendered her useless then at the earliest possible
+period driving her back to the field with her infant swung at her back,
+or torn from her and committed to a stranger. Some of these evils still
+exist in Antigua, but there has already been a great abatement of them,
+and the humane planters look forward to their complete removal, and to
+the ultimate restoration of woman to the quiet and purity of
+domestic life.
+
+Samuel Bourne, Esq., stated, that there had been a great improvement in
+the treatment of mothers on his estate. "Under the old system, mothers
+were required to work half the time after their children were six weeks
+old; but now we do not call them out for _nine months_ after their
+confinement, until their children are entirely weaned."
+
+"In those cases where women have husbands in the field, they do not turn
+out while they are nursing their children. In many instances the
+husbands prefer to have their wives engaged in other work, and I do not
+require them to go to the field."--_Mr. J Howell_.
+
+Much is already beginning to be said of the probability that the women
+will withdraw from agricultural labor. A conviction of the impropriety
+of females engaging in such employments is gradually forming in the
+minds of enlightened and influential planters.
+
+A short time previous to emancipation, the Hon. N. Nugent, speaker of
+the assembly, made the following remarks before the house:--"At the
+close of the debate, he uttered his fervent hope, that the day would
+come when the principal part of the agriculture of the island would be
+performed by males, and that the women would be occupied in keeping
+their cottages in order, and in increasing their domestic comforts. The
+desire of improvement is strong among them; they are looking anxiously
+forward to the instruction and advancement of their children, and even
+of themselves."--_Antigua Herald, of March_, 1834.
+
+In a written communication to us, dated January 17, 1837, the Speaker
+says: "Emancipation will, I doubt not, improve the condition of the
+females. There can be no doubt that they will ultimately leave the
+field, (except in times of emergency,) and confine themselves to their
+appropriate domestic employments."
+
+EIGHTEENTH PROPOSITION.--Real estate has risen in value since
+emancipation; mercantile and mechanical occupations have received a
+fresh impulse; and the general condition of the colony is decidedly more
+flourishing than at any former period.
+
+"The credit of the island has decidedly improved. The internal
+prosperity of the island is advancing in an increased ratio. More
+buildings have been erected since emancipation, than for twenty years
+before. Stores and shops have multiplied astonishingly; I can safely say
+that their number has more than quintupled since the abolition of
+slavery."--_Dr. Ferguson_.
+
+"Emancipation has very greatly increased the value of, and consequently
+the demand for, real estate. That which three years ago was a drug
+altogether unsaleable by private bargain; has now many inquirers after
+it, and ready purchasers at good prices. The importation of British
+manufactured goods has been considerably augmented, probably one fourth."
+
+"The credit of the planters who have been chiefly affected by the
+change, has been much improved. And _the great reduction of expense in
+managing the estates_, has made them men of more real wealth, and
+consequently raised their credit both with the English merchants and our
+own."--_James Scotland, Sen., Esq._
+
+"The effect of emancipation upon the commerce of the island _must needs_
+have been beneficial, as the laborers indulge in more wheaten flour,
+rice, mackerel, dry fish, and salt-pork, than formerly. More lumber is
+used in the superior cottages now built for their habitations. More dry
+goods--manufactures of wool, cotton, linen, silk, leather, &c., are also
+used, now that the laborers can better afford to indulge their
+propensity for gay clothing."--_Statement of a merchant and agent
+for estates_.
+
+"Real estate has risen in value, and mercantile business has greatly
+improved."--_H. Armstrong, Esq._
+
+A merchant of St. John's informed us, that real estate had increased in
+value at least fifty per cent. He mentioned the fact, that an estate
+which previous to emancipation could not be sold for L600 current,
+lately brought L2000 current.
+
+NINETEENTH PROPOSITION--Emancipation has been followed by the
+introduction of labor-saving machinery.
+
+"Various expedients for saving manual labor have already been
+introduced, and we anticipate still greater improvements. Very little
+was thought of this subject previous to emancipation."--_S.
+Bourne, Esq._
+
+"Planters are beginning to cast about for improvements in labor. My own
+mind has been greatly turned to this subject since emancipation."--_H.
+Armstrong, Esq._
+
+"The plough is beginning to be very extensively used."--_Mr. Hatley_.
+
+"There has been considerable simplification in agricultural labor
+already, which would have been more conspicuous, had it not been for
+the excessive drought which has prevailed since 1834. The plough is
+more used, and the expedients for manuring land are less
+laborious."--_Extract of a letter from Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+
+
+TWENTIETH PROPOSITION.--Emancipation has produced the most decided
+change in the views of the _planters_.
+
+"Before emancipation took place, there was the bitterest opposition to
+it among the planters. But after freedom came, they were delighted with
+the change. I felt strong opposition myself, being exceedingly unwilling
+to give up my power of command. But I shall never forget how differently
+I felt when freedom took place I arose from my bed on the first of
+August, exclaiming with joy, 'I am free, I am free; I _was the greatest
+slave on the estate_, but now I am free.'"--_Mr. J. Howell_.
+
+"We all resisted violently the measure of abolition, when it first began
+to be agitated in England. We regarded it as an outrageous interference
+with our rights, with our property. But we are now rejoiced that slavery
+is abolished."--_Dr. Daniell_.
+
+"I have already seen such decided benefits growing out of the free labor
+system, that for my part I wish never to see the face of slavery again."
+--_Mr. Hatley_.
+
+"I do not know of a single planter who would be willing to return to
+slavery. We all feel that it was a great curse."--_D. Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+The speaker of the assembly was requested to state especially the
+advantages of freedom both to the master and the slave; and he kindly
+communicated the following reply:
+
+    "The benefits to the master are conspicuous--he has got rid of the
+    cark and care, the anxiety and incessant worry of managing slaves;
+    all the trouble and responsibility of rearing them from infancy, of
+    their proper maintenance in health, and sickness, and decrepitude,
+    of coercing them to labor, restraining, correcting, and punishing
+    their faults and crimes--settling all their grievances and disputes.
+    He is now entirely free from all apprehension of injury, revenge, or
+    insurrection, however transient and momentary such impression may
+    have formerly been. He has no longer the reproach of being a
+    _slaveholder_; his property has lost all the _taint_ of slavery, and
+    is placed on as secure a footing, in a moral and political point of
+    view, as that in any other part of the British dominions.
+
+    As regards the _other_ party, it seems almost unnecessary to point
+    out the advantages of being a free man rather than a slave. He is no
+    longer liable to personal trespass of any sort; he has a right of
+    self-control, and all the immunities enjoyed by other classes of his
+    fellow subjects--he is enabled to better his condition as he thinks
+    proper--he can make what arrangements he likes best, as regards his
+    kindred, and all his domestic relations--he takes to his _own_ use
+    and behoof, all the wages and profits of his own labor; he receives
+    money wages instead of weekly allowances, and can purchase such
+    particular food and necessaries as he prefers--_and so on_! IT WOULD
+    BE ENDLESS TO ATTEMPT TO ENUMERATE ALL THE SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES OF A
+    STATE OF FREEDOM TO ONE OF SLAVERY!"
+
+The writer says, at the close of his invaluable letter, "I was born in
+Antigua, and have resided here with little interruption since 1809.
+Since 1814, I have taken an active concern in plantation affairs." He
+was born heir to a large slave property, and retained it up to the hour
+of emancipation. He is now the proprietor of an estate.
+
+We have, another witness to introduce to the reader, Ralph Higinbothom,
+Esq., the UNITED STATES CONSUL!--_Hear him_!--
+
+"Whatever may have been the dissatisfaction as regards emancipation
+among the planters at its commencement, there are few, indeed, if any,
+who are not _now_ well satisfied that under the present system, their
+properties are better worked, and their laborers more contented and
+cheerful, than in the time of slavery."
+
+In order that the reader may see the _revolution_ that has taken place
+since emancipation in the views of the highest class of society in
+Antigua, we make a few extracts.
+
+"There was the most violent opposition in the legislature, and
+throughout the island, to the anti-slavery proceedings in Parliament.
+The anti-slavery party in England were detested here for their
+_fanatical and reckless course_. Such was the state of feeling previous
+to emancipation, that it would have been certain disgrace for any
+planter to have avowed the least sympathy with anti-slavery sentiments.
+The humane might have their hopes and aspirations, and they might
+secretly long to see slavery ultimately terminated; but they did not
+dare to make such feelings public. _They would at once have been branded
+as the enemies of their country!"--Hon. N. Nugent_.
+
+"There cannot be said to have been any _anti-slavery party_ in the
+island before emancipation. There were some individuals in St. John's,
+and a very few planters, who favored the anti-slavery views, but they
+dared not open their mouths, because of the bitter hostility which
+prevailed."--_S. Bourne, Esq._
+
+"The opinions of the clergymen and missionaries, with the exception of,
+I believe, a few clergymen, were favorable to emancipation; but neither
+in their conduct, preaching, or prayers, did they declare themselves
+openly, until the measure of abolition was determined on. The
+missionaries felt restrained by their instructions from home, and the
+clergymen thought that it did not comport with their order 'to take part
+in politics!' I never heard of a single _planter_ who was favorable,
+until about three months before the emancipation took place; when some
+few of them began to perceive that it would be advantageous to their
+_interests_. Whoever was known or suspected of being an advocate for
+freedom, became the object of vengeance, and was sure to suffer, if in
+no other way, by a loss of part of his business. My son-in-law[A], my
+son[B], and myself, were perhaps the chief marks for calumny and
+resentment. The first was twice elected a member of the Assembly, and as
+often put out by scrutinies conducted by the House, in the most
+flagrantly dishonest manner. Every attempt was made to deprive the
+second of his business, as a lawyer. With regard to myself, I was thrown
+into prison, without any semblance of justice, without any form of
+trial, but in the most summary manner, simply upon the complaint of one
+of the justices, and without any opportunity being allowed me of saying
+one word in my defence. I remained in jail until discharged by a
+peremptory order from the Colonial Secretary, to whom I
+appealed."--_James Scotland, Sen., Esq._
+
+[Footnote A: Dr. Ferguson, physician in St. John's.]
+
+[Footnote B: James Scotland, Jun., Esq., barrister, proprietor, and
+member of Assembly.]
+
+Another gentleman, a white man, was arrested on the charge of being in
+the interest of the English Anti-Slavery party, and in a manner equally
+summary and illegal, was cast into prison, and confined there for
+one year.
+
+From the foregoing statements we obtain the following comparative view
+of the past and present state of sentiment in Antigua.
+
+Views and conduct of the planters previous to emancipation:
+
+1st. They regarded the negroes as an inferior race, fit only for slaves.
+
+2d. They regarded them as their rightful property.
+
+3d. They took it for granted that negroes could never be made to work
+without the use of the whip; hence,
+
+4th. They supposed that emancipation would annihilate sugar cultivation;
+and,
+
+5th. That it would lead to bloodshed and general rebellion.
+
+6th. Those therefore who favored it, were considered the "_enemies of
+their country_"--"TRAITORS"--and were accordingly persecuted in various
+ways, not excepting imprisonment in the common jail.
+
+7th. So popular was slavery among the higher classes, that its morality
+or justice could not be questioned by a missionary--an editor--or a
+_planter_ even, without endangering the safety of the individual.
+
+8th. The anti-slavery people in England were considered detestable men,
+intermeddling with matters which they did not understand, and which at
+any rate did not concern them. They were accused of being influenced by
+selfish motives, and of designing to further their own interests by the
+ruin of the planters. They were denounced as _fanatics, incendiaries,
+knaves, religious enthusiasts_.
+
+9th The abolition measures of the English Government were considered a
+gross outrage on the rights of private property, a violation their
+multiplied pledges of countenance and support, and a flagrant usurpation
+of power over the weak.
+
+Views and conduct of the planters subsequent to emancipation:
+
+1st. The negroes are retarded as _men_--equals standing on the same
+footing as fellow-citizens.
+
+2d. Slavery is considered a foolish, impolitic, and wicked system.
+
+3d. Slaves are regarded as an _unsafe_ species of property, and to hold
+them disgraceful.
+
+4th. The planters have become the _decided enemies_ of slavery. The
+worst thing they could say against the apprenticeship, was, that "it was
+only another name for _slavery_."
+
+5th. The abolition of slavery is applauded by the planters as one of the
+most noble and magnanimous triumphs ever achieved by the British
+government.
+
+6th. Distinguished abolitionists are spoken of in terms of respect and
+admiration. The English Anti-slavery Delegation[A] spent a fortnight in
+the island, and left it the same day we arrived. Wherever we went we
+heard of them as "the respectable gentlemen from England," "the worthy
+and intelligent members of the Society of Friends," &c. A distinguished
+agent of the English anti-slavery society now resides in St. John's, and
+keeps a bookstore, well stocked with anti-slavery books and pamphlets.
+The bust of GEORGE THOMPSON stands conspicuously upon the counter of the
+bookstore, looking forth upon the public street.
+
+[Footnote A: Messrs. Sturge and Harvey.]
+
+7th. The planters affirm that the abolition of slavery put an end to all
+danger from insurrection, rebellion, privy conspiracy, and sedition, on
+the part of the slaves.
+
+8th. Emancipation is deemed an incalculable blessing, because it
+released the planters from an endless complication of responsibilities,
+perplexities, temptations and anxieties, and because it _emancipated
+them from the bondage of the whip_.
+
+9th. _Slavery--emancipation--freedom_--are the universal topics of
+conversation in Antigua. Anti-slavery is the popular doctrine among all
+classes. He is considered an enemy to his country who opposes the
+principles of liberty. The planters look with astonishment on the
+continuance of slavery in the United States, and express their strong
+belief that it must soon terminate here and throughout the world. They
+hailed the arrival of French and American visitors on tours of inquiry
+as a bright omen. In publishing our arrival, one of the St. John's
+papers remarks, "We regard this as a pleasing indication that the
+American public have their eyes turned upon our experiment, with a view,
+we may hope, of ultimately following our excellent example." (!) All
+classes showed the same readiness to aid us in what the Governor was
+pleased to call "the objects of our philanthropic mission."
+
+Such are the views now entertained among the planters of Antigua. What a
+complete change[B]--and all in less than three years, and effected by
+the abolition of slavery and a trial of freedom! Most certainly, if the
+former views of the Antigua planters resemble those held by pro-slavery
+men in this country, their present sentiments are a _fac simile_ of
+those entertained by the immediate abolitionists.
+
+[Footnote B: The following little story will further illustrate the
+wonderful revolution which has taken place in the public sentiment of
+this colony. The facts here stated all occurred while we were in
+Antigua, and we procured them from a variety of authentic sources. They
+were indeed publicly known and talked of, and produced no little
+excitement throughout the island. Mr. Corbett was a respectable and
+intelligent planter residing on an estate near Johnson's Point. Several
+months previous to the time of which we now speak, a few colored
+families (emancipated negroes) bought of a white man some small parcels
+of land lying adjacent to Mr. C.'s estate. They planted their lands in
+provisions, and also built them houses thereon, and moved into them.
+After they had become actively engaged in cultivating their provisions,
+Mr. Corbett laid claim to the lands, and ordered the negroes to leave
+them forthwith.
+
+They of course refused to do so. Mr. C. then flew into a violent rage,
+and stormed and swore, and threatened to burn their houses down over
+their heads. The terrified negroes forsook their property and fled. Mr.
+C. then ordered his negroes to tear down their huts and burn up the
+materials--which was accordingly done. He also turned in his cattle upon
+the provision grounds, and destroyed them. The negroes made a complaint
+against Mr. C., and he was arrested and committed to jail in St. John's
+for trial on the charge of _arson_.
+
+We heard of this circumstance on the day of Mr. C.'s commitment, and we
+were told that it would probably go very hard with him on his trial, and
+that he would be very fortunate if he escaped the _gallows_ or
+_transportation_. A few days after this we were surprised to hear that
+Mr. C. had died in prison. Upon inquiry, we learned that he died
+literally from _rage and mortification_. His case defied the, skill and
+power of the physicians. They could detect the presence of no disease
+whatever, even on a minute post-mortem examination. They pronounced it
+as their opinion that he had died from the violence of his
+passions--excited by being imprisoned, together with his apprehensions
+of the fatal issue of the trial.
+
+Not long before emancipation, Mr. Scotland was imprisoned for
+_befriending_ the negroes. After emancipation, Mr. Corbett was
+imprisoned for wronging them.
+
+Mr. Corbett was a respectable planter, of good family and moved in the
+first circles in the island]
+
+TWENTY-FIRST PROPOSITION.--Emancipation has been followed by a manifest
+diminution of "_prejudice against color_," and has opened the prospect
+off its speedy extirpation.
+
+Some thirty years ago, the president of the island, Sir Edward Byam,
+issued an order forbidding the great bell in the cathedral of St. John's
+being tolled at the funeral of a colored person; and directing a
+_smaller_ bell to be hung up in the same belfry, and used on such
+occasions. For twenty years this distinction was strictly maintained.
+When a white person, however _vile_, was buried, the great bell was
+tolled; when a colored person, whatever his moral worth, intelligence,
+or station, was carried to his grave, the little bell was tinkled. It
+was not until the arrival of the present excellent Rector, that this
+"prejudice bell" was silenced. The Rev. Mr. Cox informed us that
+prejudice had greatly decreased since emancipation. It was very common
+for white and colored gentlemen to be seen walking arm in arm an the
+streets of St. John's.
+
+"Prejudice against color is fast disappearing. The colored people have
+themselves contributed to prolong this feeling, _by keeping aloof from
+the society of the whites_."--_James Howell, of T. Jarvis's_.
+
+How utterly at variance is this with the commonly received opinion, that
+the colored people are disposed to _thrust_ themselves into the society
+of the whites!
+
+"_Prejudice against color_ exists in this community only to a limited
+extent, and that chiefly among those who could never bring themselves to
+believe that emancipation would really take place. Policy dictates to
+them the propriety of confining any expression of their feelings to
+those of the same opinions. Nothing is shown of this prejudice in their
+intercourse with the colored class--it is '_kept behind the
+scenes_.'"--_Ralph Higginbotham, U. S. Consul._
+
+Mr. H. was not the only individual standing in "high places" who
+insinuated that the whites that still entertained prejudice were ashamed
+of it. His excellency the Governor intimated as much, by his repeated
+assurances for himself and his compeers of the first circles, that there
+was no such feeling in the island as prejudice against _color_. The
+reasons for excluding the colored people from their society, he said,
+were wholly different from that. It was chiefly because of their
+_illegitimacy_, and also because they were not sufficiently refined, and
+because their _occupations_ were of an inferior kind, such as mechanical
+trades, small shop keeping, &c. Said he, "You would not wish to ask your
+tailor, or your shoemaker, to dine with you?" However, we were too
+unsophisticated to coincide in his Excellency's notions of social
+propriety.
+
+TWENTY-SECOND PROPOSITION.--The progress of the anti-slavery discussions
+in England did not cause the masters to treat their slaves worse, but on
+the contrary restrained them from outrage.
+
+"The treatment of the slaves during the discussions in England, was
+manifestly milder than before."--_Dr. Daniell._
+
+"The effect of the proceedings in parliament was to make the planters
+treat their slaves better. Milder laws were passed by the assembly, and
+the general condition of the slave was greatly ameliorated."--_H.
+Armstrong, Esq._
+
+"The planters did not increase the rigor of their discipline because of
+the anti-slavery discussions; but as a general thing, were more lenient
+than formerly."--_S. Bourne. Esq._
+
+"We pursued a much milder policy toward our slaves after the agitation
+began in England."--_Mr. Jas. Hawoil_.
+
+"The planters did not treat their slaves worse on account of the
+discussions; but were more lenient and circumspect."--_Letter of Hon.
+N. Nugent._
+
+"There was far less cruelty exercised by the planters during the
+anti-slavery excitement in gland. They were always on their guard to
+escape the notice of the abolitionists. _They did not wish to have their
+names published abroad, and to be exposed as monsters of
+cruelty!_"--_David Cranstoun, Esq._
+
+We have now completed our observations upon Antigua. It has been our
+single object in the foregoing account to give an accurate statement of
+the results of IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION. We have not taken a single step
+beyond the limits of testimony, and we are persuaded that testimony
+materially conflicting with this, cannot be procured from respectable
+sources in Antigua. We now leave it to our readers to decide, whether
+emancipation in Antigua has been to all classes in that island a
+_blessing_ or a _curse_.
+
+We cannot pass from this part of our report without recording the
+kindness and hospitality which we everywhere experienced during our
+sojourn in Antigua. Whatever may have been our apprehensions of a cool
+reception from a community of ex-slaveholders, none of our forebodings
+were realized. It rarely Falls to the lot of strangers visiting a
+distant land, with none of the contingencies of birth, fortune, or fame,
+to herald their arrival, and without the imposing circumstance of a
+popular mission to recommend them, to meet with a warmer reception, or
+to enjoy a more hearty confidence, than that with which we were honored
+in the interesting island of Antigua. The very _object_ of our visit,
+humble, and even odious as it may appear in the eyes of many of our own
+countrymen, was our passport to the consideration and attention of the
+higher classes in that free colony. We hold in grateful remembrance the
+interest which all--not excepting those most deeply implicated in the
+late system of slavery--manifested in our investigations. To his
+excellency the Governor, to officers both civil and military, to
+legislators and judges, to proprietors and planters, to physicians,
+barristers, and merchants, to clergymen, missionaries, and teachers, we
+are indebted for their uniform readiness in furthering our objects, and
+for the mass of information with which they were pleased to furnish us.
+To the free colored population, also, we are lasting debtors for their
+hearty co-operation and assistance. To the emancipated, we recognise our
+obligations as the friends of the slave, for their simple-hearted and
+reiterated assurances that they should remember the oppressed of our
+land in their prayers to God. In the name of the multiplying hosts of
+freedom's friends, and in behalf of the millions of speechless but
+grateful-hearted slaves, we render to our acquaintances of every class
+in Antigua our warmest thanks for their cordial sympathy with the cause
+of emancipation in America. We left Antigua with regret. The natural
+advantages of that lovely island; its climate, situation, and scenery;
+the intelligence and hospitality of the higher orders, and the
+simplicity and sobriety of the poor; the prevalence of education,
+morality, and religion; its solemn Sabbaths and thronged sanctuaries;
+and above _all_, its rising institutions of liberty--flourishing so
+vigorously,--conspire to make Antigua one of the fairest portions of the
+earth. Formerly it was in our eyes but a speck on the world's map, and
+little had we checked if an earthquake had sunk, or the ocean had
+overwhelmed it; but now, the minute circumstances in its condition, or
+little incidents in its history, are to our minds invested with
+grave interest.
+
+None, who are alive to the cause of religious freedom in the world, can
+be indifferent to the movements and destiny of this little colony.
+Henceforth, Antigua is the morning star of our nation, and though it
+glimmers faintly through a lurid sky, yet we hail it, and catch at every
+ray as the token of a bright sun which may yet burst gloriously upon us.
+
+
+
+BARBADOES
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+PASSAGE
+
+Barbadoes was the next island which we visited. Having failed of a
+passage in the steamer,[A] (on account of her leaving Antigua on the
+Sabbath,) we were reduced to the necessity of sailing in a small
+schooner, a vessel of only seventeen tons burthen, with no cabin but a
+mere _hole_, scarcely large enough to receive our baggage. The berths,
+for there were two, had but one mattress between them; however, a
+foresail folded made up the complement.
+
+[Footnote A: There are several English steamers which ply between
+Barbadoes and Jamaica, touching at several of the intermediate and
+surrounding islands, and carrying the mails.]
+
+The being for the most part directly against us, we were seven days in
+reaching Barbadoes. Our aversion to the sepulchre-like cabin obliged us
+to spend, not the days only, but the nights mostly on the open deck.
+Wrapping our cloaks about us, and drawing our fur caps over our faces,
+we slept securely in the soft air of a tropical clime, undisturbed save
+by the hoarse voice of the black captain crying "ready, bout" and the
+flapping of the sails, and the creaking of the cordage, in the frequent
+tackings of our staunch little sea-boat. On our way we passed under the
+lee of Guadaloupe and to the windward of Dominica, Martinique and St.
+Lucia. In passing Guadaloupe, we were obliged to keep at a league's
+distance from the land, in obedience to an express regulation of that
+colony prohibiting small English vessels from approaching any nearer.
+This is a precautionary measure against the escape of slaves to the
+English islands. Numerous small vessels, called _guarda costas_, are
+stationed around the coast to warn off vessels and seize upon all slaves
+attempting to make their escape. We were informed that the eagerness of
+the French negroes to taste the sweets of liberty, which they hear to
+exist in the surrounding English islands, is so great, that
+notwithstanding all the vigilance by land and sea, they are escaping in
+vast numbers. They steal to the shores by night, and seizing upon any
+sort of vessel within their reach, launch forth and make for Dominica,
+Montserrat, or Antigua. They have been known to venture out in skiffs,
+canoes, and such like hazardous conveyances, and make a voyage of fifty
+or sixty miles; and it is not without reason supposed, that very many
+have been lost in these eager darings for freedom.
+
+Such is their defiance of dangers when liberty is to be won, that old
+ocean, with its wild storms, and fierce monsters, and its yawning deep,
+and even the superadded terrors of armed vessels ever hovering around
+the island, are barriers altogether ineffectual to prevent escape. The
+western side of Guadaloupe, along which we passed, is hilly and little
+cultivated. It is mostly occupied in pasturage. The sugar estates are on
+the opposite side of the island, which stretches out eastward in a low
+sloping country, beautifully situated for sugar cultivation. The hills
+were covered with trees, with here and there small patches of cultivated
+grounds where the negroes raise provisions. A deep rich verdure covered
+all that portion of the island which we saw. We were a day and night in
+passing the long island of Guadaloupe. Another day and night were spent
+in beating through the channel between Gaudaloupe and Dominica: another
+day in passing the latter island, and then we stood or Martinique. This
+is the queen island of the French West Indies. It is fertile and
+healthful, and though not so large as Guadaloupe, produces a larger
+revenue. It has large streams of water, and many of the sugar mills are
+worked by them. Martinique and Dominica are both very mountainous. Their
+highest peaks are constantly covered with clouds, which in their varied
+siftings, now wheeling around, then rising or falling, give the hills
+the appearance of smoking volcanoes. It was not until the eighth day of
+the voyage, that we landed at Barbadoes. The passage from Barbadoes to
+Antigua seldom occupies more than three days, the wind being mostly in
+that direction.
+
+In approaching Barbadoes, it presented an entirely difference appearance
+from that of the islands we had passed on the way. It is low and level,
+almost wholly destitute of trees. As we drew nearer we discovered in
+every direction the marks of its extraordinary cultivation. The cane
+fields and provision grounds in alternate patches cover the island with
+one continuous mantle of green. The mansions of the planters, and the
+clusters of negro houses, appear at shore intervals dotting the face of
+the island, and giving to it the appearance of a vast village
+interspersed with verdant gardens.
+
+We "rounded up" in the bay, off Bridgetown, the principal place in
+Barbadoes, where we underwent a searching examination by the health
+officer; who, after some demurring, concluded that we might pass muster.
+We took lodgings in Bridgetown with Mrs. M., a colored lady.
+
+The houses are mostly built of brick or stone, or wood plastered. They
+are seldom more than two stories high, with flat roofs, and huge window
+shutters and doors--the structures of a hurricane country. The streets
+are narrow and crooked, and formed of white marle, which reflects the
+sun with a brilliancy half blinding to the eyes. Most of the buildings
+are occupied as stores below and dwelling houses above, with piazzas to
+the upper story, which jut over the narrow streets, and afford a shade
+for the side walks. The population of Bridgetown is about 30,000. The
+population of the island is about 140,000, of whom nearly 90,000 are
+apprentices, the remainder are free colored and white in the proportion
+of 30,000 free colored and 20,000 whites. The large population exists on
+an island not more than twenty miles long, by fifteen broad. The whole
+island is under the most vigorous and systematic culture. There is
+scarcely a foot of productive land that is not brought into requisition.
+There is no such thing as a forest of any extent in the island. It is
+thus that, notwithstanding the insignificance of its size, Barbadoes
+ranks among the British islands next to Jamaica in value and importance.
+It was on account of its conspicuous standing among the English
+colonies, that we were induced to visit it, and there investigate the
+operations of the apprenticeship system.
+
+Our principal object in the following tales is to give an account of the
+working of the apprenticeship system, and to present it in contrast with
+that of entire freedom, which has been described minutely in our account
+of Antigua. The apprenticeship was designed as a sort of preparation for
+freedom. A statement of its results will, therefore, afford no small
+data for deciding upon the general principle of _gradualism_!
+
+We shall pursue a plan less labored and prolix than that which it seemed
+necessary to adopt in treating of Antigua. As that part of the testimony
+which respects the abolition of slavery, and the sentiments of the
+planters is substantially the same with what is recorded in the
+foregoing pages, we shall be content with presenting it in the sketch of
+our travels throughout the island, and our interviews with various
+classes of men. The testimony respecting the nature and operations of
+the apprenticeship system, will be embodied in a more regular form.
+
+VISIT TO THE GOVERNOR.
+
+At an early day after our arrival we called on the Governor, in
+pursuance of the etiquette of the island, and in order to obtain the
+assistance of his Excellency in our inquiries. The present Governor is
+Sir Evan John Murray McGregor, a Scotchman of Irish reputation. He is
+the present chieftain of the McGregor clan, which figures so
+illustriously in the history of Scotland. Sir Evan has been
+distinguished for his victory in war, and he now bears the title of
+Knight, for his achievements in the British service. He is
+Governor-General of the windward islands, which include Barbadoes,
+Grenada, St. Vincent's, and Tobago. The government house, at which he
+resides, is about two miles from town. The road leading to it is a
+delightful one, lined with cane fields, and pasture grounds, all verdant
+with the luxuriance of midsummer. It passes by the cathedral, the king's
+house, the noble residence of the Archdeacon, and many other fine
+mansions. The government house is situated in a pleasant eminence, and
+surrounded with a large garden, park, and entrance yard. At the large
+outer gate, which gives admittance to the avenue leading to the house,
+stood a _black_ sentinel in his military dress, and with a gun on his
+shoulder, pacing to and fro. At the door of the house we found another
+black soldier on guard. We were ushered into the dining hall, which
+seems to serve as ante-chamber when not otherwise used. It is a spacious
+airy room, overhung with chandeliers and lamps in profusion, and bears
+the marks of many scenes of mirth and wassail. The eastern windows,
+which extend from the ceiling to the floor, look out upon a garden
+filled with shrubs and flowers, among which we recognised a rare variety
+of the floral family in full bloom. Every thing around--the extent of
+the buildings, the garden, the park, with deer browsing amid the tangled
+shrubbery--all bespoke the old English style and dignity.
+
+After waiting a few minutes, we were introduced to his Excellency, who
+received us very kindly. He conversed freely on the subject of
+emancipation, and gave his opinion decidedly in favor of unconditional
+freedom. He has been in the West Indies five years, and resided at
+Antigua and Dominica before he received his present appointment; he has
+visited several other islands besides. In no island that he has visited
+have affairs gone on so quietly and satisfactorily to all parties as in
+Antigua. He remarked that he was ignorant of the character of the black
+population of the United States, but from what he knew of their
+character in the West Indies, he could not avoid the conclusion that
+immediate emancipation was entirely safe. He expressed his views of the
+apprenticeship system with great freedom. He said it was vexatious to
+all parties.
+
+He remarked that he was so well satisfied that emancipation was safe and
+proper, and that unconditional freedom was better than apprenticeship,
+that had he the power, he would emancipate every apprentice to-morrow.
+It would be better both for the planter and the laborer.
+
+_He thought the negroes in Barbadoes, and in the windward islands
+generally, now as well prepared for freedom as the slaves of Antigua._
+
+The Governor is a dignified but plain man, of sound sense and judgement,
+and of remarkable liberality. He promised to give us every assistance,
+and said, as we arose to leave him, that he would mention the object of
+our visit to a number of influential gentlemen, and that we should
+shortly hear from him again.
+
+A few days after our visit to the Governor's, we called on the Rev.
+Edward Elliott, the Archdeacon at Barbadoes, to whom we had been
+previously introduced at the house of a friend in Bridgetown. He is a
+liberal-minded man. In 1812, he delivered a series of lectures in the
+cathedral on the subject of slavery. The planters became
+alarmed--declared that such discourses would lead to insurrection, and
+demanded that they should lie abandoned. He received anonymous letters
+threatening him with violence unless he discontinued them. Nothing
+daunted, however, he went through the course, and afterwards published
+the lectures in a volume.
+
+The Archdeacon informed us that the number of churches and clergymen had
+increased since emancipation; religious meetings were more fully
+attended, and the instructions given had manifestly a greater influence.
+Increased attention was paid to _education_ also. Before emancipation
+the planters opposed education, and as far as possible, prevented the
+teachers from coming to the estates. Now they encouraged it in many
+instances, and where they do not directly encourage, they make no
+opposition. He said that the number of marriages had very much increased
+since the abolition of slavery. He had resided in Barbados for twelve
+years, during which time he had repeatedly visited many of the
+neighboring islands. He thought the negroes of Barbadoes _were as well
+prepared for freedom in 1834, as those of Antigua_, and that there would
+have been no bad results had entire emancipation been granted at that
+time. He did not think there was the least danger of insurrection. On
+this subject he spoke the sentiments of the inhabitants generally. He
+did not suppose there were five planters on the island, who entertained
+any fears on this score _now_.
+
+On one other point the Archdeacon expressed himself substantially thus:
+The planters undoubtedly treated their slaves better during the
+anti-slavery discussions in England.
+
+The condition of the slaves was very much mitigated by the efforts which
+were made for their entire freedom. The planters softened down, the
+system of slavery as much as possible. _They were exceedingly anxious to
+put a stop to discussion and investigation._
+
+Having obtained a letter of introduction from an American merchant here
+to a planter residing about four miles from town, we drove out to his
+estate. His mansion is pleasantly situated on a small eminence, in one
+of the coolest and most inviting retreats which is to be seen in this
+clime, and we were received by its master with all the cordiality and
+frankness for which Barbados is famed. He introduced us to his family,
+consisting of three daughters and two sons, and invited us to stop to
+dinner. One of his daughters, now here on a visit, is married to an
+American, a native of New York, but now a merchant in one of the
+southern states, and our connection as fellow countrymen with one dear
+to them, was an additional claim to their kindness and hospitality.
+
+He conducted us through all the works and out-buildings, the mill,
+boiling-house, caring-house, hospital, store-houses, &c. The people were
+at work in the mill and boiling-house, and as we passed, bowed and bade
+us "good mornin', massa," with the utmost respect and cheerfulness. A
+white overseer was regulating the work, but wanted the insignia of
+slaveholding authority, which he had borne for many years, the _whip_.
+As we came out, we saw in a neighboring field a gang of seventy
+apprentices, of both sexes, engaged in cutting up the cane, while others
+were throwing it into carts to be carried to the mill. They were all as
+quietly and industriously at work as any body of our own farmers or
+mechanics. As we were looking at them, Mr. C., the planter, remarked,
+"those people give me more work than when slaves. This estate was never
+under so good cultivation as at the present time."
+
+He took us to the building used as the mechanics' shop. Several of the
+apprentices were at work in it, some setting up the casks for sugar,
+others repairing utensils. Mr. C. says all the work of the estate is
+done by the apprentices. His carts are made, his mill kept in order, his
+coopering and blacksmithing are all done by them. "All these buildings,"
+said he, "even to the dwelling-house, were built after the great storm
+of 1831, by the slaves."
+
+As we were passing through the hospital, or sick-house, as it is called
+by the blacks, Mr. C. told us he had very little use for it now. There
+is no skulking to it as there was under the old system.
+
+Just as we were entering the door of the house, on our return, there was
+an outcry among a small party of the apprentices who were working near
+by. Mr. C. went to them and inquired the cause. It appeared that the
+overseer had struck one of the lads with a stick. Mr. C. reproved him
+severely for the act, and assured him if he did such a thing again he
+would take him before a magistrate.
+
+During the day we gathered the following information:--
+
+Mr. C. had been a planter for thirty-six years. He has had charge of the
+estate on which he now resides ten years. He is the attorney for two
+other large estates a few miles from this, and has under his
+superintendence, in all, more than a thousand apprenticed laborers. This
+estate consists of six hundred and sixty-six acres of land, most of
+which is under cultivation either in cane or provisions, and has on it
+three hundred apprentices and ninety-two free children. The average
+amount of sugar raised on it is two hundred hogsheads of a ton each, but
+this year it will amount to at least two hundred and fifty
+hogsheads--the largest crop ever taken off since he has been connected
+with it. He has planted thirty acres additional this year. The island
+has never been under so good cultivation, and is becoming better
+every year.
+
+During our walk round the works, and during the day, he spoke several
+times in general terms of the great blessings of emancipation.
+
+Emancipation is as great a blessing to the master as to the slave.
+"Why," exclaimed Mr. C., "it was emancipation to me. I assure you the
+first of August brought a great, _great_ relief to me. I felt myself,
+for the first time, a freeman on that day. You cannot imagine the
+responsibilities and anxieties which were swept away with the extinction
+of slavery."
+
+There were many unpleasant and annoying circumstances attending slavery,
+which had a most pernicious effect on the master. There was continual
+jealousy and suspicion between him and those under him. They looked on
+each other as sworn enemies, and there was kept up a continual system of
+plotting and counterplotting. Then there was the flogging, which was a
+matter of course through the island. To strike a slave was as common as
+to strike a horse--then the punishments were inflicted so unjustly, in
+innumerable instances, that the poor victims knew no more why they were
+punished than the dead in their graves. The master would be a little
+ill--he had taken a cold, perhaps, and felt irritable--something were
+wrong--his passion was up, and away went some poor fellow to the
+whipping post. The slightest offence at such a moment, though it might
+have passed unnoticed at another time, would meet with the severest
+punishment. He said he himself had more than once ordered his slaves to
+be flogged in a passion, and after he became cool he would have given
+guineas not to have done it. Many a night had he been kept awake in
+thinking of some poor fellow whom he had shut up in the dungeon, and had
+rejoiced when daylight came. He feared lest the slave might die before
+morning; either cut his throat or dash his head against the wall in his
+desperation. He has known such cases to occur.
+
+The apprenticeship will not have so beneficial an effect as he hoped it
+would, on account of an indisposition on the part of many of the
+planters to abide by its regulations. The planters generally are doing
+very little to prepare the apprentices for freedom; but some are doing
+very much to unprepare them. They are driving the people from them by
+their conduct.
+
+Mr. C. said he often wished for emancipation. There were several other
+planters among his acquaintance who had the same feelings, but did not
+dare express them. Most of the planters, however, were violently
+opposed. Many of them declared that emancipation could not and should
+not take place. So obstinate were they, that they would have sworn on
+the 31st of July, 1831, that emancipation could not happen. _These very
+men now see and acknowledge the benefits which have resulted from the
+new system_.
+
+The first of August passed off very quietly. The people labored on that
+day as usual, and had a stranger gone over the island, he would not have
+suspected any change had taken place. Mr. C. did not expect his people
+would go to work that day. He told them what the conditions of the new
+system were, and that after the first of August, they would be required
+to turn out to work at six o'clock instead of five o'clock as before. At
+the appointed hour every man was at his post in the field. Not one
+individual was missing.
+
+The apprentices do more work in the nine hours required by law, than in
+twelve hours during slavery.
+
+His apprentices are perfectly willing to work for him during their own
+time. He pays them at the rate of twenty-five cents a day. The people
+are less quarrelsome than when they were slaves.
+
+About eight o'clock in the evening, Mr. C. invited us to step out into
+the piazza. Pointing to the houses of the laborers, which were crowded
+thickly together, and almost concealed by the cocoa-nut and calabash
+trees around them, he said, "there are probably more than four hundred
+people in that village. All my own laborers, with their free children,
+are retired for the night, and with them are many from the neighboring
+estates." We listened, but all was still, save here and there a low
+whistle from some of the watchmen. He said that night was a specimen of
+every night now. But it had not always been so. During slavery these
+villages were oftentimes a scene of bickering, revelry, and contention.
+One might hear the inmates reveling and shouting till midnight.
+Sometimes it would be kept up till morning. Such scenes have much
+decreased, and instead of the obscene and heathen songs which they used
+to sing, they are learning hymns from the lips of their children.
+
+The apprentices are more trusty. They are more faithful in work which is
+given them to do. They take more interest in the prosperity of the
+estate generally, in seeing that things are kept in order, and that the
+property is not destroyed.
+
+They are more open-hearted. Formerly they used to shrink before the eyes
+of the master, and appear afraid to meet him. They would go out of their
+way to avoid him, and never were willing to talk with him. They never
+liked to have him visit their houses; they looked on him as a spy, and
+always expected a reprimand, or perhaps a flogging. Now they look up
+cheerfully when they meet him, and a visit to their homes is esteemed a
+favor. Mr. C. has more confidence in his people than he ever had before.
+
+There is less theft than during slavery. This is caused by greater
+respect for character, and the protection afforded to property by law.
+For a slave to steal from his master was never considered wrong, but
+rather a meritorious act. He who could rob the most without being
+detected was the best fellow. The blacks in several of the islands have
+a proverb, that for a thief to steal from a thief makes God laugh.
+
+The blacks have a great respect for, and even fear of law. Mr. C.
+believes no people on earth are more influenced by it. They regard the
+same punishment, inflicted by a magistrate, much more than when
+inflicted by their master. Law is a kind of deity to them, and they
+regard it with great reverence and awe.
+
+There is no insecurity now. Before emancipation there was a continual
+fear of insurrection. Mr. C. said he had lain down in bed many a night
+fearing that his throat would be cut before morning. He has started up
+often from a dream in which he thought his room was filled with armed
+slaves. But when the abolition bill passed, his fears all passed away.
+He felt assured there would be no trouble then. The motive to
+insurrection was taken away. As for the cutting of throats, or insult
+and violence in any way, he never suspects it. He never thinks of
+fastening his door at night now. As we were retiring to bed he looked
+round the room in which we had been sitting, where every thing spoke of
+serenity and confidence--doors and windows open, and books and plate
+scattered about on the tables and sideboards. "You see things now," he
+said, "just as we leave them every night, but you would have seen quite
+a different scene had you come here a few years ago."
+
+_Mr. C. thinks the slaves of Barbadoes might have been entirely and
+immediately emancipated as well as those of Antigua._ The results, he
+doubts not, would have been the same.
+
+He has no fear of disturbance or insubordination in 1840. He has no
+doubt that the people will work. That there may be a little unsettled,
+excited, _experimenting_ feeling for a short time, he thinks
+probable--but feels confident that things generally will move on
+peaceably and prosperously. He looks with much more anxiety to the
+emancipation of the non-praedials in 1838.
+
+There is no disposition among the apprentices to revenge their wrongs.
+Mr. C. feels the utmost security both of person and property.
+
+The slaves were very much excited by the discussions in England. They
+were well acquainted, with them, and looked and longed for the result.
+They watched every arrival of the packet with great anxiety. The people
+on his estate often knew its arrival before he did. One of his daughters
+remarked, that she could see their hopes flashing from their eyes. They
+manifested, however, no disposition to rebel, waiting in anxious but
+quiet hope for their release. Yet Mr. C. had no doubt, that if
+parliament had thrown out the emancipation bill, and all measures had
+ceased for their relief, there would have been a general
+insurrection.--While there was hope they remained peaceable, but had
+hope been destroyed it would have been buried in blood.
+
+There was some dissatisfaction among the blacks with the apprenticeship.
+They thought they ought to be entirely free, and that their masters were
+deceiving them. They could not at first understand the conditions of the
+new system--there was some murmuring among them, but they thought it
+better, however, to wait six years for the boon, than to run the risk of
+losing it altogether by revolt.
+
+The expenses of the apprenticeship are about the same as during slavery.
+But under the free system, Mr. C. has no doubt they will be much less.
+He has made a calculation of the expenses of cultivating the estate on
+which he resides for one year during slavery, and what they will
+probably be for one year under the free system. He finds the latter are
+less by about $3,000.
+
+Real estate has increased in value more than thirty per rent. There is
+greater confidence in the security of property. Instances were related
+to us of estates that could not be sold at any price before
+emancipation, that within the last two years have been disposed of at
+great prices.
+
+The complaints to the magistrates, on the part of the planters, were
+very numerous at first, but have greatly diminished. They are of the
+most trivial and even ludicrous character. One of the magistrates says
+the greater part of the cases that come before him are from old women
+who cannot get their coffee early enough in the morning! and for
+offences of equal importance.
+
+Prejudice has much diminished since emancipation. The discussions in
+England prior to that period had done much to soften it down, but the
+abolition of slavery has given it its death blow.
+
+Such is a rapid sketch of the various topics touched upon during our
+interview with Mr. C. and his family.
+
+Before we left the hospitable mansion of Lear's, we had the pleasure of
+meeting a company of gentlemen at dinner. With the exception of one, who
+was provost-marshal, they were merchants of Bridgetown. These gentlemen
+expressed their full concurrence in the statements of Mr. C., and gave
+additional testimony equally valuable.
+
+Mr. W., the provost-marshal, stated that he had the supervision of the
+public jail, and enjoyed the best opportunity of knowing the state of
+crime, and he was confident that there was a less amount of crime since
+emancipation than before. He also spoke of the increasing attention
+which the negroes paid to neatness of dress and personal appearance.
+
+The company broke up about nine o'clock, but not until we had seen ample
+evidence of the friendly feelings of all the gentlemen toward our
+object. There was not a single dissenting voice to any of the statements
+made, or any of the sentiments expressed. This fact shows that the
+prevailing feeling is in favor of freedom, and that too on the score of
+policy and self-interest.
+
+Dinner parties are in one sense a very safe pulse in all matters of
+general interest. They rarely beat faster than the heart of the
+community. No subject is likely to be introduced amid the festivities of
+a fashionable circle, until it is fully endorsed by public sentiment.
+
+Through the urgency of Mr. C., we were induced to remain all night.
+Early the next morning, he proposed a ride before breakfast to Scotland.
+Scotland is the name given to an abrupt, hilly section, in the north of
+the island. It is about five miles from Mr. C.'s, and nine from
+Bridgetown. In approaching, the prospect bursts suddenly upon the eye,
+extorting an involuntary exclamation of surprise. After riding for
+miles, through a country which gradually swells into slight elevations,
+or sweeps away in rolling plains, covered with cane, yams, potatoes,
+eddoes, corn, and grass, alternately, and laid out with the regularity
+of a garden; after admiring the cultivation, beauty, and skill exhibited
+on every hand, until almost wearied with viewing the creations of art;
+the eye at once falls upon a scene in which is crowded all the wildness
+and abruptness of nature in one of her most freakish moods--a scene
+which seems to defy the hand of cultivation and the graces of art. We
+ascended a hill on the border of this section, which afforded us a
+complete view. To describe it in one sentence, it is an immense basin,
+from two to three miles in diameter at the top, the edges of which are
+composed of ragged hills, and the sides and bottom of which are
+diversified with myriads of little hillocks and corresponding
+indentations. Here and there is a small sugar estate in the bottom, and
+cultivation extends some distance up the sides, though this is at
+considerable risk, for not infrequently, large tracts of soil, covered
+with cane or provisions, slide down, over-spreading the crops below, and
+destroying those which they carry with them.
+
+Mr. C. pointed to the opposite side of the basin to a small group of
+stunted trees, which he said were the last remains of the Barbadoes
+forests. In the midst of them there is a boiling spring of considerable
+notoriety.
+
+In another direction, amid the rugged precipices, Mr. C. pointed out the
+residences of a number of poor white families, whom he described as the
+most degraded, vicious, and abandoned people in the island--"very far
+below the negroes." They live promiscuously, are drunken, licentious,
+and poverty-stricken,--a body of most squalid and miserable
+human beings.
+
+From the height on which we stood, we could see the ocean nearly around
+the island, and on our right and left, overlooking the basin below us,
+rose the two highest points of land of which Barbadoes can boast. The
+white marl about their naked tops gives them a bleak and desolate
+appearance, which contrasts gloomily with the verdure of the surrounding
+cultivation.
+
+After we had fully gratified ourselves with viewing the miniature
+representation of old Scotia, we descended again into the road, and
+returned to Lear's. We passed numbers of men and women going towards
+town with loads of various kinds of provisions on their heads. Some were
+black, and others were white--of the same class whose huts had just been
+shown us amid the hills and ravines of Scotland. We observed that the
+latter were barefoot, and carried their loads on their heads precisely
+like the former. As we passed these busy pedestrians, the blacks almost
+uniformly courtesied or spoke; but the whites did not appear to notice
+us. Mr. C inquired whether we were not struck with this difference in
+the conduct of the two people, remarking that he had always observed it.
+It is very seldom, said he, that I meet a negro who does not speak to me
+politely; but this class of whites either pass along without looking up,
+or cast a half-vacant, rude stare into one's face, without opening their
+mouths. Yet this people, he added, veriest raggamuffins that they are,
+despise the negroes, and consider it quite degrading to put themselves
+on term of equity with them. They will beg of blacks more provident and
+industrious than themselves, or they will steal their poultry and rob
+their provision grounds at night; but they would disdain to associate
+with them. Doubtless these _sans culottes_ swell in their dangling rags
+with the haughty consciousness that they possess _white skins_. What
+proud reflections they must have, as they pursue their barefoot way,
+thinking on their high lineage, and running back through the long list
+of their illustrious ancestry whose notable badge was a _white skin_! No
+wonder they cannot stop to bow to the passing stranger. These sprouts of
+the Caucasian race are known among the Barbadians by the rather
+ungracious name of _Red Shanks_. They are considered the pest of the
+island, and are far more troublesome to the police, in proportion to
+their members, than the apprentices. They are estimated at about
+eight thousand.
+
+The origin of this population we learned was the following: It has long
+been a law in Barbadoes, that each proprietor should provide a white man
+for every sixty slaves in his possession, and give him an acre of land,
+a house, and arms requisite for defence of the island in case of
+insurrection. This caused an importation of poor whites from Ireland and
+England, and their number has been gradually increasing until the
+present time.
+
+During our stay of nearly two days with Mr. C., there was nothing to
+which he so often alluded as to the security from danger which was now
+enjoyed by the planters. As he sat in his parlor, surrounded by his
+affectionate family, the sense of personal and domestic security
+appeared to be a luxury to him. He repeatedly expressed himself
+substantially thus: "During the existence of slavery, how often have I
+retired to bed _fearing_ _that I should have my throat cut before
+morning_, but _now_ the danger is all over."
+
+We took leave of Lear's, after a protracted visit, not without a
+pressing invitation from Mr. C. to call again.
+
+SECOND VISIT TO LEAR'S.
+
+The following week, on Saturday afternoon, we received a note from Mr.
+C., inviting us to spend the Sabbath at Lear's, where we might attend
+service at a neighboring chapel, and see a congregation composed chiefly
+of apprentices. On our arrival, we received a welcome from the
+residents, which reassured us of their sympathy in our object. We joined
+the family circle around the centre table, and spent the evening in free
+conversation on the subject of slavery.
+
+During the evening Mr. C. stated, that he had lately met with a planter
+who, for some years previous to emancipation, and indeed up to the very
+event, maintained that it was utterly impossible for such a thing ever
+to take place. The mother country, he said, could not be so mad as to
+take a step which must inevitably ruin the colonies. _Now_, said Mr. C.,
+this planter would be one of the last in the island to vote for a
+restoration of slavery; nay, he even wishes to have the apprenticeship
+terminated at once, and entire freedom given to the people. Such changes
+as this were very common.
+
+Mr. C. remarked that during slavery, if the negro ventured to express an
+opinion about any point of management, he was met at once with a
+reprimand. If one should say, "I think such a course would he best," or,
+"Such a field of cane is fit for cutting," the reply would be, "_Think_!
+you have no right to think any thing about it. _Do as I bid you_." Mr.
+C. confessed frankly, that he had often used such language himself. Yet
+at the same time that he affected such contempt for the opinions of the
+slaves, he used to go around secretly among the negro houses at night to
+overhear their conversation, and ascertain their views. Sometimes he
+received very valuable suggestions from them, which he was glad to avail
+himself of, though he was careful not to acknowledge their origin.
+
+Soon after supper, Miss E., one of Mr. C.'s daughters, retired for the
+purpose of teaching a class of colored children which came to her on
+Wednesday and Saturday nights. A sister of Miss E. has a class on the
+same days at noon.
+
+During the evening we requested the favor of seeing Miss E.'s school. We
+were conducted by a flight of stairs into the basement story, where we
+found her sitting in a small recess, and surrounded by a dozen negro
+girls; from the ages of eight to fifteen. She was instructing them from
+the Testament, which most of them could read fluently. She afterwards
+heard them recite some passages which they had committed to memory, and
+interspersed the recitations with appropriate remarks of advice and
+exhortation.
+
+It is to be remarked that Miss E. commenced instructing after the
+abolition; before that event the idea of such an employment would have
+been rejected as degrading.
+
+At ten o'clock on Sabbath morning, we drove to the chapel of the parish,
+which is a mile and a half from Lear's. It contains seats for five
+hundred persons. The body of the house is appropriated to the
+apprentices. There were upwards of four hundred persons, mostly
+apprentices, present, and a more quiet and attentive congregation we
+have seldom seen. The people were neatly dressed. A great number of the
+men wore black or blue cloth. The females were generally dressed in
+white. The choir was composed entirely of blacks, and sung with
+characteristic excellence.
+
+There was so much intelligence in the countenances of the people, that
+we could scarcely believe we were looking on a congregation of lately
+emancipated slaves.
+
+We returned to Lear's. Mr. C. noticed the change which has taken place
+in the observance of the Sabbath since emancipation. Formerly the smoke
+would be often seen at this time of day pouring from the chimneys of the
+boiling-houses; but such a sight has not been seen since slavery
+disappeared.
+
+Sunday used to be the day for the negroes to work on their grounds; now
+it is a rare thing for them to do so. Sunday markets also prevailed
+throughout the island, until the abolition of slavery.
+
+Mr. C. continued to speak of slavery. "I sometimes wonder," said he, "at
+myself, when I think how long I was connected with slavery; but
+self-interest and custom blinded me to its enormities." Taking a short
+walk towards sunset, we found ourselves on the margin of a beautiful
+pond, in which myriads of small gold fishes were disporting--now
+circling about in rapid evolutions, and anon leaping above the surface,
+and displaying their brilliant sides in the rays of the setting sun.
+When we had watched for some moments their happy gambols, Mr. C. turned
+around and broke a twig from a bush that stood behind us; "_there is a
+bush_," said he, "_which has committed many a murder_." On requesting
+him to explain, he said, that the root of it was a most deadly poison,
+and that the slave women used to make a decoction of it and give to
+their infants to destroy them; many a child had been murdered in this
+way. Mothers would kill their children, rather than see them _grow up to
+be slaves_. "Ah," he continued, in a solemn tone, pausing a moment and
+looking at us in a most earnest manner, "I could write a book about the
+evils of slavery. I could write a book about these things."
+
+What a volume of blackness and blood![A]
+
+[Footnote A: We are here reminded of a fact stated by Mr. C. on another
+occasion. He said, that he once attended at the death of a planter who
+had been noted for his severity to his slaves. It was the most horrid
+scene he ever witnessed. For hours before his death he was in the
+extremest agony, and the only words which he uttered were, "Africa. O
+Africa!" These words he repeated every few minutes, till he died. And
+such a ghastly countenance, such distortions of the muscles, such a
+hellish glare of the eye, and such convulsions of the body--it made him
+shudder to think of them.]
+
+When we arose on Monday morning, the daylight has scarcely broken. On
+looking out of the window, we saw the mill slowly moving in the wind,
+and the field gang were going out to their daily work. Surely, we
+thought, this does not look much like the laziness and insubordination
+of freed negroes. After dressing, we walked down to the mill, to have
+some conversation with the people. They all bade us a cordial "good
+mornin'." The _tender_ of the mill was an old man, whose despised locks
+were gray and thin, and on whose brow the hands of time and sorrow had
+written many effaceless lines. He appeared hale and cheerful, and
+answered our questions in distinct intelligible language. We asked him
+how they were all getting along under the new system. "Very well,
+massa," said he, "very well, thank God. All peaceable and good." "Do you
+like the apprenticeship better then slavery?" "Great deal better, massa;
+we is doing well now." "You like the apprenticeship as well as freedom,
+don't you?" "O _no_ me massa, freedom _till better_."
+
+"What will you do when you are entirely free?"
+
+"We must work; all have to work when de free come, white and black."
+"You are old, and will not enjoy freedom long; why do you wish for
+freedom, then?" "Me want to _die_ free, massa--good ting to die free,
+and me want to see _children_ free too."
+
+We continued at Lear's during Monday, to be in readiness for a tour to
+the windward of the island, which Mr. C. had projected for us, and on
+which we were to set out early the next morning. In the course of the
+day we had opportunities of seeing the apprentices in almost every
+situation--in the field, at the mill, in the boiling-house, moving to
+and from work, and at rest. In every aspect in which we viewed them,
+they appeared cheerful, amiable, and easy of control. It was admirable
+to see with what ease and regularity every thing moved. An estate of
+nearly seven hundred acres, with extensive agriculture, and a large
+manufactory and distillery, employing three hundred apprentices, and
+supporting twenty-five horses, one hundred and thirty head of horned
+cattle, and hogs, sheep; and poultry in proportion, is manifestly a most
+complicated machinery. No wonder it should have been difficult to manage
+during slavery, when the main spring was absent, and every wheel out
+of gear.
+
+We saw the apprentices assemble after twelve o'clock, to receive their
+allowances of yams. These provisions are distributed to them twice every
+week--on Monday and Thursday. They were strewed along the yard in heaps
+of fifteen pounds each. The apprentices came with baskets to get their
+allowances. It resembled a market scene, much chattering and talking,
+but no anger. Each man, woman, and child, as they got their baskets
+filled, placed them of their heads, and marched off to their
+several huts.
+
+On Tuesday morning, at an early hour, Mr. C. took us in his phaeton on
+our projected excursion. It was a beautiful morning. There was a full
+breeze from the east, which had already started the ponderous wings of
+the wind-mills, in every direction. The sun was shaded by light clouds,
+which rendered the air quite cool. Crossing the rich valley in which the
+Bell estate and other noble properties are situated, we ascended the
+cliffs of St. John's--a ridge extending through the parish of that name
+and as we rode along its top, eastward, we had a delightful view of sea
+and land. Below us on either hand lay vast estates glowing in the,
+verdure of summer, and on three sides in the distance stretched the
+ocean. Rich swells of land, cultivated and blooming like a vast garden,
+extended to the north as far as the eye could reach, and on every other
+side down to the water's edge. One who has been accustomed to the
+wildness of American scenery, and to the imperfect cultivation,
+intercepted with woodland, which yet characterizes the even the oldest
+portions of the United States, might revel for a time amid the sunny
+meadows. The waving cane fields, the verdant provision grounds, the
+acres of rich black soil without a blade of grass, and divided into beds
+two feet square for the cane plants with the precision almost of the
+cells of a honey comb; and withal he might be charmed with the luxurious
+mansions--more luxurious than superb--surrounded with the white cedar,
+the cocoa-nut tree, and the tall, rich mountain cabbage--the most
+beautiful of all tropical trees; but perchance it would not require a
+very long excursion to weary him with the artificiality of the scenery,
+and cause him to sigh for the "woods and wilds," the "banks and braes,"
+of his own majestic country.
+
+After an hour and a half's drive, we reached Colliton estate, where we
+were engaged to breakfast. We met a hearty welcome from the manager,
+Samuel Hinkston, Esq. we were soon joined by several gentlemen whom Mr.
+H. had invited to take breakfast with us; these were the Rev. Mr.
+Gittens, rector of St. Philip's parish, (in which Colliton estate is
+situated,) and member of the colonial council; Mr. Thomas, an extensive
+attorney of Barbadoes; and Dr. Bell, a planter of Demerara--then on a
+visit to the island. We conversed with each of the gentlemen separately,
+and obtained their individual views respecting emancipation.
+
+Mr. Hinkston has been a planter for thirty-six years, and is highly
+esteemed throughout the island. The estate which he manages, ranks among
+the first in the island. It comprises six hundred acres of superior
+land, has a population of two hundred apprentices, and yields an average
+crop of one hundred and eighty hogsheads. Together with his long
+experience and standing as a planter, Mr. H. has been for many years
+local magistrate for the parish in which he resides. From these
+circumstances combined, we are induced to give his opinions on a variety
+of points.
+
+1. He remarked that the planters were getting along _infinitely_ better
+under the new system than they ever did under the old. Instead of
+regretting that the change had taken place, he is looking forward with
+pleasure to a better change in 1840, and he only regrets that it is not
+to come sooner.
+
+2. Mr. H. said it was generally conceded that the island was never under
+better cultivation than at the present time. The crops for this year
+will exceed the average by several thousand hogsheads. The canes were
+planted in good season, and well attended to afterwards.
+
+3. Real estate has risen very much since emancipation. Mr. H. stated
+that he had lately purchased a small sugar estate, for which he was
+obliged to give several hundred pounds more than it would have cost him
+before 1834.
+
+4. There is not the least sense of insecurity now. Before emancipation
+there was much fear of insurrection, but that fear passed away
+with slavery.
+
+5. The prospect for 1840 is good. That people have no fear of ruin after
+emancipation, is proved by the building of sugar works on estates which
+never had any before, and which were obliged to cart their canes to
+neighbouring estates to have them ground and manufactured. There are
+also numerous improvements making on the larger estates. Mr. H. is
+preparing to make a new mill and boiling-house on Colliton, and other
+planters are doing the same. Arrangements are making too in various
+directions to build new negro villages on a more commodious plan.
+
+6. Mr. H. says he finds his apprentices perfectly ready to work for
+wages during their own time. Whenever he needs their labor on Saturday,
+he has only to ask them, and they are ready to go to the mill, or field
+at once. There has not been an instance on Colliton estate in which the
+apprentices have refused to work, either during the hours required by
+law, or during their own time. When he does not need their services on
+Saturday, they either hire themselves to other estates or work on their
+own grounds.
+
+7. Mr. H. was ready to say, both as a planter and a magistrate, that
+vice and crime generally had decreased, and were still on the decrease.
+Petty thefts are the principal offences. He has not had occasion to send
+a single apprentice to the court of sessions for the last six months.
+
+8. He has no difficulty in managing his people--far less than he did
+when they were slaves. It is very seldom that he finds it necessary to
+call in the aid of the special magistrate. Conciliatory treatment is
+generally sufficient to maintain order and industry among the
+apprentices.
+
+9. He affirms that the negroes have no disposition to be revengeful. He
+has never seen any thing like revenge.
+
+10. His people are as far removed from insolence as from vindictiveness.
+They have been uniformly civil.
+
+11. His apprentices have more interest in the affairs of the estate, and
+he puts more confidence in them than he ever did before.
+
+12. He declares that the working of the apprenticeship, as also that of
+entire freedom, depends entirely on the _planters_. If they act with
+common humanity and reason, there is no fear but that the apprentices
+will be peaceable.
+
+Mr. Thomas is attorney for fifteen estates, on which there are upwards
+of two thousand five hundred apprentices. We were informed that he had
+been distinguished as a _severe disciplinarian_ under the old reign, or
+in plain terms, had been a _cruel man and a hard driver_; but he was one
+of those who, since emancipation, have turned about and conformed their
+mode of treatment to the new system. In reply to our inquiry how the
+present system was working, he said, "infinitely better (such was his
+language) than slavery. I succeed better on all the estates under my
+charge than I did formerly. I have far less difficulty with the people.
+I have no reason to complain of their conduct. However, I think they
+will do still better after 1840."
+
+We made some inquiries of Dr. Bell concerning the results of abolition
+in Demerara. He gave a decidedly flattering account of the working of
+the apprenticeship system. No fears are entertained that Demerara will
+be ruined after 1840. On the contrary it will be greatly benefited by
+emancipation. It is now suffering from a want of laborers, and after
+1840 there will be an increased emigration to that colony from the older
+and less productive colonies. The planters of Demerara are making
+arrangements for cultivating sugar on a larger scale than ever before.
+Estates are selling at very high prices. Every thing indicates the
+fullest confidence on the part of the planters that the prosperity of
+the colony will not only be permanent, but progressive.
+
+After breakfast we proceeded to the Society's estate. We were glad to
+see this estate, as its history is peculiar. In 1726 it was bequeathed
+by General Coddington to a society in England, called "The Society for
+the promotion of Christian Knowledge." The proceeds of the estate were
+to be applied to the support of an institution in Barbadoes, for
+educating missionaries of the established order. Some of the provisions
+of the will were that the estate should always have three hundred slaves
+upon it; that it should support a school for the education of the negro
+children who were to be taught a portion of every day until they were
+twelve years old, when they were to go into the field; and that there
+should be a chapel built upon it. The negroes belonging to the estate
+have for upwards of a hundred years been under this kind of instruction.
+They have all been taught to read, though in many instances they have
+forgotten all they learned, having no opportunity to improve after they
+left school. They enjoy some other comforts peculiar to the Society's
+estate. They have neat cottages built apart--each on a half-acre lot,
+which belongs to the apprentice and for the cultivation of which he is a
+allowed one day out of the five working days. Another peculiarity is,
+that the men and women work in separate gangs.
+
+At this estate we procured horses to ride to the College. We rode by the
+chapel and school-house belonging to the Society's estate which are
+situated on the row of a high hill. From the same hill we caught a view
+of Coddrington college, which is situated on a low bottom extending from
+the foot of the rocky cliff on which we stood to the sea shore, a space
+of quarter of a mile. It is a long, narrow, ill-constructed edifice.
+
+We called on the principal, Rev. Mr. Jones, who received us very
+cordially, and conducted us over the buildings and the grounds connected
+with them. The college is large enough to accommodate a hundred
+students. It is fitted out with lodging rooms, various professors'
+departments, dining hall, chapel, library, and all the appurtenances of
+a university. The number of student at the close of the last term was
+_fifteen_.
+
+The professors, two in number, are supported by a fund, consisting of
+L40,000 sterling, which has in part accumulated from the revenue of
+the estate.
+
+The principal spoke favorably of the operation of the apprenticeship in
+Barbadoes, and gave the negroes a decided superiority over the lower
+class of whites. He had seen only one colored beggar since he came to
+the island, but he was infested with multitudes of white ones.
+
+It is intended to improve the college buildings as soon as the toil of
+apprentices on the Society's estate furnishes the requisite means. This
+robbing of God's image to promote education is horrible enough, taking
+the wages of slavery to spread the kingdom of Christ!
+
+On re-ascending the hill, we called at the Society's school. There are
+usually in attendance about one hundred children, since the abolition of
+slavery. Near the school-house is the chapel of the estate, a neat
+building, capable of holding three or four hundred people. Adjacent to
+the chapel is the burial ground for the negroes belonging to the
+Society's estate. We noticed several neat tombs, which appeared to have
+been erected only a short time previous. They were built of brick, and
+covered over with lime, so as to resemble white marble slabs. On being
+told that these were erected by the negroes themselves over the bodies
+of their friends, we could not fail to note so beautiful an evidence of
+their civilization and humanity. We returned to the Society's estate,
+where we exchanged our saddles for the phaeton, and proceeded on our
+eastward tour.
+
+Mr. C. took us out of the way a few miles to show us one of the few
+curiosities of which Barbadoes can boast. It is called the "Horse." The
+shore for some distance is a high and precipitous ledge of rocks, which
+overhangs the sea in broken cliffs. In one place a huge mass has been
+riven from the main body of rock and fallen into the sea. Other huge
+fragments have been broken off in the same manner. In the midst of
+these, a number of steps have been cut in the rock for the purpose of
+descending to the sea. At the bottom of these steps, there is a broad
+platform of solid rock, where one may stand securely, and hear the waves
+breaking around him like heavy thunders. Through the fissures we could
+see the foam and spray mingling with the blue of the ocean, and flashing
+in the sunshine. To the right, between the largest rock and the main
+land, there is a chamber of about ten feet wide, and twenty feet long.
+The fragment, which forms one of its sides, leans towards the main rock,
+and touches it at top, forming a roof, with here and there a fissure,
+through which the light enters. At the bottom of the room there is a
+clear bed of water, which communicates with the sea by a small aperture
+under the rock. It is as placid as a summer pond, and is fitted with
+steps for a bathing place. Bathe, truly! with the sea ever dashing
+against the side, and roaring and reverberating with deafening echo.
+
+On a granite slab, fixed in the side of the rock at the bottom of the
+first descent is an inscription. Time has very much effaced the letters,
+but by the aid of Mr. C.'s memory, we succeeded in deciphering them.
+They will serve as the hundred and first exemplification of the
+Bonapartean maxim--"There is but one step from the sublime to the
+ridiculous."
+
+  "In this remote, and hoarse resounding place,
+   Which billows clash, and craggy cliffs embrace,
+   These babbling springs amid such horrors rise,
+   But armed with virtue, horrors we despise.
+   Bathe undismayed, nor dread the impending rock,
+   'Tis virtue shields us from each adverse shock.
+
+   GENIO LOCI SACRUM POSUIT
+   J.R.
+   MARTIS MENSE
+   1769"
+
+From the "Crane," which is the name given to that section of the country
+in which the "Horse" is situated, we bent our way in a southerly
+direction to the Ridge estate, which was about eight miles distant,
+where we had engaged to dine. On the way we passed an estate which had
+just been on fire. The apprentices, fearing lest their houses should be
+burnt, had carried away all the moveables from them, and deposited them
+in separate heaps, on a newly ploughed field. The very doors and window
+shutters had been torn off and carried into the field, several acres of
+which were strewed over with piles of such furniture. Mr. C. was
+scarcely less struck with this scene than we were, and he assured us
+that he had never known such providence manifested on a similar occasion
+during slavery.
+
+At the Ridge estate we met Mr. Clarke, manager at Staple Grove estate,
+Mr. Applewhitte of Carton, and a brother of Mr. C. The manager, Mr.
+Cecil, received us with the customary cordiality.
+
+Mr. Clarke is the manager of an estate on which there are two hundred
+apprentices. His testimony was, that the estate was better cultivated
+since abolition than before, and that it is far easier to control the
+laborers, and secure uniformity of labor under the present system. He
+qualified this remark, by saying, that if harsh or violent measures were
+used, there would be more difficulty now than during slavery; but kind
+treatment and a conciliatory spirit never failed to secure peace and
+industry. At the time of abolition, Mr. C. owned ten slaves, whom he
+entirely emancipated. Some of these still remain with him as domestics;
+others are hired on an adjoining estate. One of those who left him to
+work on another estate, said to him, "Massa, whenever you want anybody
+to help you, send to me, and I'll come. It makes no odds when it
+is--I'll be ready at any time--day or night." Mr. C. declared himself
+thoroughly convinced of the propriety of immediate emancipation; though
+he was once a violent opposer of abolition. He said, that if he had the
+power, be would emancipate every apprentice on his estate to-morrow. As
+we were in the sugar-house examining the quality of the sugar, Mr. C.
+turned to one of us, and putting his hand on a hogshead, said, "You do
+not raise this article in your state, (Kentucky,) I believe." On being
+answered in the negative, he continued, "Well, we will excuse you, then,
+somewhat in your state--you can't treat your slaves so cruelly there.
+_This, this_ is the dreadful thing! Wherever sugar is cultivated by
+slaves, there is extreme suffering."
+
+Mr. Applewhitte said emphatically, that there was no danger in entire
+emancipation. He was the proprietor of more than a hundred apprentices
+and he would like to see them all free at once.
+
+During a long sitting at the dinner table, emancipation was the topic,
+and we were gratified with the perfect unanimity of sentiment among
+these planters. After the cloth was removed, and we were about leaving
+the table, Mr. Clarke begged leave to propose a toast. Accordingly, the
+glasses of the planters were once more filled, and Mr. C., bowing to us,
+gave our health, and "success to our laudable undertaking,"--"_most_
+laudable undertaking," added Mr. Applewhitte, and the glasses were
+emptied. Had the glasses contained water instead of wine, our
+gratification would have been complete. It was a thing altogether beyond
+our most sanguine expectations, that a company of planters, all of whom
+were but three years previous the actual oppressors of the slave, should
+be found wishing success to the cause of emancipation.
+
+At half past eight o'clock, we resumed our seats in Mr. C.'s phaeton,
+and by the nearest route across the country, returned to Lear's. Mr. C.
+entertained us by the way with eulogies upon the industry and
+faithfulness of his apprentices. It was, he said, one of the greatest
+pleasures he experienced, to visit the different estates under his
+charge, and witness the respect and affection which the apprentices
+entertained towards him. Their joyful welcome, their kind attentions
+during his stay with them, and their hearty 'good-bye, massa,' when he
+left, delighted him.
+
+VISIT TO COLONEL ASHBY'S.
+
+We were kindly invited to spend a day at the mansion of Colonel Ashby,
+an aged and experienced planter, who is the proprietor of the estate on
+which he resides. Colonel A.'s estate is situated in the parish of
+Christ Church, and is almost on the extreme point of a promontory, which
+forms the southernmost part of the island. An early and pleasant drive
+of nine miles from Bridgetown, along the southeastern coast of the
+island, brought us to his residence. Colonel A. is a native of
+Barbadoes, has been a practical planter since 1795, and for a long time
+a colonial magistrate, and commander of the parish troops. His present
+estate contains three hundred and fifty acres, and has upon it two
+hundred and thirty apprentices, with a large number of free children.
+His average crop is eighty large hogsheads. Colonel A. remarked to us,
+that he had witnessed many cruelties and enormities under "the reign of
+terror." He said, that the abolition of slavery had been an incalculable
+blessing, but added, that he had not always entertained the same views
+respecting emancipation. Before it took place, he was a violent opposer
+of any measure tending to abolition. He regarded the English
+abolitionists, and the anti-slavery members in parliament, with
+unmingled hatred. He had often cursed Wilberforce most bitterly, and
+thought that no doom either in this life, or in the life to come, was
+too bad for him. "But," he exclaimed, "how mistaken I was about that
+man--I am convinced of it now--O he was a good man--_a noble
+philanthropist_!--_if there is a chair in heaven, Wilberforce is in
+it_!" Colonel A. is somewhat sceptical, which will account for his
+hypothetical manner of speaking about heaven.
+
+He said that he found no trouble in managing his apprentices. As local
+or colonial magistrate, in which capacity he still continued to act he
+had no cases of serious crime to adjudicate, and very few cases of petty
+misdemeanor. Colonel A. stated emphatically, that the negroes were not
+disposed to leave their employment, unless the master was intolerably
+passionate and hard with them; as for himself, he did not fear losing a
+single laborer after 1840.
+
+He dwelt much on the trustiness and strong attachment of the negroes,
+where they are well treated. There were no people in the world that he
+would trust his property or life with sooner than negroes, provided he
+had the previous management of them long enough to secure their
+confidence. He stated the following fact in confirmation of this
+sentiment. During the memorable insurrection of 1816, by which the
+neighboring parishes were dreadfully ravaged, he was suddenly called
+from home on military duty. After he had proceeded some distance, he
+recollected that he had left five thousand dollars in an open desk at
+home. He immediately told the fact to his slave who was with him, and
+sent him back to take care of it. He knew nothing more of his money
+until the rebellion was quelled, and peace restored. On returning home,
+the slave led him to a cocoa-nut tree near by the house, and dug up the
+money, which he had buried under its roots. He found the whole sum
+secure. The negro, he said, might have taken the money, and he would
+never have suspected him, but would have concluded that it had been, in
+common with other larger sums, seized upon by the insurgents. Colonel A.
+said that it was impossible for him to mistrust the negroes as a body.
+He spoke in terms of praise also of the _conjugal attachment_ of the
+negroes. His son, a merchant, stated a fact on this subject. The wife of
+a negro man whom he knew, became afflicted with that loathsome disease,
+the leprosy. The man continued to live with her, notwithstanding the
+disease was universally considered contagious and was peculiarly dreaded
+by the negroes. The man on being asked why he lived with his wife under
+such circumstances, said, that he had lived with her when she was well,
+and he could not bear to forsake her when she was in distress.
+
+Colonel A. made numerous inquiries respecting slavery in America. He
+said there certainly be insurrections in the slaveholding states, unless
+slavery was abolished. Nothing but abolition could put an end to
+insurrections.
+
+Mr. Thomas, a neighboring planter, dined with us. He had not carried a
+complaint to the special magistrate against his apprentices for six
+months. He remarked particularly that emancipation had been a great
+blessing to the master; it brought freedom to him as well as to
+the slave.
+
+A few days subsequent to our visit to Colonel A.'s, the Reverend Mr.
+Packer, of the Established Church, called at our lodgings, and
+introduced a planter from the parish of St. Thomas. The planter is
+proprietor of an estate, and has eighty apprentices. His apprentices
+conduct themselves very satisfactorily, and he had not carried a half
+dozen complaints to the special magistrate since 1831. He said that
+cases of crime were very rare, as he had opportunity of knowing, being
+local magistrate. There were almost no penal offences brought before
+him. Many of the apprentices of St. Thomas parish were buying their
+freedom, and there were several cases of appraisement[A] every week. The
+Monday previous, six cases came before him, in four of which the
+apprentices paid the money on the spot.
+
+[Footnote A: When an apprentice signifies his wish to purchase his
+freedom, he applies to the magistrate for an appraisement. The
+appraisement is made by one special and two local magistrates.]
+
+Before this gentleman left, the Rev. Mr. C. called in with Mr. Pigeot,
+another planter, with whom we had a long conversation. Mr. P. has been a
+manager for many years. We had heard of him previously as the only
+planter in the island who had made an experiment in task work prior to
+abolition. He tried it for twenty months before that period on an estate
+of four hundred acres and two hundred people. His plan was simply to
+give each slave an ordinary day's work for a task; and after that was
+performed, the remainder of the time, if any, belonged to the slave. _No
+wages were allowed_. The gang were expected to accomplish just as much
+as they did before, and to do it as well, however long a time it might
+require; and if they could finish in half a day, the other half was
+their own, and they might employ it as they saw fit. Mr. P. said, he was
+very soon convinced of the good policy of the system; though he had one
+of the most unruly gangs of negroes to manage in the whole island. The
+results of the experiment he stated to be these:
+
+1. The usual day's work was done generally before the middle of the
+afternoon. Sometimes it was completed in five hours.
+
+2. The work was done as well as it was ever done under the old system.
+Indeed, the estate continued to improve in cultivation, and presented a
+far better appearance at the close of the twenty months than when he
+took the charge of it.
+
+3. The trouble of management was greatly diminished. Mr. P. was almost
+entirely released from the care of overseeing the work: he could trust
+it to the slaves.
+
+4. The whip was entirely laid aside. The idea of having a part of the
+day which they could call their own and employ for their own interests,
+was stimulus enough for the slaves without resorting to the whip.
+
+5. The time gained was not spent (as many feared and prophecied it would
+be) either in mischief or indolence. It was diligently improved in
+cultivating their provision grounds, or working for wages on neighboring
+estates. Frequently a man and his wife would commence early and work
+together until they got the work of both so far advanced that the man
+could finish it alone before night; and then the woman would gather on a
+load of yams and start for the market.
+
+6. The condition of the people improved astonishingly. They became one
+of the most industrious and orderly gangs in the parish. Under the
+former system they were considered inadequate to do the work of the
+estate, and the manager was obliged to hire additional hands every year,
+to take off the crop; but Mr. P. never hired any, though he made as
+large crops as were made formerly.
+
+7. After the abolition of slavery, his people chose to continue on the
+same system of task work.
+
+Mr. P. stated that the planters were universally opposed to his
+experiment. They laughed at the idea of making negroes work without
+using the whip; and they all prophesied that it would prove an utter
+failure. After some months' successful trial, he asked some of his
+neighbor planters what they thought of it then, and he appealed to than
+to say whether he did not get his work done as thoroughly and seasonably
+as they did theirs. They were compelled to admit it; but still they were
+opposed to his system, even more than ever. They called it an
+_innovation_--it was setting a bad example; and they honestly declared
+that they did not wish the slaves to _have any time of their own_. Mr.
+P. said, he was first induced to try the system of task work from a
+consideration that the negroes were men as well as himself, and deserved
+to he dealt with as liberally as their relation would allow. He soon
+found that what was intended as a favor to the slaves was really a
+benefit to the master. Mr. P. was persuaded that entire freedom would be
+better for all parties than apprenticeship. He had heard some fears
+expressed concerning the fate of the island after 1840; but he
+considered them very absurd.
+
+Although this planter looked forward with sanguine hopes to 1840, yet he
+would freely say that he did not think the apprenticeship would be any
+preparation for entire freedom. The single object with the great
+majority of the planters seemed to be to _get as much out_ of the
+apprentices as they possibly could during the term. No attention had
+been paid to preparing the apprentices for freedom.
+
+We were introduced to a planter who was notorious during the reign of
+slavery for the _strictness of his discipline_, to use the Barbadian
+phrase, or, in plain English, for his rigorous treatment and
+his cruelty.
+
+He is the proprietor of three sugar estates and one cotton plantation in
+Barbadoes, on all of which there are seven hundred apprentices. He was a
+luxurious looking personage, bottle-cheeked and huge i' the midst, and
+had grown fat on slaveholding indulgences. He mingled with every
+sentence he uttered some profane expression, or solemn appeal to his
+"honor," and seemed to be greatly delighted with hearing himself talk.
+He displayed all those prejudices which might naturally be looked for in
+a mind educated and trained as his had been. As to the conduct of the
+apprentices, he said they were peaceable and industrious, and mostly
+well disposed. But after all, the negroes were a perverse race of
+people. It was a singular fact, he said, that the severer the master,
+the better the apprentices. When the master was mild and indulgent, they
+were sure to be lazy, insolent, and unfaithful. _He knew this by
+experience; this was the case with_ his _apprentices_. His house-servants
+especially were very bad. But there was one complaint he had against
+them all, domestics and praedials--they always hold him to the letter of
+the law, and are ready to arraign him before the special magistrate for
+every infraction of it on his part, however trifling. How ungrateful,
+truly! After being provided for with parental care from earliest
+infancy, and supplied yearly with two suits of clothes, and as many yams
+is they could eat and only having to work thirteen or fifteen hours per
+day in return; and now when they are no longer slaves, and new
+privileges are conferred to exact them to the full extent of the law
+which secures them--what ingratitude! How soon are the kindnesses of the
+past, and the hand that bestowed them, forgotten! Had these people
+possessed the sentiments of human beings, they would have been willing
+to take the boon of freedom and lay it at their master's feet,
+dedicating the remainder of their days to his discretionary service!
+
+But with all his violent prejudices, this planter stated some facts
+which are highly favorable to the apprentices.
+
+1. He frankly acknowledged that his estates were never under better
+cultivation than at the present time: and he could say the same of the
+estates throughout the island. The largest crops that have ever been
+made, will he realized this year.
+
+2. The apprentices are generally willing to work on the estates on
+Saturday whenever their labor is needed.
+
+3. The females are very much disposed to abandon field labor. He has
+great difficulty sometimes in inducing them to take their hoes and go
+out to the field along with the men; it was the case particularly _with
+the mothers!_ This he regarded as a sore evil!
+
+4. The free children he represented as being in a wretched condition.
+Their parents have the entire management of them, an they are utterly
+opposed to having them employed on the estates. He condemned severely
+the course taken in a particular instance by the late Governor, Sir
+Lionel Smith. He took it upon himself to go around the island and advise
+the parents never to bind their children in any kind of apprenticeship
+to the planters. He told them that sooner than involve their free
+children in any way, they ought to "work their own fingers to the
+stubs." The consequence of this imprudent measure, said our informant,
+is that the planters have no control over the children born on their
+estates; and in many instances their parents have sent them away lest
+their _residence_ on the property should, by some chance, give the
+planter a claim upon their services. Under the good old system the young
+children were placed together under the charge of some superannuated
+women, who were fit for nothing else, and the mothers went into the
+field to work; now the nursery is broken up, and the mothers spend half
+of their time "_in taking care of their brats_."
+
+5. As to the management of the working people, there need not he any
+more difficulty now then during slavery. If the magistrates, instead of
+encouraging the apprentices to complain and be insolent, would join
+their influence to support the authority of the planters, things might
+go on nearly as smoothly as before.
+
+In company with Rev. Mr. Packer, late Rector of St. Thomas, we rode out
+to the Belle estate, which is considered one of the finest in the
+island. Mr. Marshall, the manager, received us cordially. He was
+selected, with two others, by Sir Lionel Smith, to draw up a scale of
+labor for general use in the island. There are five hundred acres in the
+estate, and two hundred and thirty-five apprenticed laborers. The
+manager stated that every thing was working well on his property. He
+corroborated the statements made by other planters with retard to the
+conduct of the apprentices. On one point he said the planters had found
+themselves greatly disappointed. It was feared that after emancipation
+the negroes would be very much verse to cultivating cane, as it was
+supposed that nothing but the whip could induce them to perform that
+species of labor. But the truth is, they now not only cultivate the
+estate lands better than they did when under the lash, but also
+cultivate a third of their half-acre allotments in cane on their own
+accounts. They would plant the whole in cane if they were not
+discouraged by the planter, whose principal objection to their doing so
+is that it would lead to the entire neglect of _provision cultivation_.
+The apprentices on Belle estate will make little short of one thousand
+dollars the present season by their sugar.
+
+Mr. M. stated that he was extensively acquainted with the cultivation of
+the island, and he knew that it was in a better condition than it had
+been for many years. There were twenty-four estates under the same
+attorneyship with the Belle, and they were all in the same prosperous
+condition.
+
+A short time before we left Barbadoes we received an invitation from
+Col. Barrow, to breakfast with him at his residence on Edgecome
+estate--about eight miles from town. Mr. Cummins, a colored gentleman, a
+merchant of Bridgetown, and agent of Col. B., accompanied us.
+
+The proprietor of Edgecome is a native of Barbadoes, of polished manners
+and very liberal views. He has travelled extensively, has held many
+important offices, and is generally considered the _cleverest_ man in
+the island. He is now a member of the council, and acting attorney for
+about twenty estates. He remarked that he had always desired
+emancipation, and had prepared himself for it; but that it had proved a
+greater blessing than he had expected. His apprentices did as much work
+as before, and it was done without the application of the whip. He had
+not had any cases of insubordination, and it was very seldom that he
+had any complaints to make to the special magistrate. "The apprentices."
+said he, "understand the meaning of law, and they regard its authority."
+He thought there was no such thing in the island as a _sense of
+insecurity_, either as respected person or property. Real estate had
+risen in value.
+
+Col. B. alluded to the expensiveness of slavery, remarking that after
+all that was expended in purchasing the slaves, it cost the proprietor
+as much to maintain them, as it would to hire free men. He spoke of the
+habit of exercising arbitrary power, which being in continual play up to
+the time of abolition, had become so strong that managers even yet gave
+way to it, and frequently punished their apprentices, in spite of all
+penalties. The fines inflicted throughout the island in 1836, upon
+planters, overseers, and others, for punishing apprentices, amounted to
+one thousand two hundred dollars. Col. B. said that he found the legal
+penalty so inadequate, that in his own practice he was obliged to resort
+to other means to deter his book-keepers and overseers from violence;
+hence he discharged every man under his control who was known to strike
+an apprentice. He does not think that the apprenticeship will be a means
+of preparing the negroes for freedom, nor does he believe that they
+_need_ any preparation. He should have apprehended no danger, had
+emancipation taken place in 1834.
+
+At nine o'clock we sat down to breakfast. Our places were assigned at
+opposite sides of the table, between Col. B. and Mr. C. To an American
+eye, we presented a singular spectacle. A wealthy planter, a member of
+the legislative council, sitting at the breakfast table with a colored
+man, whose mother was a negress of the most unmitigated hue, and who
+himself showed a head of hair as curly as his mother's! But this colored
+guest was treated with all that courtesy and attention to which his
+intelligence, worth and accomplished manners so justly entitle him.
+
+About noon, we left Edgecome, and drove two miles farther, to Horton--an
+estate owned by Foster Clarke, Esq., an attorney for twenty-two estates,
+who is now temporarily residing in England. The intelligent manager of
+Horton received us and our colored companion, with characteristic
+hospitality. Like every one else, he told us that the apprenticeship was
+far better than slavery, though he was looking forward to the still
+better system, entire freedom.
+
+After we had taken a lunch, Mr. Cummins invited our host to take a seat,
+with us in his carriage, and we drove across the country to Drax Hall.
+Drax Hall is the largest estate in the island--consisting of eight
+hundred acres. The manager of this estate confirmed the testimony of the
+Barbadian planters in every important particular.
+
+From Drax Hall we returned to Bridgetown, accompanied by our friend
+Cummins.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+TESTIMONY OF SPECIAL MAGISTRATES, POLICE OFFICERS, CLERGYMEN, AND
+MISSIONARIES.
+
+Next in weight to the testimony of the planters is that of the special
+magistrates. Being officially connected with the administration of the
+apprenticeship system, and tire adjudicators in all difficulties between
+master and servant, their views of the system and of the conduct of the
+different parties are entitled to special consideration. Our interviews
+with this class of men were frequent during our stay in the island. We
+found them uniformly ready to communicate information, and free to
+express their sentiments.
+
+In Barbadoes there are seven special magistrates, presiding over as many
+districts, marked A, B, C, &c., which include the whole of the
+apprentice population, praedial and non-praedial. These districts
+embrace an average of twelve thousand apprentices--some more and some
+less. All the complaints and difficulties which arise among that number
+of apprentices and their masters, overseers and book-keepers, are
+brought before the single magistrate presiding in the district in which
+they occur. From the statement of this fact it will appear in the outset
+either that the special magistrates have an incalculable amount of
+business to transact, or that the conduct of the apprentices is
+wonderfully peaceable. But more of this again.
+
+About a week following our first interview with his excellency, Sir Evan
+McCregor, we received an invitation to dine at Government House with a
+company of gentlemen. On our arrival at six o'clock, we were conducted
+into a large antechamber above the dining hall, where we were soon
+joined by the Solicitor-General, Hon. R.B. Clarke. Dr. Clarke, a
+physician, Maj. Colthurst, Capt. Hamilton, and Mr. Galloway, special
+magistrates. The appearance of the Governor about an hour afterwards,
+was the signal for an adjournment to dinner.
+
+Slavery and emancipation were the engrossing topics during the evening.
+As our conversation was for the most part general, we were enabled to
+gather at the same time the opinions of all the persons present. There
+was, for aught we heard or could see to the contrary, an entire
+unanimity of sentiment. In the course of the evening we gathered the
+following facts and testimony:
+
+1. All the company testified to the benefits of abolition. It was
+affirmed that the island was never in so prosperous a condition as
+at present.
+
+2. The estates generally are better cultivated than they were during
+slavery. Said one of the magistrates:
+
+"If, gentlemen, you would see for yourselves the evidences of our
+successful cultivation, you need but to travel in any part of the
+country, and view the superabundant crops which are now being taken off;
+and if you would satisfy yourselves that emancipation has not been
+ruinous to Barbadoes, only cast your eyes over the land in any
+direction, and see the flourishing condition both of houses and fields:
+every thing is starting into new life."
+
+It as also stated that more work was done during the nine hours required
+by law, than was done during slavery in twelve or fifteen hours, with
+all the driving and goading which were then practised.
+
+3. Offences have not increased, but rather lessened. The
+Solicitor-General remarked, that the comparative state of crime could
+not be ascertained by a mere reference to statistical records, since
+previous to emancipation all offences were summarily punished by the
+planter. Each estate was a little despotism, and the manager took
+cognizance of all the misdemeanors committed among his slaves
+--inflicting such punishment as he thought proper. The public knew
+nothing about the offences of the slaves, unless something very
+atrocious was committed. But since emancipation has taken place, all
+offences, however trivial, come to the light and are recorded. He could
+only give a judgment founded on observation. It was his opinion, that
+there were fewer petty offences, such as thefts, larcenies, &c., than
+during slavery. As for serious crime, it was hardly known in the island.
+The whites enjoy far greater safety of person and property than they
+did formerly.
+
+Maj. Colthurst, who is an Irishman, remarked, that he had long been a
+magistrate or justice of the peace in Ireland, and he was certain that
+at the present ratio of crime in Barbadoes, there would not be as much
+perpetrated in six years to come, as there is in Ireland among an equal
+population in six months. For his part, he had never found in any part
+of the world so peaceable and inoffensive a community.
+
+4. It was the unanimous testimony that there was no disposition among
+the apprentices to revenge injuries committed against them. _They are
+not a revengeful people_, but on the contrary are remarkable for
+forgetting wrongs, particularly when the are succeeded by kindness.
+
+5. The apprentices were described as being generally civil and
+respectful toward their employers. They were said to manifest more
+independence of feeling and action than they did when slaves; but were
+seldom known to be insolent unless grossly insulted or very
+harshly used.
+
+6. Ample testimony was given to the law-abiding character of the
+negroes. When the apprenticeship system was first introduced, they did
+not fully comprehend its provisions, and as they had anticipated entire
+freedom, they were disappointed and dissatisfied. But in a little while
+they became reconciled to the operations of the new system, and have
+since manifested a due subordination to the laws and authorities.
+
+7. There is great desire manifested among them to purchase their
+freedom. Not a week passes without a number of appraisements. Those who
+have purchased their freedom have generally conducted well, and in many
+instances are laboring on the same estates on which they were slaves.
+
+8. There is no difficulty in inducing the apprentices to work on
+Saturday. They are usually willing to work if proper wages are given
+them. If they are not needed on the estates, they either work on their
+own grounds, or on some neighboring estate.
+
+9. The special magistrates were all of the opinion that it would have
+been entirely safe to have emancipated the slaves of Barbadoes in 1834.
+They did not believe that any preparation was needed; but that entire
+emancipation would have been decidedly better than the apprenticeship.
+
+10. The magistrates also stated that the number of complaints brought
+before them was comparatively small, and it was gradually diminishing.
+The offences were of a very trivial nature, mostly cases of slight
+insubordination, such as impertinent replies and disobedience of orders.
+
+11. They stated that they had more trouble with petty overseers and
+managers and small proprietors than with the entire black population.
+
+12. The special magistrates further testified that wherever the planters
+have exercised common kindness and humanity, the apprentices have
+generally conducted peaceably. Whenever there are many complaints from
+one estate, it is presumable that the manager is a bad man.
+
+13. Real estate is much higher throughout the island than it has been
+for many years. A magistrate said that he had heard of an estate which
+had been in market for ten years before abolition and could not find a
+purchaser. In 1835, the year following abolition, it was sold for one
+third more than was asked for it two years before.
+
+14. It was stated that there was not a proprietor in the island, whose
+opinion was of any worth, who would wish to have slavery restored. Those
+who were mostly bitterly opposed to abolition, have become reconciled,
+and are satisfied that the change has been beneficial. The
+Solicitor-General was candid enough to own that he himself was openly
+opposed to emancipation. He had declared publicly and repeatedly while
+the measure was pending in Parliament, that abolition would ruin the
+colonies. But the results had proved so different that he was ashamed of
+his former forebodings. He had no desire ever to see slavery
+re-established.
+
+15. The first of August, 1834, was described as a day of remarkable
+quiet and tranquillity. The Solicitor-General remarked, that there were
+many fears for the results of that first day of abolition. He said he
+arose early that morning, and before eight o'clock rode through the most
+populous part of the island, over an extent of twelve miles. The negroes
+were all engaged in their work as on other days. A stranger riding
+through the island, and ignorant of the event which had taken place that
+morning, would have observed no indications of so extraordinary a
+change. He returned home satisfied that all would work well.
+
+16. The change in 1840 was spoken of as being associated with the most
+sanguine expectations. It was thought that there was more danger to be
+apprehended from the change in 1834. It was stated that there were about
+fifteen thousand non-praedials, who would then be emancipated in
+Barbadoes. This will most likely prove the occasion of much excitement
+and uneasiness, though it is not supposed that any thing serious will
+arise. The hope was expressed that the legislature would effect the
+emancipation of the whole population at that time. One of the
+magistrates informed us that he knew quite a number of planters in his
+district who were willing to liberate their apprentices immediately, but
+they were waiting for a general movement. It was thought that this state
+of feeling was somewhat extensive.
+
+17. The magistrates represented the negroes as naturally confiding and
+docile, yielding readily to the authority of those who are placed over
+them. Maj. Colthurst presides over a district of 9,000 apprentices;
+Capt. Hamilton over a district of 13,000, and Mr. Galloway over the same
+number. There are but three days in the week devoted to hearing and
+settling complaints. It is very evident that in so short a time it would
+be utterly impossible for one man to control and keep in order such a
+number, unless the subjects were of themselves disposed to be peaceable
+and submissive. The magistrates informed us that, notwithstanding the
+extent of their districts, they often did not have more than from a
+dozen to fifteen complaints in a week.
+
+We were highly gratified with the liberal spirit and the intelligence of
+the special magistrates. Major Colthurst is a gentleman of far more than
+ordinary pretensions to refinement and general information. He was in
+early life a justice of the peace in Ireland, he was afterwards a juror
+in his Majesty's service, and withal, has been an extensive traveller.
+Fifteen years ago he travelled in the United States, and passed through
+several of the slaveholding states, where he was shocked with the
+abominations of slavery. He was persuaded that slavery was worse in our
+country, than it has been for many years in the West Indies. Captain
+Hamilton was formerly an officer in the British navy. He seems quite
+devoted to his business, and attached to the interests of the
+apprentices. Mr. Galloway is a _colored_ gentleman, highly respected for
+his talents. Mr. G. informed us that _prejudice_ against color was
+rapidly diminishing--and that the present Governor was doing all in his
+power to discountenance it.
+
+The company spoke repeatedly of the _noble act of abolition, by which
+Great Britain had immortalized her name more than by all the
+achievements of her armies and navies._
+
+The warmest wishes were expressed for the abolition of slavery in the
+United States. All said they should rejoice when the descendants of
+Great Britain should adopt the noble example of their mother country.
+They hailed the present anti-slavery movements. Said the
+Solicitor-General, "We were once strangely opposed to the English
+anti-slavery party, but now we sympathize with you. Since slavery is
+abolished to our own colonies, and we see the good which results from
+the measure, we go for abolition throughout the world. Go on, gentlemen,
+we are with you; _we are all sailing in the same vessel._"
+
+Being kindly invited by Captain Hamilton, during our interview with him
+at the government house, to call on him and attend his court, we availed
+ourselves of his invitation a few days afterwards. We left Bridgetown
+after breakfast, and as it chanced to be Saturday, we had a fine
+opportunity of seeing the people coming into market. They were strung
+all along the road for six miles, so closely, that there was scarcely a
+minute at any time in which we did not pass them. As far as the eye
+could reach there were files of men and women, moving peaceably forward.
+From the cross paths leading through the estates, the busy marketers
+were pouring into the highway. To their heads as usual was committed the
+safe conveyance of the various commodities. It was amusing to observe
+the almost infinite diversity of products which loaded them. There were
+sweet potatoes, yams, eddoes, Guinea and Indian corn, various fruits and
+berries, vegetables, nuts, cakes, bottled beer and empty bottles,
+bundles of sugar cane, bundles of fire wood, &c. &c. Here was one woman
+(the majority were females, as usual with the marketers in these
+islands) with a small black pig doubled up under her arm. Another girl
+had a brood of young chickens, with nest, coop, and all, on her head.
+Further along the road we were specially attracted by a woman who was
+trudging with an immense turkey elevated on her head. He quite filled
+the tray; head and tail projecting beyond its bounds. He advanced, as
+was very proper, head foremost, and it was irresistibly laughable to see
+him ever and anon stretch out his neck and peep under the tray, as
+though he would discover by what manner of locomotive it was that he got
+along so fast while his own legs were tied together.
+
+Of the hundreds whom we past, there were very few who were not well
+dressed, healthy, and apparently in good spirits. We saw nothing
+indecorous, heard no vile language, and witnessed no violence.
+
+About four miles from town, we observed on the side of the road a small
+grove of shade trees. Numbers of the marketers were seated there, or
+lying in the cool shade with their trays beside them. It seemed to be a
+sort of rendezvous place, where those going to, and those returning from
+town, occasionally halt for a time for the purpose of resting, and to
+tell and hear news concerning the state of the market. And why should
+not these travelling merchants have an exchange as well as the
+stationary ones of Bridgetown?
+
+On reaching the station-house, which is about six miles from town, we
+learned that Saturday was not one of the court days. We accordingly
+drove to Captain Hamilton's residence. _He stated that during the week
+he had only six cases of complaint among the thirteen thousand
+apprentices embraced in his district._ Saturday is the day set apart for
+the apprentices to visit him at his house for advice on any points
+connected with their duties. He had several calls while we were with
+him. One was from the mother of an apprentice girl who had been
+committed for injuring the master's son. She came to inform Captain H.
+that the girl had been whipped twice contrary to law, before her
+commitment. Captain H. stated that the girl had said nothing about this
+at the time of her trial; if she had, she would in all probability have
+been _set free_, instead of being _committed to prison_. He remarked
+that he had no question but there were numerous cases of flogging on the
+estates which never came to light. The sufferers were afraid to inform
+against their masters, lest they should be treated still worse. The
+opportunity which he gave them of coming, to him one day in the week for
+private advice, was the means of exposing many outrages which would
+otherwise he unheard of: He observed that there were not a few whom he
+had liberated on account of the cruelty of their masters.
+
+Captain H. stated that the apprentices were much disposed to purchase
+their freedom. To obtain money to pay for themselves they practice the
+most severe economy and self-denial in the very few indulgences which
+the law grants them. They sometimes resort to deception to depreciate
+their value with the appraisers. He mentioned an instance of a man who
+lead for many years been an overseer on a large estate. Wishing to
+purchase himself, and knowing that his master valued him very highly, he
+permitted his beard to grow; gave his face a wrinkled and haggard
+appearance, and bound a handkerchief about his head. His clothes were
+suffered to become ragged and dirty, and he began to feign great
+weakness in his limbs, and to complain of a "misery all down his back."
+He soon appeared marked with all the signs of old age and decrepitude.
+In this plight, and leaning on a stick, he hobbled up to the
+station-house one day, and requested to be appraised. He was appraised
+at L10, which he immediately paid. A short time afterwards, he engaged
+himself to a proprietor to manage a small estate for L30 per year in
+cash and his own maintenance, all at once grew vigorous again; and is
+prospering finely. Many of the masters in turn practice deception to
+prevent the apprentices from buying themselves, or to make them pay the
+very highest sum for their freedom. They extol their virtues--they are
+every thing that is excellent and valuable--their services on the estate
+are indispensable no one can fill their places. By such
+misrepresentations they often get an exorbitant price for the remainder
+of the term--more, sometimes, than they could have obtained for them for
+life while they were slaves.
+
+From Captain H.'s we returned to the station-house, the keeper of which
+conducted us over the buildings, and showed us the cells of the prison.
+The house contains the office and private room of the magistrate, and
+the guard-room, below, and chambers for the police men above. There are
+sixteen solitary cells, and two large rooms for those condemned to hard
+labour--one for females and the other for males. There were at that time
+seven in the solitary cells, and twenty-four employed in labor on the
+roads. This is more than usual. The average number is twenty in all.
+When it is considered that most of the commitments are for trivial
+offences, and that the district contains thirteen thousand apprentices,
+certainly we have grounds to conclude that the state of morals in
+Barbadoes is decidedly superior to that in our own country.
+
+The whole police force for this district is composed of seventeen
+horsemen, four footmen, a sergeant, and the keeper. It was formerly
+greater but has been reduced within the past year.
+
+The keeper informed us that he found the apprentices, placed under his
+care, very easily controlled. They sometimes attempt to escape; but
+there has been no instance of revolt or insubordination. The island, he
+said, was peaceable, and were it not for the petty complaints of the
+overseers, nearly the whole police force might be disbanded. As for
+insurrection, he laughed at the idea of it. It was feared before
+abolition, but now no one thought of it. All but two or three of the
+policemen at this station are black and colored men.
+
+
+
+STATION-HOUSE AT DISTRICT A.
+
+Being disappointed in our expectations of witnessing some trials at the
+station-house in Captain Hamilton's district (B,) we visited the court
+in district A, where Major Colthurst presides. Major C. was in the midst
+of a trial when we entered, and we did not learn fully the nature of the
+case then pending. We were immediately invited within the bar, whence we
+had a fair view of all that passed.
+
+There were several complaints made and tried, during our stay. We give a
+brief account of them, as they will serve as specimens of the cases
+usually brought before the special magistrates.
+
+I. The first was a complaint made by a colored lady, apparently not more
+than twenty, against a colored girl--her domestic apprentice. The charge
+was insolence, and disobedience of orders. The complainant said that the
+girl was exceedingly insolent--no one could imagine how insolent she had
+been--it was beyond endurance. She seemed wholly unable to find words
+enough to express the superlative insolence of her servant. The justice
+requested her to particularize. Upon this, she brought out several
+specific charges such as, first, That the girl brought a candle to her
+one evening, and wiped her greasy fingers on her (the girl's) gown:
+second, That one morning she refused to bring some warm water, as
+commanded, to pour on a piece of flannel, until she had finished some
+other work that she was doing at the time; third, That the same morning
+she delayed coming into her chamber as usual to dress her, and when she
+did come, she sung, and on being told to shut her mouth, she replied
+that her mouth was her own, and that she would sing when she pleased;
+and fourth, That she had said in her mistress's hearing that she would
+be glad when she was freed. These several charges being sworn to, the
+girl was sentenced to four days' solitary confinement, but at the
+request of her mistress, she was discharged on promise of amendment.
+
+II. The second complaint was against an apprentice-man by his master,
+for absence from work. He had leave to go to the funeral of his mother,
+and he did not return until after the time allowed him by his master.
+The man was sentence to imprisonment.
+
+III. The third complaint was against a woman for singing and making a
+disturbance in the field. Sentenced to six days' solitary confinement.
+
+IV. An apprentice was brought up for not doing his work well. He was a
+mason, and was employed in erecting an arch on one of the public roads.
+This case excited considerable interest. The apprentice was represented
+by his master to be a praedial--the master testified on oath that he was
+registered as a praedial; but in the course of the examination it was
+proved that he had always been a mason; that he had labored at that
+trade from his boyhood, and that he knew 'nothing about the hoe,' having
+never worked an hour in the field. This was sufficient to prove that he
+was a non-praedial, and of course entitled to liberty two years sooner
+than he would have been as a praedial. As this matter came up
+incidentally, it enraged the master exceedingly. He fiercely reiterated
+his charge against the apprentice, who, on his part, averred that he did
+his work as well as he could. The master manifested the greatest
+excitement and fury during the trial. At one time, because the
+apprentice disputed one of his assertions, he raised his clenched fist
+over him, and threatened, with an oath, to knock him down. The
+magistrate was obliged to threaten him severely before he would
+keep quiet.
+
+The defendant was ordered to prison to be tried the next day, time being
+given to make further inquiries about his being a praedial.
+
+V. The next case was a complaint against an apprentice, for leaving his
+place in the boiling house without asking permission. It appeared that
+he had been unwell during the evening, _and at half past ten o'clock at
+night_, being attacked more severely, he left for a few moments,
+expecting to return. He, however, was soon taken so ill that the could
+not go back, but was obliged to lie down on the ground, where he
+remained until twelve o'clock, when he recovered sufficiently to creep
+home. His sickness was proved by a fellow apprentice, and indeed his
+appearance at the bar clearly evinced it. He was punished by several
+days imprisonment. With no little astonishment in view of such a
+decision, we inquired of Maj. C. whether the planters had the power to
+require their people to work as late as half past ten at night. He
+replied, "Certainly, _the crops must be secured at any rate, and if they
+are suffering, the people must be pressed the harder_."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: We learned subsequently from various authentic sources,
+that the master has _not_ the power to compel his apprentices to labor
+more than nine hours per day on any condition, except in case of a fire,
+or some similar emergency. If the call for labor in crop-time was to be
+set down as an emergency similar to a "fire," and if in official
+decisions he took equal latitude, alas for the poor apprentices!]
+
+VI. The last case was a complaint against a man for not keeping up good
+fires under the boilers. He stoutly denied the charge; said he built as
+good fires as he could. He kept stuffing in the trash, and if it would
+not burn he could not help it. He was sentenced to imprisonment.
+
+Maj. C. said that these complaints were a fair specimen of the cases
+that came up daily, save that there were many more frivolous and
+ridiculous. By the trials which we witnessed we were painfully impressed
+with two things:
+
+1st. That the magistrate, with all his regard for the rights and welfare
+of the apprentices, showed a great and inexcusable partiality for the
+masters. The patience and consideration with which he heard the
+complaints of the latter, the levity with which he regarded the defence
+of the former, the summary manner in which he despatched the cases, and
+the character of some of his decisions, manifested no small degree of
+favoritism.
+
+2d That the whole proceedings of the special magistrates' courts are
+eminently calculated to perpetuate bad feeling between the masters and
+apprentices. The court-room is a constant scene of angry dispute between
+these parties. The master exhausts his store of abuse and violence upon
+the apprentice, and the apprentice, emboldened by the place, and
+provoked by the abuse, retorts in language which he would never think of
+using on the estate, and thus, whatever may be the decision of the
+magistrate, the parties return home with feelings more embittered
+than ever.
+
+There were twenty-six persons imprisoned at the station-house,
+twenty-four were at hard labor, and two were in solitary confinement.
+The keeper of the prison said, he had no difficulty in managing the
+prisoners. The keeper is a colored man, and so also is the sergeant and
+most of the policemen.
+
+We visited one other station-house, in a distant part of the island,
+situated in the district over which Captain Cuppage presides. We
+witnessed several trials there which were similar in frivolity and
+meanness to those detailed above. We were shocked with the mockery of
+justice, and the indifference to the interests of the negro apparent in
+the course of the magistrate. It seemed that little more was necessary
+than for the manager or overseer to make his complaint and swear to it,
+and the apprentice was forthwith condemned to punishment.
+
+We never saw a set of men in whose countenances fierce passions of every
+name were so strongly marked as in the overseers and managers who were
+assembled at the station-houses. Trained up to use the whip and to
+tyrannize over the slaves, their grim and evil expression accorded with
+their hateful occupation.
+
+Through the kindness of a friend in Bridgetown we were favored with an
+interview with Mr. Jones, the superintendent of the rural police--the
+whole body of police excepting those stationed in the town. Mr. J. has
+been connected with the police since its first establishment in 1834. He
+assured us that there was nothing in the local peculiarities of the
+island, nor in the character of its population, which forbade immediate
+emancipation in August, 1834. He had no doubt it would be perfectly safe
+and decidedly profitable to the colony.
+
+2. The good or bad working of the apprenticeship depends mainly on the
+conduct of the masters. He was well acquainted with the character and
+disposition of the negroes throughout the island, and he was ready to
+say, that if disturbances should arise either before or after 1840, it
+would be because the people were goaded on to desperation by the
+planters, and not because they sought disturbance themselves.
+
+3. Mr. J. declared unhesitatingly that crime had not increased since
+abolition, but rather the contrary.
+
+4. He represented the special magistrates as the friends of the
+planters. They loved the _dinners_ which they got at the planters'
+houses. The apprentices had no sumptuous dinners to give them. The
+magistrates felt under very little obligation of any kind to assert the
+cause of the apprentice and secure him justice, while they were under
+very strong temptations to favor the master.
+
+5. Real estate had increased in value nearly fifty per cent since
+abolition. There is such entire security of property, and the crops
+since 1834 have been so flattering, that capitalists from abroad are
+desirous of investing their funds in estates or merchandise. All are
+making high calculations for the future.
+
+6. Mr. J. testified that marriages had greatly increased since
+abolition. He had seen a dozen couples standing at one time on the
+church floor. There had, he believed, been more marriages within the
+last three years among the negro population, than have occurred before
+since the settlement of the island.
+
+We conclude this chapter by subjoining two highly interesting documents
+from special magistrates. They were kindly furnished us by the authors
+in pursuance of an order from his excellency the Governor, authorizing
+the special magistrates to give us any official statements which we
+might desire. Being made acquainted with these instructions from the
+Governor, we addressed written queries to Major Colthurst and Captain
+Hamilton. We insert their replies at length.
+
+COMMUNICATION FROM MAJOR COLTHURST, SPECIAL MAGISTRATE.
+
+The following fourteen questions on the working of the apprenticeship
+system in this colony were submitted to me on the 30th of March, 1837,
+requesting answers thereto.
+
+1. What is the number of apprenticed laborers in your district, and what
+is their character compared with other districts?
+
+The number of apprenticed laborers, of all ages, in my district, in nine
+thousand four hundred and eighty, spread over two hundred and
+ninety-seven estates of various descriptions--some very large, and
+others again very small--much the greater number consisting of small
+lots in the near neighborhood of Bridgetown. Perhaps my district, in
+consequence of this minute subdivision of property, and its contact with
+the town, is the most troublesome district in the island; and the
+character of the apprentices differs consequently from that in the more
+rural districts, where not above half the complaints are made. I
+attribute this to their almost daily intercourse with Bridgetown.
+
+2. What is the state of agriculture in the island?
+
+When the _planters themselves_ admit that general cultivation was
+_never_ in a better state, and the plantations extremely clean, _it is
+more than presumptive_ proof that agriculture generally is in a most
+prosperous condition. The vast crop of canes grown this year proves this
+fact. Other crops are also luxuriant.
+
+3. Is there any difficulty occasioned by the apprentices refusing to
+work?
+
+No difficulty whatever has been experienced by the refusal of the
+apprentices to work. This is done manfully and cheerfully, when they are
+treated with humanity and consideration by the masters or managers. I
+have never known an instance to the contrary.
+
+4. Are the apprentices willing to work in their own time?
+
+The apprentices are most willing to work in their own time.
+
+5. What is the number and character of the complaints brought before
+you--are they increasing or otherwise?
+
+The number of complaints brought before me, during the last quarter, are
+much fewer than during the corresponding quarter of the last year. Their
+character is also greatly improved. Nine complaints out of ten made
+lately to me are for small impertinences or saucy answers, which,
+considering the former and present position of the parties, is naturally
+to be expected. The number of such complaints is much diminished.
+
+6. What is the state of crime among the apprentices?
+
+What is usually denominated crime in the old countries, is by no means
+frequent among the blacks or colored persons. It is amazing how few
+material breaches of the law occur in so extraordinary a community. Some
+few cases of crime do occasionally arise;--but when it is considered
+that the population of this island is nearly as dense as that of any
+part of China, and wholly uneducated, either by precept or example, this
+absence of frequent crime excites our wonder, and is highly creditable
+to the negroes. I sincerely believe there is no such person, of that
+class called at home an accomplished villain, to be found in the whole
+island.--Having discharged the duties of a general justice of the peace
+in Ireland, for above twenty-four years, where crimes of a very
+aggravated nature were perpetrated almost daily. I cannot help
+contrasting the situation of that country with this colony, where I do
+not hesitate to say perfect tranquillity exists.
+
+7. Have the apprentices much respect for law?
+
+It is perhaps, difficult to answer this question satisfactorily, as it
+has been so short a time since they enjoyed the blessing of equal laws.
+To appreciate just laws, time, and the experience of the benefit arising
+from them must be felt. That the apprentices do not, to any material
+extent, _outrage_ the law, is certain; and hence it may be inferred that
+they respect it.
+
+8. Do you find a spirit of revenge among the negroes?
+
+From my general knowledge of the negro character in other countries, as
+well as the study of it here, I do not consider them by any means a
+revengeful people. Petty dislikes are frequent, but any thing like a
+deep spirit of revenge for former injuries does not exist, nor is it for
+one moment to be dreaded.
+
+9. Is there any sense of insecurity arising from emancipation?
+
+Not the most remote feeling of insecurity exists arising from
+emancipation; far the contrary. All sensible and reasonable men think
+the prospects before them most cheering, and would not go back to the
+old system on any account whatever. There are some, however, who croak
+and forebode evil; but they are few in number, and of no
+intelligence,--such as are to be found in every community.
+
+10. What is the prospect for 1840?--for 1838?
+
+This question is answered I hope satisfactorily above. On the
+termination of the two periods no evil is to be reasonably anticipated,
+with the exception of a few days' idleness.
+
+11. Are the planters generally satisfied with the apprenticeship, or
+would they return back to the old system?
+
+The whole body of respectable planters are fully satisfied with the
+apprenticeship, and would not go back to the old system on any account
+whatever. A few young managers, whose opinions are utterly worthless,
+would perhaps have no objection to be put again into their puny
+authority.
+
+12. Do you think it would have been dangerous for the slaves in this
+island to have been entirely emancipated in 1834?
+
+I do not think it would have been productive of danger, had the slaves
+of this island been fully emancipated in 1834; which is proved by what
+has taken place in another colony.
+
+13. Has emancipation been a decided blessing to this island, or has it
+been otherwise?
+
+Emancipation has been, under God, the greatest blessing ever conferred
+upon this island. All good and respectable men fully admit it. This is
+manifest throughout the whole progress of this mighty change. Whatever
+may be said of the vast benefit conferred upon the slaves, in right
+judgment the slave owner was the greatest gainer after all.
+
+14. Are the apprentices disposed to purchase their freedom? How have
+those conducted themselves who have purchased it?
+
+The apprentices are inclined to purchase their discharge, particularly
+when misunderstandings occur with their masters. When they obtain their
+discharge they generally labor in the trades and occupations they were
+previously accustomed to, and conduct themselves well. The discharged
+apprentices seldom take to drinking. Indeed the negro and colored
+population are the most temperate persons I ever knew of their class.
+The experience of nearly forty years in various public situations,
+confirms me in this very important fact.
+
+The answers I have had the honor to give to the questions submitted to
+me, have been given most conscientiously, and to the best of my judgment
+are a faithful picture of the working of the apprenticeship in this
+island, as far as relates to the inquiries made.--_John B. Colthurst,
+Special Justice of the Peace, District A. Rural Division_.
+
+COMMUNICATION FROM CAPT. HAMILTON.
+
+Barbadoes, April 4th, 1837.
+
+Gentlemen,
+
+Presuming that you have kept a copy of the questions[A] you sent me, I
+shall therefore only send the answers.
+
+[Footnote A: The same interrogatories were propounded to Capt. Hamilton
+which have been already inserted in Major Colthurst's communication.]
+
+1. There are at present five thousand nine hundred and thirty male, and
+six thousand six hundred and eighty-nine female apprentices in my
+district, (B,) which comprises a part of the parishes of Christ Church
+and St. George. Their conduct, compared with the neighboring
+districts, is good.
+
+2. The state of agriculture is very flourishing. Experienced planters
+acknowledge that it is generally far superior to what it was
+during slavery.
+
+3. Where the managers are kind and temperate, they have not any trouble
+with the laborers.
+
+4. The apprentices are generally willing to work for wages in their own
+time.
+
+5. The average number of complaints tried by me, last year, ending
+December, was one thousand nine hundred and thirty-two. The average
+number of apprentices in the district during that time was twelve
+thousand seven hundred. Offences, generally speaking, are not of any
+magnitude. They do not increase, but fluctuate according to the season
+of the year.
+
+6. The state of crime is not so bad by any means as we might have
+expected among the negroes--just released from such a degrading bondage.
+Considering the state of ignorance in which they have been kept, and the
+immoral examples set them by the lower class of whites, it is matter of
+astonishment that they should behave so well.
+
+7. The apprentices would have a great respect for law, were it not for
+the erroneous proceedings of the managers, overseers, &c., in taking
+them before the magistrates for every petty offence, and often abusing
+the magistrate in the presence of the apprentices, when his decision
+does not please them. The consequence is, that the apprentices too often
+get indifferent to law, and have been known to say that they cared not
+about going to prison, and that they would do just as they did before as
+soon as they were released.
+
+8. The apprentices in this colony are generally considered a peaceable
+race. All acts of revenge committed by them originate in jealousy, as,
+for instance, between husband and wife.
+
+9. Not the slightest sense of insecurity. As a proof of this, property
+has, since the commencement of the apprenticeship, increased in value
+considerably--at least one third.
+
+10. The change which will take place in 1838, in my opinion, will
+occasion a great deal of discontent among those called praedials--which
+will not subside for some months. They ought to have been all
+emancipated at the same period. I cannot foresee any bad effects that
+will ensue from the change in 1840, except those mentioned hereafter.
+
+11. The most prejudiced planters would not return to the old system if
+they possibly could. They admit that they get more work from the
+laborers than they formerly did, and they are relieved from a great
+responsibility.
+
+12. It is my opinion that if entire emancipation had taken place in
+1834, no more difficulty would have followed beyond what we may
+naturally expect in 1810. It will then take two or three months before
+the emancipated people finally settle themselves. I do not consider the
+apprentice more fit or better prepared for entire freedom now than he
+was in 1834.
+
+13. I consider, most undoubtedly, that emancipation has been a decided
+blessing to the colony.
+
+14. They are much disposed to purchase the remainder of the
+apprenticeship term. Their conduct after they become free is good.
+
+I hope the foregoing answers and information may be of service to you in
+your laudable pursuits, for which I wish you every success.
+
+I am, gentlemen, your ob't serv't,
+
+_Jos. Hamilton, Special Justice_.
+
+TESTIMONY OF CLERGYMEN AND MISSIONARIES.
+
+There are three religious denominations at the present time in
+Barbadoes--Episcopalians, Wesleyans, and Moravians. The former have
+about twenty clergymen, including the bishop and archdeacon. The bishop
+was absent during our visit, and we did not see him; but as far as we
+could learn, while in some of his political measures, as a member of the
+council, he has benefited the colored population, his general influence
+has been unfavorable to their moral and spiritual welfare. He has
+discountenanced and defeated several attempts made by his rectors and
+curates to abolish the odious distinctions of color in their churches.
+
+We were led to form an unfavorable opinion of the Bishop's course, from
+observing among the intelligent and well-disposed classes of colored
+people, the current use of the phrase, "bishop's man," and "no bishop's
+man," applied to different rectors and curates. Those that they were
+averse to, either as pro-slavery or pro-prejudice characters, they
+usually branded as "bishop's men," while those whom they esteemed their
+friends, they designated as "no bishop's men."
+
+The archdeacon has already been introduced to the reader. We enjoyed
+several interviews with him, and were constrained to admire him for his
+integrity, independence and piety. He spoke in terms of strong
+condemnation of slavery, and of the apprenticeship system. He was a
+determined advocate of entire and immediate emancipation, both from
+principle and policy. He also discountenanced prejudice, both in the
+church and in the social circle. The first time we had the pleasure of
+meeting him was at the house of a colored gentleman in Bridgetown where
+we were breakfasting. He called in incidentally, while we were sitting
+at table, and exhibited all the familiarity of a frequent visitant.
+
+One of the most worthy and devoted men whom we met in Barbadoes was the
+Rev. Mr. Cummins, curate of St. Paul's church, in Bridgetown. The first
+Sabbath after our arrival at the island we attended his church. It is
+emphatically a free church. Distinctions of color are nowhere
+recognized. There is the most complete intermingling of colors
+throughout the house. In one pew were seen a family of whites, in the
+next a family of colored people, and in the next perhaps a family of
+blacks. In the same pews white and colored persons sat side by side. The
+floor and gallery presented the same promiscuous blending of hues and
+shades. We sat in a pew with white and colored people. In the pew before
+and in that behind us the sitting was equally indiscriminate. The
+audience was kneeling in their morning devotions when we entered, and we
+were struck with the different colors bowing side by side as we passed
+down the aisles. There is probably no clergyman in the island who has
+secured so perfectly the affections of his people as Mr. C. He is of
+course "no bishop's man." He is constantly employed in promoting the
+spiritual and moral good of his people, of whatever complexion. The
+annual examination of the Sabbath school connected with St. Paul's
+occurred while we were in the island, and we were favored with the
+privilege of attending it. There were about three hundred pupils
+present, of all ages, from fifty down to three years. There were all
+colors--white, tawny, and ebon black. The white children were classed
+with the colored and black, in utter violation of those principles of
+classification in vogue throughout the Sabbath schools of our own
+country. The examination was chiefly conducted by Mr. Cummins. At the
+close of the examination about fifty of the girls, and among them the
+daughter of Mr. Cummins, were arranged in front of the altar, with the
+female teachers in the rear of them, and all united in singing a hymn
+written for the occasion. Part of the teachers were colored and part
+white, as were also the scholars, and they stood side by side, mingled
+promiscuously together. This is altogether the best Sabbath school in
+the island.
+
+After the exercises were closed, we were introduced, by a colored
+gentleman who accompanied us to the examination, to Mr. Cummins, the
+Rev. Mr. Packer, and the Rev. Mr. Rowe, master of the public school in
+Bridgetown. By request of Mr. C., we accompanied him to his house, where
+we enjoyed an interview with him and the other gentlemen, just
+mentioned. Mr. C. informed us that his Sabbath school was commenced in
+1833; but was quite small and inefficient until after 1834. It now
+numbers more than four hundred scholars. Mr. C. spoke of prejudice. It
+had wonderfully decreased within the last three years. He said he could
+scarcely credit the testimony of his own senses, when he looked around
+on the change which had taken place. Many now associate with colored
+persons, and sit with them in the church, who once would have scorned to
+be found near them. Mr. C. and the other clergymen stated, that there
+had been an increase of places of worship and of clergymen since
+abolition. All the churches are now crowded, and there is a growing
+demand for more. The negroes manifest an increasing desire for religious
+instruction. In respect to morals, they represent the people as being
+greatly improved. They spoke of the general respect which was now paid
+to the institution of marriage among the negroes, Mr. C. said, he was
+convinced that the blacks had as much natural talent and capacity for
+learning as the whites. He does not know any difference. Mr. Pocker, who
+was formerly rector of St. Thomas' parish, and has been a public teacher
+of children of all colors, expressed the same opinion. Mr. Rowe said,
+that before he took charge of the white school, he was the teacher of
+one of the free schools for blacks, and he testified that the latter has
+just as much capacity for acquiring any kind of knowledge, as much
+inquisitiveness, and ingenuity, as the former.
+
+Accompanied by an intelligent gentleman of Bridgetown, we visited two
+flourishing schools for colored children, connected with the Episcopal
+church, and under the care of the Bishop. In the male school, there were
+one hundred and ninety-five scholars, under the superintendence of one
+master, who is himself a black man, and was educated and trained up in
+the same school. He is assisted by several of his scholars, as monitors
+and teachers. It was, altogether, the best specimen of a well-regulated
+school which we saw in the West Indies.
+
+The present instructor has had charge of the school two years. It has
+increased considerably since abolition. Before the first of August,
+1834, the whole number of names on the catalogue was a little above one
+hundred, and the average attendance was seventy-five. The number
+immediately increased, and new the average attendance is above two
+hundred. Of this number at least sixty are the children of apprentices.
+
+We visited also the infant school, established but two weeks previous.
+Mr. S. the teacher, who has been for many years an instructor, says he
+finds them as apt to learn as any children he ever taught. He said he
+was surprised to see how soon the instructions of the school-room were
+carried to the homes of the children, and caught up by their parents.
+
+The very first night after the school closed, in passing through the
+streets, he heard the children repeating what they had been taught, and
+the parents learning the songs from their children's lips Mr. S. has a
+hundred children already in his school, and additions were making daily.
+He found among the negro parents much interest in the school.
+
+WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES.
+
+We called on the Rev. Mr. Fidler, the superintendent of the Wesleyan
+missions in Barbadoes. Mr. F. resides in Bridgetown, and preaches mostly
+in the chapel in town. He has been in the West Indies twelve years, and
+in Barbadoes about two years. Mr. F. informed us that there were three
+Wesleyan missionaries in the island, besides four or five local
+preachers, one of whom is a black man. There are about one thousand
+members belonging to their body, the greater part of whom live in town.
+Two hundred and thirty-five were added during the year 1836, being by
+far the largest number added in any one year since they began their
+operations in the island.
+
+A brief review of the history of the Wesleyan Methodists in Barbadoes,
+will serve to show the great change which has been taking place in
+public sentiment respecting the labors of missionaries. In the year
+1823, not long after the establishment of the Wesleyan church in the
+island, the chapel in Bridgetown was destroyed by a mob. Not one stone
+was left upon another. They carried the fragments for miles away from
+the site, and scattered them about in every direction, so that the
+chapel might never be rebuilt. Some of the instigators and chief actors
+in this outrage, were "gentlemen of property and standing," residents of
+Bridgetown. The first morning after the outrage began, the mob sought
+for the Rev. Mr. Shrewsbury, the missionary, threatening his life, and
+he was obliged to flee precipitately from the island, with his wife. He
+was hunted like a wild beast, and it is thought that he would have been
+torn in pieces if he had been found. Not an effort or a movement was
+made to quell the mob, during their assault upon the chapel. The first
+men of the island connived at the violence--secretly rejoicing in what
+they supposed would be the extermination of Methodism from the country.
+The governor, Sir Henry Ward, utterly refused to interfere, and would
+not suffer the militia to repair to the spot, though a mere handful of
+soldiers could have instantaneously routed the whole assemblage.
+
+The occasion of this riot was partly the efforts made by the Wesleyans
+to instruct the negroes, and still more the circumstance of a letter
+being written by Mr. Shrewsbury, and published in an English paper,
+which contained some severe strictures on the morals of the Barbadians.
+A planter informed us that the riot grew out of a suspicion that Mr. S.
+was "leagued with the Wilberforce party in England."
+
+Since the re-establishment of Wesleyanism in this island, it has
+continued to struggle against the opposition of the Bishop, and most of
+the clergy, and against the inveterate prejudices of nearly the whole of
+the white community. The missionaries have been discouraged, and in many
+instances absolutely prohibited from preaching on the estates. These
+circumstances have greatly retarded the progress of religious
+instruction through their means. But this state of things had been very
+much altered since the abolition of slavery. There are several estates
+now open to the missionaries. Mr. F. mentioned several places in the
+country, where he was then purchasing land, and erecting chapels. He
+also stated, that one man, who aided in pulling down the chapel in 1823,
+had offered ground for a new chapel, and proffered the free use of a
+building near by, for religious meetings and a school, till it could
+be erected.
+
+The Wesleyan chapel in Bridgetown is a spacious building, well filled
+with worshippers every Sabbath. We attended service there frequently,
+and observed the same indiscriminate sitting of the various colors,
+which is described in the account of St. Paul's church.
+
+The Wesleyan missionaries have stimulated the clergy to greater
+diligence and faithfulness, and have especially induced them to turn
+their attention to the negro population more than they did formerly.
+
+There are several local preachers connected with the Wesleyan mission in
+Barbadoes, who have been actively laboring to promote religion among the
+apprentices. Two of these are converted soldiers in his Majesty's
+service--acting sergeants of the troops stationed in the island. While
+we were in Barbadoes, these pious men applied for a discharge from the
+army, intending to devote themselves exclusively to the work of teaching
+and preaching. Another of the local preachers is a negro man, of
+considerable talent and exalted piety, highly esteemed among his
+missionary brethren for his labors of love.
+
+THE MORAVIAN MISSION.
+
+Of the Moravians, we learned but little. Circumstances unavoidably
+prevented us from visiting any of the stations, and also from calling on
+any of the missionaries. We were informed that there were three stations
+in the island, one in Bridgetown, and two in the country, and we learned
+in general terms, that the few missionaries there were laboring with
+their characteristic devotedness, assiduity, and self-denial, for the
+spiritual welfare of the negro population.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+COLORED POPULATION.
+
+The colored, or as they were termed previous to abolition, by way of
+distinction, the free colored population, amount in Barbadoes to nearly
+thirty thousand. They are composed chiefly of the mixed race, whose
+paternal connection, though illegitimate, secured to them freedom at
+their birth, and subsequently the advantages of an education more or
+less extensive. There are some blacks among them, however, who were free
+born, or obtained their freedom at an early period, and have since, by
+great assiduity, attained an honorable standing.
+
+During our stay in Barbadoes, we had many invitations to the houses of
+colored gentlemen, of which we were glad to avail ourselves whenever it
+was possible. At an early period after our arrival, we were invited to
+dine with Thomas Harris, Esq. He politely sent his chaise for us, as he
+resided about a mile from our residence. At his table, we met two other
+colored gentlemen, Mr. Thorne of Bridgetown, and Mr. Prescod, a young
+gentleman of much intelligence and ability. There was also at the table
+a niece of Mr. Harris, a modest and highly interesting young lady. All
+the luxuries and delicacies of a tropical clime loaded the board--an
+epicurean variety of meats, flesh, fowl, and fish--of vegetables,
+pastries, fruits, and nuts, and that invariable accompaniment of a West
+India dinner, wine.
+
+The dinner was enlivened by an interesting and well sustained
+conversation respecting the abolition of slavery, the present state of
+the colony, and its prospects for the future. Lively discussions were
+maintained on points where there chanced to be a difference of opinion,
+and we admired the liberality of the views which were thus elicited. We
+are certainly prepared to say, and that too without feeling that we draw
+any invidious distinctions, that in style of conversation, in ingenuity
+and ability of argument, this company would compare with any company of
+white gentlemen that we met in the island. In that circle of colored
+gentlemen, were the keen sallies of wit, the admirable repartee, the
+satire now severe, now playful, upon the measures of the colonial
+government, the able exposure of aristocratic intolerance, of
+plantership chicanery, of plottings and counterplottings in high
+places--the strictures on the intrigues of the special magistrates and
+managers, and withal, the just and indignant reprobation of the uniform
+oppressions which have disabled and crushed the colored people.
+
+The views of these gentlemen with regard to the present state of the
+island, we found to differ in some respects from those of the planters
+and special magistrates. They seemed to regard both those classes of men
+with suspicion. The planters they represented as being still, at least
+the mass of them, under the influence of the strong habits of
+tyrannizing and cruelty which they formed during slavery. The
+prohibitions and penalties of the law are not sufficient to prevent
+occasional and even frequent outbreakings of violence, so that the
+negroes even yet suffer much of the rigor of slavery. In regard to the
+special magistrates, they allege that they are greatly controlled by the
+planters. They associate with the planters, dine with the planters,
+lounge on the planters' sofas, and marry the planters daughters. Such
+intimacies as these, the gentlemen very plausibly argued, could not
+exist without strongly biasing the magistrate towards the planters, and
+rendering it almost impossible for them to administer equal justice to
+the poor apprentice, who, unfortunately, had no sumptuous dinners to
+give them, no luxurious sofas to offer them, nor dowered daughters to
+present in marriage.
+
+The gentlemen testified to the industry and subordination of the
+apprentices. They had improved the general cultivation of the island,
+and they were reaping for their masters greater crops than they did
+while slaves. The whole company united in saying that many blessings had
+already resulted from the abolition of slavery--imperfect as that
+abolition was. Real estate had advanced in value at least one third. The
+fear of insurrection had been removed; invasions of property, such as
+occurred during slavery, the firing of cane-fields, the demolition of
+houses, &c., were no longer apprehended. Marriage was spreading among
+the apprentices, and the general morals of the whole community, high and
+low, white, colored, and black, were rapidly improving.
+
+At ten o'clock we took leave of Mr. Harris and his interesting friends.
+We retired with feelings of pride and gratification that we had been
+privileged to join a company which, though wearing the badge of a
+proscribed race, displayed in happy combination, the treasures of
+genuine intelligence, and the graces of accomplished manners. We were
+happy to meet in that social circle a son of New England, and a graduate
+of one of her universities. Mr. H. went to the West Indies a few months
+after the abolition of slavery. He took with him all the prejudices
+common to our country, as well as a determined hostility to abolition
+principles and measures. A brief observation of the astonishing results
+of abolition in those islands, effectually disarmed him of the latter,
+and made him the decided and zealous advocate of immediate emancipation.
+He established himself in business in Barbados, where he has been living
+the greater part of the time since he left his native country. His
+_prejudices_ did not long survive his abandonment of anti-abolition
+sentiments. We rejoiced to find him on the occasion above referred to,
+moving in the circle of colored society, with all the freedom of a
+familiar guest, and prepared most cordially to unite with us in the wish
+that all our prejudiced countrymen could witness similar exhibitions.
+The gentleman at whose table we had the pleasure to dine, was _born a
+slave_, and remained such until he was seventeen years of age. After
+obtaining his freedom, he engaged as a clerk in a mercantile
+establishment, and soon attracted attention by his business talents.
+About the same period he warmly espoused the cause of the free colored
+people, who were doubly crushed under a load of civil and political
+impositions, and a still heavier one of prejudice. He soon made himself
+conspicuous by his manly defence of the rights of his brethren against
+the encroachments of the public authorities, and incurred the marked
+displeasure of several influential characters. After a protracted
+struggle for the civil immunities of the colored people, during which he
+repeatedly came into collision with public men, and was often arraigned
+before the public tribunals; finding his labors ineffectual, he left the
+island and went to England. He spent some time there and in France,
+moving on a footing of honorable equality among the distinguished
+abolitionists of those countries. There, amid the free influences and
+the generous sympathies which welcomed and surrounded him,--his whole
+character ripened in those manly graces and accomplishments which now so
+eminently distinguish him.
+
+Since his return to Barbadoes, Mr. H. has not taken so public a part in
+political controversies as he did formerly, but is by no means
+indifferent to passing events. There is not, we venture to say, within
+the colony, a keener or more sagacious observer of its institutions, its
+public men and their measures.
+
+When witnessing the exhibitions of his manly spirit, and listening to
+his eloquent and glowing narratives of his struggles against the
+political oppressions which ground to the dust himself and his brethren,
+we could scarcely credit the fact that he was himself born and reared to
+manhood--A SLAVE.
+
+BREAKFAST AT MR. THORNE'S.
+
+By invitation we took breakfast with Mr. Joseph Thorne, whom we met at
+Mr. Harris's. Mr. T. resides in Bridgetown. In the parlor, we met two
+colored gentlemen--the Rev. Mr. Hamilton, a local Wesleyan preacher, and
+Mr. Cummins, a merchant of Bridgetown, mentioned in a previous chapter.
+We were struck with the scientific appearance of Mr. Thorne's parlor. On
+one side was a large library of religious, historical and literary
+works, the selection of which displayed no small taste and judgment. On
+the opposite side of the room was a fine cabinet of minerals and shells.
+In one corner stood a number of curious relics of the aboriginal Caribs,
+such as bows and arrows, etc., together with interesting fossil remains.
+On the tops of the book-cases and mineral stand, were birds of rare
+species, procured from the South American Continent. The centre table
+was ornamented with shells, specimens of petrifactions, and elegantly
+bound books. The remainder of the furniture of the room was costly and
+elegant. Before breakfast two of Mr. Thorne's children, little boys of
+six and four, stepped in to salute the company. They were of a bright
+yellow, with slightly curled hair. When they had shaken hands with each
+of the company, they withdrew from the parlor and were seen no more.
+Their manners and demeanor indicated the teachings of an admirable
+mother, and we were not a little curious to see the lady of whose taste
+and delicate sense of propriety we had witnessed so attractive a
+specimen in her children. At the breakfast table we were introduced to
+Mrs. Thorne, and we soon discovered from her dignified air, from the
+chaste and elevated style of her conversation, from her intelligence,
+modesty and refinement, that we were in the presence of a highly
+accomplished lady. The conversation was chiefly on subjects connected
+with our mission. All spoke with great gratitude of the downfall of
+slavery. It was not the slaves alone that were interested in that event.
+Political oppression, prejudice, and licentiousness had combined greatly
+to degrade the colored community, but these evils were now gradually
+lessening, and would soon wholly disappear after the final extinction of
+slavery--the parent of them all.
+
+Several facts were stated to show the great rise in the value of real
+estate since 1834. In one instance a gentleman bought a sugar estate for
+nineteen thousand pounds sterling, and the very next year, after taking
+off a crop from which he realized a profit of three thousand pounds
+sterling, he sold the estate for thirty thousand pounds sterling. It has
+frequently happened within two years that persons wishing to purchase
+estates would inquire the price of particular properties, and would
+hesitate to give what was demanded. Probably soon after they would
+return to close the bargain, and find that the price was increased by
+several hundreds of pounds; they would go away again, reluctant to
+purchase, and return a third time, when they would find the price again
+raised, and would finally be glad to buy at almost any price. It was
+very difficult to purchase sugar estates now, whereas previous to the
+abolition of slavery, they were, like the slaves, a drug in the market.
+
+Mr. Joseph Thorne is a gentleman of forty-five, of a dark mulatto
+complexion, with the negro features and hair. _He was born a slave_, and
+remained so until about twenty years of age. This fact we learned from
+the manager of the Belle estate, on which Mr. T. was born and raised a
+slave. It was an interesting coincidence, that on the occasion of our
+visit to the Belle estate we were indebted to Mr. Thorne, the former
+_property_ of that estate, for his horse and chaise, which he politely
+proffered to us. Mr. T. employs much of his time in laboring among the
+colored people in town, and among the apprentices on the estates, in the
+capacity of _lay-preacher_. In this way he renders himself very useful.
+Being very competent, both by piety and talents, for the work, and
+possessing more perhaps than any missionary, the confidence of the
+planters, he is admitted to many estates, to lecture the apprentices on
+religious and moral duties. Mr. T. is a member of the Episcopal church.
+
+BREAKFAST AT MR. PRESCOD'S
+
+We next had the pleasure of breakfasting with Mr. Prescod. Our esteemed
+friend, Mr. Harris, was of the company. Mr. P. is a young man, but
+lately married. His wife and himself were both liberally educated in
+England. He was the late editor of the New Times, a weekly paper
+established since the abolition of slavery and devoted chiefly to the
+interests of the colored community. It was the first periodical and the
+only one which advocated the rights of the colored people, and this it
+did with the utmost fearlessness and independence. It boldly exposed
+oppression, whether emanating from the government house or originating
+in the colonial assembly. The measures of all parties, and the conduct
+of every public man, were subject to its scrutiny, and when occasion
+required, to its stern rebuke. Mr. P. exhibits a thorough acquaintance
+with the politics of the country, and with the position of the various
+parties. He is familiar with the spirit and operations of the white
+gentry--far more so, it would seem; than many of his brethren who have
+been repeatedly deceived by their professions of increasing liberality,
+and their show of extending civil immunities, which after all proved to
+be practical nullities, and as such were denounced by Mr. P. at the
+outset. A few years ago the colored people mildly petitioned the
+legislature for a removal of their disabilities. Their remonstrance was
+too reasonable to be wholly disregarded. Something must he done which
+would at least bear the semblance of favoring the object of the
+petitioners. Accordingly the obnoxious clauses were repealed, and the
+colored people were admitted to the polls. But the qualification was
+made three times greater than that required of white citizens. This
+virtually nullified the extension of privilege, and actually confirmed
+the disabilities of which it was a pretended abrogation. The colored
+people, in their credulity, hailed the apparent enfranchisement, and had
+a public rejoicing in the occasion. But the delusion could not escape
+the discrimination of Mr. P. He detected it at once, and exposed it, and
+incurred the displeasure of the credulous people of color by refusing to
+participate in their premature rejoicings. He soon succeeded however in
+convincing his brethren that the new provision was a mockery of their
+wrongs, and that the assembly had only added insult to past injuries.
+Mr. P. now urged the colored people to be patient, as the great changes
+which were working in the colony must bring to them all the rights of
+which they had been so cruelly deprived. On the subject of prejudice he
+spoke just as a man of keen sensibilities and manly spirit might be
+expected to speak, who had himself been its victim. He was accustomed to
+being flouted, scorned and condemned by those whom he could not but
+regard as his interiors both in native talents and education. He had
+submitted to be forever debarred from offices which were filled by men
+far less worthy except in the single qualification of a _white skin_,
+which however was paramount to all other virtues and acquirements! He
+had seen himself and his accomplished wife excluded from the society of
+whites, though keenly conscious of their capacity to move and shine in
+the most elevated social circles. After all this, it may readily be
+conceived how Mr. P. would speak of prejudice. But while he spoke
+bitterly of the past, he was inspired with buoyancy of hope as he cast
+his eye to the future. He was confident that prejudice would disappear.
+It had already diminished very much, and it would ere long be wholly
+exterminated.
+
+Mr. P. gave a sprightly picture of the industry of the negroes. It was
+common, he said, to hear them called lazy, but this was not true. That
+they often appeared to be indolent, especially those about the town, was
+true; but it was either because they had no work to do, or were asked to
+work without reasonable wages. He had often been amused at their
+conduct, when solicited to do small jobs--such as carrying baggage,
+loading of unloading a vessel, or the like. If offered a very small
+compensation, as was generally the case at first, they would stretch
+themselves on the ground, and with a sleepy look, and lazy tone, would
+say, "O, I can't do it, sir." Sometimes the applicants would turn away
+at once, thinking that they were unwilling to work, and cursing "the
+lazy devils;" but occasionally they would try the efficacy of offering a
+larger compensation, when instantly the negroes would spring to their
+feet, and the lounging inert mass would appear all activity.
+
+We are very willing to hold up Mr. P as a specimen of what colored
+people generally may become with proper cultivation, or to use the
+language of one of their own number,[A] "with free minds and space
+to rise."
+
+[Footnote A: Thomas C. Brown, who renounced colonization, returned from
+a disastrous and almost fatal expedition to Liberia, and afterwards went
+to the West Indies, in quest of a free country.]
+
+We have purposely refrained from speaking of Mrs. P., lest any thing we
+should be willing to say respecting her, might seem to be adulation.
+However, having alluded to her, we will say that it has seldom fallen to
+our lot to meet with her superior.
+
+BREAKFAST AT MR. LONDON BOURNE'S.
+
+After what has been said in this chapter to try the patience and
+irritate the nerves of the prejudiced, if there should be such among our
+readers, they will doubtless deem it quite intolerable to be introduced,
+not as hitherto to a family in whose faces the lineaments and the
+complexion of the white man are discernible, relieving the ebon hue, but
+to a household of genuine unadulterated negroes. We cordially accepted
+an invitation to breakfast with Mr. London Bourne. If the reader's
+horror of amalgamation does not allow him to join us at the table,
+perhaps he will consent to retire to the parlor, whence, without fear of
+contamination, he may safely view us through the folding doors, and note
+down our several positions around the board. At the head of the table
+presides, with much dignity, Mrs. Bourne; at the end opposite, sits Mr.
+Bourne--both of the glossiest jet; the thick matted hair of Mr. B.
+slightly frosted with age. He has an affable, open countenance, in which
+the radiance of an amiable spirit, and the lustre of a sprightly
+intellect, happily commingle, and illuminate the sable covering. On
+either hand of Mr. B. _we_ sit, occupying the posts of honor. On the
+right and left of Mrs. B., and at the opposite corners from us, sit two
+other guests, one a colored merchant, and the other a young son-in-law
+of Mr. B., whose face is the very double extract of blackness; for which
+his intelligence, the splendor of his dress, and the elegance of his
+manners, can make to be sure but slight atonement! The middle seats are
+filled on the one side by an unmarried daughter of Mr. B., and on the
+other side by a promising son of eleven, who is to start on the morrow
+for Edinburgh, where he is to remain until he has received the honors of
+Scotland's far famed university.
+
+We shall doubtless be thought by some of our readers to glory in our
+shame. Be it so. We _did_ glory in joining the company which we have
+just described. On the present occasion we had a fair opportunity of
+testing the merits of an unmixed negro party, and of determining how far
+the various excellences of the gentlemen and ladies previously noticed
+were attributable to the admixture of English blood. We are compelled in
+candor to say; that the company of blacks did not fall a whit below
+those of the colored race in any respect. We conversed on the same
+general topics, which, of course, were introduced where-ever we went. The
+gentlemen showed an intimate acquaintance with the state of the colony,
+with the merits of the apprenticeship system, and with the movements of
+the colonial government. As for Mrs. B., she presided at the table with
+great ease, dignity, self-possession, and grace. Her occasional remarks,
+made with genuine modesty, indicated good sense and discrimination.
+Among other topics of conversation, prejudice was not forgotten. The
+company were inquisitive as to the extent of it in the United States. We
+informed them that it appeared to be strongest in those states which
+held no slaves, that it prevailed among professing Christians, and that
+it was most manifestly seen in the house of God. We also intimated, in
+as delicate a manner as possible, that in almost any part of the United
+States such a table-scene as we then presented would be reprobated and
+denounced, if indeed it escaped the summary vengeance of the mob. We
+were highly gratified with their views of the proper way for the colored
+people to act in respect to prejudice. They said they were persuaded
+that their policy was to wait patiently for the operation of those
+influences which were now at work for the removal of prejudice. "_Social
+intercourse_," they said, "was not a thing to be gained by _pushing_."
+"They could not go to it, but it would come to them." It was for them
+however, to maintain an upright, dignified course, to be uniformly
+courteous, to seek the cultivation of their minds, and strive zealously
+for substantial worth, and by such means, and such alone, they could aid
+in overcoming prejudice.
+
+Mr. Bourne was a slave until he was twenty-three years old. He was
+purchased by his father, a free negro, who gave five hundred dollars for
+him. His mother and four brothers were bought at the same time for the
+sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. He spoke very kindly of his
+former master. By industry, honesty, and close attention to business,
+Mr. B. has now become a wealthy merchant. He owns three stores in
+Bridgetown, lives in very genteel style in his own house, and is worth
+from twenty to thirty thousand dollars. He is highly respected by the
+merchants of Bridgetown for his integrity and business talents. By what
+means Mr. B. has acquired so much general information, we are at a loss
+to conjecture. Although we did not ourselves need the evidence of his
+possessing extraordinary talents, industry, and perseverance, yet we are
+happy to present our readers with such tangible proofs--proofs which are
+read in every language, and which pass current in every nation.
+
+The foregoing sketches are sufficient to give a general idea of the
+colored people of Barbadoes. Perchance we may have taken too great
+liberties with those whose hospitalities we enjoyed; should this ever
+fall under their notice, we doubt not they will fully appreciate the
+motives which have actuated us in making them public. We are only sorry,
+for their sakes, and especially for that of our cause, that the
+delineations are so imperfect. That the above specimens are an exact
+likeness of the mass of colored people we do not pretend; but we do
+affirm, that they are as true an index to the whole community, as the
+merchants, physicians, and mechanics of any of our villages are to the
+entire population. We must say, also, that families of equal merit are
+by no means rare among the same people. We might mention many names
+which deservedly rank as high as those we have specified. One of the
+wealthiest merchants in Bridgetown is a colored gentleman. He has his
+mercantile agents in England, English clerks in his employ, a branch
+establishment in the city, and superintends the concerns of an extensive
+and complicated business with distinguished ability and success. A large
+portion, of not a majority of the merchants of Bridgetown are colored.
+Some of the most popular instructors are colored men and ladies, and one
+of these ranks high as a teacher of the ancient and modern languages.
+The most efficient and enterprising mechanics of the city, are colored
+and black men. There is scarcely any line of business which is not
+either shared or engrossed by colored persons, if we except that of
+_barber_. _The only barber in Bridgetown is a white man._
+
+That so many of the colored people should have obtained wealth and
+education is matter of astonishment, when we consider the numerous
+discouragements with which they have ever been doomed to struggle. The
+paths of political distinction have been barred against them by an
+arbitrary denial of the right of suffrage, and consequent ineligibility
+to office. Thus a large and powerful class of incitements to mental
+effort, which have been operating continually upon the whites, have
+never once stirred the sensibilities nor waked the ambition of the
+colored community. Parents, however wealthy, had no inducement to
+educate their sons for the learned professions, since no force of talent
+nor extent of acquirement could hope to break down the granite walls and
+iron bars which prejudice had erected round the pulpit, the bar, and the
+bench. From the same cause there was very little encouragement to
+acquire property, to seek education, to labor for the graces of
+cultivated manners, or even to aspire to ordinary respectability, since
+not even the poor favor of social intercourse with the whites, of
+participating in the civilities and courtesies of every day life, was
+granted them.
+
+The crushing power of a prevailing licentiousness, has also been added
+to the other discouragements of the colored people. Why should parents
+labor to amass wealth enough, and much of course it required, to send
+their daughters to Europe to receive their educations, if they were to
+return only to become the victims of an all-whelming concubinism! It is
+a fact, that in many cases young ladies, who have been sent to England
+to receive education, have, after accomplishing themselves in all the
+graces of womanhood, returned to the island to become the concubines of
+white men. Hitherto this vice has swept over the colored community,
+gathering its repeated conscriptions of beauty and innocence from the
+highest as well as the lowest families. Colored ladies have been taught
+to believe that it was more honorable, and quite as virtuous, to be the
+kept mistresses of _white gentlemen_, than the lawfully wedded wives of
+_colored men_. We repeat the remark, that the actual progress which the
+colored people of Barbadoes have made, while laboring under so many
+depressing influences, should excite our astonishment, and, we add, our
+admiration too. Our acquaintance with this people was at a very
+interesting period--just when they were beginning to be relieved from
+these discouragements, and to feel the regenerating spirit of a new era.
+It was to us like walking through a garden in the early spring. We could
+see the young buds of hope, the first bursts of ambition, the early
+up-shoots of confident aspiration, and occasionally the opening bloom of
+assurance. The star of hope had risen upon the colored people, and they
+were beginning to realize that _their_ day had come. The long winter of
+their woes was melting into "glorious summer." Civil immunities and
+political privileges were just before them, the learned professions were
+opening to them, social equality and honorable domestic connections
+would soon be theirs. Parents were making fresh efforts to establish
+schools for the children, and to send the choicest of their sons and
+daughters to England. They rejoiced in the privileges they were
+securing, and they anticipated with virtuous pride the free access of
+their children to all the fields of enterprise, all the paths of honest
+emulation, and all the eminences of distinction.
+
+We remark in conclusion, that the forbearance of the colored people of
+Barbadoes under their complicated wrongs is worthy of all admiration.
+Allied, as many of them are, to the first families of the island, and
+gifted as they are with every susceptibility to feel disgrace, it is a
+marvel that they have not indignantly cast off the yoke and demanded
+their political rights. Their wrongs have been unprovoked on their part,
+and unnatural on the part of those who have inflicted them--in many
+cases the guilty authors of their being. The patience and endurance of
+the sufferers under such circumstances are unexampled, except by the
+conduct of the slaves, who, though still more wronged, were, if
+possible, still more patient.
+
+We regret to add, that until lately, the colored people of Barbadoes
+hate been far in the background in the cause of abolition, and even now,
+the majority of them are either indifferent, or actually hostile to
+emancipation. They have no fellow feeling with the slave. In fact; they
+have had prejudices against the negroes no less bitter than those which
+the whites have exercised toward them. There are many honorable
+exceptions to this, as has already been shown; but such, we are assured,
+is the general fact.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: We are here reminded, by the force of contrast, of the
+noble spirit manifested by the free colored people of our own country.
+As early as 1817, a numerous body of them in Philadelphia, with the
+venerable James Forten at their head, pledged themselves to the cause of
+the slave in the following sublime sentiment, which deserves to be
+engraver to their glory on the granite of our "everlasting
+hills"--"Resolved, That we never will separate ourselves voluntarily
+from the slave population in this country; they are our brethren by the
+ties of consanguinity, of suffering, and of wrong; and we feel that
+there is more virtue in suffering privations with them, than enjoying
+_fancied_ advantages for a season."
+
+We believe that this resolution embodies the feelings and determinations
+of the free colored people generally in the free states.]
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+BARBADOES AS IT WAS, AND IS.
+
+According to the declaration of one of the special magistrates,
+"Barbadoes has long been distinguished for its devotion to slavery."
+There is probably no portion of the globe where slave-holding, slave
+driving, and slave labor, have been reduced to a more perfect system.
+
+The records of slavery in Barbadoes are stained with bloody atrocities.
+The planters uniformly spoke of slavery as a system of cruelties; but
+they expressed themselves in general terms. From colored gentlemen we
+learned some particulars, a few of which we give. To most of the
+following facts the narrators were themselves eye witnesses, and all of
+them happened in their day and were fresh in their memories.
+
+The slaves were not unfrequently worked in the streets of Bridgetown
+with chains on their wrists and ankles. Flogging on the estates and in
+the town, were no less public than frequent, and there was an utter
+shamelessness often in the manner of its infliction. Even women were
+stripped naked on the sides of the streets, and their backs lacerated
+with the whip. It was a common practice, when a slave offended a white
+man, for the master to send for a public whipper, and order him to take
+the slave before the door of the person offended, and flog him till the
+latter was satisfied. White females would order their male slaves to be
+stripped naked in their presence and flogged, while they would look on
+to see that their orders were faithfully executed. Mr. Prescod mentioned
+an instance which he himself witnessed near Bridgetown. He had seen an
+aged female slave, stripped and whipped by her own son, a child of
+twelve, at the command of the mistress. As the boy was small, the mother
+was obliged to get down upon her hands and knees, so that the child
+could inflict the blows on her naked person with a rod. This was done on
+the public highway, before the mistress's door. Mr. T. well remembered
+when it was lawful for any man to shoot down his slave, under no greater
+penalty than twenty-five pounds currency; and he knew of cases in which
+this had been done. Just after the insurrection in 1816, white men made
+a regular sport of shooting negroes. Mr. T. mentioned one case. A young
+man had sworn that he would kill ten negroes before a certain time. When
+he had shot nine he went to take breakfast with a neighbor, and carried
+his gun along. The first slave he met on the estate, he accused of being
+concerned in the rebellion. The negro protested that he was innocent,
+and begged for mercy. The man told him to be gone, and as he turned to
+go away, he shot him dead. Having fulfilled his bloody pledge, the young
+knight ate his breakfast with a relish. Mr. H. said that a planter once,
+in a time of perfect peace, went to his door and called one of his
+slaves. The negro made some reply which the master construed into
+insolence, and in a great rage he swore if he did not come to him
+immediately he would shoot him. The man replied he hoped massa wan't in
+earnest. 'I'll show you whether I am in earnest,' said the master, and
+with that he levelled his rifle, took deliberate aim, and shot the negro
+on the spot. He died immediately. Though great efforts were made by a
+few colored men to bring the murderer to punishment, they were all
+ineffectual. The evidence against him was clear enough, but the
+influence in his favor was so strong that he finally escaped.
+
+Dungeons were built on all the estates, and they were often abominably
+filthy, and infested with loathsome and venomous vermin. For slight
+offences the slaves were thrust into these prisons for several
+successive nights--being dragged out every morning to work during the
+day. Various modes of torture were employed upon those who were
+consigned to the dungeon. There were stocks for their feet, and there
+were staples in the floor for the ankles and wrists, placed in such a
+position as to keep the victim stretched out and lying on his face. Mr.
+H. described one mode which was called the _cabin_. A narrow board, only
+wide enough for a man to lie upon, was fixed in an inclined position,
+and elevated considerably above the ground. The offending slave was made
+to lay upon this board, and a strong rope or chain, was tied about his
+neck and fastened to the ceiling. It was so arranged, that if he should
+fall from the plank, he would inevitably hang by his neck. Lying in this
+position all night, he was more likely than not to fall asleep, and then
+there were ninety-nine chances to one that he would roll off his narrow
+bed and be killed before he could awake, or have time to extricate
+himself. Peradventure this is the explanation of the anxiety Mr. ---- of
+----, used to feel, when he had confined one of his slaves in the
+dungeon. He stated that he would frequently wake up in the night, was
+restless, and couldn't sleep, from fear that the prisoner would _kill
+himself_ before morning.
+
+It was common for the planters of Barbadoes, like those of Antigua, to
+declare that the greatest blessing of abolition to them, was that it
+relieved them from the disagreeable work of flogging the negroes. We had
+the unsolicited testimony of a planter, that slave mothers frequently
+poisoned, and otherwise murdered, their young infants, to rid them of a
+life of slavery. What a horrible comment this upon the cruelties of
+slavery! Scarce has the mother given birth to her child, when she
+becomes its murderer. The slave-mother's joy begins, not like that of
+other mothers, when "a man is born into the world," but when her infant
+is hurried out of existence, and its first faint cry is hushed in the
+silence of death! Why this perversion of nature? Ah, that mother knows
+the agonies, the torments, the wasting woes, of a life of slavery, and
+by the bowels of a mother's love, and the yearnings of a mother's pity,
+she resolves that her babe shall never know the same. O, estimate who
+can, how many groans have gone up from the cane field, from the
+boiling-house, from around the wind mill, from the bye paths, from the
+shade of every tree, from the recesses of every dungeon!
+
+Colonel Barrow, of Edgecome estate, declared, that the habit of flogging
+was so strong among the overseers and book-keepers, that even now they
+frequently indulge it in the face of penalties and at the risk of
+forfeiting their place.
+
+The descriptions which the special magistrates give of the lower class
+of overseers and the managers of the petty estates, furnish data enough
+for judging of the manner in which they would be likely to act when
+clothed with arbitrary power. They are "a low order of men," "without
+education," "trained up to use the whip," "knowing nothing else save the
+art of flogging," "ready at any time to perjure themselves in any matter
+where a negro is concerned," &c. Now, may we not ask what but cruelty,
+the most monstrous, could be expected under a system where _such men_
+were constituted law makers, judges, and executioners?
+
+From the foregoing facts, and the still stronger circumstantial
+evidence, we leave the reader to judge for himself as to the amount of
+cruelty attendant upon "the reign of terror," in Barbadoes. We must,
+however, mention one qualification, without which a wrong impression may
+be made. It has already been remarked that Barbadoes has, more than any
+other island, reduced slave labor and sugar cultivation to a regular
+system. This the planters have been compelled to do from the denseness
+of their population, the smallness of their territory, the fact that the
+land was all occupied, and still more, because the island, from long
+continued cultivation, was partly worn out. A prominent feature in their
+system was, theoretically at least, good bodily treatment of the slaves,
+good feeding, attention to mothers, to pregnant women, and to children,
+in order that the estates might always be kept _well stocked with
+good-conditioned negroes_. They were considered the best managers, who
+increased the population of the estates most rapidly, and often premiums
+were given by the attorneys to such managers. Another feature in the
+Barbadoes system was to raise sufficient provisions in the island to
+maintain the slaves, or, in planter's phrase, to _feed the stock_,
+without being dependent upon foreign countries. This made the supplies
+of the slaves more certain and more abundant. From several circumstances
+in the condition of Barbadoes, it is manifest, that there were fewer
+motives to cruelty there than existed in other islands. First, the slave
+population was abundant, then the whole of the island was under
+cultivation, and again the lands were old and becoming exhausted. Now,
+if either one of these things had not been true, if the number of slaves
+had been inadequate to the cultivation, or if vast tracts of land, as in
+Jamaica, Trinidad, and Demerara, had been uncultivated, or were being
+brought into cultivation; or, again, if the lands under cultivation had
+been fresh and fertile, so as to bear _pushing_, then it is plain that
+there would have been inducements to hard driving, which, as the case
+was, did not exist.
+
+Such is a partial view of Barbadoes as it _was_, touching the matter of
+cruelty. We say partial, for we have omitted to mention the selling of
+slaves from one estate to another, whereby families were separated,
+almost as effectually as though an ocean intervened. We have omitted to
+notice the transportation of slaves to Trinidad, Berbice, and Demerara,
+which was made an open traffic until prohibited in 1827, and was
+afterwards continued with but little abatement by evasions of the law.
+
+From the painful contemplation of all this outrage and wrong, the mind
+is relieved by turning to the present state of the colony. It cannot be
+denied that much oppression grows out of the apprenticeship system, both
+from its essential nature, and from the want of virtuous principle and
+independence in the men who administer it. Yet it is certainly true that
+there has been a very great diminution in the amount of actual cruelty.
+The total abolition of flogging on the estates, the prohibition to use
+the dungeons, and depriving the masters, managers, overseers and
+drivers, of the right to punish in any case, or in any way whatever,
+leave no room for doubt on this subject. It is true, that the laws are
+often violated, but this can only take place in cases of excessive
+passion, and it is not likely to be a very frequent occurrence. The
+penalty of the law is so heavy,[A] and the chances of detection[B] are
+so great, that in all ordinary circumstances they will be a sufficient
+security against the violence of the master. On the other hand, the
+special magistrates themselves seldom use the whip, but resort to other
+modes of punishment less cruel and degrading. Besides, it is manifest
+that if they did use the whip and were ever so cruelly disposed, it
+would be physically impossible for them to inflict as much suffering as
+the drivers could during slavery; on account of the vast numbers over
+whom they preside. We learned from the apprentices themselves, by
+conversing with them, that their condition, in respect to treatment, is
+incomparably better than it was during slavery. We were satisfied from
+our observations and inquiries, that the planters, at least the more
+extensive and enlightened ones, conduct their estates on different
+principles from those formerly followed. Before the abolition of
+slavery, they regarded the _whip_ as absolutely necessary to the
+cultivation of sugar, and hence they uniformly used it, and loudly
+deprecated its abolition as being _their_ certain ruin. But since the
+whip has been abolished, and the planters have found that the negroes
+continue, nevertheless, industrious and subordinate, they have changed
+their measures, partly from necessity, and partly from policy, have
+adopted a conciliatory course.
+
+[Footnote A: A fine of sixteen dollars for the first assault, and the
+liberation of the apprentice after a second.]
+
+[Footnote B: Through the complaint of the apprentice to the special
+magistrate]
+
+Barbadoes was not without its insurrections during slavery. Although not
+very frequent, they left upon the minds of the white colonists this
+conviction, (repeatedly expressed to us by planters and others,) that
+_slavery and rebellions are inseparable_. The last widely extended
+insurrection occurred in 1816, in the eastern part of the island. Some
+of the particulars were given us by a planter who resided to that
+region, and suffered by it great loss of property. The plot was so
+cautiously laid, and kept so secret, that no one suspected it. The
+planter observed that if any one had told him that such a thing was
+brewing _ten minutes_ before it burst forth, he would not have credited
+the statement. It began with firing the cane-fields. A signal was given
+by a man setting fire to a pile of trash on an elevated spot, when
+instantly the fires broke out in every direction, and in less than a
+half hour, more than one hundred estates were in flames. The planters
+and their families, in the utmost alarm, either fled into other parts of
+the island, or seized their arms and hurriedly mustered in self-defence.
+Meanwhile the negroes, who had banded themselves in numerous companies,
+took advantage of the general consternation, proceeded to the deserted
+mansions of the planters, broke down the doors, battered in the windows,
+destroyed all the furniture, and carried away the provision stores to
+their own houses.
+
+These ravages continued for three days, during which, the slaves flocked
+together in increasing numbers; in one place there were several
+thousands assembled. Above five hundred of the insurgents were shot down
+by the militia, before they could be arrested. The destruction of
+property during the rebellion was loosely estimated at many hundred
+thousand pounds. The canes on many estates were almost wholly burned; so
+that extensive properties, which ordinarily yielded from two to three
+hundred hogsheads, did not make more than fifteen or twenty.
+
+Our informant mentioned two circumstances which he considered
+remarkable. One was, that the insurgents never touched the property of
+the estates to which they severally belonged; but went to the
+neighboring or more distant estates. The other was, that during the
+whole insurrection the negroes did not make a single attempt to destroy
+life. On the other hand, the sacrifice of negroes during the rebellion,
+and subsequent to it, was appalling. It was a long time before the white
+man's thirst for blood could be satiated.
+
+No general insurrection occurred after this one. However, as late as
+1823, the proprietor of Mount Wilton--the noblest estate in the
+island--was murdered by his slaves in a most horrid manner. A number of
+men entered his bed-chamber at night. He awoke ere they reached him, and
+grasped his sword, which always hung by his bed, but it was wrested from
+his hand, and he was mangled and killed. His death was caused by his
+_cruelties_, and especially by his _extreme licentiousness_. All the
+females on this estate were made successively the victims of his lust.
+This, together with his cruelties, so incensed the men, that they
+determined to murder the wretch. Several of them were publicly executed.
+
+Next to the actual occurrence of rebellions, _the fear of them_ deserves
+to be enumerated among the evils which slavery entailed upon Barbadoes.
+The dread of hurricanes to the people of Barbadoes is tolerable in
+comparison with the irrepressible apprehensions of bloody rebellions. A
+planter told us that he seldom went to bed without thinking he might be
+murdered before morning.
+
+But now the whites are satisfied that slavery was the sole instigator of
+rebellions, and since its removal they have no fear on this score.
+
+_Licentiousness_ was another of the fruits of slavery. It will be
+difficult to give to the reader a proper conception of the prevalence of
+this vice in Barbadoes, and of the consequent demoralization. A numerous
+colored population were both the offspring and the victims of it. On a
+very moderate calculation, nineteen-twentieths of the present adult
+colored race are illegitimate. Concubinage was practised among the
+highest classes. Young merchants and others who were unmarried, on first
+going to the island, regularly engaged colored females to live with them
+as housekeepers and mistresses, and it was not unusual for a man to have
+more than one. The children of these connections usually sat with the
+mothers at the father's table, though when the gentlemen had company,
+neither mothers nor children made their appearance. To such conduct no
+disgrace was attached, nor was any shame felt by either party. We were
+assured that there are in Bridgetown, colored ladies of
+"respectability," who, though never married, have large families of
+children whose different surnames indicate their difference of
+parentage, but who probably do not know their fathers by any other
+token. These remarks apply to the towns. The morals of the estates were
+still more deplorable. The managers and overseers, commonly unmarried,
+left no female virtue unattempted. Rewards sometimes, but oftener the
+whip, or the dungeon, gave them the mastery in point of fact, which the
+laws allowed in theory. To the slaves marriage was scarcely known. They
+followed the example of the master, and were ready to minister to his
+lust. The mass of mulatto population grew paler as it multiplied, and
+catching the refinement along with the tint of civilization, waged a war
+upon marriage which had well nigh expelled it from the island. Such was
+Barbadoes under the auspices of slavery.
+
+Although these evils still exist, yet, since the abolition of slavery,
+there is one symptom of returning purity, the _sense of shame_.
+Concubinage is becoming disreputable. The colored females are growing in
+self-respect, and are beginning to seek regular connections with colored
+men. They begin to feel (to use the language of one of them) that the
+_light is come_, and that they can no longer have the apology of
+ignorance to plead for their sin. It is the prevailing impression among
+whites, colored, and blacks, that open licentiousness cannot long
+survive slavery.
+
+_Prejudice_ was another of the concomitants of slavery. Barbadoes was
+proverbial for it. As far as was practicable, the colored people were
+excluded from all business connections; though merchants were compelled
+to make clerks of them for want of better, that is, _whiter_, ones.
+Colored merchants of wealth were shut out of the merchants' exchange,
+though possessed of untarnished integrity, while white men were admitted
+as subscribers without regard to character. It was not a little
+remarkable that the rooms occupied as the merchants' exchange were
+rented from a colored gentleman, or more properly, a _negro_;[A] who,
+though himself a merchant of extensive business at home and abroad, and
+occupying the floor below with a store, was not suffered to set his foot
+within them. This merchant, it will be remembered, is educating a son
+for a learned profession at the university of Edinburgh. Colored
+gentlemen were not allowed to become members of literary associations,
+nor subscribers to the town libraries. Social intercourse was utterly
+interdicted. To visit the houses of such men as we have already
+mentioned in a previous chapter, and especially to sit down at their
+tables, would have been a loss of caste; although the gentry were at the
+same time living with colored concubines. But most of all did this
+wicked prejudice delight to display itself in the churches. Originally,
+we believe, the despised color was confined to the galleries, afterwards
+it was admitted to the seats under the galleries, and ultimately it was
+allowed to extend to the body pews below the cross aisle. If perchance
+one of the proscribed class should ignorantly stray beyond these
+precincts, and take a seat above the cross aisle, he was instantly, if
+not forcibly, removed. Every opportunity was maliciously seized to taunt
+the colored people with their complexion. A gentleman of the highest
+worth stated that several years ago he applied to the proper officer for
+a license to be married. The license was accordingly made out and handed
+to him. It was expressed in the following insulting style: "T---- H----,
+F.M., is licensed to marry H---- L----, F.C.W." The initials F.M. stood
+for _free mulatto_, and F.C.W. for _free colored woman_! The gentleman
+took his knife and cut out the initials; and was then threatened with a
+prosecution for forging his license.
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. London Bourne, the merchant mentioned in the previous
+chapter.]
+
+It must be admitted that this cruel feeling still exists in Barbadoes.
+Prejudice is the last viper of the slavery-gendered brood that dies. But
+it is evidently growing weaker. This the reader will infer from several
+facts already stated. The colored people themselves are indulging
+sanguine hopes that prejudice will shortly die away. They could discover
+a bending on the part of the whites, and an apparent readiness to
+concede much of the ground hitherto withheld. They informed us that they
+had received intimations that they might be admitted as subscribers to
+the merchants' exchange if they would apply; but they were in no hurry
+to make the advances themselves. They felt assured that not only
+business equality, but social equality, would soon be theirs, and were
+waiting patiently for the course of events to bring them. They have too
+much self-respect to sue for the consideration of their white neighbors,
+or to accept it as a condescension and favor, when by a little patience
+they might obtain it on more honorable terms. It will doubtless be found
+in Barbadoes, as it has been in other countries--and perchance to the
+mortification of some lordlings--that freedom is a mighty leveller of
+human distinctions. The pyramid of pride and prejudice which slavery had
+upreared there, must soon crumble in the dust.
+
+_Indolence and inefficiency among the whites_, was another prominent
+feature in slaveholding Barbadoes. Enterprise, public and personal, has
+long been a stranger to the island. Internal improvements, such as the
+laying and repairing of roads, the erection of bridges, building
+wharves, piers, &c., were either wholly neglected, or conducted in such
+a listless manner as to be a burlesque on the name of business. It was a
+standing task, requiring the combined energy of the island, to repair
+the damages of one hurricane before another came. The following
+circumstance was told us, by one of the shrewdest observers of men and
+things with whom we met in Barbadoes. On the southeastern coast of the
+island there is a low point running far out into the sea, endangering
+all vessels navigated by persons not well acquainted with the island.
+Many vessels have been wrecked upon it in the attempt to make Bridgetown
+from the windward. From time immemorial, it has been in contemplation to
+erect a light-house on that point. Every time a vessel has been wrecked,
+the whole island has been agog for a light-house. Public meetings were
+called, and eloquent speeches made, and resolutions passed, to proceed
+to the work forthwith. Bills were introduced into the assembly, long
+speeches made, and appropriations voted commensurate with the stupendous
+undertaking. There the matter ended, and the excitement died away, only
+to be revived by another wreck, when a similar scene would ensue. The
+light-house is not built to this day. In personal activity, the
+Barbadians are as sadly deficient as in public spirit. London is said to
+have scores of wealthy merchants who have never been beyond its limits,
+nor once snuffed the country air. Bridgetown, we should think, is in
+this respect as deserving of the name _Little London_ as Barbadoes is of
+the title "Little England," which it proudly assumes. We were credibly
+informed that there were merchants in Bridgetown who had never been off
+the island in their lives, nor more than five or six miles into the
+country. The sum total of their locomotion might be said to be, turning
+softly to one side of their chairs, and then softly to the other. Having
+no personal cares to harass them, and no political questions to agitate
+them--having no extended speculations to push, and no public enterprises
+to prosecute, (save occasionally when a wreck on the southern point
+throws them into a ferment,) the lives of the higher classes seem a
+perfect blank, as it regards every thing manly. Their thoughts are
+chiefly occupied with sensual pleasure, anticipated or enjoyed. The
+centre of existence to them is the _dinner-table_.
+
+  "They eat and drink and sleep, and then--
+   Eat and drink and sleep again."
+
+That the abolition of slavery has laid the foundation for a reform in
+this respect, there can be no doubt. The indolence and inefficiency of
+the white community has grown out of slavery. It is the legitimate
+offspring of oppression everywhere--one of the burning curses which it
+never fails to visit upon its supporters. It may be seriously doubted,
+however, whether in Barbadoes this evil will terminate with its cause.
+There is there such a superabundance of the laboring population, that
+for a long time to come, labor must be very cheap, and the habitually
+indolent will doubtless prefer employing others to work for them, than
+to work themselves. If, therefore, we should not see an active spirit of
+enterprise at once kindling among the Barbadians, _if the light-house
+should not be build for a quarter of a century to come_, it need not
+excite our astonishment.
+
+We heard not a little concerning the expected distress of those white
+families whose property consisted chiefly of slaves. There were many
+such families, who have hitherto lived respectably and independently by
+hiring out their slaves. After 1840, these will be deprived of all their
+property, and will have no means of support whatever. As they will
+consider it degrading to work, and still more so to beg, they will be
+thrown into extremely embarrassing circumstances. It is thought that
+many of this class will leave the country, and seek a home where they
+will not be ashamed to work for their subsistence. We were forcibly
+reminded of the oft alleged objection to emancipation in the United
+States, that it would impoverish many excellent families in the South,
+and drive delicate females to the distaff and the wash-tub, whose hands
+have never been used to any thing--_rougher than the cowhide_. Much
+sympathy has been awakened in the North by such appeals, and vast
+numbers have been led by them to conclude that it is better for millions
+of slaves to famish in eternal bondage, than that a few white families,
+here and there scattered over the South, should be reduced to the
+humiliation of _working_.
+
+_Hostility to emancipation_ prevailed in Barbadoes. That island has
+always been peculiarly attached to slavery. From the beginning of the
+anti-slavery agitations in England, the Barbadians distinguished
+themselves by their inveterate opposition. As the grand result
+approximated they increased their resistance. They appealed,
+remonstrated, begged, threatened, deprecated, and imprecated. They
+continually protested that abolition would ruin the colony--that the
+negroes could never be brought to work--especially to raise
+sugar--without the whip. They both besought and demanded of the English
+that they should cease their interference with their private affairs and
+personal property.
+
+Again and again they informed them that they were wholly disqualified,
+by their distance from the colonies, and their ignorance of the subject,
+to do any thing respecting it, and they were entreated to leave the
+whole matter with the colonies, who alone could judge as to the best
+time and manner of moving, or whether it was proper to move at all.
+
+We were assured that there was not a single planter in Barbadoes who was
+known to be in favor of abolition, before it took place; if, however,
+there had been one such, he would not have dared to avow his sentiments.
+The anti-slavery party in England were detested; no epithets were too
+vile for them--no curses too bitter. It was a Barbadian lady who once
+exclaimed in a public company in England, "O, I wish we had Wilberforce
+in the West Indies, I would be one of the very first to tear his heart
+out!" If such a felon wish could escape the lips of a female, and that
+too amid the awing influence of English society, what may we conclude
+were the feelings of planters and drivers on the island!
+
+The opposition was maintained even after the abolition of slavery; and
+there was no colony, save Jamaica, with which the English government had
+so much trouble in arranging the provisions and conditions under which
+abolition was to take place.
+
+From statements already made, the reader will see how great a change has
+come over the feelings of the planters.
+
+He has followed us through this and the preceding chapters, he has seen
+tranquillity taking the place of insurrections, a sense of security
+succeeding to gloomy forbodings, and public order supplanting mob law;
+he has seen subordination to authority, peacefulness, industry, and
+increasing morality, characterizing the negro population; he has seen
+property rising in value, crime lessening, expenses of labor
+diminishing, the whole island blooming with unexampled cultivation, and
+waving with crops unprecedented in the memory of its inhabitants; above
+all, he has seen licentiousness decreasing, prejudice fading away,
+marriage extending, education spreading, and religion preparing to
+multiply her churches and missionaries over the land.
+
+_These_ are the blessing of abolition--_begun_ only, and but partially
+realized as yet, but promising a rich maturity in time to come, after
+the work of freedom shall have been completed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM.
+
+The nature of the apprenticeship system may be learned form the
+following abstract of its provisions, relative to the three parties
+chiefly concerned in its operation--the special magistrate, the master,
+and the apprentice.
+
+PROVISIONS RESPECTING THE SPECIAL MAGISTRATES.
+
+1. They must be disconnected with planters and plantership, that they
+may be independent of all colonial parties and interests whatever.
+
+2. The special magistrates adjudicate only in cases where the master and
+apprentice are parties. Offences committed by apprentices against any
+person not connected with the estates on which they live, come under the
+cognizance of the local magistrates or of higher courts.
+
+3. The special justices sit three days in the week at their offices,
+where all complaints are carried, both by the master and apprentice. The
+magistrates do not go the estate, either to try or to punish offenders.
+Besides, the three days the magistrates are required to be at home every
+Saturday, (that being the day on which the apprentices are disengaged,)
+to give friendly advice and instruction on points of law and personal
+rights to all apprentices who may call.
+
+PROVISIONS RESPECTING THE MASTER.
+
+1. The master is allowed the gratuitous labor of the apprentice for
+forty-five hours each week. The several islands were permitted by the
+English government to make such a division of this time as local
+circumstances might seem to require. In some islands, as for instance in
+St. Christopher's and Tortola, it is spread over six days of the week in
+proportions of seven and a half hours per day, thus leaving the
+apprentice mere shreds of time in which he can accomplish nothing for
+himself. In Barbadoes, the forty-five hours is confined within five
+days, in portions of nine hours per day.
+
+2. The allowances of food continue the same as during slavery, excepting
+that now the master may give, instead of the allowance, a third of an
+acre to each apprentice, but then he must also grant an additional day
+every week for the cultivation of this land.
+
+3. The master has no power whatever to punish. A planter observed, "if I
+command my butler to stand for half an hour on the parlor floor, and it
+can be proved that I designed it as a punishment, I may be fined for
+it." The penalty for the first offence (punishing an apprentice) is a
+fine of five pounds currency, or sixteen dollars, and imprisonment if
+the punishment was cruel. For a second offence the apprentice is
+set free.
+
+Masters frequently do punish their apprentices _in despite of all
+penalties_. A case in point occurred not long since, in Bridgetown. A
+lady owned a handsome young mulatto woman, who had a beautiful head of
+hair of which she was very proud. The servant did something displeasing
+to her mistress, and the latter in a rage shaved off her hair close to
+her head. The girl complained to the special magistrate, and procured an
+immediate release from her mistress's service.
+
+4. It is the duty of the master to make complaint to the special
+magistrate. When the master chooses to take the punishment into his own
+hand, the apprentice has a right to complain.
+
+5. The master is obliged to sell the remainder of the apprentice's term,
+whenever the apprentice signifies a wish to buy it. If the parties
+cannot agree about the price, the special magistrate, in connection with
+two local magistrates, appraises the latter, and the master is bound to
+take the amount of the appraisement, whatever that is. Instances of
+apprentices purchasing themselves are quite frequent, not withstanding
+the term of service is now so short, extending only to August, 1840. The
+value of an apprentice varies from thirty to one hundred dollars.
+
+PROVISIONS RESPECTING THE APPRENTICE.
+
+1. He has the whole of Saturday, and the remnants of the other five
+days, after giving nine hours to the master.
+
+2. The labor does not begin so early, nor continue so late as during
+slavery. Instead of half past four or five o'clock the apprentices are
+called out at six o'clock in the morning. They then work till seven,
+have an hour for breakfast, again work from eight to twelve, have a
+respite of two hours, and then work till six o'clock.
+
+3. If an apprentice hires his time from his master as is not
+unfrequently the case, especially among the non-praedials, he pays a
+dollar a week, which is two thirds, or at least one half of
+his earnings.
+
+4. If the apprentice has a complaint to make against his master, he must
+either make it during his own time, or if he prefers to go to the
+magistrate during work hours, he must ask his master for a pass. If his
+master refuse to give him one, he can then go without it.
+
+5. There is an _unjustifiable inequality_ in the apprentice laws, which
+was pointed out by one of the special magistrates. The master is
+punishable only for cruelty or corporeal inflictions, whereas the
+apprentice is punishable for a variety of offences, such as idleness,
+stealing, insubordination, insolence, &c. The master may be as insolent
+and abusive as he chooses to be, and the slave can have no redress.
+
+6. Hard labor, solitary confinement, and the treadmill, are the
+principal modes of punishment. Shaving the head is sometimes resorted
+to. A very sever punishment frequently adopted, is requiring the
+apprentice to make up for the time during which he is confined. If he is
+committed for ten working days, he must give the master ten successive
+Saturdays.
+
+This last regulation is particularly oppressive and palpably unjust. It
+matters not how slight the offence may have been, it is discretionary
+with the special magistrate to mulct the apprentice of his Saturdays.
+This provision really would appear to have been made expressly for the
+purpose of depriving the apprentices of their own time. It is a direct
+inducement to the master to complain. If the apprentice has been absent
+from his work but an hour, the magistrate may sentence him to give a
+whole day in return; consequently the master is encouraged to mark the
+slightest omission, and to complain of it whether it was unavoidable
+or not.
+
+THE DESIGN OF THE APPRENTICESHIP.--It is a serious question with a
+portion of the colonists, whether or not the apprenticeship was
+originally designed as a preparation for freedom. This however was the
+professed object with its advocates, and it was on the strength of this
+plausible pretension, doubtless, that the measure was carried through.
+We believe it is pretty well understood, both in England and the
+colonies; that it was mainly intended _as an additional compensation to
+the planters_. The latter complained that the twenty millions of pounds
+was but a pittance of the value of their slaves, and to drown their
+cries about robbery and oppression this system of modified slavery was
+granted to them, that they might, for a term of years, enjoy the toil of
+the negro without compensation. As a mockery to the hopes of the slaves
+this system was called an apprenticeship, and it was held out to them as
+a needful preparatory stage for them to pass through, ere they could
+rightly appreciate the blessings of entire freedom. It was not wonderful
+that they should be slow to apprehend the necessity of serving a six
+years' apprenticeship, at a business which they had been all their lives
+employed in. It is not too much to say that it was a grand cheat--a
+national imposture at the expense of the poor victims of oppression,
+whom, with benevolent pretences, it offered up a sacrifice to cupidity
+and power.
+
+PRACTICAL OPERATION OF THE APPRENTICESHIP.--It cannot be denied that
+this system is in some respects far better than slavery. Many restraints
+are imposed upon the master, and many important privileges are secured
+to the apprentice. Being released from the arbitrary power of the
+master, is regarded by the latter as a vast stride towards entire
+liberty. We once asked an apprentice; if he thought apprenticeship was
+better than slavery. "O yes," said he, "great deal better, sir; when we
+was slaves, our masters git mad wid us, and give us _plenty of licks_;
+but now, thank God, they can't touch us." But the actual enjoyment of
+these advantages by the apprentices depends upon so many contingencies,
+such as the disposition of the master, and the faithfulness of the
+special magistrate, that it is left after all exceedingly precarious. A
+very few observations respecting the special magistrates, will serve to
+show how liable the apprentice is to suffer wrong without the
+possibility of obtaining redress. It is evident that this will be the
+case unless the special magistrates are _entirely independent_. This was
+foreseen by the English government, and they pretended to provide for it
+by paying the magistrates' salaries at home. But how inadequate was
+their provision! The salaries scarcely answer for pocket money in the
+West Indies. Thus situated, the magistrates are continually exposed to
+those temptations, which the planters can so artfully present in the
+shape of sumptuous dinners. They doubtless find it very convenient, when
+their stinted purses run low, and mutton and wines run high, to do as
+the New England school master does, "_board round_;" and consequently
+the dependence of the magistrate upon the planter is of all things the
+most deprecated by the apprentice.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: The feelings of apprentices on this point are well
+illustrated by the following anecdote, which was related to us while in
+the West Indies. The governor of one of the islands, shortly after his
+arrival, dined with one of the wealthiest proprietors. The next day one
+of the negroes of the estate said to another, "De new gubner been
+_poison'd_." "What dat you say?" inquired the other in astonishment, "De
+gubner been _poison'd_." "Dah, now!--How him poisoned!" "_Him eat massa
+turtle soup last night_," said the shrewd negro. The other took his
+meaning at once; and his sympathy for the governor was turned into
+concern for himself, when he perceived that the poison was one from
+which _he_ was likely to suffer more than his excellency.]
+
+Congeniality of feeling, habits, views, style and rank--identity of
+country and color--these powerful influences bias the magistrate toward
+the master, at the same time that the absence of them all, estrange and
+even repel him from the apprentice. There is still an additional
+consideration which operates against the unfortunate apprentice. The men
+selected for magistrates, are mostly officers of the army and navy. To
+those who are acquainted with the arbitrary habits of military and naval
+officers, and with the iron despotism which they exercise among the
+soldiers and sailors,[B] the bare mention of this fact is sufficient to
+convince them of the unenviable situation of the apprentice. It is at
+best but a gloomy transfer from the mercies of a slave driver, to the
+justice of a military magistrate.
+
+[Footnote B: We had a specimen of the stuff special magistrates are made
+of in sailing from Barbadoes to Jamaica. The vessel was originally an
+English man-of-war brig, which had been converted into a steamer, and
+was employed by the English government, in conveying the island mails
+from Barbadoes to Jamaica--to and fro. She was still under the strict
+discipline of a man-of-war. The senior officer on board was a
+lieutenant. This man was one of the veriest savages on earth. His
+passions were in a perpetual storm, at some times higher than at others,
+occasionally they blew a hurricane. He quarrelled with his officers, and
+his orders to his men were always uttered in oaths. Scarcely a day
+passed that he did not have some one of his sailors flogged. One night,
+the cabin boy left the water-can sitting on the cabin floor, instead of
+putting it on the sideboard, where it usually stood. For this offence
+the commander ordered him up on deck after midnight, and made the
+quarter-master flog him. The instrument used in this case, (the regular
+flogging stick having been _used up_ by previous service,) was the
+commander's cane--_a heavy knotted club_. The boy held out one hand and
+received the blows. He howled most piteously, and it was some seconds
+before he recovered sufficiently from the pain to extend the other.
+"_Lay on_," stormed the commander. Down went the cane a second time. We
+thought it must have broken every bone in the boy's hand. This was
+repeated several times, the boy extending each hand alternately, and
+recoiling at every blow. "Now lay on to his back," sternly vociferated
+the commander--"give it to him--_hard_--_lay on harder_." The old
+seaman, who had some mercy in his heart, seemed very loth to lay out his
+strength on the boy with such a club. The commander became
+furious--cursed and swore--and again yelled, "_Give it to him harder,
+more_--MORE--MORE--there, stop." "you infernal villain"--speaking to the
+quarter-master and using the most horrid oaths--"You infernal villain,
+if you do not _lay on harder_ the next time I command you, I'll have you
+put in irons." The boy limped away, writhing in every joint, and crying
+piteously, when the commander called at him, "Silence there, you imp--or
+I'll give you a second edition." One of the first things the commander
+did after we left Barbadoes, was to have a man flogged, and the last
+order we heard him give as we left the steamer at Kingston, was to put
+two of the men _in irons_.]
+
+It is not a little remarkable that the apprenticeship should be regarded
+by the planters themselves, as well as by other persons generally
+throughout the colony, as merely a modified form of slavery. It is
+common to hear it called 'slavery under a different form,' 'another name
+for slavery,'--'modified slavery,' 'but little better than slavery.'
+
+Nor is the practical operation of the system upon the _master_ much less
+exceptionable. It takes out of his hand the power of coercing labor, and
+provides no other stimulus. Thus it subjects him to the necessity either
+of resorting to empty threats, which must result only in incessant
+disputes, or of condescending to persuade and entreat, against which his
+habits at once rebel, or of complaining to a third party--an alternative
+more revolting if possible, than the former, since it involves the
+acknowledgment of a higher power than his own. It sets up over his
+actions a foreign judge, at whose bar he is alike amenable (in theory)
+with his apprentice, before whose tribunal he may be dragged at any
+moment by his apprentice, and from whose lips he may receive the
+humiliating sentence of punishment in the presence of his apprentice. It
+introduces between him and his laborers, mutual repellancies and
+estrangement; it encourages the former to exercise an authority which he
+would not venture to assume under a system of perfect freedom; it
+emboldens the latter to display an insolence which he would not have
+dreamed of in a state of slavery, and thus begetting in the one, the
+imperiousness of the slaveholder _without his power_, and in the other,
+the independence of the freeman _without his immunities_, it perpetuates
+a scene of angry collision, jealousy and hatred.
+
+It does not even serve for the master the unworthy purpose for which it
+was mainly devised, viz., that of an additional compensation. The
+apprenticeship is estimated to be more expensive than a system of free
+labor would be. It is but little less expensive than slavery, and
+freedom it is confidently expected will be considerably less. So it
+would seem that this system burthens the master with much of the
+perplexity, the ignominy and the expensiveness of slavery, while it
+denies him its power. Such is the apprenticeship system. A splendid
+imposition!--which cheats the planter of his gains, cheats the British
+nation of its money, and robs the world of what else might have been a
+glorious example of immediate and entire emancipation.
+
+THE APPRENTICESHIP IS NO PREPARATION FOR FREEDOM.--Indeed, as far as it
+can be, it is an actual _disqualification_. The testimony on this
+subject is ample. We rarely met a planter, who was disposed to maintain
+that the apprenticeship was preparing the negroes for freedom. They
+generally admitted that the people were no better prepared for freedom
+now, than they were in 1834; and some of them did not hesitate to say
+that the sole use to which they and their brother planters turned the
+system, was to get _as much work out of the apprentices while it lasted,
+as possible_. Clergymen and missionaries, declared that the
+apprenticeship was no preparation for freedom. If it were a preparation
+at all, it would most probably be so in a religious and educational
+point of view. We should expect to find the masters, if laboring at all
+to prepare their apprentices for freedom, doing so chiefly by
+encouraging missionaries and teachers to come to their estates, and by
+aiding in the erection of chapels and school-houses. But the
+missionaries declare that they meet with little more direct
+encouragement now, than they did during slavery.
+
+The special magistrates also testify that the apprenticeship is no
+preparation for freedom. On this subject they are very explicit.
+
+The colored people bear the same testimony. Not a few, too, affirm, that
+the tendency of the apprenticeship is to unfit the negroes for freedom,
+and avow it as their firm persuasion, that the people will be less
+prepared for liberty at the end of the apprenticeship, than they were at
+its commencement. And it is not without reason that they thus speak.
+They say, first, that the bickerings and disputes to which the system
+gives rise between the master and the apprentice, and the arraigning of
+each other before the special magistrate, are directly calculated to
+alienate the parties. The effect of these contentions, kept up for six
+years, will be to implant _deep mutual hostility_; and the parties will
+be a hundred fold more irreconcilable than they were on the abolition of
+slavery. Again, they argue that the apprenticeship system is calculated
+to make the negroes regard _law as their foe_, and thus it unfits them
+for freedom. They reason thus--the apprentice looks to the magistrate as
+his judge, his avenger, his protector; he knows nothing of either law or
+justice except as he sees them exemplified in the decisions of the
+magistrate. When, therefore, the magistrate sentences him to punishment,
+when he knows he was the injured party, he will become disgusted with
+the very name of justice, and esteem law his greatest enemy.
+
+The neglect of the planters to use the apprenticeship as a preparation
+for freedom, warrants us in the conclusion, that they do not think any
+preparation necessary. But we are not confined to doubtful inferences on
+this point. They testify positively--and not only planters, but all
+other classes of men likewise--that the slaves of Barbadoes were fit for
+entire freedom in 1834, and that they might have been emancipated then
+with perfect safety. Whatever may have been the sentiment of the
+Barbadians relative to the necessity of preparation before the
+experiment was made, it is clear that now they have no confidence either
+in the necessity or the practicability of preparatory schemes.
+
+But we cannot close our remarks upon the apprenticeship system without
+noticing one good end which it has undesignedly accomplished, i.e., _the
+illustration of the good disposition of the colored people_. We firmly
+believe that if the friends of emancipation had wished to disprove all
+that has ever been said about the ferocity and revengefulness of the
+negroes, and at the same time to demonstrate that they possess, in a
+pre-eminent degree, those other qualities which render them the fit
+subjects of liberty and law, they could not have done it more
+triumphantly than it has been done by the apprenticeship. _How_ this has
+been done may be shown by pointing out several respects in which the
+apprenticeship has been calculated to try the negro character most
+severely, and to develop all that was fiery and rebellious in it.
+
+1. The apprenticeship removed that strong arm of slavery and substituted
+no adequate force. The arbitrary power of the master, which awed the
+slave into submission, was annihilated. The whip which was held over the
+slave, and compelled a kind of subordination--brutal, indeed, but
+effectual--was abolished. Here in the outset the reins were given to the
+long-oppressed, but now aspiring mass. No adequate force was
+substituted, because it was the intent of the new system to govern by
+milder means. This was well, but what were the milder means which were
+to take the place of brute force?
+
+2. Was the stimulus of wages substituted? No! That was expressly denied.
+Was the liberty of locomotion granted? No. Was the privilege of gaining
+a personal interest in the soil extended to them? No. Were the
+immunities and rights of citizenship secured to them? No. Was the poor
+favor allowed them of selecting their own business, or of choosing their
+employer? Not even this? Thus far, then, we see nothing of the milder
+measures of the apprenticeship. It has indeed opened the prison doors
+and knocked off the prisoners' chains--but it still keeps them grinding
+there, as before, and refuses to let them come forth, except
+occasionally, and then only to be thrust back again. Is it not thus
+directly calculated to encourage indolence and insubordination?
+
+3. In the next place, this system introduces a third party, to whom the
+apprentice is encouraged to look for justice, redress, and counsel. Thus
+he is led to regard his master as his enemy, and all confidence in him
+is for ever destroyed. But this is not the end of the difficulty. The
+apprentice carries up complaints against his master. If they gain a
+favorable hearing he triumphs over him--if they are disregarded, he
+concludes that the magistrate also is his enemy, and he goes away with a
+rankling grudge against his master. Thus he is gradually led to assert
+his own cause, and he learns to contend with his master, to reply
+insolently, to dispute, quarrel, and--it is well that we cannot add, to
+_fight_. At least one thing is the result--a permanent state of
+alienation, contempt of authority, and hatred. _All these are the fruits
+of the apprenticeship system_. They are caused by transferring the power
+of the master, while the _relation_ continues the same. Nor is this
+contempt for the master, this alienation and hatred, all the mischief.
+The unjust decisions of the magistrate, of which the apprentices have
+such abundant reasons to complain, excite their abhorrence of him, and
+thus their confidence in the protection of law is weakened or destroyed.
+Here, then, is contempt for the master, abhorrence of the magistrate,
+and mistrust of the law--the apprentice regarding all three as leagued
+together to rob him of his rights. What a combination of circumstances
+to drive the apprentices to desperation and madness! What a marvel that
+the outraged negroes have been restrained from bloody rebellions!
+
+Another insurrectionary feature peculiar to the apprenticeship is its
+making the apprentices _free a portion of the time_. One fourth of the
+time is given them every week--just enough to afford them a taste of the
+sweets of liberty, and render them dissatisfied with their condition.
+Then the manner in which this time is divided is calculated to irritate.
+After being a slave nine hours, the apprentice is made a freeman for the
+remainder of the day; early the next morning the halter is again put on,
+and he treads the wheel another day. Thus the week wears away until
+Saturday; which is an entire day of freedom. The negro goes out and
+works for his master, or any one else, as he pleases, and at night he
+receives his quarter of a dollar. This is something like freedom, and he
+begins to have the feelings of a freeman--a lighter heart and more
+active limbs. He puts his money carefully away at night, and lays
+himself down to rest his toil-worn body. He awakes on Sabbath morning,
+and _is still free_. He puts on his best clothes, goes to church,
+worships a free God, contemplates a free heaven, sees his free children
+about him, and his wedded wife; and ere the night again returns, the
+consciousness that he is a slave is quite lost in the thoughts of
+liberty which fill his breast, and the associations of freedom which
+cluster around him. He sleeps again. _Monday morning he is startled from
+his dreams by the old "shell-blow" of slavery_, and he arises to endure
+another week of toil, alternated by the same tantalizing mockeries of
+freedom. Is not this applying the _hot iron to the nerve_?
+
+5. But, lastly, the apprenticeship system, as if it would apply the
+match to this magazine of combustibles, holds out the reward of liberty
+to every apprentice who shall by any means provoke his master to punish
+him a second time.
+
+[NOTE.--In a former part of this work--the report of Antigua--we
+mentioned having received information respecting a number of the
+apprenticeship islands, viz., Dominica, St. Christopher's, Nevis,
+Montserrat, Anguilla, and Tortola, from the Wesleyan Missionaries whom
+we providentially met with at the annual district meeting in Antigua. We
+designed to give the statements of these men at some length in this
+connection, but we find that it would swell our report to too great a
+size. It only remains to say, therefore, in a word, that the same things
+are generally true of those colonies which have been detailed in the
+account of Barbadoes. There is the same peaceableness, subordination,
+industry, and patient suffering on the part of the apprentices, the same
+inefficiency of the apprenticeship as a preparation for freedom, and the
+same conviction in the community that the people will, if at all
+affected by it, be _less_ fit for emancipation in 1840 than they were in
+1834. A short call at St. Christopher's confirmed these views in our
+minds, so far as that island is concerned.
+
+While in Barbadoes, we had repeated interviews with gentlemen who were
+well acquainted with the adjacent islands, St. Lucia, St. Vincent's,
+Grenada, &c.; one of whom was a proprietor of a sugar estate in St.
+Vincent's; and they assured us that there was the same tranquillity
+reigning in those islands which we saw in Barbadoes. Sir Evan McGregor,
+who is the governor-general of the windward colonies, and of course
+thoroughly informed respecting their internal state, gave us the same
+assurances. From Mr. H., an American gentleman, a merchant of Barbadoes,
+and formerly of Trinidad, we gathered similar information touching that
+large and (compared with Barbadoes or Antigua) semi-barbarous island.
+
+We learned enough from these authentic sources to satisfy ourselves that
+the various degrees of intelligence in the several islands makes very
+little difference in the actual results of abolition; but that in all
+the colonies, conciliatory and equitable management has never failed to
+secure industry and tranquillity.]
+
+
+
+JAMAICA.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+KINGSTON.
+
+Having drawn out in detail the results of abolition, and the working of
+the apprenticeship system in Barbadoes, we shall spare the reader a
+protracted account of Jamaica; but the importance of that colony, and
+the fact that greater dissatisfaction on account of the abolition of
+slavery has prevailed there than in all the other colonies together,
+demand a careful statement of facts.
+
+On landing in Jamaica, we pushed onward in our appropriate inquiries,
+scarcely stopping to cast a glance at the towering mountains, with their
+cloud-wreathed tops, and the valleys where sunshine and shade sleep side
+by side--at the frowning precipices, made more awful by the impenetrable
+forest-foliage which shrouds the abysses below, leaving the impression
+of an ocean depth--at the broad lawns and magnificent savannahs glowing
+in verdure and sunlight--at the princely estates and palace mansions--at
+the luxuriant cultivation, and the sublime solitude of primeval forests,
+where trees of every name, the mahogany, the boxwood, the rosewood, the
+cedar, the palm, the fern, the bamboo, the cocoa, the breadfruit, the
+mango, the almond, all grow in wild confusion, interwoven with a dense
+tangled undergrowth.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: It is less necessary for us to dwell long on Jamaica, than
+it would otherwise be, since the English gentlemen, Messrs. Sturge and
+Harvey, spent most of their time in that island, and will, doubtless,
+publish their investigations, which will, ere long, be accessible to our
+readers. We had the pleasure of meeting these intelligent philanthropic
+and pious men in the West Indies, and from the great length of time, and
+the superior facilities which they enjoyed over us, of gathering a mass
+of facts in Jamaica, we feel assured that their report will be highly
+interesting and useful, as well among us as on the other side of
+the water.]
+
+We were one month in Jamaica. For about a week we remained in
+Kingston,[B] and called on some of the principal gentlemen, both white
+and colored. We visited the Attorney-General, the Solicitor-General,
+some of the editors, the Baptist and Wesleyan missionaries, and several
+merchants. We likewise visited the public schools, the house of
+correction, penitentiary, hospital, and other public institutions. We
+shall speak briefly of several individuals whom we saw in Kingston, and
+give some of their statements.
+
+[Footnote B: The chief town of the island, with about forty thousand
+inhabitants.]
+
+The Hon. Dowel O'Reily; the Attorney-General; is an Irishman, and of one
+of the influential families. In his own country he was a prominent
+politician, and a bold advocate of Catholic Emancipation. He is
+decidedly one of the ablest men in the island, distinguished for that
+simplicity of manners, and flow of natural benevolence, which are the
+characteristics of the Irishman. He received his present appointment
+from the English government about six years ago, and is, by virtue of
+his office, a member of the council. He declared that the apprenticeship
+was in no manner preparing the negroes for freedom, but was operating in
+a contrary way, especially in Jamaica, where it had been made the
+instrument of greater cruelties in some cases, than slavery itself. Mr.
+O'Reily is entirely free from prejudice; with all his family rank and
+official standing, he identifies himself with the colored people as far
+as his extensive professional engagements will allow. Having early
+learned this, we were surprised to find him so highly respected by the
+whites. In our subsequent excursions to the country, the letters of
+introduction with which he kindly furnished us, to planters and others,
+were uniformly received with avowals of the profoundest respect for him.
+It should be observed, that Mr. O'Reily's attachment to the cause of
+freedom in the colonies, is not a mere partizan feeling assumed in order
+to be in keeping with the government under which he holds his office.
+The fact of his being a Roman Catholic must, of itself, acquit him of
+the suspicion of any strong partiality for the English government. On
+the other hand, his decided hostility to the apprenticeship--the
+favorite offspring of British legislation--demonstrates equally his
+sincerity and independence.
+
+We were introduced to the Solicitor-General, William Henry Anderson,
+Esq., of Kingston. Mr. A. is a Scotchman, and has resided to Jamaica for
+more than six years. We found him the fearless advocate of negro
+emancipation. He exposed the corruptions and abominations of the
+apprenticeship without reserve. Mr. A. furnished us with a written
+statement of his views, respecting the state of the island, the
+condition of the apprentices, &c., from which we here make a
+few extracts.
+
+"1. A very material change for the better has taken place in the
+sentiments of the community since slavery was abolished. Religion and
+education were formerly opposed as subversive of the security of
+property; now they are in the most direct manner encouraged as its best
+support. The value of all kinds of property has risen considerably, and
+a general sense of security appears to be rapidly pervading the public
+mind. I have not heard one man assert that it would be an advantage to
+return to slavery, even were it practicable; and I believe that the
+public is beginning to see that slave labor is not the cheapest."
+
+"2. The prejudices against color are _rapidly vanishing_. I do not think
+there is a respectable man, I mean one who would be regarded as
+respectable on account of his good sense and weight of character, who
+would impugn another's conduct for associating with persons of color. So
+far as my observation goes, those who would formerly have acted on these
+prejudices, will be ashamed to own that they had entertained them. The
+distinction of superior acquirements still belongs to the whites, as a
+body; but that, and character, will shortly be the only distinguishing
+mark recognized among us."
+
+"3. The apprentices are improving, _not, however, in consequence of the
+apprenticeship, but in spite of it, and in consequence of the great act
+of abolition_!"
+
+"4. I think the negroes might have been emancipated as safely in 1834,
+as in 1840; and had the emancipation then taken place, they would be
+found much further in advance in 1840, than they can be after the
+expiration of the present period of apprenticeship, _through which all,
+both apprentices and masters, are_ LABORING HEAVILY."
+
+"5. That the negroes will work if moderately compensated, no candid man
+can doubt. Their _endurance_ for the sake of a very little gain is quite
+amazing, and they are most desirous to procure for themselves and
+families as large a share as possible of the comforts and decencies of
+life. They appear peculiarly to reverence and desire intellectual
+attainments. They employ, occasionally, children who have been taught in
+the schools to teach them in their leisure time to read."
+
+"6. I think the partial modifications of slavery have been attended by
+so much improvement in all that constitutes the welfare and
+respectability of society, that I cannot doubt the increase of the
+benefit were a total abolition accomplished of every restriction that
+has arisen out of the former state of things."
+
+During our stay in Kingston, we called on the American consul, to whom
+we had a letter from the consul at Antigua. We found him an elderly
+gentleman, and a true hearted Virginian, both in his generosity and his
+prejudices in favor of slavery. The consul, Colonel Harrison, is a near
+relation of General W.H. Harrison, of Ohio. Things, he said, were going
+ruinously in Jamaica. The English government were mad for abolishing
+slavery. The negroes of Jamaica were the most degraded and ignorant of
+all negroes he had ever seen. He had travelled in all our Southern
+States, and the American negroes, even those of South Carolina and
+Georgia, were as much superior to the negroes of Jamaica, as Henry Clay
+was superior to him. He said they were the most ungrateful, faithless
+set he ever saw; no confidence could be placed in them, and kindness was
+always requited by insult. He proceeded to relate a fact from which it
+appeared that the ground on which his grave charges against the negro
+character rested, was the ill-conduct of one negro woman whom he had
+hired some time ago to assist his family. The town negroes, he said,
+were too lazy to work; they loitered and lounged about on the sidewalks
+all day, jabbering with one another, and keeping up an incessant noise;
+and they would not suffer a white man to order them in the least. They
+were rearing their children in perfect idleness and for his part he
+could not tell what would become of the rising population of blacks.
+Their parents were too proud to let them work, and they sent them to
+school all the time. Every afternoon, he said, the streets are thronged
+with the half-naked little black devils, just broke from the schools,
+and all singing some noisy tune learned in the infant schools; the
+_burthen of_ their songs seems to be, "_O that will be joyful_." These
+words, said he, are ringing in your ears wherever you go. How
+aggravating truly such words must be, bursting cheerily from the lips of
+the little free songsters! "O that will be joyful, _joyful_,
+JOYFUL"--and so they ring the changes day after day, ceaseless and
+untiring. A new song this, well befitting the times and the prospects,
+but provoking enough to oppressors. The consul denounced he special
+magistrates; they were an insolent set of fellows, they would fine a
+white man as quick as they would flog a _nigger_.[A] If a master called
+his apprentice "you scoundrel," or, "you huzzy," the magistrate would
+either fine him for it or reprove him sharply in the presence of the
+apprentice. This, in the eyes of the veteran Virginian, was intolerable.
+Outrageous, not to allow a _gentleman_ to call his servant what names he
+chooses! We were very much edified by the Colonel's _expose_ of Jamaica
+manners. We must say, however, that his opinions had much less weight
+with us after we learned (as we did from the best authority) that he had
+never been a half dozen miles into the country during a ten year's
+residence in Kingston.
+
+[Footnote A: We fear there is too little truth in this representation.]
+
+We called on the Rev. Jonathan Edmonson, the superintendent of the
+Wesleyan missions in Jamaica. Mr. E. has been for many years laboring as
+a missionary in the West Indies, first in Barbadoes, then in St.
+Vincent's, Grenada, Trinidad, and Demerara, and lastly in Jamaica. He
+stated that the planters were doing comparatively nothing to prepare the
+negroes for freedom. "_Their whole object was to get as much sugar out
+of them as they possibly could_."
+
+We received a call from the Rev. Mr. Wooldridge, one of the Independent
+missionaries. He thinks the conduct of the planters is tending to make
+the apprentices their bitter enemies. He mentioned one effect of the
+apprenticeship which had not been pointed out to us before. The system
+of appraisement, he said, was a _premium upon all the bad qualities of
+the negroes and a tax upon all the good ones_. When a person is to be
+appraised, his virtues and his vices are always inquired into, and they
+materially influence the estimate of his value. For example, the usual
+rate of appraisement is a dollar per week for the remainder of the term;
+but if the apprentice is particularly sober, honest, and industrious,
+more particularly if he be a _pious man_, he is valued at the rate of
+two or three dollars per week. It was consequently for the interest of
+the master, when an apprentice applied for an appraisement, to portray
+his virtues, while on the other hand there was an inducement for the
+apprentice to conceal or actually to renounce his good qualities, and
+foster the worst vices. Some instances of this kind had fallen under his
+personal observation.
+
+We called on the Rev. Mr. Gardiner, and on the Rev. Mr. Tinson, two
+Baptist missionaries in Kingston. On Sabbath we attended service at the
+church of which Mr. G. is the pastor. It is a very large building,
+capable of seating two thousand persons. The great mass of the
+congregation were apprentices. At the time we were present, the chapel
+was well filled, and the broad surface of black faces was scarcely at
+all diversified with lighter colors. It was gratifying to witness the
+neatness of dress, the sobriety of demeanor, the devotional aspect of
+countenance, the quiet and wakeful attention to the preacher which
+prevailed. They were mostly rural negroes from the estates adjacent
+to Kingston.
+
+The Baptists are the most numerous body of Christians in the island. The
+number of their missionaries now in Jamaica is sixteen, the number of
+Chapels is thirty-one, and the number of members thirty-two thousand
+nine hundred and sixty. The increase of members during the year 1836 was
+three thousand three hundred and forty-four.
+
+At present the missionary field is mostly engrossed by the Baptists and
+Wesleyans. The Moravians are the next most numerous body. Besides these,
+there are the clergy of the English Church, with a Bishop, and a few
+Scotch clergymen. The Baptist missionaries, as a body, have been most
+distinguished for their opposition to slavery. Their boldness in the
+midst of suffering and persecutions, their denunciations of oppression,
+though they did for a time arouse the wrath of oppressors, and cause
+their chapels to be torn down and themselves to be hunted, imprisoned,
+and banished, did more probably than any other cause, to hasten the
+abolition of slavery.
+
+_Schools in Kingston_.--We visited the Wolmer free school--the largest
+and oldest school in the island. The whole number of scholars is five
+hundred. It is under the charge of Mr. Reid, a venerable Scotchman, of
+scholarship and piety. All colors are mingled in it promiscuously. We
+saw the infant school department examined by Mr. R. There were nearly
+one hundred and fifty children, of every hue, from the jettiest black to
+the fairest white; they were thoroughly intermingled, and the ready
+answers ran along the ranks from black to white, from white to brown,
+from brown to pale, with undistinguished vivacity and accuracy. We were
+afterwards conducted into the higher department, where lads and misses
+from nine to fifteen, were instructed in the various branches of
+academic education. A class of lads, mostly colored, were examined in
+arithmetic. They wrought several sums in pounds, shillings and pence
+currency, with wonderful celerity.
+
+Among other things which we witnessed in that school, we shall not soon
+forget having seen a curly headed negro lad of twelve, examining a class
+of white young ladies in scientific history.
+
+Some written statements and statistical tables were furnished us by Mr.
+Reid, which we subjoin..
+
+_Kingston, May 13th, 1837_
+
+DEAR SIR,--I delayed answering your queries in hopes of being able to
+give you an accurate list of the number of schools in Kingston, and
+pupils under tuition, but have not been able completely to accomplish my
+intention. I shall now answer your queries in the order you propose
+them. 1st Quest. How long have you been teaching in Jamaica? Ans.
+Thirty-eight years in Kingston. 2d Q. How long have you been master of
+Wolmer's free school? A. Twenty-three years. 3d Q. What is the number of
+colored children now in the school? A. Four hundred and thirty. 4th Q.
+Was there any opposition to their admission at first? A. Considerable
+opposition the first year, but none afterwards. 5th Q. Do they learn as
+readily us the white children? A. As they are more regular in their
+attendance, they learn better. 6th Q. Are they as easily governed? A.
+Much easier. 7th Q. What proportion of the school are the children of
+apprentices? A. Fifty. 8th Q. Do their parents manifest a desire to have
+them educated? A. In general they do. 9th Q. At what age do the children
+leave your school? A. Generally between twelve and fourteen. 10th Q What
+employments do they chiefly engage in upon leaving you? A. The boys go
+to various mechanic trades, to counting-houses, attorney's offices,
+clerks to planting attorneys, and others become planters. The, girls
+seamstresses, mantuamakers, and a considerable proportion tailoresses,
+in Kingston and throughout Jamaica, as situations offer.
+
+I am, dear sirs, yours respectfully,
+
+E. REID.
+
+The following table will show the average numbers of the respective
+classes, white and colored, who have attended Wolmer's free school in
+each year, from 1814 to the present time.
+
+                                   White    | Colored | Total.
+                                   Children.|Children.|
+Average number in 1814                87                  87
+   "      "       1815               111         3       114
+   "      "       1816               129        25       154
+   "      "       1817               146        36       182
+   "      "       1818               155        38       193
+   "      "       1819               136        57       193
+   "      "       1820               116        78       194
+   "      "       1821               118       122       240
+   "      "       1822                93       167       260
+   "      "       1823                97       187       280
+   "      "       1824                94       196       290
+   "      "       1825                89       185       274
+   "      "       1826                93       176       269
+   "      "       1827                92       156       248
+   "      "       1828                88       152       240
+   "      "       1829                79       192       271
+   "      "       1830                88       194       282
+   "      "       1831                88       315       403
+   "      "       1832                90       360       450
+   "      "       1833                93       411       504
+   "      "       1834                81       420       501
+   "      "       1835                85       425       510
+   "      "       1836                78       428       506
+   "      "       1837                72       430       502
+
+With regard to the _comparative intellect_ of white and colored
+children, Mr. Reid gives the following valuable statement:
+
+"For the last thirty-eight years I have been employed in this city in
+the tuition of children of all classes and colors, and have no
+hesitation in saying that the children of color are equal both in
+conduct and ability to the white. They have always carried off more than
+their proportion of prizes, and at one examination, out of seventy
+prizes awarded, sixty-four were obtained by children of color."
+
+Mr. R. afterwards sent to us the table of the number of schools in
+Kingston, alluded to in the foregoing communication. We insert it here,
+as it affords a view of the increase of schools and scholars since the
+abolition of slavery.
+
+
+                1831.
+    Schools.                                Scholars.
+2   Wolmer's,                                  403
+1   National,                                  270
+34  Gentlemen's private,                      1368
+40  Ladies' do.                               1005
+8   Sunday,                                   1042
+----                                          ----
+85                           Total,           4088
+
+                1832.
+
+    Schools.                                Scholars.
+2   Wolmer's,                                  472
+1   National,                                  260
+31  Gentlemen's private,                      1169
+41  Ladies' do.                                856
+8   Sunday,                                    981
+----                                          ----
+83                           Total,           3738
+
+                1836.
+
+    Schools.                                Scholars.
+2   Wolmer's,                                  527
+3   National,                                 1136
+3   Mico,                                      590
+1   Baptist,                                   250
+1   Jamaica Union,                             120
+31  Gentlemen's private,                      1137
+59  Ladies' do.                               1339
+9   Sunday,                                   1108
+    By itinerant teachers and children.       1500
+----                                          ----
+109                        Total,             7707
+
+                1837.
+    Schools.                                Scholars.
+ 2  Wolmer's,                                  502
+ 3  National,                                 1238
+ 4  Mico,                                      611
+ 1  Baptist                                    260
+ 1  Jamaica Union,                             200
+34  Gentlemen's private,                      1476
+63  Ladies' do.                               1525
+10  Sunday,                                   1316
+    By itinerant teachers and children,       1625
+----                                          ----
+118                        Total,             8753
+
+We also visited the Union school, which has been established for some
+years in Kingston. All the children connected with it, about one hundred
+and fifty, are, with two exceptions, black or colored. The school is
+conducted generally on the Lancasterian plan. We examined several of the
+boys in arithmetic. We put a variety of questions to them, to be worked
+out on the slate, and the reasons of the process to be explained as they
+went along; all which they executed with great expertness. There was a
+jet black boy, whom we selected for a special trial. We commenced with
+the simple rules, and went through them one by one, together with the
+compound rules and Reduction, to Practice, propounding questions and
+examples in each of them, which were entirely new to him, and to all of
+them he gave prompt and correct replies. He was only thirteen years old,
+and we can aver we never saw a boy of that age in any of our common
+schools, that exhibited a fuller and clearer knowledge of the science
+of numbers.
+
+In general, our opinion of this school was similar to that already
+expressed concerning the others. It is supported by the pupils, aided by
+six hundred dollars granted by the assembly.
+
+In connection with this subject, there is one fact of much interest.
+However strong and exclusive was the prejudice of color a few years
+since in the schools of Jamaica, we could not, during our stay in that
+island, learn of more than two or three places of education, and those
+private ones, from which colored children were excluded, and among the
+numerous schools in Kingston, there is not one of this kind.
+
+We called on several colored gentlemen of Kingston, from whom we
+received much valuable information. The colored population are opposed
+to the apprenticeship, and all the influence which they have, both in
+the colony and with the home government, (which is not small,) is
+exerted against it. They are a festering thorn in the sides of the
+planters, among whom they maintain a fearless espionage, exposing by pen
+and tongue their iniquitous proceedings. It is to be regretted that
+their influence in this respect is so sadly weakened by their _holding
+apprentices themselves_.
+
+We had repeated invitations to breakfast and dine with colored
+gentlemen, which we accepted as often as our engagements would permit.
+On such occasions we generally met a company of gentlemen and ladies of
+superior social and intellectual accomplishments. We must say, that it
+is a great self-denial to refrain from a description of some of the
+animated, and we must add splendid, parties of colored people which we
+attended. The conversation on these occasions mostly turned on the
+political and civil disabilities under which the colored population
+formerly labored, and the various straggles by which they ultimately
+obtained their rights. The following are a few items of their history.
+The colored people of Jamaica, though very numerous, and to some extent
+wealthy and intelligent, were long kept by the white colonists in a
+state of abject political bondage. Not only were offices withheld from
+them, and the right of suffrage denied, but they were not even allowed
+the privilege of an oath in court, in defense of their property or their
+persons. They might be violently assaulted, their limbs broken, their
+wives and daughters might be outraged before their eyes by villains
+having white skins; yet they had no legal redress unless another white
+man chanced to see the deed. It was not until 1824 that this oppressive
+enactment was repealed, and the protection of an oath extended to the
+colored people; nor was it then effected without a long struggle on
+their part.
+
+Another law, equally worthy of a slaveholding legislature, prohibited
+any white man, however wealthy, bequeathing, or in any manner giving his
+colored son or daughter more than L2000 currency, or six thousand
+dollars. The design of this law was to keep the colored people poor and
+dependent upon the whites. Further to secure the same object, every
+effort, both legislative and private, was made to debar them from
+schools, and sink them in the lowest ignorance. Their young men of
+talent were glad to get situations as clerks in the stores of white
+merchants. Their young ladies of beauty and accomplishments were
+fortune-made if they got a place in the white man's harem. These were
+the highest stations to which the flower of their youth aspired. The
+rest sank beneath the discouragements, and grovelled in vice and
+debasement. If a colored person had any business with a white gentleman,
+and should call at his house, "he must take off his hat, and wait at the
+door, and be _as polite as a dog_."
+
+These insults and oppressions the colored people in Jamaica bore, until
+they could bear them no longer. By secret correspondence they formed a
+union throughout the island, for the purpose of resistance. This,
+however, was not effected for a long time, and while in process, the
+correspondence was detected, and the most vigorous means were used by
+the whites to crush the growing conspiracy--for such it was virtually.
+Persuasions and intimations were used privately, and when these failed,
+public persecutions were resorted to, under the form of judicial
+procedures. Among the milder means was the dismission of clerks, agents,
+&c., from the employ of a white men. As soon as a merchant discovered
+that his clerk was implicated in the correspondence, he first threatened
+to discharge him unless he would promise to desert his brethren: if he
+could not extort this promise, he immediately put his threat in
+execution. Edward Jordon, Esq., the talented editor of the Watchman,
+then first clerk in the store of a Mr. Briden, was prominently concerned
+in the correspondence, and was summarily dismissed.
+
+White men drove their colored sons from their houses, and subjected them
+to every indignity and suffering, in order to deter them from
+prosecuting an enterprise which was seen by the terrified oppressors to
+be fraught with danger to themselves. Then followed more violent
+measures. Persons suspected of being the projectors of the disaffection,
+were dragged before incensed judges, and after mock trials, were
+sentenced to imprisonment in the city jail. Messrs. Jordon and Osborne,
+(after they had established the Watchman paper,) were both imprisoned;
+the former twice, for five months each time. At the close of the second
+term of imprisonment, Mr. Jordon was _tried for his life_, on the charge
+of having published _seditious matter_ in the Watchman.
+
+The paragraph which was denominated '_seditious matter_' was this--
+
+"Now that the member for Westmoreland (Mr. Beaumont) has come over to
+our side, we will, by a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether,
+bring down the system by the run, knock off the fetters, and let the
+oppressed go free."
+
+On the day of Mr. J.'s trial, the court-room was thronged with colored
+men, who had armed themselves, and were determined, if the sentence of
+death were pronounced upon Mr. Jordon, to rescue him at whatever hazard.
+It is supposed that their purpose was conjectured by the judges--at any
+rate, they saw fit to acquit Mr. J. and give him his enlargement. The
+Watchman continued as fearless and _seditious_ as ever, until the
+Assembly were ultimately provoked to threaten some extreme measure which
+should effectually silence the agitators. _Then_ Mr. Jordon issued a
+spirited circular, in which he stated the extent of the coalition among
+the colored people, and in a tone of defiance demanded the instant
+repeal of every restrictive law, the removal of every disability, and
+the extension of complete political equality; declaring, that if the
+demand were not complied with, the whole colored population would rise
+in arms, would proclaim freedom to their own slaves, instigate the
+slaves generally to rebellion, and then shout war and wage it, until
+_the streets of Kingston should run blood_. This bold piece of
+generalship succeeded. The terrified legislators huddled together in
+their Assembly-room, and swept away, at one blow, all restrictions, and
+gave the colored people entire enfranchisement. These occurrences took
+place in 1831; since which time the colored class have been politically
+free, and have been marching forward with rapid step in every species of
+improvement, and are now on a higher footing than in any other colony.
+All offices are open to them; they are aldermen of the city, justices of
+the peace, inspectors of public institutions, trustees of schools, etc.
+There are, at least, then colored special magistrates, natives of the
+island. There are four colored members of the Assembly, including
+Messrs. Jordon and Osborne. Mr. Jordon now sits in the same Assembly,
+side by side, with the man who, a few years ago, ejected him
+disdainfully from his clerkship. He is a member of the Assembly for the
+city of Kingston, where not long since he was imprisoned, and tried for
+his life. He is also alderman of the city, and one of its local
+magistrates. He is now inspector of the same prison in which he was
+formerly immured as a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition.
+
+The secretary of the special magistrate department, Richard Hill, Esq.,
+is a colored gentleman, and is one of the first men in the island,[A]
+for integrity, independence, superior abilities, and extensive
+acquirements. It has seldom been our happiness to meet with a man more
+illustrious for true nobility of soul, or in whose countenance there
+were deeper traces of intellectual and moral greatness. We are confident
+that no man can _see_ him without being impressed with his rare
+combination of excellences.
+
+[Footnote A: We learn from the Jamaica papers, since our return to this
+country, that Mr. Hill has been elected a member of the Assembly.]
+
+Having said thus much respecting the political advancement of the
+colored people, it is proper to remark, that they have by no means
+evinced a determination to claim more than their share of office and
+influence. On the contrary, they stop very far short of what they are
+entitled to. Having an extent of suffrage but little less than the
+whites, they might fill one third of the seats in the Assembly, whereas
+they now return but four members out of forty-five. The same may be said
+of other offices, particularly those in the city of Kingston, and the
+larger towns, where they are equal to, or more numerous, than the
+whites. It is a fact, that a portion of the colored people continue at
+this time to return white members to the Assembly, and to vote for white
+aldermen and other city officers. The influential men among them, have
+always urged them to take up white men, unless they could find
+_competent_ men of their own color. As they remarked to us, if they were
+obliged to send an _ass_ to the Assembly, it was far better for _them_
+to send a _white_ ass than a _black_ one.
+
+In company with a friend, we visited the principal streets and places of
+business in Kingston, for the purpose of seeing for ourselves the
+general employments of the people of color; and those who engage in the
+lowest offices, such as porters, watermen, draymen, and servants of all
+grades, from him who flaunts in livery, to him who polishes shoes, are
+of course from this class. So with the fruiterers, fishmongers, and the
+almost innumerable tribe of petty hucksters which swarm throughout the
+city, and is collected in a dense mass in its suburbs. The market, which
+is the largest and best in the West Indies, is almost entirely supplied
+and attended by colored persons, mostly females. The great body of
+artisans is composed mostly of colored persons.
+
+There are two large furniture and cabinet manufactories in Kingston, one
+owned by two colored men, and the other by a white man. The operatives,
+of which one contains eighty, and the other nearly as many, are all
+black and colored. A large number of them are what the British law terms
+_apprentices_, and are still bound in unremunerated servitude, though
+some of them for thrice seven years have been adepts in their trades,
+and not a few are earning their masters twenty or thirty dollars each
+month, clear of all expenses. Some of these _apprentices_ are
+hoary-headed and wrinkle-browned men, with their children, and
+grand-children, apprentices also, around them, and who, after having
+used the plane and the chisel for half a century, with faithfulness for
+_others_, are now spending the few hours and the failing strength of old
+again in _preparing_ to use the plane and the chisel for _themselves_.
+The work on which they were engaged evinced no lack of mechanical skill
+and ingenuity, but on the contrary we were shown some of the most
+elegant specimens of mechanical skill, which we ever saw. The rich woods
+of the West Indies were put into almost every form and combination which
+taste could designate or luxury desire.
+
+The owners of these establishments informed us that their business had
+much _increased within the last two years_, and was still extending.
+Neither of them had any fears for the results of complete emancipation,
+but both were laying their plans for the future as broadly and
+confidently as ever.
+
+In our walk we accidentally met a colored man, whom we had heard
+mentioned on several occasions as a superior architect. From the
+conversation we had with him, then and subsequently, he appeared to
+possess a fine mechanical genius, and to have made acquirements which
+would be honorable in any man, but which were truly admirable in one who
+had been shut up all his life by the disabilities which in Jamaica have,
+until recently, attached to color. He superintended the erection of the
+Wesleyan chapel in Kingston, the largest building of the kind in the
+island, and esteemed by many as the most elegant. The plan was his own,
+and the work was executed under his own eye. This man is using his means
+and influence to encourage the study of his favorite art, and of the
+arts and sciences generally, among those of his own hue.
+
+One of the largest bookstores in the island is owned by two colored men.
+(Messrs. Jordon and Osborne, already referred to.) Connected with it is
+an extensive printing-office, from which a newspaper is issued twice a
+week. Another paper, under the control of colored men, is published at
+Spanishtown. These are the two principal liberal presses in Jamaica, and
+are conducted with spirit and ability. Their influence in the political
+and civil affairs of the island is very great. They are the organs of
+the colored people, bond and free, and through them any violation of law
+or humanity is exposed to the public, and redress demanded, and
+generally obtained. In literary merit and correctness of moral
+sentiment, they are not excelled by any press there, while some of their
+white contemporaries fall far below them in both. Besides the workmen
+employed in these two offices, there is a large number of colored
+printers in the other printing offices, of which there are several.
+
+We called at two large establishment for making jellies, comfits,
+pickles, and all the varieties of tropic _preserves_. In each of them
+thirty or more persons are constantly employed, and a capital of some
+thousands of dollars invested. Several large rooms were occupied by
+boxes, jars, and canisters, with the apparatus necessary to the process,
+through which the fruit passes. We saw every species of fruits and
+vegetables which the island produces, some fresh from the trees and
+vines, and others ready to be transported to the four quarters of the
+globe, in almost every state which the invalid or epicure could desire.
+These articles, with the different preparations of arrow-root and
+cassada, form a lucrative branch of trade, which is mostly in the hands
+of the colored people.
+
+We were introduced to a large number of colored merchants, dealers in
+dry goods, crockery and glass ware, ironmongers, booksellers, druggists,
+grocers, and general importers and were conducted by them through their
+stores; many of which were on an extensive scale, and managed,
+apparently, with much order and regularity. One of the largest
+commercial houses in Kingston has a colored man as a partner, the other
+two being white. Of a large auction and commission firm, the most active
+and leading partner is a colored man. Besides these, there is hardly a
+respectable house among the white merchants, in which some important
+office, oftentimes the head clerkship, is not filled by a person of
+color. They are as much respected in business transactions, and their
+mercantile talents, their acquaintance with the generalities and details
+of commerce, and sagacity and judgment in making bargains, are as highly
+esteemed by the white merchants, as though they wore an European hue.
+The commercial room is open to them, where they resort unrestrainedly to
+ascertain the news; and a visitor may not unfrequently see sitting
+together at a table of newspapers, or conversing together in the
+parlance of trade, persons as dissimilar in complexion as white and
+black can make them. In the streets the same intercourse is seen.
+
+The general trade of the island is gradually and quietly passing into
+the hands of the colored people. Before emancipation, they seldom
+reached a higher grade in mercantile life than a clerkship, or, if they
+commenced business for themselves, they were shackled and confined in
+their operations by the overgrown and monopolizing establishments which
+slavery had built up. Though the civil and political rights of one class
+of them were acknowledged three years previous, yet they found they
+could not, even if they desired it, disconnect themselves from the
+slaves. They could not transact business--form credits and agencies, and
+receive the confidence of the commercial public--like free men. Strange
+or not, their fate was inseparably linked with that of the bondman,
+their interests were considered as involved with his. However honest
+they might be, it was not safe to trust them; and any attempt to rise
+above a clerkship, to become the employer instead of the employed, was
+regarded as a kind of insurrection, and strongly disapproved and
+opposed. Since emancipation, they have been unshackling them selves from
+white domination in matters of trade; extending their connections, and
+becoming every day more and more independent. They have formed credits
+with commercial houses abroad, and now import directly for themselves,
+at wholesale prices, what they were formerly obliged to receive from
+white importers, or rather speculators, at such prices as they, in their
+tender mercies, saw fit to impose.
+
+Trade is now equalizing itself among all classes. A spirit of
+competition is awakened, banks have been established, steam navigation
+introduced, railroads projected, old highways repaired, and new ones
+opened. The descendants of the slaves are rapidly supplying the places
+which were formerly filled by whites from abroad.
+
+We had the pleasure of being present one day at the sitting of the
+police court of Kingston. Mr. Jordon, the editor of the Watchman, in his
+turn as a member of the common council, was presiding justice, with an
+alderman of the city, a black man, as his associate. At a table below
+them sat the superintendent of police, a white man, and two white
+attorneys, with their huge law books and green bags before them. The bar
+was surrounded by a motley assemblage of black, colored, and white
+faces, intermingled without any regard to hue in the order of
+superiority and precedence. There were about a dozen cases adjudged
+while we were present. The court was conducted with order and dignity,
+and the justices were treated with great respect and deference both by
+white and black.
+
+After the adjournment of the court, we had some conversation with the
+presiding justice. He informed us that whites were not unfrequently
+brought before him for trial, and, in spite of his color, sometimes even
+our own countrymen. He mentioned several instances of the latter, in
+some of which American prejudice assumed very amusing and ludicrous
+forms. In one case, he was obliged to threaten the party, a captain from
+one of our southern ports, with imprisonment for contempt, before he
+could induce him to behave himself with proper decorum. The captain,
+unaccustomed to obey injunctions from men of such a complexion, curled
+his lip in scorn, and showed a spirit of defiance, but on the approach
+of two police officers, whom the court had ordered to arrest him, he
+submitted himself. We were gratified with the spirit of good humor and
+pleasantry with which Mr. J. described the astonishment and gaping
+curiosity which Americans manifest on seeing colored men in offices of
+authority, particularly on the judicial bench, and their evident
+embarrassment and uneasiness whenever obliged to transact business with
+them as magistrates. He seemed to regard it as a subject well worthy of
+ridicule; and we remarked, in our intercourse with the colored people,
+that they were generally more disposed to make themselves merry with
+American sensitiveness on this point, than to bring serious complaints
+against it, though they feel deeply the wrongs which they have suffered
+from it, and speak of them occasionally with solemnity and earnestness.
+Still the feeling is so absurd and ludicrous in itself, and is exhibited
+in so many grotesque positions, even when oppressive, that the sufferer
+cannot help laughing at it. Mr. Jordon has held his present office since
+1832. He has had an extensive opportunity, both as a justice of the
+police court, and as a member of the jail committee, and in other
+official stations, to become well acquainted with the state of crime in
+the island at different periods. He informed us that the number of
+complaints brought before him had much diminished since 1834, and he had
+no hesitation in saying, that crime had decreased throughout the island
+generally more than one third.
+
+During one of our excursions into the country, we witnessed another
+instance of the amicability with which the different colors associated
+in the civil affairs of the island. It was a meeting of one of the
+parish vestries, a kind of local legislature, which possesses
+considerable power over its own territory. There were fifteen members
+present, and nearly as many different shades of complexion. There was
+the planter of aristocratic blood, and at his side was a deep mulatto,
+born in the same parish a slave. There was the quadroon, and the
+unmitigated hue and unmodified features of the negro. They sat together
+around a circular table, and conversed as freely as though they had been
+all of one color. There was no restraint, no uneasiness, as though the
+parties felt themselves out of place, no assumption nor disrespect, but
+all the proceedings manifested the most perfect harmony, confidence, and
+good feeling.
+
+At the same time there was a meeting of the parish committee on roads,
+at which there was the same intermixture of colors, the same freedom and
+kindness of demeanor, and the same unanimity of action. Thus it is with
+all the political and civil bodies in the island, from the House of
+Assembly, to committees on jails and houses of correction. Into all of
+them, the colored people are gradually making their way, and
+participating in public debates and public measures, and dividing with
+the whites legislative and judicial power, and in many cases they
+exhibit a superiority, and in all cases a respectability, of talents and
+attainments, and a courtesy and general propriety of conduct, which gain
+for them the respect of the intelligent and candid among their white
+associates.
+
+We visited the house of correction for the parish of St. Andrews. The
+superintendent received us with the iron-hearted courtesy of a Newgate
+turnkey. Our company was evidently unwelcome, but as the friend who
+accompanied us was a man in authority, he was constrained to admit us.
+The first sound that greeted us was a piercing outcry from the
+treadmill. On going to it, we saw a youth of about eighteen hanging in
+the air by a strap bound to his wrist, and dangling against the wheel in
+such a manner that every revolution of it scraped the body from the
+breast to the ankles. He had fallen off from weakness and fatigue, and
+was struggling and crying in the greatest distress, while the strap,
+which extended to a pole above and stretched his arm high above his
+head, held him fast. The superintendent, in a harsh voice, ordered him
+to be lifted up, and his feet again placed on the wheel. But before he
+had taken five steps, he again fell off, and was suspended as before. At
+the same instant, a woman also fell off, and without a sigh or the
+motion of a muscle, for she was too much exhausted for either, but with
+a shocking wildness of the eye, hung by her half-dislocated arms against
+the wheel. As the allotted time (fifteen minutes) had expired, the
+persons on the wheel were released, and permitted to rest. The boy could
+hardly stand on the ground. He had a large ulcer on one of his feet,
+which was much swollen and inflamed, and his legs and body were greatly
+bruised and peeled by the revolving of the wheel. The gentleman who was
+with us reproved the superintendent severely for his conduct, and told
+him to remove the boy from the treadmill gang, and see that proper care
+was taken of him. The poor woman who fell off, seemed completely
+exhausted; she tottered to the wall near by, and took up a little babe
+which we had not observed before. It appeared to be not more than two or
+three months old, and the little thing stretched out its arms and
+welcomed its mother. On inquiry, we ascertained that this woman's
+offence was absence from the field an hour after the required time (six
+o'clock) in the morning. Besides the infant with her, she had two or
+three other children. Whether the care of them was any excuse for her,
+we leave American mothers to judge. There were two other women on the
+treadmill--one was sentenced there for stealing cane from her master's
+field, and the other, we believe, for running away.
+
+The superintendent next took us to the solitary cells. They were dirty,
+and badly ventilated, and unfit to keep beasts in. On opening the doors,
+such a stench rushed forth, that we could not remain. There was a poor
+woman in one of them, who appeared, as the light of day and the fresh
+air burst in upon her, like a despairing maniac.
+
+We went through the other buildings, all of which were old and dirty,
+nay, worse, _filthy_ in the extreme. The whole establishment was a
+disgrace to the island. The prisoners were poorly clad, and had the
+appearance of harsh usage. Our suspicions of ill treatment were
+strengthened by noticing a large whip in the treadmill, and sundry iron
+collars and handcuffs hanging about in the several rooms through which
+we passed.
+
+The number of inmates in this house at our visit, was
+forty-eight--eighteen of whom were females. Twenty of these were in the
+treadmill and in solitary confinement--the remainder were working on
+the public road at a little distance--many of them _in irons_--iron
+collars about their necks, and chains passing between, connecting them
+together two and two.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+TOUR TO THE COUNTRY.
+
+Wishing to accomplish the most that our limited time would allow; we
+separated at Kingston;--the one taking a northwesterly route among the
+mountainous coffee districts of Port Royal and St. Andrews, and the
+other going into the parish of St. Thomas in the East.
+
+St. Thomas in the East is said to present the apprenticeship in its most
+favorable aspects. There is probably no other parish in the island which
+includes so many fine estates, or has so many liberal-minded
+planters.[A] A day's easy drive from Kingston, brought us to Morant Bay,
+where we spent two days, and called on several influential gentlemen,
+besides visiting the neighboring estate of Belvidere. One gentleman whom
+we met was Thomas Thomson, Esq., the senior local magistrate of the
+Parish, next in civil influence to the Custos. His standing may be
+inferred from the circumstance, (not trifling in Jamaica,) that the
+Governor, during his tour of the island, spent a night at his house. We
+breakfasted with Mr. Thomson, and at that time, and subsequently, he
+showed the utmost readiness in furnishing us with information. He is a
+Scotchman, has been in the island for thirty-eight years, and has served
+as a local magistrate for thirty-four. Until very lately, he has been a
+proprietor of estates; he informed us that he had sold out, but did not
+mention the reasons. We strongly suspected, from the drift of his
+conversation, that he sold about the time of abolition, through alarm
+for the consequences. We early discovered that he was one of the old
+school tyrants, hostile to the change which _had_ taken place, and
+dreadfully alarmed in view of that which was yet to come. Although full
+of the prejudices of an old slaveholder, yet we found him a man of
+strong native sense and considerable intelligence. He declared it most
+unreservedly as his opinion, that the negroes would not work after
+1810--they were _naturally so indolent_, that they would prefer
+gaining a livelihood in some easier way than by digging cane holes. He
+had all the results of the emancipation of 1840 as clearly before his
+mind, as though he saw them in prophetic vision; he knew the whole
+process. One portion of the negroes, too lazy to provide food by their
+own labor, will rob the provision grounds of the few who will remain at
+work. The latter will endure the wrong as long as they well can, and
+then they will procure arms and fire upon the marauders; this will give
+rise to incessant petty conflicts between the lazy and the industrious,
+and a great destruction of life will ensue. Others will die in vast
+numbers from starvation; among these will be the superannuated and the
+young, who cannot support themselves, and whom the planters will not be
+able to support. Others numerous will perish from disease, chiefly for
+want of medical attendance, which it will be wholly out of their power
+to provide. Such is the dismal picture drawn by a late slaveholder, of
+the consequences of removing the negroes from the tender mercies of
+oppressors. Happily for all parties, Mr. Thomson is not very likely to
+establish his claim to the character of a prophet. We were not at all
+surprised to hear him wind up his prophecies against freedom with a
+_denunciation of slavery_. He declared that slavery was a wretched
+system. Man was _naturally a tyrant_. Mr. T. said he had one good
+thing to say of the negroes, viz., that they were an _exceedingly
+temperate people_. It was a very unusual thing to see one of them drunk.
+Slavery, he said, was a system of _horrid cruelties_. He had lately
+read, in the history of Jamaica, of a planter, in 1763, having a slave's
+_leg_ cut off, to keep him from running away. He said that dreadful
+cruelties were perpetrated until the close of slavery, and they were
+inseparable from slavery. He also spoke of the fears which haunted the
+slaveholders. He never would live on an estate; and whenever he chanced
+to stay over night in the country, he always took care to secure his
+door by bolting and barricading it. At Mr. Thomson's we met Andrew
+Wright, Esq., the proprietor of a sugar estate called Green Wall,
+situated some six miles from the bay. He is an intelligent gentleman, of
+an amiable disposition--has on his estate one hundred and sixty
+apprentices. He described his people as being in a very peaceable state,
+and as industrious as he could wish. He said he had no trouble with
+them, and it was his opinion, that where there is trouble, it must be
+_owing to bad management_. He anticipated no difficulty after 1840, and
+was confident that his people would not leave him. He believed that the
+negroes would not to any great extent abandon the cultivation of sugar
+after 1840. Mr. T. stated two facts respecting this enlightened planter,
+which amply account for the good conduct of his apprentices. One was,
+that he was an exceedingly kind and amiable man. _He had never been
+known to have a falling out with any man in his life_. Another fact was,
+that Mr. Wright was the only resident sugar proprietor in all that
+region of country. He superintends his own estate, while the other large
+estates are generally left in the hands of unprincipled, mercenary men.
+
+[Footnote A: We have the following testimony of Sir Lionel Smith to the
+superiority of St. Thomas in the East. It is taken from the Royal
+Gazette, (Kingston.) May 6, 1837. "His Excellency has said, that in all
+his tour he was not more highly gratified with any parish than he was
+with St. Thomas in the East."]
+
+We called on the Wesleyan missionary at Morant Bay, Rev. Mr. Crookes,
+who has been in Jamaica fifteen years. Mr. C. said, that in many
+respects there had been a great improvement since the abolition of
+slavery, but, said he, "I abominate the apprenticeship system. At best,
+it is only _improved slavery_." The obstacles to religious efforts
+have been considerably diminished, but the masters were not to be
+thanked for this; it was owing chiefly to the protection of British law.
+The apprenticeship, Mr. C. thought, could not be any material
+preparation for freedom. He was persuaded that it would have been far
+better policy to have granted entire emancipation at once.
+
+In company with Mr. Howell, an Independent, and teacher of a school of
+eighty negro children in Morant Bay, we drove out to Belvidere estate,
+which is situated about four miles from the bay, in a rich district
+called the Blue Mountain Valley. The Belvidere is one of the finest
+estates in the valley. It contains two thousand acres, only four hundred
+of which are cultivated in sugar; the most of it is woodland. This
+estate belongs to Count Freeman, an absentee proprietor. We took
+breakfast with the overseer, or manager, Mr. Briant. Mr. B. stated that
+there was not so much work done now as there was during slavery. Thinks
+there is _as much done for the length of time that the apprentices are
+at work_; but a day and a half every week is lost; neither _are they
+called out as early in the morning, nor do they work as late at night_.
+The apprentices work at night very cheerfully for money: but they will
+not work on Saturday for the common wages--quarter of a dollar. On
+inquiry of Mr. B. we ascertained that the reason the apprentices did not
+work on Saturdays was, that they could _make twice or three times as
+much_ by cultivating their provision grounds, and carrying their produce
+to market. At _night_ they cannot cultivate their grounds, then they
+work for their masters "very cheerfully."
+
+The manager stated, that there had been no disturbance with the people
+of Belvidere since the change. They work well, and conduct themselves
+peaceably; and he had no fear but that the great body of the negroes
+would remain on the estate after 1840, and labor as usual. This he
+thought would be the case on every estate where there _is mild
+management_. Some, indeed, might leave even such estates to _try their
+fortunes_ elsewhere, but they would soon discover that they could get no
+better treatment abroad, and they would then return to their old homes.
+
+While we were at Belvidere, Mr. Howell took us to see a new chapel which
+the apprentices of that estate have erected since 1834, by their own
+labor, and at their own expense. The house is thirty feet by forty;
+composed of the same materials of which the negro huts are built. We
+were told that the building of this chapel was first suggested by the
+apprentices, and as soon as permission was obtained, they commenced the
+preparations for its erection. We record this as a delightful _sign of
+the times_.
+
+On our return to Morant Bay, we visited the house of correction,
+situated near the village. This is the only "institution," as a Kingston
+paper gravely terms it, of the kind in the parish. It is a small,
+ill-constructed establishment, horribly filthy, more like a receptacle
+for wild beasts than human beings. There is a treadmill connected with
+it, made to _accommodate_ fifteen persons at a time. Alternate companies
+ascend the wheel every fifteen minutes. It was unoccupied when we went
+in; most of the prisoners being at work on the public roads. Two or
+three, who happened to be near by, were called in by the keeper, and
+ordered to mount the wheel, to show us how it worked. It made our blood
+run cold as we thought of the dreadful suffering that inevitably ensues,
+when the foot loses the step, and the body hangs against the
+revolving cylinder.
+
+Leaving the house of correction, we proceeded to the village. In a small
+open square in the centre of it, we saw a number of the unhappy inmates
+of the house of correction at work under the direction, we are sorry to
+say, of our friend Thomas Thomson, Esq. They were chained two and two by
+heavy chains fastened to iron bands around their necks. On another
+occasion, we saw the same gang at work in the yard attached to the
+Independent chapel.
+
+We received a visit, at our lodgings, from the special justice of this
+district, Major Baines. He was accompanied by Mr. Thomson, who came to
+introduce him as his friend. We were not left to this recommendation
+alone, suspicious as it was, to infer the character of this magistrate,
+for we were advertised previously that he was a "planter's man"--unjust
+and cruel to the apprentices. Major B. appeared to have been looking
+through his friend Thomson's prophetic telescope. There was certainly a
+wonderful coincidence of vision--the same abandonment of labor, the same
+preying upon provision grounds; the same violence, bloodshed and great
+loss of life among the negroes themselves! However, the special
+magistrate appeared to see a little further than the local magistrate,
+even to the _end_ of the carnage, and to the re-establishment of
+industry, peace and prosperity. The evil, he was confident, would soon
+cure itself.
+
+One remark of the special magistrate was worthy a prophet. When asked if
+he thought there would be any serious disaffection produced among the
+praedials by the emancipation of the non-praedials in 1838, he said, he
+thought there would not be, and assigned as the reason, that the
+praedials knew all about the arrangement, and did not _expect to be
+free_. That is, the field apprentices knew that the domestics were to be
+liberated two years sooner than they, and, without inquiring into the
+grounds, or justice of the arrangement, _they would promptly
+acquiesce in it_!
+
+What a fine compliment to the patience and forbearance of the mass of
+the negroes. The majority see the minority emancipated two years before
+them, and that, too, upon the ground of an odious distinction which
+makes the domestic more worthy than they who "bear the heat and burthen
+of the day," in the open field; and yet they submit patiently, because
+they are told that it is the pleasure of government that it should
+be so!
+
+The _non-praedials_, too, have their noble traits, as well as the less
+favored agriculturalists. The special magistrate said that he was then
+engaged in classifying the apprentices of the different estates in his
+district. The object of this classification was, to ascertain all those
+who were non-praedials, that they might be recorded as the subjects of
+emancipation in 1838. To his astonishment he found numbers of this class
+who expressed a wish to remain apprentices until 1840. On one estate,
+six out of eight took this course, on another, twelve out of fourteen,
+and in some instances, _all_ the non-praedials determined to suffer it
+out with the rest of their brethren, refusing to accept freedom until
+with the whole body they could rise up and shout the jubilee of
+universal disinthrallment. Here is a nobility worthy to compare with the
+patience of the praedials. In connection with the conduct of the
+non-praedials, he mentioned the following instance of white brutality
+and negro magnanimity. A planter, whose negroes he was classifying,
+brought forward a woman whom he claimed as a praedial. The woman
+declared that she was a non-praedial, and on investigation it was
+clearly proved that she had always been a domestic; and consequently
+entitled to freedom in 1838. After the planter's claim was set aside,
+the woman said, "_Now_ I will stay with massa, and be his 'prentice for
+de udder two year."
+
+Shortly before we left the Bay, our landlady, a colored woman,
+introduced one of her neighbors, whose conversation afforded us a rare
+treat. She was a colored lady of good appearance and lady like manners.
+Supposing from her color that she had been prompted by strong sympathy
+in our objects to seek an interview with us, we immediately introduced
+the subject of slavery, stating that as we had a vast number of slaves
+in our country, we had visited Jamaica to see how the freed people
+behaved, with the hope that our countrymen might be encouraged to adopt
+emancipation. "Alack a day!" The tawny madam shook her head, and, with
+that peculiar creole whine, so expressive of contempt, said, "Can't say
+any thing for you, sir--they not doing no good now, sir--the negroes
+an't!"--and on she went abusing the apprentices, and denouncing
+abolition. No American white lady could speak more disparagingly of the
+niggers, than did this recreant descendant of the negro race. They did
+no work, they stole, were insolent, insubordinate, and what not.
+
+She concluded in the following elegiac strain, which did not fail to
+touch our sympathies. "I can't tell what will become of us after 1840.
+Our negroes will be taken away from us--we shall find no work to do
+ourselves--we shall all have to beg, and who shall we beg from? _All
+will be beggars, and we must starve_!"
+
+Poor Miss L. is one of that unfortunate class who have hitherto gained a
+meagre support from the stolen hire of a few slaves, and who, after
+entire emancipation, will be stripped of every thing. This is the class
+upon whom emancipation will fall most heavily; it will at once cast many
+out of a situation of ease, into the humiliating dilemma of _laboring or
+begging_--to the _latter_ of which alternatives, Miss L. seems inclined.
+Let Miss L. be comforted! It is better to beg than to _steal_.
+
+We proceeded from Morant Bay to Bath, a distance of fourteen miles,
+where we put up at a neat cottage lodging-house, kept by Miss P., a
+colored lady. Bath is a picturesque little village, embowered in
+perpetual green, and lying at the foot of a mountain on one side, and on
+the other by the margin of a rambling little river. It seems to have
+accumulated around it and within it, all the verdure and foliage of a
+tropical clime.
+
+Having a letter of introduction, we called on the special magistrate for
+that district--George Willis, Esq. As we entered his office, an
+apprentice was led up in irons by a policeman, and at the same time
+another man rode up with a letter from the master of the apprentice,
+directing the magistrate to release him instantly. The facts of this
+case, as Mr. W. himself explained them to us, will illustrate the
+careless manner in which the magistrates administer the law. The master
+had sent his apprentice to a neighboring estate, where there had been
+some disturbance, to get his clothes, which had been left there. The
+overseer of the estate finding an intruder on his property, had him
+handcuffed forthwith, notwithstanding his repeated declarations that his
+master had sent him. Having handcuffed him, he ordered him to be taken
+before the special magistrate, Mr. W., who had him confined in the
+station-house all night. Mr. W., in pursuance of the direction received
+from the master, ordered the man to be released, but at the same time
+repeatedly declared to him that the _overseer was not to blame for
+arresting him_.
+
+After this case was disposed of, Mr. W, turned to us. He said he had a
+district of thirty miles in extent, including five thousand apprentices;
+these he visited thrice every month. He stated that there had been a
+gradual decrease of crime since he came to the district, which was early
+in 1835. For example, in March, 1837, there were but twenty-four persons
+punished, and in March, 1835, there were as many punished in a single
+week. He explained this by saying that the apprentices had become
+_better acquainted with the requirements of the law_. The chief offence
+at present was _absconding from labor_.
+
+This magistrate gave us an account of an alarming rebellion which had
+lately occurred in his district, which we will venture to notice, since
+it is the only serious disturbance on the part of the negroes, which has
+taken place in the island, from the beginning of the apprenticeship.
+About two weeks before, the apprentices on Thornton estate, amounting to
+about ninety, had refused to work, and fled in a body to the woods,
+where they still remained. Their complaint, according to our informant,
+was, that their master had turned the cattle upon their provision
+grounds, and all their provisions were destroyed, so that they could not
+live. They, therefore, determined that they would not continue at work,
+seeing they would be obliged to starve. Mr. W. stated that he had
+visited the provision grounds, in company with two _disinterested
+planters_, and he could affirm that the apprentices had _no just cause
+of complaint_. It was true their fences had been broken down, and their
+provisions had been somewhat injured, but the fence could be very easily
+repaired, and there was an _abundance of yams left_ to furnish food for
+the whole gang for some time to come--those that were destroyed being
+chiefly young roots which would not have come to maturity for several
+months. These statements were the substance of a formal report which he
+had just prepared for the eye of Sir Lionel Smith, and which he was kind
+enough to read to us. This was a fine report, truly, to come from a
+special justice. To say nothing of the short time in which the fence
+might be repaired, those were surely very dainty-mouthed cattle that
+would consume those roots only which were so small that several months
+would be requisite for their maturity. The report concluded with a
+recommendation to his Excellency to take seminary vengeance upon a few
+of the gang as soon as they could be arrested, since they had set such
+an example to the surrounding apprentices. He could not see how order
+and subordination could be preserved in his district unless such a
+punishment was inflicted as would be a warning to all evil doers. He
+further suggested the propriety of sending the maroons[A] after them, to
+hunt them out of their hiding places and bring them to justice.
+
+[Footnote A: The maroons are free negroes, inhabiting the mountains of
+the interior, who were formerly hired by the authorities, or by
+planters, to hunt up runaway slaves, and return them to their masters.
+Unfortunately our own country is not without _its_ maroons.]
+
+We chanced to obtain a different version of this affair, which, as it
+was confirmed by different persons in Bath, both white and colored, who
+had no connection with each other, we cannot help thinking it the
+true one.
+
+The apprentices on Thornton, are what is termed a jobbing gang, that is,
+they are hired out by their master to any planter who may want their
+services. Jobbing is universally regarded by the negroes as the worst
+kind of service, for many reasons--principally because it often takes
+them many miles from their homes, and they are still required to supply
+themselves with food from their own provision grounds. They are allowed
+to return home every Friday evening or Saturday, and stay till Monday
+morning. The owner of the gang in question lately died--to whom it is
+said they were greatly attached--and they passed into the hands of a Mr.
+Jocken, the present overseer. Jocken is a notoriously cruel man. It was
+scarcely a twelvemonth ago, that he was fined one hundred pounds
+currency, and sentenced to imprisonment for three months in the Kingston
+jail, _for tying one of his apprentices to a dead ox_, because the
+animal died while in the care of the apprentice. He also confined a
+woman in the same pen with a dead sheep, because she suffered the sheep
+to die. Repeated acts of cruelty have caused Jocken to be regarded as a
+monster in the community. From a knowledge of his character, the
+apprentices of Thornton had a strong prejudice against him. One of the
+earliest acts after he went among them, was to break down their fences,
+and turn his cattle into their provision grounds. He then ordered them
+to go to a distant estate to work. This they refused to do, and when he
+attempted to compel them to go, they left the estate in a body, and went
+to the woods. This is what is called a _state of open rebellion_, and
+for this they were to be hunted like beasts, and to suffer such a
+terrible punishment as would deter all other apprentices from taking a
+similar step.
+
+This Jocken is the same wretch who wantonly handcuffed the apprentice,
+who went on to his estate by the direction of his master.
+
+Mr. Willis showed us a letter which he had received that morning from a
+planter in his district, who had just been trying an experiment in job
+work, (i.e., paying his people so much for a certain amount of work.) He
+had made a proposition to one of the head men on the estate, that he
+would give him a doubloon an acre if he would get ten acres of cane land
+holed. The man employed a large number of apprentices, and accomplished
+the job on three successive Saturdays. They worked at the rate of nearly
+one hundred holes per day for each man, whereas the usual day's work is
+only seventy-five holes.
+
+Mr. W. bore testimony that the great body of the negroes in his district
+were very peaceable. There were but a few _incorrigible fellows_, that
+did all the mischief. When any disturbance took place on an estate, he
+could generally tell who the individual offenders were. He did not think
+there would be any serious difficulty after 1840. However, the result he
+thought would _greatly depend on the conduct of the managers!_
+
+We met in Bath with the proprietor of a coffee estate situated a few
+miles in the country. He gave a very favorable account of the people on
+his estate; stating that they were as peaceable and industrious as he
+could desire, that he had their confidence, and fully expected to retain
+it after entire emancipation. He anticipated no trouble whatever, and he
+felt assured, too, that if _the planters would conduct in a proper
+manner_, emancipation would be a blessing to the whole colony.
+
+We called on the Wesleyan missionary, whom we found the decided friend
+and advocate of freedom. He scrupled not to declare his sentiments
+respecting the special magistrate, whom he declared to be a cruel and
+dishonest man. He seemed to take delight in flogging the apprentices. He
+had got a whipping machine made and erected in front of the Episcopal
+church in the village of Bath. It was a frame of a triangular shape, the
+base of which rested firmly on the ground, and having a perpendicular
+beam from the base to the apex or angle. To this beam the apprentice's
+body was lashed, with his face towards the machine, and his arms
+extended at right angles, and tied by the wrists. The missionary had
+witnessed the floggings at this machine repeatedly, as it stood but a
+few steps from his house. Before we reached Bath, the machine had been
+removed from its conspicuous place and _concealed in the bushes, that
+the governor might not see it when he visited the village_.
+
+As this missionary had been for several years laboring in the island,
+and had enjoyed the best opportunities to become extensively acquainted
+with the negroes, we solicited from him a written answer to a number of
+inquiries. We make some extracts from his communication.
+
+1. Have the facilities for missionary effort greatly increased since the
+abolition of slavery?
+
+The opportunities of the apprentices to attend the means of grace are
+greater than during absolute slavery. They have now one day and a half
+every week to work for their support, leaving the Sabbath free to
+worship God.
+
+2. Do you anticipate that these facilities will increase still more
+after entire freedom?
+
+Yes. The people will then have _six days of their own to labor for their
+bread_, and will be at liberty to go to the house of God every Sabbath.
+Under the present system, the magistrate often takes away the Saturday,
+as a punishment, and then they must either work on the Sabbath
+or starve.
+
+3. Are the negroes likely to revenge by violence the wrongs which they
+have suffered, after they obtain their freedom?
+
+_I never heard the idea suggested, nor should I have thought of it had
+you not made the inquiry._
+
+We called on Mr. Rogers, the teacher of a Mico charity infant school in
+Bath. Mr. R., his wife and daughter, are all engaged in this work. They
+have a day school, and evening school three evenings in the week, and
+Sabbath school twice each Sabbath. The evening schools are for the
+benefit of the adult apprentices, who manifest the greatest eagerness to
+learn to read. After working all day, they will come several miles to
+school, and stay cheerfully till nine o'clock.
+
+Mr. R. furnished us with a written communication, from which we extract
+the following.
+
+_Quest._ Are the apprentices desirous of being instructed?
+
+_Ans._ Most assuredly they are; in proof of which I would observe that
+since our establishment in Bath, the people not only attend the schools
+regularly, but if they obtain a leaf of a book with letters upon it,
+that is their _constant companion_. We have found mothers with their
+sucking babes in their arms, standing night after night in their classes
+learning the alphabet.
+
+_Q._ Are the negroes grateful for attentions and favors?
+
+_A._ They are; I have met some who have been so much affected by acts of
+kindness, that they have burst into tears, exclaiming, 'Massa so
+kind--my heart full.' Their affection to their teachers is very
+remarkable. On my return lately from Kingston, after a temporary
+absence, the negroes flocked to our residence and surrounded the chaise,
+saying, 'We glad to see massa again; we glad to see school massa.' On my
+way through an estate some time ago, some of the children observed me,
+and in a transport of joy cried, 'Thank God, massa come again! Bless God
+de Savior, massa come again!'
+
+Mr. R., said he, casually met with an apprentice whose master had lately
+died. The man was in the habit of visiting his master's grave every
+Saturday. He said to Mr. R., "Me go to massa grave, and de water come
+into me yeye; but me can't help it, massa, _de water will come into
+me yeye_."
+
+The Wesleyan missionary told us, that two apprentices, an aged man and
+his daughter, a young woman, had been brought up by their master before
+the special magistrate who sentenced them to several days confinement in
+the house of correction at Morant Bay and to dance the treadmill. When
+the sentence was passed the daughter entreated that she might be allowed
+to _do her father's part_, as well as her own, on the treadmill, for he
+was too old to dance the wheel--it would kill him.
+
+From Bath we went into the Plantain Garden River Valley, one of the
+richest and most beautiful savannahs in the island. It is an extensive
+plain, from one to three miles wide, and about six miles long. The
+Plantain Garden River, a small stream, winds through the midst of the
+valley lengthwise, emptying into the sea. Passing through the valley, we
+went a few miles south of it to call on Alexander Barclay, Esq., to whom
+we had a letter of introduction. Mr. Barclay is a prominent member of
+the assembly, and an attorney for eight estates. He made himself
+somewhat distinguished a few years ago by writing an octavo volume of
+five hundred pages in defence of the colonies, i.e., in defence of
+colonial slavery. It was a reply to Stephen's masterly work against West
+India slavery, and was considered by the Jamaicans a triumphant
+vindication of their "peculiar institutions." We went several miles out
+of our route expressly to have an interview with so zealous and
+celebrated a champion of slavery. We were received with marked courtesy
+by Mr. B., who constrained us to spend a day and night with him at his
+seat at Fairfield. One of the first objects that met our eye in Mr. B.'s
+dining hall was a splendid piece of silver plate, which was presented to
+him by the planters of St. Thomas in the East, in consideration of his
+able defence of colonial slavery. We were favorably impressed with Mr.
+B.'s intelligence, and somewhat so with his present sentiments
+respecting slavery. We gathered from him that he had resisted with all
+his might the anti-slavery measures of the English government, and
+exerted every power to prevent the introduction of the apprenticeship
+system. After he saw that slavery would inevitably be abolished, he drew
+up at length a plan of emancipation according to which the condition of
+the slave was to be commuted into that of the old English _villein_--he
+was to be made an appendage to _the soil_ instead of the "chattel
+personal" of the master, the whip was to be partially abolished, a
+modicum of wages was to be allowed the slave, and so on. There was to be
+no fixed period when this system would terminate, but it was to fade
+gradually and imperceptibly into entire freedom. He presented a copy of
+his scheme to the then governor, the Earl of Mulgrave, requesting that
+it might be forwarded to the home government. Mr. B. said that the
+anti-slavery party in England had acted from the blind impulses of
+religious fanaticism, and had precipitated to its issue a work which
+required many years of silent preparation in order to its safe
+accomplishment. He intimated that the management of abolition ought to
+have been left with the colonists; they had been the long experienced
+managers of slavery, and they were the only men qualified to superintend
+its burial, and give it a decent interment.
+
+He did not think that the apprenticeship afforded any clue to the dark
+mystery of 1840. Apprenticeship was so inconsiderably different from
+slavery, that it furnished no more satisfactory data for judging of the
+results of entire freedom than slavery itself. Neither would he consent
+to be comforted by the actual results of emancipation in Antigua.
+
+Taking leave of Mr. Barclay, we returned to the Plantain Garden River
+Valley, and called at the Golden Grove, one of the most splendid estates
+in that magnificent district. This is an estate of two thousand acres;
+it has five hundred apprentices and one hundred free children. The
+average annual crop is six hundred hogsheads of sugar. Thomas McCornock,
+Esq., the attorney of this estate, is the custos, or chief magistrate of
+the parish, and colonel of the parish militia. There is no man in all
+the parish of greater consequence, either in fact or in seeming
+self-estimation, than Thomas McCornock, Esq. He is a Scotchman, as is
+also Mr. Barclay. The custos received us with as much freedom as the
+dignity of his numerous offices would admit of. The overseer, (manager,)
+Mr. Duncan, is an intelligent, active, business man, and on any other
+estate than Golden Grove, would doubtless be a personage of considerable
+distinction. He conducted us through the numerous buildings, from the
+boiling-house to the pig-stye. The principal complaint of the overseer,
+was that he could not make the people work to any good purpose. They
+were not at all refractory or disobedient; there was no difficulty in
+getting them on to the field; but when they were there, they moved
+without any life or energy. They took no interest in their work, and he
+was obliged to be watching and scolding them all the time, or else they
+would do nothing. We had not gone many steps after this observation,
+before we met with a practical illustration of it. A number of the
+apprentices had been ordered that morning to cart away some dirt to a
+particular place. When we approached them, Mr. D. found that one of the
+"wains" was standing idle. He inquired of the driver why he was keeping
+the team idle. The reply was, that there was nothing there for it to do;
+there were enough other wains to carry away all the dirt. "Then," inquired
+the overseer with an ill-concealed irritation, "why did not go to some
+other work?" The overseer then turned to us and said, "You see, sir,
+what lazy dogs the apprentices are--this is the way they do every day,
+if they are not closely watched." It was not long after this little
+incident, before the overseer remarked that the apprentices worked very
+well during their own time, _when they were paid for it_. When we went
+into the hospital, Mr. D. directed out attention to one fact, which to
+him was very provoking. A great portion of the patients that come in
+during the week, unable to work, are in the habit of getting well on
+Friday evening, so that they can go out on Saturday and Sunday; but on
+Monday morning they are sure to be sick again, then they return to the
+hospital and remain very poorly till Friday evening, when they get well
+all at once, and ask permission to go out. The overseer saw into the
+trick; but he could find no medicine that could cure the negroes of that
+intermittent sickness. The Antigua planters discovered the remedy for
+it, and doubtless Mr. D. will make the grand discovery in 1840.
+
+On returning to the "great house," we found the custos sitting in state,
+ready to communicate any official information which might be called for.
+He expressed similar sentiments in the main, with those of Mr. Barclay.
+He feared for the consequences of complete emancipation; the negroes
+would to a great extent abandon the sugar cultivation and retire to the
+woods, there to live in idleness, planting merely yams enough to keep
+them alive, and in the process of time, retrograding into African
+barbarism. The attorney did not see how it was possible to prevent this.
+When asked whether he expected that such would be the case with the
+negroes on Golden Grove, he replied that he did not think it would,
+except with a very few persons. His people had been _so well treated_,
+and had _so many comforts_, that they would not be at all likely to
+abandon the estate! [Mark that!] Whose are the people that will desert
+after 1840? Not Thomas McCornock's, Esq.! _They are too well situated.
+Whose_ then will desert? _Mr. Jocken's_, or in other words, those who
+are ill-treated, who are cruelly driven, whose fences are broken down,
+and whose provision grounds are exposed to the cattle. They, and they
+alone, will retire to the woods who can't get food any where else!
+
+The custos thought the apprentices were behaving very ill. On being
+asked if he had any trouble with his, he said, O, no! his apprentices
+did quite well, and so did the apprentices generally, in the Plantain
+Garden River Valley. But in _far off parishes_, he _heard_ that they
+were very refractory and troublesome.
+
+The custos testified that the negroes were very easily managed. He said
+he had often thought that he would rather have the charge of six hundred
+negroes, than of two hundred English sailors. He spoke also of the
+temperate habits of the negroes. He had been in the island twenty-two
+years, and he had never seen a negro woman drunk, on the estate. It was
+very seldom that the men got drunk. There were not more than ten men on
+Golden Grove, out of a population of five hundred, who were in the habit
+of occasionally getting intoxicated. He also remarked that the negroes
+were a remarkable people for their attention to the old and infirm among
+them; they seldom suffered them to want, if it was in their power to
+supply them. Among other remarks of the custos, was this sweeping
+declaration--"_No man in his senses can pretend to defend slavery._"
+
+After spending a day at Golden Grove, we proceeded to the adjacent
+estate of Amity Hall. On entering the residence of the manager, Mr.
+Kirkland, we were most gratefully surprised to find him engaged in
+family prayers. It was the first time and the last that we heard the
+voice of prayer in a Jamaican planter's house. We were no less
+gratefully surprised to see a white lady, to whom we were introduced as
+Mrs. Kirkland, and several modest and lovely little children. It was the
+first and the last _family circle_ that we were permitted to see among
+the planters of that licentious colony. The motley group of colored
+children--of every age from tender infancy--which we found on other
+estates, revealed the state of domestic manners among the planters.
+
+Mr. K. regarded the abolition of slavery as a great blessing to the
+colony; it was true that the apprenticeship was a wretchedly bad system,
+but notwithstanding, things moved smoothly on his estate. He informed us
+that the negroes on Amity Hall had formerly borne the character of being
+the _worst gang in the parish_; and when he first came to the estate, he
+found that half the truth had not been told of them; but they had become
+remarkably peaceable and subordinate. It was his policy to give them
+every comfort that he possibly could. Mr. K. made the same declaration,
+which has been so often repeated in the course of this narrative, i.e.,
+that if any of the estates were abandoned, it would be owing to the
+harsh treatment of the people. He knew many overseers and book-keepers
+who were cruel driving men, and he should not be surprised if _they_
+lost a part, or all, of their laborers. He made one remark which we had
+not heard before. There were some estates, he said, which would probably
+be abandoned, for the same reason that they ought never to have been
+cultivated, because they require _almost double labor_;--such are the
+mountainous estates and barren, worn-out properties, which nothing but a
+system of forced labor could possibly retain in cultivation. But the
+idea that the negroes generally would leave their comfortable homes, and
+various privileges on the estates, and retire to the wild woods, he
+ridiculed as preposterous in the extreme. Mr. K. declared repeatedly
+that he could not look forward to 1840, but with the most sanguine
+hopes; he confidently believed that the introduction of complete freedom
+would be the _regeneration of the island_. He alluded to the memorable
+declaration of Lord Belmore, (made memorable by the excitement which it
+caused among the colonists,) in his valedictory address to the assembly,
+on the eve of his departure for England.[A] "Gentlemen," said he, "the
+resources of this noble island will never be fully developed until
+slavery is abolished!" For this manly avowal the assembly ignobly
+refused him the usual marks of respect and honor at his departure. Mr.
+K. expected to see Jamaica become a new world under the enterprise and
+energies of freedom. There were a few disaffected planters, who would
+probably remain so, and leave the islands after emancipation. It would
+be a blessing to the country if such men left it, for as long as they
+were disaffected, they were the enemies of its prosperity.
+
+[Footnote A: Lord Belmore left the government of Jamaica, a short time
+before the abolition act passed in parliament.]
+
+Mr. K. conducted us through the negro quarters, which are situated on
+the hill side, nearly a mile from his residence. We went into several of
+the houses; which were of a better style somewhat than the huts in
+Antigua and Barbadoes--larger, better finished and furnished. Some few
+of them had verandahs or porches on one or more sides, after the West
+India fashion, closed in with _jalousies_. In each of the houses to
+which we were admitted, there was one apartment fitted up in a very neat
+manner, with waxed floor, a good bedstead, and snow white coverings, a
+few good chairs, a mahogany sideboard, ornamented with dishes,
+decanters, etc.
+
+From Amity Hall, we drove to Manchioneal, a small village ten miles
+north of the Plantain Garden River Valley. We had a letter to the
+special magistrate for that district, R. Chamberlain, Esq., a colored
+gentleman, and the first magistrate we found in the parish of St. Thomas
+in the East, who was faithful to the interests of the apprentices. He
+was a boarder at the public house, where we were directed for lodgings,
+and as we spent a few days in the village, we had opportunities of
+obtaining much information from him, as well as of attending some of his
+courts. Mr. C. had been only five months in the district of Manchioneal,
+having been removed thither from a distant district. Being a friend of
+the apprentices, he is hated and persecuted by the planters. He gave us
+a gloomy picture of the oppressions and cruelties of the planters. Their
+complaints brought before him are often of the most trivial kind; yet
+because he does not condemn the apprentices to receive a punishment
+which the most serious offences alone could justify him in inflicting,
+they revile and denounce him as unfit for his station. He represents the
+planters as not having the most distant idea that it is the province of
+the special magistrate to secure justice to the apprentice; but they
+regard it as his sole duty to _help them_ in getting from the laborers
+as much work as whips, and chains, and tread-wheels can extort. His
+predecessor, in the Manchioneal district, answered perfectly to the
+planters' _beau ideal_. He ordered a _cat_ to be kept on every estate in
+his district, to be ready for use as he went around on his weekly
+visits. Every week he inspected the cats, and when they became too much
+worn to do good execution, he _condemned_ them, and ordered new ones
+to be made.
+
+Mr. C. said the most frequent complaints made by the planters are for
+_insolence_. He gave a few specimens of what were regarded by the
+planters as serious offences. An overseer will say to his apprentice,
+"Work along there faster, you lazy villain, or I'll strike you;" the
+apprentice will reply, "You _can't_ strike me now," and for this he is
+taken before the magistrate on the complaint of _insolence_. An
+overseer, in passing the gang on the field, will hear them singing; he
+will order them, in a peremptory tone to stop instantly, and if they
+continue singing, they are complained of for _insubordination_. An
+apprentice has been confined to the hospital with disease,--when he gets
+able to walk, tired of the filthy sick house, he hobbles to his hut,
+where he may have the attentions of his wife until he gets well. That is
+called _absconding from labor_! Where the magistrate does not happen to
+be an independent man, the complaint is sustained, and the poor invalid
+is sentenced to the treadmill for absenting himself from work. It is
+easy to conjecture the dreadful consequence. The apprentice, debilitated
+by sickness, dragged off twenty-five miles on foot to Morant Bay,
+mounted on the wheel, is unable to keep the step with the stronger ones,
+slips off and hangs by the wrists, and his flesh is mangled and torn by
+the wheel.
+
+The apprentices frequently called at our lodgings to complain to Mr. C.
+of the hard treatment of their masters. Among the numerous distressing
+cases which we witnessed, we shall never forget that of a poor little
+negro boy, of about twelve, who presented himself one afternoon before
+Mr. C., with a complaint against his master for violently beating him. A
+gash was cut in his head, and the blood had flowed freely. He fled from
+his master, and came to Mr. C. for refuge. He belonged to A. Ross, Esq.,
+of Mulatto Run estate. We remembered that we had a letter of
+introduction to that planter, and we had designed visiting him, but
+after witnessing this scene, we resolved not to go near a monster who
+could inflict such a wound, with his own hand, upon a child. We were
+highly gratified with the kind and sympathizing manner in which Mr. C.
+spoke with the unfortunate beings who, in the extremity of their wrongs,
+ventured to his door.
+
+At the request of the magistrate we accompanied him, on one occasion, to
+the station-house, where he held a weekly court. We had there a good
+opportunity to observe the hostile feelings of the planters towards this
+faithful officer--"faithful among the faithless," (though we are glad
+that we cannot quite add, "_only he_.")
+
+A number of managers, overseers, and book-keepers, assembled; some with
+complaints, and some to have their apprentices classified. They all set
+upon the magistrate like bloodhounds upon a lone stag. They strove
+together with one accord, to subdue his independent spirit by taunts,
+jeers, insults, intimidations and bullyings. He was obliged to threaten
+one of the overseers with arrest, on account of his abusive conduct. We
+were actually amazed at the intrepidity of the magistrate. We were
+convinced from what we saw that day, that only the most fearless and
+conscientious men could be _faithful magistrates_ in Jamaica. Mr. C.
+assured us that he met with similar indignities every time he held his
+courts, and on most of the estates that he visited. It was in his power
+to punish them severely, but he chose to use all possible forbearance,
+so as not to give the planters any grounds of complaint.
+
+On a subsequent day we accompanied Mr. C. in one of his estate visits.
+As it was late in the afternoon, he called at but one estate, the name
+of which was Williamsfield. Mr. Gordon, the overseer of Williamsfield,
+is among the fairest specimens of planters. He has naturally a generous
+disposition, which, like that of Mr. Kirkland, has out-lived the
+witherings of slavery.
+
+He informed us that his people worked as well under the apprenticeship
+system, as ever they did during slavery; and he had every encouragement
+that they would do still better after they were completely free. He was
+satisfied that he should be able to conduct his estate at much less
+expense after 1840; he thought that fifty men would do as much then as a
+hundred do now. We may add here a similar remark of Mr. Kirkland--that
+forty freemen would accomplish as much as eighty slaves. Mr. Gordon
+hires his people on Saturdays, and he expressed his astonishment at the
+increased vigor with which they worked when they were to receive wages.
+He pointedly condemned the driving system which was resorted to by many
+of the planters. They foolishly endeavored to keep up the coercion of
+slavery, _and they had the special magistrates incessantly flogging the
+apprentices_. The planters also not unfrequently take away the provision
+grounds from their apprentices, and in every way oppress and
+harass them.
+
+In the course of the conversation Mr. G. accidentally struck upon a
+fresh vein of facts, respecting the SLAVERY OF BOOK-KEEPERS,[A] _under
+the old system_. The book-keepers, said Mr. G., were the complete slaves
+of the overseers, who acted like despots on the estates. They were
+mostly young men from England, and not unfrequently had considerable
+refinement; but ignorant of the treatment which book-keepers had to
+submit to, and allured by the prospect of becoming wealthy by
+plantership, they came to Jamaica and entered as candidates. They soon
+discovered the cruel bondage in which they were involved. The overseers
+domineered over them, and stormed at them as violently as though they
+were the most abject slaves. They were allowed no privileges such as
+their former habits impelled them to seek. If they played a flute in the
+hearing of the overseer, they were commanded to be silent instantly. If
+they dared to put a gold ring on their finger, even that trifling
+pretension to gentility was detected and disallowed by the jealous
+overseer. (These things were specified by Mr. G. himself.) They were
+seldom permitted to associate with the overseers as equals. The only
+thing which reconciled the book-keepers to this abject state, was the
+reflection that they might one day _possibly_ become overseers
+themselves, and then they could exercise the same authority over others.
+In addition to this degradation, the book-keepers suffered great
+hardships. Every morning (during slavery) they were obliged to be in the
+field before day; they had to be there as soon as the slaves, in order
+to call the roll, and mark absentees, if any. Often Mr. G. and the other
+gentleman had gone to the field, when it was so dark that they could not
+see to call the roll, and the negroes have all lain down on their hoes,
+and slept till the light broke. Sometimes there would be a thick dew on
+the ground, and the air was so cold and damp, that they would be
+completely chilled. When they were shivering on the ground, the negroes
+would often lend them their blankets, saying, "Poor _busha pickaninny_
+sent out here from England to die." Mr. Gordon said that his
+constitution had been permanently injured by such exposure. Many young
+men, he said, had doubtless been killed by it. During crop time, the
+book-keepers had to be up every night till twelve o'clock, and every
+other night _all night_, superintending the work in the boiling-house,
+and at the mill. They did not have rest even on the Sabbath; they must
+have the mill put about (set to the wind so as to grind) by sunset every
+Sabbath. Often the mills were in the wind before four o'clock, on
+Sabbath afternoon. They knew of slaves being flogged for not being on
+the spot by sunset, though it was known that they had been to meeting.
+Mr. G. said that he had a young friend who came from England with him,
+and acted as book-keeper. His labors and exposures were so intolerable,
+that he had often said to Mr. G., confidentially, _that if the slaves
+should rise in rebellion, he would most cheerfully join them_! Said Mr.
+G., _there was great rejoicing_ among the book-keepers in August 1834!
+_The abolition of slavery was_ EMANCIPATION TO THE BOOK-KEEPERS.
+
+[Footnote A: The book-keepers are subordinate overseers and drivers;
+they are generally young white men, who after serving a course of years
+in a sort of apprenticeship, are promoted to managers of estates.]
+
+No complaints were brought before Mr. Chamberlain. Mr. Gordon pleasantly
+remarked when we arrived, that he had some cases which he should have
+presented if the magistrate had come a little earlier, but he presumed
+he should forget them before his next visit. When we left Williamsfield,
+Mr. C. informed us that during five months there had been but two cases
+of complaint on that estate--and but _a single instance of punishment._
+Such are the results where there is a good manager and a good special
+magistrate.
+
+On Sabbath we attended service in the Baptist chapel, of which Rev. Mr.
+Kingdon is pastor. The chapel, which is a part of Mr. K.'s
+dwelling-house, is situated on the summit of a high mountain which
+overlooks the sea. As seen from the valley below, it appears to topple
+on the very brink of a frightful precipice. It is reached by a winding
+tedious road, too rugged to admit of a chaise, and in some places so
+steep as to try the activity of a horse. As we approached nearer, we
+observed the people climbing up in throngs by various footpaths, and
+halting in the thick woods which skirted the chapel, the men to put on
+their shoes, which they had carried in their hands up the mountain, and
+the women to draw on their white stockings and shoes. On entering the
+place of worship, we found it well filled with the apprentices, who came
+from many miles around in every direction. The services had commenced
+when we arrived. We heard an excellent sermon from the devoted and pious
+missionary, Mr. Kingdon, whose praise is among all the good throughout
+the island, and who is eminently known as the negro's friend. After the
+sermon, we were invited to make a few remarks; and the minister briefly
+stated to the congregation whence we had come, and what was the object
+of our visit. We cannot soon forget the scene which followed. We begun
+by expressing, in simple terms, the interest which we felt in the
+temporal and spiritual concerns of the people present, and scarcely had
+we uttered a sentence when the whole congregation were filled with
+emotion. Soon they burst into tears--some sobbed, others cried aloud;
+insomuch that for a time we were unable to proceed. We were, indeed, not
+a little astonished at so unusual a scene; it was a thing which we were
+by no means expecting to see. Being at a loss to account for it, we
+inquired of Mr. K. afterwards, who told us that it was occasioned by our
+expressions of sympathy and regard. They were so unaccustomed to hear
+such language from the lips of white people, that it fell upon them like
+rain upon the parched earth. The idea that one who was a stranger and a
+foreigner should feel an interest in their welfare, was to them, in such
+circumstances, peculiarly affecting, and stirred the deep fountains of
+their hearts.
+
+After the services, the missionary, anxious to further our objects,
+proposed that we should hold an interview with a number of the
+apprentices; and he accordingly invited fifteen of them into his study,
+and introduced them to us by name, stating also the estates to which
+they severally belonged. We had thus an opportunity of seeing the
+_representatives of twelve different estates_, men of trust on their
+respective estates, mostly constables and head boilers. For nearly two
+hours we conversed with these men, making inquiries on all points
+connected with slavery, the apprenticeship, and the expected
+emancipation.
+
+From no interview, during our stay in the colonies, did we derive so
+much information respecting the real workings of the apprenticeship;
+from none did we gain such an insight into the character and disposition
+of the negroes. The company was composed of intelligent and pious
+men;--so manly and dignified were they in appearance, and so elevated in
+their sentiments, that we could with difficulty realize that they were
+_slaves_. They were wholly unreserved in their communications, though
+they deeply implicated their masters, the special magistrates, and
+others in authority. It is not improbable that they would have shrunk
+from some of the disclosures which they made, had they known that they
+would be published. Nevertheless we feel assured that in making them
+public, we shall not betray the informants, concealing as we do their
+names and the estates to which they belong.
+
+With regard to the wrongs and hardships of the apprenticeship much as
+said; we can only give a small part.
+
+Their masters were often very harsh with them, more so than when they
+were slaves. They could not flog them, but they would scold them, and
+swear at them, and call them hard names, which hurt their feelings
+almost as much as it would if they were to flog them. They would not
+allow them as many privileges as they did formerly. Sometimes they would
+take their provision grounds away, and sometimes they would go on their
+grounds and carry away provisions for their own use without paying for
+them, or as much as asking their leave. They had to bear this, for it
+was useless to complain--they could get no justice; there was no law in
+Manchioneal. The special magistrate would only hear the master, and
+would not allow the apprentices to say any thing for themselves[A]. The
+magistrate would do just as the busha (master) said. If he say flog him,
+he flog him; if he say, send him to Morant Bay, (to the treadmill,) de
+magistrate send him. If we happen to laugh before de busha, he complain
+to de magistrate, and we get licked. If we go to a friend's house, when
+we hungry, to get something to eat, and happen to get lost in de woods
+between, we are called runaways, and are punished severely. Our half
+Friday is taken away from us; we must give that time to busha for a
+little salt-fish, which was always allowed us during slavery. If we lay
+in bed after six o'clock, they take away our Saturday too. If we lose a
+little time from work, they make us pay a great deal more time. They
+stated, and so did several of the missionaries, that the loss of the
+half Friday was very serious to them; as it often rendered it impossible
+for them to get to meeting on Sunday. The whole work of cultivating
+their grounds, preparing their produce for sale, carrying it to the
+distant market, (Morant Bay, and sometimes further,) and returning, all
+this was, by the loss of the Friday afternoon, crowded into Saturday,
+and it was often impossible for them to get back from market before
+Sabbath morning; then they had to dress and go six or ten miles further
+to chapel, or stay away altogether, which, from weariness and worldly
+cares, they would be strongly tempted to do. This they represented as
+being a grievous thing to them. Said one of the men; in a peculiarly
+solemn and earnest manner, while the tears stood in his eyes, "I declare
+to you, massa, if de Lord spare we to be free, we be much more
+'ligiours--_we be wise to many more tings_; we be better Christians;
+because den we have all de Sunday for go to meeting. But now de holy
+time taken up in work for we food." These words were deeply impressed
+upon us by the intense earnestness with which they were spoken. They
+revealed "the heart's own bitterness." There was also a lighting up of
+joy and hope in the countenance of that child of God, as he looked
+forward to the time when he might become _wise to many more tings_.
+
+[Footnote A: We would observe, that they did not refer to Mr.
+Chamberlain, but to another magistrate, whose name they mentioned.]
+
+They gave a heart-sickening account of the cruelties of the treadmill.
+They spoke of the apprentices having their wrists tied to the handboard,
+and said it was very common for them to fall and hang against the wheel.
+Some who had been sent to the treadmill, had actually died from the
+injuries they there received. They were often obliged to see their wives
+dragged off to Morant Bay, and tied to the treadmill, even when they
+were in a state of pregnancy. They suffered a great deal of misery from
+_that; but they could not help it_.
+
+Sometimes it was a wonder to themselves how they could endure all the
+provocations and sufferings of the apprenticeship; _it was only "by de
+mercy of God_!"
+
+They were asked why they did not complain to the special magistrates.
+They replied, that it did no good, for the magistrates would not take
+any notice of their complaints, besides, it made the masters treat them
+still worse. Said one, "We go to de magistrate to complain, and den when
+we come back de busha do all him can to vex us. He _wingle_ (tease) us,
+and _wingle_ us; de book-keeper curse us and treaten us; de constable he
+scold us, and call hard names, and dey all strive to make we mad, so we
+say someting wrong, and den dey take we to de magistrate for insolence."
+Such was the final consequence of complaining to the magistrate. We
+asked them why they did not complain, when they had a good magistrate
+who would do them justice. Their answer revealed a new fact. They were
+afraid to complain to a magistrate, who they knew was their friend,
+_because their masters told them that the magistrate would soon be
+changed, and another would come who would flog them; and that for every
+time they dared to complain to the GOOD magistrate, they would be
+flogged when the BAD one came_. They said their masters had explained it
+all to them long ago.
+
+We inquired of them particularly what course they intended to take when
+they should become free. We requested them to speak, not only with
+reference to themselves, but of the apprentices generally, as far as
+they knew their views. They said the apprentices expected to work on the
+estates, if they were allowed to do so. They had no intention of leaving
+work. Nothing would cause them to leave their estates but bad treatment;
+if their masters were harsh, they would go to another estate, where they
+would get better treatment. They would be _obliged_ to work when they
+were free; even more than now, for _then_ they would have no other
+dependence.
+
+One tried to prove to us by reasoning, that the people would work
+when they were free. Said he, "In slavery time we work _even_ wid de
+whip, now we work 'till better--_what tink we will do when we free?
+Won't_ we work den, _when we get paid_?" He appealed to us so earnestly,
+that we could not help acknowledging we were fully convinced. However,
+in order to establish the point still more clearly, he stated some
+facts, such as the following:
+
+During slavery, it took six men to tend the coppers in boiling sugar,
+and it was thought that fewer could not possibly do the work; but now,
+since the boilers are paid for their extra time, the work is monopolized
+by _three_ men. They _would not have any help_; they did all the work
+"_dat dey might get all de pay_."
+
+We sounded them thoroughly on their views of law and freedom. We
+inquired whether they expected to be allowed to do as they pleased when
+they were free. On this subject they spoke very rationally. Said one,
+"We could never live widout de law; (we use, his very expressions) we
+must have some law when we free. In other countries, where dey are free,
+_don't_ dey have law? Wouldn't dey shoot one another if they did not
+have law?" Thus they reasoned about freedom. Their chief complaint
+against the apprenticeship was, that it did not allow them _justice_.
+"_There was no law now_." They had been told by the governor, that there
+was the same law for all the island; but they knew better, for there was
+more justice done them in some districts than in others.
+
+Some of their expressions indicated very strongly the characteristic
+kindness of the negro. They would say, we work now as well as we can
+_for the sake of peace; any thing for peace_. Don't want to be
+complained of to the magistrate; don't like to be called hard names--do
+any thing to keep peace. Such expressions were repeatedly made. We asked
+them what they thought of the domestics being emancipated in 1838, while
+they had to remain apprentices two years longer? They said, "it bad
+enough--but we know de law make it so, and _for peace sake_, we will be
+satisfy. _But we murmur in we minds_."
+
+We asked what they expected to do with the old and infirm, after
+freedom? They said, "we will support dem--as how dey brought us up when
+we was pickaninny, and now we come trong, must care for dem." In such a
+spirit did these apprentices discourse for two hours. They won greatly
+upon our sympathy and respect. The touching story of their wrongs, the
+artless unbosoming of their hopes, their forgiving spirit toward their
+masters, their distinct views of their own rights, their amiable bearing
+under provocation, their just notions of law, and of a state of
+freedom--these things were well calculated to excite our admiration for
+them, and their companions in suffering. Having prayed with the company,
+and commended them to the grace of God, and the salvation of Jesus
+Christ, we shook hands with them individually, and separated from them,
+never more to see them, until we meet at the bar of God.
+
+While one of us was prosecuting the foregoing inquiries in St. Thomas in
+the East, the other was performing a horse-back tour among the mountains
+of St. Andrews and Port Royal. We had been invited by Stephen Bourne,
+Esq., special magistrate for one of the rural districts in those
+parishes, to spend a week in his family, and accompany him in his
+official visits to the plantations embraced in his commission--an
+invitation we were very glad to accept, as it laid open to us at the
+same time three important sources of information,--the magistrate, the
+planter, and the apprentice.
+
+The sun was just rising as we left Kingston, and entered the high road.
+The air, which the day before had been painfully hot and stived, was
+cool and fresh, and from flowers and spice-trees, on which the dew still
+lay, went forth a thousand fragrant exhalations. Our course for about
+six miles, lay over the broad, low plain, which spreads around Kingston,
+westward to the highlands of St. Andrews, and southward beyond
+Spanishtown. All along the road, and in various directions in the
+distance, were seen the residences--uncouthly termed 'pens'--of
+merchants and gentlemen of wealth, whose business frequently calls them
+to town. Unlike Barbadoes, the fields here were protected by walls and
+hedges, with broad gateways and avenues leading to the house. We soon
+began to meet here and there, at intervals, person going to the market
+with fruits and provisions. The number continually increased, and at the
+end of an hour, they could be seen trudging over the fields, and along
+the by-paths and roads, on every hand. Some had a couple of stunted
+donkeys yoked to a ricketty cart,--others had mules with
+pack-saddles--but the many loaded their own heads, instead of the
+donkeys and mules. Most of them were well dressed, and all civil and
+respectful in their conduct.
+
+Invigorated by the mountain air, and animated by the novelty and
+grandeur of the mountain scenery, through which we had passed, we
+arrived at 'Grecian Regale' in season for an early West Indian
+breakfast, (8 o'clock.) Mr. Bourne's district is entirely composed of
+coffee plantations, and embraces three thousand apprentices. The people
+on coffee plantations are not worked so hard as those employed on sugar
+estates; but they are more liable to suffer from insufficient food
+and clothing.
+
+After breakfast we accompanied Mr. Bourne on a visit to the plantations,
+but there were no complaints either from the master or apprentice,
+except on one. Here Mr. B. was hailed by a hoary-headed man, sitting at
+the side of his house. He said that he was lame and sick, and could not
+work, and complained that his master did not give him any food. All he
+had to eat was given him by a relative. As the master was not at home,
+Mr. B. could not attend to the complaint at that time, but promised to
+write the master about it in the course of the day. He informed us that
+the aged and disabled were very much neglected under the apprenticeship.
+When the working days are over, the profit days are over, and how few in
+any country are willing to support an animal which is past labor? If
+these complaints are numerous under the new system, when magistrates are
+all abroad to remedy them, what must it have been during slavery, when
+master and magistrate were the same!
+
+On one of the plantations we called at the house of an emigrant, of
+which some hundreds have been imported from different parts of Europe,
+since emancipation. He had been in the island eighteen months, and was
+much dissatisfied with his situation. The experiment of importing whites
+to Jamaica as laborers, has proved disastrous--an unfortunate
+speculation to all parties, and all parties wish them back again.
+
+We had some conversation with several apprentices, who called on Mr.
+Bourne for advice and aid. They all thought the apprenticeship very
+hard, but still, on the whole, liked it better than slavery. They "were
+killed too bad,"--that was their expression--during slavery--were worked
+hard and terribly flogged. They were up ever so early and late--went out
+in the mountains to work, when so cold busha would have to cover himself
+up on the ground. Had little time to eat, or go to meeting. 'Twas all
+slash, slash! Now they couldn't be flogged, unless the magistrate said
+so. Still the busha was very hard to them, and many of the apprentices
+run away to the woods, they are so badly used.
+
+The next plantation which we visited was Dublin Castle. It lies in a
+deep valley, quite enclosed by mountains. The present attorney has been
+in the island nine years, and is attorney for several other properties.
+In England he was a religious man, and intimately acquainted with the
+eccentric Irving. For a while after he came out he preached to the
+slaves, but having taken a black concubine, and treating those under his
+charge oppressively, he soon obtained a bad character among the blacks,
+and his meetings were deserted. He is now a most passionate and wicked
+man, having cast off even the show of religion.
+
+Mr. B. visited Dublin Castle a few weeks since, and spent two days in
+hearing complaints brought against the manager and book-keeper by the
+apprentices. He fined the manager, for different acts of oppression, one
+hundred and eight dollars. The attorney was present during the whole
+time. Near the close of the second day he requested permission to say a
+few words, which was granted. He raised his hands and eyes in the most
+agonized manner, as though passion was writhing within, and burst
+forth--"O, my God! my God! has it indeed come to this! Am I to be
+arraigned in this way? Is my conduct to be questioned by these people?
+Is my authority to be destroyed by the interference of stranger? O, my
+God!" And he fell back into the arms of his book-keeper, and was carried
+out of the room in convulsions.
+
+The next morning we started on another excursion, for the purpose of
+attending the appraisement of an apprentice belonging to Silver Hill, a
+plantation about ten miles distant from Grecian Regale. We rode but a
+short distance in the town road, when we struck off into a narrow defile
+by a mule-path, and pushed into the very heart of the mountains.
+
+We felt somewhat timid at the commencement of our excursion among these
+minor Andes, but we gained confidence as we proceeded, and finding our
+horse sure-footed and quite familiar with mountain paths, we soon
+learned to gallop, without fear, along the highest cliffs, and through
+the most dangerous passes. We were once put in some jeopardy by a drove
+of mules, laden with coffee. We fortunately saw them, as they came round
+the point of a hill, at some distance, in season to secure ourselves in
+a little recess where the path widened. On they came, cheered by the
+loud cries of their drivers, and passed rapidly forward, one after
+another, with the headlong stupidity which animals, claiming more wisdom
+than quadrupeds, not unfrequently manifest. When they came up to us,
+however, they showed that they were not unaccustomed to such encounters,
+and, although the space between us and the brow of the precipice, was
+not three feet wide, they all contrived to sway their bodies and heavy
+sacks in such a manner as to pass us safely, except one. He, more stupid
+or more unlucky than the rest, struck us a full broad-side as he went by
+jolting us hard against the hill, and well-nigh jolting himself down the
+craggy descent into the abyss below. One leg hung a moment over the
+precipice, but the poor beast suddenly threw his whole weight forward,
+and by a desperate leap, obtained sure foothold in the path, and again
+trudged along with his coffee-bags.
+
+On our way we called at two plantations, but found no complaints. At one
+of them we had some conversation with the overseer. He has on it one
+hundred and thirty apprentices, and produces annually thirty thousand
+pounds of coffee. He informed us that he was getting along well. His
+people are industrious and obedient, as much so, to say the least, as
+under the old system. The crop this year is not so great as usual, on
+account of the severe drought. His plantation was never better
+cultivated. Besides the one hundred and thirty apprentices, there are
+forty free children, who are supported by their parents. None of them
+will work for hire, or in any way put themselves under his control, as
+the parents fear there is some plot laid for making them apprentices,
+and through that process reducing them to slavery. He thinks this
+feeling will continue till the apprenticeship is entirely broken up, and
+the people begin to feel assured of complete freedom, when it will
+disappear.
+
+We reached Silver Hill about noon. This plantation contains one hundred
+and ten apprentices, and is under the management of a colored man, who
+has had charge of it seven years. He informed us that it was under as
+good cultivation now as it was before emancipation. His people are
+easily controlled. Very much depends on the conduct of the overseer. If
+he is disposed to be just and kind, the apprentices are sure to behave
+well; if he is harsh and severe, and attempts to _drive_ them, they will
+take no pains to please him, but on the contrary, will be sulky and
+obstinate.
+
+There were three overseers from other estates present. One of them had
+been an overseer for forty years, and he possessed the looks and
+feelings which we suppose a man who has been thus long in a school of
+despotism, must possess. He had a giant form, which seemed to be
+breaking down with luxury and sensualism. His ordinary voice was hoarse
+and gusty, and his smile diabolical. Emancipation had swept away his
+power while it left the love of it ravaging his heart. He could not
+speak of the new system with composure. His contempt and hatred of the
+negro was unadulterated. He spoke of the apprentices with great
+bitterness. They were excessively lazy and impudent, and were becoming
+more and more so every day. They did not do half the work now that they
+did before emancipation. It was the character of the negro never to work
+unless compelled. His people would not labor for him an hour in their
+own time, although he had offered to pay them for it. They have not the
+least gratitude. They will leave him in the midst of his crop, and help
+others, because they can get a little more. They spend all their half
+Fridays and their Saturdays on other plantations where they receive
+forty cents a day. Twenty-five cents is enough for them, and is as much
+as he will give.
+
+Mr. B. requested the overseer to bring forward his complaints. He had
+only two. One was against a boy of ten for stealing a gill of goat's
+milk. The charge was disproved. The other was against a boy of twelve
+for neglecting the cattle, and permitting them to trespass on the lands
+of a neighbor. He was sentenced to receive a good switching--that is, to
+be beaten with a small stick by the constable of the plantation.
+
+Several apprentices then appeared and made a few trivial complaints
+against 'busha.' They were quickly adjusted. These were all the
+complaints that had accumulated in five weeks.
+
+The principal business which called Mr. Bourne to the plantation, as we
+have already remarked, was the appraisement of an apprentice. The
+appraisers were himself and a local magistrate. The apprentice was a
+native born African, and was stolen from his country when a boy. He had
+always resided on this plantation, and had always been a faithful
+laborer. He was now the constable, or driver, as the office was called
+in slavery times, of the second gang. The overseer testified to his
+honesty and industry, and said he regretted much to have him leave. He
+was, as appeared by the plantation books, fifty-four years old, but was
+evidently above sixty. After examining several witnesses as to the old
+man's ability and general health, and making calculations by the rule of
+three, with the cold accuracy of a yankee horse-bargain, it was decided
+that his services were worth to the plantation forty-eight dollars a
+years, and for the remaining time of the apprenticeship, consequently,
+at that rate, one hundred and fifty-six dollars. One third of this was
+deducted as an allowance for the probabilities of death, and sickness,
+leaving one hundred and four dollars as the price of his redemption. The
+old man objected strongly and earnestly to the price; he said, it was
+too much; he had not money enough to pay it; and begged them, with tears
+in his eyes, not to make him pay so much "for his old bones;" but they
+would not remit a cent. They could not. They were the stern ministers of
+the British emancipation law, the praises of which have been shouted
+through the earth!
+
+Of the three overseers who were present, not one could be called a
+respectable man. Their countenances were the mirrors of all lustful and
+desperate passions. They were continually drinking rum and water, and
+one of them was half drunk.
+
+Our next visit was to an elevated plantation called Peter's Rock. The
+path to it was, in one place, so steep, that we had to dismount and
+permit our horses to work their way up as they could, while we followed
+on foot. We then wound along among provision grounds and coffee fields,
+through forests where hardly a track was to be seen, and over hedges,
+which the horses were obliged to leap, till we issued on the great path
+which leads from the plantation to Kingston.
+
+Peter's Rock has one hundred apprentices, and is under the management,
+as Mr. Bourne informed us, of a very humane man. During the two years
+and a half of the apprenticeship, there had been _only six complaints_.
+As we approached the plantation we saw the apprentices at the side of
+the road, eating their breakfast. They had been at work some distance
+from their houses, and could not spend time to go home. They saluted us
+with great civility, most of them rising and uncovering their heads. In
+answer to our questions, they said they were getting along very well.
+They said their master was kind to them, and they appeared in
+fine spirits.
+
+The overseer met us as we rode up to the door, and received us very
+courteously. He had no complaints. He informed us that the plantation
+was as well cultivated as it had been for many years, and the people
+were perfectly obedient and industrious.
+
+From Peter's Rock we rode to "Hall's Prospect," a plantation on which
+there are sixty apprentices under the charge of a black overseer, who,
+two years ago, was a slave. It was five weeks since Mr. B. had been
+there, and yet he had only one complaint, and that against a woman for
+being late at work on Monday morning. The reason she gave for this was,
+that she went to an estate some miles distant to spend the Sabbath with
+her husband.
+
+Mr. Bourne, by the aid of funds left in his hands by Mr. Sturge, is
+about to establish a school on this plantation. Mr. B., at a previous
+visit, had informed the people of what he intended to do, and asked
+their co-operation. As soon as they saw him to-day, several of them
+immediately inquired about the school, when it would begin, &c. They
+showed the greatest eagerness and thankfulness. Mr. B. told them he
+should send a teacher as soon as a house was prepared. He had been
+talking with their master (the attorney of the plantation) about fixing
+one, who had offered them the old "lock-up house," if they would put it
+in order. There was a murmur among them at this annunciation. At length
+one of the men said, they did not want the school to be held in the
+"lock-up house." It was not a good place for their "pickaninnies" to go
+to. They had much rather have some other building, and would be glad to
+have it close to their houses. Mr. B. told them if they would put up a
+small house near their own, he would furnish it with desks and benches.
+To this they all assented with great joy.
+
+On our way home we saw, as we did on various other occasions, many of
+the apprentices with hoes, baskets, &c., going to their provision
+grounds. We had some conversation with them as we rode along. They said
+they had been in the fields picking coffee since half past five o'clock.
+They were now going, as they always did after "horn-blow" in the
+afternoon, (four o'clock,) to their grounds, where they should stay till
+dark. Some of their grounds were four, others six miles from home. They
+all liked the apprenticeship better than slavery. They were not flogged
+so much now, and had more time to themselves. But they should like
+freedom much better, and should be glad when it came.
+
+We met a brown young woman driving an ass laden with a great variety of
+articles. She said she had been to Kingston (fifteen miles off) with a
+load of provisions, and had purchased some things to sell to the
+apprentices. We asked her what she did with her money. "Give it to my
+husband," said she. "Do you keep none for yourself?" She smiled and
+replied: "What for him for me."
+
+After we had passed, Mr. B. informed us that she had been an apprentice,
+but purchased her freedom a few months previous, and was now engaged as
+a kind of country merchant. She purchases provisions of the negroes, and
+carries them to Kingston, where she exchanges them for pins, needles,
+thread, dry goods, and such articles as the apprentices need, which she
+again exchanges for provisions and money.
+
+Mr. Bourne informed us that real estate is much higher than before
+emancipation. He mentioned one "pen" which was purchased for eighteen
+hundred dollars a few years since. The owner had received nine hundred
+dollars as 'compensation' for freedom. It has lately been leased for
+seven years by the owner, for nine hundred dollars per year.
+
+A gentleman who owns a plantation in Mr. B.'s district, sold parcels of
+land to the negroes before emancipation at five shillings per acre. He
+now obtains twenty-seven shillings per acre.
+
+The house in which Mr. B. resides was rented in 1833 for one hundred and
+fifty dollars. Mr. B. engaged it on his arrival for three years, at two
+hundred and forty dollars per year. His landlord informed him a few days
+since, that on the expiration of his present lease, he should raise the
+rent to three hundred and thirty dollars.
+
+Mr. B. is acquainted with a gentleman of wealth, who has been
+endeavoring for the last twelve months to purchase an estate in this
+island. He has offered high prices, but has as yet been unable to obtain
+one. Landholders have so much confidence in the value and security of
+real estate, that they do not wish to part with it.
+
+After our visit to Silver Hill, our attention was particularly turned to
+the condition of the negro grounds. Most of them were very clean and
+flourishing. Large plats of the onion, of cocoa, plantain, banana, yam,
+potatoe, and other tropic vegetables, were scattered all around within
+five or six miles of a plantation. We were much pleased with the
+appearance of them during a ride on a Friday. In the forenoon, they had
+all been vacant; not a person was to be seen in them; but after one
+o'clock, they began gradually to be occupied, till, at the end of an
+hour, where-ever we went, we saw men, women, and children laboring
+industriously in their little gardens. In some places, the hills to
+their very summits were spotted with cultivation. Till Monday morning
+the apprentices were free, and they certainly manifested a strong
+disposition to spend that time in taking care of themselves. The
+testimony of the numerous apprentices with whom we conversed, was to the
+same effect as our observation. They all testified that they were paying
+as much attention to their grounds as they ever did, but that their
+provisions had been cut short by the drought. They had their land all
+prepared for a new crop, and were only waiting for rain to put in the
+seed. Mr. Bourne corroborated their statement, and remarked, that he
+never found the least difficulty in procuring laborers. Could he have
+the possession of the largest plantation in the island to-day, he had no
+doubt that, within a week, he could procure free laborers enough to
+cultivate every acre.
+
+On one occasion, while among the mountains, we were impressed on a jury
+to sit in inquest on the body of a negro woman found dead on the high
+road. She was, as appeared in evidence, on her return from the house of
+correction, at Half-Way-Tree, where she had been sentenced for fourteen
+days, and been put on the treadmill. She had complained to some of her
+acquaintances of harsh treatment there, and said they had killed her,
+and that if she ever lived to reach home, she should tell all her
+massa's negroes never to cross the threshold of Half-Way-Tree, as it
+would kill them. The evidence, however, was not clear that she died in
+consequence of such treatment, and the jury, accordingly, decided that
+she came to her death by some cause unknown to them.
+
+Nine of the jury were overseers, and if they, collected together
+indiscriminately on this occasion, were a specimen of those who have
+charge of the apprentices in this island, they must be most degraded and
+brutal men. They appeared more under the influence of low passions, more
+degraded by sensuality, and but little more intelligent, than the
+negroes themselves. Instead of possessing irresponsible power over their
+fellows, they ought themselves to be under the power of the most strict
+and energetic laws. Our visits to the plantations, and inquiries on this
+point, confirmed this opinion. They are the 'feculum' of European
+society--ignorant, passionate, licentious. We do them no injustice when
+we say this, nor when we further add, that the apprentices suffer in a
+hundred ways which the law cannot reach, gross insults and oppression
+from their excessive rapaciousness and lust. What must it have been
+during slavery?
+
+We had some conversation with Cheny Hamilton, Esq., one of the special
+magistrates for Port Royal. He is a colored man, and has held his office
+about eighteen months. There are three thousand apprentices in his
+district, which embraces sugar and coffee estates. The complaints are
+few and of a very trivial nature. They mostly originate with the
+planters. Most of the cases brought before him are for petty theft and
+absence from work.
+
+In his district, cultivation was never better. The negroes are willing
+to work during their own time. His father-in-law is clearing up some
+mountain land for a coffee plantation, by the labor of apprentices from
+neighboring estates. The seasons since emancipation have been bad. The
+blacks cultivate their own grounds on their half Fridays and Saturdays,
+unless they can obtain employment from others.
+
+Nothing is doing by the planters for the education of the apprentices.
+Their only object is to get as much work out of them as possible.
+
+The blacks, so far as he has had opportunity to observe, are in every
+respect as quiet and industrious as they were before freedom. He said if
+we would compare the character of the complaints brought by the
+overseers and apprentices against each other, we should see for
+ourselves which party was the most peaceable and law-abiding.
+
+To these views we may here add those of another gentleman, with whom we
+had considerable conversation about the same time. He is a proprietor
+and local magistrate, and was represented to us as a kind and humane
+man. Mr. Bourne stated to us that he had not had six cases of complaint
+on his plantation for the last twelve months. We give his most important
+statements in the following brief items:
+
+1. He has had charge of estates in Jamaica since 1804. At one time he
+had twelve hundred negroes under his control. He now owns a coffee
+plantation, on which there are one hundred and ten apprentices, and is
+also attorney for several others, the owners of which reside out of
+the island.
+
+2. His plantation is well cultivated and clean, and his people are as
+industrious and civil as they ever were. He employs them during their
+own time, and always finds them willing to work for him, unless their
+own grounds require their attendance. Cultivation generally, through the
+island, is as good as it ever was. Many of the planters, at the
+commencement of the apprenticeship, reduced the quantity of land
+cultivated; he did not do so, but on the contrary is extending his
+plantation.
+
+3. The crops this year are not so good as usual. This is no fault of the
+apprentices, but is owing to the bad season.
+
+4. The conduct of the apprentices depends very much on the conduct of
+those who have charge of them. If you find a plantation on which the
+overseer is kind, and does common justice to the laborer, you will find
+things going on well--if otherwise, the reverse. Those estates and
+plantations on which the proprietor himself resides, are most peaceable
+and prosperous.
+
+5. Real estate is more valuable than before emancipation. Property is
+more secure, and capitalists are more ready to invest their funds.
+
+6. The result of 1840 is as yet doubtful. For his part, he has no fears.
+He doubts not he can cultivate his plantation as easily after that
+period as before. He is confident he can do it cheaper. He thinks it not
+only likely, but certain, that many of the plantations on which the
+people have been ill used, while slaves and apprentices, will be
+abandoned by the present laborers, and that they will never be worked
+until overseers are put over them who, instead of doing all they can to
+harass them, will soothe and conciliate them. The apprenticeship has
+done much harm instead of good in the way of preparing the blacks to
+work after 1840.
+
+A few days after our return from the mountains, we rode to Spanishtown,
+which is about twelve miles west of Kingston. Spanishtown is the seat of
+government, containing the various buildings for the residence of the
+governor, the meeting of the legislature, the session of the courts, and
+rooms for the several officers of the crown. They are all strong and
+massive structures, but display little architectural magnificence
+or beauty.
+
+We spent nearly a day with Richard Hill, Esq., the secretary of the
+special magistrates' department, of whom we have already spoken. He is a
+colored gentleman, and in every respect the noblest man, white or black,
+whom we met in the West Indies. He is highly intelligent, and of fine
+moral feelings. His manners are free and unassuming, and his language in
+conversation fluent and well chosen. He is intimately acquainted with
+English and French authors, and has studied thoroughly the history and
+character of the people with whom the tie of color has connected him. He
+travelled two years in Hayti, and his letters, written in a flowing and
+luxuriant style, as a son of the tropics should write, giving an account
+of his observations and inquiries in that interesting island, were
+published extensively in England; and have been copied into the
+anti-slavery journals in this country. His journal will be given to the
+public as soon as his official duties will permit him to prepare it. He
+is at the head of the special magistrates, (of which there are sixty in
+the island,) and all the correspondence between them and the governor is
+carried on through him. The station he holds is a very important one,
+and the business connected with it is of a character and an extent that,
+were he not a man of superior abilities, he could not sustain. He is
+highly respected by the government in the island, and at home, and
+possesses the esteem of his fellow-citizens of all colors. He associates
+with persons of the highest rank, dining and attending parties at the
+government-house with all the aristocracy of Jamaica. We had the
+pleasure of spending an evening with him at the solicitor-general's.
+Though an African sun has burnt a deep tinge on him, he is truly one of
+nature's noblemen. His demeanor is such, so dignified, yet bland and
+amiable, that no one can help respecting him.
+
+He spoke in the warmest terms of Lord Sligo,[A] the predecessor of Sir
+Lionel Smith, who was driven from the island by the machinations of the
+planters and the enemies of the blacks. Lord Sligo was remarkable for
+his statistical accuracy. Reports were made to him by the special
+magistrates every week. No act of injustice or oppression could escape
+his indefatigable inquiries. He was accessible, and lent an open ear to
+the lowest person in the island. The planters left no means untried to
+remove him, and unhappily succeeded.
+
+[Footnote A: When Lord Sligo visited the United States in the summer of
+1836, he spoke with great respect of Mr. Hill to Elizur Wright, Esq.,
+Corresponding Secretary of the American Anti-Slavery Society. Mr. Wright
+has furnished us with the following statement:--"Just before his
+lordship left this city for England, he bore testimony to us
+substantially as follows:--'When I went to Jamaica, Mr. Hill was a
+special magistrate. In a certain case he refused to comply with my
+directions, differing from me in his interpretation of the law. I
+informed him that his continued non-compliance must result in his
+removal from office. He replied that his mind was made up as to the law,
+and he would not violate his reason to save his bread. Being satisfied
+of the correctness of my own interpretation, I was obliged, of course,
+to remove him; but I was so forcibly struck with his manly independence,
+that I applied to the government for power to employ him as my
+secretary, which was granted. And having had him as an _intimate of my
+family_ for several months, I can most cordially bear my testimony to
+his trustworthiness, ability, and gentlemanly deportment.' Lord Sligo
+also added, that Mr. Hill was treated in his family in all respects as
+if he had not been colored, and that with no gentleman in the West
+Indies was he, in social life, on terms of more intimate friendship."]
+
+The following items contain the principal information received from Mr.
+Hill:
+
+1. The apprenticeship is a most vicious system, full of blunders and
+absurdities, and directly calculated to set master and slave at war.
+
+2. The complaints against the apprentices are decreasing every month,
+_except, perhaps, complaints against mothers for absence from work,
+which he thinks are increasing_. The apprenticeship _law_ makes no
+provision for the free children, and on most of the plantations and
+estates no allowance is given them, but they are thrown entirely for
+support on their parents, who are obliged to work the most and best part
+of their time for their masters unrewarded. The nurseries are broken up,
+and frequently the mothers are obliged to work in the fields with their
+infants at their backs, or else to leave them at some distance under the
+shade of a hedge or tree. Every year is making their condition worse and
+worse. The number of children is increasing, and yet the mothers are
+required, after their youngest child has attained the age of a few
+weeks, to be at work the same number of hours as the men. Very little
+time is given them to take care of their household. When they are tardy
+they are brought before the magistrate.
+
+A woman was brought before Mr. Hill a few days before we were there,
+charged with not being in the field till one hour after the rest of the
+gang. She had twins, and appeared before him with a child hanging on
+each arm. What an eloquent defence! He dismissed the complaint.
+
+He mentioned another case, of a woman whose master resided in
+Spanishtown, but who was hired out by him to some person in the country.
+Her child became sick, but her employer refused any assistance. With it
+in her arms, she entreated aid of her master. The monster drove her and
+her dying little one into the street at night, and she sought shelter
+with Mr. Hill, where her child expired before morning. For such horrid
+cruelty as this, the apprenticeship law provides no remedy. The woman
+had no claim for the support of her child, on the man who was receiving
+the wages of her daily toil. That child was not worth a farthing to him,
+because it was no longer his _chattel_; and while the law gives him
+power to rob the mother, it has no compulsion to make him support
+the child.
+
+3. The complaints are generally of the most trivial and frivolous
+nature. They are mostly against mothers for neglect of duty, and vague
+charges of insolence. There is no provision in the law to prevent the
+master from using abusive language to the apprentice; any insult short
+of a blow, he is free to commit; but the slightest word of incivility, a
+look, smile, or grin, is punished in the apprentice, even though it
+were provoked.
+
+4. There is still much flogging by the overseers. Last week a girl came
+to Mr. H. terribly scarred and "slashed," and complained that her master
+had beaten her. It appeared that this was the _seventh offence_, for
+neither of which she could obtain a hearing from the special magistrate
+in her district. While Mr. H. was relating to me this fact, a girl came
+in with a little babe in her arms. He called my attention to a large
+bruise near her eye. He said her master knocked her down a few days
+since, and made that wound by kicking her.
+
+Frequently when complaints of insolence are made, on investigation, it
+is found that the offence was the result of a quarrel commenced by the
+master, during which he either cuffed or kicked the offender.
+
+The special magistrates also frequently resort to flogging. Many of
+them, as has been mentioned already, have been connected with the army
+or navy, where corporal punishment is practised and flogging is not only
+in consonance with their feelings and habits, but is a punishment more
+briefly inflicted and more grateful to the planters, as it does not
+deprive them of the apprentice's time.
+
+5. Mr. H. says that the apprentices who have purchased their freedom
+behave well. He has not known one of them to be brought before
+the police.
+
+6. Many of the special magistrates require much looking after. Their
+salaries are not sufficient to support them independently. Some of them
+leave their homes on Monday morning, and make the whole circuit of their
+district before returning, living and lodging meanwhile, _free of
+expense_, with the planters. If they are not inclined to listen to the
+complaints of the apprentices, they soon find that the apprentices are
+not inclined to make complaints to them, and that they consequently have
+much more leisure time, and get through their district much easier. Of
+the sixty magistrates in Jamaica, but few can be said to discharge their
+duties faithfully. The governor is often required to interfere. A few
+weeks since he discharged two magistrates for putting iron collars on
+two women, in direct violation of the law, and then sending him
+false reports.
+
+7. The negro grounds are often at a great distance, five or six miles,
+and some of them fifteen miles, from the plantation. Of course much
+time, which would otherwise be spent in cultivating them, is necessarily
+consumed in going to them and returning. Yet for all that, and though in
+many cases the planters have withdrawn the watchmen who used to protect
+them, and have left them entirely exposed to thieves and cattle, they
+are generally well cultivated--on the whole, better than during slavery.
+When there is inattention to them, it is caused either by some planters
+hiring them during their own time, or because their master permits his
+cattle to trespass on them, and the people feel an insecurity. When you
+find a kind planter, in whom the apprentices have confidence, there you
+will find beautiful gardens. In not a few instances, where the overseer
+is particularly harsh and cruel, the negroes have thrown up their old
+grounds, and taken new ones on other plantations, where the overseer is
+better liked, or gone into the depths of the mountain forests, where no
+human foot has been before them, and there cleared up small plats. This
+was also done to some extent during slavery. Many of the people, against
+whom the planters are declaiming as lazy and worthless, have rich
+grounds of which those planters little dream.
+
+8. There is no feeling of insecurity, either of life or property. One
+may travel through the whole island without the least fear of violence.
+If there is any danger, it is from the _emigrants_, who have been guilty
+of several outrages. So far from the planters fearing violence from the
+apprentices, when an assault or theft is committed, they refer it,
+almost as a matter of course, to some one else. A few weeks ago one of
+the island mails was robbed. As soon as it became known, it was at once
+said, "Some of those villanous emigrants did it," and so indeed
+it proved.
+
+People in the country, in the midst of the mountains, where the whites
+are few and isolated, sleep with their doors and windows open, without a
+thought of being molested. In the towns there are no watchmen, and but a
+small police, and yet the streets are quiet and property safe.
+
+9. The apprentices understand the great provisions of the new system,
+such as the number of hours they must work for their master, and that
+their masters have no right to flog them, &c., but its details are
+inexplicable mysteries. The masters have done much injury by deceiving
+them on points of which they were ignorant.
+
+10. The apprentices almost to a man are ready to work for wages during
+their own time. When the overseer is severe towards them, they prefer
+working on other plantations, even for less wages, as is very natural.
+
+11. Almost all the evils of the apprenticeship arise from the obstinacy
+and oppressive conduct of the overseers. They are constantly taking
+advantage of the defects of the system, which are many, and while they
+demand to the last grain's weight "the pound of flesh," they are utterly
+unwilling to yield the requirements which the law makes of them. Where
+you find an overseer endeavoring in every way to overreach the
+apprentices, taking away the privileges which they enjoyed during
+slavery, and exacting from them the utmost minute and mite of labor,
+there you will find abundant complaints both against the master and the
+apprentice. And the reverse. The cruel overseers are complaining of
+idleness, insubordination, and ruin, while the kind master is moving on
+peaceably and prosperously.
+
+12. The domestic apprentices have either one day, or fifty cents cash,
+each week, as an allowance for food and clothing. This is quite
+insufficient. Many of the females seem obliged to resort to theft or to
+prostitution to obtain a support. Two girls were brought before Mr. Hill
+while we were with him, charged with neglect of duty and night-walking.
+One of them said her allowance was too small, and she must get food in
+some other way or starve.
+
+13. The apprentices on many plantations have been deprived of several
+privileges which they enjoyed under the old system. Nurseries have been
+abolished, water-carriers have been taken away, keeping stock is
+restricted, if not entirely forbidden, watchmen are no longer provided
+to guard the negro grounds, &c.--petty aggressions in our eyes, perhaps,
+but severe to them. Another instance is still more hard. By the custom
+of slavery, women who had reared up seven children were permitted to
+"sit down," as it was termed; that is, were not obliged to go into the
+field to work. Now no such distinction is made, but all are driven into
+the field.
+
+14. One reason why the crops were smaller in 1835 and 1836 than in
+former years, was, that the planters in the preceding seasons, either
+fearful that the negroes would not take off the crops after
+emancipation, and acting on their baseless predictions instead of facts,
+or determined to make the results of emancipation appear as disastrous
+as possible, neglected to put in the usual amount of cane, and to clean
+the coffee fields. As they refused to sow, of course they could
+not reap.
+
+15. The complaints against the apprentices generally are becoming fewer
+every week, but the complaints against the masters are increasing both
+in number and severity. One reason of this is, that the apprentices, on
+the one hand, are becoming better acquainted with the new system, and
+therefore better able to avoid a violation of its provisions, and are
+also learning that they cannot violate these provisions with impunity;
+and, on the other hand, they are gaining courage to complain against
+their masters, to whom they have hitherto been subjected by a fear
+created by the whips and dungeons, and nameless tortures of slavery.
+Another reason is, that the masters, as the term of the apprenticeship
+shortens, and the end of their authority approaches nearer, are pressing
+their poor victims harder and harder, determined to extort from them all
+they can, before complete emancipation rescues them for ever from
+their grasp.
+
+While we were in conversation with Mr. Hill, Mr. Ramsay, one of the
+special magistrates for this parish, called in. He is a native of
+Jamaica, and has been educated under all the influences of West India
+society, but has held fast his integrity, and is considered the firm
+friend of the apprentices. He confirmed every fact and opinion which Mr.
+Hill had given. He was even stronger than Mr. H. in his expressions of
+disapprobation of the apprenticeship.
+
+The day which we spent with Mr. Hill was one of those on which he holds
+a special justice's court. There were only three cases of complaint
+brought before him.
+
+The first was brought by a woman, attended by her husband, against her
+servant girl, for "impertinence and insubordination." She took the oath
+and commenced her testimony with an abundance of vague charges. "She is
+the most insolent girl I ever saw. She'll do nothing that she is told to
+do--she never thinks of minding what is said to her--she is sulky and
+saucy," etc. Mr. H. told her she must be specific--he could not convict
+the girl on such general charges--some particular acts must be proved.
+
+She became specific. Her charges were as follows:
+
+1. On the previous Thursday the defendant was plaiting a shirt. The
+complainant went up to her and asked her why she did not plait it as she
+ought, and not hold it in her hand as she did. Defendant replied, that
+it was easier, and she preferred that way to the other. The complainant
+remonstrated, but, despite all she could say, the obstinate girl
+persisted, and did it as she chose. The complainant granted that the
+work was done well, only it was not done in the way she desired.
+
+2. The same day she ordered the defendant to wipe up some tracks in the
+hall. She did so. While she was doing it, the mistress told her the room
+was very dusty, and reproved her for it. The girl replied, "Is it
+morning?" (It is customary to clean the rooms early in the morning, and
+the girl made this reply late in the afternoon, when sufficient time had
+elapsed for the room to become dusty again.)
+
+3. The girl did not wash a cloth clean which the complainant gave her,
+and the complainant was obliged to wash it herself.
+
+4. Several times when the complainant and her daughter have been
+conversing together, this girl had burst into laughter--whether at them
+or their conversation, complainant did not know.
+
+5. When the complainant has reproved the defendant for not doing her
+work well, she has replied, "Can't you let me alone to my work, and not
+worry my life out."
+
+A black man, a constable on the same property, was brought up to confirm
+the charges. He knew nothing about the case, only that he often heard
+the parties quarrelling, and sometimes had told the girl not to say any
+thing, as she knew what her mistress was.
+
+It appeared in the course of the evidence, that the complainant and her
+husband had both been in the habit of speaking disrespectfully of the
+special magistrate, stationed in their district, and that many of the
+contentions arose out of that, as the girl sometimes defended him.
+
+While the accused was making her defence, which she did in a modest way,
+her mistress was highly enraged, and interrupted her several times, by
+calling her a liar and a jade. The magistrate was two or three times
+obliged to reprove her, and command her to be silent, and, so passionate
+did she become, that her husband, ashamed of her, put his hand on her
+shoulder, and entreated her to be calm.
+
+Mr. Hill dismissed the complaint by giving some good advice to both
+parties, much to the annoyance of the mistress.
+
+The second complaint was brought by a man against a servant girl, for
+disobedience of orders, and insolence. It appears that she was ordered,
+at ten o'clock at night, to do some work. She was just leaving the house
+to call on some friends, as she said, and refused. On being told by her
+mistress that she only wanted to go out for bad purposes, she replied,
+that "It was no matter--the allowance they gave her was not sufficient
+to support her, and if they would not give her more, she must get a
+living any way she could, so she did not steal." She was sentenced to
+the house of correction for one week.
+
+The third case was a complaint against a boy for taking every alternate
+Friday and Saturday, instead of every Saturday, for allowance. He was
+ordered to take every Saturday, or to receive in lieu of it half
+a dollar.
+
+Mr. Hill said these were a fair specimen of the character of the
+complaints that came before him. We were much pleased with the manner in
+which he presided in his court, the ease, dignity, and impartiality
+which he exhibited, and the respect which was shown him by all parties.
+
+In company with Mr. Hill, we called on Rev. Mr. Phillips, the Baptist
+missionary, stationed at Spanishtown. Mr. P. has been in the island
+thirteen years. He regards the apprenticeship as a great amelioration of
+the old system of slavery, but as coming far short of the full
+privileges and rights of freedom, and of what it was expected to be. It
+is beneficial to the missionaries, as it gives them access to the
+plantations, while before, in many instances, they were entirely
+excluded from them, and in all cases were much shackled in their
+operations.
+
+Mr. P. has enlarged his chapel within the last fifteen months, so that
+it admits several hundreds more than formerly. But it is now too small.
+The apprentices are much more anxious to receive religious instruction,
+and much more open to conviction, than when slaves. He finds a great
+difference now on different plantations. Where severity is used, as it
+still is on many estates, and the new system is moulded as nearly as
+possible on the old, the minds of the apprentices are apparently closed
+against all impressions,--but where they are treated with kindness, they
+are warm in their affections, and solicitous to be taught.
+
+In connection with his church, Mr. P. has charge of a large school. The
+number present, when we visited it, was about two hundred. There was, to
+say the least, as much manifestation of intellect and sprightliness as
+we ever saw in white pupils of the same age. Most of the children were
+slaves previous to 1834, and their parents are still apprentices.
+Several were pointed out to us who were not yet free, and attend only by
+permission, sometimes purchased, of their master. The greater part live
+from three to five miles distant. Mr. P. says he finds no lack of
+interest among the apprentices about education. He can find scholars for
+as many schools as he can establish, if he keeps himself unconnected
+with the planters. The apprentices are opposed to all schools
+established by, or in any way allied to, their masters.
+
+Mr. P. says the planters are doing nothing to prepare the apprentices
+for freedom in 1840. They do not regard the apprenticeship as
+intermediate time for preparation, but as part of the _compensation_.
+Every day is counted, not as worth so much for education and moral
+instruction, but as worth so much for digging cane-holes, and clearing
+coffee fields.
+
+Mr. P.'s church escaped destruction during the persecution of the
+Baptists. The wives and connections of many of the colored soldiers had
+taken refuge in it, and had given out word that they would defend it
+even against their own husbands and brothers, who in turn informed their
+officers that if ordered to destroy it, they should refuse at all peril.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+RESULTS OF ABOLITION.
+
+The actual working of the apprenticeship in Jamaica, was the specific
+object of our investigations in that island. That it had not operated so
+happily as in Barbadoes, and in most of the other colonies, was admitted
+by all parties. As to the _degree_ of its failure, we were satisfied it
+was not so great as had been represented. There has been nothing of an
+_insurrectionary_ character since the abolition of slavery. The affair
+on Thornton's estate, of which an account is given in the preceding
+chapter, is the most serious disturbance which has occurred during the
+apprenticeship. The _fear_ of insurrection is as effectually dead in
+Jamaica, as in Barbadoes--so long as the apprenticeship lasts. There has
+been no _increase of crime_. The character of the negro population has
+been gradually improving in morals and intelligence. Marriage has
+increased, the Sabbath is more generally observed, and religious worship
+is better attended. Again, the apprentices of Jamaica have not
+manifested any peculiar _defiance of law_. The most illiberal
+magistrates testified that the people respected the law, when they
+understood it. As it respects the _industry_ of the apprentices, there
+are different opinions among the _planters_ themselves. Some admitted
+that they were as industrious as before, and did as much work _in
+proportion to the time they were employed_. Others complained that they
+_lacked the power_ to compel industry, and that hence there was a
+falling off of work. The prominent evils complained of in Jamaica are,
+absconding from work, and insolence to masters. From the statements in
+the preceding chapter, it may be inferred that many things are called by
+these names, and severely punished, which are really innocent or
+unavoidable; however, it would not be wonderful if there were numerous
+instances of both. Insolence is the legitimate fruit of the
+apprenticeship, which holds out to the apprentice, that he possesses the
+rights of a man, and still authorizes the master to treat him as though
+he were little better than a dog. The result must often be that the
+apprentice will repay insult with insolence. This will continue to exist
+until either the former system of _absolute force_ is restored, or a
+system of free compensated labor, with its powerful checks and balances
+on both parties, is substituted. The prevalence and causes of the other
+offence--absconding from labor--will be noticed hereafter.
+
+The atrocities which are practised by the masters and magistrates, are
+appalling enough. It is probable that the actual condition of the
+negroes in Jamaica, is but little if any better than it was during
+slavery. The amount of punishment inflicted by the special magistrates,
+cannot fall much short of that usually perpetrated by the drivers. In
+addition to this, the apprentices are robbed of the _time_ allowed them
+by law, at the will of the magistrate, who often deprives them of it on
+the slightest complaint of the overseer. The situation of the _free
+children_[A] is often very deplorable. The master feels none of that
+interest in them which he formerly felt in the children that were his
+property, and consequently, makes no provision for them. They are thrown
+entirely upon their parents, who are _unable_ to take proper care of
+them, from the almost constant demands which the master makes upon their
+time. The condition of pregnant women, and nursing mothers, is
+_decidedly worse_ than it was during slavery. The privileges which the
+planter felt it for his interest to grant these formerly, for _the sake
+of their children_, are now withheld. The former are exposed to the
+inclemencies of the weather, and the hardships of toil--the latter are
+cruelly dragged away from their infants, that the master may not lose
+the smallest portion of time,--and _both_ are liable at any moment to be
+incarcerated in the dungeon, or strung up on the treadwheel. In
+consequence of the cruelties which are practised, the apprentices are in
+a _disaffected state_ throughout the island.
+
+[Footnote A: All children under _six years_ of age at the time of
+abolition, were made entirely free.]
+
+In assigning the causes of the ill-working of the apprenticeship in
+Jamaica, we would say in the commencement, that nearly all of them are
+embodied in the intrinsic defects of the system itself. These defects
+have been exposed in a former chapter, and we need not repeat them here.
+The reason why the system has not produced as much mischief in all the
+colonies as it has in Jamaica, is that the local circumstances in the
+other islands were not so adapted to develop its legitimate results.
+
+It is not without the most careful investigation of facts, that we have
+allowed ourselves to entertain the views which we are now about to
+express, respecting the conduct of the planters and special
+justices--for it is to _them_ that we must ascribe the evils which exist
+in Jamaica. We cheerfully accede to them all of palliation which may be
+found in the provocations incident to the wretched system of
+apprenticeship.
+
+The causes of the difficulties rest chiefly with the _planters_. They
+were _originally_ implicated, and by their wily schemes they soon
+involved the special magistrates. The Jamaica planters, as a body,
+always violently opposed the abolition of slavery. Unlike the planters
+in most of the colonies, they cherished their hostility _after the act
+of abolition_. It would seem that they had agreed with one accord, never
+to become reconciled to the measures of the English government, and had
+sworn eternal hostility to every scheme of emancipation. Whether this
+resulted most from love for slavery or hatred of English interference,
+it is difficult to determine. If we were to believe the planters
+themselves, who are of the opposition, we should conclude that they were
+far from being in favor of slavery--that they were "as much opposed to
+slavery, as any one can be[A]." Notwithstanding this avowal, the
+tenacity with which the planters cling to the remnant of their power,
+shows an affection for it, of the strength of which they are not
+probably themselves aware.
+
+[Footnote A: It seems to be the order of the day, with the opposition
+party in Jamaica, to disclaim all friendship with slavery. We noticed
+several instances of this in the island papers, which have been most
+hostile to abolition. We quote the following sample from the Royal
+Gazette, (Kingston) for May 6, 1837. The editor, in an article
+respecting Cuba, says:
+
+    "In writing this, one chief object is to arouse the attention of our
+    own fellow-subjects, in this colony, to the situation--the dangerous
+    situation--in which they stand, and to implore them to lend all
+    their energies to avert the ruin that is likely to visit them,
+    should America get the domination of Cuba.
+
+    The negroes of this and of all the British W.I. colonies have been
+    '_emancipated_.' Cuba on the other hand is still a _slave country_.
+    (Let not our readers imagine for one moment that we advocate the
+    _continuance of slavery_,") &c.
+]
+
+When public men have endeavored to be faithful and upright, they have
+uniformly been abused, and even persecuted, by the planters. The
+following facts will show that the latter have not scrupled to resort to
+the most dishonest and unmanly intrigues to effect the removal or to
+circumvent the influence of such men. Neglect, ridicule, vulgar abuse,
+slander, threats, intimidation, misrepresentation, and legal
+prosecutions, have been the mildest weapons employed against those who
+in the discharge of their sworn duties dared to befriend the oppressed.
+
+The shameful treatment of the late governor, Lord Sligo, illustrates
+this. His Lordship was appointed to the government about the period of
+abolition. Being himself a proprietor of estates in the island, and
+formerly chairman of the West India Body, he was received at first with
+the greatest cordiality; but it was soon perceived that he was disposed
+to secure justice to the apprentices. From the accounts we received, we
+have been led to entertain an exalted opinion of his integrity and
+friendship for the poor. It was his custom (unprecedented in the West
+Indies,) to give a patient hearing to the poorest negro who might carry
+his grievances to the government-house. After hearing the complaint, he
+would despatch an order to the special magistrate of the district in
+which the complainant lived, directing him to inquire into the case. By
+this means he kept the magistrates employed, and secured redress to the
+apprentices to many cases where they would otherwise have bean
+neglected.
+
+The governor soon rendered himself exceedingly obnoxious to the
+planters, and they began to manoeuvre for his removal, which, in a short
+time, was effected by a most flagitious procedure. The home government,
+disposed to humor their unruly colony, sent them a governor in whom they
+are not likely to find any fault. The present governor, Sir Lionel
+Smith, is the antipode of his predecessor in every worthy respect. When
+the apprentices come to him with their complaints, he sends them back
+unheard, with curses on their heads. A distinguished gentleman in the
+colony remarked of him that he _was a heartless military chieftain, who
+ruled without regard to mercy_. Of course the planters are full of his
+praise. His late tour of the island was a _triumphal procession_, amid
+the sycophantic greetings of oppressors.
+
+Several special magistrates have been suspended because of the faithful
+discharge of their duties. Among these was Dr. Palmer, an independent
+and courageous man. Repeated complaints were urged against him by the
+planters, until finally Sir Lionel Smith appointed a commission to
+inquire into the grounds of the difficulty.
+
+"This commission consisted of two local magistrates, both of them
+planters or managers of estates, and two stipendiary magistrates, the
+bias of one of whom, at least, was believed to be against Dr. Palmer. At
+the conclusion of their inquiry they summed up their report by saying
+that Dr. Palmer had administered the abolition law in the spirit of the
+English abolition act, and in his administration of the law he had
+adapted it more to the comprehension of freemen than to the
+understandings of apprenticed laborers. Not only did Sir Lionel Smith
+suspend Dr. Palmer on this report, but the colonial office at home have
+dismissed him from his situation."
+
+The following facts respecting the persecution of Special Justice
+Bourne, illustrate the same thing.
+
+    "A book-keeper of the name of Maclean, on the estate of the Rev. M.
+    Hamilton, an Irish clergyman, committed a brutal assault upon an old
+    African. The attorney on the property refused to hear the complaint
+    of the negro, who went to Stephen Bourne, a special magistrate. When
+    Maclean was brought before him, he did not deny the fact; but said
+    as the old man was not a Christian, his oath could not be taken! The
+    magistrate not being able to ascertain the amount of injury
+    inflicted upon the negro (whose head was dreadfully cut,) but
+    feeling that it was a case which required a greater penalty than
+    three pounds sterling, the amount of punishment to which he was
+    limited by the local acts, detained Maclean, and afterwards
+    committed him to jail, and wrote the next day to the chief justice
+    upon the subject. He was discharged as soon as a doctor's
+    certificate was procured of the state of the wounded man, and bail
+    was given for his appearance at the assizes. Maclean's trial came on
+    at the assizes, and he was found guilty by a Jamaica Jury; he was
+    severely reprimanded for his inhuman conduct and fined thirty
+    pounds. The poor apprentice however got no remuneration for the
+    severe injury inflicted upon him, and the special justice was
+    prosecuted for false imprisonment, dragged from court to court,
+    represented as an oppressor and a tyrant, subjected to four hundred
+    pounds expenses in defending himself, and actually had judgment
+    given against him for one hundred and fifty pounds damages.
+
+    Thus have the planters succeeded in pulling down every magistrate
+    who ventures to do more than fine them three pounds sterling for any
+    act of cruelty of which they may be guilty. On the other hand, there
+    were two magistrates who were lately dismissed, through, I believe,
+    the representation of Lord Sligo, for flagrant violations of the law
+    in inflicting punishment; and in order to evince their sympathy for
+    those men, the planters gave them a farewell dinner, and had
+    actually set on foot a subscription, as a tribute of gratitude for
+    their "Impartial" conduct in administering the laws, as special
+    justices. Thus were two men, notoriously guilty of violations of law
+    and humanity, publicly encouraged and protected, while Stephen
+    Bourne, who according to the testimony of the present and late
+    attorney-general had acted not only justly but _legally_, was
+    suffering every species of persecution and indignity for so doing."
+
+Probably nothing could demonstrate the meanness of the artifices to
+which the planters resort to get rid of troublesome magistrates better
+than the following fact. When the present governor, in making his tour
+of the island, came into St. Thomas in the East, some of the planters of
+Manchioneal district hired a negro constable on one of the estates to go
+to the governor and complain to him that Mr. Chamberlain encouraged the
+apprentices to be disorderly and idle. The negro went accordingly, but
+like another Balaam, he prophesied _against his employers_. He stated to
+the governor that the apprentices on the estate where he lived were lazy
+and wouldn't do right, _but he declared that it was not Mr. C.'s fault,
+for that he was not allowed to come on the estate!_
+
+Having given such an unfavorable description of the mass of planters, it
+is but just to add that there are a few honorable exceptions. There are
+some attorneys and overseers, who if they dared to face the allied
+powers of oppression, would act a noble part. But they are trammelled by
+an overpowering public sentiment, and are induced to fall in very much
+with the prevailing practices. One of this class, an attorney of
+considerable influence, declined giving us his views in writing, stating
+that his situation and the state of public sentiment must be his
+apology. An overseer who was disposed to manifest the most liberal
+bearing towards his apprentices, and who had directions from the
+absentee proprietor to that effect, was yet effectually prevented by his
+attorney, who having several other estates under his charge, was fearful
+of losing them, if he did not maintain the same severe discipline
+on all.
+
+The special magistrates are also deeply implicated in causing the
+difficulties existing under the apprenticeship. They are incessantly
+exposed to multiplied and powerful temptations. The persecution which
+they are sure to incur by a faithful discharge of their duties, has
+already been noticed. It would require men of unusual sternness of
+principle to face so fierce an array. Instead of being _independent_ of
+the planters, their situation is in every respect totally the reverse.
+Instead of having a central office or station-house to hold their courts
+at, as is the case in Barbadoes, they are required to visit each estate
+in their districts. They have a circuit from forty to sixty miles to
+compass every fortnight, or in some cases three times every month. On
+these tours they are absolutely dependent upon the hospitality of the
+planters. None but men of the "sterner stuff" could escape, (to use the
+negro's phrase) _being poisoned by massa's turtle soup._ The _character_
+of the men who are acting as magistrates is thus described by a colonial
+magistrate of high standing and experience.
+
+"The special magistracy department is filled with the most worthless
+men, both domestic and imported. It was a necessary qualification of the
+former to possess no property; hence the most worthless vagabonds on the
+island were appointed. The latter were worn out officers and dissipated
+rakes, whom the English government sent off here in order to get rid of
+them." As a specimen of the latter kind, this gentleman mentioned one
+(special Justice Light) who died lately from excessive dissipation. He
+was constantly drunk, and the only way in which to get him to do any
+business was to take him on to an estate in the evening so that he might
+sleep off his intoxication, and then the business was brought before him
+early the next morning, before he had time to get to his cups.
+
+It is well known that many of the special magistrates are totally
+unprincipled men, monsters of cruelty, lust, and despotism. As a result
+of natural character in many cases, and of dependence upon planters in
+many more, the great mass of the special justices are a disgrace to
+their office, and to the government which commissioned them. Out of
+sixty, the number of special justices in Jamaica, there are not more
+than fifteen, or twenty at farthest, who are not the merest tools of the
+attorneys and overseers. Their servility was graphically hit off by the
+apprentice. "If busha say flog em, he flog em; if busha say send them to
+the treadmill, he send em." If an apprentice laughs or sings, and the
+busha represents it to the magistrate as insolence, he _feels it his
+duty_ to make an example of the offender!
+
+The following fact will illustrate the injustice of the magistrates. It
+was stated in writing by a missionary. We conceal all names, in
+compliance with the request of the writer. "An apprentice belonging to
+---- in the ---- was sent to the treadmill by special justice G. He was
+ordered to go out and count the sheep, as he was able to count higher
+than some of the field people, although a house servant from his
+youth--I may say childhood. Instead of bringing in the tally cut upon a
+piece of board, as usual, he wrote the number eighty upon a piece of
+paper. When the overseer saw it, he would scarcely believe that any of
+his people could write, and ordered a piece of coal to be brought and
+made him write it over again; the next day he turned him into the field,
+but unable to perform the task (to hoe and weed one hundred coffee roots
+daily) with those who had been accustomed to field work all their lives,
+he was tried for neglect of duty, and sentenced to fourteen days on the
+treadmill!"
+
+We quote the following heart-rending account from the Telegraph,
+(Spanishtown,) April 28, 1837. It is from a Baptist missionary.
+
+    "I see something is doing in England to shorten the apprenticeship
+    system. I pray God it may soon follow its predecessor--slavery, for
+    it is indeed slavery under a less disgusting name. Business lately
+    (December 23) called me to Rodney Hall; and while I was there, a
+    poor old negro was brought in for punishment. I heard the fearful
+    vociferation, 'twenty stripes.' 'Very well; here ----, put this man
+    down.' I felt as I cannot describe; yet I thought, as the supervisor
+    was disposed to be civil, my presence might tend to make the
+    punishment less severe than it usually is--but I was disappointed. I
+    inquired into the crime for which such an old man could be so
+    severely punished, and heard various accounts. I wrote to the
+    magistrate who sentenced him to receive it; and after many days I
+    got the following reply."
+
+    "_Logan Castle, Jan. 9, 1836._
+
+    Sir--In answer to your note of the 4th instant, I beg leave to
+    state, that ---- ----, an apprentice belonging to ---- ----, was
+    brought before me by Mr. ----, his late overseer, charged upon oath
+    with continual neglect of duty and disobedience of orders as
+    cattle-man, and also for stealing milk--was convicted, and sentenced
+    to receive twenty stripes. So far from the punishment of the
+    offender being severe, he was not ordered one half the number of
+    stripes provided for such cases by the abolition act--if he received
+    more than that number, or if those were inflicted with undue
+    severity, I shall feel happy in making every inquiry amongst the
+    authorities at Rodney Hall institution.
+
+    I remain, sir, yours, truly,
+
+    T.W. JONES, S.M."
+
+'Rev. J. Clarke, &c., &c.'
+
+From Mr. Clarke's reply, we make the following extract:
+
+    "_Jericho, January 19, 1836._
+
+    Sir--I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th
+    instant.
+
+    Respecting the punishment of ---- ----, I still adhere to the
+    opinion I before expressed, that, for an old man of about sixty
+    years of age, the punishment was severe. To see a venerable old man
+    tied as if to be broken on the wheel, and cut to the bone by the
+    lash of an athletic driver--writhing and yelling under the most
+    exquisite torture, were certainly circumstances sufficiently strong
+    to touch the heart of any one possessed of the smallest degree of
+    common humanity. The usual preparations being made, the old man
+    quietly stripped off his upper garments, and lay down upon the
+    board--he was then tied by his legs, middle, above the elbows, and
+    at each wrist. Mr. ---- then called out to the driver, 'I hope you
+    will do your duty--he is not sent here for nothing.' At the first
+    lash the skin started up; and at the third, the blood began to flow;
+    ere the driver had given ten, the cat was covered with gore; and he
+    stopped to change it for a dry one, which appeared to me somewhat
+    longer than the first. When the poor tortured creature had received
+    sixteen, his violent struggles enabled him to get one of his hands
+    loose, which he put instantly to his back--the driver stopped to
+    retie him, and then proceeded to give the remaining four. The
+    struggles of the poor old man from the first lash bespoke the most
+    extreme torture; and his cries were to me most distressing. 'Oh! oh!
+    mercy! mercy! mercy! oh! massa! massa! dat enough--enough! oh,
+    enough! O, massa, have pity! O, massa! massa! dat enough--enough!
+    Oh, never do de like again--only pity me--forgive me dis once! oh!
+    pity! mercy! mercy! oh! oh!' were the cries he perpetually uttered.
+    I shall remember them while I live; and would not for ten thousand
+    worlds have been the cause of producing them. It was some minutes
+    after he was loosed ere he could rise to his feet, and as he
+    attempted to rise, he continued calling out, 'My back! oh! my back!
+    my back is broken.' A long time he remained half-doubled, the blood
+    flowing round his body; 'I serve my master,' said the aged sufferer,
+    'at all times; get no Saturday, no Sunday; yet this is de way
+    dem use me.'
+
+    With such planters, and such magistrates to play into their hands,
+    is it to be wondered at that the apprentices do badly? Enough has
+    been said, we think, to satisfy any candid person as to the _causes
+    of the evils in Jamaica_. If any thing further were needed, we might
+    speak of the peculiar facilities which these men have for
+    perpetrating acts of cruelty and injustice. The major part of the
+    island is exceedingly mountainous, and a large portion of the sugar
+    estates, and most of the coffee plantations, are among the
+    mountains. These estates are scattered over a wide extent of
+    country, and separated by dense forests and mountains, which conceal
+    each plantation from the public view almost as effectually as though
+    it were the only property on the island. The only mode of access to
+    many of the estates in the mountainous districts, is by mule paths
+    winding about, amid fastnesses, precipices, and frightful solitudes.
+    In those lone retirements, on the mountain top, or in the deep glen
+    by the side of the rocky rivers, the traveller occasionally meets
+    with an estate. Strangers but rarely intrude upon those little
+    domains. They are left to the solitary sway of the overseers
+    dwelling amid their "gangs," and undisturbed, save by the weekly
+    visitations of the special magistrates. While the traveller is
+    struck with the facilities for the perpetration of those enormities
+    which must have existed there during slavery; he is painfully
+    impressed also with the numerous opportunities which are still
+    afforded for oppressing the apprentices, particularly where the
+    special magistrates are not honest men.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: From the nature of the case, it must be impossible to know
+how much actual flogging is perpetrated by the overseers. We might
+safely conjecture that there must be a vast deal of it that never comes
+to the light. Such is the decided belief of many of the first men in the
+island. The planters, say they, flog their apprentices, and then, to
+prevent their complaining to the magistrate, threaten them with severe
+punishment, or bribe them to silence by giving them a few shillings. The
+attorney-general mentioned an instance of the latter policy. A planter
+got angry with one of his head men, who was a constable, and knocked him
+down. The man started off to complain to the special magistrate. The
+master called him back, and told him he need not go to the
+magistrate--that he was constable, and had a right to fine him himself.
+"Well, massa," said the negro, "I fine you five shillings on de spot."
+The master was glad to get off with that--the magistrate would probably
+have fined him L5 currency.]
+
+    In view of the local situation of Jamaica--the violent character of
+    its planters--and the inevitable dependency of the magistrates, it
+    is very manifest _that immediate emancipation was imperatively
+    demanded there_. In no other colony did the negroes require to be
+    more _entirely released from the tyranny of the overseers, or more
+    thoroughly shielded by the power of equal law_. This is a principle
+    which must hold good always--that where slavery has been most
+    rigorous and absolute, there emancipation, needs to be most
+    unqualified; and where the sway of the master has been _most
+    despotic, cruel, and_ LONG CONTINUED, there the protection of law
+    should be most SPEEDILY _extended and most impartially applied_."[B]
+
+[Footnote B: Since the above was written we have seen a copy of a
+message sent by Sir Lionel Smith, to the house of assembly of Jamaica,
+on the 3d November, 1837, in which a statement of the deprivations of
+the apprentices, is officially laid before the house. We make the
+following extract from it, which contains, to use his Excellency's
+language, "the principal causes, as has been found by the records of the
+special magistrates, of complaints among the apprentices; and of
+consequent collisions between the planters and magistrates."
+
+    "Prudent and humane planters have already adopted what is
+    recommended, and their properties present the good working of this
+    system in peace and industry, without their resorting to the
+    authority of the special magistrates; but there are other properties
+    where neither the law of the apprenticeship nor the usages of
+    slavery have been found sufficient to guard the rights of the
+    apprentices.
+
+    First, the magistrates' reports show that on some estates the
+    apprentices have been deprived of cooks and water-carriers while at
+    work in the field--thus, the time allowed for breakfast, instead of
+    being a period of rest, is one of continual labor, as they have to
+    seek for fuel and to cook. The depriving them of water-carriers is
+    still more injurious, as the workmen are not allowed to quit their
+    rows to obtain it. Both these privations are detrimental to the
+    planter's work. Second, a law seems wanting to supply the estates'
+    hospitals with sufficient attendants on the sick apprentices, as
+    well as for the supply of proper food, as they cannot depend on
+    their own grounds, whilst unable to leave the hospitals. The first
+    clause of the abolition law has not been found strong enough to
+    secure these necessary attentions to the sick. Third, in regard to
+    jobbers, more exposed to hardships than any other class. A law is
+    greatly required allowing them the distance they may have to walk to
+    their work, at the rate of three miles an hour, and for compelling
+    the parties hiring them to supply them with salt food and meal;
+    their grounds are oftentimes so many miles distant, it is impossible
+    for them to supply themselves. Hence constant complaints and
+    irregularities. Fourth, that mothers of six children and upwards,
+    pregnant women, and the aged of both sexes, would be greatly
+    benefited by a law enforcing the kind treatment which they received
+    in slavery, but which is now considered optional, or is altogether
+    avoided on many properties. Fifth, nothing would tend more to effect
+    general contentment and repress the evils of comparative treatment,
+    than the issue of fish as a right by law. It was an indulgence in
+    slavery seldom denied, but on many properties is now withheld, or
+    given for extra labor instead of wages. Sixth, his Excellency during
+    the last sessions had the honor to address a message to the house
+    for a stronger definition of working time. The clause of the act in
+    aid expressed that it was the intention of the legislature to
+    regulate 'uniformity' of labor, but in practice there is still a
+    great diversity of system. The legal adviser of the crown considers
+    the clause active and binding; the special magistrate cannot,
+    therefore, adjudicate on disputes of labor under the eight hour
+    system, and the consequences have been continual complaints and
+    bickerings between the magistrates and managers, and discontent
+    among the apprentices by comparison of the advantages which one
+    system presents over the other. Seventh, if your honorable house
+    would adopt some equitable fixed principle for the value of
+    apprentices desirous of purchasing their discharge, either by
+    ascertained rates of weekly labor, or by fixed sums according to
+    their trade or occupation, which should not be exceeded, and
+    allowing the deduction of one third from the extreme value for the
+    contingencies of maintenance, clothing, medical aid, risk of life,
+    and health, it would greatly tend to set at rest one cause of
+    constant disappointment. In proportion as the term of apprenticeship
+    draws to a close, THE DEMANDS FOR THE SALE OF SERVICES HAVE GREATLY
+    INCREASED. It is in the hope that the honorable house will be
+    disposed to enforce a more general system of equal treatment, that
+    his Excellency now circumstantially represents what have been the
+    most common causes of complaint among the apprentices, and why the
+    island is subject to the reproach that the negroes, in some
+    respects, are now in a worse condition than they were in slavery."
+]
+
+We heard frequent complaints in Jamaica respecting the falling off of
+the crops since abolition. In order that the reader may know the extent
+of the failure in the aggregate island crops, we have inserted in the
+appendix a table showing the "exports for fifty-three years, ending 31st
+December, 1836, condensed from the journals of the House."
+
+By the disaffected planters, the diminished crops were hailed as "an
+evident token of perdition." They had foretold that abolition would be
+the ruin of cultivation, they had maintained that sugar, coffee, rum,
+&c., could not be produced extensively without the _whip of slavery_,
+and now they exultingly point to the short crops and say, "See the
+results of abolition!" We say exultingly, for a portion of the planters
+do really seem to rejoice in any indication of ruin. Having staked their
+reputation as prophets against their credit as colonists and their
+interests as men, they seem happy in the establishment of the former,
+even though it be by the sacrifice of the latter. Said an intelligent
+gentleman in St. Thomas in the East, "The planters have _set their
+hearts upon_ ruin, and they will be sorely disappointed if it should
+not come."
+
+Hearing so much said concerning the diminution of the crops, we spared
+no pains to ascertain the _true causes_. We satisfied ourselves that the
+causes were mainly two.
+
+First. The prevailing impression that the negroes would not _work well_
+after the abolition of slavery, led many planters to throw a part of
+their land out of cultivation, in 1834. This is a fact which was
+published by Lord Sligo, in an official account which he gave shortly
+before leaving Jamaica, of the working of the apprenticeship. The
+overseer of Belvidere estate declared that he knew of many cases in
+which part of the land usually planted in canes was thrown up, owing to
+the general expectation that _much less work_ would be done after
+abolition. He also mentioned one attorney _who ordered all the estates
+under his charge to be thrown out of cultivation_ in 1834, so confident
+was he that the negroes would not work. The name of this attorney was
+White. Mr. Gordon, of Williamsfield, stated, that the quantity of land
+planted in cane, in 1834, was considerably less than the usual amount:
+on some estates it was less by twenty, and on others by forty acres. Now
+if such were the fact in the Parish of St. Thomas in the East, where
+greater confidence was felt probably than in any other parish, we have a
+clue by which we may conjecture (if indeed we were left to conjecture)
+to what extent the cultivation was diminished in the island generally.
+This of itself would satisfactorily account for the falling off in the
+crops--which at most is not above one third. Nor would this explain the
+decrease in '34 _only_, for it is well known among sugar planters that a
+neglect of planting, either total or partial, for one year, will affect
+the crops for two or three successive years.
+
+The other cause of short crops has been the _diminished amount of time
+for labor_. One fourth of the time now belongs to the laborers, and they
+often prefer to employ it in cultivating their provision grounds and
+carrying their produce to market. Thus the estate cultivation is
+necessarily impeded. This cause operates very extensively, particularly
+on two classes of estates: those which lie convenient to market places,
+where the apprentices have strong inducements to cultivate their
+grounds, and those (more numerous still) which _have harsh overseers_,
+to whom the apprentices are averse to hire their time--in which cases
+they will choose to work for neighboring planters, who are better men.
+We should not omit to add here, that owing to a singular fact, the
+falling off of the crops _appears_ greater than it really has been. We
+learned from the most credible sources that _the size of the hogsheads_
+had been considerably enlarged since abolition. Formerly they contained,
+on an average, eighteen hundred weight, now they vary from a ton to
+twenty-two hundred! As the crops are estimated by the number of
+hogsheads, this will make a material difference. There were two reasons
+for enlarging in the hogsheads,--one was, to lessen the amount of
+certain port charges in exportation, which were made _by the hogshead_;
+the other, and perhaps the principal, was to create some foundation in
+appearance for the complaint that the crops had failed because of
+abolition.
+
+While we feel fully warranted in stating these as the chief causes of
+the diminished crops, we are at the same time disposed to admit that the
+apprenticeship is in itself exceedingly ill calculated either to
+encourage or to compel industry. We must confess that we have no special
+zeal to vindicate this system from its full share of blame; but we are
+rather inclined to award to it every jot and tittle of the dishonored
+instrumentality which it has had in working mischief to the colony.
+However, in all candor, we must say, that we can scarcely check the
+risings of exultation when we perceive that this party-fangled
+measure--this offspring of old Slavery in her dying throes, _which was
+expressly designed as a compensation to the proprietor_, HAS ACTUALLY
+DIMINISHED HIS ANNUAL RETURNS BY ONE THIRD! So may it ever be with
+legislation which is based on _iniquity and robbery!_
+
+But the subject which excites the deepest interest in Jamaica _is the
+probable consequences of entire emancipation in 1840_. The most common
+opinion among the prognosticators of evil is, that the emancipated
+negroes will abandon the cultivation of all the staple products, retire
+to the woods, and live in a state of semi-barbarism; and as a
+consequence, the splendid sugar and coffee estates must be "thrown up,"
+and the beautiful and fertile island of Jamaica become a waste howling
+wilderness.
+
+The _reasons_ for this opinion consist in part of naked assumptions, and
+in part of inferences from _supposed_ facts. The assumed reasons are
+such as these. The negroes will not cultivate the cane _without the
+whip_. How is this known? Simply because _they never have_, to any great
+extent, in Jamaica. Such, it has been shown, was the opinion formerly in
+Barbadoes, but it has been forever exploded there by experiment. Again,
+the negroes are _naturally improvident_, and will never have enough
+foresight to work steadily. What is the evidence of _natural_
+improvidence in the negroes? Barely this--their carelessness in a state
+of slavery. But that furnishes no ground at all for judging of _natural_
+character, or of the developments of character under a _totally
+different system_. If it testifies any thing, it is only this, that the
+natural disposition of the negroes is not always _proof_ against the
+degenerating influences of slavery.[A] Again, the actual wants of the
+negroes are very few and easily supplied, and they will undoubtedly
+prefer going into the woods where they can live almost without labor, to
+toiling in the hot cane fields or climbing the coffee mountains. But
+they who urge this, lose sight of the fact that the negroes are
+considerably civilized, and that, like other civilized people, they will
+seek for more than supply for the necessities of the rudest state of
+nature. Their wants are already many, even in the degraded condition of
+slaves; is it probable that they will be satisfied with _fewer of the
+comforts and luxuries of civilized life_, when they are elevated to the
+sphere, and feel the self-respect and dignity of freemen? But let us
+notice some of the reasons which profess to be _founded on fact_. They
+may all be resolved into two, _the laziness of negroes, and their
+tendency to barbarism_.
+
+[Footnote A: Probably in more instances than the one recorded in the
+foregoing chapter, the improvidence of the negroes is inferred from
+their otherwise unaccountable preference in walking six or ten miles to
+chapel, rather than to work for a maccaroni a day.]
+
+i. They _now_ refuse to work on Saturdays, even with wages. On this
+assertion we have several remarks to make.
+
+1.) It is true only to a partial extent. The apprentices on many
+estates--whether a majority or not it is impossible to say--do work for
+their masters on Saturdays, when their services are called for.
+
+2.) They often refuse to work on the estates, because they can earn
+three or four times as much by cultivating their provision grounds and
+carrying their produce to market. The ordinary day's wages on an estate
+is a quarter of a dollar, and where the apprentices are conveniently
+situated to market, they can make from seventy-five cents to a dollar a
+day with their provisions.
+
+3.) The overseers are often such overbearing and detestable men, that
+the apprentices doubtless feel it a great relief to be freed from their
+command on Saturday, after submitting to it compulsorily for five days
+of the week.
+
+2. Another fact from which the laziness of the negroes is inferred, is
+their _neglecting their provision grounds_. It is said that they have
+fallen off greatly to their attention to their grounds, since the
+abolition of slavery. This fact does not comport very well with the
+complaint, that the apprentices cultivate their provision grounds to the
+neglect of the estates. But both assertions may be true under opposite
+circumstances. On those estates which are situated near the market,
+provisions will be cultivated; on those which are remote from the
+market, provisions will of course be partially neglected, and it will be
+more profitable to the apprentices to work on the estates at a quarter
+of a dollar per day, raising only enough provisions for their own use.
+But we ascertained another circumstance which throws light on this
+point. The negroes expect, after emancipation, to _lose their provision
+grounds_; many expect certainly to be turned off by their masters, and
+many who have harsh masters, intend to leave, and seek homes on other
+estates, and _all_ feel a great uncertainty about their situation after
+1840; and consequently they can have but little encouragement to
+vigorous and extended cultivation of their grounds. Besides this, there
+are very many cases in which the apprentices of one estate cultivate
+provision grounds on another estate, where the manager is a man in whom
+they have more confidence than they have in their own "busha." They, of
+course, in such cases, abandon their former grounds, and consequently
+are charged with neglecting them through laziness.
+
+3. Another alleged fact is, that _actually less work_ is done now than
+was done during slavery. The argument founded on this fact is this:
+there is less work done under the apprenticeship than was done during
+slavery: therefore _no work at all_ will be done after entire freedom!
+But the apprenticeship allows _one fourth less time_ for labor than
+slavery did, and presents no inducement, either compulsory or
+persuasive, to continued industry. Will it be replied that emancipation
+will take away _all_ the time from labor, and offer no encouragement
+_but to idleness_? How is it now? Do the apprentices work better or
+worse during their own time when they are paid? Better, unquestionably.
+What does this prove? That freedom will supply both the time and the
+inducement to the most vigorous industry.
+
+The _other reason_ for believing that the negroes will abandon
+estate-labor after entire emancipation, is their _strong tendency to
+barbarism!_ And what are the facts in proof of this? We know but one.
+
+We heard it said repeatedly that the apprentices were not willing to
+have their free children educated--that they had pertinaciously declined
+every offer of the _bushas_ to educate their children, and _this_, it
+was alleged, evinced a determination on the part of the negroes to
+perpetuate ignorance and barbarism among their posterity. We heard from
+no less than four persons of distinction in St. Thomas in the East, the
+following curious fact. It was stated each time for the double purpose
+of proving that the apprentices did not wish to have their children
+_learn to work_, and that they were opposed to their _receiving
+education_. A company of the first-gentlemen of that parish, consisting
+of the rector of the parish, the custos, the special magistrate, an
+attorney, and member of the assembly, etc., had mustered in imposing
+array, and proceeded to one of the large estates in the Plantain Garden
+River Valley, and there having called the apprentices together, made the
+following proposals to them respecting their free children, the rector
+acting as spokesman. The attorney would provide a teacher for the
+estate, and would give the children four hours' instruction daily, if
+the parents would _bind them to work_ four hours every day; the attorney
+further offered to pay for all medical attendance the children should
+require. The apprentices, after due deliberation among themselves,
+unanimously declined this proposition. It was repeatedly urged upon
+them, and the advantages it promised were held up to them; but they
+persisted in declining it wholly. This was a great marvel to the
+planters; and they could not account for it in any other way than by
+supposing that the apprentices were opposed both to labor and education,
+and were determined that their free children should grow up in ignorance
+and indolence! Now the true reason why the apprentices rejected this
+proposal was, _because it came from the planters_, in whom they have no
+confidence. They suspected that some evil scheme was hid under the fair
+pretence of benevolence; the design of the planters, as they firmly
+believed, was to get their _free children bound to them_, so that they
+might continue to keep them in a species of apprenticeship. This was
+stated to us, as the real ground of the rejection, by several
+missionaries, who gave the best evidence that it was so; viz. that at
+the same time that the apprentices declined the offer, they would send
+their free children _six or eight miles to a school taught by a
+missionary_. We inquired particularly of some of the apprentices, to
+whom this offer was made, why they did not accept it. They said that
+they could not trust their masters; the whole design of it was to get
+them to give up their children, and if they should give them up _but for
+a single month_, it would be the same as acknowledging that they (the
+parents) were not able to take care of them themselves. The busha would
+then send word to the Governor that the people had given up their
+children, not being able to support them, and the Governor would have
+the children bound to the busha, "and _then_," said they, "_we might
+whistle for our children_!" In this manner the apprentices, the
+_parents_, reasoned. They professed the greatest anxiety to have their
+children educated, but they said they could have no confidence in the
+honest intentions of their busha.
+
+The views given above, touching the results of entire emancipation in
+1840, are not unanimously entertained even among the planters, and they
+are far from prevailing to any great extent among other classes of the
+community. The missionaries, as a body, a portion of the special
+magistrates, and most of the intelligent free colored people, anticipate
+glorious consequences; they hail the approach of 1840, as a deliverance
+from the oppressions of the apprenticeship, and its train of
+disaffections, complaints and incessant disputes. They say they have
+nothing to fear--nor has the island any thing to fear, but every thing
+to hope, from entire emancipation. We subjoin a specimen of the
+reasoning of the minority of the planters. They represent the idea that
+the negroes will abandon the estates, and retire to the woods, as wild
+and absurd in the extreme. They say the negroes have a great regard for
+the comforts which they enjoy on the estates; they are strongly attached
+to their houses and little furniture, and their provision grounds. These
+are as much to them as the 'great house' and the estate are to their
+master. Besides, they have very _strong local attachments_, and these
+would bind them to the properties. These planters also argue, from _the
+great willingness_ of the apprentices now to work for money, during
+their own time, that they will not be likely to relinquish labor when
+they are to get wages for the whole time. There was no doubt much truth
+in the remark of a planter in St. Thomas in the East, that if _any_
+estates were abandoned by the negroes after 1840, it would be those
+which had harsh managers, and those which are so mountainous and
+inaccessible, or barren, that they _ought_ to be abandoned. It was the
+declaration of a _planter_, that entire emancipation would _regenerate_
+the island of Jamaica.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We now submit to the candid examination of the American, especially the
+Christian public, the results of our inquiries in Antigua, Barbadoes,
+and Jamaica. The deficiency of the narrative in ability and interest, we
+are sure is neither the fault of the subject nor of the materials. Could
+we have thrown into vivid forms a few only of the numberless incidents
+of rare beauty which thronged our path--could we have imparted to pages
+that freshness and glow, which invested the institutions of freedom,
+just bursting into bloom over the late wastes of slavery--could we, in
+fine, have carried our readers amid the scenes which we witnessed, and
+the sounds which we heard, and the things which we handled, we should
+not doubt the power and permanence of the impression produced. It is due
+to the cause, and to the society under whose commission we acted,
+frankly to state, that we were not selected on account of any peculiar
+qualifications for the work. As both of us were invalids, and compelled
+to fly from the rigors of an American winter, it was believed that we
+might combine the improvement of health, with the prosecution of
+important investigations, while abler men could thus be retained in the
+field at home; but we found that the unexpected abundance of materials
+requires the strongest health and powers of endurance. We regret to add,
+that the continued ill health of both of us, since our return, so
+serious in the case of one, as to deprive him almost wholly of
+participation in the preparation of the work, has necessarily, delayed
+its appearance, and rendered its execution more imperfect.
+
+We lay no claim to literary merit. To present as simple narrative of
+facts, has been our sole aim. We have not given the results of our
+personal observations merely, or chiefly, nor have we made a record of
+private impressions or idle speculations. _Well authenticated facts_,
+accompanied with the testimony, verbal and documentary, of public men,
+planters, and other responsible individuals, make up the body of the
+volume, as almost every page will show. That no statements, if
+erroneous, might escape detection and exposure, we have, in nearly every
+case, given the _names_ of our authorities. By so doing we may have
+subjected ourselves to the censure of those respected gentlemen, with
+whose names we have taken such liberty. We are assured, however, that
+their interest in the cause of freedom will quite reconcile them to what
+otherwise might be an unpleasant personal publicity.
+
+Commending our narrative to the blessing of the God of truth, and the
+Redeemer of the oppressed, we send it forth to do its part, however
+humble, toward the removal of slavery from our beloved but
+guilty country.
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+We have in our possession a number of official documents from gentlemen,
+officers of the government, and variously connected with its
+administration, in the different islands which we visited: some of
+these--such as could not be conveniently incorporated into the body of
+the work--we insert in the form of an appendix. To insert them _all_,
+would unduly increase the size of the present volume. Those not embodied
+in this appendix, will be published in the periodicals of the American
+Anti-Slavery Society.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION FROM E.B. LYON, ESQ., SPECIAL MAGISTRATE.
+
+_Jamaica, Hillingdon, near Falmouth, Trelawney, May 15, 1837_.
+
+TO J.H. KIMBALL., ESQ., and J.A. THOME, ESQ.
+
+DEAR SIRS,--Of the operation of the apprenticeship system in this
+district, from the slight opportunity I have had of observing the
+conduct of managers and apprentices, I could only speak conjecturally,
+and my opinions, wanting the authority of experience, would be of little
+service to you; I shall therefore confine the remarks I have to make, to
+the operation of the system in the district from which I have
+lately removed.
+
+I commenced my duties in August, 1834, and from the paucity of special
+magistrates at that eventful era, I had the superintendence of a most
+extensive district, comprising nearly one half of the populous parish of
+St. Thomas in the East, and the whole of the parish of St. David,
+embracing an apprentice population of nearly eighteen thousand,--in
+charge of which I continued until December, when I was relieved of St.
+David, and in March, 1835, my surveillance was confined to that portion
+of St. Thomas in the East, consisting of the coffee plantations in the
+Blue Mountains, and the sugar estates of Blue Mountain Valley, over
+which I continued to preside until last March, a district containing a
+population of four thousand two hundred and twenty-seven apprentices, of
+which two thousand eighty-seven were males, and two thousand one hundred
+and forty, females. The apprentices of the Blue Mountain Valley were, at
+the period of my assumption of the duties of a special magistrate, the
+most disorderly in the island. They were greatly excited, and almost
+desperate from disappointment, in finding their trammels under the new
+law, nearly as burdensome as under the old, and their condition, in many
+respects, much more intolerable. They were also extremely irritated at
+what they deemed an attempt upon the part of their masters to rob them
+of one of the greatest advantages they had been led to believe the new
+law secured to them--this was the half of Friday. Special Justice
+Everard, who went through the district during the first two weeks of
+August, 1834, and who was the first special justice to read and explain
+the new law to them, had told them that the law gave to them the extra
+four and a half hours on the Friday, and some of the proprietors and
+managers, who were desirous of preparing their people for the coming
+change, had likewise explained it so; but, most unfortunately, the
+governor issued a proclamation, justifying the masters in withholding
+the four and a half hours on that day, and substituting any other half
+day, or by working them eight hours per day, they might deprive them
+altogether of the advantage to be derived from the extra time, which, by
+the abolition of Sunday marketing, was almost indispensable to people
+whose grounds, in some instances, were many miles from their
+habitations, and who were above thirty miles from Kingston market, where
+prices were fifty per cent. more than the country markets in their favor
+for the articles they had to dispose of, and correspondingly lower for
+those they had to purchase. To be in time for which market, it was
+necessary to walk all Friday night, so that without the use of the
+previous half day, they could not procure their provisions, or prepare
+themselves for it. The deprivation of the half of Friday was therefore a
+serious hardship to them, and this, coupled to the previous assurance of
+their masters, and Special Justice Everard, that they were entitled to
+it, made them to suspect a fraud was about being practised on them,
+which, if they did not resist, would lead to the destruction of the
+remaining few privileges they possessed. The resistance was very
+general, but without violence; whole gangs leaving the fields on the
+afternoon of Friday; refusing to take any other afternoon, and sometimes
+leaving the estates for two or three days together. They fortunately had
+confidence in me--and I succeeded in restoring order, and all would have
+been well,--but the managers, no longer alarmed by the fear of rebellion
+or violence, began a system of retaliation and revenge, by withdrawing
+cooks, water-carriers, and nurses, from the field, by refusing medicine
+and admittance to the hospital to the apprentice children, and by
+compelling old and infirm people, who had been allowed to withdraw from
+labor, and mothers of six children, who were exempt by the slave law
+from hard labor, to come out and work in the field. All this had a
+natural tendency to create irritation, and did do so; though, to the
+great credit of the people, in many instances, they submitted with the
+most extraordinary patience, to evils which were the more onerous,
+because inflicted under the affected sanction of a law, whose advent, as
+the herald of liberty, they had expected would have been attended with a
+train of blessings. I effected a change in this miserable state of
+things; and mutual contract for labor, in crop and out of it, were made
+on twenty-five estates in my district, before, I believe, any
+arrangement had been made in other parts of the island, between the
+managers and the apprentices; so that from being in a more unsettled
+state than others, we were soon happily in a more prosperous one, and so
+continued.
+
+No peasantry in the most favored country on the globe, can have been
+more irreproachable in morals and conduct than the majority of
+apprentices in that district, since the beginning of 1835. I have, month
+after month, in my despatches to the governor, had to record instances
+of excess of labor, compared with the quantity performed during slavery
+in some kinds of work; and while I have with pleasure reported the
+improving condition, habits, manners, and the industry which
+characterized the labors of the peasantry, I have not been an
+indifferent or uninterested witness of the improvement in the condition
+of many estates, the result of the judicious application of labor, and
+of the confidence in the future and sanguine expectations of the
+proprietors, evinced in the enlargements of the works, and expensive and
+permanent repair of the buildings on various estates, and in the high
+prices given for properties and land since the apprenticeship system,
+which would scarcely have commanded a purchaser, at any price, during
+the existence of slavery.
+
+I have invariably found the apprentice willing to work for an equitable
+hire, and on all the sugar estates, and several of the plantations, in
+the district I speak of, they worked a considerable portion of their own
+time during crop, about the works, for money, or an equivalent in
+herrings, sugar, etc., to so great a degree, that less than the time
+allotted to them during slavery, was left for appropriation to the
+cultivation of their grounds, and for marketing, as the majority, very
+much to their credit, scrupulously avoided working on the Sabbath day.
+
+In no community in the world is crime less prevalent. At the quarter
+sessions, in January last, for the precinct of St. Thomas in the East,
+and St. David, which contains an apprentice population of about thirty
+thousand, there was only one apprentice tried. And the offences that
+have, in general, for the last eighteen months, been brought before me
+on estates, have been of the most trivial description, such as an
+individual occasionally turning out late, or some one of an irritable
+temper answering impatiently, or for some trifling act of disobedience;
+in fact, the majority of apprentices on estates have been untainted with
+offence, and have steadily and quietly performed their duty, and
+respected the law. The apprentices of St. Thomas in the East, I do not
+hesitate to say, are much superior in manners and morals to those who
+inhabit the towns.
+
+During the first six or eight months, while the planters were in doubt
+how far the endurance of their laborers might be taxed, the utmost
+deference and respect was paid by them to the special magistrates; their
+suggestions or recommendations were adopted without cavil, and opinions
+taken without reference to the letter of the law; but when the obedience
+of the apprentice, and his strict deference to the law and its
+administrators, had inspired them with a consciousness of perfect
+security, I observed with much regret, a great alteration in the
+deportment of many of the managers towards myself and the people;
+trivial and insignificant complaints were astonishingly increased, and
+assaults on apprentices became more frequent, so that in the degree that
+the conduct of one party was more in accordance with the obligations
+imposed on him by the apprenticeship, was that of the other in
+opposition to it; again with the hold and infirm harassed; again were
+mothers of six living children attempted to be forced to perform field
+labor; and again were mothers with sucking children complained of, and
+some attempts made to deprive them of the usual nurses.
+
+Such treatment was not calculated to promote cordiality between master
+and apprentice, and the effect will, I fear, have a very unfavorable
+influence upon the working of many estates, at the termination of the
+system; in fact, when that period arrives, if the feeling of
+estrangement be no worse, I am convinced it will be no better than it is
+at the present moment, as I have witnessed no pains taking on the part
+of the attorneys generally to attach the apprentices to the properties,
+or to prepare them in a beneficial manner for the coming change. It was
+a very common practice in the district, when an apprentice was about to
+purchase his discharge, to attempt to intimidate him by threats of
+immediate ejectment from the property, and if in the face of this
+threatened separation from family and connections, he persevered and
+procured his release, then the sincerity of the previous intimations was
+evinced by a peremptory order, to instantly quit the property, under the
+penalty of having the trespass act enforced against him; and if my
+interference prevented any outrageous violation of law, so many
+obstructions and annoyances were placed in the way of his communication
+with his family, or enjoyment of his domestic rights, that he would be
+compelled for their peace, and his own personal convenience, to submit
+to privations, which, as a slave, he would not have been subject to. The
+consequence is, that those released from the obligations of the
+apprenticeship by purchase, instead of being located, and laboring for
+hire upon the estate to which they were attached, and forming a nucleus
+around which others would have gathered and settled themselves, they
+have been principally driven to find other homes, and in the majority of
+instances have purchased land, and become settlers on their own account.
+If complete emancipation had taken place in 1834, there would have been
+no more excitement, and no more trouble to allay it, than that which was
+the consequence of the introduction of the present system of coerced and
+uncompensated labor. The relations of society would have been fixed upon
+a permanent basis, and the two orders would not have been placed in that
+situation of jealousy and suspicion which their present anomalous
+condition has been the baneful means of creating.
+
+I am convinced there never was any serious alarm about the consequences
+of immediate emancipation among those who were acquainted with the
+peasantry of Jamaica. The fears of the morbidly humane were purposely
+excited to increase the amount of compensation, or to lengthen the
+duration of the apprenticeship; and the daily ridiculous and untruthful
+statements that are made by the vitiated portion of the Jamaica press,
+of the indolence of the apprentices, their disinclination to work in
+their own time, and the great increase of crime, are purposely and
+insidiously put forward to prevent the fact of the industry, and
+decorum, and deference to the law, of the people, and the prosperous
+condition of the estates, appearing in too prominent a light, lest the
+friends of humanity, and the advocates for the equal rights of men,
+should be encouraged to agitate for the destruction of a system which,
+in its general operation, has retained many of the worst features of
+slavery, perpetuated many gross infringements of the social and domestic
+rights of the working classes; and which, instead of working out the
+benevolent intention of the imperial legislature, by aiding and
+encouraging the expansion of intellect, and supplying motives for the
+permanent good conduct of the apprentices, in its termination, has, I
+fear, retarded the rapidity with which civilization would have advanced,
+and sown the seeds of a feeling more bitter than that which slavery,
+with all its abominations, had engendered.
+
+I am, dear sirs, your very faithful servant,
+
+EDMUND B. LYON, _Special Justice._
+
+
+Extract from a communication which we received from Wm. Henry Anderson,
+Esq., of Kingston, the Solicitor-General for Jamaica.
+
+The staples of the island must be cultivated after 1840 as now, because
+if not, the negroes could not obtain the comforts or luxuries, of which
+they are undoubtedly very desirous, from cultivation of their grounds.
+The fruits and roots necessary for the public markets are already
+supplied in profusion at tolerably moderate prices: if the supply were
+greatly increased, the prices could not be remunerative. There is no way
+in which they can so readily as by labor for wages, _obtain money_, and
+therefore I hold that there must ever be an adequate supply of labor in
+the market.
+
+The negroes are in my opinion very acute in their perceptions of right
+and wrong, justice and injustice, and appreciate fully the benefits of
+equitable legislation, and would unreservedly submit to it where they
+felt confidence in the purity of its administration.
+
+There is not the slightest likelihood of rebellion on the part of the
+negroes after 1840, unless some unrighteous attempts be made to keep up
+the helotism of the class by enactments of partial laws. _They_ could
+have no interest in rebellion, they could gain nothing by it; and might
+lose every thing; nor do I think they dream of such a thing. They are
+ardently attached to the British government, and would be so to the
+colonial government, were it to indicate by its enactments any purposes
+of kindness or protection towards them. Hitherto the scope of its
+legislation has been, in reference to them, almost exclusively coercive;
+certainly there have been no enactments of a tendency to conciliate
+their good will or attachment.
+
+The negroes are much desirous of education and religious instruction: no
+one who has attended to the matter can gainsay that. Formerly marriage
+was unknown amongst them; they were in fact only regarded by their
+masters, and I fear by themselves too, as so many brutes for labor, and
+for increase. Now they seek the benefits of the social institution of
+marriage and its train of hallowed relationships: concubinage is
+becoming quite disreputable; many are seeking to repair their conduct by
+marriage to their former partners, and no one in any rank of life would
+be hardy enough to express disapprobation of those who have done or
+may do so.
+
+WM. HENRY ANDERSON.
+
+_Kingston, Jamaica, 24th April, 1837_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following communication is the monthly report for March, 1837, of
+Major J.B. Colthurst, special justice for District A., Rural Division,
+Barbadoes.
+
+The general conduct of the apprentices since my last report has been
+excellent, considering that greater demands have been made upon their
+labor at this moment to save perhaps the finest crop of canes ever grown
+in the island.
+
+Upon the large estates generally the best feeling exists, because they
+are in three cases out of four conducted by either the proprietors
+themselves, or attorneys and managers of sense and consideration. Here
+all things go on well; the people are well provided and comfortable, and
+therefore the best possible understanding prevails.
+
+The apprentices in my district _perform their work most willingly_,
+whenever the immediate manager is a man of sense and humanity. If this
+is not the case, the effect is soon seen, and complaints begin to be
+made. Misunderstandings are usually confined to the smaller estates,
+particularly in the neighborhood of Bridgetown, where the lots are very
+small, and the apprentice population of a less rural description, and
+more or less also corrupted by daily intercourse with the town.
+
+The working hours most generally in use in my district are as follows:
+On most estates, the apprentices work from six to nine, breakfast; from
+ten to one, dinner--rest; from three to six, work.
+
+It is almost the constant practice of the apprentices, particularly the
+praedials or rural portion, to work in their own time for money wages,
+at the rate of a quarter dollar a day. They sometimes work also during
+those periods in their little gardens round their negro houses, and
+which they most generally enjoy without charge, or in the land they
+obtain in lieu of allowance, they seem ALWAYS well pleased to be fully
+employed at _free_ labor, and work, when so employed, exceedingly well.
+I know a small estate, worked exclusively on this system. It is in
+excellent order, and the proprietor tells me his profits are greater
+than they would be under the apprenticeship. He is a sensible and
+correct man, and I therefore rely upon his information. During the hurry
+always attendant on the saving of the crop, the apprentices are
+generally hired in their own time upon their respective estates at the
+above rate, and which they seldom refuse. No hesitation generally occurs
+in this or any other matter, whenever the employer discharges his duty
+by them in a steady and considerate manner.
+
+The attendance at church throughout my district is most respectable; but
+the accommodation, either in this respect or as regards schools, is by
+no means adequate to the wants of the people. The apprentices conduct
+themselves during divine service in the most correct manner, and it is
+most gratifying to perceive, that only very little exertion, indeed,
+would be required to render them excellent members of society. This fact
+is fully proved by the orderly situation of a few estates in my
+district, that have had the opportunity of receiving some moral and
+religious instruction. There are sixty-four estates in my district over
+twenty-five acres. Upon four of those plantations where the apprentices
+have been thus taught, there are a greater number of _married_ couples
+(which may be considered a fair test) than upon the remaining sixty. I
+scarcely ever have a complaint from these four estates, and they are
+generally reported to be in a most orderly state.
+
+In the memory of the oldest inhabitant, the island has never produced a
+finer crop of canes than that now in the course of manufacture. All
+other crops are luxuriant, and the plantations in a high state of
+agricultural cleanliness. The season has been very favorable.
+
+Under the head of general inquiry, I beg leave to offer a few remarks. I
+have now great pleasure in having it in my power to state, that a
+manifest change for the better has taken place _gradually_ in my
+district within the last few months. Asperities seem to be giving way to
+calm discussion, and the laws are better understood and obeyed.
+
+It is said in other colonies as well as here, that there has been, and
+still continues to be, a great want of natural affection among the negro
+parents for their children, and that great mortality among the free
+children has occurred in consequence. This opinion, I understand, has
+been lately expressed in confident terms by the legislature of St.
+Vincent's, which has been fully and satisfactorily contradicted by the
+reports of the special justices to the lieutenant-governor. The same
+assertion has been made by individuals to myself. As regards Barbadoes,
+I have spared no pains to discover whether such statements were facts,
+and I now am happy to say, that not a _single instance_ of unnatural
+conduct on the part of the negro parents to their children has come to
+my knowledge--far, perhaps too far, the contrary is the case; _over
+indulgence_ and _petting_ them seems in my judgment to be the only
+matter the parents can be, with any justice, accused of. They exhibit
+their fondness in a thousand ways. Contrasting the actual conduct of the
+negro parents with the assertions of the planters, it is impossible not
+to infer that _some bitterness is felt by the latter on the score of
+their lost authority_. When this is the case, reaction is the natural
+consequence, and thus misunderstandings and complaints ensue. The like
+assertions are made with respect to the disinclination of the parents to
+send their children to school. This certainly does exist to a certain
+extent, particularly to schools where the under classes of whites are
+taught, who often treat the negro children in a most imperious and
+hostile manner. As some proof that no decided objection exists in the
+negro to educate his children, a vast number of the apprentices of my
+district send them to school, and take pride in paying a bit a week each
+for them--a quarter dollar entrance and a quarter dollar for each
+vacation. Those schools are almost always conducted by a black man and
+his _married_ wife. However, they are well attended, but are very few
+in number.
+
+To show that the apprentices fully estimate the blessings of education,
+many females _hire their apprentice_ children at a quarter dollar a week
+from their masters, for the express purpose of sending them to school.
+This proves the possibility of a _voluntary_ system of education
+succeeding, provided it was preceded by full and satisfactory
+explanation to the parties concerned. I have also little doubt that
+labor to the extent I speak of, may be successfully introduced when the
+apprentices become assured that nothing but the ultimate welfare of
+themselves and children is intended; but so suspicious are they from
+habit, and, as I said before, so profoundly ignorant of what may in
+truth and sincerity be meant only for their benefit, that it will
+require great caution and delicacy on the occasion. Those suspicions
+have not been matured in the negroes mind without cause--the whole
+history of slavery proves it. Such suspicions are even _now_ only
+relinquished under doubts and apprehensions; therefore, all new and
+material points, to be carried successfully with them, should be
+proposed to them upon the most liberal and open grounds.
+
+J.B. COLTHURST, _Special Justice Peace, District A, Rural Division_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_General return of the imports and exports of the island of Barbadoes,
+during a series of years--furnished by the Custom-house officer at
+Bridgetown_.
+
+                    L.     s,    d.
+1832             481,610   6     3
+1833             462,132  14     4
+1834             449,169  12     4
+1835             595,961  13     2
+1836             622,128  19    11
+
+
+IMPORTS OF LUMBER.
+
+                   Feet.       Shingles.
+1833            5,290,086      5,598,958
+1834            5,708,494      5,506,646
+1835            5,794,596      4,289,025
+1836            7,196,189      7,037,462
+
+
+IMPORTS OF PROVISIONS.
+
+     |      Flour.      |  Corn Meal.  |
+Y'rs.| bbls.  |1/2 bbls.|  bush.| bbls.|
+-----+--------+---------+-------+------+
+1833 | 21,535 |    397  |   629 |  265 |
+1834 | 34,191 |    865  |  1675 | 1580 |
+1835 | 32,393 |    828  |   160 |  809 |
+1836 | 41,975 |    433  |   823 | 1123 |
+-----+--------+---------+-------+------+
+
+     |       Bread and  Biscuits.       |Oats & Corn.|
+Y'rs.| hds.| bbls.|1/2 bbls.|kegs.|bags.| bags.| qrs.|
+-----+-----+------+---------+-----+-----+------+-----+
+1833 |   49|  2146|     30  |   " |   " |   430|   50|
+1834 |  401|  8561|     99  |  57 |   " |   100| 1025|
+1835 | 2024| 10762|      "  |   " |   " |  2913| 3134|
+1836 |    4|  4048|      "  |   " | 1058|  8168| 3119|
+-----+-----+------+---------+-----+-----+------+-----+
+
+IMPORTS OF CATTLE, ETC.
+       Cattle.   Horses.   Mules.
+1833     649       462      65
+1834     549       728      24
+1835     569      1047      43
+1836    1013      1345     104
+
+
+RETURN OF EXPORTS--SUGAR.
+
+        hhds.     trcs.    bbls.
+1832   18,804     1278     838
+1833   27,015     1505     651
+1834   27,593     1464    1083
+1835   24,309     1417     938
+1836   25,060     1796     804
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+VALUATIONS OF APPRENTICES IN JAMAICA.
+
+"From the 1st of August, 1834, to 31st of May, 1836, 998 apprentices
+purchased their freedom by valuation, and paid L33,998. From 31st May,
+1836, to 1st November, in the same year, 582 apprentices purchased
+themselves, and paid L18,217--making, in all, L52,216--a prodigious sum
+to be furnished by the negroes in two years. From the above statement it
+appears that the desire to be free is daily becoming more general and
+more intense, and that the price of liberty remains the same, although
+the term of apprenticeship is decreasing. The amount paid by the
+apprentices is a proof of the extent of the exertions and sacrifices
+they are willing to make for freedom, which can scarcely be appreciated
+by those who are unacquainted with the disadvantages of their previous
+condition. The negroes frequently raise the money by loans to purchase
+their freedom, and they are scrupulous in repaying money lent them for
+that purpose."
+
+The above is extracted from the "West Indies in 1837," an English work
+by Messrs. Sturge and Harvey, page 86, Appendix.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We insert the following tabular view of the crops in Jamaica for a
+series of years preceding 1837.--As the table and "Remarks" appended
+were first published in the St. Jago Gazette, a decided "pro-slavery"
+paper, we insert, in connection with them, the remarks of the Jamaica
+Watchman, published at Kingston, and an article on the present condition
+of slavery, from the Telegraph, published at Spanishtown, the seat of
+the colonial government.
+
+A GENERAL RETURN OF EXPORTS _From the island of Jamaica, for 53 years,
+ending 31st December, 1836--copied from the Journals of the House._
+
+
+___________________________________________________________________
+ .  |                    |                       |   |            |
+ d  |                    |                       |MO-|            |
+ e  |        SUGAR       |          RUM          |LAS|   GINGER   |
+ t  |                    |                       |SES|            |
+ r  |____________________|_______________________|___|____________|
+ o  |   s   |      |     |   s  |  s  |    |     |   |     |      |
+ p  |   d   |      |     |   n  |  d  |    |     |   |     |      |
+ x  |   a   |   s  |   s |   o  |  a  |    |  s  |   |     |      |
+ E  |   e   |   e  |   l |   e  |  e  |    |  l  |   |     |      |
+    |   h   |   c  |   e |   h  |  h  | s  |  e  | s |  s  |      |
+ r  |   s   |   r  |   r |   c  |  s  | k  |  r  | k |  k  |   s  |
+ a  |   g   |   e  |   r |   n  |  g  | s  |  r  | s |  s  |   g  |
+ e  |   o   |   i  |   a |   u  |  o  | a  |  a  | a |  a  |   a  |
+ Y  |   H   |   T  |   B |   P  |  H  | C  |  B  | C |  C  |   B  |
+___________________________________________________________________
+1772| 69,451| 9,936|  270|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1773| 72,996|11,453|  849|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1774| 69,579| 9,250|  278|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1775| 75,291| 9,090|  425|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1776|       |      |     |      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1788| 83,036| 9,256|1,063|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1789| 84,167|10,078|1,077|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1790| 84,741| 9,284|1,599|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1791| 85,447| 8,037|1,718|      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1792|       |      |     |      |     |    |     |   |     |      |
+1793| 77,575| 6,722|  642|34,755|  879|    |     |   |   62| 8,605|
+1794| 89,532|11,158|1,224|39,843|1,570|    |     |   |  121|10,305|
+1795| 88,851| 9,537|1,225|37,684|1,475|    |     |   |  426|14,861|
+1796| 89,219|10,700|  858|40,810|1,364|    |     |   |  690|20,275|
+1797| 78,373| 9,963|  753|28,014|1,463|    |     |   |  259|29,098|
+1798| 87,896|11,725|1,163|40,823|2,234|    |     |   |  119|18,454|
+1799|101,457|13,538|1,321|37,022|1,981|    |     |   |  221|10,358|
+1800| 96,347|13,549|1,631|37,166|1,350|    |     |   |  444| 3,586|
+1801|123,251|18,704|2,692|48,879|1,514|    |     |   |   12|   239|
+1802|129,544|15,403|2,403|45,632|2,073| 473|  205|366|   23| 2,079|
+1803|107,387|11,825|1,797|43,298|1,416|    |     |461|   51| 3,287|
+1804|103,352|12,802|2,207|42,207|  913|    |     |429|1,094| 1,854|
+1805|137,906|17,977|3,689|53,211|1,328| 133|  167|471|  315| 2,128|
+1806|133,996|18,237|3,579|58,191|1,178|    |     |499|  485| 1,818|
+1807|123,175|17,344|3,716|51,812|1,998|    |     |699|  512| 1,411|
+1808|121,444|15,836|2,625|52,409|2,196|    |     |379|  436| 1,470|
+1809|104,457|14,596|3,534|43,492|2,717|    |     |230|2,321|   572|
+1810|108,703| 4,560|3,719|42,353|1,964|    |     |293|  520| 1,881|
+1811|127,751|15,235|3,046|54,093|2,011|    |     |446|1,110| 2,072|
+1812|105,283|11,357|2,558|43,346|1,531|    |     |151|  804| 1,235|
+1813| 97,548|10,029|2,304|44,618|1,345| 382|  874|208|  816| 1,428|
+1814|101,846|10,485|2,575|43,486|1,551| 202|1,146|145|  884| 1,668|
+1815|118,767|12,224|2,817|52,996|1,465| 574|1,398|242|1,493| 1,667|
+1816| 93,881| 9,332|2,236|35,736|  769| 281|  903|166|2,354| 1,118|
+1817|116,012|11,094|2,868|47,949|1,094| 203|  916|254|3,361| 1,195|
+1818|113,818|11,388|2,786|50,195|1,108| 121|  191|407|2,526| 1,067|
+1819|108,305|11,450|3,244|43,946|1,695| 602|1,558|253|1,714|   718|
+1820|115,065|11,322|2,474|45,361|1,783| 106|  460|252|1,159|   316|
+1821|111,512|11,703|1,972|46,802|1,793| 153|  534|167|  984|   274|
+1822| 88,551| 8,705|1,292|28,728|1,124|   9|  442|144|  891|    72|
+1823| 94,905| 9,179|1,947|35,242|1,935|  20|  118|614|1,041|    60|
+1824| 99,225| 9,651|2,791|37,121|3,261|   5|   64|910|2,230|    52|
+1825| 73,813| 7,380|2,858|27,630|2,077| 101|  215|894|3,947|   348|
+1826| 99,978| 9,514|3,126|35,610|3,098|1,852|    |549|5,724|   517|
+1827| 82,096| 7,435|2,770|31,840|2,672|1,573|    |204|4,871|   240|
+1828| 94,912| 9,428|3,024|36,585|2,793|1,013|    |189|5,382|   279|
+1829| 91,364| 9,193|3,204|36,285|2,009|  563|    | 66|4,101|   168|
+1830| 93,882| 8,739|3,645|33,355|2,657|1,367|    |154|3,494|    15|
+1831| 88,409| 9,053|3,492|34,743|2,846|  982|    |230|3,224|    22|
+1832| 91,453| 9,987|4,600|32,060|2,570|1,362|    |799|4,702|    38|
+1833| 78,375| 9,325|4,074|33,215|3,034|  977|    |755|4,818|    23|
+1834| 77,801| 9,860|3,055|30,495|2,588|1,288|    |486|5,925|   116|
+1835| 71,017| 8,840|8,455|26,433|1,820|  747|    |300|3,985|   486|
+1836| 61,644| 7,707|2,497|19,938|  874|  646|    |182|5,224|    69|
+
+ .  |             |          |
+ d  |             |          |
+ e  |   PIMENTO   |  COFFEE  |
+ t  |             |          |
+ r  |_____________|__________|
+ o  |      |      |          |
+ p  |      |      |          |
+ x  |      |      |          |          REMARKS
+ E  |      |      |     s    |
+    |   s  |      |     d    |
+ r  |   k  |   s  |     n    |
+ a  |   s  |   g  |     u    |
+ e  |   a  |   a  |     o    |
+ Y  |   C  |   B  |     P    |
+________________________________________________________________
+1772|      |      |   841,558|
+1773|      |      |   779,303|
+1774|      |      |   739,039|
+1775|      |      |   493,981|
+1776|      |      |          |
+1788|      |      | 1,035,368|
+1789|      |      | 1,493,282|
+1790|      |      | 1,783,740|
+1791|      |      | 2,299,874| August--Destruction of
+1792|      |      |          |    Santo Domingo.
+1793|   420| 9,108| 3,983,576|
+1794|   554|22,153| 4,911,549|
+1795|   957|20,451| 6,318,812|
+1796|   136| 9,820| 7,203,539|
+1797|   328| 2,935| 7,869,133|
+1798| 1,181| 8,961| 7,894,306|
+1799| 1,766|28,273|11,745,425| Bourbon cane introduced.
+1800|   610|12,759|11,116,474|
+1801|   648|14,084|13,401,468|
+1802|   591| 7,793|17,961,923|
+1803|   867|14,875|15,866,291|
+1804| 1,417|19,572|22,063,980|
+1805|   288| 7,157|21,137,393| Largest sugar crop.
+1806| 1,094|19,534|29,298,036|
+1807|   525|19,224|26,761,188| March 25th, abolition of
+1808|   225| 6,529|29,528,273|    African slave trade.
+1809|21,022| 1,177|25,586,668|
+1810| 4,276|21,163|25,885,285|
+1811|   638|22,074|17,460,068|
+1812|   598| 7,778|18,481,986|
+1813| 1,124|14,361|24,623,572| Storm in October, 1812
+1814|   394|10,711|34,045,585| Largest coffee crop.
+1815|   844|27,386|27,362,742|
+1816|   851|28,047|17,289,393| Storm in October, 1815
+1817|   946|15,817|14,793,706|
+1818|   941|21,071|25,329,456|
+1819|   882|24,500|14,091,983|
+1820|   673|12,880|22,127,444|
+1821| 1,224|24,827|16,819,761|
+1822|   699|18,672|19,773,912| Extreme drought.
+1823| 1,894|21,481|20,326,445| Mr. Canning's resolutions
+1824|   599|33,306|27,667,239|    relative to slavery.
+1825|   537|20,979|21,254,656|
+1826|   522|16,433|20,352,886| Severe drought in 1824, the previous year.
+1827| 3,236|26,691|25,741,520|
+1828| 4,003|25,352|22,216,780|
+1829| 3,733|48,933|22,234,640|
+1830| 5,609|37,925|22,256,950|
+1831| 2,844|22,170|14,055,350|
+1832| 3,736|27,936|19,815,010|
+1833| 7,741|58,581| 9,866,060| Emancipation act passed.
+1834|   496|29,301|17,725,731| Seasons favorable.
+1835| 1,115|59,033|10,593,018|    do.
+1836|   227|46,779|13,446,053|    do.
+
+The following are the remarks of the editor of the Jamaica Watchman, on
+the foregoing, in his paper of April 8, 1837:--
+
+A general return of exports from the island for fifty-three years,
+ending the 31st December last, and purporting to be extracted from the
+journals of the assembly, has been published, and as usual, the decrease
+in the crops of the respective years has been attributed to the
+resolutions passed by the British House of Commons in 1823, and the
+abolition of slavery in 1833. It is remarkable that in preparing this
+table, a manifest disposition is evinced to account for the falling off
+of the crops in certain years anterior, and subsequent to the passing of
+Mr. Canning's memorable resolution, whilst opposite to the years 1834
+and 1835, is written "seasons favorable." In 1813, the sugar crop fell
+off 8,000 hhds. compared with the previous year, and we are told in
+reference to this circumstance, that there was a storm in October, 1812.
+This remark is evidently made to account for the decrease, and perhaps
+the storm at the close of the previous year was the cause of it. But it
+is astonishing, and the circumstance is worthy of notice, that whilst
+the sugar crop fell off nearly 8,000 hhds. the coffee crop increased
+nearly six millions of pounds. We should have supposed that the coffee
+trees would have suffered more from the effects of a storm, than the
+canes. However, the effect was as we have stated it, whatever might have
+been the cause. In 1814, the largest coffee crop was made. Again, in
+1816, there was a decrease in the sugar crop compared with the year
+immediately preceding it of nearly 25,000 hhds. And here we have the
+storm of October, 1815, assigned as a reason. The coffee crop in this
+instance also fell off nearly ten millions of pounds. In 1822, the sugar
+crop was reduced 23,000 hhds., and the coffee crop increased three
+millions of pounds. The reason now assigned is an "extreme drought." The
+celebrated resolutions relative to slavery now appear to begin to
+exercise their baneful influence on the _seasons_ and the _soil_ of our
+island. In the year in which they were passed, 1823, 94,900 hogsheads of
+sugar were made, and twenty millions of pounds of coffee gathered. 1824
+came, and the crop, instead of being reduced, was increased from nearly
+95,000 hogsheads to upwards of 99,000 hogsheads. The coffee crop was
+also greater by seven millions of pounds. In 1825, they fall off to
+73,860 hogsheads and twenty-one millions. In 1826, the sugar crop rather
+exceeded that of 1824, but the coffee crop was seven millions less. In
+1827, from causes not known to us, for none were assigned, there was a
+difference of 16,000 hhds. of sugar, and an increase of five millions of
+pounds of coffee. 1828, 29, and 30, were pretty nearly alike in sugar
+and coffee crops, and about equal to 1823. The crops of 1831 fell off
+from 93 to 88,000 hogsheads of sugar, and from 22 to 14 millions of
+pounds of coffee. No reason is assigned for this reduction. It was
+during the continuance of the driving system, and therefore no blame can
+attach to the managers. In 1832, the crop rose to 91,000 hogsheads of
+sugar, and nearly twenty millions of pounds of coffee. But 1833 comes,
+and, with it, fresh troubles for the planters. In that ill-fated year,
+there was a decrease of 13,000 hogsheads sugar, and of ten millions of
+pounds of coffee. Its sugar crop was the smallest made, with the
+exception of that of 1825, since 1793, and its coffee crop since that of
+1798. But if this determination be alarming, what must be that of the
+succeeding years. Can we be blamed, if, in a strain truly lachrymal, we
+allude to the deductions which have annually been made from the
+miserable return which 1833 gave to the unfortunate proprietors of
+estates? What boots it to tell us that we have fingered thousands of
+pounds sterling, in the shape of compensation: and what consolation is
+it to know, that a hogshead of sugar will now bring thirty pounds,
+which, a short time ago, was only worth twelve. Let any _unprejudiced_
+individual look at the return now before us, and say whether our
+prospects are not deplorably dull and obscure. If we take the four years
+immediately preceding the passing of Mr. Canning's resolutions, say
+1819, 20, 21, and 22; we will find the average to be 105,858 hogsheads,
+and if from this we even deduct one fourth for the time now lost, there
+will be an average crop of 79,394 hhds., being 7,185 hogsheads mere than
+the average of 1833, 34, 35, and 36; and no one will deny that this
+falling off of one tenth, (supposing that the hogsheads made during the
+last four years are _not larger_ than those of 1819 to 1822) is
+_nearly_, if not _quite equal_ to the increase of price, from twelve to
+thirty pounds, or one hundred and fifty per cent.
+
+It is true some persons may be disposed to take the four years
+subsequent to the passing of Mr. Canning's resolutions, say 1823, 4, 5,
+and 6, and compare them with the four years ending 31st December last.
+Should this be done, it will be found that the average crop of the
+previous four years is 91,980 hhds., and if from it is deducted one
+fourth, there will remain 68,985 hhds., whilst the average of the other
+four years is 72,200 hhds. Such a mode of comparison must, however, be
+obviously incorrect; because, in the first place, Mr. Canning's
+resolutions had reduced the crops of those years considerably below the
+average of the years immediately preceding them, and next, because it
+would show the advantage to be on the side of freedom in the ratio of
+seventy-two to sixty-nine, which cannot be correct. Besides, in 1824,
+there was a severe drought, whereas in 1834 and 35 the seasons are
+reported as being favorable. Again, it is necessary, in instituting such
+an inquiry, to go back more than fourteen years; nor is it a valid
+objection to this to say, that even during that period a number of
+estates have been thrown out of cultivation, in consequence of being
+worn out and unprofitable. "Deplorable," however, as is the "falling off
+in the yearly amounts of our staple productions, which have decreased,"
+gentle reader, according to the despatch, "in an accelerated ratio
+within the last few years, till in the year 1836, when they do not
+average one half the returns of former years preceding that of 1823, the
+year that Mr. Canning's resolutions for the ultimate abolition of
+slavery in the British colonies passed the House of Commons," still it
+is a matter of sincere gratification to know, that the sugar planters
+are better off now than they have been for the last fourteen or fifteen
+years. With the compensation money a great many of them have been
+enabled to pay off their English debts, and the remainder very
+considerably to reduce them, whilst the reduction in the quantity of
+sugar produced, has occasioned such a rise in the price of that article
+as will place the former in easy circumstances, and enable the latter
+entirely to free themselves from the trammels of English mortgagees, and
+the tender mercies of English mortgagees before the 1st August, 1840,
+arrives. And ought these parties not to be thankful? Unquestionably they
+ought. Ingratitude, we are told, is as the sin of witchcraft, and
+although the table of exports exhibits our fair island as hastening to a
+state of ruin, and the despatch tells us that "by the united influence
+of mock philanthropy, religious cant, and humbug," a reformed parliament
+was _forced_ "to precipitate the _slavery spoliation_ act under the
+specious pretext of promoting the industry and improving the condition
+of the manumitted slaves," still we maintain, and the reasonable will
+agree with us, that we are much better off now than we have been for a
+long time, and that Jamaica's brightest and happiest days have not yet
+dawned. Let the croakers remember the remarkable words of the Tory Lord,
+Belmore, the planter's friend, and be silent--"The resources of this
+fine island will never be fully developed until slavery ceases." The
+happiness and prosperity of the inhabitants of Jamaica are not
+contingent, nor need they be, upon the number of hogsheads of sugar
+annually exported from her shores.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To the foregoing we add the remarks of the editor of the "Spanishtown
+Telegraph," on the present state of the colony, made in his paper of May
+9, 1837:--
+
+    "When it was understood that the island of Jamaica and the other
+    British West Indian colonies were to undergo the blessed transition
+    from slavery to freedom, it was the hourly cry of the pro-slavery
+    party and press, that the ruin of Jamaica would, as a natural
+    consequence, follow liberty! Commerce, said they, will cease; hordes
+    of barbarians will come upon us and drive us from our own
+    properties; agriculture will be completely paralyzed; and Jamaica,
+    in the space of a few short months, will be seen buried in
+    ashes--irretrievably ruined. Such were the awful predictions of an
+    unjust, illiberal faction!! Such the first fruits that were to
+    follow the incomparable blessings of liberty! The staple productions
+    of the island, it was vainly surmised, could never be cultivated
+    without the name of slavery; rebellions, massacres, starvation,
+    rapine and bloodshed, danced through the columns of the
+    liberty-hating papers, in mazes of metaphorical confusion. In short,
+    the name of freedom was, according to their assertions, directly
+    calculated to overthrow our beautiful island, and involve it in one
+    mass of ruin, unequalled in the annals of history!! But what has
+    been the result? All their fearful forebodings and horrible
+    predictions have been entirely disproved, and instead of liberty
+    proving a curse, she has, on the contrary, unfolded her banners,
+    and, ere long, is likely to reign triumphant in our land. _Banks,
+    steam companies, railroads, charity schools, etc._, seem all to have
+    remained dormant until the time arrived when Jamaica was to be
+    _enveloped in smoke_! No man thought of hazarding his capital in an
+    extensive _banking establishment_ until _Jamaica's ruin_, by the
+    introduction of _freedom, had been accomplished_!! No person was
+    found possessed of sufficient energy to speak of navigation
+    companies in Jamaica's brightest days of slavery; but now that ruin
+    stares every one in the face--now that we have no longer the power
+    to treat out peasantry as we please, they have taken it into their
+    heads to establish so excellent an undertaking. Railroads were not
+    dreamt of until _darling_ slavery had (_in a great measure_)
+    departed, and now, when we thought of throwing up our estates, and
+    flying from the _dangers of emancipation_, the best projects are
+    being set on foot, and what is _worst_, are likely to _succeed_!
+    This is the way that our Jamaica folks, no doubt, reason with
+    themselves. But the reasons for the delay which have taken place in
+    the establishment of all these valuable undertakings, are too
+    evident to require elucidation. We behold the _Despatch_ and
+    _Chronicle_, asserting the ruin of our island; the overthrow of all
+    order and society; and with the knowledge of all this, they speak of
+    the profits likely to result from steam navigation, banking
+    establishments, and railroads! What in the name of conscience, can
+    be the use of steam-vessels when Jamaica's ruin is so fast
+    approaching? What are the planters and merchants to ship in steamers
+    when the apprentices will not work, and there is nothing doing? How
+    is the bank expected to advance money to the planters, when their
+    total destruction has been accomplished by the abolition of slavery?
+    What, in the name of reason, can be the use of railroads, when
+    commerce and agriculture have been nipped in the bud, by that
+    _baneful weed, Freedom_? Let the unjust panderers of discord, the
+    haters of liberty, answer. Let them consider what has all this time
+    retarded the development of Jamaica's resources, and they will find
+    that it was _slavery_; yes, it was its very name which prevented the
+    idea of undertakings such as are being brought about. Had it not
+    been for the introduction of freedom in our land; had the cruel
+    monster, Slavery, not partially disappeared, when would we have seen
+    banks, steamers, or railroads? No man thought of hazarding his
+    capital in the days of slavery, but now that a new era has burst
+    upon us, a complete change has taken possession of the hearts of all
+    just men, and they think of improving the blessing of freedom by the
+    introduction of other things which must ever prove beneficial to
+    the country.
+
+    The vast improvements that are every day being effected in this
+    island, and throughout the other colonies, stamp the assertions of
+    the pro-slavery party as the vilest falsehoods. They glory in the
+    introduction of banks, steam-vessels, and railroads; with the
+    knowledge (as they would have us believe) that the island is fast
+    verging into destruction. They speak of the utility and success of
+    railroads, when, according to their showing, there is no produce to
+    be sent to market, when agriculture has been paralyzed, and Jamaica
+    swept to destruction."
+
+*       *       *       *       *
+
+The following copious extracts from a speech of Lord Brougham, on the
+workings of the apprenticeship, and on the immediate emancipation
+substituted therefor in Antigua and the Bermudas, are specially
+commended to the notice of the reader. The speech was delivered in the
+House of Lords, Feb. 20, 1838. We take it from the published report of
+the speech in the London Times, of Feb. 25:--
+
+    I now must approach that subject which has some time excited almost
+    universal anxiety. Allow me, however, first to remind your
+    lordships--because that goes to the root of the evil--allow me first
+    to remind you of the anxiety that existed previous to the
+    Emancipation Act which was passed in January, 1833, coming into
+    operation in August, 1834. My lords, there was much to apprehend
+    from the character of the masters of the slaves. I know the nature
+    of man. * * * * I know that he who has abused power clings to it
+    with a yet more convulsive grasp. I know his revenge against those
+    who have been rescued from his tyrannous fangs; I know that he never
+    forgives those whom he has injured, whether white or black. I have
+    never yet met with an unforgiving enemy, except in the person of one
+    of whose injustice I had a right to complain. On the part of the
+    slaves, my lords, I was not without anxiety; for I know the corrupt
+    nature of the degrading system under which they groaned. * * * * It
+    was, therefore, I confess, my lords, with some anxiety that I looked
+    forward to the 1st of August, 1834; and I yielded, though
+    reluctantly, to the plan of an intermediate state before what was
+    called the full enjoyment of freedom--the transition condition of
+    indentured apprenticeship.
+
+    The first of August arrived--that day so confidently and joyously
+    anticipated by the poor slaves, and so sorely dreaded by their hard
+    taskmasters--and if ever there was a picture interesting to look
+    upon--if ever there was a passage in the history of a people
+    redounding to their eternal honor--if ever there was a complete
+    refutation of all the scandalous calumnies which had been heaped
+    upon them for ages, as if in justification of the wrongs which we
+    had done them--(Hear, hear)--that picture and that passage are to be
+    found in the uniform and unvarying history of that people throughout
+    the whole of the West India islands. Instead of the fires of
+    rebellion, lit by a feeling of lawless revenge and resistance to
+    oppression, the whole of those islands were, like an Arabian scene,
+    illuminated by the light of contentment, joy, peace, and good-will
+    towards all men. No civilized people, after gaining an unexpected
+    victory, could have shown more delicacy and forbearance than was
+    exhibited by the slaves at the great moral consummation which they
+    had attained. There was not a look or a gesture which could gall the
+    eyes of their masters. Not a sound escaped from negro lips which
+    could wound the ears of the most feverish planter in the islands.
+    All was joy, mutual congratulation, and hope.
+
+    This peaceful joy, this delicacy towards the feelings of others, was
+    all that was to be seen, heard, or felt, on that occasion,
+    throughout the West India islands.
+
+    It was held that the day of emancipation would be one of riot and
+    debauchery, and that even the lives of the planters would be
+    endangered. So far from this proving the case, the whole of the
+    negro population kept it as a most sacred festival, and in this
+    light I am convinced it will ever be viewed.
+
+    In one island, where the bounty of nature seems to provoke the
+    appetite to indulgence, and to scatter with a profuse hand all the
+    means of excitement, I state the fact when I say not one drunken
+    negro was found during the whole of the day. No less than 800,000
+    slaves were liberated in that one day, and their peaceful festivity
+    was disturbed only on one estate, in one parish, by an irregularity
+    which three or four persons sufficed to put down.
+
+    Well, my lords, baffled in their expectations that the first of
+    August would prove a day of disturbance--baffled also in the
+    expectation that no voluntary labor would be done--we were then told
+    by the "practical men," to look forward to a later period. We have
+    done so, and what have we seen? Why, that from the time voluntary
+    labor began, there was no want of men to work for hire, and that
+    there was no difficulty in getting those who as apprentices had to
+    give the planters certain hours of work, to extend, upon emergency,
+    their period of labor, by hiring out their services for wages to
+    strangers. I have the authority of my noble friend behind me, (the
+    Marquis of Sligo,) who very particularly, inquired into the matter,
+    when I state that on nine estates out of ten there was no difficulty
+    in obtaining as much work as the owners had occasion for, on the
+    payment of wages. How does all this contrast with the predictions of
+    the "practical men?" "Oh," said they, in 1833, "it is idle talking;
+    the cart-whip must be used--without that stimulant no negro will
+    work--the nature of the negro is idle and indolent, and without the
+    thought of the cartwhip is before his eyes he falls asleep--put the
+    cartwhip aside and no labor will be done." Has this proved the case?
+    No, my lords, it has not; and while every abundance of voluntary
+    labor has been found, in no one instance has the stimulus of the
+    cartwhip been found wanting. The apprentices work well without the
+    whip, and wages have been found quite as good a stimulus as the
+    scourge even to negro industry. "Oh, but" it is said, "this may do
+    in cotton planting and cotton picking, and indigo making; but the
+    cane will cease to grow, the operation of hoeing will be known no
+    more, boiling will cease to be practised, and sugar-making will
+    terminate entirely." Many, I know, were appalled by these
+    reasonings, and the hopes of many were dissipated by these confident
+    predictions of these so-deemed experienced men. But how stands the
+    case now? My lords, let these experienced men, come forth with their
+    experience. I will plant mine against it, and you will find he will
+    talk no more of his experience when I tell him--tell him, too,
+    without fear of contradiction--that during the year which followed
+    the first of August, 1834, twice as much sugar per hour, and of a
+    better quality as compared with the preceding years, was stored
+    throughout the sugar districts; and that one man, a large planter,
+    has expressly avowed, that with twenty freemen he could do more work
+    than with a hundred slaves or fifty indentured apprentices. (Hear,
+    hear.) But Antigua!--what has happened there? There has not been
+    even the system of indentured apprentices. In Antigua and the
+    Bermudas, as would have been the case at Montserrat if the upper
+    house had not thrown out the bill which was prepared by the planters
+    themselves, there had been no preparatory step. In Antigua and the
+    Bermudas, since the first of August, 1834, not a slave or indentured
+    apprentice was to be found. Well, had idleness reigned there--had
+    indolence supplanted work--had there been any deficiency of crop?
+    No. On the contrary, there had been an increase, and not a
+    diminution of crop. (Hear.) But, then, it was said that quiet could
+    not be expected after slavery in its most complete and abject form
+    had so long reigned paramount, and that any sudden emancipation must
+    endanger the peace of the islands. The experience of the first of
+    August at once scattered to the winds that most fallacious prophecy.
+    Then it was said, only wait till Christmas, for that is a period
+    when, by all who have any practical knowledge of the negro
+    character, a rebellion on their part is most to be apprehended. We
+    did wait for this dreaded Christmas; and what was the result? I will
+    go for it to Antigua, for it is the strongest case, there being
+    there no indentured apprentices--no preparatory state--no
+    transition--the chains being at once knocked off, and the negroes
+    made at once free. For the first time within the last thirty years,
+    at the Christmas of the year 1834, martial law was not proclaimed in
+    the island of Antigua. You talk of facts--here is one. You talk of
+    experience--here it is. And with these facts and this experience
+    before us, I call on those _soi-disant_ men of experience--those men
+    who scoffed at us--who laughed to scorn at what they called our
+    visionary, theoretical schemes--schemes that never could be carried
+    into effect without rebellion and the loss of the colonies--I say,
+    my lords, I call on these experienced men to come forward, and, if
+    they can, deny one single iota of the statement I am now making. Let
+    those who thought that with the use of those phrases, "a planter of
+    Jamaica" "the West India interest," "residence in Jamaica and its
+    experience," they could make our balance kick the beam--let them, I
+    say, hear what I tell, for it is but the fact--that when the chains
+    were knocked off there was not a single breach of the peace
+    committed either on the day itself, or on the Christmas festival
+    which followed.
+
+    Well, my lords, beaten from these two positions, where did the
+    experienced men retreat to under what flimsy pretext did they next
+    undertake to disparage the poor negro race? Had I not seen it in
+    print, and been otherwise informed of the fact, I could not have
+    believed it possible that from any reasonable man any such absurdity
+    could issue. They actually held out this last fear, which, like the
+    others, was fated to be dissipated by the fact. "Wait only," said
+    they, "till the anniversary of the first of August, and then you
+    will see what the negro character is, and how little these
+    indentured apprentices are fit to be entrusted with freedom." Was
+    there ever such an absurdity uttered, as if my lords, the man who
+    could meet with firm tranquillity and peaceful thankfulness the
+    event itself, was likely to be raised to rebellion and rioting by
+    the recollection of it a year afterwards. My lords, in considering
+    this matter, I ask you, then, to be guided by your own experience,
+    and nothing else; profit by it, my lords, and turn it to your own
+    account; for it, according to that book which all of us must revere,
+    teaches even the most foolish of a foolish race. I do not ask you to
+    adopt as your own the experience of others; you have as much as you
+    can desire of your own, and by no other test do I wish or desire to
+    be judged. But I think my task may be said to be done. I think I
+    have proved my case, for I have shown that the negro can work
+    without the stimulant of the whip; I have shown that he can labor
+    for hire without any other motive than that of industry to inspire
+    him. I have demonstrated that all over the West Indies, even when
+    fatigued with working the allotted hours for the profit of his
+    master, he can work again for wages for him who chooses to hire him
+    and has wherewithal to pay him; I have also most distinctly shown
+    that the experience of Antigua and the Bermudas is demonstrative to
+    show that without any state of preparation, without any indenture of
+    apprenticeship at all, he is fit to be intrusted with his freedom,
+    and will work voluntarily as a free laborer for hire. But I have
+    also demonstrated from the same experience, and by reference to the
+    same state of facts, that a more quiet, inoffensive, peaceable,
+    innocent people, is not to be found on the face of this earth than
+    the negro--not in their own unhappy country, but after they have
+    been removed from it and enslaved in your Christian land, made the
+    victim of the barbarizing demon of civilized powers, and has all
+    this character, if it were possible to corrupt it, and his feelings,
+    if it were possible to pervert them, attempted to be corrupted and
+    perverted by Christian and civilized men, and that in this state,
+    with all incentives to misdemeanor poured around him, and all the
+    temptation to misconduct which the arts and artifices and examples
+    of civilized man can give hovering over him--that after this
+    transition is made from slavery to apprenticeship, and from slavery
+    to absolute freedom, a negro's spirit has been found to rival the
+    unbroken tranquillity of the Caribbean Seas. (Cheers.) This was not
+    the state of things we expected, my lords; and in proof that it was
+    not so, I have but to refer you to the statute book itself. On what
+    ground did you enact the intermediate state of indenture
+    apprenticeship, and on what arguments did you justify it? You felt
+    and acknowledged that the negro had a right to be free, and that you
+    had no right to detain him in bondage. Every one admitted this, but
+    in the prevailing ignorance of their character it was apprehended
+    that they could not be made free at once, and that time was
+    requisite to train the negro to receive the boon it was intended
+    bestowing upon him.
+
+    This was the delusion which prevailed, and which was stated in the
+    preamble of the statute--the same delusion which had made the men on
+    one side state and the other to believe that it was necessary to pay
+    the slave-owners for the loss it was supposed they would sustain.
+    But it was found to be a baseless fear, and the only result of the
+    phantom so conjured up was a payment of twenty millions to the
+    conjurors. (Hear, and a laugh.) Now, I maintain that had we known
+    what we now know of the character of the negroes, neither would this
+    compensation have been given to the slave-owners, nor we have been
+    guilty of proposing to keep the negro in slavery five years, after we
+    were decided that he had a right to his freedom. The noble and
+    learned lord here proceeded to contend that up to the present time
+    the slave-owners, so far from being sufferers, had been gainers by
+    the abolition of slavery and the enactment of the system of
+    apprenticeship, and that consequently up to the present moment
+    nothing had occurred to entitle them to a claim upon the
+    compensation allotted by parliament. The slave-owners might be said
+    to have pocketed the seven millions without having the least claim
+    to them, and therefore, in considering the proposition he was about
+    to make, parliament should bear in mind that the slave proprietors
+    were, if anything, the debtors to the nation. The money had, in
+    fact, been paid to them by mistake, and, were the transaction one
+    between man and man, an action for its recovery might lie. But the
+    slave-owners alleged that if the apprenticeship were now done away
+    there would be a loss, and that to meet that loss they had a right
+    to the money. For argument's sake he would suppose this to be true,
+    and that there would be loss; but would it not be fair that the
+    money should be lodged in the hands of a third party, with authority
+    to pay back at the expiration of the two years whatever rateable sum
+    the master could prove himself to have lost? His firm belief was,
+    that no loss could arise; but, desirous to meet the planter at every
+    point, he should have no objection to make terms with him. Let him,
+    then, pay the money into court, as it were, and at the end of two
+    years he should be fully indemnified for any loss he might prove. He
+    called upon their lordships to look to Antigua and the Bermudas for
+    proof that the free negro worked well, and that no loss was
+    occasioned to the planters or their property by the granting of
+    emancipation. But it was said that there was a difference between
+    the cases of Antigua and other colonies, such as Jamaica, and it was
+    urged that while the negroes of the former, from the smallness and
+    barrenness of the place, would be forced into work, that in the
+    latter they would run away, and take refuge in the woods. Now, he
+    asked, why should the negro run away from his work, on being made
+    free, more than during the continuance of his apprenticeship? Why,
+    again, should it be supposed that on the 1st of August, 1840, the
+    emancipated negroes should have less inclination to betake
+    themselves to the woods than in 1838? If there was a risk of the
+    slaves running to the woods in 1838, that risk would be increased
+    and not diminished during the intermediate period up to 1840, by the
+    treatment they were receiving from their masters, and the deferring
+    of their hopes.
+
+    My lords, (continued the noble lord,) I have now to say a few words
+    upon the treatment which the slaves have received during the past
+    three years of their apprenticeship, and which, it is alleged,
+    during the next two years is to make them fitted for absolute
+    emancipation. My lords, I am prepared to show that in most respects
+    the treatment the slaves have received since 1834 is no better, and
+    in many others more unjust and worse, than it ever was in the time
+    of absolute slavery. It is true that the use of the cartwhip as a
+    stimulus to labor has been abolished. This, I admit, is a great and
+    most satisfactory improvement; but, in every other particular, the
+    state of the slave, I am prepared to show, is not improved, and, in
+    many respects, it is materially worse. First, with regard to the
+    article of food, I will compare the Jamaica prison allowance with
+    that allotted to the apprenticed negroes in other colonies. In the
+    Jamaica prison the allowance of rice is 14 pints a week to each
+    person. I have no return of the allowance to the indentured
+    apprentice in Jamaica, but I believe it is little over this; but in
+    Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, it is much under. In Barbadoes,
+    instead of receiving the Jamaica prison allowance of 14 pints a
+    week, the apprenticed negro received but 10 pints: while in the
+    Leeward Islands he had but 8 pints. In the crown colonies, before
+    1834, the slave received 21 pints of rice, now the apprentice gets
+    but 10; so that in the material article, food, no improvement in the
+    condition of the negro was observable. Then, with regard to time, it
+    is obviously of the utmost importance that the apprentice should
+    have at least two holidays and a half a week--the Sabbath for
+    religious worship and instruction, the Saturday to attend the
+    markets, and half of Friday to work in his own garden. The act of
+    emancipation specified 45 hours a week as the period the apprentice
+    was to work for his master, but the master so contrived matters as
+    in most instances to make the 45 hours the law allotted him run into
+    the apprentice's half of Friday, and even in some cases into the
+    Saturday. The planter invariably counted the time from the moment
+    that the slave commenced his work; and as it often occurs that his
+    residence was on the border of the estate, he may have to walk five
+    or six miles to get to the place he has to work. This was a point
+    which he was sure their lordships would agree with him in thinking
+    required alteration.
+
+    The next topic to which I shall advert relates to the administration
+    of justice; and this large and important subject I cannot pass over
+    without a word to remind your lordships how little safe it is, how
+    little deserving the name of just, or any thing like just, that
+    where you have two classes you should separate them into conflicting
+    parties, until they became so exasperated in their resentment as
+    scarcely to regard each other as brethren of the same species; and
+    that you should place all the administration of justice in the hands
+    of one dominant class, whose principles, whose passions whose
+    interests, are all likely to be preferred by the judges when they
+    presume to sit where you have placed them on the judgment seat. The
+    chief and puisne judges are raised to their situations from amongst
+    the class which includes the white men and planters. But, worse than
+    that, the jurors are taken from the same privileged body: jurors,
+    who are to assess civil damages in actions for injuries done to the
+    negroes--jurors, who are to try bills of indictment against the
+    whites for the maltreatment of the blacks--jurors who are to convict
+    or acquit on those bills--jurors who are to try the slaves
+    themselves--nay, magistrates, jailors, turnkeys, the whole apparatus
+    of justice, both administrative and executive, exclusively in the
+    hands of one race! What is the consequence? Why, it is proverbial
+    that no bills are found for the blacks. (Hear, hear.) Six bills of
+    indictment were preferred, some for murder and some for bad
+    manslaughter, and at one assizes every one of these six indictments
+    was thrown out. Assizes after assizes the same thing happened, until
+    at length wagers were held that no such bill would be found, and no
+    one was found to accept them. Well was it for them that they
+    declined, for every one of the bills preferred was ignored. Now,
+    observe that in proceedings, as your lordships know; before grand
+    jurors, not a tittle of evidence is heard for the prisoners; every
+    witness is in favor of the indictment, or finding of the bill; but
+    in all these instances the bills were flung out on the examination
+    of evidence solely against the prisoner. Even in the worst cases of
+    murder, as certainly and plainly committed as the sun shines at noon
+    day, monstrous to all, the bills were thrown out when half the
+    witnesses for the prosecution remained to be examined. (Hear, hear.)
+    Some individuals swore against the prisoners, and though others
+    tendered their evidence, the jury refused to hear them. (Hear,
+    hear.) Besides, the punishments inflicted are monstrous; thirty-nine
+    lashes are inflicted for the vague, indefinite--because incapable to
+    be defined--offence of insolence. Thirty-nine lashes for the grave
+    and the more definite, I admit, offence of an attempt to carry a
+    small knife. Three months imprisonment, or fifty lashes for the
+    equally grave offence of cutting off the shoot of a cane plant!
+    There seems to have prevailed at all times amongst the governors of
+    our colonies a feeling, of which, I grieve to say, the governors at
+    home have ever and anon largely partaken, that there is something in
+    the nature of a slave--something in the habits of the African
+    negro--something in the disposition of the unfortunate hapless
+    victims of our own crimes and cruelties, which makes what is mercy
+    and justice to other men cruelty to society and injustice to the law
+    in the case of the negro, and which condemns offences slightly
+    visited, if visited at all, with punishment, when committed by other
+    men, to the sentence that for his obdurate nature none can be too
+    severe. (Hear, hear.) As if we had any one to blame but
+    ourselves--as if we had any right to visit on him that character if
+    it were obdurate, those habits if they were insubordinate, that
+    dishonest disposition if it did corrupt his character, all of which
+    I deny, and which experience proves to be contrary to the fact and
+    truth; but even if these statements were all truth instead of being
+    foully slanderous and absolutely false, we, of all men, have
+    ourselves to blame, ourselves to tax, and ourselves to punish, at
+    least for the self abasement, for we have been the very causes of
+    corrupting the negro character. (Cheers.)
+
+    If some capricious despot, in his career of ordinary tyranny, were
+    to tax his imagination to produce something more monstrous and
+    unnatural than himself, and were to place a dove amongst vultures,
+    or engraft a thorn on the olive tree, much as we should marvel at
+    the caprice, we should be still more astounded at the expectation,
+    which exceeds even a tyrant's proverbial unreasonableness, that he
+    should gather grapes from the thorn, or that the dove should be
+    habituated to a thirst for blood. Yet that is the caprice, that is
+    the unreasonable, the foul, the gross, the monstrous, the
+    outrageous, incredible injustice of which we are hourly guilty
+    towards the whole unhappy race of negroes. (Cheers.) My lords, we
+    fill up the incasare of injustice by severely executing laws badly
+    conceived in a still more atrocious and cruel spirit. The whole
+    punishments smell of blood. (Hear, Hear.) If the treadmill stop in
+    consequence of the languid limbs and exhausted frames of the
+    victims, within a minute the lash resounds through the building--if
+    the stones which they are set to break be not broken by limbs
+    scarred, and marred, and whaled, they are summoned by the crack of
+    the whip to their toilsome task! I myself have heard within the last
+    three hours, from a person, who was an eye-witness of the appalling
+    and disgusting fact, that a leper was introduced amongst the
+    negroes; and in passing let me remark, that in private houses or
+    hospitals no more care has been taken to separate those who are
+    stricken with infectious diseases from the sound portion, any more
+    than to furnish food to those in prison who are compelled, from the
+    unheard-of, the paltry, the miserable disposition to treat with
+    cruelty the victims of a prison, to go out and gather their own
+    food,--a thing which I believe even the tyrant of Siberia does not
+    commit. Yet in that prison, where blood flows profusely, and the
+    limbs of those human beings are subjected to perpetual torture, the
+    frightful, the nauseous, the disgusting--except that all other
+    feelings are lost in pity towards the victim and indignation against
+    the oppressor--sight was presented of a leper, scarred from the
+    eruptions of disease on his legs and previous mistreatment, whaled
+    again and again, and his blood again made to flow from the jailer's
+    lash. I have told your lordships how bills have been thrown out for
+    murdering the negroes. But a man had a bill presented for this
+    offence: a petition was preferred, and by a white man. Yes, a white
+    man who had dared, under feelings of excited indignation, to
+    complain to the regularly constituted authorities, instead of
+    receiving for his gallant conduct the thanks of the community, had a
+    bill found which was presented against him as a nuisance. I have,
+    within the last two hours, amid the new mass of papers laid before
+    your lordships within the last forty-eight hours, culled a sample
+    which, I believe, represents the whole odious mass.
+
+    Eleven females have been flogged, starved, lashed, attached to the
+    treadmill, and compelled to work until nature could no longer endure
+    their sufferings. At the moment when the wretched victims were about
+    to fall off--when they could no longer bring down the mechanism and
+    continue the movement, they were suspended by their arms, and at
+    each revolution of the wheel received new wounds on their members,
+    until, in the language of that law so grossly outraged in their
+    persons, they "languished and died." Ask you if a cringe of this
+    murderous nature went unvisited, and if no inquiry was made
+    respecting its circumstances? The forms of justice were observed;
+    the handmaid was present, but the sacred mistress was far away. A
+    coroner's inquest was called; for the laws decreed that no such
+    injuries should take place without having an inquiry instituted.
+    Eleven inquisitions were held, eleven inquiries were made, eleven
+    verdicts were returned. For murder? Manslaughter? Misconduct? No;
+    but that "they died by the visitation of God." A lie--a perjury--a
+    blasphemy! The visitation of God! Yes, for of the visitations of the
+    Divine being by which the inscrutable purposes of his will are
+    mysteriously worked out, one of the most mysterious is the power
+    which, from time to time, is allowed by him to be exercised by the
+    wicked for the torment of the innocent. (Cheers.) But of those
+    visitations prescribed by Divine Providence there is one yet more
+    inscrutable, for which it is still more difficult to affix a reason,
+    and that is, when heaven rolls down on this earth the judgment, not
+    of scorpions, or the plague of pestilence, or famine, or war--but
+    incomparably the worse plague, the worser judgment, of the injustice
+    of judges who become betrayers of the law--perjured, wicked men who
+    abuse the law which they are sworn to administer, in order to
+    gratify their own foul passions, to take the part of the wrong-doer
+    against his victim, and to forswear themselves on God's gospel, in
+    order that justice may not be done. * * * * My lords, I entirely
+    concur in what was formerly said by Mr. Burke, and afterwards
+    repeated by Mr. Canning, that while the making of laws was confined
+    to the owners of slaves, nothing they did was ever found real or
+    effectual. And when, perchance, any thing was accomplished, it had
+    not, as Mr. Burke said, "an executive principle." But, when they
+    find you determined to do your duty, it is proved, by the example
+    which they have given in passing the Apprenticeship Amendment Act,
+    that they will even outstrip you to prevent your interference with
+    them. * * * * Place the negroes on the same footing with other men,
+    and give them the uncontrolled power over their time and labor, and
+    it will become the interest of the planter, as well as the rest of
+    the community, to treat the negro well, for their comfort and
+    happiness depend on his industry and good behavior. It is a
+    consequence perfectly clear, notwithstanding former distinctions,
+    notwithstanding the difference of color and the variety of race in
+    that population, the negro and the West Indian will in a very few
+    generations--when the clank of his chain is no longer heard, when
+    the oppression of the master can vex no more, when equal rights are
+    enjoyed by all, and all have a common interest in the general
+    prosperity--be impressed with a sense of their having an equal share
+    in the promotion of the public welfare; nay, that social
+    improvement, the progress of knowledge, civility, and even
+    refinement itself, will proceed as rapidly and diffuse itself as
+    universally in the islands of the Western Ocean as in any part of
+    her Majesty's dominions. * * * *
+
+    I see no danger in the immediate emancipation of the negro; I see no
+    possible injury in terminating the apprenticeship, (which we now
+    have found should never have been adopted,) and in causing it to
+    cease for slaves previous to August, 1838, at that date, as those
+    subsequent to that date must in that case be exempt. * * * * I
+    regard the freedom of the negro as accomplished and sure. Why?
+    Because it is his right--because he has shown himself fit for
+    it--because a pretext or a shadow of a pretext can no longer be
+    devised for withholding that right from its possessor. I know that
+    all men now take a part in the question, and that they will no
+    longer bear to be imposed upon now they are well informed. My
+    reliance is firm and unflinching upon the great change which I have
+    witnessed--the education of the people unfettered by party or by
+    sect--from the beginning of its progress, I may say from the hour of
+    its birth. Yes; it was not for a humble man like me to assist at
+    royal births with the illustrious prince who condescended to grace
+    the pageant of this opening session, or the great captain and
+    statesman in whose presence I now am proud to speak. But with that
+    illustrious prince, and with the father of the Queen I assisted at
+    that other birth, more conspicuous still. With them and with the
+    lord of the house of Russel I watched over its cradle--I marked its
+    growth--I rejoiced in its strength--I witnessed its maturity--I have
+    been spared to see it ascend the very height of supreme
+    power--directing the councils of the state--accelerating every great
+    improvement--uniting itself with every good work--propping honorable
+    and useful institutions--extirpating abuses in all our
+    institutions--passing the bounds of our dominion, and in the new
+    world, as in the old, proclaiming that freedom is the birthright of
+    man--that distinction of color gives no title to oppression--that
+    the chains now loosened must be struck off, and even the marks they
+    have left effaced by the same eternal law of our nature which makes
+    nations the masters of their own destiny, and which in Europe has
+    caused every tyrant's throne to quake. But they need to feel no
+    alarm at the progress of right who defend a limited monarchy and
+    support their popular institutions--who place their chiefest pride
+    not in ruling over slaves, be they white or be they black--not in
+    protecting the oppressor, but in wearing a constitutional crown, in
+    holding the sword of justice with the hand of mercy, in being the
+    first citizen of a country whose air is too pure for slavery to
+    breathe, and on whose shores, if the captive's foot but touch, his
+    fetters of themselves fall off. (Cheers.) To the resistless progress
+    of this great principle I look with a confidence which nothing can
+    shake; it makes all improvement certain--it makes all change safe
+    which it produces; for none can be brought about, unless all has
+    been accomplished in a cautious and salutary spirit. So now the
+    fulness of time is come; for our duty being at length discharged to
+    the African captive, I have demonstrated to you that every thing is
+    ordered--every previous step taken--all safe, by experience shown to
+    be safe, for the long-desired consummation. The time has come--the
+    trial has been made--the hour is striking: you have no longer a
+    pretext for hesitation, or faltering, or delay. The slave has shown,
+    by four years' blameless behavior and devotion, unsurpassed by any
+    English peasant, to the pursuit of peaceful industry, that he is as
+    fit for his freedom as any lord whom I now address. I demand his
+    rights--I demand his liberty without stint, in the names of justice
+    and of law--in the name of reason--in the name of God, who has given
+    you no right to work injustice. I demand that your brother be no
+    longer trampled upon as your slave. (Hear, hear.) I make my appeal
+    to the Commons, who represent the free people of England; and I
+    require at their hands the performance of that condition for which
+    they paid so enormous a price--that condition which all their
+    constituents are in breathless anxiety to see fulfilled! I appeal to
+    his house--the hereditary judges of the first tribunal in the
+    world--to you I appeal for justice. Patrons of all the arts that
+    humanize mankind, under your protection I place humanity herself! To
+    the merciful Sovereign of a free people I call aloud for mercy to
+    the hundreds of thousands in whose behalf half a million of her
+    Christian sisters have cried aloud, that their cry may not have
+    risen in vain. But first I turn my eye to the throne of all justice,
+    and devoutly humbling myself before Him who is of purer eyes than to
+    behold any longer such vast iniquities--I implore that the curse
+    over our heads of unjust oppression be averted from us--that your
+    hearts may be turned to mercy--and that over all the earth His will
+    may at length be done!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+INDEX.
+
+ABSCONDING from labor,
+Accident in a boiling house,
+Aged negro,
+Allowance to Apprentices,
+"Amalgamation,"
+American Consul, (_See Consul_.)
+American Prejudice,
+Amity Hall Estate,
+Anderson, Wm. II. Esq.,
+Anguilla,
+Annual Meeting of Missionaries,
+Antigua, Dimensions of,
+  "      Sugar Crop of,
+Applewhitte, Mr.
+Appraisement of Apprentices,
+Apprentice, provisions respecting the,
+Apprenticeship compared with slavery,
+Apprenticeship System,
+      "        Design of,
+      "        Good effect of,
+      "        No preparation for freedom,
+Apprenticeship, Operation of,
+Apprenticeship, Opinion of, in Antigua;--in Barbadoes;--in Jamaica,
+Apprentices liberated,
+Apprentices' work compared with slaves
+Archdeacon of Antigua,
+     "     of Barbadoes,
+Aristocracy of Antigua,
+Armstrong, Mr. H.,
+Ashby, Colonel,
+Athill, Mr.,
+Attachment to home,
+Attorney General of Jamaica,
+Attendance on Church
+August, First of
+
+Baijer, Hon. Samuel O.,
+Baines, Major,
+Banks, Rev. Mr.,
+Baptist Chapel
+Baptists in Jamaica,
+Barbadoes,
+Barbuda,
+Barber in Bridgetown,
+Barclay, Alexander, Esq.,
+Barnard, Samuel, Esq.,
+Barrow, Colonel,
+Bath,
+Bazaar,
+Bell, Dr.,
+Belle Estate,
+Bell not tolled for colored person,
+"_Belly, 'blige_ 'em to work,"
+Belmore, Lord,
+Belvidere Estate,
+Benevolent institutions of Antigua,
+Bible Society,
+Bishop of Barbadoes,
+Blessings of Abolition, (See _Morals_, &c.)
+Blind man,
+Boiling House,
+Bookkeepers, Slaver of,
+"Bornin' Ground,"
+Bourne, Mr. London,
+Bourne, Mr. S., (of Antigua,)
+Bourne, Stephen, Esq., (of Jamaica,)
+Breakfast at Mr. Bourne's,
+    "     at Mr. Prescod's,
+    "     at Mr. Thorne's,
+Briant, Mr.,
+Bridgetown,
+Brown, Colonel,
+Brown, Thomas C.,
+
+C., Mr., of Barbadoes,
+"Cage,"
+Cane cultivated by apprentices on their own ground,
+Cane-cutting,
+Cane-holing,
+Cecil, Mr.,
+Cedar Hall,
+Chamberlain, R., Esq.,
+Change of opinion in regard to slavery,
+Chapel erected by apprentices,
+Character of colored people,
+Cheesborough, Rev. Mr.,
+Children, care of, (See _Free_.)
+Christmas,
+Church, Established,
+Civility of negroes,
+Clarke, Dr.,
+Clarke, Hon. R.B.,
+Clarke, Mr.,
+Classification of apprentices,
+Codrington Estate,
+Coddrington, Sir Christopher.
+Coffee Estates.
+College, Coddrington.
+Colliton Estate.
+Colored Architect.
+  "     Editors.
+  "     Lady.
+  "     Legislators.
+  "     Magistrates.
+  "     Merchants.
+  "     Policemen.
+  "     Population.
+  "     Proprietor.
+  "     Teachers.
+Colthurst, Major.
+Complaints to Special Magistrates.
+Concubinage.
+Condition of the negroes, changed.
+Conduct of the Emancipated on the first of August.
+Confidence increased.
+Conjugal attachment.
+Consul, American at Antigua.
+  "        "     at Jamaica.
+Constabulary force, colored.
+Contributions for religious purposes.
+Conversation with a negro boatman.
+Conversation with negroes on Harvey's estate.
+Conversation with apprentices.
+Corbett, Mr. Trial of.
+Corner stone laid.
+Courts in Barbadoes.
+Courts in Jamaica.
+Cox, Rev. James.
+Cranstoun, Mr.
+Crimes, Diminution of.
+Crimes in Jamaica.
+Crookes, Rev. Mr.
+Crops in Barbadoes.
+Crops in Jamaica.
+Cruelty of slavery.
+  "     to apprentices.
+Cultivation in Barbadoes, (See _Crops_.)
+Cultivation in Jamaica.
+Cummins, Mr.
+Cummins, Rev. Mr.
+Cuppage, Captain.
+Custom House returns, Barbadoes.
+
+Daily meal Society.
+Dangers of slavery.
+Daniell, Dr.
+Death-bed of a planter.
+Deception.
+Defect of law.
+Demerara, Apprenticeship in.
+Desire for instruction.
+Dinner at Mr. Harris's.
+  "    at the Governor's.
+Disabilities of colored people.
+Discussion, Effect of.
+Distinction between _serving_ and being _property_.
+Distressed Females' Friend Society.
+Disturbances, Reason of.
+Docility of the negroes.
+Domestic Apprentices.
+Donovan's Estate.
+Drax Hall.
+Dress in Antigua.
+"Driver and overseer."
+Drought in Antigua.
+Dublin Castle Estate.
+Duncan, Mr.
+Dungeons in Antigua.
+  "      in Barbadoes.
+
+Economy of the negroes.
+Edgecomb Estate.
+Edmonson, Rev. Jonathan.
+Education of Apprentices.
+  "       in Antigua.
+  "       in Barbadoes. (See _Schools_.)
+Education, Queries on, replied to.
+  "        Results, in regard to.
+Edwards, Colonel.
+Eldridge, R. B. Esq..
+Elliot, Rev. Edward.
+Emancipation, Immediate. (See _Preparation, &c._)
+Emancipation, Motives of, in Antigua.
+Emigrants from Europe.
+Employments of the colored.
+English Delegation.
+Enrolment of colored militia.
+Escape of slaves from French islands.
+Expectations in regard to 1838 and 1840.
+Expense of free compared with slave labor.
+Expense of Apprenticeship compared with slavery.
+Explanation of terms.
+Exports of Jamaica for 53 years.
+
+Fair of St. John's.
+Favey, Mr.
+Feeding in Barbadoes.
+Feeling, intense, of the negroes.
+Females in the field.
+Fences wanting in Antigua.
+Ferguson, Dr.
+Fines upon the planters.
+Fire in the canes.
+Fitch's Creek Estate.
+Flogging.
+  "      machine.
+Forten, James.
+Four and a half per cent tax.
+Fraser, Rev. Edward.
+  "     Mrs., ----
+Free children.
+Freedom in Antigua.
+Free labor less expensive.
+Freeman, Count.
+Frey's Estate.
+Friendly Societies.
+Fright of American vessels.
+
+Galloway, Mr.
+Gangs, Division of.
+Gardiner, Rev. Mr.
+Gilbert, Rev. N.
+Girl sold by her mother.
+Gitters, Rev. Mr.
+Golden Grove Estate.
+Gordon, Mr.
+Governor of Antigua.
+  "      of Barbadoes.
+Grace Bay.
+Grenada.
+"Grandfather Jacob."
+Gratitude of the Negroes.
+"Grecian Regale."
+Green Castle Estate.
+Green Wall Estate.
+Guadaloupe.
+Guarda Costas.
+"Gubner poisoned."
+
+H., Mr., an American.
+Hamilton, Capt.
+Hamilton, Cheny, Esq.
+Hamilton, Rev. Mr.
+Harrison, Colonel.
+Harris, Thomas, Esq.
+Harvey, Rev. B.
+Hatley, Mr.
+Heroism of colored women.
+Higginbothom, Ralph, Esq.
+Hill, Richard, Esq.
+Hinkston, Samuel, Esq.
+Holberton, Rev. Robert.
+Holidays in Antigua.
+Horne, Rev. Mr.
+"Horse."
+Horton Estate.
+Horsford, Hon. Paul.
+Hostility to Emancipation. (See also, _Change, &c._)
+House of Correction.
+Howell, Mr., (of Jamaica).
+Howell, James Esq.
+Hurricane.
+
+Imports and Exports of Barbadoes.
+Improvement since Emancipation. (See _Morals_.)
+Indolence of Apprentices.
+  "       of Whites.
+Industry of Emancipated Slaves.
+Industry of Apprentices.
+Infanticide.
+Insolence.
+Insubordination. (See _Subordination_.)
+Insurrection in Barbadoes in 1816.
+Insurrection not feared in Antigua;
+    nor in Barbadoes;
+    nor in Jamaica.
+Intelligence of blacks, as compared with whites.
+Intemperance in Antigua. (See _Temperance_.)
+Intermixture. (See also _Amalgamation_.)
+Internal Improvement.
+
+Jamaica.
+Jarvis, Colonel.
+Jobs.
+Jocken, Mr.
+Jones, Mr.
+Jones, Rev. Mr.
+Jones, T. Watkins, S. M.
+Jordon, Edward, Esq.
+Jury on the body of a negro woman.
+"Juvenile Association."
+
+Kingdon, Rev. Mr.
+Kingston.
+Kirkland, Mr.
+
+Law, respect for.
+Lear's Estate.
+Legislature of Antigua.
+Letter to a Special Magistrate.
+License to marry.
+Licentiousness.
+Lighthouse.
+Lock-up house at St. John's.
+Lyon, E.B., Esq.
+Lyon's Estate.
+
+Machinery, Labor-saving.
+Managers, Testimony of.
+Manchioneal.
+Market in St. John's.
+Market people.
+Maroons.
+Marriage.
+Marshall, Mr.
+Martinique.
+Master's power over the apprentice.
+McCornock, Thomas, Esq.
+McGregor, Sir Evan, J. M.
+Megass.
+Merchants, Testimony of.
+Messages of Sir Lionel Smith.
+Mico Charity Infant School.
+Miller's Estate.
+Missionaries, Wesleyan.
+Missionary associations.
+  "        Society, Wesleyan.
+Mob, Pro-Slavery, in Barbadoes.
+Moehne, Mr. and Mrs.
+Montserrat.
+Morals, improvement of.
+Morant Bay.
+Moravian Chapel.
+    "    Missionary.
+Moravians.
+Morrish, Rev. Mr.
+Mule-traveling.
+Murder of a planter.
+Musgrave, Dr.
+
+Negro Grounds.
+Negro Quarters.
+Nevis.
+Newby, Mr.
+Newfield, visit to.
+Noble trait in the apprentices.
+Nugent, Hon. Nicholas.
+
+Obstacles to free labor in Antigua.
+Old school tyrant.
+Opinions in Antigua in regard to Emancipation.
+Opinions of the United States.
+Opposition to slavery in Jamaica.
+O'Reily, Hon. Dowel.
+Osburne, Mr.
+Overseers.
+
+Packer, Rev. Mr.
+Parry, Archdeacon.
+Partiality of the Special Magistrates.
+Peaceableness of negro villages.
+Peaceableness of the change from slavery to freedom.
+Peaceableness of the negro character.
+Persecution of a Special Justice.
+Peter's Rock.
+Phillips, Rev. Mr.
+Physician, Testimony of.
+Pigeot, Mr.
+Plantain Garden River Valley.
+Planter, a severe one.
+Planters, cruelty of.
+  "       in Barbadoes.
+Plough.
+Police Court.
+   "   of Antigua.
+   "   Officers, Testimony of.
+   "   Reports.
+Policy of colored people in regard to prejudice.
+Port Royal.
+Prejudice against color.
+"Prejudice Bell."
+Preparation for freedom.
+Prescod, Mr.
+Promiscuous seating in church (See _"Amalgamation," &c._)
+Proprietor, testimony of.
+Pro-slavery pretences.
+Providence of the emancipated, the.
+Provost Marshal, Testimony of.
+Punishment, cruel.
+Punishment in Antigua.
+
+Ramsay, Mr.
+Real Estate.
+Rebellion, so called.
+Rector of St. John's.
+"Red Shanks."
+Reid, Mr. E.
+Religion in Antigua;
+  in Barbadoes;
+  in Jamaica.
+Religious condition of slaves in Antigua.
+Religious instruction desired.
+Report of a Special Magistrate.
+Resolution in regard to Messrs. Thome and Kimball.
+Resolutions of Wesleyan Missionaries.
+Respect for the aged.
+Results in Antigua.
+Revengefulness.
+Ridge Estate.
+Right of suffrage.
+Rogers, Mr.
+Ross, A., Esq.
+Rowe, Rev. Mr.
+Rum, use of in Antigua.
+
+Sabbath in Antigua;
+  in Barbadoes;
+  in Jamaica.
+Sabbath school in Bridgetown.
+Safety of immediate emancipation. (See _Insurrections_.)
+School, adult;
+  at Lear's;
+  Parochial;
+  Wolmer Free.
+Schools in Antigua;
+  in Bridgetown;
+  infant;
+  in Kingston;
+  in Spanishtown.
+Scotland in Barbadoes.
+Scotland, James, Esq.
+Scotland, J., Jr. Esq.
+Security restored.
+Self-emancipation.
+Self-respect.
+Shands, Mr. S.
+Shiel, Mr.
+Shrewsbury, Rev. Mr.
+Sickness, pretended.
+Silver Hill.
+Sligo, Lord.
+Smith, Sir Lionel.
+Social intercourse.
+Societies, benevolent.
+Society among colored people.
+  "     for promotion of Christian knowledge.
+Soldiers, black.
+Solicitor General of Barbadoes.
+  "               of Jamaica.
+Song sung in the schools.
+Spanishtown.
+"Speaking," a Moravian custom.
+Special Magistrates. (See also _Partiality_.)
+Special Magistrates, Testimony of.
+St. Andrews.
+Station House, A.
+St. Christopher's.
+St. Lucia.
+Stock Keepers.
+St. Thomas in the East.
+Sturge & Harvey, Messrs.
+St. Vincent's.
+Subordination.
+Sugar Crop.
+  "   cultivation hard for the slave.
+Sugar Mill.
+Sunday Markets.
+Superintendent of Police.
+Suspension of faithful magistrates.
+
+Task-work.
+Teacher, Black.
+Teachers.
+"Telegraph," Remarks of the.
+Temperance in Antigua.
+  "        of negroes.
+  "        Society.
+Testimony of Managers.
+Testimony of clergymen and missionaries.
+Testimony of Governors.
+  "       of magistrates.
+  "       of physicians.
+Theft, decrease of.
+Thibou Jarvis's estate.
+Thomas, Mr.
+Thompson, George, Bust of.
+Thompson, Thomas, Esq.
+Thorne, Mr.
+Thwaites, Mr. Charles.
+Tinson, Rev. Mr.
+Toast to Immediate Emancipation.
+Tortala.
+Traffic in Slaves.
+Transition from slavery to freedom.
+Treatment of slaves ameliorated by discussion.
+Treadmill.
+Trinidad.
+Trustworthiness.
+
+Unwilling witness.
+
+Vagrancy.
+Value of an apprentice. (See _Appraisement_.)
+Villa Estate.
+
+Wages.
+Walton, Rev. Mr.
+Watchman, Jamaica.
+  "       Remarks of the.
+Watkins, Mr.
+Ward, Sir Henry.
+Weatherill's Estate.
+Wesleyan Chapel, Antigua.
+  "        "     New, ".
+  "       Missionary Society.
+Wesleyans in Antigua.
+  "       in Barbadoes.
+  "       in Jamaica.
+Whip banished.
+Whipping Post.
+White lady.
+Wilberforce, opinion of.
+Wickham, Richard S.
+Willis, George, Esq.
+Willoughby Bay Examination.
+Wolmer Free School.
+Women abandon the field.
+  "   condition of.
+Woolridge, Rev. Mr.
+Wright, Andrew, Esq.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER--EXTRA.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+EMANCIPATION
+
+In The
+
+WEST INDIES, IN 1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+IMPORTANT TO THE UNITED STATES.
+
+False prophets were never stiller about their time-detected impostures
+than are the pro-slavery presses of the United States about the results
+of West India Emancipation. Now and then, for the sake of appearances,
+they obscurely copy into their immense sheets an inch or two of
+complaints, from some snarling West India paper, that the emancipated
+are lazy and won't work. But they make no parade. They are more taciturn
+than grave-stones.
+
+In the following closely printed columns, those who wish to know will
+find out precisely how the "_great experiment_" has worked. They
+will find,
+
+1. The _safety_ of abolition demonstrated--its safety in the worst
+possible case.
+
+2. That the colonies are prospering in their _agriculture_.
+
+3. That the planters conferred freedom because they were _obliged to_ by
+public opinion abroad.
+
+4. That freedom, even thus unwillingly conferred, was accepted as a
+precious boon by the slaves--they were grateful to God, and ready to
+work for their masters for fair pay.
+
+5. That the mass of the planters have endeavoured, from the first, to
+get work out of the free laborers for as small wages as possible.
+
+6. That many of the attorneys and managers have refused fair wages and
+practiced extortion, _to depreciate the price of property_, that they
+might profit thereby.
+
+7. That all the indisposition to labor which has yet been exhibited is
+fully accounted for by these causes.
+
+8. That in spite of all, the abolition is working well for the _honest_
+of all parties.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WEST INDIA EMANCIPATION, IN 1838.
+
+The immediate abolitionists hold that the change from slavery to freedom
+cannot be too sudden. They say that the first step in raising the slave
+from his degradation should be that of making him a proper subject of
+law, by putting him in possession of himself. This position they rest on
+the ground both of justice and expediency, which indeed they believe to
+be inseparable. With exceptions too trifling to affect the question,
+they believe the laborer who feels no stimulus but that of wages and no
+restraint but that of law, is the most _profitable_, not only to himself
+and society at large, but to any employer other than a brutal tyrant.
+The benefit of this role they claim for every man and woman living
+within this republic, till on fair trial the proper tribunal shall have
+judged them unworthy of it. They deny both the justice and expediency of
+permitting any degree of ignorance or debasement to work the forfeiture
+of self-ownership, and pronounce slavery continued for such a cause the
+worst of all, inasmuch as it is the _robbery of the poor because he
+is poor_.
+
+What light was thrown upon this doctrine by the process of abolition in
+the British West Indies from the 1st of August 1834 to the 1st of June
+1837, may be seen in the work of Messrs. Thome and Kimball entitled,
+"Emancipation in the West Indies." That light continues to shine.
+Bermuda and Antigua, in which the slaves passed instantaneously out of
+absolute slavery into full freedom, are living witnesses of the blessing
+of heaven upon immediate emancipation. In Antigua, one of the old sugar
+colonies, where slavery had had its full sway there has been especially
+a fair test of immediatism, and the increasing prosperity of the island
+does the utmost honor to the principle. After the fullest inquiry on the
+point, Messrs. Thome and Kimball say of this island:--
+
+"There is not a class, or party, or sect, who do not esteem the
+abolition of slavery as a _special blessing to them_. The rich, because
+it relieved them of "property" which was fast becoming a disgrace, as it
+had always been a vexation and a tax, and because it has emancipated
+them from the terrors of insurrection, which kept them all their
+life-time subject to bondage. The poor whites--because it lifted from
+off them the yoke of civil oppression. The free colored
+population--because it gave the death blow to the prejudice that crushed
+them, and opened the prospect of social, civil, and political equality
+with the whites. The _slaves_--because it broke open their dungeons, led
+them out to liberty, and gave them, in one munificent donation, their
+wives, their children, their bodies, their souls--everything."
+
+In the emphatic language of the Governor, "It was _universally admitted_
+that emancipation had been a great blessing to the island."
+
+In November 1837, Lord Brougham thus summed up the results of the
+Antigua experiment in a speech in the House of Lords:--
+
+"It might be known to their lordships that in one most important colony
+the experiment of instant and entire emancipation had been tried.
+Infinitely to the honor of the island of Antigua was it, that it did not
+wait for the period fixed by the Legislature, but had at once converted
+the state of slavery into one of perfect liberty. On the 1st of August,
+1834, the day fixed by act of Parliament for the commencement of a ten
+years' apprenticeship, the Legislature of that colony, to the immortal
+honor of their wisdom, their justice, and their humanity, had abolished
+the system of apprenticeship, and had absolutely and entirely struck the
+fetters off from 30,000 slaves. Their lordships would naturally ask
+whether the experiment had succeeded; and whether this sudden
+emancipation had been wisely and politically done. He should move for
+some returns which he would venture to say would prove that the
+experiment had entirely succeeded. He would give their lordships some
+proofs: First, property in that island had risen in value; secondly,
+with a very few exceptions, and those of not greater importance than
+occurred in England during harvest, there was no deficiency in the
+number of laborers to be obtained when laborers were wanted; thirdly,
+offences of all sorts, from capital offences downwards, had decreased;
+and this appeared from returns sent by the inspector of slaves to the
+governor of that colony, and by him transmitted to the proper authority
+here; and, fourthly, the exports of sugar had increased: during the
+three years ending 1834, the average yearly export was 165,000 cwts.,
+and for the three subsequent years this average had increased to 189,000
+cwts., being an increase of 21,000 cwts, or one clear seventh, produced
+by free labor. Nor were the last three years productive seasons; for in
+1835 there was a very severe and destructive hurricane, and in the year
+1836 there was such a drought that water was obliged to be imported from
+Barbados."
+
+Of such sort, with regard to both the colonies that adopted the
+principle of immediate emancipation, have been the facts--and all the
+facts--up to the latest intelligence.
+
+The rest of the colonies adopted the plan proposed by the British
+government, which contrary to the wishes of the great body of British
+abolitionists, made the slaves but partially free under the name of
+apprentices. In this mongrel condition they were to remain, the house
+servants four, and the field laborers six years. This apprenticeship was
+the darling child of that expediency, which, holding the transaction
+from wrong to right to be dangerous and difficult, illustrates its
+wisdom by lingering on the dividing line. Therefore any mischance that
+might have occurred in any part of this tardy process would have been
+justly attributable to _gradualism_ and not to _immediatism_. The force
+of this remark will be better seen by referring to the nature and
+working of the apprenticeship as described in the book of Messrs. Thome
+and Kimball. We have only room to say that the masters universally
+regarded the system as a part of the compensation or bonus to the
+slaveholder and not as a preparatory school for the slave. By law they
+were granted a property in the uncompensated _labor_ of the slaves for
+six years; but the same law, by taking away the sole means of enforcing
+this labor, in fact threw the masters and slaves into a six years'
+quarrel in which they stood on something like equal terms. It was surely
+not to be wondered if the parties should come out of this contest too
+hostile ever to maintain to each other the relation of employer and
+employed. This six years of vexatious swinging like a pendulum over the
+line between bondage and liberty was well calculated to spoil all the
+gratitude and glory of getting across.
+
+It was early discovered that the masters generally were disposed to
+abuse their power and get from their apprentices all that could by any
+means be extorted. The friends of humanity in Great Britain were
+aroused, Mr. Sturge, a distinguished philanthropist of Birmingham,
+accompanied by Messrs. Scohle, Harvey, and Lloyd, proceeded to the West
+Indies on a mission of inquiry, and prosecuted their investigation
+contemporaneously with Messrs. Thome and Kimball. Their Report produced
+a general conviction in England, that the planters had forfeited all
+claim to retain their authority over the apprentices, and the government
+was accordingly petitioned immediately to abolish the system. This it
+was loth to do. It caused inquiries to be instituted in the colonies,
+especially in Jamaica, with the evident hope of overthrowing the charges
+of Mr. Sturge. The result more than confirmed those charges. The
+government still plead for delay, and brought in a bill for the
+_improvement_ of the apprenticeship. In the progress of these
+proceedings, urged on as they were by the heaven-high enthusiasm of the
+British nation, many of the planters clearly perceived that their chance
+of power during the remaining two years of the apprenticeship had become
+worth less to them than the good will which they might get by
+voluntarily giving it up. Whether it was this motive operating in good
+faith, or a hope to escape philanthropic interference for the future by
+yielding to its full claim, and thus gain a clear field to oppress under
+the new system of wages, one thing is certain the chartered colonies,
+suddenly, and to the surprise of many, put the finishing stroke to the
+system and made their apprentices free from the 1st of August, 1838. The
+crown colonies have mostly imitated their example.
+
+The following table exhibits the extent and population of these
+colonies.
+
+
+Possessions.       Date of    Extent.          Population
+                   acquisit.  sq. m.      White Slaves  F. Col.
+Anguilla[B],        1650      . . .        365   2,388    327
+Antigua[A],         1632       108       1,980  29,537  3,895
+Bahamas[B],         1629     4,400       4,240   9,268  2,991
+Barbados[B],        1625       166      14,959  82,807  5,146
+Bermudas[A],        1611        22       3,905   4,608    738
+Dominica[B],        1783       275         840  15,392  3,606
+Grenada[B],         1783       125         801  24,145  3,786
+Jamaica[B],         1655     6,400      37,000 311,692 55,000
+Montserrat[B],      1632        47         330   6,262    814
+Nevis[B],           1628        20         700   9,259  2,000
+St. Christophers[B],1632        68       1,612  19,310  3,000
+St. Lucia[B],       1803        58         972  13,661  3,718
+St. Vincent[B],     1783       130       1,301  23,589  2,824
+Tobago[B],          1763       187         322  12,556  1,164
+Trinidad[B],        1797     2,460       4,201  24,006 15,956
+Tortola, or
+Virgin Isles[B],    1666      . . .        800   5,399    607
+
+Total, B.W.I       . . .    14,466      74,328 593,879 105,572
+Cape of Good Hope, . . .     . . .      43,000  35,500  29,000
+       Berbice[B]  . . .     . . .         523  20,645   1,161
+Guiana Demarara[B]  1803     . . .      3,006  65,556   6,360
+       Essequibo[B], . .     . . .      . . . .  . . .   . . .
+Honduras,           1650    62,750         250   2,100   2,300
+Mauritius,         . . .     . . .       8,000  76,000  15,000
+Total.             . . .     . . .     129,107 793,680 159,393
+
+[Footnote A: Emancipated entirely on the 1st. of August, 1834.]
+
+[Footnote B: Emancipated entirely on the 1st. of August, 1838, by vote
+of the local legislatures in the chartered Colonies; and by Governor and
+Council, in the Crown Colonies.]
+
+The _unanimity_ with which the apprenticeship was given up is a most
+remarkable and instructive fact. In the Council and Assembly of
+Montserrat, there was an unanimous decision in favor of Emancipation as
+early as February 1838. In the legislature of Tortola, which passed the
+bill in April 1838, the opposing party was small. In that of Barbados
+the bill was passed on the 15th of May with but _one_ dissenting voice.
+In that of Jamaica, the bill seems to have been passed on the 8th of
+June, and the _Jamaica Times_ remarks:--"No dissentient voice was heard
+within the walls of the Assembly, all joined in the wish so often
+expressed, that the remaining term of the apprenticeship should be
+cancelled, that the excitement produced by a law which has done
+inconceivable harm in Jamaica, in alienating the affections of her
+people, and creating discord and disaffection, should at once cease.
+Thank God! it is now nearly at an end, and we trust that Jamaica will
+enjoy that repose, so eagerly and anxiously sought after, by all who
+wish the Island well."
+
+These facts come down upon the question of the safety of an _immediate_
+emancipation with an _a fortiori_, a _much more then_. For it is
+admitted on all hands that the apprenticeship had "alienated the
+affections of the people;" they were in a state less favorable to a
+quiet sequel, than they were before the first of August, 1834, yet the
+danger was not thought of. The _safety_ was an argument _in favor_ of
+emancipation, not _against_ it. The raw head and bloody bones had
+vanished. The following is a fair exhibition of the feeling of the most
+influential planters, in regard to the _safety_ of the step.
+
+From the Barbadian, May 9, 1838.
+
+AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IN THE NEW COURT
+HOUSE, APRIL 24TH, 1838.
+
+The Lord Bishop rose and spoke as follows:
+
+"_Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Council_,
+
+'I was informed yesterday that, during my absence from this island, the
+members recorded their opinion as to the expediency of absolutely
+abolishing the apprenticeship in August, 1838. I am most anxious to
+record my entire concurrence in this resolution, but I wish it to be
+understood that I do not consider the measure as called for by any
+hardships, under which the laborers in this island are suffering--nor
+from the want of any essential comfort--nor from the deprivation of any
+thing, which a laborer can fairly claim from his master; still I do
+express my concurrence in the resolution of the board, and I do so on
+these grounds: that I am satisfied the measure can be safely carried in
+this island, and if safely, then I feel justly; for I consider the very
+important interests which are involved in the measure. I must confess,
+too, that I am unwilling the Barbados should be behind any other island,
+especially in a measure which may be carried both safely and justly, and
+where its example may be of such beneficial consequence. I am just
+returned from visiting the Northern Islands of the Diocese. I have gone
+over every part of Tortola, and though it is far more fertile than the
+Off Islands, yet even these are sufficiently productive for the laborer
+to raise the lesser and necessary provision of life,--and yet with these
+islands in their very face, the Legislature of Tortola has passed the
+act of abolition. Some of the proprietors were opposed to it, but they
+have now given up their opposition; and I heard, whilst in Antigua, not
+only that the act had passed, but that on the day of its passing, or the
+following day, some of the leading proprietors rode through the island,
+and were met by the people with expressions of the utmost gratitude,
+regarding the act as a boon granted to them by their masters. At Nevis
+the act has passed. At St. Christopher's the council are in favor of its
+passing, and with Nevis emancipated in its vicinity, there is little
+doubt but the Act must pass. At Montserrat also it has passed. At
+Antigua, which I visited last year, I found that every thing was
+proceeding quietly and regularly. I found too, the planters in high
+spirits, and some estates, which had been given up, restored; and the
+small patches and tenements of the free people, commencing last year,
+now in a very satisfactory state of cultivation. It is possible, indeed,
+that these last mentioned, unless the population is proportionably
+increased, may affect the cultivation of the larger estates, but there
+they are, and flourishing, as I have described, whilst I was in the
+island. A contiguous, though abandoned estate was purchased by Sir Henry
+Martin for about 9,500 _l._ currency, being 3,000 _l._ more than he had
+offered a few years previously. To compare Barbados with any other
+island, either as to population, wealth, or state of agriculture, is
+unnecessary. I have seen nothing like the commercial activity which I
+saw in the streets yesterday, except at St. Thomas; and I feel,
+therefore, on all these grounds, that the act may be passed safely and
+justly. At the same time I am not unmindful or insensible to the state
+of public opinion in the mother country, nor to the many new and
+harassing annoyances to which the proprietors may be exposed during a
+protracted continuance of the apprenticeship. I request that my full
+concurrence in the resolution of the council, may be accorded on the
+minutes of this day's proceedings.'"
+
+Such is the testimony of a witness in no wise warped by prejudice in
+favor of the anti-slavery party.
+
+The debates which took place in the legislatures of both Barbados and
+Jamaica, are full of similar testimony, uttered by men every way
+qualified to bear witness, and under influences which relieve their
+testimony from every taint of suspicion.
+
+In the legislature of Jamaica, on the question of a Committee to bring
+in a Bill, Mr. GOOD remarked, "He could say that the negroes from their
+general good conduct were deserving of the boon. Then why not give in
+with a good heart? why exhibit any bad feelings about the matter? There
+were many honorable gentlemen who had benefitted by the pressure from
+without, who owed their rank in society and their seats in that house to
+the industry of the negroes. Why should they now show a bad heart in the
+matter?--Nine tenths of the proprietors of this island had determined
+upon giving up the apprenticeship. Hundreds of thousands were to be
+benefited--were to take their stations as men of society, and he hoped
+the boon would not be retarded by a handful of men who owed their all
+to slavery."
+
+Mr. Dallas said,--"_The abolition of the remaining term of
+apprenticeship must take place; let them then join hand and heart in
+doing it well, and with such grace as we now could. Let it have the
+appearance of a boon from ourselves, and not in downright submission to
+the coercive measures adopted by the British Parliament_."
+
+After a committee had been appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for
+the abolition of the apprenticeship, a member rose and proposed that the
+28th of June should be its termination. We give his speech as reported
+in the Jamaica papers, to show how fanatical even a slaveholder
+may become.
+
+"On the members resuming their seats, Mr. HART proposed that it be an
+instruction to the committee appointed to bring in the bill or
+abolishing the remainder of the apprenticeship, to insert a clause in
+it, that the operation of that bill should commence on the 28th of June,
+that being the day appointed for the coronation of the Queen. _He felt
+proud in telling the house that he was the representative of the black
+population. He was sent there by the blacks and his other friends_. The
+white Christians had their representatives, the people of color had
+their representatives, and _he hoped shortly to see the day when the
+blacks would send in their own representatives_. He wanted the thing
+done at once, Sir, said the honorable member waxing warm. It was
+nonsense to delay it. It could be done in three lines as he said before,
+dele 1840 and put in 1838. That was all that they had to do. If it were
+possible, let the thing be done in two words. He went there to do his
+duty to his constituents, and he was determined to do so. His black
+friends looked up to him to protect them--and he would press his motion
+that all the apprentices in the island should be _crowned_ on the 28th
+of June. (Thundering roars of laughter.) He was as independent as any
+honorable member, and would deliver his sentiment, without caring who
+were and who were not pleased. He was possessed of property in
+apprentices--_he had an estate with nearly two hundred negroes, that he
+was determined to crown on the 28th of June_. (Increased roars of
+laughter in the house, and at the bar.) He would not be laughed down.
+His properties were not encumbered. He would not owe anything on them
+after they were paid for, and that he could do. (Loud laughter.) He was
+determined to have his opinion. As he had said before, the 28th day of
+June being fixed for the coronation of all the negroes in the island,
+that is the day they ought to be released from the apprenticeship.
+(Thundering and deafening roars of laughter). (Here the honorable member
+was told that the Queen was to be crowned on that day.) Ah, well, he had
+made a mistake, but he would tell the house the truth, _he had made up
+his mind to give his apprentices freedom on that day, but he did not
+wish to do it without his neighbors doing the same, lest they should say
+he was setting a bad example_. He would press his motion to a division.
+It had been seconded by his honorable friend on his right.--(Aside,
+"Good, didn't you promise to second it?") The honorable member then read
+his motion, and handed it up to the clerk."
+
+The "mistake" of this liberal descendant of Israel, which excited so
+much merriment was, after all, not a very unfortunate one, _if_ the
+"crown" of manhood is more important than that of monarchy. The members
+objected to so near an approach to _immediatism_, not, however, be it
+remarked, on account of the unfitness of the apprentices, (slaves) but
+their own convenience. Among those who replied to Mr. Hart, was Mr.
+Osborn, of unmingled African blood, born a slave, and who, we are
+informed, was a successful competitor for the seat he now occupies
+against the very man who formerly claimed him as property. Mr. Osborn
+and his partner Mr. Jordon were editors of the Jamaica Watchman, and had
+contended manfully for liberty when it was a dangerous word. Mr. Osborn
+said:--"He was astonished at the galloping liberality which seemed to
+have seized some honorable members, now there was nothing to contend
+for. Their liberality seemed to have outrun all prudence. Where were
+they and their liberality when it was almost death to breach the
+question of slavery? What had become of their philanthropy? But no, it
+was not convenient then. The stream was too strong for them to resist.
+Now, however, when the question was finally settled, when nothing
+remained for them to do, it was the time that some honorable gentlemen
+began to clamor their liberality, and began a race who should be the
+first, or who should have the honor of first terminating the
+apprenticeship. He hoped the motion would be withdrawn, and the
+discussion put an end to."
+
+What had become of the visions of blood and slaughter? Could there be
+more impressive testimony to the safety of Emancipation in all, even the
+worst cases?
+
+We might add to this testimony that of the universal newspaper press of
+the British West India colonies. We have room, however, to select only
+from a few of the well known opponents of freedom.
+
+"We seriously call upon our representatives to consider well all the
+bearings of the question, and if they cannot resist effectually these
+encroachments of the Imperial Government, adopt the remaining
+alternative of saving themselves from an infliction, by giving up at
+once and entirely, the bone of contention between us. Thus only shall we
+disarm, if anything in reason or in nature can, our enemies of their
+slanderous weapons of offence, and secure in as far as possible, a
+speedy and safe return of peace and prosperity to the "distracted"
+colony.--Without this sacrifice on our parts, we see no shelter from our
+sufferings--no amelioration of present wrongs--no hope for the future;
+but on the contrary, a systematic and remorseless train laid for the
+ultimate ruin of every proprietor in the country. With this sacrifice
+which can only be to any extent to a few and which the wisdom of our
+legislature may possibly find out some means or other of compensation,
+we have the hope that the sunshine of Jamaica's prosperity shall not
+receive any farther diminution; but shall rather dawn again with renewed
+vigor; when all shall be alike free under the protection of the same
+law, and the same law-givers; and all shall be alike amenable to the
+powers that punish without favor and without affection."--_Jamaica
+Standard_.
+
+"There is great reason to expect that many Jamaica proprietors will
+anticipate the period established by the Slavery Abolition Act for the
+termination of the apprenticeship. They will, as an act of grace, and
+with a view to their future arrangements with their negroes, terminate
+the apprenticeship either of all at once, or by giving immediate freedom
+to the most deserving; try the effect of this gift, and of the example
+afforded to the apprentices when they see those who have been discharged
+from the apprenticeship working on the estates for wages. If such a
+course is adopted, it will afford an additional motive for inducing the
+Legislature to consider whether the good feeling of the laboring
+population, and their future connection with their former employers, may
+not be promoted by permitting them to owe to the grace of their own
+Legislature the termination of the apprenticeship as soon as the
+requisite legislation for the new state of things has been
+adopted."--_Jamaica Despatch_.
+
+Of such sort as this is the testimony from all the Colonies, most
+abundantly published in the Emancipator and other abolition papers, to
+the point of the _safety_ of entire Emancipation. At the time when the
+step was taken, it was universally concluded that so far from being
+dangerous it promised the greatest safety. It would not only put an end
+to the danger apprehended from the foreign interference of the
+abolitionists, but it would _conciliate the negroes_! And we are not
+able to find any one who professes to be disappointed with the result
+thus far. The only evil now complained of, is the new freemen do not in
+some instances choose _to work_ on the _terms_ offered by the planters.
+They have shed no man's blood. They have committed no depredation. They
+peaceably obey the laws. All this, up to the latest date, is universally
+admitted. Neither does any one _now_ presume to prophesy anything
+different for the future.
+
+INDUSTRY.
+
+On the one topic of the industry of the Emancipated people, the West
+Indian papers give the most conflicting accounts. Some represent them as
+laboring with alacrity, diligence and effect wherever anything like an
+adequate compensation is offered. It is asserted by some, and not denied
+by any authorities that we have seen, that the emancipated are
+industriously at work on those estates where the masters voluntarily
+relinquished the apprenticeship before the first of August and met their
+freed people in good faith. But most of the papers, especially in
+Jamaica, complain grievously that the freed people will work on no
+reasonable terms. We give a fair specimen from one of the Jamaica
+papers, on which our political editors choose most to rely for their
+information:--
+
+"In referring to the state of the country this week, we have still the
+same tale to tell of little work, and that little indifferently done,
+but exorbitantly charged for; and wherever resisted, a general "strike"
+is the consequence. Now this, whatever more favourable complexion the
+interested and sinister motives of others may attempt to throw around
+it, is the real state of matters upon nine-tenths of the properties
+situated in St. James's, Westmoreland, and Hanover. In Trelawny they
+_appear_ to be doing a little better; but that only arises, we are
+confident from the longer purses, and patience of endurance under
+exorbitant wages, exhibited by the generality of the managers of that
+parish. Let them wait till they find they can no longer continue making
+sugar at its present expensive rate, and they will then find whether
+Trelawny is substantially in a better condition than either of the other
+parties."--_Standard, quoted in the Morning Journal of Nov. 2_.
+
+This is the "tale" indeed, of a great part of the West India papers,
+sung to the same hum drum tune ever since the first of August; and so
+faithfully echoed by our own pro slavery press that many of our
+estimable fellow citizens have given it up that the great "experiment"
+has turned out unfavorably, and that the colored population of the West
+Indies are rapidly _sinking_ from the condition of _slaves_ to that of
+idle freemen. Were we all in a position perfectly disinterested and
+above the peculiar influence of slavery, we might perhaps consider these
+complaints as asking for, rather than against, the character of the
+Emancipated and the cause of freedom, inasmuch as they prove the former
+slaves to have both the discretion and the spirit which should
+characterise freemen. But to the peculiar optics which abound in these
+United States it may be necessary to show the entire picture.
+
+To prove in the first place the general falsehood of the complaints
+themselves it is only necessary to advert to recent official documents.
+For our present purpose it will be sufficient to refer to Jamaica. The
+legislature was convened on the 30th of October and addressed by the
+Governor Sir Lionel Smith in a speech of which the following extract
+pertains to our subject:--
+
+    _"Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House
+    of Assembly,_
+
+    The most important event in the annals of colonial history has taken
+    place since last I had the pleasure of meeting the legislature of
+    this Island; and I am happy in being able to declare that the
+    conduct of the laboring population, who were then the objects of
+    your liberal and enlightened policy, _entitles them to the highest
+    praise, and amply proves how_ WELL THEY HAVE DESERVED _the boon
+    of freedom._
+
+    It was not to be expected that the total extinction of the
+    apprenticeship law would be followed by an instantaneous return to
+    active labor, but feeling as I do the deepest interest in the
+    successful result of the great measurement now in progress, I
+    sincerely congratulate you and the country at large, on the
+    improvement which is daily taking place on the resumption of
+    industrious habits, and I TRUST THERE IS EVERY PROSPECT OF
+    AGRICULTURAL PROSPERITY."
+
+Such is the testimony of a Governor who is no stranger in the West
+Indies and who was put in the place of Lord Sligo as more acceptable to
+the planters. But what said the House of Assembly in reply?--a House
+made up chiefly of attornies who had more interest than any other men in
+the continuance of the old system and who, as will presently be shown,
+were not unwilling to have the "experiment" fail? They speak as
+follows:--
+
+    _"May it Please your Excellency,_
+
+    We, her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Assembly of
+    Jamaica, thank your Excellency for your speech at the opening of
+    the session.
+
+    The House join your Excellency in bearing testimony TO THE
+    PEACEABLE MANNER in which the laboring population have conducted
+    themselves in a state of FREEDOM.
+
+    It certainly was not to be expected that so great a change in the
+    condition of the people would be followed by an immediate return to
+    active labor. The House, however, are willing to believe that some
+    degree of improvement is taking place, and they sincerely join in
+    the HOPE expressed by your Excellency, that the agricultural
+    interests of the Island may ultimately prosper, by a resumption of
+    industrious habits on the part of the peasantry in their new
+    condition."
+
+This settles the question. Those who will not be convinced by such
+documents as these that the mass of the Emancipated in Jamaica are ready
+_to do their part_ in the system of free labor, would not be convinced
+if one rose from the deed to prove it.
+
+We are now prepared to investigate the causes of the complaints, and
+inquire why in numerous cases the negros have refused to work. Let us
+first go back to the debates Jamaica Legislature on the passage of the
+Emancipation bill in June, and see whether we can discover the _temper_
+in which it was passed, and the prospect of good faith in its execution.
+We can hardly doubt that some members, and some especially from whose
+speeches on that occasion we have already quoted, designed really to
+confer the "boon of freedom." But others spoke very differently. To
+understand their language we must commence with the Governor's speech at
+the opening of the session:--
+
+    _"Gentlemen of the Council,
+
+    Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Assembly,_
+
+    I have called you together, at an unusual season, to take it to your
+    consideration the state of the Island under the Laws of
+    Apprenticeship, for the labouring population.
+
+    I need not refer you to the agitation on this subject throughout the
+    British Empire, or to the discussions upon it in Parliament, _where
+    the honourable efforts of the ministry_ were barely found sufficient
+    to preserve the original duration of the Laws, as an obligation of
+    the National faith.
+
+    I shall lay before you some despatches on this subject."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _"Gentlemen,_
+
+    _General agitation and Parliamentary interference have not, I am
+    afraid, yet terminated._
+
+    _A corresponding excitement has been long going on among the
+    apprentices themselves,_ but still they have rested in sober and
+    quiet hopes, relying on your generosity, that you will extend to
+    them that boon which has been granted to their class in
+    other Colonies."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    _"Gentlemen of the Council,
+
+    Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly,_
+
+    In this posture of affairs, it is my duty to declare my sentiments,
+    and distinctly to _recommend to you the early and equal abolition of
+    the apprenticeship for all classes._ I do so in confidence that the
+    apprentices will be found worthy of freedom, and that it will
+    operate as a double blessing, by securing also the future interests
+    of the planters.
+
+    I am commanded, however, to inform you that her Majesty's ministers
+    will not entertain any question of further compensation. But should
+    your views be opposed to the policy I recommend, I would entreat you
+    to consider well _how impracticable it will become to carry on
+    coercive labor_--always difficult, it would in future be in peril of
+    constant comparisons with other colonies made free, and with those
+    estates in this island made free by individual proprietors.
+
+    As Governor, under these circumstances, and I never shrink from any
+    of my responsibilities, _I pronounce it physically impossible to
+    maintain the apprenticeship with any hope of successful agriculture._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "_Gentlemen of the Council,
+
+    Mr. Speaker, and gentlemen of the Assembly._
+
+    Jamaica, is in your hands--she requires repose, by the removal of a
+    law which has _equally tormented the laborer, and disappointed the
+    planter_--a law by which man still constrains man in unnatural
+    servitude. This is her first exigency. For her future welfare she
+    appeals to your wisdom to legislate in the spirit of the times, with
+    liberality and benevolence towards all classes."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When such a man as Sir Lionel Smith pronounced it no longer practicable
+to carry on coercive labor, he must have been a bold as well as a rash
+planter who would venture to hold on to the old system under Lord
+Glenelg's improvement Act. Accordingly we find some of the staunchest
+advocates of slavery, men who had been fattening on the oppression of
+the apprentices up to that moment the first, and the most precipitate,
+is their proposals of abolition. Mr. Hyslop, Mr. Gay and others were for
+acting at once on the Governor's speech without referring it to a
+committee. The former said: "He believed that a proposition would be
+made to abandon the apprenticeship from the 1st of August, _but he would
+say let it be abandoned from Sunday next_. He would therefore move that
+the speech be made the order of the day for tomorrow."
+
+Mr. Guy said:--
+
+"The Governor's speech contained nothing more than what every Gentlemen
+expected, _and what every Gentlemen, he believed, was prepared to do. In
+short he_ would state that _a bill had already been prepared by him,
+which he intended to introduce tomorrow, for the abolition of the
+apprenticeship on the 1st of August next_."
+
+Both these gentlemen are well known by the readers of Jamaica papers as
+obstinate defenders slavery. The latter was so passionately devoted to
+the abuses of the apprenticeship that Lord Sligo was obliged to dismiss
+him from the post of Adjutant General of militia. In the ardor of his
+attachment to the "peculiar institution" of getting work without pay, he
+is reported to have declared on a public occasion, that the British
+ministry were a "parcel of reptiles" and that the "English nation was
+fast going to the dogs." In another part of the debate:--
+
+"Mr. Guy hoped the house would not _go into a discussion of the nature of
+the apprenticeship_, or the terms upon which it was forced us by the
+government. All that he knew about the matter was, that it was a part
+and parcel of the compensation. Government had so declared it. In short
+it was made law. He could not help believing that the Hon. member for
+Trelawny, was arguing against the dictates of his own honest heart--that
+he came there cut and dry with a speech prepared to _defend the
+government_."
+
+Mr. Barclay, to whom, some years ago, the planters gave a _splendid
+service of plate_ for his ingenious defence of slavery against the
+terrible pen of JAMES STEPHEN, said "it appeared to be the general
+feeling of the house that the apprenticeship should be done away with.
+Be that as it may, he was free to say that in that part of the island he
+was from, and certainly it was a large and wealthy district, the
+apprenticeship system _had worked well_, and all parties _appeared_
+satisfied with it. He denied that there existed any necessity to disturb
+the working of the system, it would have _gradually_ slided into
+_absolute freedom if they were permitted to regulate their own affairs_,
+but the government, or rather, _the people of England, had forced on the
+predicament in which they were placed_. The ministry could not help
+themselves--They were driven to violate the national compact, not in
+express words, it is true, but in fact. It was, however, the _force of
+public opinion that operated_ in producing the change. They were placed
+in a situation from which they could hardly extricate themselves.--
+_They had no alternative, he was afraid, but to go along with
+the stream_."
+
+Mr. Hamilton Brown, who at the commencement of the apprenticeship came
+into a Special Magistrate's court and publicly told him that unless he
+and his colleagues "_did their duty by having recourse to a frequent and
+vigorous application of the lash, there would he rebellion in the Parish
+(of St. Ann's!) in less than a month, and all the responsibility of such
+a calamity would rest on their shoulders_"! discoursed in the following
+manner. "It was always understood, for the apprenticeship _had become
+marketable_. Properties had been bought and sold with them, their time
+had been bought by others, and by themselves."
+
+"He had no hesitation in saying, that the statements which had been made
+in England against the planters _were as false as hell_--they had been
+concocted here, and sent home by a parcel of spies in the island. They
+were represented as a cruel set of men, as having outraged the feelings
+of humanity towards the negroes, or in matters in which they were
+concerned. This was false. He did not mean to deny that there were a
+_few instances_ of cruelty to the apprentices, but then those were
+_isolated cases_, and was it not hard that a hue and cry should be
+raised against the whole body of planters, and all made to suffer on
+account of those _few_. He would say that there was a greater
+disposition to be cruel to the negroes evinced _by young men arriving in
+this island from England, than by the planters. There was, indeed, a
+great deal of difficulty in restraining them from doing so, but the
+longer they lived in the country, the more kind and humane they became_.
+The negroes _were better off here than many of the people of Great
+Britain_, and they would have been contented, had it not been for the
+injudicious _interference of some of the Special Justices_. Who had ever
+heard of negroes being starved to death? Had they not read accounts in
+the English papers of men destroying their wives, their children, _and
+afterwards themselves_, because they could not obtain food. They had
+been grossly defrauded of their property; and after doing that, it was
+now sought to destroy their constitutional rights. He would repeat, they
+had been grossly defrauded of their property." [Here is the true
+slaveholder, logic, chivalry and all.]
+
+Mr. Frater said, among other things, "He knew that it might be said the
+bill (Lord Glenelg's) did not go to the extent of freeing the
+negroes--_that we are about to do ourselves_, but he would ask whether
+we were not _driven into the difficulty_ by which we are now surrounded!
+Had we not been brought into this _alarming position_, into this
+_exigency_, by the conduct of the British Government. _Why do we not
+tell the English nation frankly and candidly, that they agreed to give
+the planter six years' services of their apprentices, as a part of the
+compensation, and if they desired to do away with it, that we must be
+paid for it_, otherwise we will NOT ANSWER FOR ANY CHANGE, FOR ANY EVILS
+WHICH ARE LIKELY TO ENSUE. Why did the government force such an
+obnoxious bill upon us? They had in substance done this, they refused to
+annul the apprenticeship themselves, it is true, but said, we will place
+them in a situation that will compel them to do it themselves. He must
+say that the Government had acted _cowardly and unjustly_, they had in
+substance deprived them of the further two years' services of their
+apprentices, agreeably to the compact entered into, upon a pretext that
+we had not kept faith with them, and now tell us they will give us no
+compensation. He hoped the allusion to it in the address would be
+retained."
+
+We beg the patient attention of the reader to still more of these
+extracts. The present state of things in Jamaica renders them very
+important. It is indispensable to a correct judgment of the results of
+the experiment to understand in what temper it was entered upon by the
+parties. Nothing can show this more clearly or authoritatively than the
+quotations we are making. We find another little torrent of eloquence
+from the same Mr. Hamilton Brown above quoted. He and several other
+gentlemen rose to reply to the statements of Richard Hill, a friend of
+freedom, and Secretary of the Special Magistracy.
+
+Mr. Brown--"Mr. Chairman, I am on my legs, Sir. I say that we have to
+thank the Special Justices, and the _private instructions_ which they
+have acted upon, _for all the evils that have occurred in the country_.
+Had they taken _the law_ for their guide, had they acted upon that, Sir,
+and not upon their private instructions, _every thing would have gone on
+splendidly_, and we should have done well. But they had _destroyed the
+negroes with their instructions_, they had _given them bad advice_, and
+_encouraged them in disobedience to their masters_. I say it, Sir, in
+the face of this committee--I would say it on my death-bed tomorrow,
+that if the Stipendiary Magistrates had _done their duty_ all would have
+gone on well, _and I told his Excellency that he might then have slept
+on a bed of roses_."
+
+Here was one of the abolishers of the apprenticeship who held that more
+flogging would have made it work more "splendidly." Mr. Hugh Fraser
+Leslie, who the February before had, in his place in the Assembly,
+denominated the anti-slavery delegates assembled in London, as "a set of
+crawling wretches;" "the scum and refuse of society." "The washings and
+scrapings of the manufacturing districts," &c. &c. now delivered himself
+of the following:--
+
+"_He would ask any man in the house, nay, in the country, whether the
+house had any discretion left to them in the steps they were about to
+take_? Could it be denied, that they were driven to the present
+alternative? Could they any longer say they were an independent
+legislature? It would be preposterous--absolutely absurd to entertain
+any such idea. The apprenticeship had been _forced upon the country_ as
+a part and parcel of the planters' compensation--it had been working
+well, and would insensibly _have slided into a state of absolute
+freedom, had the masters been left alone to themselves. It is now
+utterly impracticable to continue it_. A most obnoxious measure had been
+passed by the British parliament, and sent out to this country to be
+promulgated by the Governor as the law of the land. The functions of the
+legislature were put in abeyance, and a British act _crammed down their
+throats_. It could not be denied that they were now under a military
+Government. _He was only sorry that the thing had not been more honestly
+done_; in his opinion, it would have been better for all classes, for
+then the government would have taken all the responsibilities which
+might attend the sudden change they had driven the house to make, and
+find the means of conducting the affairs of the country into a peaceable
+and successful state. _Let any person look to the excitement which at
+present prevailed throughout the country, couple that with the speech
+which had been delivered by the Governor, and say if it was any longer
+practicable to carry one the system of apprenticeship_. With respect to
+the doctrine which had been broached, that the apprenticeship was not a
+part and parcel of the compact between the government and the planters;
+that they (the planters) did not possess an absolute but an incidental
+right to the services of their apprentices, _he confessed he was at a
+loss to understand it_, he was incapable of drawing so nice a
+distinction. He repeated, the government and nation had made the
+apprenticeship a part of the consideration of the abolition of slavery,
+and having placed us in a situation to render its continuance
+impracticable they were bound in honor and common honesty _to compensate
+us_ for the two years."
+
+Once more, and we have done. Mr. Berry said,
+
+"He did not think that because the Governor said they were not entitled
+to compensation, that therefore they should give up the claim which they
+unquestionably had upon the British nation for further compensation. He
+would contend also, that the apprenticeship was one part of the
+consideration for the abolition of slavery. He had heard it remarked
+that the apprenticeship must cease, but it ought to be added that they
+were compelled--they were driven to put an end to it by the Government,
+though they were convinced that neither party was at this moment
+prepared for immediate abandonment. The Governor, in his opening speech,
+had told the house that from the agitation at home, and the
+corresponding agitation which at the present moment prevailed here, it
+was physically impossible to carry one the apprenticeship with advantage
+to masters and labourers. He would take leave to remark, that the
+apprenticeship _was working very well_--in some of the parishes had
+worked extremely well. Where this was not the case, it was attributable
+_to the improper conduct of the Special Justices_. He did not mean to
+reflect upon them all; there were some honorable exceptions, but he
+would say that a great deal of the ill-feeling which had arisen in the
+country between the masters and their apprentices, was to be traced to
+the _injudicious advice_ and conduct of the special Justices."
+
+Such were the sentiments of by far the majority of those who spoke in
+the Assembly. Such, doubtless, were the sentiments of more than
+nine-tenths of the persons invested with the management of estates in
+Jamaica. What, then if we had heard that nine-tenths of the emancipated
+had refused to be employed? Could that have been counted a failure of
+the experiment? Was there any reason to believe that the planters would
+not resort to every species of oppression compatible with a system
+of wages?
+
+Before proceeding to the question of wages, however, we invite the
+reader to scan the temper and disposition of the parties of the other
+part, viz., the laboring population. Let us observe more carefully how
+_they_ behaved at the important period of
+
+TRANSITION
+
+Two of the sturdiest advocates of slavery, the _Jamaica Standard_ and
+the _Cornwall Courier_, speak as follows:--
+
+The _Standard_ says--"On Tuesday evening, (July 31), the Wesleyan, and we
+believe, Baptist Chapels, (St. James') were opened for service--the
+former being tastefully decorated with branches of the palm, sage, and
+other trees, with a variety of appropriate devices, having a portrait of
+her Majesty in the center, and a crown above. When we visited the
+Chapel, about 10 o'clock, it was completely full, but not crowded, the
+generality of the audience well dressed; and all evidently of the better
+class of the colored and negro population. Shortly after, we understand,
+a very excellent and modern sermon, in all political points, was
+delivered by the Rev. Mr. Kerr, the highly respected pastor. The
+congregation was dismissed shortly after 12 o'clock; at which hour the
+church bell commenced its solemn peal, and a few noisy spirits welcomed
+in the morning of Freedom with loud cheers, and planted a huge branch,
+which they termed the "Tree of Liberty," in the center of the two roads
+crossing the market square."
+
+Again the _Standard_ observes, "The long, and somewhat anxiously
+expected jubilee of Emancipation has arrived, and now nearly passed
+over, with a remarkable degree of quiet and circumspection. Of St.
+James's of course, we speak more particularly,--St. James's, hitherto the
+most reviled, and most unwarrantably calumniated parish, of all the
+parishes in this unfortunate and distracted colony!"
+
+The _Cornwall Courier_ says, "The first of August, the most important
+day ever witnessed in Jamaica, has passed quietly as far as actual
+disturbance is concerned."
+
+The _Jamaica Morning Journal_, of whose recent course the planters
+should be the last to complain, gives more particular information of the
+transition in all parts of the island. We give copious extracts, for to
+dwell upon such a scene must soften the heart. It is good sometimes to
+behold the joy of mere brute freedom--the boundings of the noble horse
+freed from his stable and his halter--the glad homeward flight of the
+bird from its cage--but here was besides the rational joy of a
+heaven-born nature. Here were 300,000 souls set free; and on wings of
+gratitude flying upwards to the throne of God. There were the gatherings
+in the public squares, there were the fireworks, the transparencies, the
+trees of liberty and the shouts of the jubilee, but the churches and the
+schools were the chief scenes, and hymns and prayer the chief language
+of this great ovation. There was no giving up to drunken revelry, but a
+solemn recognition of God, even by those who had not been wont to
+worship him. His temples were never so crowded. His ministers never so
+much honored. We give the picture in all its parts, faithfully, and as
+completely as our information will enable us to do.
+
+August 2.
+
+"In this city, the day has passed off in the way in which such a day
+ought to pass off. With glad hearts and joyful lips, the people have
+crowded the temples of the living God, and poured out their praises and
+thanksgivings for the great benefits they had received at the hands of a
+beneficent Providence. That they will continue to deport themselves as
+dutiful subjects, and good men and women, we have no doubt. From the
+country we wait with anxious hopes to hear that everything has gone off
+with the same peace, and quiet, and order, and regularity which have
+prevailed here, and especially that the people have returned to their
+labor, and are giving general satisfaction."
+
+From the same.
+
+Among the various ways of interesting the minds of our newly
+enfranchised peasantry on the 1st of August, was that of planting a Palm
+tree emblematical of liberty, and commemorative of its commencement in
+this island. Both in Kingston and in Liguanca, we understand, this
+ceremony was performed by the schools and congregations of the "London
+Missionary Society." The following hymn, composed by Mr. Wooldridge, for
+the purpose, and committed to memory by many of the children, who were
+treated with cakes and lemonade.
+
+Appropriate sermons were preached, both morning and evening, by the Rev.
+Messrs. Woodbridge and Ingraham, and in the evening a Temperance Society
+was formed for the district of Liguanca, when several signed the pledge.
+
+    The thorny bush we'll clear away
+    The emblem of old slavery--
+    Let every fibre of it die,
+    And all its vices cease to be.
+
+    Let indolence, deceit, and theft,
+    Be of their nourishment bereft,
+    Let cruel wrong now disappear,
+    And decent order crown each year.
+
+PROCEEDINGS AT TRELAWNEY.--A correspondent in Trelawney writes. The
+first of August was observed by the people so decently and devoutly, and
+with such manifestations of subdued, yet grateful feeling, that they
+appeared more like a select class of Christians celebrating some holy
+day of their church, than a race but recently converted from idolatry,
+and who were just emerging from the pollutions and degradation
+of slavery.
+
+TREAT TO THE CHILDREN.--The most interesting and truly exciting scene of
+all in Trelawny, was the spectacle of some hundreds of happy children
+dining. This feast for them, and for all who had hearts that could
+sympathise with the happiness of others, was provided by the Rev. Mr.
+Knibb. Similar scenes were enacted in the rural districts. The Rev. Mr.
+Blyth had, I believe, a meeting of his scholars, and a treat provided
+for them. The Rev. Mr. Anderson had a large assemblage of his scholars
+at the school-house, who were regaled with meat, bread, and beverage,
+and also a large meeting of the adult members of his Church, to every
+one of whom, who could, or was attempting to learn to read, he gave a
+book.--[HE GAVE A BOOK.]
+
+AT ST. ELIZABETH.--At the hour of 10, A.M., there was about 3000 persons
+assembled at Crosmond, when the clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Hylton, proposed
+an adjournment from the Chapel to the shade of some wide-spreading trees
+in the common pasture, whither the happy multitude immediately
+adjourned. The morning service of the church having ended, the Rev.
+Gentleman preached a most impressive sermon from the 4th chapter of
+Zech. 6th verse--"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith
+the Lord of Hosts"--In his application, he took a brief review of the
+history of the island--the conquest by the Spanish--the extermination by
+the Indians--and the consequent introduction of the negroes from Africa.
+He then adverted to the several insurrections that had taken place
+during the period since the conquest by the British, to the last general
+rebellion in 1832, in which both himself and many present were deeply
+interested. Having shown that all these insurrections had been
+suppressed, and had come to nought, he proceeded to point out how
+through Divine providence Mr. Wilberforce was raised up to advocate the
+cause of the oppressed African, and since that period, step by step,
+various privileges had been quietly conceded to the colored race, until
+the final consummation by the Legislature, in abolishing the last
+vestiges of slavery on the 1st of August, 1838.
+
+The Rev. Gentleman's honorable mention of Mr. Wilberforce appeared to be
+deeply felt and acknowledged by all around. After the service was
+concluded, the assembled multitude gave three hearty cheers for Queen
+Victoria, and three for Lord Mulgrave, the first _free Governor_ that
+ever came to Jamaica.
+
+A more decent, orderly, and well-behaved assemblage could not be seen in
+any part of the world. The people have indeed proved themselves worthy
+of the "_great boon_" conferred upon them.
+
+AT PORT MARIA.--The first of August passed off happily and peaceably.
+The people felt deeply the great blessing that had been conferred on
+them, and behaved uncommonly well. All the places of worship were
+crowded; indeed, thrice the number would not have contained those who
+attended, and many of whom could not be accommodated.
+
+From the Cornwall Chronicle of Aug. 4.
+
+Nothing could give a fairer and fuller confidence in the character of
+the negroes than their conduct on so joyous and trying an occasion, as
+what they have exhibited during the brief period of their political
+regeneration. It may be considered as an earnest of their future
+peaceable demeanor; the disbelief of the sceptic will thus be put to the
+blush, and the apprehensions of the timid allayed. The first of August
+has passed, and with it the conduct of the people has been such as to
+convince the most jealous, as well as the most sanguine of the evil
+prognosticators, that they are a good and trust-worthy people. There is
+no doubt but that this day will be held for ever as a sacred
+anniversary--a new Pentecost--upon which they will render thanks for the
+quiet "possession of their Canaan"--free from all political oppressions,
+and that they can suffer only from the acts of their own indiscretion.
+If ever they were placed in a favorable situation which they could
+improve, it could not have been equal to the present.--The exercise of
+moderation, however, is now most required, and will be greatly
+appreciated to themselves at a future time.
+
+CUMBERLAND PEN., ST. CATHERINE.--The
+conduct of the people in this district generally,
+is such as to entitle them to the highest commendation.
+Well knowing the inconvenience to
+which their masters' customers would be otherwise
+reduced from a want of food for their horses
+and cattle, they voluntarily went out to work on
+the second day, and in some instances on the following,
+and supplied the usual demand of the
+market, presenting their labor thus voluntarily
+given as a free-will offering to their employers.
+Comment on such conduct world be superfluous.
+The late apprentices of Jamaica have hitherto
+acquired honors,
+
+    Above all Greek,
+    Above all Roman fame.
+
+So far as they are concerned, the highest expectations
+of their friends have been more than
+realized. Let the higher classes universally but
+exhibit the same dispositions and conduct, and
+the peace and prosperity of Jamaica are for ever
+secured.
+
+Morning Journal of August 4.
+
+SAINT THOMAS IN THE EAST.
+
+Up to the moment when the post left Morant Bay, the utmost tranquillity
+prevailed. In fact, from the quiet of the day and the circumstance of
+droves of well-dressed persons going to and from the Church and Chapels,
+I was occasionally deluded, says a correspondent, into the belief of the
+day being Sunday. The parish Church was crowded, and the Rector
+delivered a very able and appropriate address. The Methodist and
+Independent Chapels were also filled. At both places suitable sermons
+were preached. At the latter, the resident minister provided an ample
+second breakfast, which was faithfully discussed under the shade of a
+large tent purposely erected for the occasion. The Rev. Mr. Atkins,
+Wesleyan Minister, has proceeded from this place to lay the foundation
+stone of a chapel this afternoon, (1st August) at Port Morant, in which
+important service he will be assisted by Thomas Thomson, Esq., Church
+warden, and Alexander Barclay, Esq., Member for the parish. It is
+expected that many thousand spectators will be present at the
+interesting ceremony. From all I have been able to learn the changes
+among the labourers on the estates in this quarter, will be very
+limited, these people being apparently satisfied with the arrangement
+for their continued domicile on the respective properties.
+
+Another correspondent writes--"we are very quiet here. The day has
+arrived and nearly passed off, and thank God the predictions of the
+alarmists are not fulfilled. The Chapels were quite full with a great
+many persons in the yards. The Independents are just sitting down to a
+feast. The Rector delivered a sermon or rather a string of advices and
+opinions to the labouring population, the most intolerant I have heard
+for a long time. This parish will, I am quite certain, enjoy in peace
+and quietness this happy jubilee."
+
+MANCHESTER.
+
+We learn from this parish that the Churches and Chapels were crowded
+many hours before the usual time for beginning service. Several thousand
+persons remained outside the respective places, which were much too
+small to afford the accommodation. Every thing was quiet and orderly
+when the post left.
+
+Says the Jamaica Gazette of Aug. 4th, a paper of the Old School--"In
+spite of all the endeavours of a _clique_ of self-interested agitators,
+clerical humbug and radical rabble, to excite the bad passions of the
+sable populace against those who have been the true friends of Colonial
+freedom, and the conservators of the public peace and prosperity of the
+country, the bonfire, bull-roast, and malignant effigy exhibited to
+rouse the rancor of the savage, failed to produce the effect anticipated
+by the projectors of the _Saturnalia_, and the negro multitude fully
+satisfied with the boon so generously conceded by the Island
+Legislature, were in no humor to wreak their wrath on individual
+benefactors, whom the envy of party spirit had marked out as the victims
+of truth and independence.
+
+We are happy to give our meed of praise to the decent and orderly
+conduct of the sable multitude, and to record that it far excelled the
+Loco Foco group of bullies and boasters in decency of propriety of
+demeanor. A kind of spree or scuffle took place between donkey-driver
+Quallo and another. We don't know if they came to close fisti-cuffs, but
+it was, we are assured, the most serious affray on the Course."
+
+The following is the testimony borne in regard to Barbados.
+
+_From the Barbados Liberal, Aug. 4th._
+
+FIRST OF AUGUST.
+
+"It gives us great pleasure to state that, so far as our information
+from the country extends, this day was observed in a manner highly
+creditable to our brethren. We never ourselves anticipated any riotings
+or disorder on the part of the emancipated. A little exhilaration
+begetting a shout or two, would not have surprised us; but even this, we
+are happy to say, made no part of their manifestation of joy. The day
+was spent in quiet piety! In heartfelt, soul overflowing gratitude to
+their heavenly Father, whose divine agency had raised up friends in
+their necessity, and brought their great tribulation to an end, they
+crowded at an early hour to the several churches and chapels, in which
+their numbers could scarcely find turning room, and then quietly and
+devoutly poured forth their souls in prayer and praise and thanksgiving!
+No revellings, no riotings, no drunkenness, desecrated this day. We have
+heard from five parishes, and in none of the five have we heard of a
+single convivial meeting. From church and chapel they went to their
+homes, and eat their first free dinner with their families, putting to
+shame the intolerant prejudices which had prepared powder and balls, and
+held the Riot Act in readiness to correct their insubordinate notions
+of liberty!"
+
+From the New Haven, Ct., Herald.
+
+    _"Barbados, Aug. 2, 1838_
+
+    Yesterday's sun rose upon eight hundred thousand freemen, on whom
+    and their ancestors the badge of slavery had rested for two hundred
+    years. It was a solemn, delightful, most memorable day. I look upon
+    it as a matter of exceeding thankfulness, that I have been permitted
+    to be a witness to it, and to be able to speak from experience and
+    from observation, of the happiness to which that day has given
+    birth. The day had previously been set apart by proclamation of the
+    Governor, "as a day of devout thanksgiving and praise to Almighty
+    God for the happy termination of slavery." The thanksgiving and
+    praise were most truly sincere, heartfelt and general. It was an
+    emancipation not merely of the slave but of the proprietor. It was
+    felt as such; openly acknowledged and rejoiced in as such. Never
+    have I witnessed more apparently unfeigned expressions of
+    satisfaction than were made on that day by the former owners of
+    slaves, at the load of which they had been relieved.
+
+    I do not wish to be understood as asserting that previous to the
+    working of emancipation, the slave proprietors wished the abolition
+    of slavery. Far from it. But having, though unwillingly, been made
+    witnesses of the operations of freedom; and having themselves tasted
+    of the previously unknown satisfaction of employing voluntary and
+    contented, because _free_ laborers; their minds became enlightened,
+    softened, changed: and from being the determined opposers, they
+    became themselves the _authors_ of complete emancipation. I know not
+    in what terms to describe to you the emotions excited by passing
+    through the streets of this populous town on that memorable morning.
+    There was a stillness and solemnity that might be felt. It was
+    caused by no display of force, for none was to be seen. Here and
+    there a policeman going his usual rounds, but not a soldier, nor the
+    slightest warlike preparation of any kind to strike the eye, or
+    overawe the spirit of disorder.
+
+    The spirit that seemed to fill the entire population was eminently
+    the spirit of peace, good will, thankfulness and joy too deep, too
+    solemn, to allow of any loud or noisy demonstration of it. Of
+    course, all stores, shops and offices of every kind were closed. So
+    also were all places of amusement. No sound of revelry, no evidences
+    of nightly excess were to be heard or seen. I do not say too much
+    when I assert that the reign of order, peace, and sobriety,
+    was complete.
+
+    To give eclat to an event of such importance, the Governor had
+    ordered one company of militia to attend with him at the cathedral.
+    It is an immense building, and was crowded in every part of its
+    spacious area, galleries and aisles, with a most attentive
+    assemblage of people, of all colors and conditions. Several
+    clergymen officiated, and one of them at the opening of the services
+    read most appropriately the 58th chapter of Isaiah. Imagine for a
+    moment the effect in such an audience, on such an occasion, where
+    were many hundreds of emancipated slaves, of words like these:--"Is
+    not this the fast that I have chosen, to loose the bonds of
+    wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go
+    free, and that ye break every yoke?" The sermon by the Bishop was,
+    as might have been expected on such an occasion, interesting and
+    impressive. He spoke with great effect of the unexpected progress of
+    freedom, from island to island, from colony to colony, until, with a
+    solitary exception, upon that day the stain of slavery was
+    obliterated forever from every British possession. The progress of
+    education, the gradual reformation of morals, and the increasing
+    thirst for religious instruction, were all dwelt upon with great
+    force, and the glory of all ascribed, as was most fit, to the Great
+    Giver of every good and perfect gift. It was an occasion rich with
+    happy emotions, and long to be remembered as a bright and beautiful
+    spot in the pathway of our earthly pilgrimage.
+
+    The close of the day was not less auspicious than its commencement.
+    In company with Mrs. H., I drove through several of the principal
+    streets, and thence through the most public thoroughfare into the
+    country; and no where could aught be seen to mar the decent and
+    truly impressive solemnity of the day. There were no dances, no
+    merry-making of any sort; not a solitary drunkard, not a gun fired,
+    nor even was a shout heard to welcome in the newborn liberty. The
+    only groups we saw were going to or returning from the different
+    chapels and churches: except in a few instances, where families
+    might be seen reading or singing hymns at their own dwellings.
+
+    And now, sir, having arrived at the long looked for consummation of
+    all the labors and prayers of the friends of the slave for so many
+    years, as I cast my eye around this _land of liberty_, how many
+    thoughts crowd my mind? I ask myself--is it indeed finished? And are
+    there none to lament the downfall of time-honored, hoary-headed
+    slavery? Where are the mourners? Where are the prognosticators of
+    ruin, desolation, and woe? Where are the riots and disorders, the
+    bloodshed and the burnings? The prophets and their prophecies are
+    alike empty, vain, and unfounded, and are alike buried in oblivion.
+
+    And why, in the name of humanity, was not this glorious consummation
+    brought about ages ago?--Is it because the slaves of 1838 are better
+    fitted for freedom than those of fifty or a hundred years since? No
+    one believes it. The only preparation for freedom required in this
+    island, or any where else, in order to put a peaceful end to
+    slavery, is the preparation of heart in the slaveholder to grant
+    deliverance to the captive.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+    WM. R. HAYES
+
+    P.S. August 9th.--All is quiet, and the utmost good order every
+    where prevails."
+
+To complete the picture we will give two extracts of letters from
+eminent Jamaica Attornies to their employers in England, with regard to
+the turning out to work. It is remarked by the English papers that the
+Attornies generally in writing to their employers adopt the same strain.
+They are all doing well on _their_ estates, but hear that the rest of
+the island is in a woful condition.--These are the men who are the
+greatest, if not the only, losers by emancipation; hence their testimony
+is doubly valuable.
+
+From the British Emancipator, Nov. 14.
+
+LETTERS FROM ATTORNIES.
+
+_Extract of a Letter from an eminent Estate Attorney, in St. Mary's,
+Jamaica, dated August_ 24, 1838.
+
+    "There was nothing whatever done in this parish, or throughout the
+    island, for the first two weeks of the month. In this quarter some
+    estates did a little last week, and have been making more progress
+    since, but the far greater number have not yet done any work; the
+    minds of the people are very unsettled, and full of all sorts of
+    foolish notions, which will continue more or less till we hear of
+    the home government having accepted and approved of our abolition
+    bill, and their views with regard to us.
+
+    On several of the estates which have wrought, the people have struck
+    once or twice. We have in this parish ministers of every
+    denomination, and they are all acting very properly; but they do not
+    seem to have as much influence as expected; we must _be as
+    considerate and liberal as possible to secure their confidence_
+    ourselves. We are in St. Mary's paying the highest rate of wages in
+    the island; 1s. 8d. currency per day nett, with allowances, are
+    generally offered; I am giving here, from sheer necessity, 2s. 6d.
+    currency per day, without charging any rent in the mean time. In the
+    present state of things when so few estates are doing anything at
+    all, I have much satisfaction in saying that the people here, on
+    ----, a good proportion of them were at work last week, and I have
+    now the mill about making sugar, with every probability, I think of
+    going on satisfactorily; and looking dispassionately at the great
+    change which has so suddenly taken place, our present difficulties
+    are not much to be wondered at.
+
+    Sunday night, 8th Sept.--The foregoing was written, but too late,
+    for the last packet; but as another sails to-morrow, I write you a
+    few lines more. There is, up to this moment, but little material
+    alteration in the state of affairs generally, certainly none for the
+    worse. I have made here twenty hogsheads of sugar since the 1st ult.
+    We are altogether in an uncertain state, but there are more mills
+    about, and more work doing _in this district than in any other in
+    the island_, which might and ought to be a feather in the cap of
+    Maitter, our late stipe. I have no time to say more now, excepting
+    that, although I am in great hopes that things will soon generally
+    improve, and am of opinion that our present difficulties are not to
+    be wondered at, yet our situation is still so critical, that I dare
+    not venture to hazard an opinion as to the success of the great
+    experiment, I repeat, however, again, that we have not seen anything
+    to disappoint or surprise us, bad as many things are."
+
+_Extract of a Letter from an Attorney in St. Mary's, Jamaica, 24th
+August_, 1838
+
+"The services of the stipes are much wanting here; I am paying 10s. a
+week for first class, 6s. 8d. for second, and 4s. 2d. for third, for
+five days work; they say they will not work on Fridays. However, I have
+got people at ---- to work today; they are behaving better than most
+others. I hope things will now improve; and it is my opinion that good
+estates will do, and others will fall to the ground. Old Mr. Tytte is
+dead, and his son Alexander made stipe for the district. The Governor's
+speech respecting women has done a great deal of harm. None of the women
+want to work. If Lord Glenelg had made such a mistake, he would have
+heard enough of it. I wish the Government would take it on themselves to
+settle the rate of wages, otherwise two-thirds of the estates will be
+thrown up before next year; of course I can stand this as well as any.
+The ---- people have behaved well: they did every thing I told them;
+they are working on piece-work, which is the best plan."
+
+Precisely similar is the testimony of private correspondents and of the
+public press so far as we have been able to learn, in all the other
+colonies where emancipation has taken place. There is certainly nothing
+in all this that indicates a disposition on the part of the emancipated
+to throw off the employment of their former masters, but much the
+reverse. We may safely challenge contradiction to the assertion, that at
+the expiration of the jubilee there were not a set of free laborers on
+earth from whom the West India planters could have got more work for the
+same money. It may be proper in these days, when the maxims of slavery
+have so fearfully overshadowed the rights of man, to say that a man has
+a _right_ to forbear laboring when he can live honestly without it--or,
+at all events, he has a right to choose whether he will employ himself
+or be employed by another. Hence it _may_ turn out that the refusal to
+labor, so far as there has been any, only serves to prove the more
+clearly the fitness of the laborers of freedom.
+
+WAGES
+
+It must have been obvious to every man of reflection that in a change so
+vast, involving so many laborers, and in circumstances so various, there
+would arise almost infinite disputes about the rate of wages. The
+colonies differ widely as to the real value of labor. Some have a rich,
+unexhausted, and, perhaps, inexhaustible soil, and a scanty supply of
+laborers. Others are more populous and less fertile. The former would of
+course offer higher wages than the latter, for so sudden was the step
+there could be no common understanding on the point. Again, as we have
+seen, the planters came into the measure with different views. Some
+anticipated the general change, and either from motives of humanity or
+policy, or more probably of both, adopted a course calculated to gain
+the gratitude and good will of the laborer.--These would offer wages
+which the less liberal would call ruinous. Many, and it would seem the
+great body of them in Jamaica, yielded unwillingly to superior power.
+They saw the sceptre of despotic authority was to be wrested from their
+grasp. They threw it down, as one may easily believe, resolved to seize
+the best substitute they could. They would infallibly fall upon the plan
+of getting the greatest possible amount of work for the least possible
+amount of pay. When we consider that even in the oldest, most civilized,
+and most Christianized free-labor communities, employers are wont to
+combine to keep down the rate of wages, while on the other hand the
+laborers throw up work to raise it, we shall not be surprised that there
+should be things of this sort in Jamaica, liberty being in the gristle.
+The only help for such an evil is, that there is always a rate of wages
+which is advantageous to both parties, and things being left to
+themselves, it will at last be found.
+
+To the planters and freed-men in settling the question what wages they
+should offer and receive, two standards or guides presented
+themselves,--1. The rate of wages which had been given in Antigua since
+1834. 2. The compensation that had been demanded by the Jamaica planters
+themselves, and adjudged by the magistrates, in case of apprentices
+buying their own time. Hundreds of planters had declared upon oath what
+the time of the apprentice was worth to them. Possibly as sellers, in
+the elasticity of their consciences, they may have set a higher price
+than they would be willing to give as buyers. In strict honesty,
+however, it is difficult to see why labor should not be worth to them as
+much in the one case as the other. The rate of wages fixed upon in
+Antigua may be seen by a reference to the Journal of Thome and Kimball
+to be very inadequate to the wants of the laborer. Free labor is there
+screwed down to the lowest possible point. The wonder is that the
+laborers should have submitted to such a scale for a moment. But they
+had no precedent to guide them, no advisers free from the yoke of the
+proprietary, no valuations given by their own masters, and there was
+every facility for successful combination on the part of the masters.
+They must work for such wages as the masters pleased to offer,
+or starve.
+
+Say Messrs. Thome and Kimball--"_By a general understanding among the
+planters_, the rate is at present fixed at a _shilling_ per day, or a
+little more than fifty cents per week, counting five working days." This
+Antigua scale, and not the one they themselves had sold labor by during
+the apprenticeship, became at once the favorite with a great part of the
+Jamaica and Barbados planters. If they in any cases offered higher
+wages, they made it up by charging higher rent for the houses and
+grounds, which the negroes had built and brought under culture on their
+properties. It was before the first of August that this procedure was
+resolved upon by the planters, as we gather from numerous communications
+in the papers recommending a variety of modes of getting labor for less
+than its natural market value. We select a single one of these as a
+specimen, by the application to which of a little arithmetic, it will be
+perceived that the employer would _bring the laborer in debt_ to him at
+the end of the year, though not a moment should be lost by sickness or
+other casualty. The humanity of the document is perfectly of a piece
+with that of the system which would civilize mankind by making
+merchandize of them.
+
+To the Editor of the Morning journal.
+
+SIR,--Let meetings be held, not only in every parish, but in every
+district of a parish, and let all land-owners, &c., agree not to rent
+land under L8[A] per acre, and not to sell it for less than double that
+sum. Should a few be found regardless of the _general weal_, let the
+proprietary, &c. join and purchase such lands, and if otherwise, it is
+presumed the dissentients to the measure would be so small as not to
+affect in any material degree the _general_ interest, inasmuch as those
+who dissented, from the consequent scarcity of land arising from the
+measure, would demand a high rental for their land. The _maximum_ system
+appears to be preferable to the _minimum_. I have therefore made choice
+of it as a stimulus to the laborers to work _at least_ four days or
+thirty-six hours in the week to pay for their rent, &c. &c., _or pay 2s.
+1d. for every day's absence_; or, if sick, pay up the labor by working
+on the Friday, &c., _and Saturday, if needful_. Weekly settlements with
+both parties, or _immediate summary ejectment_, if deemed necessary.
+
+[Footnote A: The sums are in the currency of the islands when not
+otherwise specified, that is 7s 6d to the dollar.]
+
+                                                L   s.  d.
+Rent of 2 acres of land as a ground for
+    each able adult, at L5 per acre            10   0   0
+Do. of house and garden, from L4 to
+    L10 per annum, say                          6   0   0
+_Medical attendance, medicine, &c. &c.,
+    worth L4 per annum_                         4   0   0
+Clothing and Christmas allowance per
+    annum                                       1  13   4
+                                               ----------
+                                               21  13   4
+                                               ----------
+
+Four days' or 36 hours' labor in each
+    week, at 2s. 1d. per day, or 208
+    days, at 2s. 1d.                           21  13   4
+If task-work were adopted, or the day's
+    labor prolonged to 10-1/2 or 12 hours'
+    labor, 3 days' or 3-1/2 days' labor
+    _would suffice_, consequently, the
+    laborer would have 2 or 3 days
+    in each week to work for extra
+    wages.
+In addition to the above, say pasturage
+    for a horse, at 4s. 2d. per week per
+    annum                                      10  16   8
+Pasturage for an ass, at 2s. 1d. per week
+    per annum                                   5   6   4
+_Run of pasturage and fruit, for a sow,
+    barrow, or sholt_; IF RUNG IN THE
+    NOSE, 10_d. per week_; IF NOT RUNG,
+    1_s._ 8_d. per week; per annum, at
+    10d. per week_                              2   3   4
+
+The above charges for pasturage might be paid for either _by additional
+labor_ or in money, and to a good head-man they might be granted as a
+gratuity, and perhaps an additional acre of land allowed him to
+cultivate. It would be desirable that the negroes should, when quite
+free, work 11 hours per day in the short days, and 12 hours in the
+longer ones. I believe the shortest day's labor in England in the winter
+months in 10 hours' actual labor, and 12 hours' in the summer, for which
+2 hours they are paid extra wages.
+
+_St. Mary's, 8th June, 1838_. S.R.
+
+The date should not escape notice. By this plan, for a few petty
+indulgences, _all of which were professedly granted in the time of
+slavery itself_, the master could get the entire labor of the negro, and
+_seven or eight pounds per annum besides_! Some may be disposed to
+regard this as a mere joke, but we can assure them it was a serious
+proposal, and not more monstrous than many things that the planters are
+now attempting to put in practice. The idea of actually paying money
+wages was horrifying and intolerable to many of the planters; they seem
+to have exercised their utmost ingenuity to provide against so dreadful
+a result. One who signed himself an "Old Planter" in the _Despatch_,
+before the abolition of the apprenticeship, in view of the emancipation
+of the non-praedials which was to take place on the first of August,
+gravely wrote as follows:--
+
+"It is my intention, therefore, when the period arrives for any
+arrangement with them, to offer them in return for such services, _the
+same time as the praedials now have_, with of course the same allowances
+generally, putting out of the question, however, any relaxation from
+labor during the day, usually allowed field laborers, and understood as
+shell-blow--house people being considered at all times capable of
+enjoying that indulgence at their pleasure, besides the impossibility of
+their master submitting to such an inconvenience.--This appears to me to
+be the only mode of arrangement that would be feasible, unless we resort
+to money wages, and I should regret to find that such a precedent was
+established in this instance, for it would only be a forerunner to
+similar demands at the coming period, when the praedials became free."
+
+There were more reasons than one why "money wages" were feared by the
+Jamaica planters. A great many estates are managed by attorneys for
+absentee proprietors. These gentlemen pocket certain commissions, for
+which reason they keep in cultivation estates which cannot possibly
+yield a profit under a system of paid labor. They deem it for their
+interest to retain their occupation even at the expense of their
+employers. Not a few conceive it for their interest to depreciate the
+value of property that they may purchase low, hence they deem it good
+policy to refuse wages, let the crops perish, and get up a panic. The
+documents we shall furnish will be clear on these points. The great
+diversity of practice in the planters in regard to wages, as well as the
+reasonable disposition of the laborers, is shown by the following
+paragraphs culled from the _Morning Journal_ of August 10:--
+
+"ST. DAVIDS.--A gentleman in the management of a property in this parish,
+writes in the following strain to his employer--"I have an accession of
+strength this morning. The people are civil and industrious. I have
+received letters assuring me that the example of the Cocoa Walt estate
+people, has been the means of inducing those on other estates to enter
+into the terms proposed"--that is 5s. per week, with houses, grounds,
+medicines, &c, &c."
+
+"St. Thomas in the East.--The apprentices on Golden Grove Estate, turned
+out to work on Monday, but we have not learnt on what terms. At Mount
+Vernon, the property of Kenneth McPherson Esq., they turned out on
+Tuesday morning to work for five days in the week, at 10d. per day with
+houses, grounds, &c."
+
+"Trelawny--A correspondent writes, every thing is quiet, and the people
+would go to work if any bargains were made, but I believe throughout the
+parish the people were directed to go to work on Monday morning, without
+any previous arrangement, or being even told how much they would be
+paid, or asked what they expected. On one estate 1s. 8d. with houses and
+grounds was offered and refused. Some of the masters are determined, it
+is said, to hold out, and will not consent to give more than 1s. 3d. or
+1s. 8d. per day."
+
+"St. Johns.--The people in this parish are at work on most of the
+estates without any agreement. They refuse the offer of 1s. 01-2d. per
+day, but continue to labor, relying on the honor and liberality of the
+planters for fair and reasonable pay. If they do not get these in two
+weeks, our correspondent writes, there will be a dead stop. The laborers
+fix the quantity of work to be done in a day, agreeable to the scale of
+labor approved of by the Governor during the apprenticeship. For any
+thing beyond that, they demand extra pay, as was usual under
+that system."
+
+"St. Thomas in the Vale--No work, we understand, is being done in this
+parish as yet. A correspondent states that some of the overseers and
+attorneys wish the people to turn out to work without entering into any
+arrangements, which they refuse to do. The attorney for Rose Hall,
+Knollis, New Works, and Wallace Estates has offered 1s. 3d. per day, out
+of which L5 per annum is to be deducted for houses and grounds. The
+offer has been refused. The overseer of Byndloss estate required his
+people to work without agreeing as to the rate of wages they were to
+receive, but they refused to do any thing without a proper agreement."
+
+"St. Mary's--On some estates in this parish we are informed, and
+particularly those under the charge of Richard Lewis, Esq. such as
+Ballard's Valley, Timperon's estates, Ellis' estates, &c. and of Charles
+Stewart, Esq. Trinity, Royal, Roslin Bremer Hall, &c., and also of James
+Geddes, Esq., the laborers are getting from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 4d. per day.
+The same rates are paid upon many outer properties. On many estates the
+people have refused to labor, and urge objections against the managers,
+as a reason for so acting. They remain and will engage to labor,
+provided the obnoxious parties are removed."
+
+How could the people be blamed for refusing 10d. per day, while on "many
+properties" they were getting from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 4d.? Such being also
+the valuation which the masters had uniformly placed upon their time
+during the apprenticeship?
+
+When the planters found that the free laborers could neither be
+prevailed upon to labor for half-price nor be driven to excesses by such
+paltry persecution, they turned their wrath, as had been long their
+custom, upon the Baptist Missionaries. Upon Mr. Knibb especially they
+laid the blame of giving mischievous advice to the peasantry. And for
+the obvious purpose of exciting the thousands of people warmly devoted
+to him, to acts of violence, they attempted to burn him in effigy and
+actually circulated the report that he had been murdered. Thousands of
+his people flocked into Spanish Town, threatening to destroy the town if
+the report proved true. But on learning its falsity were easily
+persuaded to retire, and did so without being guilty of any excess
+whatever. Unmeasured and unceasing have been the attacks of the Jamaica
+press upon the missionaries. Upon their shoulders has been laid "the
+ruin of that fine island."--They have corrupted the peasantry and put it
+in their heads to ask more wages than the estate can possibly give. To
+determine the value of the testimony of the missionaries in this case it
+is important to know the nature of their influence upon the laborers
+touching the question of wages. We are happily furnished with the
+required information from their own lips and pens in the Jamaica papers.
+
+_From the Falmouth Post._
+
+REV. W. KNIBB'S ADVICE TO THE NEGROES.
+
+MEETING AT THE "SUFFIELD SCHOOL-ROOM."
+
+On Friday evening last we attended the suffield School-room, in this
+town, which, at an early hour was crowded with apprentices and head
+people, from upwards of twenty properties, who had met for the purpose
+of receiving advice from the Rev. Wm. Knibb, and Special Justice Lyon,
+respecting the course of conduct it will be necessary for them to adopt,
+on taking their stand in society as freemen. Several gentlemen connected
+with the commercial and agricultural interests of the parish were
+present on the occasion.
+
+The Rev. W. Knibb commenced by saying, that he attended a meeting of a
+similar nature at Wilberforce Chapel, on the preceding evening. He had
+thought it better to request the attendance this evening of the head
+people, who being the more intelligent would be able to explain to
+others, the advice which they would now receive themselves. "I am glad,"
+said the Rev. Gentleman, "to see so many persons present, among whom I
+notice a few gentlemen who are not connected with my church: I am glad
+of the attendance of these gentlemen, for what I do, I do openly, and
+any one is at liberty to express his opinion at this meeting if he
+desires to do so.
+
+You will shortly, my friends, be released from your present state of
+bondage; in the course of a very few weeks you will receive the boon of
+freedom, and I would therefore impress deeply on your minds the
+necessity of your continuing the cultivation of the soil on the receipt
+of fair and equitable wages. I am not aware myself of any complete scale
+of wages having been drawn up, but I have been on 10 or 12 different
+properties, I have conversed with several proprietors, and I am glad to
+say that with some of them there appears to be a disposition to meet the
+charge fairly and honorably. Those who are more conversant with figures
+than I am, will be enabled to show what the owner can afford to give for
+the cultivation of his property. In the mean time I would say to you, do
+not make any hasty bargain: take time and consider the subject, for it
+is one of vital interest and importance to all! If you demand too high a
+rate of wages, the proprietors will be ruined; if you consent to take
+too low a sum, you will not be able to provide for the wants of
+yourselves and families. In making your arrangement, if there be an
+attempt to grind you down, resist the attempt by all legal means; for
+you must consider that you are not acting for yourselves alone, but for
+posterity. I desire to see every vestige of slavery completely rooted
+out. You must work for money; you must pay money to your employers for
+all you receive at their hands: a fair scale of wages must be
+established, and you must be entirely independent of any one. If you
+continue to receive those allowances which have been given during
+slavery and apprenticeship, it will go abroad that you are not able to
+take care of yourselves; that your employers are obliged to provide you
+with these allowances to keep you from starvation; in such a case you
+will be nothing more than slaves.--To be free, you must be independent;
+you must receive money for your work; come to market with money;
+purchase from whom you please, and be accountable to no one but that
+Being above, who I hope will watch over and protect you!--I sincerely
+trust that proper arrangements will be made before the 1st of August.--I
+have spoken to nearly four thousand persons connected with my church,
+and I have not yet learnt that there is any disposition among them to
+leave their present employers, provided they receive equitable wages.
+Your employer will expect from you good crops of sugar and rum; and
+while you labour to give him these, he must pay you such wages as will
+enable you to provide yourselves with wholesome food, good clothing,
+comfortable houses, and every other necessity of life. Your wages must
+be such as to enable you to do this; to contribute to the support of
+your church; the relief of the distressed; the education of your
+children, and to put by something for sickness and old age. I hail the
+coming of the 1st August with feelings of joy and gratitude. Oh, it will
+be a blessed day; a day which gives liberty to all; and my friends, I
+hope that the liberty which it will bring to you will by duly
+appreciated. I trust I may live to see the black man in the full
+enjoyment of every privilege with his white brethren, and that you may
+all so conduct yourselves as to give the lie direct to those who have
+affirmed that the only idea you have of liberty is that it will enable
+you to indulge in idle habits and licentious pursuits. When liberty
+casts her benignant smiles on this beautiful island, I trust that the
+employer and the laborer will endeavour to live on terms of friendship
+and good will with one another.--When the labourer receives a proper
+remuneration for his services--when the employer contemplates the
+luxuriance of his well-cultivated fields, may they both return thanks to
+a merciful God, for permitting the sun of liberty to shine with bright
+effulgence! I need scarcely assure you, my friends, that I will be at
+all times ready to protect your rights. I care not about the abuse with
+which I may probably be assailed; I am ready to meet all the obloquy and
+scorn of those who have been accustomed to place the most unfavourable
+constructions on my actions. I am willing to meet the proprietors in a
+spirit of candour and conciliation. I desire to see you fairly
+compensated for your labor; I desire also to you performing your work
+with cheerful industry: but I would warn you _not to be too hasty in
+entering into contracts_. Think seriously before you act, and remember,
+as I have already old you, that you have now to act not only for
+yourselves, but for posterity."
+
+We give numerous documents from these gentlemen, as among the best if
+not the greatest part of our fellow citizens; we trust their testimony
+will be deemed the best that could be offered.
+
+LETTER OF EIGHT BAPTIST MISSIONARIES.
+
+_To the Right Hon. Lord_ GLENELG, &c.
+
+My Lord--We feel assured that no apology is necessary, in requesting
+your attention to the subject of this letter. The official connection
+which you hold with the colony, together with the peculiar circumstances
+in which its newly-emancipated population are placed, render it an
+imperative duty we owe to ourselves to lay before you our sentiments.
+
+Having labored in the island for many years, and having been in daily
+intercourse with the objects of our solicitude, we do feel devoutly
+thankful to ALMIGHTY GOD, that he has spared us to see the
+disenthralment of our beloved flocks; while it gives us increased
+pleasure to assure your lordship that they received the boon with holy
+joy, and that the hour which made them men beheld them in thousands
+humbly prostrate at the footstool of mercy, imploring the blessing of
+HEAVEN upon themselves and their country, while, during the night and
+joyful day, not a single case of intoxication was seen.
+
+To us, as their pastors, they naturally looked for advice, both as to
+the labor they should perform and the wages they should receive. The
+importance of this subject was deeply felt by us, and we were prepared
+to meet it with a full sense of the responsibility it involved, and
+happily succeeded in inducing them to accept of a sum lower than that
+which the representatives of the landowners had formerly asserted was
+fair and just.
+
+We regret to state, that a deep combination was formed by many of these
+_middlemen_ to grind the peasantry to the dust, and to induce, if
+possible, the acceptance of remuneration which, by affording no
+inducement to the peasant cheerfully to labor, would have entailed
+pauperism on him and his family, and ruin on the absentee proprietor. It
+was to this circumstance, and not in the least to any unwillingness in
+the free negro to work, or to demand more for his labor than it was
+fairly worth, that for one or two weeks, in some places, the cultivation
+of the soil was not resumed. Upon the planting attorneys, so long
+accustomed to tyranny and oppression, and armed with a power over the
+land which must prove inimical to the full development of the resources
+of this valuable colony, the blame entirely rests.
+
+We suppose that your lordship is fully aware, that the laws under which
+the laborer is now placed are tyrannical and unjust in the extreme;
+laws, we hesitate not to affirm, which are a disgrace to those who
+framed them, and which, if acted upon by a local magistracy, will entail
+upon the oft-cheated, over-patient negro some of the worst features of
+that degrading state of vassalage from which he has just escaped. We
+particularly refer to "An Act to enlarge the Powers of Justices in
+determining complaints between Masters and Servants, and between
+Masters, and Apprentices, Artificers, and others," which passed the
+Assembly the 3rd day of July, 1834, while by police acts, especially one
+regulating the town of Falmouth, our people will be daily harassed
+and annoyed.
+
+We think it right to inform your lordship, that the greater part of
+those who hold the commission of magistrates are the very persons who,
+by their connection with the soil, are the most unfit, because the most
+interested, honestly to discharge their important duties; while their
+ignorance of the law is, in too many cases, equalled only by their love
+of tyranny and misrule. Time must work a mighty change in the views of
+numbers who hold this office, ere they believe there is any dereliction
+of duty in daily defrauding the humble African. We cannot but entreat
+your lordship to use those means which are in your power to obtain for
+the laborer, who imploringly looks to the Queen for protection, justice
+at the hands of those by whom the law is administered. We must, indeed,
+be blind to all passing events, did we not see that, without the
+watchful care of the home government, the country district courts, held
+sometimes in the very habitations of those who will have to make the
+complaints, will be dens of injustice and cruelty, and that our hearts
+will again be lacerated by the oppressions under which our beloved
+people will groan.
+
+We beg to apprise your lordship, that we have every reason to believe
+that an early attempt will be made to deprive the peasantry of their
+provision grounds--that they will not be permitted, even to rent them;
+so that, by producing starvation and rendering the population entirely
+dependent upon foreign-supplies for the daily necessaries of life, a
+lower rate of wages may be enforced. Cruel as this may appear to your
+lordship, and unlikely as it may seem, long experience has taught us
+that there is no possible baseness of which a slave-owner will not be
+guilty, and no means of accomplishing his purposes, however fraught with
+ruin to those around him, which he will not employ.
+
+Should the peasantry be thus treated, we shall feel it our duty humbly
+to implore that the lands belonging to the crown may be made available
+for their use. Your lordship will remember that these ill-treated people
+became not the subjects of her Majesty by choice, though they are now
+devotedly attached to her government. Their fathers were stolen and
+brought hither. On their native shores they had lands and possessions
+capable of supplying all their wants. If, then, after having toiled
+without remuneration, they are prevented even renting a portion of land
+which has hitherto been esteemed as their own, we shall ask, and shall
+feel assured that the boon will not be withheld, that her Most Gracious
+Majesty will throw open the lands belonging to the crown, where we may
+retire from the tyranny of man, and with our people find a peaceful and
+quiet home.
+
+Though still surrounded by obloquy and reproach, though the most abusive
+epithets and language disgracefully vulgar has been employed to assail
+us, especially by a newspaper known to be under the patronage of a
+bishop, and in which all official accounts of his diocese are given to
+the world, yet we assure your lordship that, in endeavouring to promote
+the general interests and welfare of this colony, we shall still pursue
+that line of conduct which is the result of our judgment, and in
+accordance with the dictates of our conscience.
+
+In no part of the island are arrangements made so fully or so fairly, as
+in those districts where our congregations reside, and in no part are
+the laborers more faithfully performing their duty. We deeply feel our
+responsibility at the present crisis, and pledging ourselves to your
+lordship and the British Government by the sacred office we hold, we
+assure you that ceaseless efforts shall still be exerted, as they have
+ever been, to promote the peace and happiness of those around us.
+
+In the name and on the behalf of our churches, for the sacred cause of
+freedom throughout the world, we unitedly implore your lordship to throw
+the shield of Britain's protection over those who are just made her
+loyal subjects. All they want, and all they ask, is, that, as they are
+raised to the dignity, so they may receive all the rights of man, and
+that the nation who purchased them from bondage may fully secure to them
+that civil and religious liberty, to which both their unparalleled
+sufferings and their unexampled patience so richly entitle them.
+
+We cannot conclude this letter, without expressing the high sense we
+entertain of the noble and disinterested conduct pursued by his
+excellency Sir Lionel Smith, the Governor of this colony. But for his
+firmness, Jamaica would have presented all the horrors of a civil war.
+
+Feeling assured that your lordship will give that attention to this
+letter which the subject demands, and with earnest prayer that this
+colony, now blest with liberty, may exhibit increasing prosperity, we
+are, my lord, your most obedient servants, Signed by
+
+THOMAS BURCHELL
+WILLIAM KNIBB
+THOMAS ABBOTT
+WALTER DENDY
+JOHN CLARK
+B.B. DEXTER
+SAMUEL OUGHTON
+J. HUTCHINS
+
+Baptist Missionaries, North Side Union.
+
+[On the foregoing letter the _London Sun_ has the following
+observations.]
+
+"Every arrival from the West Indies but strengthens our conviction, that
+there never will be happiness, security, or peace for the emancipated
+negroes, so long as the administration of the laws, and the management
+of the plantations, are continued in the hands of those white officials
+whose occupation, previous to the passing of the emancipation act,
+consisted in torturing and tormenting them with impunity. They cannot
+endure to witness the elevation to the rank of free, intelligent, and
+well-behaved fellow-citizens, of a class of beings whom they were
+accustomed to treat a myriad of times worse than they did the "beasts
+that perish." Having pronounced them incapable of civilization, and
+strangers to all the better feelings of our nature, they deem it a sort
+of duty to themselves to employ every artifice to neutralize or retard
+every measure calculated to ameliorate the moral and social condition of
+the negro race. Several of the colonial agents have powerful inducements
+to the provocation of some insurrectionary outbreak, on the part of the
+colored population. In the first place, such an _emute_ would fulfil
+their predictions with regard to the passing the Emancipation Act, and
+so establish their reputation as seers; and in the next, it would lead
+to the sale of many of the plantations at one-sixth their real value,
+and so transform them from agents to principles, as they would not fail
+to be the purchasers. That such is their policy cannot, we think, be
+doubted for a moment by those who will take the trouble to peruse a
+letter addressed by eight Baptist missionaries, long resident in
+Jamaica, to Lord Glenelg, which will be found in another part of _The
+Sun_. These missionaries, we are assured, are men of irreproachable
+lives, of indefatigable Christian zeal, and of conversation becoming
+persons whose sacred office it is to preach the gospel of peace. That
+their representation will produce a powerful effect upon the minds of
+the people of this country, we feel as confident as we do that our
+gracious Queen will concede any boon in her royal gift, necessary to the
+welfare of her colored subjects."
+
+The following are a series of letters to Mr. Sturge, published in the
+British Emancipator for Nov. 28, 1838. The one from a Special Justice
+clearly developes the principal causes of the backwardness of the
+laborers. The testimony of this letter to some important facts will be
+fully confirmed by that of the Governor of Jamaica. The evidence of
+extortion submitted by the missionaries is so explicit, that we beg the
+attention of the reader to all the details. Remember the experiment
+involves the claims of millions to that without which life is little
+better than a curse. Every thing hangs on the inquiry whether the
+emancipated or their former masters are chargeable with whatever there
+is of _ruin_ in the "fine island" of Jamaica. Says Mr. Sturge, in laying
+these letters before the public, "it should be clearly understood that
+the fee simple of all negro houses in Jamaica is not worth L10 each on
+an average, and that their provision grounds have been brought into
+cultivation by the negroes themselves in their _own_ time."
+
+Extract of a letter from a Missionary:--
+
+Savannah-la-Mar, Sept. 8, 1838.
+
+MY DEAR SIR,--You are probably aware that the following question has
+been submitted by the Governor to the Attorney-General for his opinion:
+
+(copy.)
+
+(No. 844.) King' House, Aug. 27, 1838.
+
+SIR,--I am desired by the Governor to request you will give your opinion
+for general publication. 1st. Whether in instances of notices to quit
+their houses and grounds, having been served upon the late apprentices,
+they are liable to be made to pay rent for the occupation of such house,
+during the three months allowed by law?
+
+(OPINION.)
+
+They are.
+
+(Signed,)
+
+D O'REILL.
+
+We shall soon see the evil effects of this opinion, it being generally
+previously understood that the late apprenticed population would not be
+liable for rent until the three months had expired, after receiving
+notice to quit.
+
+As a specimen of this being made an instrument of great oppression in
+the hands of managers of estates, I would state that two notices were
+yesterday brought to brother Hutchins for his inspection; one was served
+upon David Clarke, a labourer, on King's Valley estate, in this parish.
+On the back of the notice to quit was written as under;--
+
+"The rent of your house and grounds is twenty-one pounds six shillings
+and eight pence, per annum, commencing 1st of August, 1838, if legal."
+
+(Signed) J. H. JONES.
+
+Mr. Sturge appends the following West India accounts, which be says are
+in his possession by which it is evident that the planters are bringing
+their laborers in debt to them, by a spirit of shameless extortion.
+
+Charles Duncan to John Dixon, Dr.
+1838. Sept. 15. To rent of house
+and ground, from 1st of August to
+date, 6s. 8d. per week.                   2  3  9-1/2
+Cr. By balance, five days, 1s.8d. per day 0  8  4
+                                         -------------
+                                          1 15  5-1/2
+Charles Brown, to John Dixon, Dr.
+1838. Sept. 13. To rent of house
+and ground, 6s. 8d. per week,
+from 1st Aug, to date.                    2  1 10
+Charge for running a sow and pigs,
+from 1st Aug. to date, 2s. 6d. per
+week                                      0 15  8-1/2
+                                         -------------
+                                          2 17  6-1/2
+
+John Alfred Bullock to John Dixon, Dr.
+1838. Sept. 15. To rent of house
+and garden, from 1st of Aug.
+to date, 6s. 8d. per week,                2  3  9-1/2
+Rent of provision ground, 5s. per
+week,                                     1 12  6
+Pasturage, two weeks, for an ass,
+6s. 3d, per month,                        0  3  4
+Two hogs, 1s. 8d. per week,               1  1 10-3/4
+                                         -------------
+                                          5  1  6-1/4
+Cr. By two days' labour, 1s.
+8d. per day                               0  3  4
+                                         -------------
+                                          4 18  2-1/3
+
+LETTER TO MR. STURGE, FROM A SPECIAL JUSTICE.
+
+_Jamaica, Oct. 12th, 1838._
+
+Freedom has brought with it the blessings we anticipated; and as we
+progress in civilization we shall all be happier. I have ever been
+sanguine as to its beneficial results, and I am not in the least
+disappointed. I cannot find language sufficiently strong to express the
+commendation due to the negroes for their steady and good conduct since
+the 1st of August. Amidst the most trying circumstance, they have
+exhibited the greatest forbearance, and placed their whole reliance on
+the laws for protection. I am satisfied that no other nation of free men
+could conduct themselves so temperately and well, under similar
+circumstances; and in my opinion, they have proved themselves infinitely
+superior to many of those who so lately exercised almost unlimited
+control over them. I declare to you, to see such a mass of persons,
+whose morals have been little regarded by those who held them in
+slavery, and without education, rise all at once, and express and
+conduct themselves so admirably, is wonderful. When seeking redress
+before the magistrates for wrongs committed by there former owners they
+have maintained more coolness and temper than their more fortunate
+brethren, when maters are decided against them. There is a hard struggle
+on the part of the pro-slavery faction to compel the negro to work for
+little or nothing, in order that the attorneys and overseers may keep
+their places as before; and I am informed, by a gentleman whose veracity
+is not to be doubted, and who is himself an attorney, that he can still
+keep his overseer and merchant as in former days, draw his own
+commissions, and send home to his employer a very handsome surplus.
+Under such circumstances, well may the friends of freedom cry shame at
+the opposition which has for so long a time been thrown in the way of
+liberty, by these West Indians of practical knowledge. The facts are,
+that the absent proprietors have been led by the advice they have
+received from their attorneys; and these have had so many ways of making
+more than an honest commission, and have so speedily made their
+fortunes, that as long as they could continue slavery, they have exerted
+every influence. The overseer was paid, housed, fed, and waited upon,
+all at the expense of master and slave, beside; keeping a fine stud of
+horses, and as many brood mares at pasture on the property as would
+enable him to dispose of seven or eight prime mules annually; and so
+long as he drove and tormented the poor negro, and made good crops for
+the attorney's commissions, and supplied his horses with corn, these
+_little perquisites_ were never discovered. Now the proprietor will
+hardly pay for more labor than is absolutely necessary to grow and
+manufacture the produce of his estate; and these gentlemen must
+henceforth look to their own resources, for the payment of servants to
+attend and take care of their own interests and comforts. An overseer's
+situation on an estate making 300 hogsheads, was calculated in slavery
+to be equal to 2000l. a year. Indeed no man in any town could have lived
+in such luxury for that sum. If the proprietor would only come out, and
+live prudently, he would save all this by residing on his property,
+which he could easily manage by employing, for extra wages, his former
+steady head people. _They_, from long residence, know the best manner of
+working the land; and, as to the manufacture of sugar, they are the
+persons who have _all their lives_ been working at it. The most
+important part of an overseer and book-keeper's business was to make use
+of their _eyes_. The negro had to make use of his legs, arms and
+strength; and, in nine cases out of ten, his brains kept the white
+people in their situations, by preventing matters from going wrong.
+
+I perfectly coincide with you, as to the propriety of the negro speedily
+becoming possessed of the elective franchise. In Antigua there is very
+little more land than is in cultivation for the estates, but here it is
+widely different; and they are beginning to settle themselves by
+purchasing small lots very fast. At Sligoville there are nearly fifty
+new freeholders. The negroes are taught to do this by the perpetual
+worry of their employers, threatening to oust them on every trifling
+occasion, and withholding part of their wages on the plea of
+non-performance of work.--The root of all evil is the Assembly and the
+Juries. Nothing requires greater alteration; and I shall never rest,
+until I see the black man stand the same chance at the bar of his
+country as the white man.--The negroes will not work under their former
+hard task-masters. They determinedly resist all solicitations to labor
+with those who treated them ill. They say that the pain is gone, but the
+mark remains, and I respect them for this proud feeling.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I have come under his displeasure for taking the opinion of Middleton
+and McDougal, as to the legality of charging the negro hire for his
+house and grounds, for the three months during which the notices to quit
+are running.--Had we not taken these opinions, what a fearful state
+things might we have been brought to in this country! I am quite
+satisfied that no rent could be recovered until the expiration of the
+three months, from which time it would commence to run, and the
+plaintiff would in law be considered in possession of his lands again,
+which, in slavery, he was compelled to give to his slave for his support
+and maintenance. He must re-enter before he could demand rent, for it is
+impossible for him to prove a contract, or imply one. The negro did not
+willingly come from Africa, and occupy his land; he was torn from his
+native land, and compelled by his owner, under laws that took his life,
+not to quit the land; how therefore can he be considered to have made a
+contract, or consented to one?
+
+FROM THE REV. J. KINGDON
+
+_Manchioneal, Oct. 9, 1838._
+
+In passing through Hector's River great house yard, in my way to my
+preaching spot, I have the most sensible demonstration of the reality of
+the political change happily brought about; for that hot-house, in which
+I have seen one of my own members in irons for having a bad sore leg,
+and in which I have been grossly insulted for daring to go to see my
+poor people--that house is _shut up_! Delightful, I assure you, are my
+feelings, whenever I go by that place, attached to which, too, was the
+old-time prison, a perfect charnel-house.
+
+FROM THE REV. S. OUGHTON.
+
+_Lucea, October 2, 1838._
+
+Unused to acts of justice and humanity, the Planters, in a moment of mad
+excitement passed an act to abolish the accursed system of Slavery. The
+debates on that occasion proved with what an ill grace they performed
+that scanty act of justice, and all experience since that period proves
+how bitterly they repent it. It is true, we are not now, as before,
+distressed by hearing recitals of barbarous corporeal punishments, and
+we are no longer pained by seeing human beings chained to each other by
+the neck; but, although cruelty has, to a certain extent, ceased,
+oppression has become ten thousand times more rampant than ever. Every
+act which ingenuity or malice can invent, is employed to harass the poor
+negroes. Prior to August 1st, the planter studiously avoided every thing
+like an arrangement with the laborer, and when, on the following Monday,
+they turned out to work, the paltry pittance of 12-1/2d. (7-1/2d.
+sterl.) was all that in the majority of cases was offered for the
+services of an able-bodied negro, although 2s. 6d. per day (currency),
+had before been invariably exacted from them, when they were desirous of
+purchasing the remaining term of their apprenticeship. Of course, the
+people refused to receive so paltry a remuneration for their labour, and
+this has laid the foundation for a course of systematic oppression
+scarcely conceivable. Notices to quit were served indiscriminately on
+every one, old and young, sick and healthy. Medical attendance was
+refused, and even a dose of physic from the Estates' hospitals. Cattle
+were turned into the provision-grounds of the negroes, thus destroying
+their only means of support; and assaults of the most wanton and brutal
+description were committed on many of the peasantry. On one estate the
+proprietor and his brother assaulted a young man in the most unprovoked
+manner. One presented a pistol to his breast, and threatened to shoot
+him; while the other levelled a gun at his head for the same purpose.
+They were bound over to take their trial at the Quarter Sessions; but
+what hope is there in such a tribunal as that, composed principally of
+men engaged in the same reckless course, and banded together by mutual
+interests? On another estate (_Content_), the attorney ordered the
+cattle of a poor man (a member of my Chapel) to be taken up and
+impounded. It was done, and the man was obliged to pay 6l. to redeem
+them; when, as soon as he carried them back, they were again taken and
+impounded. The man has been to my house with his case of oppression, on
+my return from Kingston. He states that he exhausted his last farthing
+to redeem the cattle the first time, and was also obliged to borrow of
+his friends; they have now been impounded five weeks, and unless he can
+raise the money to redeem them (upwards of 10l.), they will be sold to
+pay the expenses. Thus is an honest and worthy man, in a few weeks,
+stripped of every thing which, by years of industry and care, he had
+accumulated for the comfort of his old age, or the benefit of his
+family. Yesterday a negro came and informed me that the owner of a
+property had told him last year, that he must cultivate more ground, so
+as to be able to continue possession as a tenant; and now that he has
+done so, another person, saying that he had purchased the property, came
+a few days ago, and told him that in three weeks he would drive him from
+the place. He then ordered a man whom he had with him to climb a
+bread-fruit tree, and pull the fruit, which he forcibly carried away to
+give to his hogs. But I must forbear: were I to state half the cases of
+oppression which have occurred in Hanover since August 1st; I should
+require a volume instead of a sheet. I think, however, I have said
+enough to prove the bitter and rancorous spirit which at present
+animates the planters. Enclosed I send a specimen of another artifice
+adopted to harass and distress the negroes. They have adopted the notion
+(sanctioned by the opinion of the old Planters' Jackall, Batty, and the
+Attorney General), that the people are liable to pay rent for houses and
+grounds during the three months' possession to which the Abolition Act
+entitled them, and notices have been served on the people, demanding the
+most extravagant amounts for the miserable sheds which the people
+inhabited. You will perceive that in once case 21l. 6s. 9d. has been
+demanded. This conscientious demand was made by John Houghton James,
+Executor and Attorney for Sir Simon Clark. Another is from a Mr. Bowen,
+of _Orchard_ Estate; and the third from Mr. Brockett, of _Hopewell_ and
+_Content_ Estates, the property of Mr. Miles, M.P. for Bristol. Let it
+be borne in mind that these shameful and exorbitant demands are not
+made, as in England, on the head of the family only, but on _every
+member who is able to do the least work_, and even little children have
+papers demanding 2s. 4d. per week for ground, although unable to do the
+least thing: one of these I also enclose.
+
+Jamaica, ss. Notice is hereby Given, That the sum of eight shillings and
+four pence, weekly, will be exacted from you and each of you
+respectively, for the houses and grounds at Orchard Estate, in the
+parish of Hanover, from August of the present year, until the expiration
+of the three months' notice, from its period of service to quit; or to
+the period of surrendering to me the peaceable possession of the
+aforesaid house and provision grounds.
+
+J. R. BOWEN.
+
+Dated this 17th day of Sep. 1838.
+
+TO JAMES DARLING and SARAH DARLING, of the parish of HANOVER.
+
+Here then, my dear Sir, you may perceive something of the atrocious
+proceedings in the island of Jamaica. Pray insert these documents in the
+_Emancipator_. Let the Anti-slavery friends know the state of things,
+and urge them to redoubled diligence. The House of Assembly will meet on
+the 30th instant, and then, I fear, dreadful measures will be taken. A
+letter from Mr. Harker, of the Jamaica Royal Gazette, about a fortnight
+since, addressed to Mr. Abbott, shows what absolute and cruel statutes
+they would wish either to act upon, or to make the models of new laws.
+Every act must be watched with the most jealous scrutiny. Experience
+shows that the planters possess an ingenuity truly diabolical, in
+twisting and distorting the laws to suit their own selfish purpose. Our
+hope is in British Christians; and we confidently hope every one of them
+will feel the importance of increased diligence, lest the great, and
+long prayed-for boon of freedom, should become a curse, instead of a
+blessing. The papers will inform you of the odium I have drawn on myself
+in defending the people's rights. That contained in the great mass, only
+provokes a smile. I know that every friend in England will interpret it
+inversely. I did feel Mr. ----'s letter in the Falmouth Post, but he
+knows his error, and is sorry for it. I could have answered it, but did
+not choose to cause a division amongst the few friends of the negro,
+when they had quite enough to do to withstand the attacks of
+their enemies.
+
+FROM THE REV. J. M. PHILIPPO.
+
+_Spanish Town, Oct. 13, 1838._
+
+The following is one of the seven of the same tenor now in my
+possession, which will, in addition to those I forwarded by last mail,
+inform you of the cause of the late disinclination of the people in some
+districts to labour--which, with so much effrontery, has been proclaimed
+through the public Journals here:--
+
+Charles Michael Kelly and Wife, to J.S. Benbow, Dr.
+
+   1830: July 14th to Sept. 9th.
+1. To the rent of house and
+   ground on Castle Kelly
+   plantation, for eight weeks,
+   at 6s. 8d. per week.         3l. 13 4
+2. Richard Kelly and Wife. Same.
+3. Elenor Mercer. Same.
+4. John Ried and Wife. Same.
+5. Mary Ann Christie. Same.
+6. Venus Owen (or such like name). Same.
+
+
+FROM THE REV. J. HUTCHINS.
+
+_Savanna-la-Mar, Sept. 17, 1838._
+
+I now, according to promise in my last, send you a few out of the many
+cases I am almost hourly troubled with. Some of our would-be great men
+are, I am sorry to say, harassing the poor free labourers shamefully;
+and should it prove, as I think in some cases it must, of serious injury
+to the absentee proprietors, I shall publish the cases of grievance
+brought me, together with the names of the estates, owners, attorneys,
+overseers, &c., and leave all parties to form their own opinion on
+the subject.
+
+   Amelia Martin, to Retrieve Estate, Dr.
+      1838: August 29.
+To house and ground, rent at
+  5s. per week, from 1st August
+  to date                   4_l._  0    0
+[A]Alliac Davis, ground
+  rent at
+  10d. per week                    3    0
+[A]William Davis; ditto
+   ditto                    0      3    4
+                            -------------
+                            4_l._  6    4
+                            -------------
+
+Thos. Tats, Esq. is Attorney, and Mr. Comry
+        Overseer,
+
+[Footnote A: Boys from 9 to 11, her sons.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+   Louisa Patter, to Retrieve Estate, Dr.
+      1838: Aug. 28.
+To house and ground from 1st
+  Aug. to date              1_l._  0    0
+
+She states she has been sickly so long, that she has no ground in
+cultivation, and cannot help herself, and has only what yams her
+friends give her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+   Susan James, to Albany Estate, Dr.
+      1838: Aug. 28.
+To house and ground rent at
+  5s. per week, from 1st August,
+  to date                   1l.    0    0
+Thos. Hewett, ground rent   0     13    4
+Elizabeth James, ditto      0     13    4
+Mary Dunn, ditto            0     10    0
+Letitia, ditto[A]           0      6    8
+                            -------------
+                            3l.    3    4
+                            -------------
+
+[Footnote A: These are a mother and four children in
+one house, and with but one ground, they tell
+me.]
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Richard Warren, to Albany Estate, Dr.
+1838: Aug. 28.
+To house and ground rent to
+   date                     1l.    0    0
+   Wife                     0     15    4
+   Child[B]                 0     10    0
+                            -------------
+                            2l.    5    4
+                            -------------
+
+[Footnote B: The child is quite young, and in daily attendance
+at one of my schools.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On this property, under the same managers as Retrieve, the people state
+that they are going on shamefully. "The last Sabbath but one, when we
+were at service, Stephen Campbell, the book-keeper, and Edward Pulsey,
+old-time constable, come round and mark all for we house, and charge for
+ebery one of we family. We don't know what kind of fee dis we hab at
+all; for we attorney, Mr. Tate, neber come on we property, leave all to
+Mr. Comeoy. We peak to him for make bargain, him say him can't make law,
+and him no make bargain till him heare what law come out in packet. Him
+say dem who make bargain are fools; beside him no call up a parcel of
+niggers to hold service wid me; should only get laughed at. So we know
+not what for do. You are for we minister, and for we only friend; and if
+you did not advise we to go on work till things settle down, we no lift
+another hoe. We would left the property." Unless an arrangement is soon
+entered into, I shall advise them to do so.
+
+James Greenheld, to New Galloway Estate, Dr.
+To one week's rent of house, garden, and
+   ground, and to 5 ditto for his wife, Margaret
+   Greenfield, at 5s. per week.           L1 10 0
+
+J.G. states, "I come for massa. When we make bargain with Mr. McNeal, it
+was a maccaroni (1s. 8d.) a day, and for we house and ground. Me is able
+and willing for work, so let my wife stop home; so him charge me de same
+sum for my wife, as for me own house and ground. And den last week me
+sick and get no money, and they charge me over again, (as above) one
+week me sick. Me no able for say what to call dat massa, me sure."
+
+I leave with you to make your own comments, and to do what you please
+with the above. Although my chapel is L700 in debt, and my schools, one
+of 180 and one of 160 scholars, are heavy, very heavy on me, I cannot do
+other than advise my people to save every mite, buy an acre of land, and
+by that means be independent, and job about wherever they may be wanted.
+
+FROM THE REV. T. BURCHELL.
+
+_Montego Bay, October_ 2, 1838.
+
+The reason why I have not written to you so long, is the intensely
+anxious time we have had. I feel, however, that it is high time now to
+address you; for, if our friends in England relax their efforts, my
+conviction is, that freedom will be more in name than in reality, in
+this slave-holding Island. There is nothing to be feared, if the noble
+band of friends who have so long and so successfully struggled, will but
+continue their assistance a short time longer. The planters have made a
+desperate struggle, and so, I have no doubt, will the House of Assembly,
+against the emancipated negroes. My firm conviction has been, and still
+is, that the planters have endeavored, by the offer of the most paltry
+wages, to reduce the condition of the laborer, and make him as badly off
+as he was when an apprentice or a slave, that he may curse the day that
+made him free.
+
+Though unable to conduct the usual services on Sunday the 5th August, at
+the close I addressed the congregation, urging upon them the necessity
+of commencing their work on the following day, whether arrangements were
+made between themselves and their masters or not; as by so doing they
+would put it out of the power of their opponents to say anything evil of
+them. They assembled, and on Monday the 6th thousands turned out to
+work, and continued to labor, unless prevented by the Manager, until
+arrangements were made.
+
+You will remember, that prior to the 1st of August, a white man who
+hired out a gang of apprentices to an estate was paid at the rate of 1s.
+6d. sterling per diem for each able laborer. The apprentice received the
+same when he worked for the estate on his own days, Friday and Saturday;
+and whenever they were valued for the purpose of purchasing the
+remaining time of their apprenticeship, the planter upon oath stated
+that their services were worth at least 1s. 6. per diem to the estate,
+and the apprentice had to redeem himself at that rate.
+
+After the 1st of August, the planters discovered, that, whilst the
+properties would well afford to continue the lavish and extravagant
+expenditure in managing the estates, "it would be certain ruin to the
+properties, if the labourer was paid more than 71/2d. per diem. for the
+1st class of labourers, 6d. the 2nd class, and 41/2d. for the 3rd
+class:" and why? I know not why, unless it was because the long
+oppressed negro was to put the money into his own pocket, and not his
+white oppressors. This seems to have made all the difference. The above
+wages were accordingly offered, and rejected with scorn; the people
+feeling the greatest indignation at the atrocious attempt of their old
+oppressors to grind them down now they are free, and keep them in a
+state of degradation. The greatest confusion and disorder ensued; the
+labourers indignant at the conduct of their masters, and the planters
+enraged against the people, for presuming to think and act for
+themselves. As a matter of course, the fury of the planters was directed
+against half a dozen Baptist missionaries, and as many more friends and
+stipendiary Magistrates; and I can assure you that the Jamaica press
+equalled its most vituperative days, and came forth worthy of itself.
+The Despatch, or the Old Jamaica Courant, so well known in 1832 for
+advocating the burning of chapels, and the hanging of missionaries; was
+quite in the shade. The pious Polypheme, the Bishop's paper, with the
+Jamaica Standard of infamy and falsehood, published in this town, took
+the lead, and a pretty standard it is. Let foreigners judge of Jamaica
+by the Jamaica Standard of August last, and they must suppose it is an
+island of savages, or a little hell. The press teemed with abuse of the
+most savage nature against us, and published the most barefaced lies.
+That, however, you who know the generality of the Jamaica Press, will
+say is nothing new or strange; well, it is not, nor do we regard any
+statements they make; for no one believes what they publish, and it is a
+source of gratification to us that we have never forfeited our character
+or principles in the estimation of the reflecting, the philanthropist,
+or the Christian public, by meriting their approbation.
+
+In the mulct of this seemingly general conspiracy to defraud the laborer
+of his wages by exorbitant rents, &c. Sir Lionel Smith, the Governor,
+proceeds from district to district, giving advice to both of the
+contending parties, and striving to promote a mutual understanding. His
+testimony to the designs of the planters given to their faces, and not
+denied, is very important; we give therefore one of his meetings, as the
+find it reported in the Jamaica papers. Here is a rather familiar
+conversation among some of the chief men of that island--where can we
+expect to find more authoritative testimony?
+
+SIR LIONEL SMITH'S VISIT TO DUNSINANE.
+
+His Excellency, Sir Lionel Smith, visited Dunsinane on Thursday last,
+agreeably to arrangements previously entered into, for the purpose of
+addressing the late apprenticed population in that neighborhood, on the
+propriety of resuming the cultivation of the soil. About two miles from
+Dunsinane, his Excellency was met by a cavalcade composed of the late
+apprentices, who were preceded by Messrs. Bourne, Hamilton, and Kent,
+late Special Justices. On the arrival of his Excellency at Dunsinane, he
+was met by the Hon. Joseph Gordon, Custos, the Lord Bishop attended by
+his Secretary, and the Rev. Alexander Campbell; the Hon. Hector Mitchel,
+Mayor of Kingston, and a large number of highly respectable planters,
+proprietors, and attorneys. His Excellency, on being seated in the
+dwelling, said, that from information which he had received from other
+parishes, and facts gathered from personal observation, he believed that
+the same bone of contention existed there as elsewhere--a source of
+discontent brought about by the planters serving the people with notices
+to quit their houses and grounds. He did not question their right to do
+so, or the legality of such a proceeding, but he questioned the prudence
+of the step. The great change from slavery to unrestricted freedom
+surely deserved some consideration. Things cannot so soon be quiet and
+calm. Depend upon it, nothing will be done by force. Much may be by
+conciliation and prudence. Do away with every emblem of slavery; throw
+off the Kilmarnock cap, and adopt in its stead, like rational men,
+Britannia's cap of liberty. He (Sir Lionel) doubted not the right of the
+planters to rent their houses and grounds; in order to be more certain
+on that head, he had procured the opinion of the Attorney General; but
+the exercise of the right by the planter, and getting the people to
+work, were very different matters. Much difficulty must be felt in
+getting rid of slavery. Even in the little island of Antigua, it had
+taken six months to get matters into a quiet state; but here, in a large
+country like Jamaica, could it be expected to be done in a day, and was
+it because it was not done, that the planters were to be opposed to him?
+You are all in arms against me (said his Excellency,) but all I ask of
+you is to exercise patience, and all will be right. I have done, and am
+doing all in my power for the good of my country. If you have served the
+people with notices to quit, with a view to compel them to work, or
+thinking to force them to work for a certain rate of wages, you have
+done wrong. Coercive measures will never succeed. In Vere, which I
+lately visited, the planters have agreed to give the people 1s. 8d. per
+day, and to let them have their houses and grounds for three months free
+of charge. His Excellency, on seeing some symptoms of disapprobation
+manifested, said, Well, if you cannot afford to pay so much, pay what
+you can afford; but above all, use conciliatory measures, and I have not
+a doubt on my mind but that the people will go to their work. Seeing so
+many planters present, he should be happy if they would come to an
+arrangement among themselves, before he addressed the people outside.
+
+Mr. WELLWOOD HYSLOP remarked, that Vere and other rich sugar parishes
+might be able to pay high rates of wages, because the land yielded
+profitable crops, but in this district it was impossible to follow the
+example of those parishes. He thought that two bits a day might do very
+well, but that was as much as could be afforded.
+
+His EXCELLENCY said that in Manchester, where he believed he had more
+enemies than in any other parish, he had advised them to work by the
+piece, and it had been found to answer well.
+
+Mr. HINTON EAST said that he would submit a measure which he thought
+would be approved of. He proposed that the people should be paid 5s. for
+four days' labor; that if they cleaned more than 130 trees per day,
+either themselves or by bringing out their wives and children, they
+should be paid extra wages in the same proportion.
+
+Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON said that he could not afford to pay the rates named
+by his Excellency. It was entirely out of the question; that a good deal
+depended upon the state the fields are in--that his people, for
+instance, could, with much ease, if they chose, clean 170 trees by
+half-past three o'clock.
+
+Mr. MASON, of St. George's, said he was willing to pay his people 1s.
+8d. per day, if they would but work; but the fact was that they refused
+to do so, on account of the stories that had been told them by Special
+Justice Fishbourne; willingly too would I have given them their houses
+and grounds for three months, free of charge, had they shown a desire to
+labor; but what was the lamentable fact? the people would not work,
+because Mr. Fishbourne had influenced them not to do so, and he (Mr.
+Mason) had been a loser of one thousand pounds in consequence. He had
+been compelled in self-defence to issue summonses against two of his
+people. He had purchased his property--it was his all--he had sacrificed
+twenty of the best years of his life as a planter, he had a wife and
+family to support, and what was the prospect before him and them? He
+admitted having served notices on his people to quit their houses--in
+truth he did not now care whether they were or were not located on the
+property--he was willing to pay fair, nay, high wages, but the demand
+was exorbitant. He had a servant, a trustworthy white man, who laboured
+from day-dawn to sunset for 2s. 1d. per day, and he was quite satisfied.
+All the mischief in his district had been owing to the poisonous stories
+poured into the ears of the people by Special Justice Fishbourne. If he
+were removed, the parish might probably assume a healthy state; if
+allowed to remain, no improvement could possibly take place.
+
+His EXCELLENCY said that the Assembly had passed a law preventing the
+special magistrates from going on the estates; they could not, however,
+prevent the people from going to them, and taking their advice if they
+wished it. He had understood that the people had gone to the special
+magistrates, informing them that the planters demanded 3s. 4d. per week
+rent for the houses and grounds, and that they had been advised, if such
+were the case, that they ought to be paid higher wages. He understood
+that to be a fact.
+
+Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON said that the people would, he had no doubt, have
+worked, but for the pernicious advice of Mr. Fishbourne. He had heard
+that the people had been told that the Governor did not wish them to
+work, and that he would be vexed with them if they did.
+
+Sir LIONEL replied that he was aware that white men were going about the
+country disguised as policemen, pretending to have his (Sir Lionel's)
+authority, telling the people not to work. He knew well their intention
+and design, he understood the trick. You are anxious (said his
+Excellency) to produce a panic, to reduce the value of property, to
+create dismay, in order that you may speculate, by reducing the present
+value of property; but you will be disappointed, notwithstanding a press
+sends forth daily abuse against me, and black-guard and contemptible
+remarks against my acts. I assure you I am up to your tricks.
+
+Mr. ANDREW SIMPSON would be glad if his Excellency would speak
+individually. There was a paper called the West Indian, and another the
+Colonial Freeman. He wished to know whether his Excellency meant either
+of those papers. [Some slight interruption here took place, several
+gentlemen speaking at the same time.]
+
+His EXCELLENCY said he had not come to discuss politics, but to
+endeavour to get the people to work, and it would be well for them to
+turn their attention to that subject.
+
+Mr. SIMPSON said he had a gang who had jobbed by the acre, and had done
+well, but it was unfortunate in other respects to observe the
+disinclination shown by the laborers to work. He wished them to know
+that they must work, and trusted that his Excellency would endeavour to
+force them to labor.
+
+Sir LIONEL--I can't compel them to do as you would wish, nor have I the
+power of forcing them to labor. The people will not suffer themselves to
+be driven by means of the cart-whip. It is the policy of every man to
+make the best bargain he can. I can say nothing to the people about
+houses and grounds, and price of wages. I can only ask them to work.
+
+Mr. WILES said that the planters were anxious to come to amicable
+arrangements with the people, but they were unreasonable in their
+demands. The planters could not consent to be injured--they must profit
+by their properties.
+
+Mr. MASON said, that the only bone of contention was the subject of
+rent. His people were outside waiting to be satisfied on that head. He
+hesitated not to say, that the proprietors were entitled to rent in
+every instance where the laborer was unwilling to labor, and unless that
+subject was at once settled, it would involve both parties in endless
+disagreement. He was not one of those persons alluded to by his
+Excellency, who circulated misrepresentations for private benefit, nor
+was he aware that any one in the parish in which he lived had done so.
+All that he desired was the good of the country, with which his
+interests were identified.
+
+Sir LIONEL--I could not possibly be personal towards any gentleman
+present, for I have not the honour of knowing most of you. My
+observations were not confined to any particular parish, but to the
+Island of Jamaica, in which the occurrences named have taken place.
+
+Dr. RAPKY, of St. George's--If your Excellency will only do away with a
+curtain magistrate, things will go on smoothly in the parish of St.
+George. This gentleman has told the people that they are entitled to the
+lands occupied by them, in consequence of which the parish is now in an
+unsettled state.
+
+Sir LIONEL--Who is the magistrate!
+
+Dr. RAPKY--Mr. Fishbourne.
+
+Sir LIONEL--I am afraid I cannot please you. The question of possession
+of lands and houses has for the present been settled by the opinion of
+the Attorney-General, but it is still an undetermined question at law.
+There are many persons in the island who are of opinion that the
+legislature had not so intended; he (Sir Lionel) was at a loss to know
+what they meant; seeing, however, some members of the assembly present,
+perhaps they would be disposed to give some information.
+
+Mr. S.J. DALLAS said, that it was the intention of the legislature that
+rent should be paid. He thought it fair that 1s. 8d. per day should be
+offered the people to work five days in the week, they returning one
+day's labor for the houses and grounds.
+
+Mr. SPECIAL JUSTICE HAMILTON said that complaints had been made to him,
+that in many instances where the husband and wife lived in the same
+house, rent had been demanded of both. The laborers had, in consequence,
+been thrown into a state of consternation and alarm, which accounted for
+the unsettled state of several properties--a serious bone of contention
+had in consequence been produced. He held a notice in his hand demanding
+of a laborer the enormous sum of 10s. per week for house and ground. He
+had seen other notices in which 6s, 8d. and 5s. had been demanded for
+the same. He did not consider that the parties issuing those notices had
+acted with prudence.
+
+Mr. HYSLOP explained--He admitted the charge, but said that the sum was
+never intended to be exacted.
+
+Sir LIONEL said he was aware of what was going on; he had heard of it.
+"It was a policy which ought no longer to be pursued."
+
+We have given the foregoing documents, full and ungarbled, that our
+readers might fairly judge for themselves. We have not picked here a
+sentence and there a sentence, but let the Governor, the Assembly, the
+Missionaries, and the press tell their whole story. Let them be read,
+compared, and weighed.
+
+We might indefinitely prolong our extracts from the West India papers to
+show, not only in regard to the important island of Jamaica, but
+Barbados and several other colonies, that the former masters are alone
+guilty of the non-working of the emancipated, so far as they refuse to
+work. But we think we have already produced proof enough to establish
+the following points:--
+
+1. That there was a strong predisposition on the part of the Jamaica
+planters to defraud their labourers of their wages. They hoped that by
+yielding, before they were driven quite to the last extremity, by the
+tide of public sentiment in England, they should escape from all
+philanthropic interference and surveillance, and be able to bring the
+faces of their unyoked peasantry to the grindstone of inadequate wages.
+
+2. That the emancipated were not only peaceful in their new freedom, but
+ready to grant an amnesty of all post abuses, and enter cheerfully into
+the employ of their former masters for reasonable wages. That in cases
+where disagreement has arisen as to the rate of daily or weekly wages,
+the labourers have been ready to engage in task work, to be paid by the
+piece, and have laboured so efficiently and profitably--proving a strong
+disposition for industry and the acquisition of property.
+
+3. That in the face of this good disposition of the laborers, the
+planters have, in many cases, refused to give adequate wages.
+
+4. That in still more numerous cases, including many in which the wages
+have been apparently liberal, enormous extortion has been practiced upon
+the laborer, in the form of rent demanded for his hovel and provision
+patch--L20 per annum being demanded for a shanty not worth half that
+money, and rent being frequently demanded from _every member_ of a
+family more than should have been taken from the whole.
+
+5. That the negroes are able to look out for their own interest, and
+have very distinct ideas of their own about the value of money and the
+worth of their labour, as well as the best methods of bringing their
+employers to reasonable terms. On this point we might have made a still
+stronger case by quoting from the Despatch and Standard, which assert
+numerous instances in which the labourers have refused to work for wages
+recommended to them by the Governor, Special Magistrates, or
+Missionaries, though they offered to work for 3s. 4d., 5s., or a dollar
+a day. They are shown to be rare bargain-makers and not easily trapped.
+
+6. That the attorneys and managers have deliberately endeavoured to
+raise a panic, whereby property might be depreciated to their own
+advantage; showing clearly thereby, that they consider Jamaica property,
+even with the laborers, irreclaimably free, a desirable investment.
+
+7. That in spite of all their efforts, the great body of the laborers
+continue industrious, doing more work in the same time than in slavery.
+_The testimony to his very important point, of the Governor and House of
+Assembly, is perfectly conclusive_, as we have already said. A house
+that represents the very men who, in 1832, burnt the missionary chapels,
+and defied the British Parliament with the threat, that in case it
+proceeded to legislate Abolition, Jamaica would attach herself to the
+United States, now HOPES for the agricultural prosperity of the island!
+Indeed no one in Jamaica expresses a doubt on this subject, who does not
+obviously do so _for the sake of buying land to better advantage_! Were
+the colony a shade _worse_ off than before Emancipation, either in fact
+or in the opinion of its landholders, or of any considerable portion of
+persons acquainted with it, the inevitable consequence would be a
+depreciation of _real estate_. But what is the fact? said Rev. John
+Clark, a Jamaica Baptist Missionary, who has visited this country since
+the first of August, in a letter published in the Journal of Commerce:--
+
+"The Island of Jamaica is not in the deplorable state set forth by your
+correspondent.--Land is rising in value so rapidly, that what was
+bought five years ago at 3 dollars per acre, is now selling for 15
+dollars; and this in the interior of the Island, in a parish not
+reckoned the most healthy, and sixteen miles distant from the nearest
+town. Crops are better than in the days of slavery--extra labour is
+easily obtained where kindness and justice are exercised towards the
+people. The hopes of proprietors are great, and larger sums are being
+offered for estates than were offered previous to August, 1834, when
+estates, and negroes upon them, were disposed of together."
+
+Again, as in Jamaica commerce rests wholly upon agriculture, _its_
+institutions can only flourish in a flourishing condition of the
+latter.--What then are we to infer from an imposing prospectus which
+appears in the island papers, commencing thus:--
+
+   "Kingston, October 26, 1838
+
+    Jamaica Marine, Fire, and Life Assurance Company.
+
+    Capital L100,000,
+
+    In 5000 shares of L20 each.
+
+    It has been long a matter of astonishment that, in a community so
+    essentially mercantile as Jamaica, no Company should have been
+    formed for the purpose of effecting Insurance on Life and Property;
+    although it cannot be doubted for an instant, that not only would
+    such an establishment be highly useful to all classes of the
+    community, but that it must yield a handsome return to such persons
+    as may be inclined to invest their money in it," &c.
+
+Farther down in the prospectus we are told--"It may here be stated,
+that the scheme for the formation of this Company has been mentioned to
+some of the principal Merchants and _Gentlemen of the Country_, and has
+met with decidedly favourable notice: and it is expected that the
+shares, a large number of which have been already taken, will be rapidly
+disposed of."
+
+The same paper, the Morning Journal, from which we make this extract,
+informs us: Nov. 2d--
+
+"The shares subscribed for yesterday, in the Marine Fire and Life
+Insurance Company, we understand, amount to the almost unprecedented
+number of One Thousand Six Hundred, with a number of applicants whose
+names have not been added to the list."
+
+The Morning Journal of October 20th in remarking upon this project
+says:--
+
+"Jamaica is now happily a free country; she contains within herself the
+means of becoming prosperous. Let her sons develope those resources
+which Lord Belmore with so much truth declared never would be developed
+_until slavery had ceased_. She has her Banks.--Give her, in addition,
+her Loan Society, her Marine, Fire, and life Assurance Company, and some
+others that will shortly be proposed, and capital will flow in from
+other countries--property will acquire a value in the market, that will
+increase with the increase of wealth, and she will yet be a flourishing
+island, and her inhabitants a happy and contented people."
+
+Now men desperately in debt _might_ invite in foreign capital for
+temporary relief, but, since the _compensation_, this is understood not
+to be the case with the Jamaica planters; and if they are rushing into
+speculation, it must be because they have strong _hope_ of the safety
+and prosperity of their country--in other words, because they confide in
+the system of free labor. This one prospectus, coupled with its prompt
+success, is sufficient to prove the falsehood of all the stories so
+industriously retailed among us from the Standard and the Despatch. But
+speculators and large capitalists are not the only men who confide in
+the success of the "great experiment."
+
+The following editorial notice in the Morning Journal of a recent date
+speaks volumes:--
+
+SAVINGS BANK.
+
+"We were asked not many days ago how the Savings Bank in this City was
+getting on. We answered well, very well indeed. By a notification
+published in our paper of Saturday, it will be seen that L1600 has been
+placed in the hands of the Receiver-General. By the establishment of
+these Banks, a great deal of the money now locked up, and which yields
+no return whatever to the possessors, and is liable to be stolen, will
+be brought into circulation. This circumstance of itself ought to
+operate as a powerful inducement to those parishes in which no Banks are
+yet established to be up and doing. We have got some _five_ or _six_ of
+them fairly underweigh, as Jack would say, and hope the remainder will
+speedily trip their anchors and follow."
+
+We believe banks were not known in the West Indies before the 1st of
+August 1834. Says the Spanishtown Telegraph of May 1st, 1837, "_Banks,
+Steam-Companies, Rail-Roads, Charity Schools_, etc., seem all to have
+remained dormant until the time arrived when Jamaica was to be
+_enveloped in smoke_! No man thought of hazarding his capital in an
+extensive banking establishment until Jamaica's ruin, by the
+introduction of freedom, had been accomplished!" And it was not till
+after the 1st of August, 1838, that Jamaica had either savings banks or
+savings. These institutions for the industrious classes came only with
+their manhood. But why came they at all, if Emancipated industry is, or
+is likely to be, unsuccessful?--In Barbados we notice the same
+forwardness in founding monied institutions. A Bank is there proposed,
+with a capital of L200,000. More than this, the all absorbing subject in
+all the West India papers at the present moment is that of the
+_currency_. Why such anxiety to provide the means of paying for labor
+which is to become valueless? Why such keenness for a good circulating
+medium if they are to have nothing to sell? The complaints about the old
+fashioned coinage we venture to assort have since the first of August
+occupied five times as much space in the colonial papers, we might
+probably say in each and every one of them, as those of the non-working
+of the freemen. The inference is irresistible. _The white colonists take
+it for granted that industry is to thrive_.
+
+It may be proper to remark that the late refusal of the Jamaica
+legislature to fulfil its appropriate functions has no connection with
+the working of freedom, any further than it may have been a struggle to
+get rid in some measure of the surveillance of the mother country in
+order to coerce the labourer so far as possible by vagrant laws, &c. The
+immediate pretext was the passing of a law by the imperial Parliament
+for the regulation of prisons, which the House of Assembly declared a
+violation of that principle of their charter which forbids the
+mother-country to lay a tax on them without their consent, in as much as
+it authorized a crown officer to impose a fine, in a certain case, of
+L20. A large majority considered this an infringement of their
+prerogatives, and among them were some members who have nobly stood up
+for the slave in times of danger. The remarks of Mr. Osborn especially,
+on this subject, (he is the full blooded, slave-born, African man to
+whom we have already referred) are worthy of consideration in several
+points of view. Although he had always been a staunch advocate of the
+home government on the floor of the Assembly are now contended for the
+rights of the Jamaica legislature with arguments which to us republicans
+are certainly quite forcible. In a speech of some length, which appears
+very creditable to him throughout, he said--
+
+"Government could not be acting fair towards them to assume that the
+mass of the people of this island would remain in the state of political
+indifference to which poverty and slavery had reduced them. They were
+now free, every man to rise as rapidly as he could; and the day was not
+very distant when it would be demonstrated by the change of
+representatives that would be seen in that house. It did appear to him,
+that under the pretext of extending the privileges of freemen to the
+mass of the people of this country, the government was about to deprive
+them of those privileges, by curtailing the power of the representative
+Assembly of those very people. He could not bring himself to admit, with
+any regard for truth, that the late apprentices could now be oppressed;
+they were quite alive to their own interests, and were now capable of
+taking care of themselves. So long as labor was marketable, so long they
+could resist oppression, while on the other hand, the proprietor, for
+his own interest's sake, would be compelled to deal fairly with them."
+
+Though it is evidently all important that the same public opinion which
+has wrested the whip from the master should continue to watch his
+proceedings as an employer of freemen, there is much truth in the speech
+of this black representative and alderman of Kingston. The brutalized
+and reckless attorneys and managers, _may_ possibly succeed in driving
+the negroes from the estates by exorbitant rent and low wages. They
+_may_ succeed in their effort to buy in property at half its value. But
+when they have effected that, they will be totally dependent for the
+profits of their ill-gotten gains upon the _free laboring people_. They
+may produce what they call idleness now, and a great deal of vexation
+and suffering. But land is plenty, and the laborers, if thrust from the
+estates, will take it up, and become still more independent. Reasonable
+wages they will be able to command, and for such they are willing to
+labor. The few thousand whites of Jamaica will never be able to
+establish slavery, or any thing like it, over its 300,000 blacks.
+
+Already they are fain to swallow their prejudice against color. Mr.
+Jordon, member for Kingston and "free nigger," was listened to with
+respect. Nay more, his argument was copied into the "Protest" which the
+legislature proudly flung back in the face of Parliament, along with the
+abolition of the apprenticeship, in return for Lord Glenelg's Bill. Let
+all in the United States read and ponder it who assert that "the two
+races cannot live together on term of equality."
+
+Legislative independence of Jamaica has ever been the pride of her
+English conquerors. They have received with joy the colored fellow
+colonists into an equal participation of their valued liberty, and they
+were prepared to rejoice at the extension of the constitution to the
+emancipated blacks. But the British Government, by a great fault, if not
+a crime, has, at the moment when all should have been free, torn from
+the lately ascendant class, the privileges which were their birthright,
+another class, now the equals of the former, the rights they had long
+and fortunately struggled for, and from the emancipated blacks the
+rights which they fondly expected to enjoy with their personal freedom.
+The boon of earlier freedom will not compensate this most numerous part
+of our population for the injustice and wrong done to the whole
+Jamaica people.
+
+The documents already adduced are confined almost exclusively to
+Jamaica. We will refer briefly to one of the other colonies. The next in
+importance is
+
+BARBADOS
+
+Here has been played nearly the same game in regard to wages, and with
+the same results. We are now furnished with advices from the island down
+to the 19th of December 1838. At the latter date the panic making papers
+had tapered down their complainings to a very faint whisper, and withal
+expressing more hope than fears. As the fruit of what they had already
+done we are told by one of them, _the Barbadian_, that the unfavourable
+news carried home by the packets after the emancipation had served to
+raise the price of sugar in England, which object being accomplished, it
+is hoped that they will intermit the manufacture of such news. The first
+and most important document, and indeed of itself sufficient to save the
+trouble of giving more, is the comparison of crime during two and a half
+months of freedom, and the corresponding two and a half months of
+slavery or apprenticeship last year, submitted to the legislature at the
+opening of its session in the latter part of October. Here it is. We
+hope it will be held up before every slave holder.
+
+From the Barbadian of Dec. 1.
+
+Barbados.--Comparative Table, exhibiting the number of Complaints
+preferred against the Apprentice population of this Colony, in the
+months of August, September and to the 15th of October, 1838; together
+with the Complaints charged against Free Labourers of the same Colony,
+during the months of August, September and to the 15th of October, 1838.
+The former compiled from the Monthly Journals of the Special Justice of
+the Peace and the latter from the Returns of the Local Magistracy
+transmitted to his excellency the Governor
+
+    APPRENTICESHIP.
+
+    Total of Complaints vs. Apprentices from the
+    1st to 31st August 1837.                  1708
+    Ditto from the 1st to 30th September      1464
+    Ditto from the 1st to 15th October         574
+
+    Grand Total                               3746
+
+    Total number of Apprentices punished from the
+    1st to 31st August                        1608
+    Ditto from 1st to 31st September          1321
+    Ditto from the 1st to 15th October         561
+
+    Grand Total                               3490
+
+    Total compromised, admonished and dismissed
+    from 1st to 31st August                    105
+    Ditto from the 1st to 30th September       113
+    Ditto from 1st to 15th October              38
+
+    Total                                      256
+
+    Deficiency in compromised cases in 1837 comparatively
+    with those of 1838                         158
+
+    Grand Total                                414
+
+    FREEDOM.
+
+    Total of Complaints vs. Labourers from the
+    1st to the 31st August 1838                582
+    Ditto from the 1st to the 30th September   386
+    Ditto from the 1st to the 15th October     103
+
+    Total                                     1071
+
+    Comparative Surplus of Complaints in 1838 2675
+
+    Grand Total                               3746
+
+    Total of Laborers punished from the 1st to
+    the 31st August, 1838,                     334
+    Ditto from the 1st to 30th September       270
+    Ditto from the 1st to 15th October          53
+
+    Total                                      657
+
+    Comparative surplus of punishment in 1837 2833
+
+    Grand total                               3490
+
+    Total compromised, admonished and dismissed
+    from the 1st to the 31st August            248
+    Ditto from the 1st to 30th September       116
+    Ditto from the 1st to 15th October          50
+
+    Grand Total                                414
+
+
+    NOTE.
+
+    It may be proper to remark that the accompanying General Abstract
+    for August, September, and to the 15th October, 1837, does not
+    include complaints preferred and heard before the Local Magistrates
+    during those months for such offences--viz. for misdemeanors, petty
+    debts, assaults and petty thefts--as were not cognizable by the
+    Special Justices; so that estimating these offences--the number of
+    which does not appear in the Abstract for 1837--at a similar number
+    as that enumerated in the Abstract for 1838, the actual relative
+    difference of punishments between the two and a half months in 1837
+    and these in 1838, would thus appear:
+
+
+    Surplus of Apprentices punished in 1837, as
+    above                                          2833
+
+    Offences in August, September, and to the
+    15th, October, 1837 heard before the General
+    Justices of the Peace, and estimated as follows:
+
+    Petty thefts                                75
+    Assaults                                   143
+    Misdemeanors                                98
+    Petty Debts                                 19--835
+
+    Actual surplus of punishment in 1837,     3168
+
+
+From the Journal of Commerce.
+
+_Letter from W.R. Hays, Esq. Barbados, W.I. to Rev. H.G. Ludlow, of New
+Haven_.
+
+    BARBADOS, Dec. 26, 1838.
+
+    I gave you in my last, some account of the manner in which the first
+    day of emancipation came and went in this island. We very soon
+    afterwards received similar accounts from all the neighboring
+    islands. In all of them the day was celebrated as an occasion "of
+    devout thanksgiving and praise to God, for the happy termination of
+    slavery." In all of them, the change took place in a manner highly
+    creditable to the emancipated, and intensely gratifying to the
+    friends of liberty. The quiet, good order, and solemnity of the day,
+    were every where remarkable. Indeed, is it not a fact worth
+    remembering, that whereas in former years, a single day's relaxation
+    from labor was met by the slaves with shouting and revelry, and
+    merry-making, yet now, when the last link of slavery was broken
+    forever, sobriety and decorum were especially the order of the day.
+    The perfect order and subordination to the laws, which marked the
+    first day of August, are yet unbroken. We have now nearly five
+    months' experience of entire emancipation; and I venture to say,
+    that a period of more profound peace never existed in the West
+    Indies. There have been disputes about wages, as in New England and
+    in other free countries; but no concert, no combination even, here;
+    and the only attempt at a combination was among the planters, to
+    keep down wages--and that but for a short time only. I will not
+    enter particularly into the questions, whether or not the people
+    will continue to work for wages, whether they will remain quiet,--or
+    on the other hand, whether the Island will be suffered to become
+    desolate, and the freed slaves relapse into barbarism, &c. These
+    things have been speculated about, and gloomy predictions have had
+    their day; the time has now come for the proof. People do not buy
+    land and houses, and rent property for long terms of years, in
+    countries where life is insecure, or where labor cannot be had, and
+    the tendency of things is to ruin and decay. In short, men, in their
+    senses, do not embark on board a sinking ship. Confidence is the
+    very soul of prosperity; of the existence of this confidence in this
+    Island, the immense operations in real estate, since the first of
+    August, are abundant proof. There are multitudes of instances in
+    which estates have sold for $20,000 _more_ than was asked for them
+    six months ago; and yet at the time they were considered very
+    high. A proprietor who was persuaded a few weeks since to part with
+    his estate for a very large sum of money, went and bought _it back
+    again_ at an _advance_ of $9600. A great many long leases of
+    property have been entered into. An estate called "Edgecombe,"
+    mentioned by Thome and Kimball, has been rented for 21 years at
+    $7500 per annum. Another called the "hope" has been rented for 10
+    years at L2000 sterling, equal to $9600 per annum. Another, after
+    being rented at a high price, was relet, by the lessee, who became
+    entirely absolved from the contract, and took $16,000 for his
+    bargain. If required, I could give you a host of similar cases, with
+    the names of the parties. But it seems unnecessary. The mere impulse
+    given to the value of property in this island by emancipation, is a
+    thing as notorious _here_, as the _fact_ of emancipation.
+
+    But, are not crimes more frequent than before? I have now before me
+    a Barbados newspaper, printed two weeks since, in which the fact is
+    stated, that in _all_ the county prisons, among a population of
+    80,000, only _two_ prisoners were confined for any cause whatever!
+
+    "But," says a believer in the necessity of Colonization, "how will
+    you _get rid_ of the negroes?" I answer by adverting to the
+    spectacle which is now witnessed in _all_ the Islands of the former
+    proprietors of slaves, now _employers_ of _free_ laborers, using
+    every endeavor to _prevent_ emigration. Trinidad, Demerara, and
+    Berbice, _want_ laborers. The former has passed a law to pay the
+    passage money of any laborer who comes to the Island, leaving him
+    free to choose him employment. Demerara and Berbize have sent
+    Emigration agents to this and other islands, to induce the laborers
+    to join those colonies, offering high wages, good treatment, &c. On
+    the other hand, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent, and all the old and
+    populous islands, individually and collectively, by legislative
+    resolves, legal enactments, &c. &c.--loudly protest that they have
+    _not a man to spare_! What is still better, the old island
+    proprietors are on every hand building new houses for the peasantry,
+    and with great forethought adding to their comfort; knowing that
+    they will thereby secure their contentment on their native soil. As
+    a pleasing instance of the good understanding which now exists
+    between proprietors and laborers, I will mention, that great numbers
+    of the former were in town on the 24th, buying up pork, hams, rice,
+    &c. as presents for their people on the ensuing Christmas; a day
+    which has this year passed by amid scenes of quiet Sabbath
+    devotions, a striking contrast to the tumult and drunkenness of
+    former times. I cannot close this subject, without beating my
+    testimony to the correctness of the statements made by our
+    countrymen, Thome and Kimball. They were highly esteemed here by all
+    classes, and had free access to every source of valuable
+    information. If they have not done justice to the subject of their
+    book, it is because the manifold blessings of a deliverance from
+    slavery are beyond the powers of language to represent. When I
+    attempt, as I have done in this letter, to enumerate a few of the, I
+    know not where to begin, or where to end. One must _see_, in order
+    to know and feel how unspeakable a boon these islands have
+    received,--a boon, which is by no means confined to the emancipated
+    slaves; but, like the dew and rains of heaven, it fell upon all the
+    inhabitants of the land, bond and free, rich and poor, together.
+
+    It is a common thing here, when you hear one speak of the benefits
+    of emancipation--the remark--that it ought to have taken place long
+    ago. Some say fifty years ago, some twenty, and some, that at any
+    rate it ought to have taken place all at once, without any
+    apprenticeship. The noon-day sun is not clearer than the fact, that
+    no preparation was required on the part of the slaves. It was the
+    dictate of an accusing conscience, that foretold of bloodshed, and
+    burning, and devastation. Can it be supposed to be an accidental
+    circumstance, that peace and good-will have _uniformly_, in _all_
+    the colonies, followed the steps of emancipation. Is it not rather
+    the broad seal of attestation to that heaven born principle, "It is
+    safe to do right." Dear brother, if you or any other friend to down
+    trodden humanity, have any lingering fear that the blaze of light
+    which is now going forth from the islands will ever be quenched,
+    even for a moment, dismiss that fear. The light, instead of growing
+    dim, will continue to brighten. Your prayers for the safe and happy
+    introduction of freedom, upon a soil long trodden by the foot of
+    slavery, may be turned into praises--for the event has come to pass.
+    When shall we be able to rejoice in such a consummation in our
+    beloved America? How I long to see a deputation of slaveholders
+    making the tour of these islands. It would only be necessary for
+    them to use their eyes and ears. Argument would be quite out of
+    place. Even an appeal to principle--to compassion--to the fear of
+    God--would not be needed. Self-interest alone would decide them in
+    favor of immediate emancipation.
+
+    Ever yours,
+
+    W.R. HAYES.
+
+DEMERARA.
+
+SPEECH OF THE GOVERNOR, ON OPENING THE SESSION OF THE COURT OF POLICY,
+SEPT. 17, 1838.
+
+From the Guiana Royal Gazette.
+
+    "I should fail in my duty to the public, and perhaps no respond to
+    the expectations of yourselves, Gentlemen of the Colonial Section of
+    this Honorable Court, did I not say a few words on the state of the
+    Colony, at this our first meeting after the memorable first
+    of August.
+
+    We are now approaching the close of the second month since that
+    date--a sufficient time to enable us to judge of the good
+    disposition of the new race of Freemen, but not perhaps of the
+    prosperity of the Colony. It is a proud thing for the
+    Colonist--Proprietors and Employers--that nothing has occurred to
+    indicate a want of good feeling in the great body of the laborers.
+    It is creditable to them, satisfactory to their employers, and
+    confounding to those who anticipated a contrary state of affairs.
+
+    That partial changes of location should have taken place, cannot
+    surprise any reasonable mind--that men who have all their lives been
+    subject to compulsory labor should, on having this labor left to
+    their discretion, be disposed at first to relax, and, in some
+    instances, totally abstain from it, was equally to be expected. But
+    we have no reason to despond, nor to imagine that, because such has
+    occurred in some districts, it will continue.
+
+    It is sufficient that the ignorant have been undeceived in their
+    exaggerated notions of their rights as Freemen: it was the first
+    step towards resumption of labor in every part of the Colony. The
+    patient forbearance of the Employers has produced great changes. If
+    some Estates have been disappointed in the amount of labor
+    performed, others again, and I have reason to believe a great
+    number, are doing well. It is well known that the Peasantry have not
+    taken to a wandering life: they are not lost to the cultivated parts
+    of the Colony: for the reports hitherto received from the
+    Superintendents of Rivers and Creeks make no mention of an augmented
+    population in the distant parts of their respective districts.
+
+    I hear of few commitments, except in this town, where, of course,
+    many of the idle have flocked from the country. On the East Coast,
+    there has been only one case brought before the High Sheriff's Court
+    since the 1st of August. In the last Circuit, not one!
+
+    With these facts before us, we may, I trust, anticipate the
+    continued prosperity of the Colony; and though it be possible there
+    may be a diminution in the exports of the staple commodities in this
+    and the succeeding quarter, yet we must take into consideration that
+    the season had been unfavorable, in some districts, previous to the
+    1st August, therefore a larger proportion of the crops remained
+    uncut; and we may ask, whether a continuance of compulsory labor
+    would have produced a more favorable result? Our united efforts
+    will, I trust, not be wanting to base individual prosperity on the
+    welfare of all."
+
+The Governor of Demerara is HENRY LIGHT, Esq., a gentlemen who seems
+strongly inclined to court the old slavery party and determined to shew
+his want of affinity to the abolitionists. In another speech delivered
+on a similar occasion, he says:
+
+"Many of the new freemen may still be said to be in their infancy of
+freedom, and like children are wayward. On _many of the estates_ they
+have repaid the kindness and forbearance of their masters; on others
+they have continued to take advantage of (what? the kindness and
+forbearance of their masters? No.) their new condition, are idle or
+irregular in their work. The good sense of the mass gives me reason to
+hope that idleness will be the exception, not the rule."
+
+The Barbadian of NOV. 28, remarks, that of six districts in Demerara
+whose condition had been reported, _five_ were working favorably. In the
+sixth the laborers were standing out for higher wages.
+
+TRINIDAD.
+
+In the _Jamaica Morning Journal_ of Oct. 2d and 15th, we find the
+following paragraphs in relation to this colony:
+
+"Trinidad.--The reports from the various districts as to the conduct of
+our laboring population, are as various and opposite, the Standard says,
+to each other as it is possible for them to be. There are many of the
+Estates on which the laborers had at first gone on steadily to work
+which now have scarcely a hand upon them, whilst upon others they muster
+a greater force than they could before command. We hear also that the
+people have already in many instances exhibited that propensity common
+to the habits of common life, which we call squatting, and to which we
+have always looked forward as one of the evils likely to accompany their
+emancipation, and calling for the earliest and most serious attention of
+our Legislature. We must confess, however, that it is a subject not easy
+to deal with safely and effectually."
+
+TRINIDAD,--The Standard says: "The state of the cultivation at present
+is said to be as far advanced as could have been anticipated under the
+new circumstances in which the Island stands. The weather throughout the
+month has been more than usually favorable to weeding, whilst there has
+also been sufficient rain to bring out the plants; and many planters
+having, before the 1st of Augus, pushed on their weeding by free labor
+and (paid) extra tasks, the derangement in their customary labor which
+has been experienced since that period, does not leave them much below
+an average progress."
+
+"Of the laborers, although they are far from being settled, we believe
+we may say, that they are not working badly; indeed, compared with those
+of the sister colonies, they are both more industrious and more disposed
+to be on good terms with their late masters. Some few estates continue
+short of their usual compliment of hands; but many of the laborers who
+had left the proprietors, have returned to them, whilst many others have
+changed their locality either to join their relations, or to return to
+their haunts of former days. So far as we can learn, nothing like
+insubordination or combination exists. We are also happy to say, that on
+some estates, the laborers have turned their attention to their
+provision grounds. There is one point, however, which few seem to
+comprehend, which is, that although free, they cannot work one day and
+be idle the next, _ad libitum_."
+
+Later accounts mention that some thousands more of laborers were wanted
+to take off the crop, and that a committee of immigration had been
+appointed to obtain them. [See Amos Townsend's letter on the last page.]
+So it seems the free laborers are so good they want more of them. The
+same is notoriously true of Demerara, and Berbice. Instead of a
+colonization spirit to get rid of the free blacks, the quarrel among the
+colonies is, which shall get the most. It is no wonder that the poor
+negroes in Trinidad should betake themselves to squatting. The island is
+thinly peopled and the administration or justice is horribly corrupt,
+under the governorship and judgeship of Sir George Hill, the well known
+defaulter as Vice Treasurer of Ireland, on whose appointment Mr.
+O'Connell remarked that "delinquents might excuse themselves by
+referring to the case of their judge."
+
+GRENADA.
+
+"GRENADA--The Gazette expresses its gratification at being able to
+record, that the accounts which have been received from several parts of
+the country, are of a satisfactory nature. On many of the properties the
+peasantry have, during the week, evinced a disposition to resume their
+several accustomed avocations, at the rates, and on the terms proposed
+by the directors of the respective estates, to which they were formerly
+belonging; and very little desire to change their residence has been
+manifested. One of our correspondents writes, that 'already, by a
+conciliatory method, and holding out the stimulus of extra pay, in
+proportion to the quantity of work performed beyond that allowed to
+them, he had, 'succeeded in obtaining, for three days, double the former
+average of work, rendered by the labors during the days of slavery; and
+this, too, by four o'clock, at which hour it seems, they are now wishful
+of ceasing to work, and to enable them to do so, they work continuously
+from the time they return from their breakfast.'"
+
+"It is one decided opinion, the paper named says, that in a very short
+time the cultivation of the cane still be generally resumed, and all
+things continue to progress to the mutual satisfaction of both employer
+and laborer. We shall feel indebted to our friends for such information,
+as it may be in their power to afford us on this important subject, as
+it will tend to their advantage equally with that of their laborers,
+from the same being made public. We would wish also that permission be
+given as to mention the names of the properties on which matters have
+assumed a favorable aspect."
+
+_Jamaica Morning Journal of Oct. 2_.
+
+GRENADA.--According to the _Free Press_, it would appear that 'the
+proprietors and managers of several estates in Duquesne Valley, and
+elsewhere, their patience being worn out, and seeing the cultivation of
+their estates going to ruin, determined to put the law into operation,
+by compelling, after allowing twenty-three or twenty-four days of
+idleness, the people either to work or to leave the estates. They
+resisted; the aid of the magistrates and of the constabulary force was
+called in, but without effect, and actual violence was, we learn, used
+towards those who came to enforce the law. Advices were immediately sent
+down to the Executive, despatched by a gentleman of the Troop, who
+reached town about half past five o'clock on Saturday morning last. We
+believe a Privy Council was summoned, and during the day, Capt. Clarke
+of the 1st West-India Regiment, and Government Secretary, Lieut. Mould
+of the Royal Engineers, and Lieut. Costabodie of the 70th, together with
+twenty men of the 70th, and 20 of the 1st West India, embarked, to be
+conveyed by water to the scene of insubordination.'
+
+"'We have not learnt the reception this force met with, from the
+laborers, but the results of the visit paid them were, that yesterday,
+there were at work, on four estates, none: on eleven others, 287 in all,
+and on another all except three, who are in the hands of the
+magistrates. On one of the above properties, the great gang was, on
+Friday last, represented in the cane-piece by one old woman!'"
+
+"'The presence of the soldiers has had, it will be seen, some effect,
+yet still the prospects are far from encouraging; a system of stock
+plundering, &c. is prevalent to a fearful degree, some gentlemen and the
+industrious laborers having had their fowls, &c. entirely carried off by
+the worthless criminals; it is consolatory, however, to be able to quote
+the following written, to us by a gentleman: "Although there are a good
+many people on the different estates, still obstinate and resisting
+either to work or to leave the properties, yet I hope that if the
+military are posted at Samaritan for some time longer, they will come
+round, several of the very obstinate having done so already." Two
+negroes were sent down to goal on Monday last, to have their trial for
+assaulting the magistrates.'"
+
+"'Such are the facts, as far as we have been able to ascertain them,
+which have attended a rebellious demonstration among a portion of the
+laboring population, calculated to excite well-founded apprehension in
+the whole community. Had earlier preventive measures been adopted, this
+open manifestation of a spirit of resistance to, and defiance of the
+law, might have been avoided. On this point, we have, in contempt of the
+time-serving reflections it has drawn upon us, freely and fearlessly
+expressed our opinion, and we shall now only remark, that matters having
+come to the pass we have stated, the Executive has adopted the only
+effective means to bring affairs again to a healthy state; fortunate is
+it for the colony, that this has been done, and we trust that the
+effects will be most beneficial.'"
+
+TOBAGO.
+
+The following testifies well for the ability of the emancipated to take
+care of themselves.
+
+"'Tobago.--The Gazette of this Island informs us that up to the period
+of its going to press, the accounts from the country, as to the
+disinclination of the laborers to turn out to work are much the same as
+we have given of last week. Early this morning parties of them were seen
+passing through town in various directions, accompanied by their
+children, and carrying along with them their ground provisions, stock,
+&c. indicating a change of location. Whilst on many estates where
+peremptory demands have been made that work be resumed, or the laborers
+should leave the estate, downright refusal to do either the one or the
+other has been the reply; and that reply has been accompanied by threat
+and menace of personal violence against any attempts to turn them out of
+their houses and grounds. In the transition of the laborers from a state
+of bondage to freedom, much that in their manners and deportment would
+have brought them summarily under the coercion of the stipendiary
+magistrate, formerly, may now be practised with impunity; and the fear
+is lest that nice discrimination betwixt restraints just terminated and
+rights newly acquired, will not be clouded for some time, even in the
+minds of the authorities, before whom laborers are likely to be brought
+for their transgression. Thus, although it may appear like an alarming
+confederacy, the system of sending delegates, or head men, around the
+estates, which the laborers have adopted, as advisers, or agents, to
+promote general unanimity; it must be borne in mind that this is
+perfectly justifiable; and it is only where actual violence has been
+threatened by those delegates against those who choose to work at under
+wages, that the authorities can merely assure them of their protection
+from violence.'--_Morning Jour., Oct. 2._"
+
+The _Barbadian_ of November 21, says, "An agricultural report has been
+lately made of the windward district of the Island, which is favorable
+as to the general working of the negroes." The same paper of November
+28, says, "It is satisfactory to learn that _many_ laborers in Tobago
+are engaging more readily in agricultural operations."
+
+ST. VINCENT.
+
+"Saint Vincent.--Our intelligence this week, observes the Gazette of
+25th August, from the country districts, is considerably more favorable
+than for the previous fortnight. In most of the leeward quarter, the
+people have, more or less, returned to work, with the exception of very
+few estates, which we decline naming, as we trust that on these also
+they will resume their labor in a few days. The same may be said
+generally of the properties in St. George's parish; and in the more
+extensive district of Charlotte, there is every prospect that the same
+example will be followed next week particularly in the Caraib country,
+where a few laborers on some properties have been at work during the
+present week, and the explanation and advice given them by Mr. Special
+Justice Ross has been attended with the best effect, and we doubt not
+will so continue. In the Biabou quarter the laborers have resumed work
+in greater numbers than in other parts of the parish, and the exceptions
+in this, as in ether districts, we hope will continue but a short time."
+
+The Barbadian of November 21, speaks of a "megass house" set on fire in
+this island which the peasantry refused to extinguish, and adds that but
+half work is performed by the laborer in that parish. "Those of the
+adjoining parish," its says, "are said to be working satisfactorily." In
+a subsequent paper we notice a report from the Chief of Police to the
+Lieutenant Governor, which speaks favorably of the general working of
+the negroes, as far as he had been able to ascertain by inquiry into a
+district comprising one-third of the laborers.
+
+The New York Commercial Advertiser of February 25, has a communication
+from Amos Townsend, Esq., Cashier of the New Haven Bank; dated New
+Haven, February 21, 1839, from which we make the following extract. He
+says he obtained his information from one of the most extensive shipping
+houses in that city connected with the West India trade.
+
+    "A Mr. Jackson, a planter from St. Vincents, has been in this city
+    within a few day, and says that the emancipation of the slaves on
+    that island works extremely well; and that his plantation produces
+    more and yields a larger profit than it has ever done before. The
+    emancipated slaves now do in eight hours what was before considered
+    a two-days' task, and he pays the laborers a dollar a day.
+
+    Mr. Jackson further states that he, and Mr. Nelson, of Trinidad,
+    with another gentleman from the same islands, have been to
+    Washington, and conferred with Mr. Calhoun and Mr. Clay, _to
+    endeavour to concert some plan to get colored laborers from this
+    country to emigrate to these islands, as there is a great want of
+    hands._ They offer one dollar a day for able bodied hands. The
+    gentlemen at Washington were pleased with the idea of thus disposing
+    of the free blacks at the South, and would encourage their efforts
+    to induce that class of the colored people to emigrate. Mr. Calhoun
+    remarked that it was the most feasible plan of colonizing the free
+    blacks that had ever been suggested.
+
+    This is the amount of my information, and comes in so direct a
+    channel as leaves no room to doubt its correctness. What our
+    southern champions will now say to this direct testimony from their
+    brother planters of the West Indies, of the practicability and
+    safety of immediate emancipation, remains to be seen. Truly yours."
+    AMOS TOWNSEND, JUN.
+
+ST. LUCIA.
+
+Saint Lucia.--The Palladium states that affairs are becoming worse every
+day with the planters. Their properties are left without labourers to
+work them; their buildings broken into, stores and produce stolen,
+ground provisions destroyed, stock robbed, and they themselves insulted
+and laughed at.
+
+On Saturday night, the Commissary of Police arrived in town from the
+third and fourth districts, with some twenty or thirty prisoners, who
+had been convicted before the Chief Justice of having assaulted the
+police in the execution of their duty, and sent to gaol.
+
+"It has been deemed necessary to call for military aid with a view of
+humbling the high and extravagant ideas entertained by the
+ex-apprentices upon the independence of their present condition;
+thirty-six men of the first West India regiment, and twelve of the
+seventy-fourth have been accordingly despatched; the detachment embarked
+yesterday on board Mr. Muter's schooner, the Louisa, to land at
+Soufriere, and march into the interior."
+
+In both the above cases where the military was called out, the
+provocation was given by the white. And in both cases it was afterwards
+granted to be needless. Indeed, in the quelling of one of these
+factitious rebellions, the prisoners taken were two white men, and one
+of them a manager.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+THE
+CHATTEL PRINCIPLE
+
+THE ABHORRENCE OF
+JESUS CHRIST AND THE APOSTLES;
+OR
+NO REFUGE FOR AMERICAN SLAVERY
+
+IN
+
+THE NEW TESTAMENT.
+
+NEW YORK
+PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.
+NO. 143 NASSAU STREET.
+1839
+
+_Please read and circulate._
+
+The
+
+NEW TESTAMENT AGAINST SLAVERY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST."
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? In 1776 THOMAS JEFFERSON,
+supported by a noble band of patriots and surrounded by the American
+people, opened his lips in the authoritative declaration: "We hold these
+truths to be SELF-EVIDENT, _that all men are created equal; that they
+are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among
+these are life, LIBERTY and the pursuit of happiness._" And from the
+inmost heart of the multitudes around, and in a strong and clear voice,
+broke forth the unanimous and decisive answer: Amen--such truths we do
+indeed hold to be self-evident. And animated and sustained by a
+declaration, so inspiring and sublime, they rushed to arms, and as the
+result of agonizing efforts and dreadful sufferings, achieved under God
+the independence of their country. The great truth, whence they derived
+light and strength to assert and defend their rights, they made the
+foundation of their republic. And in the midst of _this republic_, must
+we prove, that He, who was the Truth, did not contradict "the truths"
+which He Himself, as their Creator, had made self-evident to mankind?
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? What, according to those
+laws which make it what it is, is American slavery? In the Statute-Book
+of South Carolina thus it is written:[A] "Slaves shall be deemed, sold,
+taken, reputed and adjudged in law to be _chattels personal_ in the
+hands of their owners and possessors, and their executors,
+administrators and assigns, to all intents, constructions and purposes
+whatever." The very root of American slavery consists in the assumption,
+that _law has reduced men to chattels_. But this assumption is, and must
+be, a gross falsehood. Men and cattle are separated from each other by
+the Creator, immutably, eternally, and by an impassable gulf. To
+confound or identify men and cattle must be to _lie_ most wantonly,
+impudently, and maliciously. And must we prove, that Jesus Christ is not
+in favor of palpable, monstrous falsehood?
+
+[Footnote A: Stroud's Slave Laws, p. 23.]
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? How can a system, built
+upon a stout and impudent denial of self-evident truth--a system of
+treating men like cattle--operate? Thomas Jefferson shall answer. Hear
+him.[B] "The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual
+exercise of the most boisterous passions; the most unremitting despotism
+on the one part, and degrading submission on the other. The parent
+storms, the child looks on, catches the lineaments of wrath, puts on the
+same airs in the circle of smaller slaves, gives loose to his worst
+passions, and thus nursed, educated, and daily exercised in tyranny, can
+not but be stamped by it with odious peculiarities. The man must be a
+prodigy, who can retain his manners and morals undepraved by such
+circumstances." Such is the practical operation of a system, which puts
+men and cattle into the same family and treats them alike. And must we
+prove, that Jesus Christ is not in favor of a school where the worst
+vices in their most hateful forms are systematically and efficiently
+taught and practiced?
+
+[Footnote B: Notes on Virginia.]
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? What, in 1818, did the
+General Assembly of the Presbyterian church affirm respecting its nature
+and operation?[C] "Slavery creates a paradox in the moral system--it
+exhibits rational, accountable, and immortal beings, in such
+circumstances as scarcely to leave them the power of moral action. It
+exhibits them as dependent on the will of others, whether they shall
+receive religious instruction; whether they shall know and worship the
+true God; whether they shall enjoy the ordinances of the gospel; whether
+they shall perform the duties and cherish the endearments of husbands
+and wives, parents and children, neighbors and friends; whether they
+shall preserve their chastity and purity, or regard the dictates of
+justice and humanity. Such are some of the consequences of slavery;
+consequences not imaginary, but which connect themselves with its very
+existence. The evils to which the slave is _always_ exposed, _often take
+place_ in their very worst degree and form; and where all of them do not
+take place, still the slave is deprived of his natural rights, degraded
+as a human being, and exposed to the danger of passing into the hands of
+a master who may inflict upon him all the hardships and injuries which
+inhumanity and avarice may suggest." Must we prove, that Jesus Christ is
+not in favor of such things?
+
+[Footnote C: Minutes of the General Assembly for 1818, p. 29.]
+
+Is Jesus Christ in favor of American slavery? It is already widely felt
+and openly acknowledged at the South, that they can not support slavery
+without sustaining the opposition of universal christendom. And Thomas
+Jefferson declared, that "he trembled for his country when he reflected,
+that God is just; that his justice can not sleep forever; that
+considering numbers, nature, and natural means only, a revolution of the
+wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation, is among possible events;
+that it may become practicable by supernatural influences! The Almighty
+has no attribute which can take sides with us in such a contest."[A] And
+must we prove, that Jesus Christ is not in favor of what universal
+christendom is impelled to abhor, denounce, and oppose;--is not in favor
+of what every attribute of Almighty God is armed against?
+
+[Footnote A: Notes on Virginia]
+
+"YE HAVE DESPISED THE POOR."
+
+It is no man of straw, with whom in making out such proof we are called
+to contend. Would to God we had no other antagonist! Would to God that
+our labor of love could be regarded as a work of supererogation! But we
+may well be ashamed and grieved; to find it necessary to "stop the
+mouths" of grave and learned ecclesiastics, who from the heights of Zion
+have undertaken to defend the institution of slavery. We speak not now
+of those, who amidst the monuments of oppression are engaged in the
+sacred vocation; who as ministers of the Gospel can "prophesy smooth
+things" to such as pollute the altar of Jehovah with human sacrifices;
+nay, who themselves bind the victim and kindle the sacrifice. That
+_they_ should put their Savior to the torture, to wring from his lips
+something in favor of slavery, is not to be wondered at. They consent to
+the murder of the children; can they respect the rights of the Father?
+But what shall we say of theological professors at the North--professors
+of sacred literature at our oldest divinity schools--who stand up to
+defend, both by argument and authority, southern slavery! And from the
+Bible! Who, Balaam-like, try a thousand expedients to force from the
+mouth of Jehovah a sentence which they know the heart of Jehovah abhors!
+Surely we have here something more mischievous and formidable than a man
+of straw. More than two years ago, and just before the meeting of the
+General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, appeared an article in the
+Biblical Repertory,[A] understood to be from the pen of the Professor of
+Sacred Literature at Princeton, in which an effort is made to show, that
+slavery, whatever may be said of _any abuses_ of it, is _not a violation
+of the precepts of the Gospel_. This article, we are informed, was
+industriously and extensively distributed among the members of the
+General Assembly--a body of men, who by a frightful majority seemed
+already too much disposed to wink at the horrors of slavery. The effect
+of the Princeton Apology on the southern mind, we have high authority
+for saying, has been most decisive and injurious. It has contributed
+greatly to turn the public eye off from the sin--from the inherent and
+necessary _evils of slavery_ to incidental evils, which the _abuse_ of
+it might be expected to occasion. And how few can be brought to admit,
+that whatever abuses may prevail nobody knows where or how, any such
+thing is chargeable upon them! Thus our Princeton prophet has done what
+he could to lay the southern conscience asleep upon ingenious
+perversions of the sacred volume!
+
+[Footnote A: For April, 1836. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian
+Church met in the following May, at Pittsburgh, where, in pamphlet form,
+this article was distributed. The following appeared upon the
+title page:
+
+           PITTSBURGH:
+              1836.
+_For gratuitous distribution_.
+]
+
+About a year after this, an effort in the same direction was jointly
+made by Dr. Fisk and Prof. Stuart. In a letter to a Methodist clergyman,
+Mr. Merritt, published in Zion's Herald, Dr. Fisk gives utterance to
+such things as the following:--"But that you and the public may see and
+_feel_, that you have the ablest and those who are among the honestest
+men of this age, arrayed against you, be pleased to notice the following
+letter from Prof. Stuart." I wrote to him, knowing as I did his integrity
+of purpose, his unflinching regard for truth, as well as his deserved
+reputation as a scholar and biblical critic, proposing the following
+questions:--
+
+1. Does the New Testament directly or indirectly teach, that slavery
+existed in the primitive church?
+
+2. In 1 Tim. vi. 2, And they that have believing masters, &c., what is
+the relation expressed or implied between "they" (servants) and
+"_believing masters_?" And what are your reasons for the construction of
+the passage?
+
+3. What was the character of ancient and eastern slavery?--Especially
+what (legal) power did this relation give the master over the slave?
+
+PROFESSOR STUART'S REPLY.
+
+    ANDOVER, 10th April, 1837.
+
+    REV. AND DEAR SIR,--Yours is before me. A sickness of three months'
+    standing (typhus fever,) in which I have just escaped death, and
+    which still confines me to my house, renders it impossible for me to
+    answer your letter at large.
+
+    1. The precepts of the New Testament respecting the demeanor of
+    slaves and of their masters, beyond all question, recognize the
+    existence of slavery. The masters are in part "believing masters,"
+    so that a precept to them, how they are to behave as _masters_,
+    recognizes that the relation may still exist, _salva fide et salva
+    ecclesia_, ("without violating the Christian faith or the church.")
+    Otherwise, Paul had nothing to do but to cut the band asunder at
+    once. He could not lawfully and properly temporize with a _malum in
+    se_, ("that which is in itself sin.")
+
+    If any one doubts, let him take the case of Paul's sending Onesimus
+    back to Philemon, with an apology for his running away, and sending
+    him back to be his servant for life. The relation did exist, may
+    exist. The _abuse_ of it is the essential and fundamental wrong. Not
+    that the theory of slavery is in itself right. No; "Love thy
+    neighbor as thyself," "Do unto others that which ye would that
+    others should do unto you," decide against this. But the relation
+    once constituted and continued, is not such a _malum in se_ as calls
+    for immediate and violent disruption at all hazards. So Paul did
+    not counsel.
+
+    2. 1 Tim. vi. 2, expresses the sentiment, that slaves, who are
+    Christians and have Christian masters, are not, on that account, and
+    because _as Christians they are brethren_, to forego the reverence
+    due to them as masters. That is, the relation of master and slave is
+    not, as a matter of course, abrogated between all Christians. Nay,
+    servants should in such a case, a _fortiori_, do their duty
+    cheerfully. This sentiment lies on the very face of the case. What
+    the master's duty in such a case may be in respect to _liberation_,
+    is another question, and one which the apostle does not here
+    treat of.
+
+    3. Every one knows, who is acquainted with Greek or Latin
+    antiquities, that slavery among heathen nations has ever been more
+    unqualified and at looser ends than among Christian nations. Slaves
+    were _property_ in Greece and Rome. That decides all questions about
+    their _relation_. Their treatment depended, as it does now, on the
+    temper of their masters. The power of the master over the slave was,
+    for a long time, that of _life and death_. Horrible cruelties at
+    length mitigated it. In the apostle's day, it was at least as great
+    as among us.
+
+    After all the spouting and vehemence on this subject, which have
+    been exhibited, the _good old Book_ remains the same. Paul's conduct
+    and advice are still safe guides. Paul knew well that Christianity
+    would ultimately destroy slavery, as it certainly will. He knew too,
+    that it would destroy monarchy and aristocracy from the earth; for
+    it is fundamentally a doctrine of _true liberty and equality_. Yet
+    Paul did not expect slavery or anarchy to be ousted in a day; and
+    gave precepts to Christians respecting their demeanor _ad interim_.
+
+    With sincere and paternal regard,
+
+    Your friend and brother,
+
+    M. STUART.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    --This, sir, is doctrine that will stand, because it is _Bible
+    doctrine_. The abolitionists, then, are on a wrong course. They have
+    traveled out of the record; and if they would succeed, they must
+    take a different position, and approach the subject in a different
+    manner. Respectfully yours,
+
+    W. FISK
+
+"SO THEY WRAP [SNARL] IT UP."
+
+What are we taught here? That in the ecclesiastical organizations which
+grew up under the hands of the apostles, slavery was admitted as a
+relation, that did not violate the Christian faith; that the relation
+may now in like manner exist; that "the abuse of it is the essential and
+fundamental wrong;" and, of course, that American Christians may hold
+their own brethren in slavery without incurring guilt or inflicting
+injury. Thus according to Prof. Stuart, Jesus Christ has not a word to
+say against "the peculiar institutions" of the South. If our brethren
+there do not "abuse" the privilege of exacting unpaid labor, they may
+multiply their slaves to their hearts' content, without exposing
+themselves to the frown of the Savior or laying their Christian
+character open to the least suspicion. Could any trafficker in human
+flesh ask for greater latitude? And to such doctrines, Dr. Fisk eagerly
+aid earnestly subscribes. He goes further. He urges it on the attention
+of his brethren, as containing important truth, which they ought to
+embrace. According to him, it is "_Bible doctrine_," showing, that "the
+abolitionists are on a wrong course," and must, "if they would succeed,
+take a different position."
+
+We now refer to such distinguished names, to show, that in attempting to
+prove that Jeans Christ is not in favor of American slavery, we contend
+with something else than a man of straw. The ungrateful task, which a
+particular examination of Prof. Stuart's letter lays upon us, we hope
+fairly to dispose of in due season.--Enough has now been said, to make
+it clear and certain, that American slavery has its apologists and
+advocates in the northern pulpit; advocates and apologists, who fall
+behind few if any of their brethren in the reputation they have
+acquired, the stations they occupy, and the general influence they are
+supposed to exert.
+
+Is it so? Did slavery exist in Judea, and among the Jews, in its worst
+form, during the Savior's incarnation? If the Jews held slaves, they
+must have done so in open and flagrant violation of the letter and the
+spirit of the Mosaic Dispensation. Whoever has any doubts of this may
+well resolve his doubts in the light of the Argument entitled "The Bible
+against Slavery." If, after a careful and thorough examination of that
+article, he can believe that slaveholding prevailed during the ministry
+of Jesus Christ among the Jews and in accordance with the authority of
+Moses, he would do the reading public an important service to record the
+grounds of his belief--especially in a fair and full refutation of that
+Argument. Till that is done, we hold ourselves excused from attempting
+to prove what we now repeat, that if the Jews during our Savior's
+incarnation held slaves, they must have done so in open and flagrant
+violation of the letter and the spirit of the Mosaic Dispensation. Could
+Christ and the Apostles every where among their countrymen come in
+contact with slaveholding, being as it was a gross violation of that law
+which their office and their profession required them to honor and
+enforce, without exposing and condemning it.
+
+In its worst forms, we are told, slavery prevailed over the whole world,
+not excepting Judea. As, according to such ecclesiastics as Stuart,
+Hodge, and Fisk, slavery in itself is not bad at all, the term "_worst_"
+could be applied only to "_abuses_" of this innocent relation. Slavery
+accordingly existed among the Jews, disfigured and disgraced by the
+"worst abuses" to which it is liable. These abuses in the ancient world,
+Prof. Stuart describes as "horrible cruelties." And in our own country,
+such abuses have grown so rank, as to lead a distinguished
+eye-witness--no less a philosopher and statesman than Thomas
+Jefferson--to say, that they had armed against us every attribute of the
+Almighty. With these things the Savior every where came in contact,
+among the people to whose improvement and salvation he devoted his
+living powers, and yet not a word, not a syllable, in exposure and
+condemnation of such "horrible cruelties," escaped his lips! He
+saw--among the "covenant people" of Jehovah he saw, the babe plucked
+from the bosom of its mother; the wife torn from the embrace of her
+husband; the daughter driven to the market by the scourge of her own
+father;--he saw the word of God sealed up from those who, of all men,
+were especially entitled to its enlightening, quickening
+influence;--nay, he saw men beaten for kneeling before the throne of
+heavenly mercy;--such things he saw without a word of admonition or
+reproof! No sympathy with them who suffered wrong--no indignation at
+them who inflicted wrong, moved his heart!
+
+From the alledged silence of the Savior, when in contact with slavery
+among the Jews, our divines infer, that it is quite consistent with
+Christianity. And they affirm, that he saw it in its worst forms; that
+is, he witnessed what Prof. Stuart ventures to call "horrible
+cruelties." But what right have these interpreters of the sacred volume
+to regard any form of slavery which the Savior found, as "worst," or
+even bad? According to their inference--which they would thrust gag-wise
+into the mouths of abolitionists--his silence should seal up their lips.
+They ought to hold their tongues. They have no right to call any form of
+slavery bad--an abuse; much less, horribly cruel! Their inference is
+broad enough to protect the most brutal driver amidst his deadliest
+inflictions!
+
+"THINK NOT THAT I AM COME TO DESTROY THE LAW OR THE PROPHETS; I AM NOT
+COME TO DESTROY, BUT TO FULFILL."
+
+And did the Head of the new dispensation, then, fall so far behind the
+prophets of the old in a hearty and effective regard for suffering
+humanity? The forms of oppression which they witnessed, excited their
+compassion and aroused their indignation. In terms the most pointed and
+powerful, they exposed, denounced, threatened. They could not endure the
+creatures, who "used their neighbors' service without wages, and gave
+him not for his work;"[A] who imposed "heavy burdens"[B] upon their
+fellows, and loaded them with "the bands of wickedness;" who, "hiding
+themselves from their own flesh," disowned their own mothers' children.
+Professions of piety, joined with the oppression of the poor, they held
+up to universal scorn and execration, as the dregs of hypocrisy. They
+warned the creature of such professions, that he could escape the wrath
+of Jehovah only by heartfelt repentance. And yet, according to the
+ecclesiastics with whom we have to do, the Lord of these prophets passed
+by in silence just such enormities as he commanded them to expose and
+denounce! Every where, he came in contact with slavery in its worst
+forms--"horrible cruelties" forced themselves upon his notice; but not a
+word of rebuke or warning did he utter. He saw "a boy given for a
+harlot, and a girl sold for wine, that they might drink,"[C] without the
+slightest feeling of displeasure, or any mark of disapprobation! To such
+disgusting and horrible conclusions, do the arguings which, from the
+haunts of sacred literature, are inflictcd on our churches, lead us!
+According to them, Jesus Christ, instead of shining as the light of the
+world, extinguished the torches which his own prophets had kindled, and
+plunged mankind into the palpable darkness of a starless midnight! O
+Savior, in pity to thy suffering people, let thy temple be no longer
+used as a "den of thieves!"
+
+[Footnote A: Jeremiah xxii. 13.]
+
+[Footnote B: Isaiah lviii. 6,7.]
+
+[Footnote C: Joel iii. 3.]
+
+"THOU THOUGHTEST THAT I WAS ALTOGETHER SUCH AN ONE AS THYSELF."
+
+In passing by the worst forms of slavery, with which he every where came
+in contact among the Jews, the Savior must have been inconsistent with
+himself. He was commissioned to preach glad tidings to the poor; to heal
+the broken-hearted; to preach deliverance to the captives; to set at
+liberty them that are bruised; to preach the year of Jubilee. In
+accordance with this commission, he bound himself, from the earliest
+date of his incarnation, to the poor, by the strongest ties; himself
+"had not where to lay his head;" he exposed himself to misrepresentation
+and abuse for his affectionate intercourse with the outcasts of society;
+he stood up as the advocate of the widow, denouncing and dooming the
+heartless ecclesiastics, who had made her bereavement a source of gain;
+and in describing the scenes of the final judgment, he selected the very
+personification of poverty, disease, and oppression, as the test by
+which our regard for him should be determined. To the poor and wretched;
+to the degraded and despised, his arms were ever open. They had his
+tenderest sympathies. They had his warmest love. His heart's blood he
+poured out upon the ground for the human family, reduced to the deepest
+degradation, and exposed to the heaviest inflictions, as the slaves of
+the grand usurper. And yet, according to our ecclesiastics, that class
+of sufferers who had been reduced immeasurably below every other shape
+and form of degradation and distress; who had been most rudely thrust
+out of the family of Adam, and forced to herd with swine; who, without
+the slightest offense, had been made the foot-stool of the worst
+criminals; whose "tears were their meat night and day," while, under
+nameless insults and killing injuries, they were continually crying, O
+Lord, O Lord:--this class of sufferers, and this alone, our biblical
+expositors, occupying the high places of sacred literature, would make
+us believe the compassionate Savior coldly overlooked. Not an emotion of
+pity; not a look of sympathy; not a word of consolation, did his
+gracious heart prompt him to bestow upon them! He denounces damnation
+upon the devourer of the widow's house. But the monster, whose trade it
+is to make widows and devour them and their babes, he can calmly endure!
+O Savior, when wilt thou stop the mouths of such blasphemers!
+
+IT IS THE SPIRIT THAT QUICKENETH.
+
+It seems, that though, according to our Princeton professor, "the
+subject" of slavery "is hardly alluded to by Christ in any of his
+personal instructions[A]," he had a way of "treating it." What was that?
+Why, "he taught the true nature, DIGNITY, EQUALITY, and destiny of men,"
+and "inculcated the principles of justice and love."[B] And according to
+Professor Stuart, the maxims which our Savior furnished, "decide
+against" "the theory of slavery." All, then, that these ecclesiastical
+apologists for slavery can make of the Savior's alledged silence is,
+that he did not, in his personal instructions, "_apply his own principles
+to this particular form of wickedness_." For wicked that must be, which
+the maxims of the Savior decide against, and which our Princeton
+professor assures us the principles of the gospel, duly acted on, would
+speedily extinguish[C]. How remarkable it is, that a teacher should
+"hardly allude to a subject in any of his personal instructions," and
+yet inculcate principles which have a direct and vital bearing upon
+it!--should so conduct, as to justify the inference, that "slaveholding
+is not a crime[D]," and at the same time lend his authority for its
+"speedy extinction!"
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet, (already alluded to,)p.9.]
+
+[Footnote B: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p.9.]
+
+[Footnote C: The same, p.34.]
+
+[Footnote D: The same, p.13.]
+
+Higher authority than sustains _self-evident truths_ there can not be.
+As forms of reason, they are rays from the face of Jehovah. Not only are
+their presence and power self-manifested, but they also shed a strong
+and clear light around them. In this light, other truths are visible.
+Luminaries themselves, it is their office to enlighten. To their
+authority, in every department of thought, the sane mind bows promptly,
+gratefully, fully. And by their authority, he explains, proves, and
+disposes of whatever engages his attention and engrosses his powers as a
+reasonable and reasoning creature. For what, when thus employed and when
+most successful, is the utmost he can accomplish? Why, to make the
+conclusions which he would establish and commend, _clear in the light of
+reason_;--in other words, to evince that _they are reasonable_. He
+expects, that those with whom he has to do, will acknowledge the
+authority of principle--will see whatever is exhibited in the light of
+reason. If they require him to go further, and, in order to convince
+them, to do something more that show that the doctrines he maintains,
+and the methods he proposes, are accordant with reason--are illustrated
+and supported by "self-evident truths"--they are plainly "beside
+themselves." They have lost the use of reason. They are not to be argued
+with. They belong to the mad-house.
+
+"COME NOW, LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD."
+
+Are we to honor the Bible, which Prof. Stuart quaintly calls "the good
+old book," by turning away from "self-evident truths" to receive its
+instructions? Can these truths be contradicted or denied there? Do we
+search for something there to obscure their clearness, or break their
+force, or reduce their authority? Do we long to find something there, in
+the form of premises or conclusions, of arguing or of inference, in
+broad statements or blind hints, creed-wise or fact-wise, which may set
+us free from the light and power of first principles? And what if we
+were to discover what we were thus in search of?--something directly or
+indirectly, expressly or impliedly prejudicial to the principles, which
+reason, placing us under the authority of, makes self-evident? In what
+estimation, in that case, should we be constrained to hold the Bible?
+Could we longer honor it, as the book of God? _The book of God opposed
+to the authority of_ REASON! Why, before what tribunal do we dispose of
+the claims of the sacred volume to divine authority? The tribunal of
+reason. _This every one acknowledges the moment he begins to reason on
+the subject_. And what must reason do with a book, which reduced the
+authority of its own principles--broke the force of self-evident truths?
+Is he not, by way of eminence, the apostle of infidelity, who, as a
+minister of the gospel or a professor of sacred literature, exerts
+himself, with whatever arts of ingenuity or show of piety, to exalt the
+Bible at the expense of reason? Let such arts succeed and such piety
+prevail, and Jesus Christ is "crucified afresh and put to an
+open shame."
+
+What saith the Princeton professor? Why, in spite of "general
+principles," and "clear as we may think the arguments against DESPOTISM,
+there have been thousands of ENLIGHTENED _and good men_, who _honestly_
+believe it to be of all forms of government the best and most acceptable
+to God."[A] Now, these "good men" must have been thus warmly in favor of
+despotism, in consequence of, or in opposition to, their being
+"enlightened." In other words, the light, which in such abundance they
+enjoyed, conducted them to the position in favor of despotism, where the
+Princeton professor so heartily shook hands with them, or they must have
+forced their way there in despite of its hallowed influence. Either in
+accordance with, or in resistance to the light, they became what he
+found them--the advocates of despotism. If in resistance to the
+light--and he says they were "enlightened men"--what, so far as the
+subject with which alone he and we are now concerned, becomes of their
+"honesty" and "goodness?" Good and honest resisters of the light, which
+was freely poured around them! Of such, what says Professor Stuart's
+"good old Book?" Their authority, where "general principles" command the
+least respect, must be small indeed. But if in accordance with the
+light, they have become the advocates of despotism, then is despotism
+"the best form of government and most acceptable to God." It is
+sustained by the authority of reason, by the word of Jehovah, by the
+will of Heaven! If this be the doctrine which prevails at certain
+theological seminaries, it must be easy to account for the spirit which
+they breathe, and the general influence which they exert. Why did not
+the Princeton professor place this "general principle" as a shield,
+heaven-wrought and reason-approved, over that cherished form of
+despotism which prevails among the churches of the South, and leave the
+"peculiar institutions" he is so forward to defend, under its
+protection?
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p.12.]
+
+What is the "general principle" to which, whatever may become of
+despotism with its "honest" admirers and "enlightened" supporters, human
+governments should be universally and carefully adjusted? Clearly
+this--_that as capable of, man is entitled to, self-government_. And
+this is a specific form of a still more general principle, which may
+well be pronounced self-evident--_that every thing should be treated
+according to its nature_. The mind that can doubt of this, must be
+incapable of rational conviction. Man, then,--it is the dictate of
+reason, it is the voice of Jehovah--must be treated _as a man_. What is
+he? What are his distinctive attributes? The Creator impressed his own
+image on him. In this were found the grand peculiarities of his
+character. Here shone his glory. Here REASON manifests its laws. Here
+the WILL puts forth its volitions. Here is the crown of IMMORTALITY. Why
+such endowments? Thus furnished--the image of Jehovah--is he not capable
+of self-government? And is he not to be so treated? _Within the sphere
+where the laws of reason place him_, may he not act according to his
+choice--carry out his own volitions?--may he not enjoy life, exult in
+freedom and pursue as he will the path of blessedness? If not, why was
+he so created and endowed? Why the mysterious, awful attribute of will?
+To be a source, profound as the depths of hell, of exquisite misery, of
+keen anguish, of insufferable torment! Was man formed "according to the
+image of Jehovah," to be crossed, thwarted, counteracted; to be forced
+in upon himself; to be the sport of endless contradictions; to be driven
+back and forth forever between mutually repellant forces; and all, all
+"_at the discretion of another!"_[A] How can men be treated according to
+his nature, as endowed with reason or will, if excluded from the powers
+and privileges of self government?--if "despotism" be let loose upon
+him, to "deprive him of personal liberty, oblige him to serve at the
+discretion of another," and with the power of "transferring" such
+"authority" over him and such claim upon him, to "another master?" If
+"thousands of enlightened and good men" can so easily be found, who are
+forward to support "despotism" as "of all governments the best and most
+acceptable to God," we need not wonder at the testimony of universal
+history, that "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain
+together until now." Groans and travail-pangs must continue to be the
+order of the day throughout "the whole creation," till the rod of
+despotism be broken, and man be treated as man--as capable of, and
+entitled to, self-government.
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p.12]
+
+But what is the despotism whose horrid features our smooth professor
+tries to hide beneath an array of cunningly-selected words and
+nicely-adjusted sentences? It is the despotism of American
+slavery--which crushes the very life of humanity out of its victims, and
+transforms them to cattle! At its touch, they sink from men to things!
+"Slaves," with Prof. Stuart, "were _property_ in Greece and Rome. That
+decides all questions about their _relation_." Yes, truly. And slaves in
+republican America are _property_; and as that easily, clearly, and
+definitely settles "all questions about their _relation_," why should
+the Princeton professor have put himself to the trouble of weaving a
+definition equally ingenious and inadequate--at once subtle and
+deceitful? Ah, why? Was he willing thus to conceal the wrongs of his
+mother's children even from himself? If among the figments of his brain,
+he could fashion slaves, and make them something else than property, he
+knew full well that a very different pattern was in use among the
+southern patriarchs. Why did he not, in plain words, and sober earnest,
+and good faith, describe the thing as it was, instead of employing
+honied words and courtly phrases, to set forth with all becoming
+vagueness and ambiguity what might possibly be supposed to exist in the
+regions of fancy.
+
+"FOR RULERS ARE NOT A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS, BUT TO THE EVIL."
+
+But are we, in maintaining the principle of self-government, to overlook
+the unripe, or neglected, or broken powers of any of our fellow-men with
+whom we may be connected?--or the strong passions, vicious propensities,
+or criminal pursuit of others? Certainly not. But in providing for their
+welfare, we are to exert influences and impose restraints suited to
+their character. In wielding those prerogatives which the social of our
+nature authorizes us to employ for their benefit, we are to regard them
+as they are in truth, not things, not cattle, not articles of
+merchandize, but men, our fellow-men--reflecting, from however battered
+and broken a surface, reflecting with us the image of a common Father.
+And the great principle of self-government is to be the basis, to which
+the whole structure of discipline under which they may be placed, should
+be adapted. From the nursery and village school on to the work-house and
+state-prison, this principle is over and in all things to be before the
+eyes, present in the thoughts, warm on the heart. Otherwise, God is
+insulted, while his image is despised and abused. Yes, indeed, we
+remember that in carrying out the principle of self-government,
+multiplied embarrassments and obstructions grow out of wickedness on the
+one hand and passion on the other. Such difficulties and obstacles we
+are far enough from overlooking. But where are they to be found? Are
+imbecility and wickedness, bad hearts and bad heads, confined to the
+bottom of society? Alas, the weakest of the weak, and the desperately
+wicked, often occupy the high places of the earth, reducing every thing
+within their reach to subserviency to the foulest purposes. Nay, the
+very power they have usurped, has often been the chief instrument of
+turning their heads, inflaming their passions, corrupting their hearts.
+All the world knows, that the possession of arbitrary power has a strong
+tendency to make men shamelessly wicked and insufferably mischievous.
+And this, whether the vassals over whom they domineer, be few or many.
+If you can not trust man with himself, will you put his fellows under
+his control?--and flee from the inconveniences incident to
+self-government, to the horrors of despotism?
+
+"THOU THAT PREACHEST A MAN SHOULD NOT STEAL, DOST THOU STEAL."
+
+Is the slaveholder, the most absolute and shameless of all despots, to
+be intrusted with the discipline of the injured men whom he himself has
+reduced to cattle?--with the discipline by which they are to be prepared
+to wield the powers and enjoy the privileges of freemen? Alas, of such
+discipline as he can furnish, in the relation of owner to property, they
+have had enough. From this sprang the vary ignorance and vice, which in
+the view of many lie in the way of their immediate enfranchisement. He
+it is, who has darkened their eyes and crippled their powers. And are
+they to look to him for illumination and renewed vigor!--and expect
+"grapes from thorns and figs from thistles!" Heaven forbid! When,
+according to arrangements which had usurped the sacred name of law, he
+consented to receive and use them as property, he forfeited all claims
+to the esteem and confidence, not only of the helpless sufferers
+themselves, but also of every philanthropist. In becoming a slaveholder,
+he became the enemy of mankind. The very act was a declaration of war
+upon human man nature. What less can be made of the process of turning
+men to cattle? It is rank absurdity--it is the height of madness, to
+propose to employ _him_ to train, for the places of freemen, those whom
+he has wantonly robbed of every right--whom he has stolen from
+themselves. Sooner place Burke, who used to murder for the sake of
+selling bodies to the dissector, at the head of a hospital. Why, what
+have our slaveholders been about these two hundred years? Have they not
+been constantly and earnestly engaged in the work of education?
+--training up their human cattle? And how? Thomas Jefferson shall
+answer. "The whole commerce between master and slave, is a perpetual
+exercise of the most boisterous passions; the most unremitting despotism
+on the one part, and degrading submission on the other." Is this the way
+to fit the unprepared for the duties and privileges of American
+citizens? Will the evils of the dreadful process be diminished by adding
+to it length? What, in 1818, was the unanimous testimony of the General
+Assembly of the Presbyterian church? Why, after describing a variety of
+influences growing out of slavery, most fatal to mental and moral
+improvement, the General Assembly assure us, that such "consequences are
+not imaginary, but connect themselves WITH THE VERY EXISTENCE of
+slavery. The evils to which the slave is _always_ exposed, often take
+place in fact, and IN THEIR VERY WORST DEGREE AND FORM[A]; and where all
+of them do not take place," "still the slave is deprived of his natural
+right, degraded as a human being, and exposed to the danger of passing
+into the hands of a master who may inflict upon him all the hardships
+and injuries, which inhumanity and avarice may suggest." Is this the
+condition in which our ecclesiastics would keep the slave, at least a
+little longer, to fit him to be restored to himself?
+
+[Footnote A: The words here marked as emphasis were so distinguished by
+ourselves.]
+
+"AND THEY STOPPED THEIR EARS."
+
+The methods of discipline under which, as slaveholders, the Southrons
+now place their human cattle, they with one consent and in great wrath,
+forbid us to examine. The statesman and the priest unite in the
+assurance, that these methods are none of our business. Nay, they give
+us distinctly to understand, that if we come among them to take
+observations, and make inquiries, and discuss questions, they will
+dispose of us as outlaws. Nothing will avail to protect us from speedy
+and deadly violence! What inference does all this warrant? Surely, not
+that the methods which they employ are happy and worthy of universal
+application. If so, why do they not take the praise, and give us the
+benefit, of their wisdom, enterprise, and success? Who, that has nothing
+to hide, practices concealment?--"He that doeth truth cometh to the
+light, that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God." Is
+this the way of slaveholders? Darkness they court--they will have
+darkness. Doubtless "because their deeds are evil." Can we confide in
+methods for the benefit of our enslaved brethren, which it is death for
+us to examine? Whet good ever came, what good can we expect, from deeds
+of darkness?
+
+Did the influence of the masters contribute any thing in the West
+Indies; to prepare the apprentices for enfranchisement? Nay, verily. All
+the world knows better. They did what in them lay, to turn back the tide
+of blessings, which through emancipation was pouring in upon the
+famishing around them. Are not the best minds and hearts in England now
+thoroughly convinced, that slavery, under no modification, can be a
+school for freedom?
+
+We say such things to the many who alledge, that slaves can not at once
+be entrusted with the powers and privileges of self-government. However
+this may be, they can not be better qualified under _the influence of
+slavery_. _That must be broken up_ from which their ignorance, and
+viciousness, and wretchedness proceeded. That which can only do what it
+has always done, pollute and degrade, must not be employed to purify and
+elevate. _The lower their character and condition, the louder, clearer,
+sterner, the just demand for immediate emancipation_. The plague-smitten
+sufferer can derive no benefit from breathing a little longer an
+infected atmosphere.
+
+In thus referring to elemental principles--in thus availing ourselves of
+the light of self-evident truths--we bow to the authority and tread in
+the foot-prints of the great Teacher. He chid those around him for
+refusing to make the same use of their reason in promoting their
+spiritual, as they made in promoting their temporal welfare. He gives
+them distinctly to understand, that they need not go out of themselves
+to form a just estimation of their position, duties, and prospects, as
+standing in the presence of the Messiah. "Why, EVEN OF YOURSELVES," he
+demands of them, "judge ye not what is _right_?"[A] How could they,
+unless they had a clear light, and an infallible standard _within them_,
+whereby, amidst the relations they sustained and the interests they had
+to provide for, they might discriminate between truth and falsehood,
+right and wrong, what they ought to attempt and what they ought to
+eschew? From this pointed, significant appeal of the Savior, it is clear
+and certain, that in human consciousness may be found self-evident
+truths, self-manifested principles; that every man, studying his own
+consciousness, is bound to recognize their presence and authority, and
+in sober earnest and good faith to apply them to the highest practical
+concerns of "life and godliness." It is in obedience to the Bible, that
+we apply self-evident truths, and walk in the light of general
+principles. When our fathers proclaimed these truths, and at the hazard
+of their property, reputation, and life, stood up in their defense, they
+did homage to the sacred Scriptures--they honored the Bible. In that
+volume, not a syllable can be found to justify that form of infidelity,
+which in the abused name of piety, reproaches us for practicing the
+lessons which "nature teacheth."[B] These lessons, the Bible requires us
+reverently to listen to, earnestly to appropriate, and most diligently
+and faithfully to act upon in every direction and on all occasions.
+
+[Footnote A: Luke xii. 67.]
+
+[Footnote B: 1 Cor. xi. 14.]
+
+Why, our Savior goes so far in doing honor to reason, as to encourage
+men universally to dispose of the characteristic peculiarities and
+distinctive features of the Gospel in the light of its principles. "If
+any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be
+of God, or whether I speak of myself."[C] Natural religion--the
+principles which nature reveals, and the lessons which nature
+teaches--he thus makes a test of the truth and authority of revealed
+religion. So far was he, as a teacher, from shrinking from the clearest
+and most piercing rays of reason--from calling off the attention of
+those around him from the import, bearings, and practical application of
+general principle. And those who would have us escape from the pressure
+of self-evident truths, by betaking ourselves to the doctrines and
+precepts of Christianity, whatever airs of piety they may put on, do
+foul dishonor to the Savior of mankind.
+
+[Footnote C: John vii. 17.]
+
+And what shall we say of the Golden Rule, which, according to the
+Savior, comprehends all the precepts of the Bible? "Whatsoever ye would
+that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law
+and the prophets."
+
+According to this maxim, in human consciousness, universally, may be
+found, 1. The standard whereby, in all the relations and circumstances
+of life, we may determine what Heaven demands and expects of us. 2. The
+just application of this standard, is practicable for, and obligatory
+upon, every child of Adam. 3. The qualification requisite to a just
+application of this rule to all the cases in which we can be concerned,
+is simply this--_to regard all the members of the human family as our
+brethren, our equals_.
+
+In other words, the Savior here teaches us, that in the principles and
+laws of reason, we have an infallible guide in all the relations and
+circumstances of life; that nothing can hinder our following this guide,
+but the bias of _selfishness_; and that the moment, in deciding any
+moral question, we place _ourselves in the room of our brother_, before
+the bar of reason, we shall see what decision ought to be pronounced.
+Does this, in the Savior, look like fleeing self-evident truths!--like
+decrying the authority of general principles!--like exalting himself at
+the expense of reason!--like opening a refuge in the Gospel for those
+whose practice is at variance with the dictates of humanity!
+
+What then is the just application of the Golden Rule--that fundamental
+maxim of the Gospel, giving character to, and shedding light upon, all
+its precepts and arrangements--to the subject of slavery?--_that we must
+"do to" slaves as we would be done by_, AS SLAVES, _the_ RELATION
+_itself being justified and continued_? Surely not. A little reflection
+will enable us to see, that the Golden Rule reaches farther in its
+demands, and strikes deeper in its influences and operations. The
+_natural equality_ of mankind lies at the very basis of this great
+precept. It obviously requires _every man to acknowledge another self in
+every other man_. With my powers and resources, and in my appropriate
+circumstances, I am to recognize in any child of Adam who may address
+me, another self in his appropriate circumstances and with his powers
+and resources. This is the natural equality of mankind; and this the
+Golden Rule requires us to admit, defend, and maintain.
+
+"WHY DO YE NOT UNDERSTAND MY SPEECH; EVEN BECAUSE YE CAN NOT HEAR MY
+WORD."
+
+They strangely misunderstand and grossly misrepresent this doctrine, who
+charge upon it the absurdities and mischiefs which _any "levelling
+system"_ can not but produce. In all its bearings, tendencies, and
+effects, it is directly contrary and powerfully hostile to any such
+system. EQUALITY OF RIGHTS, the doctrine asserts; and this necessarily
+opens the way for _variety of condition_. In other words, every child of
+Adam has, from the Creator, the inalienable right of wielding, within
+reasonable limits, his own powers, and employing his own resources,
+according to his own choice; while he respects his social relations, to
+promote as he will his own welfare. But mark--HIS OWN powers and
+resources, and NOT ANOTHER'S, are thus inalienably put under his
+control. The Creator makes every man free, in whatever he may do, to
+exert HIMSELF, and not _another_. Here no man may lawfully cripple or
+embarrass another. The feeble may not hinder the strong, nor may the
+strong crush the feeble. Every man may make the most of himself; in his
+own proper sphere. Now, as in the constitutional endowments, and natural
+opportunities, and lawful acquisitions of mankind, infinite variety
+prevails, so in exerting each HIMSELF, in his own sphere, according to
+his own choice, the variety of human condition can be little less than
+infinite. Thus equality of rights opens the way for variety of
+condition.
+
+But with all this variety of make, means, and condition, considered
+individually, the children of Adam are bound together by strong ties
+which can never be dissolved. They are mutually united by the social of
+their nature. Hence mutual dependence and mutual claims. While each is
+inalienably entitled to assert and enjoy his own personality as a man,
+each sustains to all and all to each, various relations. While each owns
+and honors the individual, all are to own and honor the social of their
+nature. Now, the Golden Rule distinctly recognizes, lays its
+requisitions upon, and extends its obligations to, the whole nature of
+man, in his individual capacities and social relations. What higher
+honor could it do to man, as _an individual_, than to constitute him the
+judge, by whose decision, when fairly rendered, all the claims of his
+fellows should be authoritatively and definitely disposed of?
+"Whatsoever YE WOULD" have done to you, so do ye to others. Every member
+of the family of Adam, placing himself in the position here pointed out,
+is competent and authorized to pass judgment on all the cases in social
+life in which he may be concerned. Could higher responsibilities or
+greater confidence be reposed in men individually? And then, how are
+their _claims upon each other_ herein magnified! What inherent worth and
+solid dignity are ascribed to the social of their nature! In every man
+with whom I may have to do, I am to recognize the presence of _another
+self_, whose case I am to make _my own_. And thus I am to dispose of
+whatever claims he may urge upon me.
+
+Thus, in accordance with the Golden Rule, mankind are naturally brought,
+in the voluntary use of their powers and resources, to promote each
+other's welfare. As his contribution to this great object, it is the
+inalienable birth-right of every child of Adam, to consecrate whatever
+he may possess. With exalted powers and large resources, he has a
+natural claim to a correspondent field of effort. If his "abilities" are
+small, his task must be easy and his burden light. Thus the Golden Rule
+requires mankind mutually to serve each other. In this service, each is
+to exert _himself_--employ _his own_ powers, lay out his own resources,
+improve his own opportunities. A division of labor is the natural
+result. One is remarkable for his intellectual endowments and
+acquisitions; another, for his wealth; and a third, for power and skill
+in using his muscles. Such attributes, endlessly varied and diversified,
+proceed from the basis of a _common character_, by virtue of which all
+men and each--one as truly as another--are entitled, as a birth-right,
+to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Each and all, one as
+well as another, may choose his own modes of contributing his share to
+the general welfare, in which his own is involved and identified. Under
+one great law of mutual dependence and mutual responsibility, all are
+placed--the strong as well as the weak, the rich as much as the poor,
+the learned no less than the unlearned. All bring their wares, the
+products of their enterprise, skill and industry, to the same market,
+where mutual exchanges are freely effected. The fruits of muscular
+exertion procure the fruits of mental effort. John serves Thomas with
+his hands, and Thomas serves John with his money. Peter wields the axe
+for James, and James wields the pen for Peter. Moses, Joshua, and Caleb,
+employ their wisdom, courage, and experience, in the service of the
+community, and the community serve Moses, Joshua, and Caleb, in
+furnishing them with food and raiment, and making them partakers of the
+general prosperity. And all this by mutual understanding and voluntary
+arrangement. And all this according to the Golden Rule.
+
+What then becomes of _slavery_--a system of arrangements, in which one
+man treats his fellow, not as another self, but as a thing--a
+chattel--an article of merchandize, which is not to be consulted in any
+disposition which may be made of it;--a system which is built on the
+annihilation of the attributes of our common nature--in which man doth
+to others, what he would sooner die than have done to himself? The
+Golden Rule and slavery are mutually subversive of each other. If one
+stands, the other must fall. The one strikes at the very root of the
+other. The Golden Rule aims at the abolition of THE RELATION ITSELF, in
+which slavery consists. It lays its demands upon every thing within the
+scope of _human action_. To "whatever MEN DO," it extends its authority.
+And the relation itself, in which slavery consists, is the work of human
+hands. It is what men have done to each other--contrary to nature and
+most injurious to the general welfare. THIS RELATION, therefore, the
+Golden Rule condemns. Wherever its authority prevails, this relation
+must be annihilated. Mutual service and slavery--like light and
+darkness, life and death--are directly opposed to, and subversive of,
+each other. The one the Golden Rule can not endure; the other it
+requires, honors, and blesses.
+
+"LOVE WORKETH NO ILL TO HIS NEIGHBOR."
+
+Like unto the Golden Rule is the second great commandment--"_Thou shalt
+love thy neighbor as thyself_." "A certain lawyer," who seems to have
+been fond of applying the doctrine of limitation of human obligations,
+once demanded of the Savior, within what limits the meshing of the word
+"neighbor" ought to be confined. "And who is my neighbor?" The parable
+of the good Samaritan set that matter in the clearest light, and made it
+manifest and certain, that _every man_ whom we could reach with our
+sympathy and assistance, was our neighbor, entitled to the same regard
+which we cherished for ourselves. Consistently with such obligations,
+can _slavery_, as a RELATION, be maintained? Is it then a _labor of
+love_--such love as we cherish for ourselves--to strip a child of Adam
+of all the prerogatives and privileges which are his inalienable
+birth-right?--To obscure his reason, crush his will, and trample on his
+immortality?--To strike home to the inmost of his being, and break the
+heart of his heart?--To thrust him out of the human family, and dispose
+of him as a chattel--as a thing in the hands of an owner, a beast under
+the lash of a driver? All this, apart from every thing incidental and
+extraordinary, belongs to the RELATION, in which slavery, as such,
+consists. All this--well fed or ill fed, underwrought or overwrought,
+clothed or naked, caressed or kicked, whether idle songs break from his
+thoughtless tongue or "tears be his meat night and day," fondly
+cherished or cruelly murdered;--_all this_ ENTERS VITALLY INTO THE
+RELATION ITSELF, _by which every slave_, AS A SLAVE, _is set apart from
+the rest of the human family_. Is it an exercise of love, to place our
+"neighbor" under the crushing weight, the killing power, of such a
+relation?--to apply the murderous steel to the very vitals of
+his humanity?
+
+"YE THEREFORE APPLAUD AND DELIGHT IN THE DEEDS OF YOUR FATHERS; FOR THEY
+KILLED THEM, AND YE BUILD THEIR SEPULCHRES."[A]
+
+The slaveholder may eagerly and loudly deny, that any such thing is
+chargeable upon him. He may confidently and earnestly alledge, that he
+is not responsible for the state of society in which he is placed.
+Slavery was established before he began to breathe. It was his
+inheritance. His slaves are his property by birth or testament. But why
+will he thus deceive himself? Why will he permit the cunning and
+rapacious spiders, which in the very sanctuary of ethics and religion
+are laboriously weaving webs from their own bowels, to catch him with
+their wretched sophistries?--and devour him, body, soul, and substance?
+Let him know, as he must one day with shame and terror own, that whoever
+holds slaves is himself responsible for _the relation_, into which,
+whether reluctantly or willingly, he thus enters. _The relation can not
+be forced upon him_. What though Elizabeth countenanced John Hawkins in
+stealing the natives of Africa?--what though James, and Charles, and
+George, opened a market for them in the English colonies?--what though
+modern Dracos have "framed mischief by law," in legalizing man-stealing
+and slaveholding?--what though your ancestors, in preparing to go "to
+their own place," constituted you the owner of the "neighbors" whom they
+had used as cattle?--what of all this, and as much more like this, as
+can be drawn from the history of that dreadful process by which men "are
+deemed, sold, taken, reputed, and adjudged in law to be _chattels
+personal_?" Can all this force you to put the cap upon the climax--to
+clinch the nail by doing that, without which nothing in the work of
+slave-making would be attempted? _The slaveholder is the soul of the
+whole system_. Without him, the chattel principle is a lifeless
+abstraction. Without him, charters, and markets, and laws, and
+testaments, are empty names. And does _he_ think to escape
+responsibility? Why, kidnappers, and soul-drivers, and law-makers, are
+nothing but his _agents_. He is the guilty _principal_. Let him look
+to it.
+
+[Footnote A: You join with them in their bloody work. They murder, and
+you bury the victims.]
+
+But what can he do? Do? Keep his hands off his "neighbor's" throat. Let
+him refuse to finish and ratify the process by which the chattel
+principle is carried into effect. Let him refuse, in the face of
+derision, and reproach, and opposition. Though poverty should fasten its
+bony hand upon him, and persecution shoot forth its forked tongue;
+whatever may betide him--scorn, flight, flames--let him promptly and
+steadfastly refuse. Better the spite and hate of men than the wrath of
+Heaven! "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from
+thee; for it is profitable for thee, that one of thy members should
+perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."
+
+Prof. Stuart admits, that the Golden Rule and the second great
+commandment "decide against the theory of slavery as being in itself
+right." What, then, is their relation to the particular precepts,
+institutions, and usages, which are authorized and enjoined in the New
+Testament? Of all these, they are the summary expression--the
+comprehensive description. No precept in the Bible enforcing our mutual
+obligations, can be more or less than _the application of these
+injunctions to specific relations or particular occasions and
+conditions_. Neither in the Old Testament nor the New, do prophets teach
+or laws enjoin, any thing which the Golden Rule and the second great
+command do not contain. Whatever they forbid, no other precept can
+require; and whatever they require, no other precept can forbid. What,
+then, does he attempt, who turns over the sacred pages to find something
+in the way of permission or command, which may set him free from the
+obligations of the Golden Rule? What must his objects, methods, spirit
+be, to force him to enter upon such inquiries?--to compel him to search
+the Bible for such a purpose? Can he have good intentions, or be well
+employed? Is his frame of mind adapted to the study of the Bible?--to
+make its meaning plain and welcome? What must he think of God, to search
+his word in quest of gross inconsistencies and grave contradictions!
+Inconsistent legislation in Jehovah! Contradictory commands! Permissions
+at war with prohibitions! General requirements at variance with
+particular arrangements!
+
+What must be the moral character of any institution which the Golden
+Rule decides against?--which the second great command condemns? _It can
+not but be wicked_, whether newly established or long maintained.
+However it may be shaped, turned, colored--under every modification and
+at all times--_wickedness must be its proper character_. _It must be_,
+IN ITSELF, _apart from its circumstances_, IN ITS ESSENCE, _apart from
+its incidents_, SINFUL.
+
+"THINK NOT TO SAY WITHIN YOURSELVES, WE HAVE ABRAHAM FOR OUR FATHER."
+
+In disposing of those precepts and exhortations which have a specific
+bearing upon the subject of slavery, it is greatly important, nay,
+absolutely essential, that we look forth upon the objects around us,
+from the right post of observation. Our stand we must take at some
+central point, amidst the general maxims and fundamental precepts, the
+known circumstances and characteristic arrangements, of primitive
+Christianity. Otherwise, wrong views and false conclusions will be the
+result of our studies. We can not, therefore, be too earnest in trying
+to catch the general features and prevalent spirit of the New Testament
+institutions and arrangements. For to what conclusions must we come, if
+we unwittingly pursue our inquires under the bias of the prejudice, that
+the general maxims of social life which now prevail in this country,
+were current, on the authority of the Savior, among the primitive
+Christians! That, for instance, wealth, station, talents, are the
+standard by which our claims upon, and our regard for, others, should be
+modified?--That those who are pinched by poverty, worn by disease,
+tasked in menial labors, or marked by features offensive to the taste of
+the artificial and capricious, are to be excluded from those refreshing
+and elevating influences which intelligence and refinement may be
+expected to exert; that thus they are to constitute a class by
+themselves, and to be made to know and keep their place at the very
+bottom of society? Or, what if we should think and speak of the
+primitive Christians, as if they had the same pecuniary resources as
+Heaven has lavished upon the American churches?--as if they were as
+remarkable for affluence, elegance, and splendor? Or, as if they had as
+high a position and as extensive an influence in politics and
+literature?--having directly or indirectly, the control over the high
+places of learning and of power?
+
+If we should pursue our studies and arrange our arguments--if we should
+explain words and interpret language--under such a bias, what must
+inevitably be the results? What would be the worth of our conclusions?
+What confidence could be reposed in any instruction we might undertake
+to furnish? And is not this the way in which the advocates and
+apologists of slavery dispose of the bearing which primitive
+Christianity has upon it? They first ascribe, unwittingly perhaps, to
+the primitive churches, the character, relations, and condition, of
+American Christianity, and amidst the deep darkness and strange
+confusion thus produced, set about interpreting the language and
+explaining the usages of the New Testament!
+
+"SO THAT YE ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE."
+
+Among the lessons of instruction which our Savior imparted, having a
+general bearing on the subject of slavery, that in which he sets up the
+_true standard of greatness_, deserves particular attention. In
+repressing the ambition of his disciples, he held up before them the
+methods by which alone healthful aspirations for eminence could be
+gratified, and thus set the elements of true greatness in the clearest
+light. "Ye know, that they which are accounted to rule over the
+Gentiles, exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise
+authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you; but whosoever
+will be great among you, shall be your minister; _and whosoever of you
+will be chiefest, shall be servant of all_." In other words, through the
+selfishness and pride of mankind, the maxim widely prevails in the
+world, that it is the privilege, prerogative, and mark of greatness, TO
+EXACT SERVICE; that our superiority to others, while it authorizes us to
+relax the exertion of our own powers, gives us a fair title to the use
+of theirs; that "might," while it exempts us from serving, "gives the
+right" to be served. The instructions of the Savior open the way to
+greatness for us in the opposite direction. Superiority to others, in
+whatever it may consist, gives us a claim to a wider field of exertion,
+and demands of us a larger amount of service. We can be great only as we
+_are useful_. And "might gives right" to bless our fellow men, by
+improving every opportunity and employing every faculty, affectionately,
+earnestly, and unweariedly, in their service. Thus the greater the man,
+the more active, faithful, and useful the servant.
+
+The Savior has himself taught us how this doctrine must be applied. He
+bids us improve every opportunity and employ every power, even, through
+the most menial services, in blessing the human family. And to make this
+lesson shine upon our understandings and move our hearts, he embodied it
+in a most instructive and attractive example. On a memorable occasion,
+and just before his crucifixion, he discharged for his disciples the
+most menial of all offices--taking, _in washing their feet_, the place
+of the lowest servant. He took great pains to make them understand, that
+only by imitating this example could they honor their relations to him
+as their Master; that thus only would they find themselves blessed. By
+what possibility could slavery exist under the influence of such a
+lesson, set home by such an example? _Was it while washing the
+disciples' feet, that our Savior authorized one man to make a chattel
+of another_?
+
+To refuse to provide for ourselves by useful labor, the apostle Paul
+teaches us to regard as a grave offence. After reminding the
+Thessalonian Christians, that in addition to all his official exertions
+he had with his own muscles earned his own bread, he calls their
+attention to an arrangement which was supported by apostolical
+authority, "that if any would not work, neither should he eat." In the
+most earnest and solemn manner, and as a minister of the Lord Jesus
+Christ, he commanded and exhorted those who neglected useful labor,
+"_with quietness to work and eat their own bread_." What must be the
+bearing of all this upon slavery? Could slavery be maintained where
+every man eat the bread which himself had earned?--where idleness was
+esteemed so great a crime, as to be reckoned worthy of starvation as a
+punishment? How could unrequited labor be exacted, or used, or needed?
+Must not every one in such a community contribute his share to the
+general welfare?--and mutual service and mutual support be the
+natural result?
+
+The same apostle, in writing to another church, describes the true
+source whence the means of liberality ought to be derived. "Let him that
+stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands
+the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."
+Let this lesson, as from the lips of Jehovah, be proclaimed throughout
+the length and breadth of South Carolina. Let it be universally welcomed
+and reduced to practice. Let thieves give up what they had stolen to the
+lawful proprietors, cease stealing, and begin at once to "labor, working
+with their hands," for necessary and charitable purposes. Could slavery,
+in such a case, continue to exist? Surely not! Instead of exacting
+unpaid services from others, every man would be busy, exerting himself
+not only to provide for his own wants, but also to accumulate funds,
+"that he might have to give to" the needy. Slavery must disappear, root
+and branch, at once and forever.
+
+In describing the source whence his ministers should expect their
+support, the Savior furnished a general principle, which has an obvious
+and powerful bearing on the subject of slavery. He would have them
+remember, while exerting themselves for the benefit of their fellow men,
+that "the laborer is worthy of his hire." He has thus united wages with
+work. Whoever renders the one is entitled to the other. And this
+manifestly according to a mutual understanding and a voluntary
+arrangement. For the doctrine that I may force you to work for me for
+whatever consideration I may please to fix upon, fairly opens the way
+for the doctrine, that you, in turn, may force me to render you whatever
+wages you may choose to exact for any services you may see fit to
+render. Thus slavery, even as involuntary servitude, is cut up by the
+root. Even the Princeton professor seems to regard it as a violation of
+the principle which unites work with wages.
+
+The apostle James applies this principle to the claims of manual
+laborers--of those who hold the plough and thrust in the sickle. He
+calls the rich lordlings who exacted sweat and withheld wages, to
+"weeping and howling," assuring them that the complaints of the injured
+laborer had entered into the ear of the Lord of Hosts, and that, as a
+result of their oppression, their riches were corrupted, and their
+garments moth-eaten; their gold and silver were cankered; that the rest
+of them should be a witness against them, and should eat their flesh as
+it were fire; that, in one word, they had heaped treasure together for
+the last days, when "miseries were coming upon them," the prospect of
+which might well drench them in tears and fill them with terror. If
+these admonition and warnings were heeded there, would not "the South"
+break forth into "weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth?" What else
+are its rich men about, but withholding by a system of fraud, his wages
+from the laborer, who is wearing himself out under the impulse of fear,
+in cultivating their fields and producing their luxuries? Encouragement
+and support do they derive from James, in maintaining the "peculiar
+institution" whence they derived their wealth, which they call
+patriarchal, and boast of as the "corner-stone" of the republic?
+
+In the New Testament, we have, moreover, the general injunction, "_Honor
+all men_." Under this broad precept, every form of humanity may justly
+claim protection and respect. The invasion of any human right must do
+dishonor to humanity, and be a transgression of this command. How then,
+in the light of such obligations, must slavery be regarded? Are those
+men honored, who are rudely excluded from a place in the human family,
+and shut up to the deep degradation and nameless horrors of chattelship?
+_Can they be held as slaves, and at the same time be honored as men_?
+
+How far, in obeying this command, we are to go, we may infer from the
+admonitions and instructions which James applies to the arrangements and
+usages of religious assemblies. Into these he can not allow "respect of
+persons" to enter. "My brethren," he exclaims, "have not the faith of
+our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For
+if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
+apparel; and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have
+respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, sit thou
+here in a good place; and say to the poor, stand thou there, or sit here
+under my footstool; are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are
+become judges of evil thoughts? _If ye have respect to persons, ye
+commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors_." On this
+general principle, then, religious assemblies ought to be
+regulated--that every man is to be estimated, not according to his
+_circumstances_--not according to any thing incidental to his
+_condition_; but according to his _moral worth_--according to the
+essential features and vital elements of his _character_. Gold rings and
+gay clothing, as they qualify no man for, can entitle no man to, a "good
+place" in the church. Nor can the "vile raiment of the poor man," fairly
+exclude him from any sphere, however exalted, which his heart and head
+may fit him to fill. To deny this, in theory or practice, is to degrade
+a man below a thing; for what are gold rings, or gay clothing, or vile
+raiment, but things, "which perish with the using?" And this must be "to
+commit sin, and be convinced of the law as transgressors."
+
+In slavery, we have "respect of persons," strongly marked, and reduced
+to system. Here men are despised not merely for "the vile raiment,"
+which may cover their scarred bodies. This is bad enough. But the
+deepest contempt for humanity here grows out of birth or complexion.
+Vile raiment may be, often is, the result of indolence, or improvidence,
+or extravagance. It may be, often is, an index of character. But how can
+I be responsible for the incidents of my birth?--how for my complexion?
+To despise or honor me for these, is to be guilty of "respect of
+persons" in its grossest form, and with its worst effects. It is to
+reward or punish me for what I had nothing to do with; for which,
+therefore, I can not, without the greatest injustice, be held
+responsible. It is to poison the very fountains of justice, by
+confounding all moral distinctions. It is with a worse temper, and in
+the way of inflicting infinitely greater injuries, to copy the kingly
+folly of Xerxes, in chaining and scourging the Hellespont. What, then,
+so far as the authority of the New Testament is concerned, becomes of
+slavery, which can not be maintained under any form nor for a single
+moment, without "respect of persons" the most aggravated and
+unendurable? And what would become of that most pitiful, silly, and
+wicked arrangement in so many of our churches, in which worshipers of a
+dark complexion are to be shut up to the negro pew?[A]
+
+[Footnote A: In Carlyle's Review of the Memoirs of Mirabeau, we have the
+following anecdote, illustrative of the character of a "grandmother" of
+the Count. "Fancy the dame Mirabeau sailing stately towards the church
+font; another dame striking in to take precedence of her; the dame
+Mirabeau despatching this latter with a box on the ear, and these words,
+'_Here, as in the army_, THE BAGGAGE _goes last_!'" Let those who
+justify the negro-pew-arrangement, throw a stone at this proud woman--if
+they dare.]
+
+Nor are we permitted to confine this principle to _religious_
+assemblies. It is to pervade social life every where. Even where plenty,
+intelligence, and refinement, diffuse their brightest rays, the poor are
+to be welcomed with especial favor. "Then said he to him that bade him,
+when thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy
+brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors, lest they also
+bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a
+feast, call the poor and the maimed, the lame and the blind, and thou
+shalt be blessed; for they can not recompense thee, but thou shalt be
+recompensed at the resurrection of the just."
+
+In the high places of social life then--in the parlor, the drawing-room,
+the saloon--special reference should be had, in every arrangement, to
+the comfort and improvement of those who are least able to provide for
+the cheapest rites of hospitality. For these, ample accommodations must
+be made, whatever may become of our kinsmen and rich neighbors. And for
+this good reason, that while such occasions signify little to the
+latter, to the former they are pregnant with good--raising their
+drooping spirits, cheering their desponding hearts, inspiring them with
+life, and hope, and joy. The rich and the poor thus meeting joyfully
+together, can not but mutually contribute to each other's benefit; the
+rich will be led to moderation, sobriety, and circumspection, and the
+poor to industry, providence, and contentment. The recompense must be
+rich and sure.
+
+A most beautiful and instructive commentary on the text in which these
+things are taught, the Savior furnished in his own conduct. He freely
+mingled with those who were reduced to the very bottom of society. At
+the tables of the outcasts of society, he did not hesitate to be a
+cheerful guest, surrounded by publicans and sinners. And when flouted
+and reproached by smooth and lofty ecclesiastics, as an ultraist and
+leveler, he explained and justified himself by observing, that he had
+only done what his office demanded. It was his to seek the lost, to heal
+the sick, to pity the wretched;--in a word, to bestow just such benefits
+as the various necessities of mankind made appropriate and welcome. In
+his great heart, there was room enough for those who had been excluded
+from the sympathy of little souls. In its spirit and design, the gospel
+overlooked none--least of all, the outcasts of a selfish world.
+
+Can slavery, however modified, be consistent with such a gospel?--a
+gospel which requires us, even amidst the highest forms of social life,
+to exert ourselves to raise the depressed by giving our warmest
+sympathies to those who have the smallest share in the favor of
+the world?
+
+Those who are in "bonds" are set before us as deserving an especial
+remembrance. Their claims upon us are described as a modification of the
+Golden Rule--as one of the many forms to which its obligations are
+reducible. To them we are to extend the same affectionate regard as we
+would covet for ourselves, if the chains upon their limbs were fastened
+upon ours. To the benefits of this precept, the enslaved have a natural
+claim of the greatest strength. The wrongs they suffer, spring from a
+persecution which can hardly be surpassed in malignancy. Their birth and
+complexion are the occasion of the insults and injuries which they can
+neither endure nor escape. It is for the _work of God_, and not them own
+deserts, that they are loaded with chains. _This is persecution._
+
+Can I regard the slave as another self--can I put myself in his
+place--and be indifferent to his wrongs? Especially, can I, thus
+affected, take sides with the oppressor? Could I, in such a state of
+mind as the gospel requires me to cherish, reduce him to slavery or keep
+him in bonds? Is not the precept under hand naturally subversive of
+every system and every form of slavery?
+
+The _general descriptions_ of the church which are found here and there
+in the New Testament, are highly instructive in their bearing on the
+subject of slavery. In one connection, the following words meet the eye:
+"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there
+is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."[A] Here
+we have--1. A clear and strong description of the doctrine of _human
+equality_. "Ye are all ONE;"--so much alike, so truly placed on common
+ground, all wielding each his own powers with such freedom, _that one is
+the same as another_.
+
+[Footnote A: Gal. iii. 23.]
+
+2. This doctrine, self-evident in the light of reason, is affirmed on
+divine authority. "IN CHRIST JESUS, _ye are all one_." The natural
+equality of the human family is a part of the gospel. For--
+
+3. All the human family are included in this description. Whether men or
+women, whether bond or free, whether Jews or Gentiles, all are alike
+entitled to the benefit of this doctrine. Wherever Christianity
+prevails, the _artificial_ distinctions which grow out of birth,
+condition, sex, are done away. _Natural_ distinctions are not destroyed.
+_They_ are recognized, hallowed, confirmed. The gospel does not abolish
+the sexes, forbid a division of labor, or extinguish patriotism. It
+takes woman from beneath the feet, and places her by the side of man;
+delivers the manual laborer from "the yoke," and gives him wages for his
+work; and brings the Jew and Gentile to embrace each other with
+fraternal love and confidence. Thus it raises all to a common level,
+gives to each the free use of his own powers and resources, binds all
+together in one dear and loving brotherhood. Such, according to the
+description of the apostle, was the influence, and such the effect of
+primitive Christianity. "Behold the picture!" Is it like American
+slavery, which, in all its tendencies and effects, is destructive of all
+oneness among brethren?
+
+"Where the spirit of the Lord is," exclaims the same apostle, with his
+eye upon the condition and relations of the church, "_where the spirit
+of the Lord is_, THERE IS LIBERTY." Where, then, may we reverently
+recognize the presence, and bow before the manifested power, of this
+spirit? _There_, where the laborer may not choose how he shall be
+employed!--in what way his wants shall he supplied!--with whom he shall
+associate!--who shall have the fruit of his exertions! _There_, where he
+is not free to enjoy his wife and children! _There_, where his body and
+his soul, his very "destiny,"[A] are placed altogether beyond his
+control! _There_, where every power is crippled, every energy blasted,
+every hope crushed! _There_, where in all the relations and concerns of
+life, he is legally treated as if he had nothing to do with the laws of
+reason, the light of immortality, or the exercise of will! Is the spirit
+of the Lord _there_, where liberty is decried and denounced, mocked at
+and spit upon, betrayed and crucified! In the midst of a church which
+justified slavery, which derived its support from slavery, which carried
+on its enterprises by means of slavery, would the apostle have found the
+fruits of the Spirit of the Lord! Let that Spirit exert his influences,
+and assert his authority, and wield his power, and slavery must vanish
+at once and forever.
+
+[Footnote A: "The Legislature [of South Carolina] from time to time, has
+passed many restricted and penal acts, with a view to bring under direct
+control and subjection the DESTINY _of the black population_." See the
+Remonstrance of James S. Pope and 352 others, against home missionary
+efforts for the benefit of the enslaved--a most instructive paper.]
+
+In more than one connection, the apostle James describes Christianity as
+"_the law of liberty_." It is in other words the law under which liberty
+can not but live and flourish--the law in which liberty is clearly
+defined, strongly asserted, and well protected. As the law of liberty,
+how can it be consistent with the law of slavery? The presence and the
+power of this law are felt wherever the light of reason shines. They are
+felt in the uneasiness and conscious degradation of the slave, and in
+the shame and remorse which the master betrays in his reluctant and
+desperate efforts to defend himself. This law it is which has armed
+human nature against the oppressor. Wherever it is obeyed, "every yoke
+is broken."
+
+In these references to the New Testament we have a _general description_
+of the primitive church, and the _principles_ on which it was founded
+and fashioned. These principles bear the same relation to Christian
+_history_ as to Christian _character_, since the former is occupied with
+the development of the latter. What then is Christian character but
+Christian principle _realized_, acted out, bodied forth, and animated?
+Christian principle is the soul, of which Christian character is the
+expression--the manifestation. It comprehends in itself, as a living
+seed, such Christian character, under every form, modification, and
+complexion. The former is, therefore, the test and interpreter of the
+latter. In the light of Christian principle, and in that light only, we
+can judge of and explain Christian character. Christian history is
+occupied with the forms, modifications, and various aspects of Christian
+character. The facts which are there recorded serve to show, how
+Christian principle has fared in this world--how it has appeared, what
+it has done, how it has been treated. In these facts we have the various
+institutions, usages, designs, doings, and sufferings of the church of
+Christ. And all these have of necessity, the closest relation to
+Christian principle. They are the production of its power. Through them,
+it is revealed and manifested. In its light, they are to be studied,
+explained, and understood. Without it they must be as unintelligible and
+insignificant as the letters of a book, scattered on the wind.
+
+In the principles of Christianity, then, we have a comprehensive and
+faithful account of its objects, institutions, and usages--of how it
+must behave, and act, and suffer, in a world of sin and misery. For
+between the principles which God reveals, on the one hand, and the
+precepts he enjoins, the institutions he establishes, and the usages he
+approves, on the other, there must be consistency and harmony. Otherwise
+we impute to God what we must abhor in man--practice at war with
+principle. Does the Savior, then, lay down the _principle_ that our
+standing in the church must depend upon the habits, formed within us, of
+readily and heartily subserving the welfare of others; and permit us _in
+practice_ to invade the rights and trample on the happiness of our
+fellows, by reducing them to slavery. Does he, _in principle_ and by
+example, require us to go all lengths in rendering mutual service,
+comprehending offices the most menial, as well as the most honorable;
+and permit us _in practice_ to EXACT service of our brethren, as if they
+were nothing better than "articles of merchandize?" Does he require us
+_in principle_ "to work with quietness and eat our own bread;" and
+permit us _in practice_ to wrest from our brethren the fruits of their
+unrequited toil? Does he in principle require us, abstaining from every
+form of theft, to employ our powers in useful labor, not only to provide
+for ourselves but also to relieve the indigence of others; and permit us
+_in practice_, abstaining from every form of labor, to enrich and
+aggrandize ourselves with the fruits of man-stealing? Does he require us
+_in principle_ to regard "the laborer as worthy of his hire;" and permit
+us _in practice_ to defraud him of his wages? Does he require us _in
+principle_ "to honor ALL men;" and permit us _in practice_ to treat
+multitudes like cattle? Does he _in principle_ prohibit "respect of
+persons;" and permit us _in practice_ to place the feet of the rich upon
+the necks of the poor? Does he _in principle_ require us to sympathize
+with the bondman as another self; and permit us _in practice_ to leave
+him unpitied and unhelped in the hands of the oppressor? _In principle_,
+"where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty;" _in practice_, is
+_slavery_ the fruit of the Spirit? _In principle_, Christianity is the
+law of liberty; _in practice_, is it the law of slavery? Bring practice
+in these various respects into harmony with principle, and what becomes
+of slavery? And if, where the divine government is concerned, practice
+is the expression of principle, and principle the standard and
+interpreter of practice, such harmony cannot but be maintained and must
+be asserted. In studying, therefore, fragments of history and sketches
+of biography--in disposing of references to institutions, usages, and
+facts in the New Testament, this necessary harmony between principle and
+practice in the government, should be continually present to the
+thoughts of the interpreter. Principles assert what practice must be.
+Whatever principle condemns, God condemns. It belongs to those weeds of
+the dunghill which, planted by "an enemy," his hand will assuredly "root
+up." It is most certain, then, that if slavery prevailed in the first
+ages of Christianity, it could nowhere have prevailed under its
+influence and with its sanction.
+
+The _condition_ in which, in its efforts to bless mankind, the primitive
+church was placed, must have greatly assisted the early Christians in
+understanding and applying the principles of the gospel.--Their _Master_
+was born in great obscurity, lived in the deepest poverty, and died the
+most ignominious death. The place of his residence, his familiarity with
+the outcasts of society, his welcoming assistance and support from
+female hands, his casting his beloved mother, when he hung upon the
+cross, upon the charity of a disciple--such things evince the depth of
+his poverty, and show to what derision and contempt he must have been
+exposed. Could such an one, "despised and rejected of men--a man of
+sorrows and acquainted with grief," play the oppressor, or smile on
+those who made merchandize of the poor!
+
+And what was the history of the _apostles_, but an illustration of the
+doctrine, that "it is enough for the disciple, that he be as his
+Master?" Were they lordly ecclesiastics, abounding with wealth, shining
+with splendor, bloated with luxury! Were they ambitious of distinction,
+fleecing, and trampling, and devouring "the flocks," that they
+themselves might "have the pre-eminence!" Were they slaveholding
+bishops! Or did they derive their support from the wages of iniquity and
+the price of blood! Can such inferences be drawn from the account of
+their condition, which the most gifted and enterprising of their number
+has put upon record? "Even unto this present hour, we both hunger, and
+thirst, and are naked, and _are buffetted_, and have _no certain
+dwelling place, and labor working with our own hands_. Being reviled, we
+bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat; we are
+made as _the filth of the world_, and are THE OFFSCOURING OF ALL THINGS
+unto this day[A]." Are these the men who practiced or countenanced
+slavery? _With such a temper, they WOULD NOT; in such circumstances,
+they COULD NOT_. Exposed to "tribulation, distress, and persecution;"
+subject to famine and nakedness, to peril and the sword; "killed all the
+day long; accounted as sheep for the slaughter[B]," they would have made
+but a sorry figure at the great-house or slave-market!
+
+[Footnote A: 1 Cor. iv. 11-13.]
+
+[Footnote B: 1 Rom. viii. 35, 36.]
+
+Nor was the condition of the brethren, generally, better than that of
+the apostles. The position of the apostles doubtless entitled them to
+the strongest opposition, the heaviest reproaches, the fiercest
+persecution. But derision and contempt must have been the lot of
+Christians generally. Surely we cannot think so ill of primitive
+Christianity as to suppose that believers, generally, refused to share
+in the trials and sufferings of their leaders; as to suppose that while
+the leaders submitted to manual labor, to buffeting, to be reckoned the
+filth of the world, to be accounted as sheep for the slaughter, his
+brethren lived in affluence, ease, and honor! despising manual labor!
+and living upon the sweat of unrequited toil! But on this point we are
+not left to mere inference and conjecture. The apostle Paul in the
+plainest language explains the ordination of Heaven. "But _God hath_
+CHOSEN the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God
+hath CHOSEN the weak things of the world to confound the things which
+are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised
+hath God CHOSEN, yea, and THINGS WHICH ARE NOT, to bring to nought
+things that are."[A] Here we may well notice,
+
+[Footnote A: 1 Cor. i. 27, 28.]
+
+1. That it was not by _accident_, that the primitive churches were made
+up of such elements, but the result of the DIVINE CHOICE--an arrangement
+of His wise and gracious Providence. The inference is natural, that this
+ordination was co-extensive with the triumphs of Christianity. It was
+nothing new or strange, that Jehovah had concealed his glory "from the
+wise and prudent, and had revealed it unto babes," or that "the common
+people heard him gladly," while "not many wise men after the flesh, not
+many mighty, not many noble, had been called."
+
+2. The description of character which the apostle records, could be
+adapted only to what are reckoned the _very dregs of humanity_. The
+foolish and the weak, the base and the contemptible, in the estimation
+of worldly pride and wisdom--these were they whose broken hearts were
+reached, and moulded, and refreshed by the gospel; these were they whom
+the apostle took to his bosom as his own brethren.
+
+That _slaves_ abounded at Corinth, may easily be admitted. _They_ have a
+place in the enumeration of elements of which, according to the apostle,
+the church there was composed. The most remarkable class found there,
+consisted of "THINGS WHICH ARE NOT"--mere nobodies, not admitted to the
+privileges of men, but degraded to a level with "goods and chattels;" of
+whom _no account_ was made in such arrangements of society as subserved
+the improvement, and dignity, and happiness of MANKIND. How accurately
+this description applies to those who are crushed under the chattel
+principle!
+
+The reference which the apostle makes to the "deep poverty of the
+churches of Macedonia,"[B] and this to stir up the sluggish liberality
+of his Corinthian brethren, naturally leaves the impression, that the
+latter were by no means inferior to the former in the gifts of
+Providence. But, pressed with want and pinched by poverty as were the
+believers in "Macedonia and Achaia, it pleased them to make a certain
+contribution for the poor saints which were at Jerusalem."[C] Thus it
+appears, that Christians every where were familiar with contempt and
+indigence, so much so, that the apostle would dissuade such as had no
+families from assuming the responsibilities of the conjugal relation[D]!
+
+[Footnote B: 2 Cor. viii. 2.]
+
+[Footnote C: Rom. xv. 26.]
+
+[Footnote D: 1 Cor. vi 26,27]
+
+Now, how did these good people treat each other? Did the few among them,
+who were esteemed wise, mighty, or noble, exert their influence and
+employ their power in oppressing the weak, in disposing of the "things
+that are not," as marketable commodities!--kneeling with them in prayer
+in the evening, and putting them up at auction the next morning! Did the
+church sell any of the members to swell the "certain contribution far
+the poor saints at Jerusalem!" Far otherwise--as far as possible! In
+those Christian communities where the influence of the apostles was most
+powerful, and where the arrangements drew forth their highest
+commendations, believers treated each other as brethren, in the
+strongest sense of that sweet word. So warm was their mutual love, so
+strong the public spirit, so open-handed and abundant the general
+liberality, that they are set forth as "_having all things common._" [E]
+Slaves and their holders here? Neither the one nor the other could in
+that relation to each other have breathed such an atmosphere. The appeal
+of the kneeling bondman, "Am I not a man and a brother," must here have
+met with a prompt and powerful response.
+
+[Footnote E: Acts iv. 32]
+
+The _tests_ by which our Savior tries the character of his professed
+disciples, shed a strong light upon the genius of the gospel. In one
+connection[F], an inquirer demands of the Savior, "What good thing shall
+I do that I may have eternal life?" After being reminded of the
+obligations which his social nature imposed upon him, he ventured, while
+claiming to be free from guilt in his relations to mankind, to demand,
+"what lack I yet?" The radical deficiency under which his character
+labored, the Savior was not long or obscure in pointing out. If thou
+wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor, and
+thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me. On this
+passage it is natural to suggest--
+
+[Footnote F: Luke xvii 18-24]
+
+1. That we have here a _test of universal application._ The rectitude
+and benevolence of our Savior's character forbid us to suppose that he
+would subject this inquirer, especially as he was highly amiable, to a
+trial, where eternal life was at stake, _peculiarly_ severe. Indeed, the
+test seems to have been only a fair exposition of the second great
+command, and of course it must be applicable to all who are placed under
+the obligations of that precept. Those who can not stand this test, as
+their character is radically imperfect and unsound, must, with the
+inquirer to whom our Lord applied it, be pronounced unfit for the
+kingdom of heaven.
+
+2. The least that our Savior can in that passage be understood to demand
+is, that we disinterestedly and heartily devote ourselves to the welfare
+of mankind, "the poor" especially. We are to put ourselves on a level
+with _them_, as we must do "in selling that we have" for their
+benefit--in other words, in employing our powers and resources to
+elevate their character, condition, and prospects. This our Savior did;
+and if we refuse to enter into sympathy and cooperation with him, how
+can we be his _followers_? Apply this test to the slaveholder. Instead
+of "selling that he hath" for the benefit of the poor, he BUYS THE POOR,
+and exacts their sweat with stripes, to enable him to "clothe himself in
+purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every day;" or, HE SELLS THE
+POOR to support the gospel and convert the heathen!
+
+What, in describing the scenes of the final judgment, does our Savior
+teach us? _By what standard_ must our character be estimated, and the
+retributions of eternity be awarded? A standard, which both the
+righteous and the wicked will be surprised to see erected. From the
+"offscouring of all things," the meanest specimen of humanity will be
+selected--a "stranger" in the hands of the oppressor, naked, hungry,
+sickly; and this stranger, placed in the midst of the assembled
+universe, by the side of the sovereign Judge, will be openly
+acknowledged as his representative. "Glory, honor, and immortality,"
+will be the reward of those who had recognized and cheered their Lord
+through his outraged poor. And tribulation, anguish, and despair, will
+seize on "every soul of man," who had neglected or despised them. But
+whom, within the limits of our country, are we to regard especially as
+the representatives of our final Judge? Every feature of the Savior's
+picture finds its appropriate original in our enslaved countrymen.
+
+1. They are the LEAST of his brethren.
+
+2. They are subject to thirst and hunger, unable to command a cup of
+water or a crumb of bread.
+
+3. They are exposed to wasting sickness, without the ability to procure
+a nurse or employ a physician.
+
+4. They are emphatically "in prison," restrained by chains, goaded with
+whips, tasked, and under keepers. Not a wretch groans in any cell of the
+prisons of our country, who is exposed to a confinement so rigorous and
+heart-breaking as the law allows theirs to be continually and
+permanently.
+
+5. And then they are emphatically, and peculiarly, and exclusively,
+STRANGERS--_strangers_ in the land which gave them birth. Whom else do
+we constrain to remain aliens in the midst of our free institutions? The
+Welch, the Swiss, the Irish? The Jews even? Alas, it is the _negro_
+only, who may not strike his roots into our soil. Every where we have
+conspired to treat him as a stranger--every where he is forced to feel
+himself a stranger. In the stage and steamboat, in the parlor and at our
+tables, in the scenes of business and in the scenes of amusement--even
+in the church of God and at the communion table, he is regarded as a
+stranger. The intelligent and religious are generally disgusted and
+horror-struck at the thought of his becoming identified with the
+citizens of our republic--so much so, that thousands of them have
+entered into a conspiracy to send him off "out of sight," to find a home
+on a foreign shore!--And justify themselves by openly alledging, that a
+"single drop" of his blood, in the veins of any human creature, must
+make him hateful to his fellow citizens!--That nothing but banishment
+from "our coasts," can redeem him from the scorn and contempt to which
+his "stranger" blood has reduced him among his own mother's children!
+
+Who, then, in this land "of milk and honey," is "hungry and athirst,"
+but the man from whom the law takes away the last crumb of bread and the
+smallest drop of water?
+
+Who "naked," but the man whom the law strips of the last rag of
+clothing?
+
+Who "sick," but the man whom the law deprives of the power of procuring
+medicine or sending for a physician?
+
+Who "in prison," but the man who, all his life is under the control of
+merciless masters and cruel keepers?
+
+Who a "stranger," but the man who is scornfully denied the cheapest
+courtesies of life--who is treated as an alien in his native country?
+
+There is one point in this awful description which deserves particular
+attention. Those who are doomed to the left hand of the Judge, are not
+charged with inflicting _positive injuries_ on their helpless, needy,
+and oppressed brother. Theirs was what is often called _negative_
+character. What they _had done_ is not described in the indictment.
+Their _neglect_ of duty, what they _had_ NOT _done_, was the ground of
+their "everlasting punishment." The representative of their Judge, they
+had seen a hungered and they gave him no meat, thirsty and they have him
+no drink, a stranger and they took him not in, naked and they clothed
+him not, sick and in prison and they visited him not. In as much as they
+did NOT yield to the claims of suffering humanity--did NOT exert
+themselves to bless the meanest of the human family, they were driven
+away in their wickedness. But what if the indictment had run thus: I was
+a hungered and ye snatched away the crust which might have saved me from
+starvation; I was thirsty and ye dashed to the ground the "cup of cold
+water," which might have moistened my parched lips; I was a stranger and
+ye drove me from the hovel which might have sheltered me from the
+piercing wind; I was sick and ye scourged me to my task; in prison and
+you sold me for my jail-fees--to what depths of hell must not those who
+were convicted under such charges be consigned! And what is the history
+of American slavery but one long indictment, describing under
+ever-varying forms and hues just such injuries!
+
+Nor should it be forgotten, that those who incurred the displeasure of
+their Judge, took far other views than he, of their own past history.
+The charges which he brought against them, they heard with great
+surprise. They were sure that they had never thus turned away from his
+necessities. Indeed, when had they seen him thus subject to poverty,
+insult, and oppression! Never. And as to that poor friendless creature
+whom they left unpitied and unhelped in the hands of the oppressor, and
+whom their Judge now presented as his own representative, they never
+once supposed, that _he_ had any claims on their compassion and
+assistance. Had they known, that he was destined to so prominent a place
+at the final judgment, they would have treated him as a human being, in
+despite of any social, pecuniary, or political considerations. But
+neither their _negative virtue_ nor their _voluntary ignorance_ could
+shield them from the penal fire which their selfishness had kindled.
+
+Now amidst the general maxims, the leading principles, the "great
+commandments" of the gospel; amidst its comprehensive descriptions and
+authorized tests of Christian character, we should take our position in
+disposing of any particular allusions to such forms and usages of the
+primitive churches as are supposed by divine authority. The latter must
+be interpreted and understood in the light of the former. But how do the
+apologists and defenders of slavery proceed? Placing themselves amidst
+the arrangements and usages which grew out of the _corruptions_ of
+Christianity, they make these the standard by which the gospel is to be
+explained and understood! Some Recorder or Justice, without the light of
+inquiry or the aid of a jury, consigns the negro whom the kidnapper has
+dragged into his presence to the horrors of slavery. As the poor wretch
+shrieks and faints, Humanity shudders and demands why such atrocities
+are endured? Some "priest" or "Levite," "passing by on the other side,"
+quite self-possessed and all complacent reads in reply from his bread
+phylactery, _Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon_! Yes, echoes the
+negro-hating mob, made up of "gentlemen of property and standing"
+together with equally gentle-men reeking from the gutter; _Yes--Paul
+sent back Onesimus to Philemon_! And Humanity, brow-beaten, stunned with
+noise and tumult, is pushed aside by the crowd! A fair specimen this of
+the manner in which modern usages are made to interpret the sacred
+Scriptures?
+
+Of the particular passages in the New Testament on which the apologists
+for slavery especially rely, the epistle to Philemon first demands our
+attention.
+
+1. This letter was written by the apostle Paul while a "prisoner of
+Jesus Christ" at Rome.
+
+2. Philemon was a benevolent and trustworthy member of the church at
+Colosse, at whose house the disciples of Christ held their assemblies,
+and who owed his conversion, under God, directly or indirectly to the
+ministry of Paul.
+
+3. Onesimus was the servant of Philemon; under a relation which it is
+difficult with accuracy and certainty to define. His condition, though
+servile, could not have been like that of an American slave; as, in that
+case, however he might have "wronged" Philemon, he could not also have
+"_owed him ought_."[A] The American slave is, according to law, as much
+the property of his master as any other chattel; and can no more "owe"
+his master than can a sheep or a horse. The basis of all pecuniary
+obligations lies in some "value received." How can "an article of
+merchandise" stand on this basis and sustain commercial relations to its
+owner? There is no _person_ to offer or promise. _Personality is
+swallowed up in American slavery_!
+
+[Footnote A: Phil. 18.]
+
+4. How Onesimus found his way to Rome it is not easy to determine. He
+and Philemon appear to have parted from each other on ill terms. The
+general character of Onesimus, certainly, in his relation to Philemon,
+had been far from attractive, and he seems to have left him without
+repairing the wrongs he had done him or paying the debts which he owed
+him. At Rome, by the blessing of God upon the exertions of the apostle,
+he was brought to reflection and repentance.
+
+5. In reviewing his history in the light of Christian truth, he became
+painfully aware of the injuries, he had inflicted on Philemon. He longed
+for an opportunity for frank confession and full restitution. Having,
+however, parted with Philemon on ill terms, he knew not how to appear in
+his presence. Under such embarrassments, he naturally sought sympathy
+and advice of Paul. _His_ influence upon Philemon, Onesimus knew must be
+powerful, especially as an apostle.
+
+6. A letter in behalf of Onesimus was therefore written by the apostle
+to Philemon. After such salutations, benedictions, and thanks giving as
+the good character and useful life of Philemon naturally drew from the
+heart of Paul, he proceeds to the object of the letter. He admits that
+Onesimus had behaved ill in the service of Philemon; not in running
+away, for how they had parted with each other is not explained, but in
+being unprofitable and in refusing to pay the debts[B] which he had
+contracted. But his character had undergone a radical change.
+Thenceforward fidelity and usefulness would be his aim and mark his
+course. And as to any pecuniary obligations which he had violated, the
+apostle authorized Philemon to put them on _his_ account.[C] Thus a way
+was fairly opened to the heart of Philemon. And now what does the
+apostles ask?
+
+[Footnote B: Verse 11,18.]
+
+[Footnote C: Verse 18.]
+
+7. He asks that Philemon would receive Onesimus. How? "Not as a
+_servant_, but _above_ a servant."[A] How much above? Philemon was to
+receive him as "a son" of the apostle--"as a brother beloved"--nay, if
+he counted Paul a partner, an equal, he was to receive Onesimus as he
+would receive _the apostle himself[B]. So much_ above a servant was he
+to receive him!
+
+[Footnote A: Verse 16.]
+
+[Footnote B: Verse 10, 16, 17.]
+
+8. But was not this request to be so interpreted and complied with as to
+put Onesimus in the hands of Philemon as "an article of merchandise,"
+CARNALLY, while it raised him to the dignity of a "brother beloved,"
+SPIRITUALLY? In other words, might not Philemon consistently with the
+request of Paul, have reduced Onesimus to a chattel, AS A MAN, while he
+admitted him fraternally to his bosom, as a CHRISTIAN? Such gibberish in
+an apostolic epistle! Never. As if, however, to guard against such
+folly, the natural product of mist and moonshine, the apostle would have
+Onesimus raised above a servant to the dignity of a brother beloved,
+"BOTH IN THE FLESH AND IN THE LORD;"[C] as a man and Christian, in all
+the relations, circumstances, and responsibilities of life.
+
+[Footnote C: Verse 16.]
+
+It is easy now with definiteness and certainty to determine in what
+sense the apostle in such connections uses the word "_brother_." It
+describes a relation inconsistent with and opposite to the _servile_. It
+is "NOT" the relation of a "SERVANT." It elevates its subject "above"
+the servile condition. It raises him to full equality with the master,
+to the same equality, on which Paul and Philemon stood side by side as
+brothers; and this, not in some vague, undefined, spiritual sense,
+affecting the soul and leaving the body in bonds, but in every way,
+"both in the FLESH and in the Lord." This matter deserves particular and
+earnest attention. It sheds a strong light on other lessons of apostolic
+instruction.
+
+9. It is greatly to our purpose, moreover, to observe that the apostle
+clearly defines the _moral character_ of his request. It was fit,
+proper, right, suited to the nature and relations of things--a thing
+which _ought_ to be done.[D] On this account, he might have urged it
+upon Philemon in the form of an _injunction_, on apostolic authority and
+with great boldness.[E] _The very nature_ of the request made it
+obligatory on Philemon. He was sacredly bound, out of regard to the
+fitness of things, to admit Onesimus to full equality with himself--to
+treat him as a brother both in the Lord and as having flesh--as a fellow
+man. Thus were the inalienable rights and birth-right privileges of
+Onesimus, as a member of the human family, defined and protected by
+apostolic authority.
+
+[Footnote D: Verse 8. To [Greek: anaekon]. See Robinson's New Testament
+Lexicon; "_it is fit, proper, becoming, it ought_." In what sense King
+James' translators used the word "convenient" any one may see who will
+read Rom. i. 28 and Eph. v. 3, 4.]
+
+[Footnote E: Verse 8.]
+
+10. The apostle preferred a request instead of imposing a command, on
+the ground of CHARITY.[A] He would give Philemon an opportunity of
+discharging his obligations under the impulse of love. To this impulse,
+he was confident Philemon would promptly and fully yield. How could he
+do otherwise? The thing itself was right. The request respecting it came
+from a benefactor, to whom, under God, he was under the highest
+obligations.[B] That benefactor, now an old man and in the hands of
+persecutors, manifested a deep and tender interest in the matter, and
+had the strongest persuasion that Philemon was more ready to grant than
+himself to entreat. The result, as he was soon to visit Colosse, and had
+commissioned Philemon to prepare a lodging for him, must come under the
+eye of the apostle. The request was so manifestly reasonable and
+obligatory, that the apostle, after all, described a compliance with it,
+by the strong word "_obedience_."[C]
+
+[Footnote A: Verse 9 [Greek: dia taen agapaen].]
+
+[Footnote B: Verse 19.]
+
+[Footnote C: Verse 21.]
+
+Now how must all this have been understood by the church at Colosse?--a
+church, doubtless, made up of such materials as the church at Corinth,
+that is, of members chiefly from the humblest walks of life. Many of
+them had probably felt the degradation and tasted the bitterness of the
+servile condition. Would they have been likely to interpret the
+apostle's letter under the bias of feelings friendly to slavery!--And
+put the slaveholder's construction on its contents! Would their past
+experience or present sufferings--for doubtless some of them were still
+"under the yoke"--have suggested to their thoughts such glosses as some
+of our theological professors venture to put upon the words of the
+apostle! Far otherwise. The Spirit of the Lord was there, and the
+epistle was read in the light of "_liberty_." It contained the
+principles of holy freedom, faithfully and affectionately applied. This
+must have made it precious in the eyes of such men "of low degree" as
+were most of the believers, and welcome to a place in the sacred canon.
+There let it remain as a luminous and powerful defense of the cause of
+emancipation!
+
+But what with Prof. Stuart? "If any one doubts, let him take the case of
+Paul's sending Onesimus back to Philemon, with an apology for his
+running away, and sending him back to be his servant for life."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: See his letter to Dr. Fisk, supra p. 8.]
+
+"Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon." By what process? Did the apostle,
+a prisoner at Rome, seize upon the fugitive, and drag him before some
+heartless and perfidious "Judge," for authority to send him back to
+Colosse? Did he hurry his victim away from the presence of the fat and
+supple magistrate, to be driven under chains and the lash to the field
+of unrequited toil, whence he had escaped? Had the apostle been like
+some teachers in the American churches, he might, as a professor of
+sacred literature in one of our seminaries, or a preacher of the gospel
+to the rich in some of our cities, have consented thus to subserve the
+"peculiar" interests of a dear slaveholding brother. But the venerable
+champion of truth and freedom was himself under bonds in the imperial
+city, waiting for the crown of martyrdom. He wrote a letter to the
+church at Colosse, which was accustomed to meet at the house of
+Philemon, and another letter to that magnanimous disciple, and sent them
+by the hand of Onesimus. So much for _the way_ in which Onesimus was
+sent back to his master.
+
+A slave escapes from a patriarch in Georgia, and seeks a refuge in the
+parish of the Connecticut doctor, who once gave public notice that he
+saw no reason for caring for the servitude of his fellow men.[B] Under
+his influence, Caesar becomes a Christian convert. Burning with love for
+the son whom he hath begotten in the gospel, our doctor resolves to send
+him back to his master. Accordingly, he writes a letter, gives it to
+Caesar, and bids him return, staff in hand, to the "corner-stone of our
+republican institutions." Now, what would any Caesar do, who had ever
+felt a link of slavery's chain? As he left his _spiritual father_,
+should we be surprized to hear him say to himself, What, return of my
+own accord to the man who, with the hand of a robber, plucked me from my
+mother's bosom!--for whom I have been so often drenched in the sweat of
+unrequited toil!--whose violence so often cut my flesh and scarred my
+limbs!--who shut out every ray of light from my mind!--who laid claim to
+those honors to which my Creator and Redeemer only are entitled! And for
+what am I to return? To be cursed, and smitten, and sold! To be tempted,
+and torn, and destroyed! I can not thus throw myself away--thus rush
+upon my own destruction.
+
+[Footnote B: "Why should I care?"]
+
+Who ever heard of the voluntary return of a fugitive from American
+oppression? Do you think that the doctor and his friends could persuade
+one to carry a letter to the patriarch from whom he had escaped? And
+must we believe this of Onesimus!
+
+"Paul sent back Onesimus to Philemon." On what occasion?--"If," writes
+the apostle, "he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on my
+account." Alive to the claims of duty, Onesimus would "restore" whatever
+he "had taken away." He would honestly pay his debts. This resolution,
+the apostle warmly approved. He was ready, at whatever expense, to help
+his young disciple in carrying it into full effect. Of this he assured
+Philemon, in language the most explicit and emphatic. Here we find one
+reason for the conduct of Paul in sending Onesimus to Philemon.
+
+If a fugitive slave of the Rev. Mr. Smylie, of Mississippi, should
+return to him with a letter from a doctor of divinity in New York,
+containing such an assurance, how would the reverend slaveholder dispose
+of it? What, he exclaims, have we here? "If Cato has not been upright in
+his pecuniary intercourse with you--if he owes you any thing--put that
+on my account." What ignorance of southern institutions! What mockery,
+to talk of pecuniary intercourse between a slave and his master! _The
+slave himself, with all he is and has, is an article of merchandise_.
+What can _he_ owe his master?--A rustic may lay a wager with his mule,
+and give the creature the peck of oats which he had permitted it to win.
+But who in sober earnest would call this a pecuniary transaction?
+
+"TO BE HIS SERVANT FOR LIFE!" From what part of the epistle could the
+expositor have evolved a thought so soothing to tyrants--so revolting to
+every man who loves his own nature? From this? "For perhaps he therefore
+departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever."
+Receive him how? _As a servant_, exclaims our commentator. But what
+wrote the apostle? "NOT _now as a servant, but above a servant_, a
+brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in
+the flesh and in the Lord." Who authorized the professor to bereave the
+word '_not_' of its negative influence? According to Paul, Philemon was
+to receive Onesimus '_not_ as a servant;'--according to Stuart, he was
+to receive him "_as a servant!_" If the professor will apply the same
+rules of exposition to the writings of the abolitionists, all difference
+between him and them must in his view presently vanish away. The
+harmonizing process would be equally simple and effectual. He has only
+to understand them as affirming what they deny, and as denying what
+they affirm.
+
+Suppose that Prof. Stuart had a son residing at the South. His slave,
+having stolen money of his master, effected his escape. He fled to
+Andover, to find a refuge among the "sons of the prophets." There he
+finds his way to Prof. Stuart's house, and offers to render any service
+which the professor, dangerously ill "of a typhus fever," might require.
+He is soon found to be a most active, skillful, faithful nurse. He
+spares no pains, night and day, to make himself useful to the venerable
+sufferer. He anticipates every want. In the most delicate and tender
+manner, he tries to sooth every pain. He fastens himself strongly on the
+heart of the reverend object of his care. Touched with the heavenly
+spirit, the meek demeanor, the submissive frame, which the sick bed
+exhibits, Archy becomes a Christian. A new bond now ties him and his
+convalescent teacher together. As soon as he is able to write, the
+professor sends by Archy the following letter to the South, to Isaac
+Stuart, Esq.:--
+
+"MY DEAR SON,--With a hand enfeebled by a distressing and dangerous
+illness, from which I am slowly recovering, I address you, on a subject
+which lies very near my heart. I have a request to urge, which my
+acquaintance with you, and your strong obligations to me, will, I can
+not doubt, make you eager fully to grant. I say a request, though the
+thing I ask is, in its very nature and on the principles of the gospel,
+obligatory upon you. I might, therefore, boldly demand, what I earnestly
+entreat. But I know how generous, magnanimous, and Christ-like you are,
+and how readily you will "do even more than I say"--I, your own father,
+an old man, almost exhausted with multiplied exertions for the benefit
+of my family and my country, and now just rising, emaciated and broken,
+from the brink of the grave. I write in behalf of Archy, whom I regard
+with the affection of a father, and whom, indeed, 'I have begotten in my
+sickness.' Gladly would I have retained him, to be an _Isaac_ to me; for
+how often did not his soothing voice, and skillful hand, and unwearied
+attention to my wants, remind me of you! But I chose to give you an
+opportunity of manifesting, voluntarily, the goodness of your heart; as,
+if I had retained him with me, you might seem to have been forced to
+grant what you will gratefully bestow. His temporary absence from you
+may have opened the way for his permanent continuance with you. Not now
+as a slave. Heaven forbid! But superior to a slave. Superior, did I say?
+Take him to your bosom, as a beloved brother; for I own him as a son,
+and regard him as such, in all the relations of life, both as a man and
+a Christian.--'Receive him as myself.' And that nothing may hinder you
+from complying with my request at once, I hereby promise, without
+adverting to your many and great obligations to me, to pay you every
+cent which he took from your drawer. Any preparation which my comfort
+with you may require, you will make without much delay, when you learn,
+that I intend, as soon as I shall be able 'to perform the journey,' to
+make you a visit."
+
+And what if Dr. Baxter, in giving an account of this letter should
+publicly declare that Prof. Stuart of Andover regarded slaveholding as
+lawful; for that "he had sent Archy back to his son Isaac, with an
+apology for his running away" to be held in perpetual slavery? With what
+propriety might not the professor exclaim: False, every syllable false.
+I sent him back, NOT TO BE HELD AS A SLAVE, _but recognized as a dear
+brother, in all respects, under every relation, civil and
+ecclesiastical_. I bade my son receive _Archy as myself_. If this was
+not equivalent to a requisition to set him fully and most honorably
+free, and that, too, on the ground of natural obligation and Christian
+principle, then I know not how to frame such a requisition.
+
+I am well aware that my supposition is by no means strong enough fully
+to illustrate the case to which it is applied. Prof. Stuart lacks
+apostolical authority. Isaac Stuart is not a leading member of a church
+consisting, as the early churches chiefly consisted, of what the world
+regard as the dregs of society--"the offscouring of all things." Nor was
+slavery at Colosse, it seems, supported by such barbarous usages, such
+horrid laws as disgrace the South.
+
+But it is time to turn to another passage which, in its bearing on the
+subject in hand, is, in our view, as well as in the view of Dr. Fisk and
+Prof. Stuart, in the highest degree authoritative and instructive. "Let
+as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of
+all honor, that the name of God and his doctrines be not blasphemed. And
+they that have believing masters, let them not despise them because they
+are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and
+beloved, partakers of the benefit."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: 1 Tim. vi. 1, 2.]
+
+1. The apostle addresses himself here to two classes of servants, with
+instructions to each respectively appropriate. Both the one class and
+the other, in Prof. Stuart's eye, were _slaves_. This he assumes, and
+thus begs the very question in dispute. The term servant is _generic_,
+as used by the sacred writers. It comprehends all the various offices
+which men discharge for the benefit of each other, however honorable, or
+however menial; from that of an apostle[B] opening the path to heaven,
+to that of washing "one another's feet."[C] A general term it is,
+comprehending every office which belongs to human relations and
+Christian character.[D]
+
+[Footnote B: Cor. iv. 5.]
+
+[Footnote C: John xiii. 14.]
+
+[Footnote D: Mat. xx. 26-28.]
+
+A leading signification gives us the _manual laborer_, to whom, in the
+division of labor, muscular exertion was allotted. As in his exertions
+the bodily powers are especially employed--such powers as belong to man
+in common with mere animals--his sphere has generally been considered
+low and humble. And as intellectual power is superior to bodily, the
+manual laborer has always been exposed in very numerous ways and in
+various degrees to oppression. Cunning, intrigue, the oily tongue, have,
+through extended and powerful conspiracies, brought the resources of
+society under the control of the few, who stood aloof from his homely
+toil. Hence his dependence upon them. Hence the multiplied injuries
+which have fallen so heavily upon him. Hence the reduction of his wages
+from one degree to another, till at length, in the case of millions,
+fraud and violence strip him of his all, blot his name from the record
+of _mankind_, and, putting a yoke upon his neck, drive him away to toil
+among the cattle. _Here you find the slave._ To reduce the servant to
+his condition, requires abuses altogether monstrous--injuries reaching
+the very vitals of man--stabs upon the very heart of humanity. Now, what
+right has Prof. Stuart to make the word "_servants_," comprehending,
+even as manual laborers, so many and such various meanings, signify
+"_slaves_," especially where different classes are concerned? Such a
+right he could never have derived from humanity, or philosophy, or
+hermeneutics. Is it his by sympathy with the oppressor?
+
+Yes, different classes. This is implied in the term "_as many_,"[A]
+which sets apart the class now to be addressed. From these he proceeds
+to others, who are introduced by a particle,[B] whose natural meaning
+indicates the presence of another and a different subject.
+
+[Footnote A: [Greek: Osoi.] See Passow's Schneider.]
+
+[Footnote B: [Greek: De.] See Passow.]
+
+2. The first class are described as "_under the yoke_"--a yoke from
+which they were, according to the apostle, to make their escape if
+possible.[C] If not, they must in every way regard the master with
+respect--bowing to his authority, working his will, subserving his
+interests so far as might be consistent with Christian character.[D] And
+this, to prevent blasphemy--to prevent the pagan master from heaping
+profane reproaches upon the name of God and the doctrines of the gospel.
+They should beware of rousing his passions, which, as his helpless
+victims, they might be unable to allay or withstand.
+
+[Footnote C: See 1 Cor. vii. 21--[Greek: All ei kai d u n a s a i
+eleutheros genesthai.]]
+
+[Footnote D: 1 Cor. vii. 23--[Greek: Mae ginesthe douloi anthropon.]]
+
+But all the servants whom the apostle addressed were not "_under the
+yoke_"[E]--an instrument appropriate to cattle and to slaves. These he
+distinguishes from another class, who instead of a "yoke"--the badge of
+a slave--had "_believing masters_." _To have a "believing master," then,
+was equivalent to freedom from "the yoke."_ These servants were exhorted
+not _to despise_ their masters. What need of such an exhortation, if
+their masters had been slaveholders, holding them as property, wielding
+them as mere instruments, disposing of them as "articles of
+merchandise?" But this was not consistent with believing. Faith,
+"breaking every yoke," united master and servants in the bonds of
+brotherhood. Brethren they were, joined in a relation which, excluding
+the yoke,[F] placed them side by side on the ground of equality, where,
+each in his appropriate sphere, they might exert themselves freely and
+usefully, to the mutual benefit of each other. Here, servants might need
+to be cautioned against getting above their appropriate business,
+putting on airs, despising their masters, and thus declining or
+neglecting their service.[G] Instead of this, they should be, as
+emancipated slaves often have been,[H] models of enterprise, fidelity,
+activity, and usefulness--especially as their masters were "worthy of
+their confidence and love," their helpers in this well-doing.[I]
+
+[Footnote E: See Lev. xxvi. 13; Isa. lviii. 6, 9.]
+
+[Footnote F: Supra p. 47.]
+
+[Footnote G: See Matt. vi. 24.]
+
+[Footnote H: Those, for instance, set free by that "believing master"
+James G. Birney.]
+
+[Footnote I: The following exposition is from the pen of ELIZUR WRIGHT,
+JR.:--"This word [Greek: antilambanesthai,] in our humble opinion, has
+been so unfairly used by the commentators, that we feel constrained to
+take its part. Our excellent translators, in rendering the clause
+'partakers of the benefit,' evidently lost sight of the component
+preposition, which expresses the _opposition of reciprocity_, rather
+than the _connection of participation_. They have given it exactly the
+sense of [Greek: metalambanein,] (2 Tim. ii. 6.) Had the apostle
+intended such a sense, he would have used the latter verb, or one of the
+more common words, [Greek: metochoi, koinonountes], &c. (See Heb. iii.
+1, and 1 Tim. v. 22, where the latter word is used in the clause,
+'neither be partaker of other men's sins.' Had the verb in our text been
+used, it might have been rendered, 'neither be the _part-taker_ of other
+men's sins.') The primary sense of [Greek: antilambano] is _to take in
+return--to take instead of, &c_. Hence, in the middle with the genitive,
+it signifies _assist_, or _do one's part towards_ the person or thing
+expressed by that genitive. In this sense only is the word used in the
+New Testament.--(See Luke i. 54, and Acts xx. 35.) If this be true, the
+word [Greek: euergesai] can not signify the benefit conferred by the
+gospel, as our common version would make it, but the _well-doing_ of the
+servants, who should continue to serve their believing masters, while
+they were no longer under the _yoke_ of compulsion. This word is used
+elsewhere in the New Testament but once, (Acts iv. 3.) in relation to
+the '_good deed_' done to the impotent man. The plain import of the
+clause, unmystified by the commentators, is, that believing masters
+would not fail to _do their part towards_, or encourage by suitable
+returns, the _free_ service of those who had once been under
+the _yoke_."]
+
+Such, then, is the relation between those who, in the view of Prof.
+Stuart, were Christian masters and Christian slaves[A]--the relation of
+"brethren," which, excluding "the yoke," and of course conferring
+freedom, placed them side by side on the common ground of mutual
+service, both retaining, for convenience's sake, the one while giving
+and the other while receiving employment, the correlative name, _as is
+usual in such cases_, under which they had been known. Such was the
+instruction which Timothy was required, as a Christian minister, to
+give. Was it friendly to slaveholding?
+
+[Footnote A: Letter to Dr. Fisk, supra, p. 7.]
+
+And on what ground, according to the Princeton professor, did these
+masters and these servants stand in their relation to each other? On
+that _of a "perfect religious equality_."[A] In all the relations,
+duties, and privileges--in all the objects, interests, and prospects,
+which belong to the province of Christianity, servants were as free as
+their master. The powers of the one, were allowed as wide a range and as
+free an exercise, with as warm encouragements, as active aids, and as
+high results, as the other. Here, the relation of a servant to his
+master imposed no restrictions, involved no embarrassments, occasioned
+no injury. All this, clearly and certainly, is implied in "_perfect
+religious equality_," which the Princeton professor accords to servants
+in relation to their master. Might the _master_, then, in order more
+fully to attain the great ends for which he was created and redeemed,
+freely exert himself to increase his acquaintance with his own powers,
+and relations, and resources--with his prospects, opportunities, and
+advantages? So might his _servants_. Was _he_ at liberty to "study to
+approve himself to God," to submit to his will and bow to his authority,
+as the sole standard of affection and exertion? So were _they_. Was _he_
+at liberty to sanctify the Sabbath, and frequent the "solemn assembly?"
+So were _they_. Was _he_ at liberty so to honor the filial, conjugal,
+and paternal relations, as to find in them that spring of activity and
+that source of enjoyment, which they are capable of yielding? So were
+_they_. In every department of interest and exertion, they might use
+their capacities, and wield their powers, and improve their
+opportunities, and employ their resources, as freely as he, in
+glorifying God, in blessing mankind, and in laying up imperishable
+treasures for themselves! Give perfect religious equality to the
+American slave, and the most eager abolitionist must be satisfied. Such
+equality would, like the breath of the Almighty, dissolve the last link
+of the chain of servitude. Dare those who, for the benefit of slavery,
+have given so wide and active a circulation do the Pittsburgh pamphlet,
+make the experiment?
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh Pamphlet, p. 9.]
+
+In the epistle to the Colossians, the following passage deserves earnest
+attention:--"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the
+flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of
+heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the
+Lord, and not unto men; knowing, that of the Lord ye shall receive the
+reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that
+doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is
+no respect of persons.--Masters, give unto your servants that which is
+just and equal; knowing that ye have a Master in heaven."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Col. iii. 22 to iv. 1.]
+
+Here it is natural to remark--
+
+1. That in maintaining the relation, which mutually united them, both
+masters and servants were to act in conformity with the principles of
+the divine government. Whatever _they_ did, servants were to do in
+hearty obedience to the Lord, by whose authority they were to be
+controlled and by whose hand they were to be rewarded. To the same Lord,
+and according to the same law, was the _master_ to hold himself
+responsible. _Both the one and the other were of course equally at
+liberty and alike required to study and apply the standard, by which
+they were to be governed and judged._
+
+2. The basis of the government under which they thus were placed, was
+_righteousness_--strict, stern, impartial. Nothing here of bias or
+antipathy. Birth, wealth, station,--the dust of the balance not so
+light! Both master and servants were hastening to a tribunal, where
+nothing of "respect of persons" could be feared or hoped for. There the
+wrong-doer, whoever he might be, and whether from the top or bottom of
+society, must be dealt with according to his deservings.
+
+3. Under this government, servants were to be universally and heartily
+obedient; and both in the presence and absence of the master, faithfully
+to discharge their obligations. The master on his part, in his relations
+to the servants, was to make JUSTICE AND EQUALITY the _standard of his
+conduct_. Under the authority of such instructions, slavery falls
+discountenanced, condemned, abhorred. It is flagrantly at war with the
+government of God, consists in "respect of persons" the most shameless
+and outrageous, treads justice and equality under foot, and in its
+natural tendency and practical effects is nothing else than a system of
+wrong-doing. What have _they_ to do with the just and the equal who in
+their "respect of persons" proceed to such a pitch as to treat one
+brother as a thing because he is a servant, and place him, without the
+least regard to his welfare here, or his prospects hereafter, absolutely
+at the disposal of another brother, under the name of master, in the
+relation of owner to property? Justice and equality on the one hand, and
+the chattel principle on the other, are naturally subversive of each
+other--proof clear and decisive that the correlates, masters and
+servants, cannot here be rendered slaves and owners, without the
+grossest absurdity and the greatest violence.
+
+"The relation of slavery," according to Prof. Stuart, is recognized in
+"the precepts of the New Testament," as one which "may still exist
+without violating the Christian faith or the church."[A] Slavery and the
+chattel principle! So our professor thinks; otherwise his reference has
+nothing to do with the subject--with the slavery which the abolitionist,
+whom he derides, stands opposed to. How gross and hurtful is the mistake
+into which he allows himself to fall. The relation recognized in the
+precepts of the New Testament had its basis and support in "justice and
+equality;" the very opposite of the chattel principle; a relation which
+may exist as long as justice and equality remain, and thus escape the
+destruction to which, in the view of Prof. Stuart, slavery is doomed.
+The description of Paul obliterates every feature of American slavery,
+raising the servant to equality with his master, and placing his rights
+under the protection of justice; yet the eye of Prof. Stuart can see
+nothing in his master and servant but a slave and his owner. With this
+relation he is so thoroughly possessed, that, like an evil angel, it
+haunts him even when he enters the temple of justice!
+
+[Footnote A: Letter to Dr. Fisk, supra p. 7.]
+
+"It is remarkable," with the Princeton professor, "that there is not
+even an exhortation" in the writings of the apostles "to masters to
+liberate their slaves, much less is it urged as an imperative and
+immediate duty."[B] It would be remarkable, indeed, if they were
+chargeable with a defect so great and glaring. And so they have nothing
+to say upon the subject? _That_ not even the Princeton professor has the
+assurance to affirm. He admits that KINDNESS, MERCY, AND JUSTICE, were
+enjoined with a _distinct reference to the government of God_.[C]
+"Without respect of persons," they were to be God-like in doing justice.
+They were to act the part of kind and merciful "brethren." And whither
+would this lead them? Could they stop short of restoring to every man
+his natural, inalienable rights?--of doing what they could to redress
+the wrongs, soothe the sorrows, improve the character, and raise the
+condition of the degraded and oppressed? Especially, if oppressed and
+degraded by any agency of theirs. Could it be kind, merciful, or just to
+keep the chains of slavery on their helpless, unoffending brother? Would
+this be to honor the Golden Rule, or obey the second great command of
+"their Master in heaven?" Could the apostles have subserved the cause of
+freedom more directly, intelligibly, and effectually, than _to enjoin
+the principles, and sentiments, and habits, in which freedom
+consists--constituting its living root and fruitful germ_?
+
+[Footnote B: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p. 9.]
+
+[Footnote C: Pittsburgh pamphlet, p. 10.]
+
+The Princeton professor himself, in the very paper which the South has
+so warmly welcomed and so loudly applauded as a scriptural defense of
+"the peculiar institution," maintains, that the "GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF
+THE GOSPEL _have_ DESTROYED SLAVERY _throughout out the greater part of
+Christendom"_[A]--"THAT CHRISTIANITY HAS ABOLISHED BOTH POLITICAL AND
+DOMESTIC BONDAGE WHEREVER IT HAS HAD FREE SCOPE--_that it_ ENJOINS _a
+fair compensation for labor; insists on the mental and intellectual
+improvement of_ ALL _classes of men; condemns_ ALL _infractions of
+marital or parental rights; requires in short not only that_ FREE SCOPE
+_should be allowed to human improvement, but that _ALL SUITABLE MEANS_
+_should be employed for the attainment of that end._"[B] It is indeed
+"remarkable," that while neither Christ nor his apostles ever gave "an
+exhortation to masters to liberate their slaves," they enjoined such
+"general principles as have destroyed domestic slavery throughout the
+greater part of Christendom;" that while Christianity forbears "to urge"
+emancipation "as an imperative and immediate duty," it throws a barrier,
+heaven high, around every domestic circle; protects all the rights of
+the husband and the fathers; gives every laborer a fair compensation;
+and makes the moral and intellectual improvement of all classes, with
+free scope and all suitable means, the object of its tender solicitude
+and high authority. This is not only "remarkable," but inexplicable. Yes
+and no--hot and cold, in one and the same breath! And yet these things
+stand prominent in what is reckoned an acute, ingenious, effective
+defense of slavery!
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 18. 19.]
+
+[Footnote B: The same, p. 31.]
+
+In his letter to the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul furnishes
+another lesson of instruction, expressive of his views and feelings on
+the subject of slavery. "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein
+he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if
+thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the
+Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is
+called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be
+not ye the servants of men."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: 1 Cor. vii. 20-23.]
+
+In explaining and applying this passage, it is proper to suggest,
+
+1. That it _could_ not have been the object of the apostle to bind the
+Corinthian converts to the stations and employments in which the Gospel
+found them. For he exhorts some of them to escape, if possible, from
+their present condition. In the servile state, "under the yoke," they
+ought not to remain unless impelled by stern necessity. "If thou canst
+be free, use it rather." If they ought to prefer freedom to bondage and
+to exert themselves to escape from the latter for the sake of the
+former, could their master consistently with the claims and spirit of
+the Gospel have hindered or discouraged them in so doing? Their
+"brother" could _he_ be, who kept "the yoke" upon their neck, which the
+apostle would have them shake off if possible? And had such masters been
+members of the Corinthian church, what inferences must they have drawn
+from this exhortation to their servants? That the apostle regarded
+slavery as a Christian institution?--or could look complacently on any
+efforts to introduce or maintain it in the church? Could they have
+expected less from him than a stern rebuke, if they refused to exert
+themselves in the cause of freedom?
+
+2. But while they were to use their freedom, if they could obtain it,
+they should not, even on such a subject, give themselves up to ceaseless
+anxiety. "The Lord was no respecter of persons." They need not fear,
+that the "low estate," to which they had been wickedly reduced, would
+prevent them from enjoying the gifts of his hand or the light of his
+countenance. _He_ would respect their rights, sooth their sorrows, and
+pour upon their hearts, and cherish there, the spirit of liberty. "For
+he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman."
+In _him_, therefore, should they cheerfully confide.
+
+3. The apostle, however, forbids them so to acquiesce in the servile
+relation, as to act inconsistently with their Christian obligations. To
+their Savior they belonged. By his blood they had been purchased. It
+should be their great object, therefore, to render _Him_ a hearty and
+effective service. They should permit no man, whoever he might be, to
+thrust in himself between them and their Redeemer. "_Ye are bought with
+a price_; BE NOT YE THE SERVANTS OF MEN."
+
+With his eye upon the passage just quoted and explained, the Princeton
+professor asserts that "Paul represents this relation"--the relation of
+slavery--"as of comparatively little account."[A] And this he
+applies--otherwise it is nothing to his purpose--to _American_ slavery.
+Does he then regard it as a small matter, a mere trifle, to be thrown
+under the slave-laws of this republic, grimly and fiercely excluding
+their victim from almost every means of improvement, and field of
+usefulness, and source of comfort; and making him, body and substance,
+with his wife and babes, "the servant of men?" Could such a relation be
+acquiesced in consistently with the instructions of the apostle?
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 10.]
+
+To the Princeton professor the commend a practical trial of the bearing
+of the passage in hand upon American slavery. His regard for the unity
+and prosperity of the ecclesiastical organizations, which in various
+forms and under different names unite the southern with the northern
+churches, will make the experiment grateful to his feelings. Let him,
+then, as soon as his convenience will permit, proceed to Georgia. No
+religious teacher[B] from any free state, can be likely to receive so
+general and so warm a welcome there. To allay the heat, which the
+doctrines and movements of the abolitionists have occasioned in the
+southern mind, let him with as much despatch as possible collect, as he
+goes from place to place, masters and their slaves. Now let all men,
+whom it may concern, see and own that slavery is a Christian
+institution! With his Bible in his hand and his eye upon the passage in
+question, he addresses himself to the task of instructing the slaves
+around him. Let not your hearts, my brethren, be overcharged with
+sorrow, or eaten up with anxiety. Your servile condition cannot deprive
+you of the fatherly regards of Him "who is no respecter of persons."
+Freedom you ought, indeed, to prefer. If you can escape from "the yoke,"
+throw it off. In the mean time rejoice that "where the Spirit of the
+Lord is, there is liberty;" that the Gospel places slaves "on a perfect
+religious equality" with their master; so that every Christian is "the
+Lord's freeman." And, for your encouragement, remember that
+"Christianity has abolished both political and domestic servitude
+whenever it has had free scope. It enjoins a fair compensation for
+labor; it insists on the moral and intellectual improvement of all
+classes of men; it condemns all infractions of marital or parental
+rights; in short it requires not only that free scope be allowed to
+human improvement, but that all suitable means should be employed for
+the attainment of that end."[C] Let your lives, then, be honorable to
+your relations to your Savior. He bought you with his own blood; and is
+entitled to your warmest love and most effective service. "Be not ye the
+servants of men." Let no human arrangements prevent you, as citizens of
+the kingdom of heaven, from making the most of your powers and
+opportunities. Would such an effort, generally and heartily made, allay
+excitement at the South, and quench the flames of discord, every day
+rising higher and waxing hotter, in almost every part of the republic,
+and cement "the Union?"
+
+[Footnote B: Rev. Mr. Savage, of Utica, New York, had, not very long
+ago, a free conversation with a gentleman of high standing in the
+literary and religious world from a slaveholding state, where the
+"peculiar institution" is cherished with great warmth and maintained
+with iron rigor. By him, Mr. Savage was assured, that the Princeton
+professor had, through the Pittsburgh pamphlet, contributed most
+powerfully and effectually to bring the "whole South" under the
+persuasion, _that slaveholding is in itself right_--a system _to which
+the Bible gives countenance and support_.
+
+In an extract from an article in the Southern Christian Sentinel, a new
+Presbyterian paper established in Charleston, South Carolina, and
+inserted in the Christian Journal for March 21, 1839, we find the
+following paragraphs from the pen of Rev. C.W. Howard, and according to
+Mr. Chester, ably and freely endorsed by the editor. "There is scarcely
+any diversity of sentiment at the North upon this subject. The great
+mass of the people believing slavery to be sinful, are clearly of the
+opinion that as a system, it should be abolished throughout this land
+and throughout the world. They differ as to the time and mode of
+abolition. The abolitionists consistently argue, that whatever is
+sinful, should be instantly abandoned. The others, _by a strange sort of
+reasoning for Christian men_, contend that though slavery is sinful,
+_yet it may be allowed to exist until it shall be expedient to abolish
+it_; or if, in many cases, this reasoning might be translated into plain
+English, the sense would be, both in church and State, _slavery, though
+sinful, may be allowed to exist until our interest will suffer us to say
+that it must be abolished_. This is not slander; it is simply a plain
+way of stating a plain truth. It does seem the evident duty of every man
+to become an abolitionist, who believes slavery to be sinful, for the
+Bible allows no tampering with sin."
+
+"To these remarks, there are some noble exceptions to be found in both
+parties in the church. _The South owes a debt of gratitude to the
+Biblical Repertory, for the fearless argument in behalf of the position,
+that slavery is not forbidden by the Bible_. The writer of that article
+is said, without contradiction, to be _Prof. Hodge of Princeton--HIS
+NAME OUGHT TO BE KNOWN AND REVERED AMONG YOU, my brethren, for in a land
+of anti-slavery men, he is the ONLY ONE who has dared to vindicate your
+character from the serious charge of living in the habitual
+transgression of God's holy law_."]
+
+[Footnote C: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 31.]
+
+"It is," affirms the Princeton professor, "on all hands acknowledged,
+that, at the time of the advent of Jesus Christ, slavery in its worst
+forms prevailed over the whole world. _The Savior found it around him_
+in JUDEA."[A] To say that he found it _in Judea_, is to speak
+ambiguously. Many things were to be found "_in_ Judea," which neither
+belonged to, nor were characteristic of _the Jews_. It is not denied
+that _the Gentiles_, who resided among them, might have had slaves; _but
+of the Jews this is denied_. How could the professor take that as
+granted, the proof of which entered vitally into the argument and was
+essential to the soundness of the conclusions to which he would conduct
+us? How could he take advantage of an ambiguous expression to conduct
+his confiding readers on to a position which, if his own eyes were open,
+he must have known they could not hold in the light of open day?
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 9.]
+
+We do not charge the Savior with any want of wisdom, goodness, or
+courage,[B] for refusing to "break down the wall of partition between
+Jews and Gentiles" "before the time appointed." While this barrier
+stood, he could not, consistently with the plan of redemption, impart
+instruction freely to the Gentiles. To some extent, and on extraordinary
+occasions, he might have done so. But his business then was with "the
+lost sheep of the house of Israel."[C] The propriety of this arrangement
+is not the matter of dispute between the Princeton professor and
+ourselves.
+
+[Footnote B: The same, p. 10.]
+
+[Footnote C: Matt. xv. 24.]
+
+In disposing of the question whether the Jews held slaves during our
+Savior's incarnation among them, the following points deserve earnest
+attention:--
+
+1. Slaveholding is inconsistent with the Mosaic economy. For the proof
+of this, we would refer our readers, among other arguments more or less
+appropriate and powerful, to the tract already alluded to.[A] In all the
+external relations and visible arrangements of life, the Jews, during
+our Savior's ministry among them, seem to have been scrupulously
+observant of the institutions and usages of the "Old Dispensation." They
+stood far aloof from whatever was characteristic of Samaritans and
+Gentiles. From idolatry and slaveholding--those twin-vices which had
+always so greatly prevailed among the heathen--they seem at length, as
+the result of a most painful discipline, to have been effectually
+divorced.
+
+[Footnote A: "The Bible against Slavery."]
+
+2. While, therefore, John the Baptist, with marked fidelity and great
+power, acted among the Jews the part of a _reprover_, he found no
+occasion to repeat and apply the language of his predecessors,[B] in
+exposing and rebuking idolatry and slaveholding. Could he, the greatest
+of the prophets, have been less effectually aroused by the presence of
+"the yoke," than was Isaiah?--or less intrepid and decisive in exposing
+and denouncing the sin of oppression under its most hateful and
+injurious forms?
+
+[Footnote B: Psalm lxxxii; Isa. lviii. 1-12; Jer. xxii. 13-16.]
+
+3. The Savior was not backward in applying his own principles plainly
+and pointedly to such forms of oppression as appeared among the Jews.
+These principles, whenever they have been freely acted on, the Princeton
+professor admits, have abolished domestic bondage. Had this prevailed
+within the sphere of our Savior's ministry, he could not, consistently
+with his general character, have failed to expose and condemn it. The
+oppression of the people by lordly ecclesiastics, of parents by their
+selfish children, of widows by their ghostly counsellors, drew from his
+lips scorching rebukes and terrible denunciations.[C] How, then, must he
+have felt and spoke in the presence of such tyranny, if _such tyranny
+had been within his official sphere_, as should _have made widows_, by
+driving their husbands to some flesh-market, and their children not
+orphans, _but cattle_?
+
+[Footnote C: Matt. xxiii; Mark vii. 1-13.]
+
+4. Domestic slavery was manifestly inconsistent with the _industry_,
+which, _in the form of manual labor_, so generally prevailed among the
+Jews. In one connection, in the Acts of the Apostles, we are informed,
+that, coming from Athens to Corinth, Paul "found a certain Jew named
+Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;
+(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome;) and
+came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them
+and wrought: (for by their occupation they were tent-makers.")[A] This
+passage has opened the way for different commentators to refer us to the
+public sentiment and general practice of the Jews respecting useful
+industry and manual labor. According to _Lightfoot_, "it was their
+custom to bring up their children to some trade, yea, though they gave
+them learning or estates." According to Rabbi Judah, "He that teaches
+not his son a trade, is as if he taught him to be a thief."[B] It was,
+_Kuinoel_ affirms, customary even for Jewish teachers to unite labor
+(opificium) with the study of the law. This he confirms by the highest
+Rabbinical authority.[C] _Heinrichs_ quotes a Rabbi as teaching, that no
+man should by any means neglect to train his son to honest industry.[D]
+Accordingly, the apostle Paul, though brought up at the "feet of
+Gamaliel," the distinguished disciple of a most illustrious teacher,
+practiced the art of tent-making. His own hands ministered to his
+necessities; and his example in so doing, he commends to his Gentile
+brethren for their imitation.[E] That Zebedee, the father of John the
+Evangelist, had wealth, various hints in the New Testament render
+probable.[F] Yet how do we find him and his sons, while prosecuting
+their appropriate business? In the midst of the hired servants, "in the
+ship mending their nets."[G]
+
+[Footnote A: Acts xviii. 1-3.]
+
+[Footnote B: Henry on Acts xviii, 1-3.]
+
+[Footnote C: Kuinoel on Acts.]
+
+[Footnote D: Heinrichs on Acts.]
+
+[Footnote E: Acts xx. 34, 35; 1 Thess. iv. 11]
+
+[Footnote F: See Kuinoel's Prolegom. to the Gospel of John.]
+
+[Footnote G: Mark i. 19, 20.]
+
+Slavery among a people who, from the highest to the lowest, were used to
+manual labor! What occasion for slavery there? And how could it be
+maintained? No place can be found for slavery among a people generally
+inured to useful industry. With such, especially if men of learning,
+wealth, and station "labor, working with their hands," such labor must
+be honorable. On this subject, let Jewish maxims and Jewish habits be
+adopted at the South, and the "peculiar institution" would vanish like a
+ghost at daybreak.
+
+5. Another hint, here deserving particular attention, is furnished in
+the allusions of the New Testament to the lowest casts and most servile
+employments among the Jews. With profligates, _publicans_ were joined as
+depraved and contemptible. The outcasts of society were described, not
+as fit to herd with slaves, but as deserving a place among Samaritans
+and publicans. They were "_hired servants_," whom Zebedee employed. In
+the parable of the prodigal son we have a wealthy Jewish family. Here
+servants seem to have abounded. The prodigal, bitterly bewailing his
+wretchedness and folly, described their condition as greatly superior to
+his own. How happy the change which should place him by their side! His
+remorse, and shame, and penitence made him willing to embrace the lot of
+the lowest of them all. But these--what was their condition? They were
+HIRED SERVANTS. "Make me as one of thy hired servants." Such he refers
+to as the lowest menials known in Jewish life.
+
+Lay such hints as have now been suggested together; let it be
+remembered, that slavery was inconsistent with the Mosaic economy; that
+John the Baptist in preparing the way for the Messiah makes no reference
+"to the yoke" which, had it been before him, he would, like Isaiah, have
+condemned; that the Savior, while he took the part of the poor and
+sympathized with the oppressed; was evidently spared the pain of
+witnessing within the sphere of his ministry, the presence of the
+chattel principle; that it was the habit of the Jews, whoever they might
+be, high or low, rich or poor, learned or rude, "to labor, working with
+their hands;" and that where reference was had to the most menial
+employments, in families, they were described as carried on by hired
+servants; and the question of slavery "in Judea," so far as the seed of
+Abraham were concerned, is very easily disposed of. With every phase and
+form of society among them slavery was inconsistent.
+
+The position which, in the article so often referred to in this paper,
+the Princeton professor takes, is sufficiently remarkable. Northern
+abolitionists he saw in an earnest struggle with southern slaveholders.
+The present welfare and future happiness of myriads of the human family
+were at stake in this contest. In the heat of the battle, he throws
+himself between the belligerent powers. He gives the abolitionists to
+understand, that they are quite mistaken in the character of the object
+they have set themselves so openly and sternly against. Slaveholding is
+not, as they suppose, contrary to the law of God. It was witnessed by
+the Savior "in its worst form,"[A] without extorting from his lips a
+syllable of rebuke. "The sacred writers did not condemn it."[B] And why
+should they? By a definition[C] sufficiently ambiguous and slippery, he
+undertakes to set forth a form of slavery which he looks upon as
+consistent with the law of Righteousness. From this definition he infers
+that the abolitionists are greatly to blame for maintaining that
+American slavery is inherently and essentially sinful, and for insisting
+that it ought at once to be abolished. For this labor of love the
+slaveholding South is warmly grateful and applauds its reverend ally, as
+if a very Daniel had come as their advocate to judgment.[D]
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 9.]
+
+[Footnote B: The same p. 13.]
+
+[Footnote C: The same p. 12.]
+
+[Footnote D: Supra p. 61.]
+
+A few questions, briefly put, may not here be inappropriate.
+
+1. Was the form of slavery which our professor pronounces innocent _the
+form_ witnessed by our Savior "in Judea?" That, _he_ will by no means
+admit. The slavery there was, he affirms, of the "worst" kind. _How then
+does he account for the alledged silence of the Savior?--a silence
+covering the essence and the form--the institution and its
+"worst" abuses?_
+
+2. Is the slaveholding, which, according to the Princeton professor,
+Christianity justifies, the same as that which the abolitionists so
+earnestly wish to see abolished? Let us see.
+
+_Christianity in supporting             _The American system for
+Slavery, according to Prof.             supporting Slavery,_
+Hodge,_
+
+"Enjoins a fair compensation            Makes compensation impossible
+for labor."                             by reducing the laborer to a
+                                        chattel.
+
+"It insists on the moral                It sternly forbids its victim
+and intellectual improvement            to learn to read even the
+of all classes of men."                 name of his Creator and
+                                        Redeemer.
+
+"It condemns all infractions            It outlaws the conjugal and
+of marital or parental rights."         parental relations.
+
+"It requires that free scope            It forbids any effort, on the
+should be allowed to human              part of myriads of the human
+improvement."                           family, to improve their
+                                        character, condition, and
+                                        prospects.
+
+"It requires that all suitable          It inflicts heavy penalties
+means should be employed to improve     for teaching letters to the
+mankind."                               to the poorest of the poor.
+
+"Wherever it has had free scope, it     Wherever it has free scope,
+has abolished domestic bondage."        it perpetuates domestic
+                                        bondage.
+
+_Now it is slavery according to the American system_ that the
+abolitionists are set against. _Of the existence of any_ such form of
+slavery as is consistent with Prof. Hodge's account of the requisitions
+of Christianity, they know nothing. It has never met their notice, and
+of course, has never roused their feelings, or called forth their
+exertions. What, then, have _they_ to do with the censures and
+reproaches which the Princeton professor deals around? Let those who
+have leisure and good nature protect the _man of straw_ he is so hot
+against. The abolitionists have other business. It is not the figment of
+some sickly brain; but that system of oppression which in theory is
+corrupting, and in practice destroying both Church and State;--it is
+this that they feel pledged to do battle upon, till by the just judgment
+of Almighty God it is thrown, dead and damned, into the
+bottomless abyss.
+
+3. _How can the South feel itself protected by any shield which may be
+thrown over SUCH SLAVERY, as may be consistent with what the Princeton
+professor describes as the requisitions of Christianity?_ Is _this?_
+THE _slavery_ which their laws describe, and their hands maintain? "Fair
+compensation for labor"--"marital and parental rights"--"free scope"
+and "all suitable means" for the "improvement, moral and intellectual,
+of all classes of men;"--are these, according to the statutes of the
+South, among the objects of slaveholding legislation? Every body knows
+that any such requisition and American slavery are flatly opposed to and
+directly subversive of each other. What service, then, has the Princeton
+professor, with all his ingenuity and all his zeal, rendered the
+"peculiar institution?" Their gratitude must be of a stamp and
+complexion quite peculiar, if they can thank him for throwing their
+"domestic system" under the weight of such Christian requisitions as
+must at once crush its snaky head "and grind it to powder."
+
+And what, moreover, is the bearing of the Christian requisitions which
+Prof. Hodge quotes, upon _the definition of slavery_ which he has
+elaborated? "All the ideas which necessarily enter into the definition
+of slavery are, deprivation of personal liberty, obligation of service
+at the discretion of another, and the transferable character of the
+authority and claim of service of the master[A]."
+
+[Footnote A: Pittsburgh pamphlet p. 12]
+
+
+_According to Prof. Hodge's            According to Prof. Hodge's
+account of the requisitions of           account of Slavery,
+Christianity,_
+
+The spring of effort in the labor       The laborer must serve at the
+is a fair compensation.                 discretion of another.
+
+Free scope must be given for his moral  He is deprived of personal
+and intellectual improvement.           liberty--the necessary
+                                        condition, and living soul
+                                        of improvement, without which
+                                        he has no control of either
+                                        intellect or morals.
+
+His rights as a husband and a father    The authority and claims of
+are to be protected.                    the master may throw an ocean
+                                        between him and his family,
+                                        and separate them from each
+                                        other's presence at any moment
+                                        and forever.
+
+Christianity, then, requires such slavery as Prof. Hodge so cunningly
+defines, to be abolished. It was well provided, for the peace of the
+respective parties, that he placed _his definition_ so far from _the
+requisitions of Christianity_. Had he brought them into each other's
+presence, their natural and invincible antipathy to each other would
+have broken out into open and exterminating warfare. But why should we
+delay longer upon an argument which is based on gross and monstrous
+sophistry? It can mislead only such as _wish_ to be misled. The lovers
+of sunlight are in little danger of rushing into the professor's
+dungeon. Those who, having something to conceal, covet darkness, can
+find it there, to their hearts' content. The hour can not be far away,
+when upright and reflective minds at the South will be astonished at the
+blindness which could welcome such protection as the Princeton argument
+offers to the slaveholder.
+
+But _Prof. Stuart_ must not be forgotten. In his celebrated letter to
+Dr. Fisk, he affirms that "_Paul did not expect slavery to be ousted in
+a day_[A]." _Did not_ EXPECT! What then? Are the _requisitions_ of
+Christianity adapted to any EXPECTATIONS which in any quarter and on any
+ground might have risen to human consciousness? And are we to interpret
+the _precepts_ of the Gospel by the expectations of Paul? The Savior
+commanded all men every where to repent, and this, though "Paul did not
+expect" that human wickedness, in its ten thousand forms would in any
+community "be ousted in a day." Expectations are one thing; requisitions
+quite another.
+
+[Footnote A: Supra, p.8.]
+
+In the mean time, while expectation waited, Paul, the professor adds,
+"gave precepts to Christians respecting their demeanor." _That_ he did.
+Of what character were these precepts? Must they not have been in
+harmony with the Golden Rule? But this, according to Prof. Stuart,
+"decides against the righteousness of slavery" even as a "theory."
+Accordingly, Christians were required, _without_ _respect of persons_,
+to do each other justice--to maintain equality as common ground for all
+to stand upon--to cherish and express in all their intercourse that
+tender love and disinterested charity which one _brother_ naturally
+feels for another. These were the "ad interim precepts,"[A] which can
+not fail, if obeyed, to cut up slavery, "root and branch," at once
+and forever.
+
+[Footnote A: Letter to Dr. Fisk, p. 8.]
+
+Prof. Stuart comforts us with the assurance that "_Christianity will
+ultimately certainly destroy slavery_." Of this _we_ have not the
+feeblest doubt. But how could _he_ admit a persuasion and utter a
+prediction so much at war with the doctrine he maintains, that "_slavery
+may exist without_ VIOLATING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH OR THE CHURCH?"[B]
+What, Christianity bent on the destruction of an ancient and cherished
+institution which hurts neither her character nor condition![C] Why not
+correct its abuses and purify its spirit; and shedding upon it her own
+beauty, preserve it, as a living trophy of her reformatory power? Whence
+the discovery that, in her onward progress, she would trample down and
+destroy what was no way hurtful to her? This is to be _aggressive_ with
+a witness. Far be it from the Judge of all the earth to whelm the
+innocent and guilty in the same destruction! In aid of Professor Stuart,
+in the rude and scarcely covert attack which he makes upon himself, we
+maintain that Christianity will certainly destroy slavery on account of
+its inherent wickedness--its malignant temper--its deadly effects--its
+constitutional, insolent, and unmitigable opposition to the authority of
+God and the welfare of man.
+
+[Footnote B: The same, p. 7.]
+
+[Footnote C: Prof. Stuart applies here the words, _salva fide et salva
+ecclesia_.]
+
+"Christianity will _ultimately_ destroy slavery." "ULTIMATELY!" What
+meaneth that portentous word? To what limit of remotest time, concealed
+in the darkness of futurity, may it look? Tell us, O watchman, on the
+hill of Andover. Almost nineteen centuries have rolled over this world
+of wrong and outrage--and yet we tremble in the presence of a form of
+slavery whose breath is poison, whose fang is death! If any one of the
+incidents of slavery should fall, but for a single day, upon the head of
+the prophet who dipped his pen, in such cold blood, to write that word
+"ultimately," how, under the sufferings of the first tedious hour, would
+he break out in the lamentable cry, "How _long_, O Lord, HOW LONG!" In
+the agony of beholding a wife or daughter upon the table of the
+auctioneer, while every bid fell upon his heart like the groan of
+despair, small comfort would he find in the dull assurance of some
+heartless prophet, quite at "ease in Zion," that "ULTIMATELY
+_Christianity would destroy slavery_." As the hammer falls and the
+beloved of his soul, all helpless and most wretched, is borne away to
+the haunts of _legalized_ debauchery, his heart turns to stone, while
+the cry dies upon his lips, "_How_ LONG, _O Lord_, HOW LONG?"
+
+"_Ultimately!_" In _what circumstances_ does Prof. Stuart assure himself
+that Christianity will destroy slavery? Are we, as American citizens,
+under the sceptre of a Nero? When, as integral parts of this
+republic--as living members of this community, did we forfeit the
+prerogatives of _freemen_? Have we not the right to speak and act as
+wielding the powers which the principle of self-government has put in
+our possession? And without asking leave of priest or statesman, of the
+North or the South, may we not make the most of the freedom which we
+enjoy under the guaranty of the ordinances of Heaven and the
+Constitution of our country? Can we expect to see Christianity on higher
+vantage-ground than in this country she stands upon? In the midst of a
+republic based on the principle of the equality of mankind, where every
+Christian, as vitally connected with the state, freely wields the
+highest political rights and enjoys the richest political privileges;
+where the unanimous demand of one-half of the members of the churches
+would be promptly met in the abolition of slavery, what "_ultimately_"
+must Christianity here wait for before she crushes the chattel principle
+beneath her heel? Her triumph over slavery is retarded by nothing but
+the corruption and defection so widely spread through the "sacramental
+host" beneath her banners! Let her voice be heard and her energies
+exerted, and the _ultimately_ of the "dark spirit of slavery" would at
+once give place to the _immediately_ of the Avenger of the Poor.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NO 8.
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CORRESPONDENCE,
+
+BETWEEN THE
+
+HON. F.H. ELMORE,
+
+ONE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DELEGATION IN CONGRESS,
+
+AND
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY,
+
+ONE OF THE SECRETARIES OF THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NEW-YORK:
+
+PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY,
+
+No. 143 NASSAU STREET.
+
+1838.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This periodical contains 5 sheets.--Postage under 100 miles, 7-1/2 cts.;
+over 100 miles, 12-1/2 cts.
+
+_Please read and circulate_.
+
+
+
+REMARKS IN EXPLANATION.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ANTI-SLAVERY OFFICE, _New York, May 24, 1838_.
+
+In January, a tract entitled "WHY WORK FOR THE SLAVE?" was issued from
+this office by the agent for the _Cent-a-week Societies_. A copy of it
+was transmitted to the Hon. John C. Calhoun;--to _him_, because he has
+seemed, from the first, more solicitous than the generality of Southern
+politicians, to possess himself of accurate information about the
+Anti-Slavery movement. A note written by me accompanied the tract,
+informing Mr. Calhoun, why it was sent to him.
+
+Not long afterward, the following letter was received from the Hon. F.H.
+Elmore, of the House of Representatives in Congress. From this and
+another of his letters just now received, it seems, that the
+Slaveholding Representatives in Congress, after conferring together,
+appointed a committee, of their own number, to obtain authentic
+information of the intentions and progress of the Anti-Slavery
+associations,--and that Mr. Elmore was selected, as the _South Carolina_
+member of the Committee.
+
+Several other communications have passed between Mr. Elmore and me. They
+relate, chiefly, however, to the transmission and reception of
+Anti-slavery publications, which he requested to be sent to him,--and to
+other matters not having any connection with the merits of the main
+subject. It is, therefore, thought unnecessary to publish them. It may
+be sufficient to remark of all the communications received from Mr.
+Elmore--that they are characterized by exemplary courtesy and good
+temper, and that they bear the impress of an educated, refined, and
+liberal mind.
+
+It is intended to circulate this correspondence throughout the _whole
+country_. If the information it communicates be important for southern
+Representatives in Congress, it is not less so for their Constituents.
+The Anti-slavery movement has become so important in a National point of
+view, that no statesman can innocently remain ignorant of its progress
+and tendencies. The facts stated in my answer may be relied on, in
+proportion to the degree of accuracy to which they lay claim;--the
+arguments will, of course, be estimated according to their worth.
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY.
+
+
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WASHINGTON CITY, FEB. 16, 1838
+
+To Jas. G. Birney, Esq., _Cor. Sec. A.A.S. Soc._
+
+Sir:--A letter from you to the Hon. John C. Calhoun, dated 29th January
+last, has been given to me, by him, in which you say, (in reference to
+the abolitionists or Anti-Slavery Societies,) "we have nothing to
+conceal--and should you desire any information as to our procedure, it
+will be cheerfully communicated on [my] being apprised of your wishes."
+The frankness of this unsolicited offer indicates a fairness and honesty
+of purpose, which has caused the present communication, and which
+demands the same full and frank disclosure of the views with which the
+subjoined inquiries are proposed.
+
+Your letter was handed to me, in consequence of a duty assigned me by my
+delegation, and which requires me to procure all the authentic
+information I can, as to the nature and intentions of yours and similar
+associations, in order that we may, if we deem it advisable, lay the
+information before our people, so that they may be prepared to decide
+understandingly, as to the course it becomes them to pursue on this all
+important question. If you "have nothing to conceal," and it is not
+imposing too much on, what may have been, an unguarded proffer, I will
+esteem your compliance as a courtesy to an opponent, and be pleased to
+have an opportunity to make a suitable return. And if, on the other
+hand, you have the least difficulty or objection, I trust you will not
+hesitate to withhold the information sought for, as I would not have it,
+unless as freely given, as it will, if deemed expedient, be freely used.
+
+I am, Sir,
+
+Your ob'd't serv't,
+
+F.H. ELMORE, of S.C.
+
+QUESTIONS for J.G. Birney, Esq., Cor. Sec. A.A.S. Society.
+
+1. How many societies, affiliated with that of which you are the
+Corresponding Secretary, are there in the United States? And how many
+members belong to them _in the aggregate_?
+
+2. Are there any other societies similar to yours, and not affiliated
+with it, in the United States? and how many, and what is the aggregate
+their members?
+
+3. Have you affiliation, intercourse or connection with any similar
+societies out of the United States, and in what countries?
+
+4. Do your or similar societies exist in the Colleges and other Literary
+institutions of the non-slaveholding States, and to what extent?
+
+5. What do you estimate the numbers of those who co-operate in this
+matter at? What proportion do they bear in the population of the
+Northern states, and what in the Middle non-slaveholding states? Are
+they increasing, and at what rate?
+
+6. What is the object your associations aim at? does it extend to the
+abolition of slavery only in the District of Columbia, or in the whole
+slave country?
+
+7. By what means, and under what power, do you propose to carry your
+views into effect?
+
+8. What has been for three years past, the annual income of your
+societies? and how is it raised?
+
+9. In what way, and to what purposes, do you apply these funds?
+
+10. How many priming presses and periodical publications have you?
+
+11. To what classes of persons do you address your publications, and are
+they addressed to the judgment, the imagination, or the feelings?
+
+12. Do you propagate your doctrines by any other means than oral and
+written discussions,--for instance, by prints and pictures in
+manufactures--say pocket handkerchiefs, &c. Pray, state the
+various modes?
+
+13. Are your hopes and expectations increased or lessened by the events
+of the last year, and, especially, by the action of this Congress? And
+will your exertions be relaxed or increased?
+
+14. Have you any permanent fund, and how much?
+
+ANTI-SLAVERY OFFICE, _New York, March 8, 1838_
+
+Hon. F.H. ELMORE,
+
+Member of Congress from S. Carolina:
+
+SIR,--I take pleasure in furnishing the information you have so politely
+asked for, in your letter of the 16th ult., in relation to the American
+Anti-Slavery Society;--and trust, that this correspondence, by
+presenting in a sober light, the objects and measures of the society,
+may contribute to dispel, not only from your own mind, but--if it be
+diffused throughout the South--from the minds of our fellow-citizens
+there generally, a great deal of undeserved prejudice and groundless
+alarm. I cannot hesitate to believe, that such as enter on the
+examination of its claims to public favour, without bias, will find that
+it aims intelligently, not only at the promotion of the interests of the
+slave, but of the master,--not only at the re-animation of the
+Republican principles of our Constitution, but at the establishment of
+the Union on an enduring basis.
+
+I shall proceed to state the several questions submitted in your letter,
+and answer them, in the order in which they are proposed. You ask,--
+
+"1. _How many societies, affiliated with that of which you are
+corresponding secretary, are there in the United States? And how many
+members belong to them_ IN THE AGGREGATE?"
+
+ANSWER.--Our anniversary is held on the Tuesday immediately preceding
+the second Thursday in May. Returns of societies are made only a short
+time before. In May, 1835, there were 225 auxiliaries reported. In May,
+1836, 527. In May, 1837, 1006. Returns for the anniversary in May next
+have not come in yet. It may, however, be safely said, that the
+increase, since last May, is not less than 400.[A] Of late, the
+multiplication of societies has not kept pace with the progress of our
+principles. Where these are well received, our agents are not so careful
+to organize societies as in former times, when our numbers were few;
+_societies, now_, being not deemed so necessary for the advancement of
+our cause. The auxiliaries average not less than 80 members each; making
+an aggregate of 112,480. Others estimate the auxiliaries at 1500, and
+the average of members at 100. I give you, what I believe to be the
+lowest numbers.
+
+[Footnote A: The number reported for May was three hundred and forty,
+making, in the aggregate, 1346.--_Report for May_, 1838.]
+
+"2. _Are there any other societies similar to yours, and not affiliated
+with it in the United States? And how many, and what is the aggregate of
+their members_?"
+
+ANSWER.--Several societies have been formed in the Methodist connection
+within the last two years,--although most of the Methodists who are
+abolitionists, are members of societies auxiliary to the American. These
+societies have been originated by Ministers, and others of weight and
+influence, who think that their brethren can be more easily persuaded,
+as a religious body, to aid in the anti-slavery movement by this twofold
+action. None of the large religious denominations bid fairer soon to be
+on the side of emancipation than the Methodist. Of the number of the
+Methodist societies that are not auxiliary, I am not informed.--The
+ILLINOIS SOCIETY comes under the same class. The REV. ELIJAH P. LOVEJOY,
+the corresponding secretary, was slain by a mob, a few days after its
+organization. It has not held a meeting since; and I have no data for
+stating the number of its members. It is supposed not to be
+large.--Neither is the DELAWARE SOCIETY, organized, a few weeks ago, at
+Wilmington, auxiliary to the American. I have no information as to its
+numbers.--The MANUMISSION SOCIETY in this city, formed in 1785, with
+JOHN JAY its first, and ALEXANDER HAMILTON its second president, might,
+from its name, be supposed to be affiliated with the American.
+Originally, its object, so far as regarded the slaves, and those
+illegally held in bondage _in this state_, was, in a great measure,
+similar. Slavery being extinguished in New-York in 1827, as a state
+system, the efforts of the Manumission Society are limited now to the
+rescue, from kidnappers and others, of such persons as are really free
+by the laws, but who have been reduced to slavery. Of the old Abolition
+societies, organized in the time, and under the influence of Franklin
+and Rush and Jay, and the most active of their coadjutors, but few
+remain. Their declension may be ascribed to this defect,--they did not
+inflexibly ask for _immediate_ emancipation.--The PENNSYLVANIA ABOLITION
+SOCIETY, formed in 1789, with DR. FRANKLIN, president, and DR. RUSH,
+secretary, is still in existence--but unconnected with the American
+Society. Some of the most active and benevolent members of both the
+associations last named, are members of the American Society. Besides
+the societies already mentioned, there may be in the country a few
+others of anti-slavery name; but they are of small note and efficiency,
+and are unconnected with this.
+
+"3. _Have you affiliation, intercourse, or connection with any similar
+societies out of the United States, and in what countries_?"
+
+ANSWER.--A few societies have spontaneously sprung up in Canada. Two
+have declared themselves auxiliary to the American. We have an agent--a
+native of the United States--in Upper Canada; not with a view to the
+organization of societies, but to the moral and intellectual elevation
+of the Ten thousand colored people there; most of whom have escaped from
+slavery in this Republic, to enjoy freedom under the protection of a
+Monarchy. In Great Britain there are numerous Anti-slavery Societies,
+whose particular object, of late, has been, to bring about the abolition
+of the Apprentice-system, as established by the emancipation act in her
+slaveholding colonies. In England, there is a society whose professed
+object is, to abolish slavery _throughout the world_. Of the existence
+of the British societies, you are, doubtless, fully aware; as also of
+the fact, that, in Britain, the great mass of the people are opposed to
+slavery as it existed, a little while ago, in their own colonies, and as
+it exists now in the United States.--In France, the "FRENCH SOCIETY FOR
+THE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY" was founded in 1834. I shall have the pleasure
+of transmitting to you two pamphlets, containing an account of some of
+its proceedings; from which you will learn, that, the DUC DE BROGLIE is
+its presiding officer, and many of the most distinguished and
+influential of the public men of that country are members.--In Hayti,
+also, "The HAYTIAN ABOLITION SOCIETY" was formed in May, 1836.
+
+These are all the foreign societies of which I have knowledge. They are
+connected with the American by no formal affiliation. The only
+intercourse between them and it, is, that which springs up spontaneously
+among those of every land who sympathize with Humanity in her conflicts
+with Slavery.
+
+"4. _Do your or similar societies exist in the Colleges and other
+Literary institutions of the non-slaveholding states, and to
+what extent_?"
+
+ANSWER.--Strenuous efforts have been made, and they are still being
+made, by those who have the direction of most of the literary and
+theological institutions in the free states, to bar out our principles
+and doctrines, and prevent the formation of societies among the
+students. To this course they have been prompted by various, and
+possibly, in their view, good motives. One of them, I think it not
+uncharitable to say, is, to conciliate the wealthy of the south, that
+they may send their sons to the north, to swell the college catalogues.
+Neither do I think it uncharitable to say, that in this we have a
+manifestation of that Aristocratic pride, which, feeling itself honored
+by having entrusted to its charge the sons of distant, opulent, and
+distinguished planters, fails not to dull everything like sympathy for
+those whose unpaid toil supplies the means so lavishly expended in
+educating southern youth at northern colleges. These efforts at
+suppression or restraint, on the part of Faculties and Boards of
+Trustees, have heretofore succeeded to a considerable extent.
+Anti-Slavery Societies, notwithstanding, have been formed in a few of
+our most distinguished colleges and theological seminaries. Public
+opinion is beginning to call for a relaxation of restraints and
+impositions; they are yielding to its demands; and _now_, for the most
+part, sympathy for the slave may be manifested by our generous college
+youth, in the institution of Anti-Slavery Societies, without any
+downright prohibition by their more politic teachers. College societies
+will probably increase more rapidly hereafter; as, in addition to the
+removal or relaxation of former restraints, just referred to, the murder
+of Mr. Lovejoy, the assaults on the Freedom of speech and of the press,
+the prostration of the Right of petition in Congress, &c, &c, all
+believed to have been perpetrated to secure slavery from the scrutiny
+that the intelligent world is demanding, have greatly augmented the
+number of college abolitionists. They are, for the most part, the
+diligent, the intellectual, the religious of the students. United in
+societies, their influence is generally extensively felt in the
+surrounding region; _dispersed_, it seems scarcely less effective. An
+instance of the latter deserves particular notice.
+
+The Trustees and Faculty of one of our theological and literary
+institutions united for the suppression of anti-slavery action among the
+students. The latter refused to cease pleading for the slave, as he
+could not plead for himself. They left the institution; were
+providentially dispersed over various parts of the country, and made
+useful, in a remarkable manner, in advancing the cause of humanity and
+liberty. One of these dismissed students, the son of a slaveholder,
+brought up in the midst of slavery, and well acquainted with its
+peculiarities, succeeded in persuading a pious father to emancipate his
+fourteen slaves. After lecturing a long time with signal success--having
+contracted a disease of the throat, which prevented him from further
+prosecuting his labors in this way--he visited the West Indies, eighteen
+months ago, in company with another gentleman of the most ample
+qualifications, to note the operation of the British emancipation act.
+Together, they collected a mass of facts--now in a course of
+publication--that will astonish, as it ought to delight, the whole
+south; for it shows, conclusively, that IMMEDIATE emancipation is the
+best, the safest, the most profitable, as it is the most just and
+honorable, of all emancipations.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: See Appendix, A.]
+
+Another of these dismissed students is one of the secretaries of this
+society. He has, for a long time, discharged its arduous and responsible
+duties with singular ability. To his qualifications as secretary, he
+adds those of an able and successful lecturer. He was heard, several
+times, before the joint committee of the Legislature of Massachusetts, a
+year ago, prior to the report of that committee, and to the adoption, by
+the Senate and House of Representatives, of their memorable resolutions
+in favor of the Power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District of
+Columbia, and of the Right of petition.
+
+"5. _What do you estimate the number of those who co-operate in the
+matter at? What proportion do they bear in the population of the
+northern states, and what in the middle non-slaveholding states? Are
+they increasing, and at what rate_?"
+
+ANSWER.--Those who stand _ready to join_ our societies on the first
+suitable occasion, may be set down as equal in number to those who are
+now _actually members_. Those who are ready _fully to co-operate with
+us_ in supporting the freedom of speech and the press, the right of
+petition, &c, may be estimated at _double_, if not _treble_, the joint
+numbers of those who _already are members_, and those who are _ready to
+become members_. The Recording secretary of the MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY
+stated, a few weeks ago, that the abolitionists in the various minor
+societies in that state were one in thirty of the whole population. The
+proportion of abolitionists to the whole population is greater in
+Massachusetts than in any other of the free states, except
+VERMONT,--where the spirit of liberty has almost entirely escaped the
+corruptions which slavery has infused into it in most of her sister
+states, by means of commercial and other intercourse with them.
+
+In MAINE, not much of systematic effort has, as yet, been put forth to
+enlighten her population as to our principles and proceedings. I
+attended the anniversary of the State Society on the 31st of January, at
+Augusta, the seat of government. The Ministers of the large religious
+denominations were beginning, as I was told, to unite with us--and
+Politicians, to descry the ultimate prevalence of our principles. The
+impression I received was, that much could, and that much would,
+speedily be done.
+
+In NEW HAMPSHIRE, more labor has been expended, and a greater effect
+produced. Public functionaries, who have been pleased to speak in
+contemptuous terms of the progress of abolitionism, both in Maine and
+New Hampshire, will, it is thought, soon be made to see, through a
+medium not at all deceptive, the grossness of their error.
+
+In RHODE ISLAND, our principles are fast pervading the great body of the
+people. This, it is thought, is the only one of the free states, in
+which the subject of abolition has been fully introduced, which has not
+been disgraced by a mob, triumphant, for the time being, over the right
+of the people to discuss any, and every, matter in which they feel
+interested. A short time previous to the last election of members of
+Congress, questions, embodying our views as to certain political
+measures were propounded to the several candidates. Respectful answers
+and, in the main, conformable with our views, were returned. I shall
+transmit you a newspaper containing both the questions and the
+answers.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Since the above was written, at the last election in this
+state for governor and lieutenant governor, the abolitionists
+_interrogated_ the gentlemen who stood candidates for these offices. Two
+of them answered respectfully, and conformably to the views of the
+abolitionists. Their opponents neglected to answer at all. The first
+were elected.--See Appendix, B.]
+
+In CONNECTICUT, there has not been, as yet, a great expenditure of
+abolition effort. Although the moral tone of this state, so far as
+slavery is concerned, has been a good deal weakened by the influence of
+her multiform connexions with the south, yet the energies that have been
+put forth to reanimate her ancient and lofty feelings, so far from
+proving fruitless, have been followed by the most encouraging results.
+Evidence of this is found in the faithful administration of the laws by
+judges and juries. In May last, a slave, who had been brought from
+Georgia to Hartford, successfully asserted her freedom under the laws of
+Connecticut. The cause was elaborately argued before the Supreme court.
+The most eminent counsel were employed on both sides. And it is but a
+few days, since two anti-abolition rioters (the only ones on trial) were
+convicted before the Superior court in New Haven, and sentenced to pay a
+fine of twenty dollars each, and to be imprisoned six months, the
+longest term authorized by the law. A convention, for the organization
+of a State Society, was held in the city of Hartford on the last day of
+February. It was continued three days. The _call_ for it (which I send
+you) was signed by nearly EIGHTEEN HUNDRED of the citizens of that
+state. SEVENTEEN HUNDRED, as I was informed, are legal voters. The
+proceedings of the convention were of the most harmonious and animating
+character.[B]
+
+[Footnote B: See Appendix, C.]
+
+In NEW YORK, our cause is evidently advancing. The state is rapidly
+coming up to the high ground of principle, so far as universal liberty
+is concerned, on which the abolitionists would place her. Several large
+Anti-Slavery conventions have lately been held in the western counties.
+Their reports are of the most encouraging character. Nor is the change
+more remarkable in the state than in this city. Less than five years
+ago, a few of the citizens advertised a meeting, to be held in Clinton
+Hall, to form a City Anti-Slavery Society. A mob prevented their
+assembling at the place appointed. They repaired, privately, to one of
+the churches. To this they were pursued by the mob, and routed from it,
+though not before they had completed, in a hasty manner, the form of
+organization. In the summer of 1834, some of the leading political and
+commercial journals of the city were enabled to stir up the mob against
+the persons and property of the abolitionists, and several of the most
+prominent were compelled to leave the city for safety; their houses were
+attacked, broken into, and, in one instance, the furniture publicly
+burnt in the street. _Now_, things are much changed. Many of the
+merchants and mechanics are favorable to our cause; gentlemen of the
+bar, especially the younger and more growing ones, are directing their
+attention to it; twenty-one of our city ministers are professed
+abolitionists; the churches are beginning to be more accessible to us;
+our meetings are held in them openly, attract large numbers, are
+unmolested; and the abolitionists sometimes hear themselves commended in
+other assemblies, not only for their honest _intentions_, but for their
+_respectability_ and _intelligence_.
+
+NEW JERSEY has, as yet, no State Society, and the number of avowed
+abolitionists is small. In some of the most populous and influential
+parts of the state, great solicitude exists on the subject; and the call
+for lecturers is beginning to be earnest, if not importunate.
+
+PENNSYLVANIA has advanced to our principles just in proportion to the
+labor that has been bestowed, by means of lectures and publications in
+enlightening her population as to our objects, and the evils and dangers
+impending over the whole country, from southern slavery. The act of her
+late Convention, in depriving a large number of their own constituents
+(the colored people) of the elective franchise, heretofore possessed by
+them without any allegation of its abuse on their part, would seem to
+prove an unpropitious state of public sentiment. We would neither deny,
+nor elude, the force of such evidence. But when this measure of the
+convention is brought out and unfolded in its true light--shown to be a
+party measure to bring succor from the south--a mere following in the
+wake of North Carolina and Tennessee, who led the way, in their _new_
+constitutions, to this violation of the rights of their colored
+citizens, that they might the more firmly compact the wrongs of the
+enslaved--a pernicious, a profitless violation of great principles--a
+vulgar defiance of the advancing spirit of humanity and justice--a
+relapse into the by-gone darkness of a barbarous age--we apprehend from
+it no serious detriment to our cause.
+
+OHIO has been well advanced. In a short time, she will be found among
+the most prominent of the states on the right side in the contest now
+going on between the spirit of liberty embodied in the free institutions
+of the north, and the spirit of slavery pervading the south. Her
+Constitution publishes the most honorable reprobation of slavery of any
+other in the Union. In providing for its own revision or amendment, it
+declares, that _no alteration of it shall ever take place, so as to
+introduce slavery or involuntary servitude into the state_. Her Supreme
+court is intelligent and firm. It has lately decided, virtually, against
+the constitutionality of an act of the Legislature, made, in effect, to
+favor southern slavery by the persecution of the colored people within
+her bounds. She has, already, abolitionists enough to turn the scale in
+her elections, and an abundance of excellent material for augmenting
+the number.
+
+In INDIANA but little has been done, except by the diffusion of our
+publications. But even with these appliances, several auxiliary
+societies have been organized.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: The first Legislative movement against the annexation of
+Texas to the Union, was made, it is believed, in Indiana. So early as
+December, 1836, a joint resolution passed its second reading in one or
+both branches of the Legislature. How it was ultimately disposed of, is
+not known.]
+
+In MICHIGAN, the leaven of abolitionists pervades the whole population.
+The cause is well sustained by a high order of talent; and we trust soon
+to see the influence of it in all her public acts.
+
+In ILLINOIS, the murder of Mr. Lovejoy has multiplied and confirmed
+abolitionists, and led to the formation of many societies, which, in all
+probability, would not have been formed so soon, had not that event
+taken place.
+
+I am not possessed of sufficient data for stating, with precision, what
+proportion the abolitionists bear in the population of the Northern and
+Middle non-slaveholding states respectively. Within the last ten months,
+I have travelled extensively in both these geographical divisions. I
+have had whatever advantage this, assisted by a strong interest in the
+general cause, and abundant conversations with the best informed
+abolitionists, could give, for making a fair estimate of their numbers.
+In the Northern states I should say, _they are one in ten_--in New York,
+New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, _one in twenty_--of the whole adult
+population. That the abolitionists have multiplied, and that they are
+still multiplying rapidly, no one acquainted with the smallness of their
+numbers at their first organization a few years ago, and who has kept
+his eyes about him since, need ask. That they have not, thus far, been
+more successful, is owing to the vastness of the undertaking, and the
+difficulties with which they have had to contend, from comparatively
+limited means, for presenting their measures and objects, with the
+proper developments and explanations, to the great mass of the popular
+mind. The progress of their principles, under the same amount of
+intelligence in presenting them, and where no peculiar causes of
+prejudice exist in the minds of the hearers, is generally proportioned
+to the degree of religious and intellectual worth prevailing in the
+different sections of the country where the subject is introduced. I
+know no instance, in which any one notoriously profane or intemperate,
+or licentious, or of openly irreligious _practice_, has professed,
+cordially to have received our principles.
+
+"6. _What is the object your associations aim at? Does it extend to
+abolition of slavery only in the District of Columbia, or in the whole
+slave country_?"
+
+ANSWER.--This question is fully answered in the second Article of the
+Constitution of the American Anti-Slavery Society, which is in
+these words:--
+
+"The object of this society is the entire abolition of slavery in the
+United States. While it admits that each state, in which slavery exists,
+has, by the Constitution of the United States, the exclusive right to
+_legislate_ in regard to its abolition in said state, it shall aim to
+convince all our fellow-citizens, by arguments addressed to their
+understandings and consciences, that slaveholding is a heinous crime in
+the sight of God, and that the duty, safety, and best interests of all
+concerned require its immediate abandonment, without expatriation. The
+society will also endeavor, in a constitutional way, to influence
+Congress to put an end to the domestic slave-trade, and to abolish
+slavery in all those portions of our common country which come under its
+control, especially in the District of Columbia; and likewise to prevent
+the extension of it to any state that may hereafter be admitted to
+the Union."
+
+Other objects, accompanied by a pledge of peace, are stated in the third
+article of the Constitution,--
+
+"This Society shall aim to elevate the character and condition of the
+people of color, by encouraging their intellectual, moral, and religious
+improvement, and by removing public prejudice,--that thus they may,
+according to their intellectual and moral worth, share an equality with
+the whites of civil and religious privileges; but this Society will
+never in any way, countenance the oppressed in vindicating their rights
+by resorting to physical force."
+
+"7. _By what means and by what power do you propose to carry your views
+into effect_?"
+
+ANSWER.--Our "means" are the Truth,--the "Power" under whose guidance we
+propose to carry our views into effect, is, the Almighty. Confiding in
+these means, when directed by the spirit and wisdom of Him, who has so
+made them as to act on the hearts of men, and so constituted the hearts
+of then as to be affected by them, we expect, 1. To bring the CHURCH of
+this country to repentance for the sin of OPPRESSION. Not only the
+Southern portion of it that has been the oppressor--but the Northern,
+that has stood by, consenting, for half a century, to the wrong. 2. To
+bring our countrymen to see, that for a nation to persist in injustice
+is, but to rush on its own ruin; that to do justice is the highest
+expediency--to love mercy its noblest ornament. In other countries,
+slavery has sometimes yielded to fortuitous circumstances, or been
+extinguished by physical force. _We_ strive to win for truth the victory
+over error, and on the broken fragments of slavery to rear for her a
+temple, that shall reach to the heavens, and toward which all nations
+shall worship. It has been said, that the slaveholders of the South will
+not yield, nor hearken to the influence of the truth on this subject. We
+believe it not--nor give we entertainment to the slander that such an
+unworthy defence of them implies. We believe them _men_,--that they have
+understandings that arguments will convince--consciences to which the
+appeals of justice and mercy will not be made in vain. If our principles
+be true--our arguments right--if slaveholders be men--and God have not
+delivered over our guilty country to the retributions of the oppressor,
+not only of the STRANGER but of the NATIVE--our success is certain.
+
+"8. _What has been for three years past, the annual income of your
+societies? And how has it been raised?_"
+
+ANSWER.--The annual income of the societies at large, it would be
+impossible to ascertain. The total receipts of this society, for the
+year ending 9th of May, 1835--leaving out odd numbers--was $10,000; for
+the year ending 9th of May, 1837, $25,000; and for the year ending 11th
+of May, 1836, $38,000. From the last date, up to this--not quite ten
+months--there has been paid into the treasury the sum of $36,000.[A]
+These sums are independent of what is raised by state and auxiliary
+societies, for expenditure within their own particular bounds, and for
+their own particular exigencies. Also, of the sums paid in subscriptions
+for the support of newspapers, and for the printing (by auxiliaries,) of
+periodicals, pamphlets, and essays, either for sale at low prices, or
+for gratuitous distribution. The moneys contributed in these various
+modes would make an aggregate greater, perhaps, than is paid into the
+treasury of any one of the Benevolent societies of the country. Most of
+the wealthy contributors of former years suffered so severely in the
+money-pressure of this, that they have been unable to contribute much to
+our funds. This has made it necessary to call for aid on the great body
+of abolitionists--persons, generally, in moderate circumstances. They
+have well responded to the call, considering the hardness of the times.
+To show you the extremes that meet at our treasury,--General Sewall, of
+Maine, a revolutionary officer, eighty-five years old--William
+Philbrick, a little boy near Boston, not four years old--and a colored
+woman, who makes her subsistence by selling apples in the streets in
+this city, lately sent in their respective sums to assist in promoting
+the emancipation of the "poor slave."
+
+[Footnote A: The report for May states the sum received during the
+previous year at $44,000.]
+
+All contributions of whatever kind are _voluntary_.
+
+"9. _In what way, and to what purposes do you apply these funds!_"
+
+ANSWER.--They are used in sustaining the society's office in this
+city--in paying lecturers and agents of various kinds--in upholding the
+press--in printing books, pamphlets, tracts, &c, containing expositions
+of our principles--accounts of our progress--refutations of
+objections--and disquisitions on points, scriptural, constitutional,
+political, legal, economical, as they chance to arise and become
+important. In this office three secretaries are employed in different
+departments of duty; one editor; one publishing agent, with an
+assistant, and two or three young men and boys, for folding, directing,
+and despatching papers, executing errands, &c. The business of the
+society has increased so much of late, as to make it necessary, in order
+to ensure the proper despatch of it, to employ additional clerks for the
+particular exigency. Last year, the society had in its service about
+sixty "permanent agents." This year, the number is considerably
+diminished. The deficiency has been more than made up by creating a
+large number of "Local" agents--so called, from the fact, that being
+generally Professional men, lawyers or physicians in good practice, or
+Ministers with congregations, they are confined, for the most part, to
+their respective neighborhoods. Some of the best minds in our country
+are thus engaged. Their labors have not only been eminently successful,
+but have been rendered at but small charge to the society; they
+receiving only their travelling expenses, whilst employed in lecturing
+and forming societies. In the case of a minister, there is the
+additional expense of supplying his pulpit while absent on the business
+of his agency, However, in many instances, these agents, being in easy
+circumstances, make no charge, even for their expenses.
+
+In making appointments, the executive committee have no regard to party
+discrimination. This will be fully understood, when it is stated, that
+on a late occasion, two of our local agents were the candidates of their
+respective political parties for the office of Secretary of State for
+the state of Vermont.
+
+It ought to be stated here, that two of the most effective advocates of
+the anti-slavery cause are females--the Misses Grimke--natives of South
+Carolina--brought up in the midst of the usages of slavery--most
+intelligently acquainted with the merits of the system, and qualified,
+in an eminent degree, to communicate their views to others in public
+addresses. They are not only the advocates of the slave at their own
+charge, but they actually contribute to the funds of the societies. So
+successfully have they recommended the cause of emancipation to the
+crowds that attended their lectures during the last year, that they were
+permitted on three several occasions publicly to address the joint
+committee (on slavery) of the Massachusetts Legislature, now in session,
+on the interesting matters that occupy their attention.
+
+"10. _How many printing presses and periodical publications have you?_"
+
+ANSWER.--We own no press. Our publications are all printed by contract.
+The EMANCIPATOR and HUMAN RIGHTS are the organs of the Executive
+Committee. The first (which you have seen,) is a large sheet, is
+published weekly, and employs almost exclusively the time of the
+gentleman who edits it. Human Rights is a monthly sheet of smaller size,
+and is edited by one of the secretaries. The increasing interest that is
+fast manifesting itself in the cause of emancipation and its kindred
+subjects will, in all probability, before long, call for the more
+frequent publication of one or both of these papers.--The ANTI-SLAVERY
+MAGAZINE, a quarterly, was commenced in October, 1835, and continued
+through two years. It has been intermitted, only to make the necessary
+arrangements for issuing it on a more extended scale.--It is proposed to
+give it size enough to admit the amplest discussions that we or our
+opponents may desire, and to give _them_ a full share of its room--in
+fine, to make it, in form and merit, what the importance of the subject
+calls for. I send you a copy of the Prospectus for the new series.--The
+ANTI-SLAVERY RECORD, published for three years as a monthly, has been
+discontinued _as such_, and it will be issued hereafter, only as
+occasion may require:--THE SLAVE'S FRIEND, a small monthly tract, of
+neat appearance, intended principally for children and young persons,
+has been issued for several years. It is replete with facts relating to
+slavery, and with accounts of the hair-breadth escapes of slaves from
+their masters and pursuers that rarely fail to impart the most thrilling
+interest to its little readers.--Besides these, there is the
+ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER, in which are published, as the times call for
+them, our larger essays partaking of a controversial character, such as
+Smith's reply to the Rev. Mr. Smylie--Grimke's letter and "Wythe." By
+turning to page 32 of our Fourth Report (included in your order for
+books, &c,) you will find, that in the year ending 11th May, the issues
+from the press were--bound volumes, 7,877--Tracts and Pamphlets,
+47,250--Circulars, &c, 4,100--Prints, 10,490--Anti-Slavery Magazine,
+9000--Slave's Friend, 131,050--Human Rights, 189,400--Emancipator,
+217,000. These are the issues of the American Anti-Slavery Society, from
+their office in this city. Other publications of similar character are
+issued by State Societies or individuals--the LIBERATOR, in Boston;
+HERALD OF FREEDOM, in Concord, N.H.; ZION'S WATCHMAN and the COLORED
+AMERICAN in this city. The latter is conducted in the editorial, and
+other departments, by colored citizens. You can judge of its character,
+by a few numbers that I send to you. Then, there is the FRIEND of MAN,
+in Utica, in this state. The NATIONAL ENQUIRER, in Philadelphia;[A] the
+CHRISTIAN WITNESS, in Pittsburgh; the PHILANTHROPIST, in
+Cincinnati.--All these are sustained by the friends, and devoted almost
+exclusively to the cause, of emancipation. Many of the Religious
+journals that do not make emancipation their main object have adopted
+the sentiments of abolitionists, and aid in promoting them. The Alton
+Observer, edited by the late Mr. Lovejoy, was one of these.
+
+[Footnote A: The NATIONAL ENQUIRER, edited by Benjamin Lundy, has been
+converted into the PENNSYLVANIA FREEMAN, edited by John G. Whittier. Mr.
+Lundy proposes to issue the GENIUS OF UNIVERSAL EMANCIPATION, in
+Illinois.]
+
+From the data I have, I set down the newspapers, as classed above, at
+upwards of one hundred. Here it may also be stated, that the presses
+which print the abolition journals above named, throw off besides, a
+great variety of other anti-slavery matter, in the form of books,
+pamphlets, single sheets, &c, &c, and that, at many of the principal
+commercial points throughout the free states, DEPOSITORIES are
+established, at which our publications of every sort are kept for sale.
+A large and fast increasing number of the Political journals of the
+country have become, within the last two years, if not the avowed
+supporters of our cause, well inclined to it. Formerly, it was a common
+thing for most of the leading _party_-papers, especially in the large
+cities, to speak of the abolitionists in terms signally disrespectful
+and offensive. Except in rare instances, and these, it is thought, only
+where they are largely subsidized by southern patronage, it is not so
+now. The desertions that are taking place from their ranks will, in a
+short time, render their position undesirable for any, who aspire to
+gain, or influence, or reputation in the North.
+
+"11. _To what class of persons do you address your publications--and are
+they addressed to the judgment, the imagination, or the feelings_?"
+
+ANSWER.--They are intended for the great mass of intelligent mind, both
+in the free and in the slave states. They partake, of course, of the
+intellectual peculiarities of the different authors. Jay's "INQUIRY" and
+Mrs. Child's "APPEAL" abound in facts--are dispassionate, ingenious,
+argumentative. The "BIBLE AGAINST SLAVERY," by the most careful and
+laborious research, has struck from slavery the prop, which careless
+Annotators, (writing, unconscious of the influence, the prevailing
+system of slavery throughout the Christian world exercised on their own
+minds,) have admitted was furnished for it in the Scriptures. "Wythe" by
+a pains-taking and lucid adjustment of facts in the history of the
+Government, both before and after the adoption of the Constitution, and
+with a rigor of logic, that cannot, it is thought, be successfully
+encountered, has put to flight forever with unbiased minds, every doubt
+as to the "Power of Congress over the District of Columbia."
+
+There are among the abolitionists, Poets, and by the acknowledgment of
+their opponents, poets of no mean name too--who, as the use of poets is,
+do address themselves often--as John G. Whittier does _always_
+--powerfully to the imagination and feelings of their readers.
+
+Our publications cannot be classed according to any particular style or
+quality of composition. They may characterized generally, as well suited
+to affect the public mind--to rouse into healthful activity the
+conscience of this nation, stupified, torpid, almost dead, in relation
+to HUMAN RIGHTS, the high theme of which they treat!
+
+It has often been alleged, that our writings appeal to the worst
+passions of the slaves, and that they are placed in their hands with a
+view to stir them to revolt. Neither charge has any foundation in truth
+to rest upon. The first finds no support in the tenor of the writings
+themselves; the last ought forever to be abandoned, in the absence of
+any single well authenticated instance of their having been conveyed by
+abolitionists to slaves, or of their having been even found in their
+possession. To instigate the slaves to revolt, as the means of obtaining
+their liberty, would prove a lack of wisdom and honesty that none would
+impute to abolitionists, except such as are unacquainted with their
+character. Revolt would be followed by the sure destruction, not only of
+all the slaves who might be concerned in it, but of multitudes of the
+innocent. Moreover, the abolitionists, as a class, are religious--they
+favor peace, and stand pledged in their constitution, before the country
+and heaven, to abide in peace, so far as a forcible vindication of the
+right of the slaves to their freedom is concerned. Further still, no
+small number of them deny the right of defence, either to individuals or
+nations, even when forcibly and wrongfully attacked. This disagreement
+among ourselves on this single point--of which our adversaries are by no
+means ignorant, as they often throw it reproachfully in our teeth--would
+forever prevent concert in any scheme that looked to instigating servile
+revolt. If there be, in all our ranks, one, who--personal danger out of
+the question--would excite the slaves to insurrection and massacre, or
+who would not be swift to repeat the earliest attempt to concoct such an
+iniquity--I say, on my obligations as a man, he is unknown to me.
+
+Yet it ought not to be matter of surprise to abolitionists, that the
+South should consider them "fanatics," "incendiaries," "cut-throats,"
+and call them so too. The South has had their character reported to them
+by the North, by those who are their neighbors, who, it was supposed,
+knew, and would speak the truth, and the truth only, concerning them. It
+would, I apprehend, be unavailing for abolitionists now to enter on any
+formal vindication of their character from charges that can be so easily
+repeated after every refutation. False and fraudulent as they knew them
+to be, they must be content to live under them till the consummation of
+the work of Freedom shall prove to the master that they have been _his_
+friends, as well as the friends of the slave. The mischief of these
+charges has fallen on the South--the malice is to be placed to the
+credit of the North.
+
+"12. _Do you propagate your doctrines by any other means than oral and
+written discussions--for instance, by prints and pictures in
+manufactures--say of pocket-handkerchiefs, calicoes, &c? Pray, state the
+various modes?_"
+
+ANSWER.--Two or three years ago, an abolitionist of this city procured
+to be manufactured, at his own charge, a small lot of children's
+pocket-handkerchiefs, impressed with anti-slavery pictures and mottoes.
+I have no recollection of having seen any of them but once. None such, I
+believe, are now to be found, or I would send you a sample. If any
+manufactures of the kinds mentioned, or others similar to theta, are in
+existence, they have been produced independently of the agency of this
+society. It is thought that none such exist, unless the following should
+be supposed to fall within the terms of the inquiry. Female
+abolitionists often unite in sewing societies. They meet together,
+usually once a week or fortnight, and labor through the afternoon, with
+their own hands, to furnish means for advancing the cause of the slave.
+One of the company reads passages from the Bible, or some religious
+book, whilst the others are engaged at their work. The articles they
+prepare, especially if they be of the "fancy" kind, are often ornamented
+with handsomely executed emblems, underwritten with appropriate mottoes.
+The picture of a slave kneeling (such as you will see impressed on one
+of the sheets of this letter) and supplicating in the words, "AM I NOT A
+MAN AND A BROTHER," is an example. The mottoes or sentences are,
+however, most generally selected from the Scriptures; either appealing
+to human sympathy in behalf of human suffering, or breathing forth God's
+tender compassion for the oppressed, or proclaiming, in thunder tones,
+his avenging justice on the oppressor. A few quotations will show their
+general character:--
+
+"Blessed is he that considereth the poor."
+
+"Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy.
+Deliver the poor and the needy; rid him out of the hand of the wicked."
+
+"Open thy mouth for the dumb, plead the cause of the poor and needy."
+
+"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
+
+"First, be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
+
+"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
+
+"All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so
+to them."
+
+Again:--
+
+"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him
+that hath no helper."
+
+"The Lord looseth the prisoners; the Lord raiseth them that are bowed
+down; the Lord preserveth the strangers."
+
+"He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to
+the captives, to set at liberty them that are bruised."'
+
+"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will
+I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that
+puffeth at him."
+
+Again:--
+
+"The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are
+oppressed."
+
+"Rob not the poor because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in
+the gate; for the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of
+those that spoiled them."
+
+"And I will come near to you to judgment, and I will be a swift witness
+against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow and the
+fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear
+not me, saith the Lord of hosts."
+
+"Wo unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his
+chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and
+giveth him not for his work."
+
+Fairs, for the sale of articles fabricated by the hands of female
+abolitionists, and recommended by such pictures and sentences as those
+quoted above, are held in many of our cities and large towns. Crowds
+frequent them to purchase; hundreds of dollars are thus realized, to be
+appropriated to the anti-slavery cause; and, from the cheap rate at
+which the articles are sold, vast numbers of them are scattered far and
+wide over the country. Besides these, if we except various drawings or
+pictures on _paper_, (samples of which were put up in the packages you
+ordered a few days ago,) such as the Slave-market in the District of
+Columbia, with Members of congress attending it--views of slavery in the
+South--a Lynch court in the slave-states--the scourging of Mr. Dresser
+by a vigilance committee in the public square of Nashville--the
+plundering of the post-office in Charleston, S.C., and the conflagration
+of part of its contents, &c, &c, I am apprised of no other means of
+propagating our doctrines than by oral and written discussions.
+
+"13. _Are your hopes and expectations of success increased or lessened
+by the events of the last year, and especially by the action of this
+Congress? And will your exertions be relaxed or increased?_"
+
+ANSWER.--The events of the last year, including the action of the
+present Congress, are of the same character with the events of the
+eighteen months which immediately preceded it. In the question before
+us, they may be regarded as one series. I would say, answering your
+interrogatory generally, that none of them, however unpropitious to the
+cause of the abolitionists they may appear, to those who look at the
+subject from an opposite point to the one _they_ occupy, seem, thus far,
+in any degree to have lessened their hopes and expectations. The events
+alluded to have not come altogether unexpected. They are regarded as the
+legitimate manifestations of slavery--necessary, perhaps, in the present
+dull and unapprehensive state of the public mind as to human rights, to
+be brought out and spread before the people, before they will
+sufficiently revolt against slavery itself.
+
+1. They are seen in the CHURCH, and in the practice of its individual
+members. The southern portion of the American church may now be regarded
+as having admitted the dogma, that _slavery is a Divine institution_.
+She has been forced by the anti-slavery discussion into this
+position--either to cease from slaveholding, or formally to adopt the
+only alternative, that slaveholding is right. She has chosen the
+alternative--reluctantly, to be sure, but substantially, and, within the
+last year, almost unequivocally. In defending what was dear to her, she
+has been forced to cast away her garments, and thus to reveal a
+deformity, of which she herself, before, was scarcely aware, and the
+existence of which others did not credit. So much for the action of the
+southern church as a body.--On the part of her MEMBERS, the revelation
+of a time-serving spirit, that not only yielded to the ferocity of the
+multitude, but fell in with it, may be reckoned among the events of the
+last three years. Instances of this may be found in the attendance of
+the "clergy of all denominations," at a tumultuous meeting of the
+citizens of Charleston, S.C., held in August, 1835, for the purpose of
+reducing to _system_ their unlawful surveillance and control of the
+post-office and mail; and in the alacrity with which they obeyed the
+popular call to dissolve the Sunday-schools for the instruction of the
+colored people. Also in the fact, that, throughout the whole South,
+church members are not only found on the Vigilance Committees,
+(tribunals organized in opposition to the laws of the states where they
+exist,) but uniting with the merciless and the profligate in passing
+sentence consigning to infamous and excruciating, if not extreme
+punishment, persons, by their own acknowledgment, innocent of any
+unlawful act. Out of sixty persons that composed the vigilance committee
+which condemned Mr. Dresser to be scourged in the public square of
+Nashville, TWENTY-SEVEN were members of churches, and one of them a
+professed Teachers of Christianity. A member of the committee stated
+afterward, in a newspaper of which he was the editor, that Mr. D. _had
+not laid himself liable to any punishment known to the laws_. Another
+instance is to be found in the conduct of the Rev. Wm. S. Plumer, of
+Virginia. Having been absent from Richmond, when the ministers of the
+gospel assembled together formally to testify their abhorrence of the
+abolitionists, he addressed the chairman of the committee of
+correspondence a note, in which he uses this language:--"If
+abolitionists will set the country in a blaze, it is but fair that they
+should have the first warming at the fire."--"Let them understand, that
+they will be caught, if they come among us, and they will take good heed
+to keep out of our way." Mr. P. has no doubtful standing in the
+Presbyterian church with which he is connected. He has been regarded as
+one of its brightest ornaments.[A] To drive the slaveholding church and
+its members from the equivocal, the neutral position, from which they
+had so long successfully defended slavery--to compel them to elevate
+their practice to an even height with their avowed principles, or to
+degrade their principles to the level of their known practice, was a
+preliminary, necessary in the view of abolitionists, either for bringing
+that part of the church into the common action against slavery, or as a
+ground for treating it as confederate with oppressors. So far, then, as
+the action of the church, or of its individual members, is to be
+reckoned among the events of the last two or three years, the
+abolitionists find in it nothing to lessen their hopes or expectations.
+
+[Footnote A: In the division of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
+church, that has just taken place, Mr. Plumer has been elected Moderator
+of the "Old School" portion.]
+
+2. The abolitionists believed, from the beginning, that the slaves of
+the South were (as slaves are everywhere) unhappy, _because of their
+condition_. Their adversaries denied it, averring that, as a class, they
+were "contented and happy." The abolitionists thought that the argument
+against slavery could be made good, so far as this point was concerned,
+by either _admitting_ or _denying_ the assertion.
+
+_Admitting_ it, they insisted, that, nothing could demonstrate the
+turpitude of any system more surely than the fact, that MAN--made in the
+image of God--but a little lower than the angels--crowned with glory and
+honor, and set over the works of God's hands--his mind sweeping in an
+instant from planet to planet, from the sun of one system to the sun of
+another, even to the great centre sun of them all--contemplating the
+machinery of the universe "wheeling unshaken" in the awful and
+mysterious grandeur of its movements "through the void immense"--with a
+spirit delighting in upward aspiration--bounding from earth to
+heaven--that seats itself fast by the throne of God, to drink in the
+instructions of Infinite Wisdom, or flies to execute the commands of
+Infinite Goodness;--that such a being could be made "contented and
+happy" with "enough to eat, and drink, and wear," and shelter from the
+weather--with the base provision that satisfies the brutes, is (say the
+abolitionists) enough to render superfluous all other arguments for the
+_instant_ abandonment of a system whose appropriate work is such
+infinite wrong.
+
+_Denying_ that "the slaves are contented and happy," the abolitionists
+have argued, that, from the structure of his moral nature--the laws of
+his mind--man cannot be happy in the fact, that he is _enslaved_. True,
+he may be happy in slavery, but it is not slavery that makes him so--it
+is virtue and faith, elevating him above the afflictions of his lot. The
+slave has a will, leading him to seek those things which the Author of
+his nature has made conducive to its happiness. In these things, the
+will of the master comes in collision with his will. The slave desires
+to receive the rewards of his own labor; the power of the master wrests
+them from him. The slave desires to possess his wife, to whom God has
+joined him, in affection, to have the superintendence, and enjoy the
+services, of the children whom God has confided to him as a parent to
+train them, by the habits of the filial relation, for the yet higher
+relation that they may sustain to him as their heavenly Father. But here
+he is met by the opposing will of the master, pressing _his_ claims with
+irresistible power. The ties that heaven has sanctioned and blessed--of
+husband and wife, of parent and child--are all sundered in a moment by
+the master, at the prompting of avarice or luxury or lust; and there is
+none that can stay his ruthless hand, or say unto him, "What doest
+thou?" The slave thirsts for the pleasures of refined and elevated
+intellect--the master denies to him the humblest literary acquisition.
+The slave pants to know something of that still higher nature that he
+feels burning within him--of his present state, his future destiny, of
+the Being who made him, to whose judgment-seat he is going. The master's
+interests cry, "No!" "Such knowledge is too wonderful for you; it is
+high, you cannot attain unto it." To predicate _happiness_ of a class of
+beings, placed in circumstances where their will is everlastingly
+defeated by an irresistible power--the abolitionists say, is to prove
+them destitute of the sympathies of _our_ nature--not _human_. It is to
+declare with the Atheist, that man is independent of the goodness of his
+Creator for his enjoyments--that human happiness calls not for any of
+the appliances of his bounty--that God's throne is a nullity, himself a
+superfluity.
+
+But, independently of any abstract reasoning drawn from the nature of
+moral and intelligent beings, FACTS have been elicited in the discussion
+of the point before us, proving slavery everywhere (especially Southern
+slavery, maintained by enlightened Protestants of the nineteenth
+century) replete with torments and horrors--the direst form of
+oppression that upheaves itself before the sun. These facts have been so
+successfully impressed on a large portion of the intelligent mind of the
+country, that the slaves of the South are beginning to be considered as
+those whom God emphatically regards as the "poor," the "needy," the
+"afflicted," the "oppressed," the "bowed down;" and for whose
+consolation he has said, "Now will I arise--I will set him in safety
+from him that puffeth at him."
+
+This state of the public mind has been brought about within the last two
+or three years; and it is an event which, so far from lessening, greatly
+animates, the hopes and expectations of abolitionists.
+
+3. The abolitionists believed from the first, that the tendency of
+slavery is to produce, on the part of the whites, looseness of morals,
+disdain of the wholesome restraints of law, and a ferocity of temper,
+found, only in solitary instances, in those countries where slavery is
+unknown. They were not ignorant of the fact, that this was disputed; nor
+that the "CHIVALRY OF THE SOUTH" had become a cant phrase, including,
+all that is high-minded and honorable among men; nor, that it had been
+formally asserted in our National legislature, that slavery, as it
+exists in the South, "produces the highest toned, the purest, best
+organization of society that has ever existed on the face of the earth."
+Nor were the abolitionists unaware, that these pretensions, proving
+anything else but their own solidity, had been echoed and re-echoed so
+long by the unthinking and the interested of the North, that the
+character of the South had been injuriously affected by them--till she
+began boldly to attribute her _peculiar_ superiority to her _peculiar_
+institution, and thus to strengthen it. All this the abolitionists saw
+and knew. But few others saw and understood it as they did. The
+revelations of the last three years are fast dissipating the old notion,
+and bringing multitudes in the North to see the subject as the
+abolitionists see it. When "Southern Chivalry" and the _purity_ of
+southern society are spoken of now, it is at once replied, that a large
+number of the slaves show, by their _color_, their indisputable claim to
+white paternity; and that, notwithstanding their near consanguineous
+relation to the whites, they are still held and treated, in all
+respects, _as slaves_. Nor is it forgotten now, when the claims of the
+South to "hospitality" are pressed, to object, because they are grounded
+on the unpaid wages of the laborer--on the robbery of the poor. When
+"Southern generosity" is mentioned, the old adage, "be just before you
+are generous," furnishes the reply. It is no proof of generosity (say
+the objectors) to take the bread of the laborer, to lavish it in
+banquetings on the rich. When "Southern Chivalry" is the theme of its
+admirers, the hard-handed, but intelligent, working man of the North
+asks, if the espionage of southern hotels, and of ships and steamboats
+on their arrival at southern ports; if the prowl, by day and by night,
+for the solitary stranger suspected of sympathizing with the enslaved,
+that he may be delivered over to the mercies of a vigilance committee,
+furnishes the proof of its existence; if the unlawful importation of
+slaves from Africa[A] furnishes the proof; if the abuse, the scourging,
+the hanging on suspicion, without law, of friendless strangers, furnish
+the proof; if the summary execution of slaves and of colored freemen,
+almost by the score, without legal trial, furnishes the proof; if the
+cruelties and tortures to which _citizens_ have been exposed, and the
+burning to death of slaves by slow fires,[B] furnish the proof. All
+these things, says he, furnish any thing but proof of _true_
+hospitality, or generosity, or gallantry, or purity, or chivalry.
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Mercer, of Virginia, some years ago, asserted in
+Congress, that "CARGOES" of African slaves were smuggled into the
+southern states to a deplorable extent. Mr. Middleton, of South
+Carolina, declared it to be his belief, that THIRTEEN THOUSAND Africans
+were annually smuggled into the southern states. Mr. Wright, of
+Maryland, estimated the number at FIFTEEN THOUSAND. Miss Martineau was
+told in 1835, by a wealthy slaveholder of Louisiana, (who probably spoke
+of that state alone,) that the annual importation of native Africans was
+from THIRTEEN THOUSAND to FIFTEEN THOUSAND. The President of the United
+States, in his last Annual Message, speaking of the Navy, says, "The
+large force under Commodore Dallas [on the West India station] has been
+most actively and efficiently employed in protecting our commerce, IN
+PREVENTING THE IMPORTATION OF SLAVES, &c."]
+
+[Footnote B: Within the last few years, four slaves, and one citizen of
+color, have been put to death in this manner, in Alabama, Mississippi,
+Missouri, and Arkansas.]
+
+Certain it is, that the time when southern slavery derived countenance
+at the North, from its supposed connection with "chivalry," is rapidly
+passing away. "Southern Chivalry" will soon be regarded as one of the
+by-gone fooleries of a less intelligent and less virtuous age. It will
+soon be cast out--giving place to the more reasonable idea, that the
+denial of wages to the laborer, the selling of men and women, the
+whipping of husbands and wives in each others presence, to compel them
+to unrequited toil, the deliberate attempt to extinguish mind, and,
+consequently, to destroy the soul--is among the highest offences against
+God and man--unspeakably mean and ungentlemanly.
+
+The impression made on the minds of the people as to this matter, is one
+of the events of the last two or three years that does not contribute to
+lessen the hopes or expectations of abolitionists.
+
+4. The ascendency that Slavery has acquired, and exercises, in the
+administration of the government, and the apprehension now prevailing
+among the sober and intelligent, irrespective of party, that it will
+soon overmaster the Constitution itself, may be ranked among the events
+of the last two or three years that affect the course of abolitionists.
+The abolitionists regard the Constitution with unabated affection. They
+hold in no common veneration the memory of those who made it. They would
+be the last to brand Franklin and King and Morris and Wilson and Sherman
+and Hamilton with the ineffaceable infamy of attempting to ingraft on
+the Constitution, and therefore to _perpetuate_, a system of oppression
+in absolute antagonism to its high and professed objects, one which
+their own practice condemned,--and this, too, when they had scarcely
+wiped away the dust and sweat of the Revolution from their brows! Whilst
+abolitionists feel and speak thus of our Constitutional fathers, they do
+not justify the dereliction of principle into which they were betrayed,
+when they imparted to the work of their hands _any_ power to contribute
+to the continuance of such a system. They can only palliate it, by
+supposing, that they thought, slavery was already a waning institution,
+destined soon to pass away. In their time, (1787) slaves were
+comparatively of little value--there being then no great slave-labor
+staple (as cotton is now) to make them profitable to their holders.[A]
+Had the circumstances of the country remained as they then were,
+slave-labor, always and every where the most expensive--would have
+disappeared before the competition of free labour. They had seen, too,
+the principle of universal liberty, on which the Revolution was
+justified, recognised and embodied in most of the State Constitutions;
+they had seen slavery utterly forbidden in that of Vermont
+--instantaneously abolished in that of Massachusetts--and laws
+enacted in the New-England States and in Pennsylvania, for its gradual
+abolition. Well might they have anticipated, that Justice and Humanity,
+now starting forth with fresh vigor, would, in their march, sweep away
+the whole system; more especially, as freedom of speech and of the
+press--the legitimate abolisher not only of the acknowledged vice of
+slavery, but of every other that time should reveal in our institutions
+or practices--had been fully secured to the people. Again; power was
+conferred on Congress to put a stop to the African slave-trade, without
+which it was thought, at that time, to be impossible to maintain
+slavery, as a system, on this continent,--so great was the havoc it
+committed on human life. Authority was also granted to Congress to
+prevent the transfer of slaves, as articles of commerce, from one State
+to another; and the introduction of slavery into the territories. All
+this was crowned by the power of refusing admission into the Union, to
+any new state, whose form of government was repugnant to the principles
+of liberty set forth in that of the United States. The faithful
+execution, by Congress, of these powers, it was reasonably enough
+supposed, would, at least, prevent the growth of slavery, if it did not
+entirely remove it. Congress did, at the set time, execute _one_ of
+them--deemed, then, the most effectual of the whole; but, as it has
+turned out, the least so.
+
+[Footnote A: The cultivation of cotton was almost unknown in the United
+States before 1787. It was not till two years afterward that it began to
+be raised or exported. (See Report of the Secretary of the Treasury,
+Feb. 29, 1836.)--See Appendix, D.]
+
+The effect of the interdiction of the African slave-trade was, not to
+diminish the trade itself, or greatly to mitigate its horrors; it only
+changed its name from African to American--transferred the seat of
+commerce from Africa to America--its profits from African princes to
+American farmers. Indeed, it is almost certain, if the African
+slave-trade had been left unrestrained, that slavery would not have
+covered so large a portion of our country as it does now. The cheap rate
+at which slaves might have been imported by the planters of the south,
+would have prevented the rearing of them for sale, by the farmers of
+Maryland, Virginia, and the other slave-selling states. If these states
+could be restrained from the _commerce_ in slaves, slavery could not be
+supported by them for any length of time, or to any considerable extent.
+They could not maintain it, as an economical system, under the
+competition of free labor. It is owing to the _non-user_ by Congress, or
+rather to their unfaithful application of their power to the other
+points, on which it was expected to act for the limitation or
+extermination of slavery, that the hopes of our fathers have not been
+realized; and that slavery has, at length, become so audacious, as
+openly to challenge the principles of 1776--to trample on the most
+precious rights secured to the citizen--to menace the integrity of the
+Union and the very existence of the government itself.
+
+Slavery has advanced to its present position by steps that were, at
+first, gradual, and, for a long time, almost unnoticed; afterward, it
+made its way by intimidating or corrupting those who ought to have been
+forward to resist its pretensions. Up to the time of the "Missouri
+Compromise," by which the nation was wheedled out of its honor, slavery
+was looked on as an evil that was finally to yield to the expanding and
+ripening influences of our Constitutional principles and regulations.
+Why it has not yielded, we may easily see, by even a slight glance at
+some of the incidents in our history.
+
+It has already been said, that we have been brought into our present
+condition by the unfaithfulness of Congress, in not _exerting_ the power
+vested in it, to stop the domestic slave-trade, and in the _abuse_ of
+the power of admitting "_new_ states" into the Union. Kentucky made
+application in 1792, with a slave-holding Constitution in her
+hand.--With what a mere _technicality_ Congress suffered itself to be
+drugged into torpor:--_She was part of one of the "Original States"--and
+therefore entitled to all their privileges._
+
+One precedent established, it was easy to make another. Tennessee was
+admitted in 1796, without scruple, on the same ground.
+
+The next triumph of slavery was in 1803, in the purchase of Louisiana,
+acknowledged afterward, even by Mr. Jefferson who made it, to be
+unauthorized by the Constitution--and in the establishment of slavery
+throughout its vast limits, actually and substantially under the
+auspices of that instrument which declares its only objects to be--"to
+form a more perfect union, establish JUSTICE, insure DOMESTIC
+TRANQUILITY, provide for the common defence, promote the general
+welfare, and secure the blessings of LIBERTY to ourselves and our
+posterity."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: It may be replied, The colored people were held as
+_property_ by the laws of Louisiana previously to the cession, and that
+Congress had no right to divest the newly acquired citizens of their
+property. This statement is evasive. It does not include, nor touch the
+question, which is this:--Had Congress, or the treaty-making power, a
+right to recognise, and, by recognising, to establish, in a territory
+that had no claim of privilege, on the ground of being part of one of
+the "Original States," a condition of things that it could not establish
+_directly_, because there was no grant in the constitution of power,
+direct or incidental, to do so--and because, _to do so_, was in
+downright oppugnancy to the principles of the Constitution itself? The
+question may be easily answered by stating the following case:--Suppose
+a law had existed in Louisiana, previous to the cession, by which the
+children--male and female--of all such parents as were not owners of
+real estate of the yearly value of $500, had been--no matter how
+long--held in slavery by their more wealthy land-holding
+neighbors:--would Congress, under the Constitution, have a right (by
+recognising) to establish, for ever, such a relation as one white
+person, under such a law, might hold to another? Surely not. And yet no
+substantial difference between the two cases can be pointed out.]
+
+In this case, the violation of the Constitution was suffered to pass
+with but little opposition, except from Massachusetts, because we were
+content to receive in exchange, multiplied commercial benefits and
+enlarged territorial limits.
+
+The next stride that slavery made over the Constitution was in the
+admission of the State of Louisiana into the Union. _She_ could claim no
+favor as part of an "Original State." At this point, it might have been
+supposed, the friends of Freedom and of the Constitution according to
+its original intent, would have made a stand. But no: with the exception
+of Massachusetts, they hesitated and were persuaded to acquiesce,
+because the country was just about entering into a war with England, and
+the crisis was unpropitious for discussing questions that would create
+divisions between different sections of the Union. We must wait till the
+country was at peace. Thus it was that Louisiana was admitted without a
+controversy.
+
+Next followed, in 1817 and 1820, Mississippi and Alabama--admitted after
+the example of Kentucky and Tennessee, without any contest.
+
+Meantime, Florida had given some uneasiness to the slaveholders of the
+neighboring states; and for their accommodation chiefly, a negociation
+was set on foot by the government to purchase it.
+
+Missouri was next in order in 1821. She could plead no privilege, on the
+score of being part of one of the original states; the country too, was
+relieved from the pressure of her late conflict with England; it was
+prosperous and quiet; every thing seemed propitious to a calm and
+dispassionate consideration of the claims of slaveholders to add props
+to their system, by admitting indefinitely, new slave states to the
+Union. Up to this time, the "EVIL" of slavery had been almost
+universally acknowledged and deplored by the South, and its termination
+(apparently) sincerely hoped for.[A] By this management its friends
+succeeded in blinding the confiding people of the North. They thought
+for the most part, that the slaveholders were acting in good faith. It
+is not intended by this remark, to make the impression, that the South
+had all along pressed the admission of new slave states, simply with a
+view to the increase of its own relative power. By no means: slavery had
+insinuated itself into favor because of its being mixed up with (other)
+supposed benefits--and because its ultimate influence on the government
+was neither suspected nor dreaded. But, on the Missouri question, there
+was a fair trial of strength between the friends of Slavery and the
+friends of the Constitution. The former triumphed, and by the prime
+agency of one whose raiment, the remainder of his days, ought to be
+sackcloth and ashes,--because of the disgrace he has continued on the
+name of his country, and the consequent injury that he has inflicted on
+the cause of Freedom throughout the world. Although all the different
+Administrations, from the first organization of the government, had, in
+the indirect manner already mentioned, favored slavery,--there had not
+been on any previous occasion, a direct struggle between its pretensions
+and the principles of liberty ingrafted on the Constitution. The friends
+of the latter were induced to believe, whenever they should be arrayed
+against each other, that _theirs_ would be the triumph. Tremendous
+error! Mistake almost fatal! The battle was fought. Slavery emerged from
+it unhurt--her hands made gory--her bloody plume still floating in the
+air--exultingly brandishing her dripping sword over her prostrate and
+vanquished enemy. She had won all for which she fought. Her victory was
+complete--THE SANCTION OF THE NATION WAS GIVEN TO SLAVERY![B]
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Clay, in conducting the Missouri compromise, found it
+necessary to argue, that the admission of Missouri, as a slaveholding
+state, would aid in bringing about the termination of slavery. His
+argument is thus stated by Mr. Sergeant, who replied to him:--"In this
+long view of remote and distant consequences, the gentleman from
+Kentucky (Mr. Clay) thinks he sees how slavery, when thus spread, is at
+last to find its end. It is to be brought about by the combined
+operation of the laws which regulate the price of labor, and the laws
+which govern population. When the country shall be filled with
+inhabitants, and the price of labor shall have reached a minimum, (a
+comparative minimum I suppose is meant,) free labor will be found
+cheaper than slave labor. Slaves will then be without employment, and,
+of course, without the means of comfortable subsistence, which will
+reduce their numbers, and finally extirpate them. This is the argument
+as I understand it," says Mr. Sergeant; and, certainly, one more
+chimerical or more inhuman could not have been urged.]
+
+[Footnote B: See Appendix, E.]
+
+Immediately after this achievement, the slaveholding interest was still
+more strongly fortified by the acquisition of Florida, and the
+establishment of slavery there, as it had already been in the territory
+of Louisiana. The Missouri triumph, however, seems to have extinguished
+every thing like a systematic or spirited opposition, on the part of the
+free states, to the pretensions of the slaveholding South.
+
+Arkansas was admitted but the other day, with nothing that deserves to
+be called an effort to prevent it--although her Constitution attempts to
+_perpetuate_ slavery, by forbidding the master to emancipate his bondmen
+without the consent of the Legislature, and the Legislature without the
+consent of the master. Emboldened, but not satisfied, with their success
+in every political contest with the people of the free states, the
+slaveholders are beginning now to throw off their disguise--to brand
+their former notions about the "_evil_, political and moral" of slavery,
+as "folly and delusion,"[A]--and as if to "make assurance double sure,"
+and defend themselves forever, by territorial power, against the
+progress of Free principles and the renovation of the Constitution, they
+now demand openly--scorning to conceal that their object is, to _advance
+and establish their political power in the country_,--that Texas, a
+foreign state, five or six times as large as all New England, with a
+Constitution dyed as deep in slavery, as that of Arkansas, shall be
+added to the Union.
+
+[Footnote A: Mr. Calhoun is reported, in the National Intelligencer, as
+having used these words in a speech delivered in the Senate, the 10th
+day of January:--
+
+"Many in the South once believed that it [slavery] was a moral and
+political evil; that folly and delusion are gone. We see it now in its
+true light, and regard it as the most safe and stable basis for free
+institutions in the world."
+
+Mr. Hammond, formerly a Representative in Congress from South Carolina,
+delivered a speech (Feb. 1, 1836) on the question of receiving petitions
+for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. In answering
+those who objected to a slaveholding country, that it was "assimilated
+to an aristocracy," he says--"In this they are right. I accept the
+terms. _It is a government of the best._ Combining all the advantages,
+and possessing but few of the disadvantages, of the aristocracy of the
+old world--without fostering, to an unwarrantable extent, the pride, the
+exclusiveness, the selfishness, the thirst for sway, the contempt for
+the rights of others, which distinguish the nobility of Europe--it gives
+us their education, their polish, their munificence, their high honor,
+their undaunted spirit. Slavery does indeed create an aristocracy--an
+aristocracy of talents, of virtue, of generosity, of courage. In a slave
+country, every freeman is an aristocrat. Be he rich or poor, if he does
+not possess a single slave, he has been born to all the natural
+advantages of the society in which he is placed; and all its honors lie
+open before him, inviting his genius and industry. Sir, I do firmly
+believe, that domestic slavery, regulated as ours is, produces the
+highest toned, the purest, best organization of society, that has ever
+existed on the face of the earth."
+
+That this _retraxit_ of former _follies and delusions_ is not confined
+to the mere politician, we have the following proofs:--
+
+The CHARLESTON (S.C.) UNION PRESBYTERY--"Resolved. That in the opinion
+of this Presbytery, the holding of slaves, so far from being a sin in
+the sight of God, is nowhere condemned in his holy word; that it is in
+accordance with the example, or consistent with the precepts, of
+patriarchs, prophets, and apostles; and that it is compatible with the
+most fraternal regard to the good of the servants whom God has committed
+to our charge."--Within the last few months, as we learn from a late No.
+of the Charleston Courier, the late Synod of the Presbyterian Church, in
+Augusta, (Ga.) passed resolutions declaring "That slavery is a CIVIL
+INSTITUTION, with which the General Assembly [the highest ecclesiastical
+tribunal] has NOTHING TO DO."
+
+Again:--The CHARLESTON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, in a memorial to the
+Legislature of South Carolina, say--"The undersigned would further
+represent, that the said Association does not consider that the Holy
+Scriptures have made the FACT of slavery a question of morals at all."
+And further,--"The right of masters to dispose of the time of their
+slaves, has been distinctly recognised by the Creator of all things."
+
+Again:--The EDGEFIELD (S.C.) ASSOCIATION--"Resolved, That the practical
+question of slavery, in a country where the system has obtained as a
+part of its stated policy, is settled in the Scriptures by Jesus Christ
+and his apostles." "Resolved, That these uniformly recognised the
+relation of master and slave, and enjoined on both their respective
+duties, under a system of servitude more degrading and absolute than
+that which obtains in our country."
+
+Again we find, in a late No. of the Charleston Courier, the following:--
+
+"THE SOUTHERN CHURCH.--The Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
+Church, at a recent meeting in Athens, passed resolutions, declaring
+that slavery, as it exists in the United States, is not a moral evil,
+and is a civil and domestic institution, with which Christian ministers
+have nothing to do, further than to meliorate the condition of the
+slave, by endeavoring to impart to him and his master the benign
+influence of the religion of Christ, and aiding both on their way
+to heaven."]
+
+The abolitionists feel a deep regard for the integrity and union of the
+government, _on the principles of the Constitution_. Therefore it is,
+that they look with earnest concern on the attempt now making by the
+South, to do, what, in the view of multitudes of our citizens, would
+amount to good cause for the separation of the free from the slave
+states. Their concern is not mingled with any feelings of despair. The
+alarm they sounded on the "annexation" question has penetrated the free
+states; it will, in all probability, be favorably responded to by every
+one of them; thus giving encouragement to our faith, that the admission
+of Texas will be successfully resisted,--that this additional stain will
+not be impressed on our national escutcheon, nor this additional peril
+brought upon the South.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: See Appendix, F.]
+
+This, the present condition of the country, induced by a long train of
+usurpations on the part of the South, and by unworthy concessions to it
+by the North, may justly be regarded as one of the events of the last
+few years affecting in some way, the measures of the abolitionists. It
+has certainly done so. And whilst it is not to be denied, that many
+abolitionists feel painful apprehensions for the result, it has only
+roused them up to make more strenuous efforts for the preservation of
+the country.
+
+It may be replied--if the abolitionists are such firm friends of the
+Union, why do they persist in what must end in its rupture and
+dissolution? The abolitionists, let it be repeated _are_ friends of
+_the_ Union that was intended by the Constitution; but not of a Union
+from which is eviscerated, to be trodden under foot, the right to
+SPEAK,--to PRINT--to PETITION,--the rights of CONSCIENCE; not of a Union
+whose ligaments are whips, where the interest of the oppressor is the
+_great_ interest, the right to oppress the _paramount_ right. It is
+against the distortion of the glorious Union our fathers left us into
+one bound with despotic bands that the abolitionists are contending. In
+the political aspect of the question, they have nothing to ask, except
+what the Constitution authorizes--no change to desire, but that the
+Constitution may be restored to its pristine republican purity.
+
+But they have well considered the "dissolution of the Union." There is
+no just ground for apprehending that such a measure will ever be
+resorted to by the _South_. It is by no means intended by this, to
+affirm, that the South, like a spoiled child, for the first time denied
+some favourite object, may not fall into sudden frenzy and do herself
+some great harm. But knowing as I do, the intelligence and forecast of
+the leading men of the South--and believing that they will, if ever such
+a crisis should come, be judiciously influenced by the _existing_ state
+of the case, and by the _consequences_ that would inevitably flow from
+an act of dissolution--they would not, I am sure, deem it desirable or
+politic. They would be brought, in their calmer moments, to coincide
+with one who has facetiously, but not the less truly remarked, that it
+would be as indiscreet in the slave South to separate from the free
+North, as for the poor, to separate from the parish that supported them.
+In support of this opinion, I would say:
+
+First--A dissolution of the Union by the South would, in no manner,
+secure to her the object she has in view.--The _leaders_ at the South,
+both in the church and in the state, must, by this time, be too well
+informed as to the nature of the anti-slavery movement, and the
+character of those engaged in it, to entertain fears that, violence of
+any kind will be resorted to, directly or indirectly.[A] The whole
+complaint of the South is neither more nor less than this--THE NORTH
+TALKS ABOUT SLAVERY. Now, of all the means or appliances that could be
+devised, to give greater life and publicity to the discussion of
+slavery, none could be half so effectual as the dissolution of the Union
+_because of the discussion_. It would astonish the civilized world--they
+would inquire into the cause of such a remarkable event in its
+history;--the result would be not only enlarged _discussion_ of the
+whole subject, but it would bring such a measure of contempt on the
+guilty movers of the deed, that even with all the advantages of "their
+education, their polish, their munificence, their high honor, their
+undaunted spirit," so eloquently set forth by the Hon. Mr. Hammond, they
+would find it hard to withstand its influence. It is difficult for men
+in a _good_ cause, to maintain their steadfastness in opposition to an
+extensively corrupt public sentiment; in a _bad_ one, against public
+sentiment purified and enlightened, next to impossible, if not quite so.
+
+[Footnote A: "It is not," says Mr. Calhoun, "that we expect the
+abolitionists will resort to arms--will commence a crusade to deliver
+our slaves by force."--"Let me tell our friends of the South, who differ
+from us, that the war which the abolitionists wage against us is of a
+very different character, and _far more effective_. It is waged, not
+against our lives, but our character." More correctly, Mr. C. might have
+said against a _system_, with which the slaveholders have chosen to
+involve their characters, and which they have determined to defend, at
+the hazard of losing them.]
+
+Another result would follow the dissolution:--_Now_, the abolitionists
+find it difficult, by reason of the odium which the principal
+slaveholders and their friends have succeeded in attaching to their
+_name_, to introduce a knowledge of their principles and measures into
+the great mass of southern mind. There are multitudes at the South who
+would co-operate with us, if they could be informed of our aim.[A] Now,
+we cannot reach them--then, it would be otherwise. The united power of
+the large slaveholders would not be able longer to keep them in
+ignorance. If the Union were dissolved, they _would_ know the cause, and
+discuss it, and condemn it.
+
+[Footnote A: There is abundant evidence of this. Our limits confine us
+to the following, from the first No. of the Southern Literary Journal,
+(Charleston, S.C.):--"There are _many good men even among us_, who have
+begun to grow _timid_. They think, that what the virtuous and
+high-minded men of the North look upon as a crime and a plague-spot,
+cannot be perfectly innocent or quite harmless in a slaveholding
+community."
+
+This, also, from the North Carolina Watchman:--
+
+"It (the abolition party) is the growing party at the North. We are
+inclined to believe that there is even more of it at the South than
+prudence will permit to be openly avowed."
+
+"It is well known, Mr. Speaker, that there is a LARGE, RESPECTABLE and
+INTELLIGENT PARTY in Kentucky, who will exert every nerve and spare no
+efforts to dislodge the subsisting rights to our Slave population, or
+alter in some manner, and to some extent, at least, the tenure by which
+that species of property is held."--_Speech of the Hon. James T.
+Morehead in the Kentucky Legislature, last winter_.]
+
+A second reason why the South will not dissolve the Union is, that she
+would be exposed to the visitation of _real_ incendiaries, exciting her
+slaves to revolt. Now, it would cover any one with infamy, who would
+stir them up to vindicate their rights by the massacre of their masters.
+Dissolve the Union, and the candidates for "GLORY" would find in the
+plains of Carolina and Louisiana as inviting a theatre for their
+enterprise, as their prototypes, the Houstons, the Van Rennsselaers, and
+the Sutherlands did, in the prairies of Texas or the forests of Canada.
+
+A third reason why the South will not dissolve is, that the slaves would
+leave their masters and take refuge in the free states. The South would
+not be able to establish a _cordon_ along her wide frontier sufficiently
+strong to prevent it. Then, the slaves could not be reclaimed, as they
+now are, under the Constitution. Some may say, the free states would not
+permit them to come in and dwell among them.--Believe it not. The fact
+of separation on the ground supposed, would abolitionize the whole
+North. Beside this, in an economical point of view, the _demand for
+labor_ in the Western States would make their presence welcome. At all
+events, a passage through the Northern States to Canada would not be
+denied them.
+
+A fourth reason why the South will not dissolve is, that a large number
+of her most steady and effective population would emigrate to the free
+states. In the slave-_selling_ states especially, there has always been
+a class who have consented to remain there with their families, only in
+the hope that slavery would, in some way or other, be terminated. I do
+not say they are abolitionists, for many of them are slaveholders. It
+may be, too, that such would expect compensation for their slaves,
+should they be emancipated, and also that they should be sent out of the
+country. The particular mode of emancipation, however crude it may be,
+that has occupied their minds, has nothing to do with the point before
+us. _They look for emancipation--in this hope they have remained, and
+now remain, where they are_. Take away this hope, by making slavery the
+_distinctive bond of union_ of a new government, and you drive them to
+the North. These persons are not among the rich, the voluptuous, the
+effeminate; nor are they the despised, the indigent, the
+thriftless--they are men of moderate property, of intelligence, of
+conscience--in every way the "bone and sinew" of the South.
+
+A fifth reason why the South will not dissolve, is her _weakness_. It is
+a remarkable fact, that in modern times, and in the Christian world, all
+slaveholding countries have been united with countries that are free.
+Thus, the West Indian and Mexican and South American slaveholding
+colonies were united to England, France, Spain, Portugal, and other
+states of Europe. If England (before her Emancipation Act) and the
+others had at any time withdrawn the protection of their _power_ from
+their colonies, slavery would have been extinguished almost
+simultaneously with the knowledge of the fact. In the West Indies there
+could have been no doubt of this, from the disparity in numbers between
+the whites and the slaves, from the multiplied attempts made from time
+to time by the latter to vindicate their rights by insurrection, and
+from the fact, that all their insurrections had to be suppressed by the
+_force_ of the mother country. As soon as Mexico and the South American
+colonies dissolved their connexion with Spain, slavery was abolished in
+every one of them. This may, I know, be attributed to the necessity
+imposed on these states, by the wars in which they engaged to establish
+their independence. However this may be--the _fact_ still remains. The
+free states of this Union are to the slave, so far as the maintenance of
+slavery is concerned, substantially, in the relation of the European
+states to their slaveholding colonies. Slavery, in all probability,
+could not be maintained by the South disjoined from the North, a single
+year. So far from there existing any reason for making the South an
+exception, in this particular, to other slave countries, there are
+circumstances in her condition that seem to make her dependence more
+complete. Two of them are, the superior intelligence of her slaves on
+the subject of human rights, and the geographical connexion of the slave
+region in the United States. In the West Indies, in Mexico and South
+America the great body of the slaves were far below the slaves of this
+country in their intellectual and moral condition--and, in the former,
+their power to act in concert was weakened by the insular fragments into
+which they were divided.
+
+Again, the depopulation of the South of large numbers of its white
+inhabitants, from the cause mentioned under the fourth head, would, it
+is apprehended, bring the two classes to something like a numerical
+equality. Now, consider the present state of the moral sentiment of the
+Christianized and commercial world in relation to slavery; add to it the
+impulse that this sentiment, acknowledged by the South already to be
+wholly opposed to her, would naturally acquire by an act of separation
+on her part, with a single view to the perpetuation of slavery; bring
+this sentiment in all its accumulation and intensity to act upon a
+nation where one half are enslavers, the other the enslaved--and what
+must be the effect? From the nature of mind; from the laws of moral
+influence, (which are as sure in their operation, if not so well
+understood, as the laws of physical influence,) the party "whose
+conscience with injustice is oppressed," must become dispirited,
+weakened in courage, and in the end unnerved and contemptible. On the
+other hand, the sympathy that would be felt for the oppressed--the
+comfort they would receive--the encouragement that would be given them
+to assert their rights, would make it an impossibility, to keep them in
+slavish peace and submission.
+
+This state of things would be greatly aggravated by the peculiarly
+morbid sensitiveness of the South to every thing that is supposed to
+touch her _character_. Her highest distinction would then become her
+most troublesome one. How, for instance, could her chivalrous sons bear
+to be taunted, wherever they went, on business or for pleasure, out of
+their own limits, with the cry "the knights of the lash!" "Go home and
+pay your laborers!" "Cease from the scourging of husbands and wives in
+each others presence--from attending the shambles, to sell or buy as
+slaves those whom God has made of the same blood with yourselves--your
+brethren--your sisters! Cease, high minded sons of the 'ANCIENT
+DOMINION,' from estimating your revenue by the number of children you
+rear, to sell in the flesh market!" "Go home and pay your laborers!" "Go
+home and pay your laborers!" This would be a trial to which "southern
+chivalry" could not patiently submit. Their "high honor," their
+"undaunted spirit" would impel them to the field--only to prove that the
+"last resort" requires something more substantial than mere "honor" and
+"spirit" to maintain it. Suppose there should be a disagreement--as in
+all likelihood there soon would, leading to war between the North and
+the South? The North would scarcely have occasion to march a squadron to
+the field. She would have an army that could be raised up by the
+million, at the fireside of her enemy. It has been said, that during the
+late war with England, it was proposed to her cabinet, by some
+enterprising officers, to land five thousand men on the coast of South
+Carolina and proclaim liberty to the slates. The success of the scheme
+was well thought of. But then the example! England herself held nearly a
+million of slaves at no greater distance from the scene of action than
+the West Indies. _Now_, a restraint of this kind on such a scheme does
+not exist.
+
+It seems plain beyond the power of argument to make it plainer, that a
+slaveholding nation--one under the circumstances in which the South
+separated from the North would be placed--must be at the mercy of every
+free people having neither power to vindicate a right nor avenge
+a wrong.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Governor Hayne, of South Carolina, spoke in high terms, a
+few years ago, of the ability that the South would possess, in a
+military point of view, because her great wealth would enable her, at
+all times, to command the services of mercenary troops. Without stopping
+to dispute with him, as to her comparative wealth, I would remark, that
+he seemed entirely to have overlooked this truth--that whenever a
+government is under the necessity of calling in foreign troops, to keep
+in subjection one half of the people, the power of the government has
+already passed into the hands of the _Protectors_. They can and will, of
+course, act with whichever party will best subserve their purpose.]
+
+A sixth reason why the South will not dissolve the Union, is found in
+the difficulty of bringing about an _actual_ separation. Preparatory to
+such a movement, it would seem indispensable, that _Union_ among the
+seceding states themselves should be secured. A General Convention would
+be necessary to adjust its terms. This would, of course, be preceded by
+_particular_ conventions in the several states. To this procedure the
+same objection applies, that has been made, for the last two or three
+years, to holding an anti-abolition convention in the South:--It would
+give to the _question_ such notoriety, that the object of holding the
+convention could not be concealed from the slaves. The more sagacious in
+the South have been opposed to a convention; nor have they been
+influenced solely by the consideration just mentioned--which, in my
+view, is but of little moment--but by the apprehension, that the
+diversity of sentiment which exists among the slave states, themselves,
+in relation to the _system_, would be disclosed to the country; and that
+the slaveholding interest would be found deficient in that harmony
+which, from its perfectness heretofore, has made the slaveholders so
+successful in their action on the North.
+
+The slaveholding region may be divided into the _farming_ and the
+_planting_--or the slave-_selling_ and the slave-_buying_ districts.
+Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri and East Tennessee constitute the
+first. West Tennessee is somewhat equivocal. All the states south of
+Tennessee belong to the slave-_buying_ district. The first, with but few
+exceptions, have from the earliest times, felt slavery a reproach to
+their good name--an encumbrance on their advancement--at some period, to
+be cast off. This sentiment, had it been at all encouraged by the action
+of the General Government, in accordance with the views of the
+convention that formed the Constitution, would, in all probability, by
+this time, have brought slavery in Maryland and Virginia to an end.
+Notwithstanding the easy admission of slave states into the Union, and
+the _yielding_ of the free states whenever they were brought in
+collision with the South, have had a strong tendency to persuade the
+_farming_ slave states to continue their system, yet the sentiment in
+favor of emancipation in some form, still exists among them. Proof,
+encouraging proof of this, is found in the present attitude of Kentucky.
+Her legislature has just passed a law, proposing to the people, to hold
+a convention to alter the constitution. In the discussion of the bill,
+slavery as connected with some form of emancipation, seems to have
+constituted the most important element. The public journals too, that
+are _opposed_ to touching the subject at all, declare that the main
+object for recommending a convention was, to act on slavery in
+some way.
+
+Now, it would be in vain for the _planting_ South to expect, that
+Kentucky or any other of the _farming_ slave states would unite with
+her, in making slavery the _perpetual bond_ of a new political
+organization. If they feel the inconveniences of slavery _in their
+present condition_, they could not be expected to enter on another,
+where these inconveniences would be inconceivably multiplied and
+aggravated, and, by the very terms of their new contract, _perpetuated_.
+
+This letter is already so protracted, that I cannot stop here to develop
+more at large this part of the subject. To one acquainted with the state
+of public sentiment, in what I have called, the _farming_ district, it
+needs no further development. There is not one of these states embraced
+in it, that would not, when brought to the test, prefer the privileges
+of the Union to the privilege of perpetual slaveholding. And if there
+should turn out to be a single _desertion_ in this matter, the whole
+project of secession must come to nought.
+
+But laying aside all the obstacles to union among the seceding states,
+how is it possible to take the first step to _actual_ separation! The
+separation, at the worst, can only be _political_. There will be no
+chasm--no rent made in the earth between the two sections. The natural
+and ideal boundaries will remain unaltered. Mason and Dixon's line will
+not become a wall of adamant that can neither be undermined nor
+surmounted. The Ohio river will not be converted into flame, or into
+another Styx, denying a passage to every living thing.
+
+Besides this stability of natural things, the multiform interests of the
+two sections would, in the main, continue as they are. The complicate
+ties of commerce could not be suddenly unloosed. The breadstuffs, the
+beef, the pork, the turkies, the chickens, the woollen and cotton
+fabrics, the hats, the shoes, the socks, the "_horn flints and bark
+nutmegs_,"[A] the machinery, the sugar-kettles, the cotton-gins, the
+axes, the hoes, the drawing-chains of the North, would be as much needed
+by the South, the day after the separation as the day before. The
+newspapers of the North--its Magazines, its Quarterlies, its Monthlies,
+would be more sought after by the readers of the South than they now
+are; and the Southern journals would become doubly interesting to us.
+There would be the same lust for our northern summers and your southern
+winters, with all their health-giving influences; and last, though not
+least, the same desire of marrying and of being given in marriage that
+now exists between the North and South. Really it is difficult to say
+_where_ this long threatened separation is to _begin_; and if the place
+of beginning could be found, it would seem like a poor exchange for the
+South, to give up all these pleasant and profitable relations and
+connections for the privilege of enslaving an equal number of their
+fellow-creatures.
+
+[Footnote A: Senator Preston's Railroad Speech, delivered at Colombia,
+S.C., in 1836.]
+
+Thus much for the menace, that the "UNION WILL BE DISSOLVED" unless the
+discussion of the slavery question be stopped.
+
+But you may reply, "Do you think the South is not in earnest in her
+threat of dissolving the Union?" I rejoin, by no means;--yet she pursues
+a perfectly reasonable course (leaving out of view the justice or
+morality of it)--just such a course as I should expect she would pursue,
+emboldened as she must be by her multiplied triumphs over the North by
+the use of the same weapon. "We'll dissolve the Union!" was the cry,
+"unless Missouri be admitted!!" The North were frightened, and Missouri
+was admitted with SLAVERY engraved on her forehead. "We'll dissolve the
+Union!" unless the Indians be driven out of the South!! The North forgot
+her treaties, parted with humanity, and it is done--the defenceless
+Indians are forced to "consent" to be driven out, or they are left,
+undefended, to the mercies of southern land-jobbers and gold-hunters.
+"We'll dissolve the Union! If the Tariff" [established at her own
+suggestion] "be not repealed or modified so that our slave-labor may
+compete with your free-labor." The Tariff is accordingly modified to
+suit the South. "We'll dissolve the Union!" unless the freedom of speech
+and the press be put down in the North!!--With the promptness of
+commission-merchants, the alternative is adopted. Public assemblies met
+for deliberation are assailed and broken up at the North; her citizens
+are stoned and beaten and dragged through the streets of her cities; her
+presses are attacked by mobs, instigated and led on by men of influence
+and character; whilst those concerned in conducting them are compelled
+to fly from their homes, pursued as if they were noxious wild beasts;
+or, if they remain to defend, they are sacrificed to appease the
+southern divinity. "We'll dissolve the Union" if slavery be abolished in
+the District of Columbia! The North, frightened from her propriety,
+declares that slavery ought not to be abolished there NOW.--"We'll
+dissolve the Union!" if you read petitions from your constituents for
+its abolition, or for stopping the slave-trade at the Capital, or
+between the states. FIFTY NORTHERN REPRESENTATIVES respond to the cry,
+"down, then, with the RIGHT OF PETITION!!" All these assaults have
+succeeded because the North has been frightened by the war-cry, "WE'LL
+DISSOLVE THE UNION!"
+
+After achieving so much by a process so simple, why should not the South
+persist in it when striving for further conquests? No other course ought
+to be expected from her, till this has failed. And it is not at all
+improbable, that she will persist, till she almost persuades herself
+that she is serious in her menace to dissolve the Union. She may in her
+eagerness, even approach so near the verge of dissolution, that the
+earth may give way under her feet and she be dashed in ruins in the
+gulf below.
+
+Nothing will more surely arrest her fury, than the firm array of the
+North, setting up anew the almost forgotten principles of our fathers,
+and saying to the "dark spirit of slavery,"--"thus far shalt thou go,
+and no farther." This is the best--the only--means of saving the South
+from the fruits of her own folly--folly that has been so long, and so
+strangely encouraged by the North, that it has grown into intolerable
+arrogance--down right presumption.
+
+There are many other "events" of the last two or three years which have,
+doubtless, had their influence on the course of the abolitionists--and
+which might properly be dwelt upon at considerable length, were it not
+that this communication is already greatly protracted beyond its
+intended limits. I shall, therefore, in mentioning the remaining topics,
+do little more than enumerate them.
+
+The Legislature of Vermont has taken a decided stand in favor of
+anti-slavery principles and action. In the Autumn of 1836, the following
+resolutions were passed by an almost unanimous vote in both houses:--
+
+"Resolved, By the General Assembly of the State of Vermont, That neither
+Congress nor the State Governments have any constitutional right to
+abridge the free expressions of opinions, or the transmission of them
+through the medium of the public mails."
+
+"Resolved, That Congress do possess the power to abolish slavery in the
+District of Columbia."
+
+"Resolved, That His Excellency, the Governor, be requested to transmit a
+copy of the foregoing resolutions to the Executive of each of the
+States, and to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress."
+
+At the session held in November last, the following joint resolutions,
+preceded by a decisive memorial against the admission of Texas, were
+passed by both branches--with the exception of the _fifth_ which was
+passed only by the House of Representatives:--
+
+1. Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives, That our
+Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested,
+to use their influence in that body to prevent the annexation of Texas
+to the Union.
+
+2. Resolved, That, representing, as we do, the people of Vermont, we do
+hereby, in their name, SOLEMNLY PROTEST against such annexation in
+any form.
+
+3. Resolved, That, as the Representatives of the people of Vermont, we
+do solemnly protest against the admission, into this Union, of any state
+whose constitution tolerates domestic slavery.
+
+4. Resolved, That Congress have full power, by the Constitution, to
+abolish slavery and the slave-trade in the District of Columbia and in
+the territories of the United States.
+
+[5. Resolved, That Congress has the constitutional power to prohibit the
+slave-trade between the several states of this Union, and to make such
+laws as shall effectually prohibit such trade.]
+
+6. Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our
+Representatives requested, to present the foregoing Report and
+Resolutions to their respective Houses in Congress, and use their
+influence to carry the same speedily into effect.
+
+7. Resolved, That the Governor of this State be requested to transmit a
+copy of the foregoing Report and Resolutions to the President of the
+United States, and to each of our Senators and Representatives
+in Congress.
+
+The influence of anti-slavery principles in Massachusetts has become
+decisive, if we are to judge from the change of sentiment in the
+legislative body. The governor of that commonwealth saw fit to introduce
+into his inaugural speech, delivered in January, 1836, a severe censure
+of the abolitionists, and to intimate that they were guilty of an
+offence punishable at common law. This part of the speech was referred
+to a joint committee of five, of which a member of the senate was
+chairman. To the same committee were also referred communications which
+had been received by the governor from several of the legislatures of
+the slaveholding states, requesting the Legislature of Massachusetts to
+enact laws, making it PENAL for citizens of that state to form societies
+for the abolition of slavery, or to speak or publish sentiments such as
+had been uttered in anti-slavery meetings and published in anti-slavery
+tracts and papers. The managers of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery
+Society, in a note addressed to the chairman of the committee, requested
+permission, as a party whose rights were drawn in question, to appear
+before it. This was granted. The gentlemen selected by them to appear on
+their behalf were of unimpeachable character, and distinguished for
+professional merit and general literary and scientific intelligence.
+Such was _then_ the unpopularity of abolitionism, that notwithstanding
+the personal influence of these gentlemen, they were ill--not to say
+rudely--treated, especially by the chairman of the committee; so much
+so, that respect for themselves, and the cause they were deputed to
+defend, persuaded them to desist before they had completed their
+remarks. A Report, including Resolutions unfavorable to the
+abolitionists was made, of which the following is a copy:--
+
+The Joint Special Committee, to whom was referred so much of the
+governor's message as related to the abolition of slavery, together with
+certain documents upon the same subject, communicated to the Executive
+by the several Legislatures of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
+Georgia, and Alabama, transmitted by his Excellency to the Legislature,
+and hereunto annexed, have considered the same, and ask leave,
+respectfully, to submit the following:--
+
+Resolved, That this Legislature distinctly disavow any right whatever in
+itself, or in the citizens of this commonwealth, to interfere in the
+institution of domestic slavery in the southern states: it having
+existed therein before the establishment of the Constitution; it having
+been recognised by that instrument; and it being strictly within their
+own keeping.
+
+Resolved, That this Legislature, regarding the agitation of the question
+of domestic slavery as having already interrupted the friendly relations
+which ought to exist between the several states of this Union, and as
+tending permanently to injure, if not altogether to subvert, the
+principles of the Union itself; and believing that the good effected by
+those who excite its discussion in the non-slaveholding states is, under
+the circumstances of the case, altogether visionary, while the immediate
+and future evil is great and certain; does hereby express its entire
+disapprobation of the doctrine upon this subject avowed, and the general
+measures pursued by such as agitate the question; and does earnestly
+recommend to them carefully to abstain from all such discussion, and all
+such measures, as may tend to disturb and irritate the public mind.
+
+The report was laid on the table, whence it was not taken up during the
+session--its friends being afraid of a lean majority on its passage; for
+the _alarm_ had already been taken by many of the members who otherwise
+would have favored it. From this time till the election in the
+succeeding autumn, the subject was much agitated in Massachusetts. The
+abolitionists again petitioned the Legislature at its session begun in
+January, 1837; especially, that it should remonstrate against the
+resolution of Mr. Hawes, adopted by the House of Representatives in
+Congress, by which all memorials, &c, in relation to slavery were laid,
+and to be laid, on the table, without further action on them. The
+abolitionists were again heard, in behalf of their petitions, before the
+proper committee.[A] The result was, the passage of the following
+resolutions with only 16 dissenting voices to 378, in the House of
+Representatives, and in the Senate with not more than one or two
+dissentients on any one of them:--
+
+[Footnote A: The gentleman who had been chairman of the committee the
+preceding year, was supposed, in consequence of the change in public
+opinion in relation to abolitionists, to have injured his political
+standing too much, even to be nominated as a candidate for re-election.]
+
+    "Whereas, The House of Representatives of the United States, in the
+    month of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
+    and thirty-seven, did adopt a resolution, whereby it was ordered
+    that all petitions, memorials, resolutions, propositions, or papers,
+    relating in any way, or to any extent whatever, to the subject of
+    slavery, or the abolition of slavery, without being either printed
+    or referred, should be laid upon the table, and that no further
+    action whatever should be had thereon; and whereas such a
+    disposition of petitions, then or thereafter to be received, is a
+    virtual denial of the right itself; and whereas, by the resolution
+    aforesaid, which is adopted as a standing rule in the present House
+    of Representatives, the petitions of a large number of the people of
+    this commonwealth, praying for the removal of a great social, moral,
+    and political evil, have been slighted and contemned: therefore,--
+
+    Resolved, That the resolution above named is an assumption of power
+    and authority at variance with the spirit and intent of the
+    Constitution of the United States, and injurious to the cause of
+    freedom and free institutions; that it does violence to the
+    inherent, absolute, and inalienable rights of man; and that it
+    tends, essentially, to impair those fundamental principles of
+    natural justice and natural law which are antecedent to any written
+    constitutions of government, independent of them all, and essential
+    to the security of freedom in a state.
+
+    Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives in Congress, in
+    maintaining and advocating the right of petition, have entitled
+    themselves to the cordial approbation of the people of this
+    commonwealth.
+
+    Resolved, That Congress, having exclusive legislation in the
+    District of Columbia, possess the right to abolish slavery in said
+    district, and that its exercise should only be restrained by a
+    regard to the public good."
+
+That you may yourself, judge what influence the abolition question
+exercised in the elections in Massachusetts _last_ autumn, I send you
+three numbers of the Liberator containing copies of letters addressed to
+many of the candidates, and their respective answers.
+
+The Legislature have passed, _unanimously_, at its present session,
+resolutions (preceded by a report of great ability) protesting
+"_earnestly and solemnly against the annexation of Texas to this
+Union_;" and declaring that, "_no act done, or compact made, for such
+purpose, by the government of the United States, will be binding on the
+states or the people_."
+
+Two years ago, Governor Marcy, of this state, showed himself willing, at
+the dictation of the South, to aid in passing laws for restraining and
+punishing the abolitionists, whenever the extremity of the case might
+call for it. Two weeks ago, at the request of the Young Men's
+Anti-Slavery Society of Albany, the Assembly-chamber, by a vote of the
+House (only two dissentient) was granted to Alvan Stewart, Esq., a
+distinguished lawyer, to lecture on the subject of abolition.
+
+Kentucky is assuming an attitude of great interest to the friends of
+Liberty and the Constitution. The blessings of "them that are ready to
+perish" throughout the land, the applause of the good throughout the
+world will be hers, if she should show moral energy enough to break
+every yoke that she has hitherto imposed on the "poor," and by which her
+own prosperity and true power have been hindered.
+
+In view of the late action in the Senate and House of Representatives in
+Congress--adverse as they may seem, to those who think more highly of
+the branches of the Legislature than of the SOURCE of their power--the
+abolitionists see nothing that is cause for discouragement. They find
+the PEOPLE sound; they know that they still cherish, as their fathers
+did, the right of petition--the freedom of the press--the freedom of
+speech--the rights of conscience; that they love the liberty of the
+North more than they love the slavery of the South. What care they for
+_Resolutions_ in the House, or Resolutions in the Senate, when the House
+and the Senate are but their ministers, their servants, and they know
+that they can discharge them at their pleasure? It may be, that Congress
+has yet to learn, that the people have but slight regard for their
+restraining resolutions. They ought to have known this from the history
+of such resolutions for the last two years. THIRTY-SEVEN THOUSAND
+petitioners for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia had
+their petitions laid on the table by the resolution of the House of
+Representatives in May, 1836. At the succeeding session, they had
+increased to ONE HUNDRED AND TEN THOUSAND.--The resolution of Jan. 18,
+1837, laid all _their_ petitions in the same way on the table. At the
+_called_, and at the present session, these 110,000 had multiplied to
+FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND[A]. Soon, Senators and Representatives will be
+sent from the free states who will need no petitions--they will know
+the prayer of their constituents _before they leave their homes_.
+
+[Footnote A: See Appendix, G.]
+
+In concluding this, my answer to your 13th interrogatory, I will say
+that I know of no event, that has transpired, either in or out of
+Congress, for the last two or three years, that has had any other
+influence on the efforts of abolitionists than to increase and stimulate
+them. Indeed, every thing that has taken place within that period, ought
+to excite to their utmost efforts all who are not despairing dastards.
+The Demon of oppression in this land is tenfold more fierce and rampant
+and relentless than he was supposed to be before roused from the quiet
+of his lair. To every thing that is precious the abolitionists have seen
+him lay claim. The religion of the Bible must be adulterated--the claims
+of Humanity must be smothered--the demands of justice must be
+nullified--a part of our Race must be shut out from the common sympathy
+of a common nature. Nor is this all: they see their _own_ rights and
+those of the people; the right to SPEAK--to WRITE--to PRINT--to
+PUBLISH--to ASSEMBLE TOGETHER--to PETITION THEIR OWN SERVANTS--all
+brought in peril. They feel that the final conflict between Popular
+liberty and Aristocratic slavery has come; that one or the other must
+fall; and they have made up their minds, with the blessing of God on
+their efforts, that their adversary shall die.
+
+"14. _Have you any permanent fund, and how much?_"
+
+ANSWER.--We have none. The contributions are anticipated. We are always
+in debt, and always getting out of debt.
+
+I have now, Sir, completed my answers to the questions proposed in your
+letter of the 16th ult. It gives me pleasure to have had such an
+auspicious opportunity of doing so. I cannot but hope for good to both
+the parties concerned, where candor and civility have characterized
+their representatives.
+
+Part of the answer to your 13th question may seem to wander from the
+strict terms of the question proposed. Let it be set down to a desire,
+on my part, to give you all the information I can, at all germain to the
+inquiry. The "proffer," made in my note to Mr. Calhoun, was not
+"unguarded;"--nor was it _singular_. The information I have furnished
+has been always accessible to our adversaries--even though the
+application for it might not have been clothed in the polite and
+gentlemanly terms which have so strongly recommended yours to the most
+respectful consideration of
+
+Your very obedient servant,
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[In the Explanatory Remarks placed at the beginning of this
+Correspondence, reasons were given, that were deemed sufficient, for not
+publishing more of the letters that passed between Mr. Elmore and myself
+than the two above. Since they were in type, I have received from Mr.
+Elmore a communication, in reply to one from me, informing him that I
+proposed limiting the publication to the two letters just mentioned. It
+is dated May 19. The following extract shows that he entertains a
+different opinion from mine, and thinks that justice to him requires
+that _another_ of his letters should be included in the
+Correspondence:--
+
+"The order you propose in the publication is proper enough; the omission
+of business and immaterial letters being perfectly proper, as they can
+interest nobody. I had supposed my last letter would have formed an
+exception to the rule, which excluded immaterial papers. It explained,
+more fully than my first, my reasons for this correspondence, defined
+the limits to _which I had prescribed myself_, and was a proper
+accompaniment to _a publication_ of what _I_ had not written for
+publication. Allow me, Sir, to say, that it will be but bare justice to
+me that it should be printed with the other papers. I only suggest this
+for your own consideration, for--adhering to my former opinions and
+decision--I ask nothing and complain of nothing."
+
+It is still thought that the publication of the letter alluded to is
+unnecessary to the purpose of enlightening the public, as to the state,
+prospects, &c, of the anti-slavery cause. It contains no denial of the
+facts, nor impeachment of the statements, nor answer to the arguments,
+presented in my communication. But as Mr. Elmore is personally
+interested in this matter, and as it is intended to maintain the
+consistent liberality which has characterized the Executive Committee in
+all their intercourse with their opponents, the suggestion made by Mr.
+Elmore is cheerfully complied with. The following is a copy of the
+letter alluded to.--J.G.B.]
+
+    "WASHINGTON, May 5, 1838.
+
+    To JAMES G. BIRNEY, Esq., Cor. Sec. A.A.S.S.
+
+    SIR,--I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st
+    instant, in which you again refer to the publication of the
+    Correspondence between us, in relation to the measures and designs
+    of the abolitionists. I would have certainly answered yours of the
+    2d ult., on the same subject, more fully before this, had it not
+    escaped my recollection, in consequence [of] having been more
+    engaged than usual in the business before the House. I hope the
+    delay has been productive of no inconvenience.
+
+    If I correctly understand your letters above referred to, the
+    control of these papers, and the decision as to their publication,
+    have passed into the 'Executive Committee of the American
+    Anti-Slavery Society;' and, from their tenor, I infer that their
+    determination is so far made, that nothing I could object would
+    prevent it, if I desired to do so. I was certainly not apprised,
+    when I entered into this Correspondence, that its disposition was to
+    depend on any other will than yours and mine,--but that matters
+    nothing now,--you had the power, and I am not disposed to question
+    the right or propriety of its exercise. I heard of you as a man of
+    intelligence, sincerity, and truth,--who, although laboring in a bad
+    cause, did it with ability, and from a mistaken conviction of its
+    justice. As one of the Representatives of a slave-holding
+    constituency, and one of a committee raised by the Representatives
+    of the slave-holding States, to ascertain the intentions and
+    progress of your associations, I availed myself of the opportunity
+    offered by your character and situation, to propose to you inquiries
+    _as to facts_, which would make those _developments so important to
+    be known by our people_. My inquiries were framed to draw out _full
+    and authentic details_ of the organization, numbers, resources, and
+    designs of the abolitionists, of the means they resorted to for the
+    accomplishment of their ends, and the progress made, and making, in
+    their dangerous work, that all such information might be laid before
+    the _four millions and a half of white inhabitants in the slave
+    States, whose lives and property are menaced and endangered_ by this
+    ill-considered, misnamed, and disorganizing philanthropy. They
+    should be informed of the full length and breadth and depth of this
+    storm which is gathering over their heads, before it breaks in its
+    desolating fury. Christians and civilized, they are _now_
+    industrious, prosperous, and happy; but should your schemes of
+    abolition prevail, it will bring upon them overwhelming ruin, and
+    misery unutterable. The two races cannot exist together upon terms
+    of equality--the extirpation of one and the ruin of the other _would
+    be inevitable_. This humanity, conceived in wrong and born in civil
+    strife, would be baptized in a people's blood. It was, that our
+    people might know, in time to guard against the mad onset, the full
+    extent of this gigantic conspiracy and crusade against their
+    institutions; and of necessity upon their lives with which they must
+    sustain them; and their fortunes and prosperity, which _exist only
+    while these institutions exist_, that I was induced to enter into a
+    correspondence with you, who by your official station and
+    intelligence were known to be well informed on these points, and
+    from your well established character for candor and fairness, would
+    make no statements of facts which were not known or believed by you
+    to be true. To a great extent, my end has been accomplished by your
+    replies to my inquiries. How far, or whether at all, your answers
+    have run, beyond _the facts inquired for_, into theories, arguments,
+    and dissertations, as erroneous as mischievous, is not a matter of
+    present consideration. We differed no wider than I expected, but
+    that difference has been exhibited courteously, and has nothing to
+    do with the question of publication. Your object, or rather the
+    object of your Committee, is to publish; and I, having no reason to
+    desire it, as you have put me in possession of the facts I wished,
+    and no reason not to desire it, as there is nothing to conceal, will
+    leave yourself and the Committee to take your own course, neither
+    assenting nor dissenting, in what you may finally decide to do.
+
+    Very respectfully,
+
+    Your obedient servant,
+
+    F.H. Elmore."
+
+[This letter of Mr. Elmore contains but little more than a reiteration
+of alarming cries on the part of the slaveholder;--cries that are as old
+as the earliest attempts of philanthropy to break the fetters of the
+enslaved, and that have been repeated up to the present day, with a
+boldness that seems to increase, as instances of emancipation multiply
+to prove them groundless. Those who utter them seem, in their panic, not
+only to overlook the most obvious laws of the human mind, and the lights
+of experience, but to be almost unconscious of the great events
+connected with slavery, that are now passing around them in the world,
+and conspiring to bring about its early abrogation among all civilized
+and commercial nations.
+
+However _Christian, and civilized, industrious, prosperous and happy_,
+the SLAVEHOLDERS of the South may be, this cannot be said of the SLAVES.
+A large religious denomination of the state in which Mr. Elmore resides,
+has deliberately pronounced them to be "HEATHEN." _Their_ "industry" is
+seen at the end of the lash--of "prosperity" they have none, for they
+cannot possess any thing that is an element of prosperity--their
+"happiness" they prove, by running away from their masters, whenever
+they think they can effect their escape. This is the condition of a
+large _majority_ of the people in South Carolina, Mississippi and
+Louisiana.
+
+The "two races" exist in peace in Mexico,--in all the former South
+American dependencies of Spain, in Antigua, in the Bermudas, in Canada,
+in Massachusetts, in Vermont, in fine, in every country where they enjoy
+_legal equality_. It is the _denial_ of this that produces discontent.
+MEN will never be satisfied without it. Let the slaveholders consult the
+irreversible laws of the human mind--make a full concession of right to
+those from whom they have withheld it, and they will be blessed with a
+peace, political, social, moral, beyond their present conceptions;
+without such concessions they never can possess it.
+
+A system that cannot withstand the assaults of truth--that replies to
+arguments with threats--that cannot be "talked about"--that flourishes
+in secrecy and darkness, and dies when brought forth into the light and
+examined, must in this time of inexorable scrutiny and relentless
+agitation, be a dangerous one. If _justice_ be done, all necessity for
+the extirpation of any part of the people will at once be removed.
+Baptisms _of blood_ are seen only when humanity has failed in her
+offices, and the suffering discern hope only in the brute efforts
+of despair.
+
+Mr. Elmore is doubtless well versed in general history. To his vigorous
+declamation, I reply by asking, if he can produce from the history of
+our race a single instance, where emancipation, full and immediate, has
+been followed, as a legitimate consequence, by insurrection or
+bloodshed. I may go further, and ask him for a well authenticated
+instance, where an emancipated slave, singly has imbrued his hands in
+his master's blood. The first record of such an act in modern times, is
+yet to be made.
+
+Mr. Elmore says "the white inhabitants in the slave states should be
+informed of the full length and breadth and depth of this storm which is
+gathering over their heads, before it breaks in its desolating fury." In
+this sentiment there is not a reasonable man in the country, be he
+abolitionist or not, who will not coincide with him. We rejoice at the
+evidence we here have, in a gentleman of the influence and intelligence
+of Mr. Elmore, of the returning sanity of the South. How wildly and
+mischievously has she been heretofore misled! Whilst the Governors of
+Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee and Arkansas, have been repelling offers,
+made in respectful terms, of the fullest and most authentic accounts of
+our movements; and whilst Governor Butler of South Carolina, has not
+only followed the example of his gubernatorial brethren just named, but
+is found corresponding with an obscure culprit in Massachusetts--bribing
+him with a few dollars, the sum he demanded for his fraudulent promise
+to aid in thwarting the abolitionists[A]; whilst too, Mr. Calhoun has
+been willing to pass laws to shut out from his constituents and the
+South generally information that concerned them more nearly than all
+others--we now have it from the highest source, from one selected by a
+state delegation as its _representative_ in a general committee of the
+whole slaveholding delegations, that the South ought to be "_informed of
+the full length and breadth and depth_" of the measures, intentions, &c,
+of the abolitionists. At this there is not an abolitionist who will not
+rejoice. We ask for nothing but access to the popular mind of the South.
+We feel full confidence in the eternal rectitude of our principles, and
+of their reception at the South, when once they are understood. Let the
+conflict come, let the truth of liberty fairly enter the lists with the
+error of slavery, and we have not a doubt of a glorious triumph.
+
+[Footnote A: Appendix H.]
+
+May we not, after this, expect the aid of Mr. Elmore and others of equal
+distinction in the South, in giving to their fellow-citizens the
+information that we have always believed, and that they now acknowledge,
+to be so, important to them?
+
+_May 24, 1838_.
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY.]
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX A.
+
+Extract from an article addressed to the editor of the Christian
+Register and Observer, signed W.E.C.--attributed to the Rev.
+Dr. Channing.
+
+    "Speaking of slavery, I wish to recommend to your readers a book
+    just from the press, entitled 'Emancipation in the West Indies,' and
+    written by J. A. Thome and J.H. Kimball, who had visited those
+    islands to inquire into the great experiment now going on there. I
+    regard it as the most important work which has appeared among us for
+    years. No man, without reading it, should undertake to pass judgment
+    on Emancipation. It is something more than a report of the
+    observation and opinions of the writers. It consists, chiefly, of
+    the opinions, conversations, letters, and other documents of the
+    very inhabitants of the islands whose judgments are most
+    trust-worthy; of the governors, special magistrates, police
+    officers, managers, attorneys, physicians, &c; and, in most cases,
+    the names of these individuals are given, so that we have the
+    strongest evidence of the correctness of the work.
+
+    The results of this great experiment surpass what the most sanguine
+    could have hoped. It is hardly possible that the trial could have
+    been made under more unfavorable circumstances. The planters on all
+    the islands were opposed to the Act of Emancipation, and, in most,
+    exceedingly and fiercely hostile to it, and utterly indisposed to
+    give it the best chance of success. The disproportion of the colored
+    race to the whites was fearfully great, being that of seven or eight
+    to one; whilst, in our slaveholding states, the whites outnumber the
+    colored people. The slaves of the West Indies were less civilized
+    than ours, and less fit to be trusted with their own support.
+    Another great evil was, that the proprietors, to a considerable
+    extent, were absentees; residing in England, and leaving the care of
+    their estates and slaves to managers and owners; the last people for
+    such a trust, and utterly unfit to carry the wretched victims of
+    their tyranny through the solemn transition from slavery to freedom.
+    To complete the unhappy circumstances under which the experiment
+    began, the Act of Emancipation was passed by a distant government,
+    having no intimate knowledge of the subject; and the consequence
+    was, that a system of 'Apprenticeship,' as it was called, was
+    adopted, so absurd, and betraying such ignorance of the principles
+    of human nature, that, did we not know otherwise, we might suspect
+    its author of intending to produce a failure. It was to witness the
+    results of an experiment promising so little good, that our authors
+    visited three islands, particularly worthy of examination--Antigua,
+    Barbadoes, and Jamaica.
+
+    Our authors went first to Antigua, an island which had been wise
+    enough to foresee the mischiefs of the proposed apprenticeship, and
+    had substituted for it immediate and unqualified emancipation. The
+    report given of this island is most cheering. It is, indeed, one of
+    the brightest records in history. The account, beginning page 143,
+    of the transition from slavery to freedom, can hardly be read by a
+    man of ordinary sensibility without a thrill of tender and holy joy.
+    Why is it not published in all our newspapers as among the most
+    interesting events of our age? From the accounts of Antigua, it
+    appears that immediate emancipation has produced only good. Its
+    fruits are, greater security, the removal of the fears which
+    accompany slavery, better and cheaper cultivation of the soil,
+    increased value of real estate, improved morals, more frequent
+    marriages, and fewer crimes. _The people proclaim, with one voice,
+    that emancipation is a blessing, and that nothing would tempt than
+    to revert to slavery._
+
+    Our authors proceeded next to Barbadoes, where the apprenticeship
+    system is in operation; and if any proof were needed of the docility
+    and good dispositions of the negroes, it would be found in their
+    acquiescence to so wonderful a degree in this unhappy arrangement.
+    The planters on this island have been more disposed, than could have
+    been anticipated, to make the best of this system, and here,
+    accordingly, the same fruits of the Act of Emancipation are found as
+    in Antigua, though less abundant; and a very general and strong
+    conviction prevails of the happiness of the change.
+
+    In Jamaica, apprenticeship manifests its worst tendencies. The
+    planters of this island were, from first to last, furious in their
+    hostility to the act of emancipation; and the effort seems to have
+    been, to make the apprenticeship bear as heavily as possible on the
+    colored people; so that, instead of preparing them for complete
+    emancipation, it has rather unfitted them for this boon. Still,
+    under all these disadvantages, there is strong reason for expecting,
+    that emancipation, when it shall come, will prove a great good. At
+    any rate, it is hardly possible for the slaves to fall into a more
+    deplorable condition, than that in which this interposition of
+    parliament found them.
+
+    The degree of success which has attended this experiment in the
+    West Indies, under such unfavorable auspices, makes us sure, that
+    emancipation in this country, accorded by the good will of the
+    masters, would be attended with the happiest effects. One thing is
+    plain, that it would be perfectly _safe_. Never were the West Indies
+    so peaceful and secure as since emancipation. So far from general
+    massacre and insurrection, not an instance is recorded or intimated
+    of violence of any kind being offered to a white man. Our authors
+    were continually met by assurances of security on the part of the
+    planters, so that, in this respect at least, emancipation has been
+    unspeakable gain. The only obstacle to emancipation is, therefore,
+    removed; for nothing but well grounded fears of violence and crime
+    can authorize a man to encroach one moment on another's freedom.
+
+    The subject of this book is of great interest at the present
+    moment. Slavery, in the abstract, has been thoroughly discussed
+    among us. We all agree that it is a great wrong. Not a voice is here
+    lifted up in defence of the system, when viewed in a general light.
+    We only differ when we come to apply our principles to a particular
+    case. The only question is, whether the Southern states can abolish
+    slavery consistently with the public safety, order, and peace? Many,
+    very many well disposed people, both at the North and South, are
+    possessed with vague fears of massacre and universal misrule, as the
+    consequences of emancipation. Such ought to inquire into the ground
+    of their alarm. They are bound to listen to the voice of _facts_,
+    and such are given in this book. None of us have a right to make up
+    our minds without inquiry, or to rest in opinions adopted indolently
+    and without thought. It is a great crime to doom millions of our
+    race to brutal degradation, on the ground of unreasonable fears. The
+    power of public opinion is here irresistible, and to this power
+    every man contributes something; so that every man, by his spirit
+    and language, helps to loosen or rivet the chains of the slave."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following sentiments are expressed by GOVERNOR EVERETT, of
+Massachusetts, in a letter to EDMUND QUINCY, Esq., dated
+
+    "Boston, April 29, 1838.
+
+    DEAR SIR,--I have your favor of the 21st, accompanied with the
+    volume containing the account of the tour of Messrs. Thome and
+    Kimball in the West Indies, for which you will be pleased to accept
+    my thanks. I have perused this highly interesting narrative with the
+    greatest satisfaction. From the moment of the passage of the law,
+    making provision for the immediate or prospective abolition of
+    slavery in the British colonial possessions, I have looked with the
+    deepest solicitude for tidings of its operation. The success of the
+    measure, as it seemed to me, would afford a better hope than had
+    before existed, that a like blessing might be enjoyed by those
+    portions of the United States where slavery prevails. The only
+    ground on which I had been accustomed to hear the continuance of
+    slavery defended at the South, was that of necessity, and the
+    impossibility of abolishing it without producing consequences of the
+    most disastrous character to both parties. The passage of a law
+    providing for the emancipation of nearly a million of slaves in the
+    British colonies, seemed to afford full opportunity of bringing this
+    momentous question to the decisive test of experience. _If the
+    result proved satisfactory, I have never doubted that it would seal
+    the fate of slavery throughout the civilised world_. As far as the
+    observations of Messrs. Thome and Kimball extended, the result is of
+    the most gratifying character. It appears to place beyond a doubt,
+    that the experiment of immediate emancipation, adopted by the
+    colonial Legislature of Antigua, has fully succeeded in that island;
+    and the plan of apprenticeship in other portions of the West Indies,
+    as well as could have been expected from the obvious inherent vices
+    of that measure. _It has given me new views of the practicability of
+    emancipation_. It has been effected in Antigua, as appears from
+    unquestionable authorities contained in the work of Messrs. Thome
+    and Kimball, not merely _without danger_ to the master, but without
+    any sacrifice of his _interest_. I cannot but think that the
+    information collected in the volume will have a powerful effect on
+    public opinion, not only in the northern states, but in the
+    slaveholding states."
+
+GOVERNOR ELLSWORTH, of Connecticut, writes thus to A.F. WILLIAMS, Esq.,
+of this city:--
+
+    "NEW HAVEN, _May_ 19, 1838.
+
+    MY DEAR SIR,--Just before I left home, I received from you the
+    Journal of Thome and Kimball, for which token of friendship I
+    intended to have made you my acknowledgments before this; but I
+    wished first to read the book. As far as time would permit, I have
+    gone over most of its pages; and let me assure you, it is justly
+    calculated to produce great effects, provided you can once get it
+    into the hands of the planters. Convince _them_ that their
+    interests, as well as their security, will be advanced by employing
+    free blacks, and emancipation will be accomplished without
+    difficulty or delay.
+
+    I have looked with great interest at the startling measure of
+    emancipation in Antigua; but if this book is correct, the question
+    is settled as to that island beyond a doubt, since there is such
+    accumulated testimony from all classes, that the business and real
+    estate of the island have advanced, by reason of the emancipation,
+    one fourth, at least, in value; while personal security, without
+    military force, is felt by the former masters, and contentment,
+    industry, and gratitude, are seen in those who were slaves.
+
+    The great moral example of England, in abolishing slavery in the
+    West Indies, will produce a revolution on this subject throughout
+    the world, and put down slavery in every Christian country.
+
+    With sentiments of high esteem, &c,
+
+    W. W. ELLSWORTH."
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX B.
+
+A short time previous to the late election in Rhode Island for governor
+and lieutenant-governor, a letter was addressed to each of the
+candidates for those offices by Mr. Johnson, Corresponding Secretary of
+the Rhode Island Anti-Slavery Society, embodying the views of the
+abolitionists on the several subjects it embraced, in a series of
+queries. Their purport will appear from the answer of Mr. Sprague, (who
+was elected governor,) given below. The answer of Mr. Childs (elected
+lieutenant-governor) is fully as direct as that of governor Sprague.
+
+    "WARWICK, _March 28, 1838_.
+
+    DEAR SIR,--Your favor of the 19th inst. requesting of me, in
+    conformity to a resolution of the Executive Committee of the Rhode
+    Island Anti-Slavery Society, an expression of my opinions on certain
+    topics, was duly received. I have no motive whatever for withholding
+    my opinions on any subject which is interesting to any portion of my
+    fellow-citizens. I will, therefore, cheerfully proceed to reply to
+    the interrogatories proposed, and in the order in which they are
+    submitted.
+
+    1. Among the powers vested by the Constitution in Congress, is the
+    power to exercise exclusive legislation, 'in all cases whatsoever,'
+    over the District of Columbia? 'All cases' must, of course, include
+    the _case_ of slavery and the slave-trade. I am, therefore, clearly
+    of opinion, that the Constitution does confer upon Congress the
+    power to abolish slavery and the slave-trade in that District; and,
+    as they are great moral and political evils, the principles of
+    justice and humanity demand the exercise of that power.
+
+    2. The traffic in slaves, whether foreign or domestic, is equally
+    obnoxious to every principle of justice and humanity; and, as
+    Congress has exercised its powers to suppress the slave-trade
+    between this country and foreign nations, it ought, as a matter of
+    consistency and justice, to exercise the same powers to suppress the
+    slave-trade between the states of this Union. The slave-trade within
+    the states is, undoubtedly, beyond the control of Congress; as the
+    'sovereignty of each state, to legislate exclusively on the subject
+    of slavery, which is tolerated within its limits,' is, I believe,
+    universally conceded. The Constitution unquestionably recognises the
+    sovereign power of each state to legislate on the subject within its
+    limits; but it imposes on us no obligation to add to the evils of
+    the system by countenancing the traffic between the states. That
+    which our laws have solemnly pronounced to be piracy in our foreign
+    intercourse, no sophistry can make honorable or justifiable in a
+    domestic form. For a proof of the feelings which this traffic
+    naturally inspires, we need but refer to the universal execration in
+    which the slave-dealer is held in those portions of the country
+    where the institution of slavery is guarded with the most jealous
+    vigilance.
+
+    3. Congress has no power to abridge the right of petition. The
+    right of the people of the non-slaveholding states to petition
+    Congress for the abolition of slavery and the slave-trade in the
+    District of Columbia, and the traffic of human beings among the
+    states, is as undoubted as any right guarantied by the Constitution;
+    and I regard the Resolution which was adopted by the House of
+    Representatives on the 21st of December last as a virtual denial of
+    that right, inasmuch as it disposed of all such petitions, as might
+    be presented thereafter, in advance of presentation and reception.
+    If it was right thus to dispose of petitions on _one_ subject, it
+    would be equally right to dispose of them in the same manner on
+    _all_ subjects, and thus cut of all communication, by petition
+    between the people and their representatives. Nothing can be more
+    clearly a violation of the spirit of the Constitution, as it
+    rendered utterly nugatory a right which was considered of such vast
+    importance as to be specially guarantied in that sacred instrument.
+    A similar Resolution passed the House of Representatives at the
+    first session of the last Congress, and as I then entertained the
+    same views which I have now expressed, I recorded my vote
+    against it.
+
+    4. I fully concur in the sentiment, that 'every principle of
+    justice and humanity requires, that every human being, when personal
+    freedom is at stake, should have the benefit of a jury trial;' and I
+    have no hesitation in saying, that the laws of this state ought to
+    secure that benefit, so far as they can, to persons claimed as
+    fugitives from 'service or labor,' without interfering with the laws
+    of the United States. The course pursued in relation to this subject
+    by the Legislature of Massachusetts meets my approbation.
+
+    5. I am opposed to all attempts to abridge or restrain the freedom
+    of speech and the press, or to forbid any portion of the people
+    peaceably to assemble to discuss any subject--moral, political, or
+    religious.
+
+    6. I am opposed to the annexation of Texas to the United States.
+
+    7. It is undoubtedly inconsistent with the principles of a free
+    state, professing to be governed in its legislation by the
+    principles of freedom, to sanction slavery, in any form, within its
+    jurisdiction. If we have laws in this state which bear this
+    construction, they ought to be repealed. We should extend to our
+    southern brethren, whenever they may have occasion to come among us,
+    all the privileges and immunities enjoyed by our own citizens, and
+    all the rights and privileges guarantied to them by the Constitution
+    of the United States; but they cannot expect of us to depart from
+    the fundamental principles of civil liberty for the purpose of
+    obviating any temporal inconvenience which they may experience.
+
+    These are my views upon the topics proposed for my consideration.
+    They are the views which I have always entertained, (at least ever
+    since I have been awakened to their vast importance,) and which I
+    have always supported, so far as I could, by my vote in Congress;
+    and if, in any respect, my answers have not been sufficiently
+    explicit, it will afford me pleasure to reply to any other questions
+    which you may think proper to propose.
+
+    I am, Sir, very respectfully,
+
+    Your friend and fellow citizen,
+
+    WILLIAM SPRAGUE."
+
+Oliver Johnson, Esq., Cor. Sec. R.I.A.S. Society.
+
+APPENDIX C.
+
+The abolitionists in Connecticut petitioned the Legislature of that
+state at its late session on several subjects deemed by them proper for
+legislative action. In answer to these petitions--
+
+1. The law known as the "Black Act" or the "Canterbury law"--under which
+Miss Crandall was indicted and tried--was repealed, except a single
+provision, which is not considered objectionable.
+
+2. The right to _trial by jury_ was secured to persons who are claimed
+as slaves.
+
+3. Resolutions were passed asserting the power of Congress to abolish
+slavery in the District of Columbia, and recommending that it be done as
+soon as it can be, "consistently with the _best good_ of the _whole
+country_."(!)
+
+4. Resolutions were passed protesting against the annexation of Texas to
+the Union.
+
+5. Resolutions were passed asserting the right of petition as
+inalienable--condemning Mr. Patton's resolution of Dec. 21, 1837 as an
+invasion of the rights of the people, and calling on the Connecticut
+delegation in Congress to use their efforts to have the same rescinded.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX D.
+
+In the year 1793 there were but 5,000,000 pounds of cotton produced in
+the United States, and but 500,000 exported. Cotton never could have
+become an article of much commercial importance under the old method of
+preparing it for market. By hand-picking, or by a process strictly
+_manual_, a cultivator could not prepare for market, during the year,
+more than from 200 to 300 pounds; being only about one-tenth of what he
+could cultivate to maturity in the field. In '93 Mr. Whitney invented
+the Cotton-gin now in use, by which the labor of at least _one thousand_
+hands under the old system, is performed by _one_, in preparing the crop
+for market. Seven years after the invention (1800) 35,000,000 pounds
+were raised, and 17,800,000 exported. In 1834, 460,000,000 were
+raised--384,750,000 exported. Such was the effect of Mr. Whitney's
+invention. It gave, at once, extraordinary value to the _land_ in that
+part of the country where alone cotton could be raised; and to _slaves_,
+because it was the general, the almost universal, impression that the
+cultivation of the South could be carried on only by slaves. There being
+no _free_ state in the South, competition between free and slave labor
+never could exist on a scale sufficiently extensive to prove the
+superiority of the former in the production of cotton, and in the
+preparation of it for market.
+
+Thus, it has happened that Mr. Whitney has been the innocent occasion of
+giving to slavery in this country its present importance--of magnifying
+it into the great interest to which all others must yield. How he was
+rewarded by the South--especially by the planters of Georgia--the reader
+may see by consulting Silliman's Journal for January, 1832, and the
+Encyclopedia Americana, article, WHITNEY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX E.
+
+It is impossible, of course, to pronounce with precision, how great
+would have been the effect in favor of emancipation, if the effort to
+resist the admission of Missouri as a slaveholding state had been
+successful. We can only conjecture what it would have been, by the
+effect its admission has had in fostering slavery up to its present huge
+growth and pretensions. If the American people had shown, through their
+National legislature, a _sincere_ opposition to slavery by the rejection
+of Missouri, it is probable at least--late as it was--that the early
+expiration of the 'system' would, by this time, have been discerned
+by all men.
+
+When the Constitution was formed, the state of public sentiment even in
+the South--with the exception of South Carolina and Georgia, was
+favorable to emancipation. Under the influence of this public sentiment
+was the Constitution formed. No person at all versed in constitutional
+or legal interpretation--with his judgment unaffected by interest or any
+of the prejudices to which the existing controversy has given
+birth--could, it is thought, construe the Constitution, _in its letter_,
+as intending to perpetuate slavery. To come to such a conclusion with a
+full knowledge of what was the mind of this nation in regard to slavery,
+when that instrument was made, demonstrates a moral or intellectual flaw
+that makes all reasoning useless.
+
+Although it is a fact beyond controversy in our history, that the power
+conferred by the Constitution on Congress to "regulate commerce with
+foreign nations" was known to include the power of abolishing the
+African slave-trade--and that it was expected that Congress, at the end
+of the period for which the exercise of that power on this particular
+subject was restrained, would use it (as it did) _with a view to the
+influence that the cutting off of that traffic would have on the
+"system" in this country_--yet, such has been the influence of the action
+of Congress on all matters with which slavery has been mingled--more
+especially on the Missouri question, in which slavery was the sole
+interest--that an impression has been produced on the popular mind, that
+the Constitution of the United States _guaranties_, and consequently
+_perpetuates_, slavery to the South. Most artfully, incessantly, and
+powerfully, has this lamentable error been harped on by the
+slaveholders, and by their advocates in the free states. The impression
+of _constitutional favor_ to the slaveholders would, of itself,
+naturally create for them an undue and disproportionate influence in the
+control of the government; but when to this is added the arrogance that
+the possession of irresponsible power almost invariably engenders in its
+possessors--their overreaching assumptions--the contempt that the
+slaveholders entertain for the great body of the _people_ of the North,
+it has almost delivered over the government, bound neck and heels, into
+the hands of slaveholding politicians--to be bound still more
+rigorously, or unloosed, as may seem well in their discretion.
+
+Who can doubt that, as a nation, we should have been more honorable and
+influential abroad--more prosperous and united at home--if Kentucky, at
+the very outset of this matter, had been refused admission to the Union
+until she had expunged from her Constitution the covenant with
+oppression? She would not have remained out of the Union a single year
+on that account. If the worship of Liberty had not been exchanged for
+that of Power--if her principles had been successfully maintained in
+this first assault, their triumph in every other would have been easy.
+We should not have had a state less in the confederacy, and slavery
+would have been seen, at this time, shrunk up to the most contemptible
+dimensions, if it had not vanished entirely away. But we have furnished
+another instance to be added to the long and melancholy list already
+existing, to prove that,--
+
+                       "facilis descensus Averni,
+       Sed revocare gradum
+       Hoc opus hic labor est,"
+
+if _poetry_ is not _fiction_.
+
+Success in the Missouri struggle--late as it was--would have placed the
+cause of freedom in our country out of the reach of danger from its
+inexorable foe. The principles of liberty would have struck deeper root
+in the free states, and have derived fresh vigor from such a triumph. If
+these principles had been honored by the government from that period to
+the present, (as they would have been, had the free states, even then,
+assumed their just preponderance in its administration,) we should now
+have, in Missouri herself, a healthful and vigorous ally in the cause of
+freedom; and, in Arkansas, a free people--_twice_ her present
+numbers--pressing on the confines of slavery, and summoning the keepers
+of the southern charnel-house to open its doors, that its inmates might
+walk forth, in a glorious resurrection to liberty and life. Although
+young, as a people, we should be, among the nations, venerable for our
+virtue; and we should exercise an influence on the civilized and
+commercial world that we most despair of possessing, as long as we
+remain vulnerable to every shaft that malice, or satire, or philanthropy
+may find it convenient to hurl against us.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: A comic piece--the production of one of the most popular of
+the French writers in his way--had possession of the Paris stage last
+winter. When one of the personages SEPARATES HUSBAND AND WIFE, he cries
+out, "BRAVO! THIS IS THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED
+STATES!" [Bravo! C'est la Declaration d'Independence des Etats Unis.]
+
+One of our distinguished College-professors, lately on a tour in Europe,
+had his attention called, while passing along the street of a German
+city, to the pictorial representation of a WHITE MAN SCOURGING A
+SUPPLICATING COLORED FEMALE, with this allusion underwritten:--"A
+SPECIMEN OF EQUALITY--FROM REPUBLICAN AMERICA."
+
+Truly might our countryman have exclaimed in the language, if not with
+the generous emotions of the Trojan hero, when he beheld the noble deeds
+of his countrymen pencilled in a strange land--
+
+--"Quis jam locus--
+Quae regio in terris nostri non plena laboris?"
+]
+
+Instead of being thus seated on a "heaven-kissing hill," and seen of all
+in its pure radiance; instead of enjoying its delightful airs, and
+imparting to them the healthful savor of justice, truth, mercy,
+magnanimity, see what a picture we present;--our cannibal burnings of
+human beings--our Lynch courts--our lawless scourgings and capital
+executions, not only of slaves, but of freemen--our demoniac mobs raging
+through the streets of our cities and large towns at midday as well as
+at midnight, shedding innocent blood, devastating property, and applying
+the incendiaries' torch to edifices erected and dedicated to FREE
+DISCUSSION--the known friends of order, of law, of liberty, of the
+Constitution--citizens, distinguished for their worth at home, and
+reflecting honor on their country abroad, shut out from more than half
+our territory, or visiting it at the hazard of their lives, or of the
+most degrading and painful personal inflictions--freedom of speech and
+of the press overthrown and hooted at--the right of petition struck down
+in Congress, where, above all places, it ought to have been maintained
+to the last--the people mocked at, and attempted to be gagged by their
+own servants--the time the office-honored veteran, who fearlessly
+contended for the _right_, publicly menaced for words spoken in his
+place as a representative of the people, with an indictment by a
+slaveholding grand jury--in fine, the great principles of government
+asserted by our fathers in the Declaration of Independence, and embodied
+in our Constitution, with which they won for us the sympathy, the
+admiration of the world--all forgotten, dishonoured, despised, trodden
+under foot! And this for slavery!!
+
+Horrible catalogue!--yet by no means a complete one--for so young a
+nation, boasting itself, too, to be the freest on earth! It is the ripe
+fruit of that _chef d'oeuvre_ of political skill and patriotic
+achievement--the MISSOURI COMPROMISE.
+
+Another such compromise--or any compromise now with slavery--and the
+nation is undone.
+
+APPENDIX F.
+
+The following is believed to be a correct exhibit of the legislative
+resolutions against the annexation of Texas--of the times at which they
+were passed, and of the _votes_ by which they were passed:--
+
+1. VERMONT.
+
+    "1. _Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives_, That our
+    Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives
+    requested, to use their influence in that body to prevent the
+    annexation of Texas to the Union.
+
+    2. _Resolved_, That representing, as we do, the people of Vermont,
+    we do hereby, in their name, SOLEMNLY PROTEST against such
+    annexation in any form."
+
+[Passed unanimously, Nov. 1, 1837.]
+
+2. RHODE ISLAND.
+
+(_In General Assembly, October Session, A. D. 1837_.)
+
+    "Whereas the compact of the Union between these states was entered
+    into by the people thereof in their respective states, 'in order to
+    form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic
+    tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general
+    welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their
+    posterity;' and, therefore, a Representative Government was
+    instituted by them, with certain limited powers, clearly specified
+    and defined in the Constitution--all other powers, not therein
+    expressly relinquished, being 'reserved to the states respectively,
+    or to the people.'
+
+    And whereas this limited government possesses no power to extend
+    its jurisdiction over any foreign nation, and no foreign nation,
+    country, or people, can be admitted into this Union but by the
+    sovereign will and act of the free people of all and each of these
+    United States, nor without the formation of a new compact of
+    Union--and another frame of government radically different, in
+    objects, principles, and powers, from that which was framed for our
+    own self-government, and deemed to be adequate to all the exigencies
+    of our own free republic:--
+
+    Therefore, Resolved, That we have witnessed, with deep concern, the
+    indications of a disposition to bring into this Union, as a
+    constituent member thereof, the foreign province or territory
+    of Texas.
+
+    Resolved, That, although we are fully aware of the consequences
+    which must follow the accomplishment of such a project, could it be
+    accomplished--aware that it would lead speedily to the conquest and
+    annexation of Mexico itself, and its fourteen remaining provinces or
+    intendencies--which, together with the revolted province of Texas,
+    would furnish foreign territories and foreign people for at least
+    twenty members of the new Union; that the government of a nation so
+    extended and so constructed would soon become radically [changed] in
+    character, if not in form--would unavoidably become a military
+    government; and, under the plea of necessity, would free itself from
+    the restraints of the Constitution and from its accountability to
+    the people. That the ties of kindred, common origin and common
+    interests, which have so long bound this people together, and would
+    still continue to bind them: these ties, which ought to be held
+    sacred by all true Americans, would be angrily dissolved, and
+    sectional political combinations would be formed with the newly
+    admitted foreign states, unnatural and adverse to the peace and
+    prosperity of the country. The civil government, with all the
+    arbitrary powers it might assume, would be unable to control the
+    storm. The usurper would find himself in his proper element; and,
+    after acting the patriot and the hero for a due season, as the only
+    means of rescuing the country from the ruin which he had chiefly
+    contributed to bring upon it, would reluctantly and modestly allow
+    himself to be declared 'Protector of the Commonwealth.'
+
+    We are now fully aware of the deep degradation into which the
+    republic would sink itself in the eyes of the whole world, should it
+    annex to its own vast territories other and foreign territories of
+    immense though unknown extent, for the purpose of encouraging the
+    propagation of slavery, and giving aid to the raising of slaves
+    within its own bosom, the very bosom of freedom, to be esported and
+    sold in those unhallowed regions. Although we are fully aware of
+    these fearful evils, and numberless others which would come in their
+    train, yet we do not here dwell upon them; because we are here
+    firmly convinced that the free people of most, and we trust of all
+    these states, will never suffer the admission of the foreign
+    territory of Texas into this Union as a constituent member
+    thereof--will never suffer the integrity of this Republic to be
+    violated, either by the introduction and addition to it of foreign
+    nations or territories, one or many, or by dismemberment of it by
+    the transfer of any one or more of its members to a foreign nation.
+    The people will be aware, that should one foreign state or country
+    be introduced, another and another may be, without end, whether
+    situated in South America, in the West India islands, or in any
+    other part of the world; and that a single foreign state, thus
+    admitted, might have in its power, by holding the balance between
+    contending parties, to wrest their own government from the hands and
+    control of the people, by whom it was established for their own
+    benefit and self-government. We are firmly convinced, that the free
+    people of these states will look upon any attempt to introduce the
+    foreign territory of Texas, or any other foreign territory or nation
+    into this Union, as a constituent member or members thereof, as
+    manifesting a willingness to prostrate the Constitution and dissolve
+    the Union.
+
+    Resolved, That His Excellency, the Governor, be requested to
+    forward a copy of the foregoing resolutions to each of our Senators
+    and Representatives in Congress, and to each of the Executives of
+    the several states, with a request that the same may be laid before
+    the respective Legislatures of said states."
+
+[The Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted, Nov. 3, 1837.]
+
+3. OHIO.
+
+    "_Resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio_, That in
+    the name, and on behalf of the people of the State of Ohio, we do
+    hereby SOLEMNLY PROTEST against the annexation of Texas to the Union
+    of these United States.
+
+    _And be it further resolved_, That the Governor be requested to
+    transmit to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress,
+    and to the Governors of each of the States, a copy of the foregoing
+    resolution, with a statement of the votes by which it was passed in
+    each branch of the Legislature."
+
+[Passed by 64 out of 72, the whole number in the House of
+Representatives--unanomously in the Senate. Feb. 24, 1838.]
+
+4. MASSACHUSETTS.
+
+    "Resolves against the annexation of Texas to the United States.
+
+    Whereas a proposition to admit into the United States as a
+    constituent member thereof, the foreign nation of Texas, has been
+    recommended by the legislative resolutions of several States, and
+    brought before Congress for its approval and sanction; and whereas
+    such a measure would involve great wrong to Mexico, and otherwise be
+    of evil precedent, injurious to the interests and dishonorable to
+    the character of this country; and whereas its avowed objects are
+    doubly fraught with peril to the prosperity and permanence of this
+    Union, as tending to disturb and destroy the conditions of those
+    compromises and concessions, entered into at the formation of the
+    Constitution, by which the relative weights of different sections
+    and interests were adjusted, and to strengthen and extend the evils
+    of a system which is unjust in itself, in striking contrast with the
+    theory of our institutions, and condemned by the moral sentiment of
+    mankind; and whereas the people of these United States have not
+    granted to any or all of the departments of their Government, but
+    have retained in themselves, the only power adequate to the
+    admission of a foreign nation into this confederacy; therefore,
+
+    _Resolved_, That we, the Senate and House of Representatives, in
+    General Court assembled, do in the name of the people of
+    Massachusetts, earnestly and solemnly protest against the
+    incorporation of Texas into this Union, and declare, that no act
+    done or compact made, for such purpose by the government of the
+    United States, will be binding on the States or the People.
+
+    _Resolved_, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to
+    forward a copy of these resolutions and the accompanying report to
+    the Executive of the United States, and the Executive of each State
+    and also to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress,
+    with a request that they present the resolves to both Houses of
+    Congress."
+
+[Passed MARCH 16, 1838, UNANIMOUSLY, in both Houses.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+5. MICHIGAN.
+
+Whereas, propositions have been made for the annexation of Texas to the
+United States, with a view to its ultimate incorporation into the Union:
+
+    "And whereas, the extension of this General Government over so large
+    a country on the south-west, between which and that of the original
+    states, there is little affinity, and less identity of interest,
+    would tend, in the opinion of this Legislature, greatly to disturb
+    the safe and harmonious operations of the Government of the United
+    States, and put in imminent danger the continuance of this happy
+    Union: Therefore,
+
+    _Be it resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
+    State of Michigan_, That in behalf, and in the name of the State of
+    Michigan, this Legislature doth hereby dissent from, and solemnly
+    protest against the annexation, for any purpose, to this Union, of
+    Texas, or of any other territory or district of country, heretofore
+    constituting a part of the dominions of Spain in America, lying west
+    or south-west of Louisiana.
+
+    And be it further Resolved, by the Authority aforesaid, That the
+    Governor of this State be requested to transmit a copy of the
+    foregoing preamble and resolve, under the great seal of this state,
+    to the President of the United States; also, that he transmit one
+    copy thereof, authenticated in manner aforesaid, to the President of
+    the Senate of the United States, with the respectful request of this
+    Legislature, that the same may be laid before the Senate; also, that
+    he transmit one copy thereof to the Speaker of the House of
+    Representatives of the United States, authenticated in like manner,
+    with the respectful request of this Legislature, that the same may
+    be laid before the House of Representatives; and also, that he
+    transmit to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress,
+    one copy thereof, together with the Report adopted by this
+    Legislature, and which accompanies said preamble and resolves."
+
+[Passed nearly if not quite unanimously, April 2, 1838].
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+6. CONNECTICUT.
+
+    "_Resolved_, That we, the Senate and House of Representatives in
+    General Assembly convened, do, in the name of the people of this
+    State, solemnly _protest_ against the annexation of Texas to
+    this Union."
+
+[Passed, it is believed, unanimously in both houses.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+(Those which follow were passed by but one branch of the respective
+Legislatures in which they were introduced.)
+
+7. PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+    _Resolutions relative to the admission of Texas into the Union._
+
+    "_Whereas_ the annexation of Texas to the United States has been
+    advocated and strongly urged by many of our fellow-citizens,
+    particularly in the southern part of our country, and the president
+    of Texas has received authority to open a correspondence with, and
+    appoint, a commissioner to our government to accomplish the
+    object;--_And whereas_ such a measure would bring to us a dangerous
+    extension of territory, with a population generally not desirable,
+    and would probably involve us in war;--_And whereas_ the subject is
+    now pressed upon and agitated in Congress; therefore,
+
+    _Resolved_, &c, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and
+    our Representatives requested, to use their influence and vote
+    against the annexation of Texas to the territory of the
+    united States.
+
+    _Resolved_, That the Governor transmit to each of our Senators and
+    Representatives a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions."
+
+[Passed the Senate March 9, 1835, by 22 to 6. Postponed indefinitely in
+the House of Representatives, April 13, by 41 to 39.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+8. MAINE.
+
+    "_Resolved_, That the Legislature of the State of Maine, on behalf
+    of the people of said state, do earnestly and solemnly protest
+    against the annexation of the Republic of Texas to these United
+    States; and that our Senators and Representatives in Congress be,
+    and they hereby are, requested to exert their utmost influence to
+    prevent the adoption of a measure at once so clearly
+    unconstitutional, and so directly calculated to disturb our foreign
+    relations, to destroy our domestic peace, and to dismember our
+    blessed Union."
+
+[Passed in the House of Representatives, March 22, 1838, by 85 to 30.
+Senate (same day) refused to concur by 11 to 10.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+9. NEW-YORK.
+
+    "_Resolved_, (if the Senate concur,) That the admission of the
+    Republic of Texas into this Union would be entirely repugnant to the
+    will of the people of this state, and would endanger the union of
+    these United States.
+
+    _Resolved_, (if the Senate concur,) That this Legislature do, in
+    the name of the people of the State of New York, solemnly protest
+    against the admission of the Republic of Texas into this Union.
+
+    _Resolved_, (if the Senate concur.) That his Excellency the Governor
+    be requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to each
+    of our Senators and Representatives in Congress, and also to the
+    governors of each of the United States, with a request that the same
+    be laid before their respective Legislatures."
+
+[These resolutions passed the House of Representatives in April, by a
+large majority--the newspapers say, 83 to 13. They were indefinitely
+postponed in the Senate, by a vote of 21 to 9.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX G.
+
+The number of petitioners for abolition in the District of Columbia, and
+on other subjects allied to it, have been ascertained (in the House of
+Representatives) to be as follows:--
+
+                                        Men.     Women.     Total.
+For abolition in the District,         51,366    78,882    130,248
+Against the annexation of Texas,      104,973    77,419    182,392
+Rescinding the gag resolution,         21,015    10,821     31,836
+Against admitting any new slave state, 11,770    10,391     22,161
+For abolition of the slave-trade
+  between the states,                  11,864    11,541     23,405
+For abolition of slavery in the
+  territories,                          9,129    12,083     21,212
+At the extra session for rescinding
+the gag resolution of Jan. 21, 1837,    3,377                3,377
+                                      ----------------------------
+Total,                                213,494   201,137    414,631
+
+The number in the Senate, where some difficulty was interposed that
+prevented its being taken, is estimated to have been about two-thirds as
+great as that in the House.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+APPENDIX H.
+
+[On the 1st of December, one of the secretaries of the American
+Anti-Slavery Society addressed a note to each of the Governors of the
+slave states, in which he informed them, in courteous and respectful
+terms, that he had directed the Publishing Agent of this society,
+thereafter regularly to transmit to them, free of charge, the periodical
+publications issued from the office of the society. To this offer the
+following replies were received:--]
+
+GOVERNOR CAMPBELL'S LETTER.
+
+    JAMES G. BIRNEY, Esq., _New York_
+
+    "RICHMOND, _Dec. 4, 1837_.
+
+    SIR,--I received, by yesterday's mail, your letter of the 1st
+    instant, in which you state that you had directed the publishing
+    agent of the American Anti-Slavery Society, hereafter, regularly to
+    transmit, free of charge, by mail, to all the governors of the slave
+    states, the periodical publications issued from that office.
+
+    Regarding your society as highly mischievous, I decline receiving
+    any communications from it, and must request that no publications
+    from your office be transmitted to me.
+
+    I am, &c,
+
+    DAVID CAMPBELL."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GOVERNOR BAGBY'S LETTER.
+
+    "TUSCALOOSA, _Jan. 6, 1838_
+
+    SIR,--I received, by due course of mail, your favor of the 1st of
+    December, informing me that you had directed the publishing agent of
+    the American Anti-Slavery Society to forward to the governors of the
+    slaveholding states the periodicals issued from that office. Taking
+    it for granted, that the only object which the society or yourself
+    could have in view, in adopting this course, is, the dissemination
+    of the opinions and principles of the society--having made up my own
+    opinion, unalterably, in relation to the whole question of slavery,
+    as it exists in a portion of the United States, and feeling
+    confident that, in the correctness of this opinion, I am sustained
+    by the entire free white population of Alabama, as well as the great
+    body of the people of this Union, I must, with the greatest respect
+    for yourself, personally but not for the opinions or principles
+    advocated by the society--positively decline receiving said
+    publications, or any others of a similar character, either
+    personally or officially. Indeed, it is presuming a little too much,
+    to expect that the chief magistrate of a free people, elected by
+    themselves, would hold correspondence or give currency to the
+    publications of an organized society, openly engaged in a scheme
+    fraught with more mischievous consequences to their interest and
+    repose, than any that the wit or folly of mankind has
+    heretofore devised.
+
+    I am, very respectfully,
+
+    Your ob't servant,
+
+    A.P. BAGBY"
+
+JAMES G. BIRNEY, _Esq., New York_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GOVERNOR CANNON'S LETTER.
+
+[This letter required so many alterations to bring it up to the ordinary
+standard of epistolary, grammatical, and orthographical accuracy, that
+it is thought best to give it in _word_ and _letter_, precisely as it
+was received at the office.]
+
+    "EXECUTIVE DEPT.--
+
+    NASHVILLE. _Dec. 12th, 1837_.
+
+    Sir
+
+    I have rec'd yours of the 1st Inst notifying me, that you had
+    directed, your periodical publications, on the subject of Slavery to
+    be sent to me free of charge &c--and you are correct, if sincere, in
+    your views, in supposing that we widely differ, on this subject, we
+    do indeed widely differ, on it, if the publications said to have
+    emanated from you, are honest and sincere, which, I admit,
+    is possible.
+
+    My opinions are fix'd and settled, and I seldom Look into or
+    examine, the, different vague notions of others who write and
+    theorise on that subject. Hence I trust you will not expect me to
+    examine, what you have printed on this subject, or cause to have
+    printed. If you or any other man are influenced by feelings of
+    humanity, and are laboring to relieve the sufferings, of the human
+    race, you may find objects enough immediately around you, where you
+    are, in any nonslaveholding State, to engage your, attention, and
+    all your exertions, in that good cause.
+
+    But if your aim is to make a flourish on the subject, before the
+    world, and to gain yourself some notoriety, or distinction, without,
+    doing good to any, and evil to many, of the human race, you are,
+    pursuing the course calculated to effect. Such an object, in which
+    no honest man need envy. Your honours, thus gaind, I know there are
+    many such in our country, but would fain hope, you are not one of
+    them. If you have Lived, as you state forty years in a Slave holding
+    State, you know that, that class of its population, are not the
+    most, miserable, degraded, or unhappy, either in their feelings or
+    habits, You know they are generally governd, and provided for by men
+    of information and understanding sufficient to guard them against
+    the most, odious vices, and hibets of the country, from which, you
+    know the slaves are in a far greater degree, exempt than, are other
+    portions of the population. That the slaves are the most happy,
+    moral and contented generally, and free from suffering of any kind,
+    having, each full confidence, in his masters, skill means and
+    disposition to provide well for him, knowing also at the same time
+    that _it is his interest to do it_. Hence in this State of Society
+    more than any other, Superior intelligence has the ascendency, in
+    governing and provideing, for the wants of those inferior, also in
+    giveing direction to their Labour, and industry, as should be the
+    case, superior intelligence Should govern, when united with Virtue,
+    and interest, that great predominating principle in all human
+    affairs. It is my rule of Life, when I see any man labouring to
+    produce effects, at a distance from him, while neglecting the
+    objects immediately around him, (in doing good) to suspect his
+    sincerity, to suspect him for some selfish, or sinister motive, all
+    is not gold that glitters, and every man is not what he, endeavours
+    to appear to be, is too well known. It is the duty of masters to
+    take care of there slaves and provide for them, and this duty I
+    believe is as generally and as fully complyd with as any other duty
+    enjoind on the human family, for next to their children their own
+    offspring, their slaves stand next foremost in their care and
+    attention, there are indeed very few instances of a contrary
+    character.
+
+    You can find around you, I doubt not a large number of persons
+    intemix'd, in your society, who are entirely destitute of that care,
+    and attention, towards them that is enjoyed by our slaves, and who
+    are destitute of that deep feeling of interest, in guarding their
+    morals and habits, and directing them through Life in all things,
+    which is here enjoyd by our slaves, to those let your efforts be
+    directed immediately around you and do not trouble with your vague
+    speculations those who are contented and happy, at a distance
+    from you.
+
+    Very respectfully yours,
+
+    N. CANNON."
+
+Mr. JAS. G. BIRNEY, _Cor. Sec._ &c.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[The letter of the Secretary to the governor of South Carolina was not
+_answered_, but was so inverted and folded as to present the
+_subscribed_ name of the secretary, as the _superscription_ of the same
+letter to be returned. The addition of _New York_ to the address brought
+it back to this office.
+
+Whilst governor Butler was thus refusing the information that was
+proffered to him in the most respectful terms from this office, he was
+engaged in another affair, having connection with the anti-slavery
+movement, as indiscreet, as it was unbecoming the dignity of the office
+he holds. The following account of it is from one of the Boston
+papers:--]
+
+    "_Hoaxing a Governor_.--The National Aegis says, that Hollis Parker,
+    who was sentenced to the state prison at the late term of the
+    criminal court for Worcester county, for endeavoring to extort money
+    from governor Everett, had opened an extensive correspondence,
+    previous to his arrest, with similar intent, with other
+    distinguished men of the country. Besides several individuals in New
+    York, governor Butler, of South Carolina, was honored with his
+    notice. A letter from that gentleman, directed to Parker, was lately
+    received at the post office in a town near Worcester, enclosing a
+    check for fifty dollars. So far as the character of Parker's letter
+    can be inferred from the reply of governor Butler, it would appear,
+    that Parker informed the governor, that the design was entertained
+    by some of our citizens, of transmitting to South Carolina a
+    quantity of 'incendiary publications,' and that with the aid of a
+    little money, he (Parker) would be able to unravel the plot, and
+    furnish full information concerning it to his excellency. The bait
+    took, and the money was forwarded, with earnest appeals to Parker to
+    be vigilant and active in thoroughly investigating the supposed
+    conspiracy against the peace and happiness of the South.
+
+    The Aegis has the following very just remarks touching this
+    case:--'Governor Butler belongs to a state loud in its professions
+    of regard for state rights and state sovereignty. We, also, are
+    sincere advocates of that good old republican doctrine. It strikes
+    us, that it would have comported better with the spirit of that
+    doctrine, the dignity, of his own station and character, the respect
+    and courtesy due to a sovereign and independent state, if governor
+    Butler had made the proper representation, if the subject was
+    deserving of such notice, to the acknowledged head and constituted
+    authorities of that state, instead of holding official
+    correspondence with a citizen of a foreign jurisdiction, and
+    employing a secret agent and informer, whose very offer of such
+    service was proof of the base and irresponsible character of him who
+    made it.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    GOVERNOR CONWAY'S LETTER.
+
+    EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, _March_ 1, 1838.
+
+    Sir--A newspaper, headed '_The Emancipator_,' in which you are
+    announced the 'publishing agent,' has, for some weeks past, arrived
+    at the post office in this city, to my address. Not having
+    subscribed, or authorized any individual to give my name as a
+    subscriber, for that or any such paper, it is entirely _gratuitous_
+    on the part of its publishers to send me a copy; and not having a
+    favorable opinion of the _intentions_ of the _authors and founders_
+    of the '_American Anti-Slavery Society_;' I have to request a
+    discontinuance of '_The Emancipator_.'
+
+    Your ob't servant, "J.S. CONWAY."
+
+R. G. WILLIAMS, Esq., New York.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[NOTE.--The following extract of a letter, from the late Chief Justice
+Jay to the late venerable Elias Boudinot, dated Nov. 17, 1819, might
+well have formed part of Appendix E. Its existence, however, was not
+known till it was too late to insert it in its most appropriate place.
+It shows the view taken of some of the _constitutional_ questions by a
+distinguished jurist,--one of the purest patriots too, by whom our early
+history was illustrated.]
+
+    "Little can be added to what has been said and written on the
+    subject of slavery. I concur in the opinion, that it ought not to be
+    _introduced, nor permitted_ in any of the _new_ states; and that it
+    ought to be gradually diminished, and finally, abolished, in all
+    of them.
+
+    To me, the _constitutional authority_ of the Congress to prohibit
+    the _migration_ and _importation_ of slaves into any of the states,
+    does not appear questionable.
+
+    The first article of the Constitution specifics the legislative
+    powers committed to Congress. The ninth section of that article has
+    these words:--'The _migration_ or _importation_ of such persons as
+    any of the _now existing_ states shall think proper to admit, shall
+    not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the year 1808--but a tax
+    or duty may be imposed on such importation not exceeding _ten
+    dollars_ for each person.'
+
+    I understand the sense and meaning of this clause to be, That the
+    power of the Congress, although _competent to prohibit such
+    migration and importation_, was not to be exercised with respect to
+    the THEN existing states, and _them only_, until the year 1808; but
+    that Congress were at liberty to make such prohibition as to any
+    _new state_ which might in the _meantime_ be established. And
+    further, that from and after _that_ period, they were authorized to
+    make such prohibition as to _all the states, whether new or old_.
+
+    Slaves were the persons intended. The word slaves was avoided, on
+    account of the existing toleration of slavery, and its discordancy
+    with the principles of the Revolution; and from a consciousness of
+    its being repugnant to those propositions to the Declaration of
+    Independence:--'We hold these truths to be self-evident--that all
+    men are created equal--that they are endowed by their Creator with
+    certain inalienable rights--and that, among these, are life,
+    liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+NO. 9.
+
+THE ANTI-SLAVERY EXAMINER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+LETTER
+
+OF
+
+GERRIT SMITH,
+
+TO
+
+HON. HENRY CLAY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NEW YORK:
+
+PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, NO. 143 NASSAU STREET.
+----- 1839.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+This No. contains 3-1/2 sheets.--Postage, under 100 miles, 6 cts. over
+100, 10 cts.
+
+_Please Read and circulate_.
+
+
+
+LETTER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PETERBORO, MARCH 21, 1839.
+
+HON. HENRY CLAY:
+
+DEAR SIR,
+
+In the Annual Meeting of the American Colonization Society, held in the
+Capitol in the city of Washington, December, 1835, you commented on a
+speech made by myself, the previous autumn. Your objections to that
+speech formed the principal subject matter of your remarks. Does not
+this fact somewhat mitigate the great presumption of which I feel myself
+guilty, in undertaking, all unhonored and humble as I am, to review the
+production of one of the most distinguished statesmen of the age?
+
+Until the appearance of your celebrated speech on the subject of
+slavery, I had supposed that you cherished a sacred regard for the right
+of petition. I now find, that you value it no more highly than they do,
+who make open war upon it. Indeed, you admit, that, in relation to this
+right, "there is no substantial difference between" them and yourself.
+Instead of rebuking, you compliment them; and, in saying that "the
+majority of the Senate" would not "violate the right of petition in any
+case, in which, according to its judgment, the object of the petition
+could be safely or properly granted," you show to what destructive
+conditions you subject this absolute right. Your doctrine is, that in
+those cases, where the object of the petition is such, as the
+supplicated party can approve, previously to any discussion of its
+merits--there, and there only, exists the right of petition. For aught I
+see, you are no more to be regarded as the friend of this right, than is
+the conspicuous gentleman[A] who framed the Report on that subject,
+which was presented to the Senate of my state the last month. That
+gentleman admits the sacredness of "the right to petition on any
+subject;" and yet, in the same breath, he insists on the equal
+sacredness of the right to refuse to attend to a petition. He manifestly
+failed to bear in mind, that a right to petition implies the correlative
+right to be heard. How different are the statesmen, who insist "on the
+right to refuse to attend to a petition," from Him, who says, "Whoso
+stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but
+shall not be heard." And who are poor, if it be not those for whom the
+abolitionists cry? They must even cry by proxy. For, in the language of
+John Quincy Adams, the champion of the right of petition, "The slave is
+not permitted to cry for mercy--to plead for pardon--to utter the shriek
+of perishing nature for relief." It may be well to remark, that the
+error, which I have pointed out in the Report in question, lies in the
+premises of the principal argument of that paper; and that the
+correction of this error is necessarily attended with the destruction of
+the premises, and with the overthrow of the argument, which is built
+upon them.
+
+[Footnote A: Colonel Young.]
+
+I surely need not stop to vindicate the right of petition. It is a
+natural right--one that human laws can guarantee, but can neither create
+nor destroy. It is an interesting fact, that the Amendment to the
+Federal Constitution, which guarantees the right of petition, was
+opposed in the Congress of 1789 as superfluous. It was argued, that this
+is "a self-evident, inalienable right, which the people possess," and
+that "it would never be called in question." What a change in
+fifty years!
+
+You deny the power of Congress to abolish the inter-state traffic in
+human beings; and, inasmuch as you say, that the right "to regulate
+commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states," does not
+include the right to prohibit and destroy commerce; and, inasmuch as it
+is understood, that it was in virtue of the right to regulate commerce,
+that Congress enacted laws to restrain our participation in the "African
+slave trade," you perhaps also deny, that Congress had the power to
+enact such laws. The history of the times in which the Federal
+Constitution was framed and adopted, justifies the belief, that the
+clause of that instrument under consideration conveys the power, which
+Congress exercised. For instance, Governor Randolph, when speaking in
+the Virginia Convention of 1788, of the clause which declares, that "the
+migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now
+existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by
+Congress prior to the year 1808," said, "This is an exception from the
+power of regulating commerce, and the restriction is to continue only
+till 1808. Then Congress can, by the exercise of that power, prevent
+future importations."
+
+Were I, however, to admit that the right "to regulate commerce," does
+not include the right to prohibit and destroy commerce, it nevertheless
+would not follow, that Congress might not prohibit or destroy certain
+branches of commerce. It might need to do so, in order to preserve our
+general commerce with a state or nation. So large a proportion of the
+cloths of Turkey might be fraught with the contagion of the plague, as
+to make it necessary for our Government to forbid the importation of all
+cloths from that country, and thus totally destroy one branch of our
+commerce with it, to the end that the other branches might be preserved.
+No inconsiderable evidence that Congress has the right to prohibit or
+destroy a branch of commerce, is to be found in the fact, that it has
+done so. From March, 1794, to May, 1820, it enacted several laws, which
+went to prohibit or destroy, and, in the end, did prohibit or destroy
+the trade of this country with Africa in human beings. And, if Congress
+has the power to pass embargo laws, has it not the power to prohibit or
+destroy commerce altogether?
+
+It is, however, wholly immaterial, whether Congress could prohibit our
+participation in the "African slave trade," in virtue of the clause
+which empowers it "to regulate commerce." That the Constitution does, in
+some one or more of its passages, convey the power, is manifest from the
+testimony of the Constitution itself. The first clause of the ninth
+section says: "The migration or importation of such persons, as any of
+the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be
+prohibited by the Congress prior to they year 1808." Now the implication
+in this clause of the existence of the power in question, is as
+conclusive, as would be the express and positive grant of it. You will
+observe, too, that the power of Congress over "migration or
+importation," which this clause implies, is a power not merely to
+"regulate," as you define the word, but to "prohibit."
+
+It is clear, then, that Congress had the power to interdict our trade in
+human beings with Africa. But, in view of what has been said on that
+point--in view of the language of the Federal Constitution--of the
+proceedings of the Convention, which framed it--and of the cotemporary
+public sentiment--is it any less clear, that Congress has the power to
+interdict the inter-state traffic in human beings?
+
+There are some, who assert that the words "migration" and "importation,"
+instead of referring, as I maintain they do--the former to the removal
+of slaves from state to state, and the latter to their introduction from
+Africa--are used in the Constitution as synonyms, and refer exclusively
+to the "African slave trade." But there is surely no ground for the
+imputation of such utter tautology, if we recollect that the
+Constitution was written by scholars, and that remarkable pains were
+taken to clear it of all superfluous words--a Committee having been
+appointed for that special purpose. But, it may be asked, Why, in
+reference to the taking of slaves from one state to another, use the
+word "migration," which denotes voluntary removal? One answer is--that
+it can be used with as much propriety in that case, as in the removal of
+slaves from Africa--the removal in the one case being no less
+involuntary than in the other. Another answer is--that the framers of
+the Constitution selected the word "migration," because of its congruity
+with that of "persons," under which their virtuous shame sought to
+conceal from posterity the existence of seven hundred thousand slaves
+amongst a people, who had but recently entered upon their national
+career, with the solemn declaration, that "all men are created equal."
+
+John Jay, whose great celebrity is partly owing to his very able
+expositions of the Constitution, says: "To me, the constitutional
+authority of the Congress to prohibit the migration _and_ importation of
+slaves into any of the states, does not appear questionable." If the
+disjunctive between "migration" and "importation" in the Constitution,
+argues their reference to the same thing, Mr. Jay's copulative argues
+more strongly, that, in his judgment, they refer to different things.
+
+The law of Congress constituting the "Territory of Orleans," was enacted
+in 1804. It fully recognizes the power of that body to prohibit the
+trade in slaves between a territory and the states. But, if Congress had
+this power, why had it not as clear a power to prohibit, at that time,
+the trade in slaves between any two of the states? It might have
+prohibited it, but for the constitutional suspension of the exercise of
+the power. The term of that suspension closed, however, in 1808; and,
+since that year, Congress has had as full power to abolish the whole
+slave trade between the states, as it had in 1804 to abolish the like
+trade between the Territory of Orleans and the states.
+
+But, notwithstanding the conclusive evidence, that the Constitution
+empowers Congress to abolish the inter-state slave trade, it is
+incomprehensible to many, that such states as Virginia and Maryland
+should have consented to deprive themselves of the benefit of selling
+their slaves into other states. It is incomprehensible, only because
+they look upon such states in the light of their present character and
+present interests. It will no longer be so, if they will bear in mind,
+that slave labor was then, as it is now, unprofitable for ordinary
+agriculture, and that Whitney's cotton-gin, which gave great value to
+such labor, was not yet invented, and that the purchase of Louisiana,
+which has had so great an effect to extend and perpetuate the dominion
+of slavery, was not yet made. It will no longer be incomprehensible to
+them, if they will recollect, that, at the period in question, American
+slavery was regarded as a rapidly decaying, if not already expiring
+institution. It will no longer be so, if they will recollect, how small
+was the price of slaves then, compared with their present value; and
+that, during the ten years, which followed the passage of the Act of
+Virginia in 1782, legalizing manumissions, her citizens emancipated
+slaves to the number of nearly one-twentieth of the whole amount of her
+slaves in that year. To learn whether your native Virginia clung in the
+year 1787 to the inter-state traffic in human flesh, we must take our
+post of observation, not amongst her degenerate sons, who, in 1836, sold
+men, women, and children, to the amount of twenty-four millions of
+dollars--not amongst her President Dews, who write books in favor of
+breeding human stock for exportation--but amongst her Washingtons, and
+Jeffersons, and Henrys, and Masons, who, at the period when the
+Constitution was framed, freely expressed their abhorrence of slavery.
+
+But, however confident you may be, that Congress has not the lawful
+power to abolish the branch of commerce in question; nevertheless, would
+the abolition of it be so clearly and grossly unconstitutional, as to
+justify the contempt with which the numerous petitions for the measure
+are treated, and the impeachment of their fidelity to the Constitution,
+and of their patriotism and purity, which the petitioners are made
+to endure?
+
+I was about to take it for granted, that, although you deny the power of
+Congress to abolish the inter-state traffic in human beings, you do not
+justify the traffic--when I recollected the intimation in your speech,
+that there is no such traffic. For, when you speak of "the slave trade
+between the states," and add--"or, as it is described in abolition
+petitions, the traffic in human beings between the states"--do you not
+intimate there is no such traffic? Whence this language? Do you not
+believe slaves are human beings? And do you not believe that they suffer
+under the disruption of the dearest earthly ties, as human beings
+suffer? I will not detain you to hear what we of the North think of this
+internal slave trade. But I will call your attention to what is thought
+of it in your own Kentucky and in your native Virginia. Says the
+"Address of the Presbyterian Synod of Kentucky to the Churches in
+1835:"--"Brothers and sisters, parents and children, husbands and wives,
+are torn asunder, and permitted to see each other no more. Those acts
+are daily occurring in the midst of us. The shrieks and the agony often
+witnessed on such occasions, proclaim with a trumpet tongue the iniquity
+and cruelty of the system. There is not a neighborhood where these
+heart-rending scenes are not displayed. There is not a village or road
+that does not behold the sad procession of manacled outcasts, whose
+chains and mournful countenances tell that they are exiled by force from
+all that their hearts hold dear." Says Thomas Jefferson Randolph, in the
+Virginia Legislature in 1832, when speaking of this trade: "It is a
+practice, and an increasing practice, in parts of Virginia, to rear
+slaves for market. How can an honourable mind, a patriot, and a lover of
+his country, bear to see this ancient dominion, rendered illustrious by
+the noble devotion and patriotism of her sons in the cause of liberty,
+converted into one grand menagerie, where men are to be reared for the
+market like oxen for the shambles. Is it better--is it not worse than
+the (foreign) slave trade--that trade which enlisted the labor of the
+good and wise of every creed and every clime to abolish? The (foreign)
+trader receives the slave, a stranger in language, aspect, and manner,
+from the merchant who has brought him from the interior. The ties of
+father, mother, husband, and child, have already been rent in twain;
+before he receives him, his soul has become callous. But here, sir,
+individuals whom the master has known from infancy, whom he has seen
+sporting in the innocent gambols of childhood--who have been accustomed
+to look to him for protection, he tears from the mother's arms, and
+sells into a strange country--among strange people, subject to cruel
+taskmasters."
+
+You are in favor of increasing the number of slave states. The terms of
+the celebrated "Missouri compromise" warrant, in your judgment, the
+increase. But, notwithstanding you admit, that this unholy compromise,
+in which tranquillity was purchased at the expense of humanity and
+righteousness, does not "in terms embrace the case," and "is not
+absolutely binding and obligatory;" you, nevertheless, make no attempt
+whatever to do away any one of the conclusive objections, which are
+urged against such increase. You do not attempt to show how the
+multiplication of slave states can consist with the constitutional duty
+of the "United States to guarantee to every state in the Union a
+republican form of government," any more than if it were perfectly
+clear, that a government is republican under which one half of the
+people are lawfully engaged in buying and selling the other half; or
+than if the doctrine that "all men are created equal" were not the
+fundamental and distinctive doctrine of a republican government. You no
+more vindicate the proposition to enlarge the realm of slavery, than if
+the proposition were as obviously in harmony with, as it is opposed to
+the anti-slavery tenor and policy of the Constitution--the rights of
+man--and the laws of God.
+
+You are perhaps of the number of those, who, believing, that a state can
+change its Constitution as it pleases, deem it futile in Congress to
+require, that States, on entering the Union, shall have anti-slavery
+Constitutions. The Framers of the Federal Constitution doubtless foresaw
+the possibility of treachery, on the part of the new States, in the
+matter of slavery: and the restriction in that instrument to the old
+States--"the States now existing"--of the right to participate in the
+internal and "African slave trade" may be ascribed to the motive of
+diminishing, if not indeed of entirely preventing, temptation to such
+treachery. The Ordinance concerning the North-west Territory, passed by
+the Congress of 1787, and ratified by the Congress of 1790, shows, so
+far as those bodies can be regarded as correct interpreters of the
+Constitution which was framed in 1787, and adopted in 1789, that slavery
+was not to have a constitutional existence in the new States. The
+Ordinance continues the privilege of recapturing fugitive slaves in the
+North-west Territory to the "existing States." Slaves in that territory,
+to be the subjects of lawful recapture, must in the language of the
+Ordinance, owe "labour or service in one of the _original_ States."
+
+I close what I have to say on this topic, with the remark, that were it
+admitted, that the reasons for the increase of the number of slave
+States are sound and satisfactory, it nevertheless would not follow,
+that the moral and constitutional wrong of preventing that increase is
+so palpable, as to justify the scorn and insult, which are heaped by
+Congress upon this hundred thousand petitioners for this measure.
+
+It has hitherto been supposed, that you distinctly and fully admitted
+the Constitutional power of Congress to abolish slavery in the District
+of Columbia. But, on this point, as on that of the right of petition,
+you have for reasons known to yourself, suddenly and greatly changed
+your tone. Whilst your speech argues, at no small length, that Congress
+has not the right to abolish slavery in the District, all that it says
+in favor of the Constitutional power to abolish it, is that "the
+language (of the Constitution) may _possibly_ be sufficiently
+comprehensive to include a power of abolition." "Faint praise dams;" and
+your very reluctant and qualified concession of the Constitutional power
+under consideration, is to be construed, rather as a denial than a
+concession.
+
+Until I acquire the skill of making white whiter, and black blacker, I
+shall have nothing to say in proof of the Constitutional power of
+Congress over slavery in the District of Columbia, beyond referring to
+the terms, in which the Constitution so plainly conveys this power. That
+instrument authorises Congress "to exercise exclusive legislation in all
+cases whatsoever over such District." If these words do not confer the
+power, it is manifest that no words could confer it. I will add that,
+never, until the last few years, had doubts been expressed, that these
+words do fully confer that power.
+
+You will, perhaps, say, that Virginia and Maryland made their cessions
+of the territory, which constitutes the District of Columbia, with
+reservations on the subject of slavery. We answer, that none were
+expressed;[A] and that if there had been, Congress would not, and in
+view of the language of the Constitution, could not, have accepted the
+cessions. You may then say, that they would not have ceded the
+territory, had it occurred to them, that Congress would have cleared it
+of slavery; and that, this being the fact, Congress could not thus clear
+it, without being guilty of bad faith, and of an ungenerous and
+unjustifiable surprise on those States. There are several reasons for
+believing, that those States, not only did not, at the period in
+question, cherish a dread of the abolition of slavery; but that the
+public sentiment within them was decidedly in favor of its speedy
+abolition. At that period, their most distinguished statesmen were
+trumpet-tongued against slavery. At that period, there was both a
+Virginia and a Maryland society "for promoting the abolition of
+slavery;" and, it was then, that, with the entire consent of Virginia
+and Maryland, effectual measures were adopted to preclude slavery from
+that large territory, which has since given Ohio and several other
+States to the Union. On this subject, as on that of the inter-state
+slave trade, we misinterpret Virginia and Maryland, by not considering,
+how unlike was their temper in relation to slavery, amidst the decays
+and dying throes of that institution half a century ago, to what it is
+now, when slavery is not only revivified, but has become the predominant
+interest and giant power of the nation. We forget, that our whole
+country was, at that time, smitten with love for the holy cause of
+impartial and universal liberty. To judge correctly of the view, which
+our Revolutionary fathers took of oppression, we must go back and stand
+by their side, in their struggles against it,--we must survey them
+through the medium of the anti-slavery sentiment of their own times, and
+not impute to them the pro-slavery spirit so rampant in ours.
+
+[Footnote A: There is a proviso in the Act of Virginia. It was on this,
+that three years ago, in the Senate of the United States, Benjamin
+Watkins Leigh built his argument against the constitutional power of
+Congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia. I well remember
+that you then denied the soundness of his argument. This superfluous
+proviso virtually forbids Congress to pass laws, which shall "affect the
+rights of individuals" in the ceded territory. Amongst the inviolable
+"rights" was that of holding slaves, as Mr. Leigh contended. I regret,
+that, in replying to him, you did not make use of the fact, that all the
+members of Congress from Virginia voted in favor of the Ordinance, which
+abolished slavery in the North-West Territory; and this too,
+notwithstanding, that, in the Act of 1784, by which she ceded the
+North-West Territory to the Confederacy, she provided, that the
+"citizens of Virginia" in the said Territory, many of whom held slaves,
+should "be protected in the enjoyment of their rights." This fact
+furnishes striking evidence that at, or about, the time of the cession
+by Virginia of her portion of the District of Columbia, her statesmen
+believed, that the right to hold slaves in those portions of our country
+under the exclusive jurisdiction of Congress, was not beyond the reach
+of the controlling power of Congress.]
+
+I will, however, suppose it true, that Virginia and Maryland would not
+have made the cessions in question, had they foreseen, that Congress
+would abolish slavery in the District of Columbia:--and yet, I affirm,
+that it would be the duty of Congress to abolish it. Had there been
+State Prisons in the territory, at the time Congress acquired
+jurisdiction over it, and had Congress immediately opened their doors,
+and turned loose hundreds of depraved and bloody criminals, there would
+indeed have been abundant occasion for complaint. But, had the exercise
+of its power in the premises extended no farther than to the liberation
+of such convicts, as, on a re-examination of their cases, were found to
+be clearly guiltless of the crimes charged upon them; the sternest
+justice could not have objected to such an occasion for the rejoicing of
+mercy. And are not the thousands in the District, for whose liberation
+Congress is besought, unjustly deprived of their liberty? Not only are
+they guiltless, but they are even unaccused of such crimes, as in the
+judgment of any, justly work a forfeiture of liberty. And what do
+Virginia and Maryland ask? Is it, that Congress shall resubject to their
+control those thousands of deeply wronged men? No--for this Congress
+cannot do. They ask, that Congress shall fulfil the tyrant wishes of
+these States. They ask, that the whole people of the United
+States--those who hate, as well as those who love slavery, shall, by
+their representatives, assume the guilty and awful responsibility of
+perpetuating the enslavement of their innocent fellow men:--of chaining
+the bodies and crushing the wills, and blotting out the minds of such,
+as have neither transgressed, nor even been accused of having
+transgressed, a single human law. And the crime, which Virginia and
+Maryland, and they, who sympathise with them, would have the nation
+perpetrate, is, not simply that of prolonging the captivity of those,
+who were slaves before the cession--for but a handful of them are now
+remaining in the District. Most of the present number became slaves
+under the authority of this guilty nation. Their wrongs originated with
+Congress: and Congress is asked, not only to perpetuate their
+oppression, but to fasten the yoke of slavery on generations yet unborn.
+
+There are those, who advocate the recession of the District of Columbia.
+If the nation were to consent to this, without having previously
+exercised her power to "break every yoke" of slavery in the District,
+the blood of those so cruelly left there in "the house of bondage,"
+would remain indelible and damning upon her skirts:--and this too,
+whether Virginia and Maryland did or did not intend to vest Congress
+with any power over slavery. It is enough, that the nation has the power
+"to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to
+be slain," to make her fearfully guilty before God, if she "forbear" to
+exercise it.
+
+Suppose, I were to obtain a lease of my neighbor's barn for the single
+and express purpose of securing my crops; and that I should find,
+chained up in one of its dark corners, an innocent fellow man, whom that
+neighbor was subjecting to the process of a lingering death; ought I to
+pause and recall President Wayland's, "Limitations of Human
+Responsibility," and finally let the poor sufferer remain in his chains;
+or ought I not rather, promptly to respond to the laws of my nature and
+my nature's God, and let him go free? But, to make this case analogous
+to that we have been considering--to that, which imposes its claims on
+Congress--we must strike out entirely the condition of the lease, and
+with it all possible doubts of my right to release the victim of my
+neighbor's murderous hate.
+
+I am entirely willing to yield, for the sake of argument, that Virginia
+and Maryland, when ceding the territory which constitutes the District
+of Columbia, did not anticipate, and did not choose the abolition of
+slavery in it. To make the admission stronger, I will allow, that these
+States were, at the time of the cession, as warmly opposed to the
+abolition of slavery in the District as they are said to be now: and to
+make it stronger still, I will allow, that the abolition of slavery in
+the District would prove deeply injurious, not only to Virginia and
+Maryland but to the nation at large. And, after all these admissions, I
+must still insist, that Congress is under perfectly plain moral
+obligation to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia.
+
+They, who are deterred from favoring the abolition of slavery in the
+District by the apprehension, that Virginia and Maryland, if not,
+indeed, the nation at large, might suffer injurious consequences from
+the measure, overlook the fact, that there is a third party in the case.
+It is common to regard the nation as constituting one of the
+parties--Virginia and Maryland another, and the only other. But in point
+of fact, there is a third party. Of what does it consist? Of horses,
+oxen, and other brutes? Then we need not be greatly concerned about
+it--since its rights in that case, would be obviously subordinate to
+those of the other parties. Again, if such be the composition of this
+third party, we are not to be greatly troubled, that President Wayland
+and thousands of others entirely overlook its rights and interests;
+though they ought to be somewhat mindful even of brutes. But, this third
+party is composed, not of brutes--but of men--of the seven thousand men
+in the District, who have fallen under the iron hoofs of slavery--and
+who, because they are men, have rights equal to, and as sacred as the
+rights of any other men--rights, moreover, which cannot be innocently
+encroached on, even to the breadth of one hair, whether under the plea
+of "state necessity"--of the perils of emancipation--or under any other
+plea, which conscience-smitten and cowardly tyranny can suggest.
+
+If these lines shall ever be so favored, as to fall under the eye of the
+venerable and beloved John Quincy Adams, I beg, that, when he shall have
+read them, he will solemnly inquire of his heart, whether, if he should
+ever be left to vote against the abolition of slavery in the District of
+Columbia, and thus stab deeply the cause of civil liberty, of humanity,
+and of God; the guilty act would not result from overlooking the rights
+and interests, and even the existence itself, of a third party in the
+case--and from considering the claims of the nation and those of
+Virginia and Maryland, as the only claims on which he was called to
+pass, because they were the claims of the only parties, of which he
+was aware.
+
+You admit that "the first duty of Congress in relation to the District,
+of Columbia, is to render it available, comfortable, and convenient as a
+seat of the government of the whole Union." I thank you for an
+admission, which can be used, with great effect, against the many, who
+maintain, that Congress is as much bound to consult the interests and
+wishes of the inhabitants of the District, and be governed by them, as a
+State Legislature is to study and serve the interests and wishes of its
+constituents. The inhabitants of the District have taken up their
+residence in it, aware, that the paramount object of Congressional
+legislation is not their, but the nation's advantage. They judge, that
+their disfranchisement and the other disadvantages attending their
+residence are more than balanced by their favorable position for
+participating in Governmental patronage and other benefits. They know,
+that they have no better right to complain, that the legislation of
+Congress is not dictated by a primary regard to their interests, than
+has the Colonization Society, of which you are President, to complain,
+that the Capitol, in which it holds its annual meetings, is not
+constructed and fitted up in the best possible manner for such
+occasions. They know, that to sacrifice the design and main object of
+that building to its occasional and incidental uses, would be an
+absurdity no greater than would Congress be guilty of in shaping its
+legislation to the views of the thirty thousand white inhabitants of the
+District of Columbia, at the expense of neglecting the will and
+interests of the nation.
+
+You feel, that there is no hazard in your admission, that the paramount
+object in relation to the District of Columbia, is its suitableness for
+a seat of Government, since you accompany that admission with the
+denial, that the presence of slavery interferes with such suitableness.
+But is it not a matter of deep regret, that the place, in which our
+national laws are made--that the place from which the sentiment and
+fashion of the whole country derive so much of their tone and
+direction--should cherish a system, which you have often admitted, is at
+war with the first principles of our religion and civil polity;[A] and
+the influences of which are no less pervading and controlling than
+corrupting? Is it not a matter of deep regret, that they, whom other
+governments send to our own, and to whom, on account of their superior
+intellect and influence, it is our desire, as it is our duty, to commend
+our free institutions, should be obliged to learn their lessons of
+practical republicanism amidst the monuments and abominations of
+slavery? Is it no objection to the District of Columbia, as the seat of
+our Government, that slavery, which concerns the political and moral
+interests of the nation, more than any other subject coming within the
+range of legislation, is not allowed to be discussed there--either
+within or without the Halls of Congress? It is one of the doctrines of
+slavery, that slavery shall not be discussed. Some of its advocates are
+frank enough to avow, as the reason for this prohibition, that slavery
+cannot bear to be discussed. In your speech before the American
+Colonization Society in 1835, to which I have referred, you distinctly
+take the ground, that slavery is a subject not open to general
+discussion. Very far am I from believing, that you would employ, or
+intentionally countenance violence, to prevent such discussion.
+Nevertheless, it is to this doctrine of non-discussion, which you and
+others put forth, that the North is indebted for her pro-slavery mobs,
+and the South for her pro-slavery Lynchings. The declarations of such
+men as Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, that slavery is a question not to
+be discussed, are a license to mobs to burn up halls and break up
+abolition meetings, and destroy abolition presses, and murder abolition
+editors. Had such men held the opposite doctrine, and admitted, yea, and
+insisted, as it was their duty to do, that every question in morals and
+politics is a legitimate subject of free discussion--the District of
+Columbia would be far less objectionable, as the seat of our Government.
+In that case the lamented Dr. Crandall would not have been seized in the
+city of Washington on the suspicion of being an abolitionist, and thrown
+into prison, and subjected to distresses of mind and body, which
+resulted in his premature death. Had there been no slavery in the
+District, this outrage would not have been committed; and the murders,
+chargeable on the bloodiest of all bloody institutions, would have been
+one less than they now are. Talk of the slaveholding District of
+Columbia being a suitable locality for the seat of our Government! Why,
+Sir, a distinguished member of Congress was threatened there with an
+indictment for the _crime_ of presenting, or rather of proposing to
+present, a petition to the body with which he was connected! Indeed the
+occasion of the speech, on which I am now commenting, was the _impudent_
+protest of inhabitants of that District against the right of the
+American people to petition their own Congress, in relation to matters
+of vital importance to the seat of their own Government! I take occasion
+here to admit, that I have seen but references to this protest--not the
+protest itself. I presume, that it is not dissimilar, in its spirit, to
+the petition presented about the same time by Mr. Moore in the other
+House of Congress--his speech on which, he complains was ungenerously
+anticipated by yours on the petition presented by yourself. As the
+petition presented by Mr. Moore is short, I will copy it, that I may say
+to you with the more effect--how unfit is the spirit of a slaveholding
+people, as illustrated in this petition, to be the spirit of the people
+at the seat of a free Government!
+
+[Footnote A: "It (slavery) is a sin and a curse both to the master and
+the slave:"--_Henry Clay_.]
+
+"_To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States_:
+
+The petition of the undersigned, citizens of the District of Columbia
+represents--That they have witnessed with deep regret the attempts which
+are making _to disturb the integrity_ of the Union by a BAND OF
+FANATICS, embracing men, women, and children, who cease not day and
+night to crowd the tables of your halls with SEDITIOUS MEMORIALS--and
+solicit your honorable bodies that you will, in your wisdom, henceforth
+give neither support nor countenance to such UNHALLOWED ATTEMPTS, but
+that you will, in the most emphatic manner, set the seal of your
+disapprobation upon all such FOUL AND UNNATURAL EFFORTS, by refusing not
+only to READ and REFER, but also to RECEIVE any papers which either
+directly or indirectly, or by implication, aim at any interference with
+the rights of your petitioners, or of those of any citizen of any of the
+States or Territories of the United States, or of this District of which
+we are inhabitants."
+
+A Legislature should be imbued with a free, independent, fearless
+spirit. But it cannot be, where discussion is overawed and interdicted,
+or its boundaries at all contracted. Wherever slavery reigns, the
+freedom of discussion is not tolerated: and whenever slavery exists,
+there slavery reigns;--reigns too with that exclusive spirit of Turkish
+despotism, that, "bears no brother near the throne."
+
+You agree with President Wayland, that it is as improper for Congress to
+abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, as to create it in some
+place in the free States, over which it has jurisdiction. As improper,
+in the judgment of an eminent statesman, and of a no less eminent
+divine, to destroy what they both admit to be a system of
+unrighteousness, as to establish it! As improper to restrain as to
+practice, a violation of God's law! What will other countries and coming
+ages think of the politics of our statesmen and the ethics of
+our divines?
+
+But, besides its immorality, Congress has no Constitutional right to
+create slavery. You have not yet presumed to deny positively, that
+Congress has the right to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia;
+and, notwithstanding the intimation in your speech, you will not presume
+to affirm, that Congress has the Constitutional right to enact laws
+reducing to, or holding in slavery, the inhabitants of West Point, or
+any other locality in the free States, over which it has exclusive
+jurisdiction. I would here remark, that the law of Congress, which
+revived the operation of the laws of Virginia and Maryland in the
+District of Columbia, being, so far as it respects the slave laws of
+those States, a violation of the Federal Constitution, should be held of
+no avail towards legalizing slavery in the District--and the subjects of
+that slavery, should, consequently, be declared by our Courts
+unconditionally free.
+
+You will admit that slavery is a system of surpassing injustice:--but
+an avowed object of the Constitution is to "establish justice." You will
+admit that it utterly annihilates the liberty of its victims:--but
+another of the avowed objects of the Constitution is to "secure the
+blessings of liberty." You will admit, that slavery does, and
+necessarily must, regard its victims as _chattels_. The Constitution, on
+the contrary, speaks of them as nothing short of _persons_. Roger
+Sherman, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a framer of the
+Federal Constitution, and a member of the first Congress under it,
+denied that this instrument considers slaves "as a species of property."
+Mr. Madison, in the 54th No. of the Federalist admits, that the
+Constitution "regards them as inhabitants." Many cases might be cited,
+in which Congress has, in consonance with the Constitution, refused to
+recognize slaves as property. It was the expectation, as well as the
+desire of the framers of the Constitution, that slavery should soon
+cease to exist is our country; and, but for the laws, which both
+Congress and the slave States, have, in flagrant violation of the letter
+and spirit and obvious policy of the Constitution, enacted in behalf of
+slavery, that vice would, ere this, have disappeared from our land.
+Look, for instance, at the laws enacted in the fact of the clause: "The
+citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and
+immunities of citizens in the several States"--laws too, which the
+States that enacted them, will not consent to repeal, until they consent
+to abandon slavery. It is by these laws, that they shut out the colored
+people of the North, the presence of a single individual of whom so
+alarms them with the prospect of a servile insurrection, that they
+immediately imprison him. Such was the view of the Federal Constitution
+taken by James Wilson one of its framers, that, without, as I presume,
+claiming for Congress any direct power over slavery in the slave States,
+he declared that it possessed "power to exterminate slavery from within
+our borders." It was probably under a like view, that Benjamin Franklin,
+another of its framers, and Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration
+of Independence, and other men of glorious and blessed memory,
+petitioned the first Congress under the Constitution to "countenance the
+restoration to liberty of those unhappy men," (the slaves of our
+country). And in what light that same Congress viewed the Constitution
+may be inferred from the fact, that, by a special act, it ratified the
+celebrated Ordinance, by the terms of which slavery was forbidden for
+ever in the North West Territory. It is worthy of note, that the avowed
+object of the Ordinance harmonizes with that of the Constitution: and
+that the Ordinance was passed the same year that the Constitution was
+drafted, is a fact, on which we can strongly rely to justify a reference
+to the spirit of the one instrument for illustrating the spirit of the
+other. What the spirit of the Ordinance is, and in what light they who
+passed it, regarded "republics, their laws and constitutions," may be
+inferred from the following declaration in the Ordinance of its grand
+object: "For extending the fundamental principles of civil and religious
+liberty, which form the basis wherever these Republics, their laws and
+constitutions are erected; to fix and establish those principles as the
+basis of all laws, constitutions, and governments, which forever
+hereafter shall be formed in the said territory, &c.; it is hereby
+ordained and declared that the following articles, &c." One of these
+articles is that, which has been referred to, and which declares that
+"there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said
+Territory."
+
+You will perhaps make light of my reference to James Wilson and Benjamin
+Franklin, for I recollect you say, that, "When the Constitution was
+about going into operation, its powers were not well understood by the
+community at large, and remained to be accurately interpreted and
+defined." Nevertheless, I think it wise to repose more confidence in the
+views, which the framers of the Constitution took of the spirit and
+principles of that instrument, than in the definitions and
+interpretations of the pro-slavery generation, which has succeeded them.
+
+It should be regarded as no inconsiderable evidence of the anti-slavery
+genius and policy of the Constitution, that Congress promptly
+interdicted slavery in the first portion of territory, and that, too, a
+territory of vast extent, over which it acquired jurisdiction. And is it
+not a perfectly reasonable supposition, that the seat of our Government
+would not have been polluted by the presence of slavery, had Congress
+acted on that subject by itself, instead of losing sight of it in the
+wholesale legislation, by which the laws of Virginia and Maryland were
+revived in the District?
+
+If the Federal Constitution be not anti-slavery in its general scope and
+character; if it be not impregnated with the principles of universal
+liberty; why was it necessary, in order to restrain Congress, for a
+limited period, from acting against the slave trade, which is but a
+branch or incident of slavery, to have a clause to that end in the
+Constitution? The fact that the framers of the Constitution refused to
+blot its pages with the word "slave" or "slavery;" and that, by
+periphrase and the substitution of "persons" for "slaves," they sought
+to conceal from posterity and the world the mortifying fact, that
+slavery existed under a government based on the principle, that
+governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed,"
+contains volumes of proof, that they looked upon American slavery as a
+decaying institution; and that they would naturally shape the
+Constitution to the abridgment and the extinction, rather than the
+extension and perpetuity of the giant vice of the country.
+
+It is not to be denied, that the Constitution tolerates a limited
+measure of slavery: but it tolerates this measure only as the exception
+to its rule of impartial and universal liberty. Were it otherwise, the
+principles of that instrument could be pleaded to justify the holding of
+men as property, in cases, other than those specifically provided for in
+it. Were it otherwise, these principles might be appealed to, as well to
+sanction the enslavement of men, as the capture of wild beasts. Were it
+otherwise, the American people might be Constitutionally realizing the
+prophet's declaration: "they all lie in wait for blood: they hunt every
+man his brother with a net." But mere principles, whether in or out of
+the Constitution, do not avail to justify and uphold slavery. Says Lord
+Mansfield in the famous Somerset case: "The state of slavery is of such
+a nature, that it is incapable of being now introduced by courts of
+justice upon mere reasoning or inferences from any principles, natural
+or political; it must take its rise from _positive law_; the origin of
+it can in no country or age be traced back to any other source. A case
+so odious as the condition of slaves, must be taken strictly." Grotius
+says, that "slavery places man in an unnatural relation to man--a
+relation which nothing but positive law can sustain." All are aware,
+that, by the common law, man cannot have property in man; and that
+wherever that law is not counteracted on this point by positive law,
+"slaves cannot breathe," and their "shackles fall." I scarcely need add,
+that the Federal Constitution does, in the main, accord with the common
+law. In the words of a very able writer: "The common law is the grand
+element of the United States Constitution. All its fundamental
+provisions are instinct with its spirit; and its existence, principles,
+and paramount authority, are presupposed and assumed throughout
+the whole."
+
+To argue the anti-slavery character of the Federal Constitution, it is
+not necessary to take the high ground of some, that whatever in the
+Constitution favors slavery is void, because opposed to the principles
+and general tenor of that instrument. Much less is it necessary to take
+the still higher ground, that every law in favor of slavery, in whatever
+code or connection it may be found, is utterly invalid because of its
+plain contravention of the law of nature. To maintain my position, that
+the Constitution is anti-slavery in its general character, and that
+constitutional slavery is, at the most, but an exception to that general
+character, it was not necessary to take either of these grounds; though,
+had I been disposed to take even the higher of them, I should not have
+lacked the countenance of the most weighty authorities. "The law of
+nature," says Blackstone, "being coeval with mankind, and dictated by
+God himself, is of course superior in obligation to any other. It is
+binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times: no human
+laws are of any validity if contrary to this." The same writer says,
+that "The law of nature requires, that man should pursue his own true
+and substantial happiness." But that slavery allows this pursuit to its
+victims, no one will pretend. "There is a law," says Henry Brougham,
+"above all the enactments of human codes. It is the law written by the
+finger of God on the heart of man; and by that law, unchangeable and
+eternal, while men despise fraud, and loathe rapine, and abhor blood,
+they shall reject with indignation the wild and guilty phantasy, that
+man can hold property in man."
+
+I add no more to what I have said on the subject of slavery in the
+District of Columbia, than to ask, as I have done in relation to the
+inter-state slave trade and the annexation of slave states, whether
+petitions for its abolition argue so great a contempt of the
+Constitution, and so entire a recklessness of propriety, as to merit the
+treatment which they receive at the hands of Congress. Admitting that
+Congress has not the constitutional power to abolish slavery in the
+District--admitting that it has not the constitutional power to destroy
+what itself has established--admitting, too, that if it has the power,
+it ought not to exercise it;--nevertheless, is the case so perfectly
+clear, that the petitioners for the measure deserve all the abuse and
+odium which their representatives in Congress heap upon them? In a word,
+do not the three classes of petitions to which you refer, merit, at the
+hands of those representatives, the candid and patient consideration
+which, until I read your acknowledgment, that, in relation to these
+petitions, "there is no substantial difference between" yourself and
+those, who are in favor of thrusting them aside undebated, unconsidered,
+and even unread, I always supposed you were willing to have bestowed
+on them?
+
+I pass to the examination of your charges against the abolitionists.
+
+_They contemn the "rights of property."_
+
+This charge you prefer against the abolitionists, not because they
+believe that a Legislature has the right to abolish slavery, nor because
+they deny that slaves are legally property; for this obvious truth they
+do not deny. But you prefer it, because they believe that man cannot
+rightfully be a subject of property.
+
+Abolitionists believe, to use words, which I have already quoted, that
+it is "a wild and guilty phantasy, that man can hold property in man."
+They believe, that to claim property in the exalted being, whom God has
+made in His own image, and but "a little lower than the angels," is
+scarcely less absurd than to claim it in the Creator himself. You take
+the position, that human laws can rightfully reduce a race of men to
+property; and that the outrage, to use your own language, is "sanctioned
+and sanctified" by "two hundred years" continuance of it. Abolitionists,
+on the contrary, trace back man's inalienable self-ownership to
+enactments of the Divine Legislator, and to the bright morning of time,
+when he came forth from the hand of his Maker, "crowned with glory and
+honor," invested with self-control, and with dominion over the brute and
+inanimate creation. You soothe the conscience of the slaveholder, by
+reminding him, that the relation, which he has assumed towards his
+down-trodden fellow-man, is lawful. The abolitionist protests, that the
+wickedness of the relation is none the less, because it is legalized. In
+charging abolitionists with condemning "the rights of property," you
+mistake the innocent for the guilty party. Were you to be so unhappy as
+to fall into the hands of a kidnapper, and be reduced to a slave, and
+were I to remonstrate, though in vain, with your oppressor, who would
+you think was the despiser of "the rights of property"--myself, or the
+oppressor? As you would judge in that case, so judges every slave in his
+similar case.
+
+The man-stealer's complaint, that his "rights of property" in his stolen
+fellow men are not adequately respected by the abolitionist, recalls to
+my mind a very similar, and but little more ludicrous case of
+conscientious regard for the "rights of property." A traveler was
+plundered of the whole of his large sum of money. He pleaded
+successfully with the robber for a little of it to enable him to reach
+his home. But, putting his hand rather deeper into the bag of stolen
+coins than comported with the views of the robber, he was arrested with
+the cry, "Why, man, have you no conscience?" You will perhaps inquire,
+whether abolitionists regard all the slaves of the South as stolen--as
+well those born at the South, as those, who were confessedly stolen from
+Africa? I answer, that we do--that every helpless new-born infant, on
+which the chivalry of the South pounces, is, in our judgment, the owner
+of itself--that we consider, that the crime of man-stealing which is so
+terribly denounced in the Bible, does not consist, as is alleged, in
+stealing a slave from a third person, but in stealing him from
+himself--in depriving him of self control, and subjecting him, as
+property, to the absolute control of another. Joseph's declaration, that
+he "was stolen," favors this definition of man-stealing. Jewish
+Commentators authorise it. Money, as it does not own itself, cannot be
+stolen from itself But when we reflect, that man is the owner of
+himself, it does not surprise us, that wresting away his inalienable
+rights--his very manhood--should have been called man-stealing.
+
+Whilst on this subject of "the rights of property," I am reminded of
+your "third impediment to abolition." This "impediment" consists in the
+fact of the great value of the southern slaves--which, according to your
+estimation, is not less than "twelve hundred millions of dollars." I
+will adopt your estimate, and thus spare myself from going into the
+abhorrent calculation of the worth in dollars and cents of immortal
+man--of the worth of "the image of God." I thank you for your virtual
+admission, that this wealth is grasped with a tenacity proportioned to
+its vast amount. Many of the wisest and best men of the North have been
+led into the belief that the slaveholders of the South are too humane
+and generous to hold their slaves fur the sake of gain. Even Dr.
+Channing was a subject of this delusion; and it is well remembered, that
+his too favorable opinions of his fellow men, made it difficult to
+disabuse him of it. Northern Christians have been ready to believe, that
+the South would give up her slaves, because of her conscious lack of
+title to them. But in what age of the world have impenitent men failed
+to cling as closely to that, which they had obtained by fraud, as to
+their honest acquisitions? Indeed, it is demonstrable on philosophical
+principles, that the more stupendous the fraud, the more tenacious is
+the hold upon that, which is gotten by it. I trust, that your admission
+to which I have just referred, will have no small effect to prevent the
+Northern apologist for slavery from repeating the remark that the South
+would gladly liberate her slaves, if she saw any prospect of bettering
+the condition of the objects of her tender and solicitous benevolence. I
+trust, too, that this admission will go far to prove the emptiness of
+your declaration, that the abolitionists "have thrown back for half a
+century the prospect of any species of emancipation of the African race,
+gradual or immediate, in any of the states," and the emptiness of your
+declaration, that, "prior to the agitation of this subject of abolition,
+there was a progressive melioration in the condition of slaves
+throughout all the slave states," and that "in some of them, schools of
+instruction were opened," &c.; and I further trust, that this admission
+will render harmless your intimation, that this "melioration" and these
+"schools" were intended to prepare the slaves for freedom. After what
+you have said of the great value of the slaves, and of the obstacle it
+presents to emancipation, you will meet with little success in your
+endeavors to convince the world, that the South was preparing to give up
+the "twelve hundred millions of dollars," and that the naughty
+abolitionists have postponed her gratification "for half a century." If
+your views of the immense value of the slaves, and of the consequent
+opposition to their freedom, be correct, then the hatred of the South
+towards the abolitionists must be, not because their movements tend to
+lengthen, but because they tend to shorten the period of her possession
+of the "twelve hundred millions of dollars." May I ask you, whether,
+whilst the South clings to these "twelve hundred millions of dollars,"
+it is not somewhat hypocritical in her to be complaining, that the
+abolitionists are fastening the "twelve hundred millions of dollars" to
+her? And may I ask you, whether there is not a little inconsistency
+between your own lamentations over this work of the abolitionists, and
+your intimation that the South will never consent to give up her slaves,
+until the impossibility, of paying her "twelve hundred millions of
+dollars" for them, shall have been accomplished? Puerile and insulting
+as is your proposition to the abolitionists to raise "twelve hundred
+millions of dollars" for the purchase of the slaves, it is nevertheless
+instructive; inasmuch as it shows, that, in your judgment, the South is
+as little willing to give up her slaves, as the abolitionists are able
+to pay "twelve hundred millions of dollars" for them; and how unable the
+abolitionists are to pay a sum of money far greater than the whole
+amount of money in the world, I need not explain.
+
+But if the South must have "twelve hundred millions of dollars" to
+induce her to liberate her present number of slaves, how can you expect
+success fur your scheme of ridding her of several times the present
+number, "in the progress of some one hundred and fifty, or two hundred
+years?" Do you reply, that, although she must have "four hundred
+dollars" a-piece for them, if she sell them to the abolitionists, she
+is, nevertheless, willing to let the Colonization Society have them
+without charge? There is abundant proof, that she is not. During the
+twenty-two years of the existence of that Society, not so many slaves
+have been emancipated and given to it for expatriation, as are born in a
+single week. As a proof that the sympathies of the South are all with
+the slaveholding and _real_ character of this two-faced institution, and
+not at all with the abolition purposes and tendencies, which it
+professes at the North, none of its Presidents, (and slave-holders only
+are deemed worthy to preside over it,) has ever contributed from his
+stock of slaves to swell those bands of emigrants, who, leaving our
+shores in the character of "nuisances," are instantly transformed, to
+use your own language, into "missionaries, carrying with them
+credentials in the holy cause of Christianity, civilization, and free
+institutions." But you were not in earnest, when you held up the idea in
+your recent speech, that the rapidly multiplying millions of our colored
+countrymen would be expatriated. What you said on that point was but to
+indulge in declamation, and to round off a paragraph. It is in that part
+of your speech where you say that "no practical scheme for their removal
+or separation from us has yet been devised or proposed," that you
+exhibit your real sentiments on this subject, and impliedly admit the
+deceitfulness of the pretensions of the American Colonization Society.
+
+Before closing my remarks on the topic of "the rights of property," I
+will admit the truth of your charge, that _Abolitionists deny, that the
+slaveholder is entitled to "compensation" for his slaves_.
+
+Abolitionists do not know, why he, who steals men is, any more than he,
+who steals horses, entitled to "compensation" for releasing his plunder.
+They do not know, why he, who has exacted thirty years' unrequited toil
+from the sinews of his poor oppressed brother, should be paid for
+letting that poor oppressed brother labor for himself the remaining ten
+or twenty years of his life. But, it is said, that the South bought her
+slaves of the North, and that we of the North ought therefore to
+compensate the South for liberating them. If there are individuals at
+the North, who have sold slaves, I am free to admit, that they should
+promptly surrender their ill-gotten gains; and no less promptly should
+the inheritors of such gains surrender them. But, however this may be,
+and whatever debt may be due on this score, from the North to the South,
+certain it is, that on no principle of sound ethics, can the South hold
+to the persons of the innocent slaves, as security for the payment of
+the debt. Your state and mine, and I would it were so with all others,
+no longer allow the imprisonment of the debtor as a means of coercing
+payment from him. How much less, then, should they allow the creditor to
+promote the security of his debt by imprisoning a third person--and one
+who is wholly innocent of contracting the debt? But who is imprisoned,
+if it be not he, who is shut up in "the house of bondage?" And who is
+more entirely innocent than he, of the guilty transactions between his
+seller and buyer?
+
+Another of your charges against abolitionists is, _that, although
+"utterly destitute of Constitutional or other rightful power--living in
+totally distinct communities--as alien to the communities in which the
+subject on which they would operate resides, so far as concerns
+political power over that subject, as if they lived in Africa or Asia;
+they nevertheless promulgate to the world their purpose to be, to
+manumit forthwith, and without compensation, and without moral
+preparation, three millions of negro slaves, under jurisdictions
+altogether separated from those under which they live."_
+
+I will group with this charge several others of the same class.
+
+_1._ _Abolitionists neglect the fact, that "the slavery which exists
+amongst us (southern people) is our affair--not theirs--and that they
+have no more just concern with it, than they have with slavery as it
+exists throughout the world."_
+
+_2._ _They are regardless of the "deficiency of the powers of the
+General Government, and of the acknowledged and incontestable powers of
+the States."_
+
+_3._ "Superficial men (meaning no doubt abolitionists) confound the
+totally different cases together of the powers of the British Parliament
+and those of the Congress of the United States in the matter of
+slavery."_
+
+Are these charges any thing more than the imagery of your own fancy, or
+selections from the numberless slanders of a time-serving and corrupt
+press? If they are founded on facts, it is in your power to state the
+facts. For my own part, I am utterly ignorant of any, even the least,
+justification for them. I am utterly ignorant that the abolitionists
+hold any peculiar views in relation to the powers of the General or
+State Governments. I do not believe, that one in a hundred of them
+supposes, that slavery in the states is a legitimate subject of federal
+legislation. I believe, that a majority of the intelligent men amongst
+them accord much more to the claims of "state sovereignty," and approach
+far more nearly to the character of "strict constructionists," than does
+the distinguished statesman, who charges them with such latitudinarian
+notions. There may be persons in our country, who believe that Congress
+has the absolute power over all American slavery, which the British
+Parliament had over all British slavery; and that Congress can abolish
+slavery in the slave states, because Great Britain abolished it in her
+West India Islands; but, I do not know them; and were I to look for
+them, I certainly should not confine my search to abolitionists--for
+abolitionists, as it is very natural they should be, are far better
+instructed in the subject of slavery and its connections with civil
+government, than are the community in general.
+
+It is passing strange, that you, or any other man, who is not playing a
+desperate game, should, in the face of the Constitution of the American
+Anti-Slavery Society, which "admits, that each state, in which slavery
+exists, has, by the Constitution of the United States, the exclusive
+right to legislate in regard to the abolition of slavery in said state;"
+make such charges, as you have done.
+
+In an Address "To the Public," dated September 3, 1835, and subscribed
+by the President, Treasurer, the three Secretaries, and the other five
+members of the Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society,
+we find the following language. 1. "We hold that Congress has no more
+right to abolish slavery in the Southern states than in the French West
+India Islands. Of course we desire no national legislation on the
+subject. 2. We hold that slavery can only be lawfully abolished by the
+legislatures of the several states in which it prevails, and that the
+exercise of any other than moral influence to induce such abolition is
+unconstitutional."
+
+But what slavery is it that the abolitionists call on Congress to
+abolish? Is it that in the slave states? No--it is that in the District
+of Columbia and in the territories--none other. And is it not a fair
+implication of their petitions, that this is the only slavery, which, in
+the judgment of the petitioners, Congress has power to abolish?
+Nevertheless, it is in the face of this implication, that you make your
+array of charges.
+
+Is it true, however, that the North has nothing more to do with slavery
+in the states, than with slavery in a foreign country? Does it not
+concern the North, that, whilst it takes many thousands of her voters to
+be entitled to a representative in Congress, there are districts at the
+South, where, by means of slavery, a few hundred voters enjoy this
+benefit. Again, since the North regards herself as responsible in common
+with the South, for the continuance of slavery in the District of
+Columbia and in the Territories, and for the continuance of the
+interstate traffic in human beings; and since she believes slavery in
+the slave states to be the occasion of these crimes, and that they will
+all of necessity immediately cease when slavery ceases--is it not right,
+that she should feel that she has a "just concern with slavery?" Again,
+is it nothing to the people of the North, that they may be called on, in
+obedience to a requirement of the federal constitution, to shoulder
+their muskets to quell "domestic violence?" But, who does not know, that
+this requirement owes its existence solely to the apprehension of
+servile insurrections?--or, in other words, to the existence of slavery
+in the slave states? Again, when our guiltless brothers escape from the
+southern prison-house, and come among us, we are under constitutional
+obligation to deliver them up to their stony-hearted pursuers. And is
+not slavery in the slave states, which is the occasion of our obligation
+to commit this outrage on humanity and on the law of God, a matter of
+"just concern to us?" To what too, but slavery, in the slave states, is
+to be ascribed the long standing insult of our government towards that
+of Hayti? To what but that, our national disadvantages and losses from
+the want of diplomatic relations between the two governments? To what so
+much, as to slavery in the slave states, are owing the corruption in our
+national councils, and the worst of our legislation? But scarcely any
+thing should go farther to inspire the North with a sense of her "just
+concern" in the subject of slavery in the slave states, than the fact,
+that slavery is the parent of the cruel and murderous prejudice, which
+crushes and kills her colored people; and, that it is but too probable,
+that the child will live as long as its parent. And has the North no
+"just concern" with the slavery of the slave states, when there is so
+much reason to fear that our whole blood-guilty nation is threatened
+with God's destroying wrath on account of it?
+
+There is another respect in which we of the North have a "just concern"
+with the slavery of the slave states. We see nearly three millions of
+our fellow men in those states robbed of body, mind, will, and
+soul--denied marriage and the reading of the Bible, and marketed as
+beasts. We see them in a word crushed in the iron folds of slavery. Our
+nature--the laws written upon its very foundations--the Bible, with its
+injunctions "to remember them that are in bonds as bound with them," and
+to "open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are
+appointed to destruction"--all require us to feel and to express what we
+feel for these wretched millions. I said, that we see this misery. There
+are many amongst us--they are anti-abolitionists--who do not see it; and
+to them God says; "but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."
+
+I add, that we of the North must feel concerned about slavery in the
+slave states, because of our obligation to pity the deluded,
+hard-hearted, and bloody oppressors in those states: and to manifest our
+love for them by rebuking their unsurpassed sin. And, notwithstanding
+pro-slavery statesmen at the North, who wink at the iniquity of slave
+holding, and pro-slavery clergymen at the North, who cry, "peace, peace"
+to the slaveholder, and sew "pillows to armholes," tell us, that by our
+honest and open rebuke of the slaveholder, we shall incur his enduring
+hatred; we, nevertheless, believe that "open rebuke is better than
+secret love," and that, in the end, we shall enjoy more Southern favor
+than they, whose secret love is too prudent and spurious to deal
+faithfully with the objects of its regard. "He that rebuketh a man,
+afterward shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the
+tongue." The command, "thou shall in any wise rebuke thy neighbor and
+not suffer sin upon him," is one, which the abolitionist feels, that he
+is bound to obey, as well in the case of the slaveholder, as in that of
+any other sinner. And the question: "who is my neighbor," is so answered
+by the Savior, as to show, that not he of our vicinity, nor even he of
+our country, is alone our "neighbor."
+
+The abolitionists of the North hold, that they have certainly as much
+"just concern" with slavery in the slave states, as the temperance men
+of the North have with "intemperance" at the South. And I would here
+remark, that the weapons with which the abolitionists of the North
+attack slavery in the slave states are the same, and no other than the
+same, with those, which the North employs against the vice of
+intemperance at the South. I add too, that were you to say, that
+northern temperance men disregard "the deficiency of the powers of the
+General Government," and also "the acknowledged and incontestable powers
+of the states;" your charge would be as suitable as when it is applied
+to northern abolitionists.
+
+You ascribe to us "the purpose to manumit the three millions of negro
+slaves." Here again you greatly misrepresent us, by holding us up as
+employing coercive, instead of persuasive, means for the accomplishment
+of our object. Our "purpose" is to persuade others to "manumit." The
+slaveholders themselves are to "manumit." It is evident, that others
+cannot "manumit" for them. If the North were endeavoring to persuade the
+South to give up the growing of cotton, you would not say, it is the
+purpose of the North to give it up. But, as well might you, as to say,
+that it is the "purpose" of the abolitionists to "manumit." It is very
+much by such misrepresentations, that the prejudices against
+abolitionists are fed and sustained. How soon they would die of atrophy,
+if they, who influence the public mind and mould public opinion, would
+tell but the simple truth about abolitionists.
+
+You say, that the abolitionists would have the slaves manumitted
+"without compensation and without moral preparation." I have already
+said enough on the point of "compensation." It is true, that they would
+have them manumitted immediately:--for they believe slavery is sin, and
+that therefore the slaveholder has no right to protract the bondage of
+his slaves for a single year, or for a single day or hour;--not even,
+were he to do so to afford them "a moral preparation" for freedom, or to
+accomplish any other of the kindest and best purposes. They believe,
+that the relation of slaveholder, as it essentially and indispensably
+involves the reduction of men to chattelship, cannot, under any plea
+whatever, be continued with innocence, for a single moment. If it can
+be--if the plain laws of God, in respect to marriage and religious
+instruction and many other blessings, of which chattelized man is
+plundered, can be innocently violated--why credit any longer the
+assertion of the Bible, that "sin is the transgression of the law?"--why
+not get a new definition of sin?
+
+Another reason with abolitionists in favor of immediate manumission, is,
+that the slaves do not, as a body, acquire, whilst in slavery, any
+"moral preparation" for freedom. To learn to swim we must be allowed the
+use of water. To learn the exercises of a freeman, we must enjoy he
+element of liberty. I will not say, that slaves cannot be taught, to
+some extent, the duties of freemen. Some knowledge of the art of
+swimming may be acquired before entering the water. I have not forgotten
+what you affirm about the "progressive melioration in the condition of
+slaves," and the opening of "schools of instruction" for them "prior to
+the agitation of the subject of abolition;" nor, have I forgotten, that
+I could not read it without feeling, that the creations of your fancy,
+rather than the facts of history, supplied this information. Instances,
+rare instances, of such "melioration" and of such "schools of
+instruction," I doubt not there have been: but, I am confident, that the
+Southern slaves have been sunk in depths of ignorance proportioned to
+the profits of their labor. I have not the least belief, that the
+proportion of readers amongst them is one half so great, as it was
+before the invention of Whitney's cotton gin.
+
+Permit me to call your attention to a few of the numberless evidences,
+that slavery is a poor school for "moral preparation" for freedom. 1st.
+Slavery turns its victims into thieves. "Who should be astonished," says
+Thomas S. Clay, a very distinguished slaveholder of Georgia, "if the
+negro takes from the field or corn-house the supplies necessary for his
+craving appetite and then justifies his act, and denies that it is
+stealing?" What debasement in the slave does the same gentleman's remedy
+for theft indicate? "If," says he, "the negro is informed, that if he
+does not steal, he shall receive rice as an allowance; and if he does
+steal, he shall not, a motive is held out which will counteract the
+temptation to pilfer." 2nd. Slavery reeks with licentiousness. Another
+son of the South says, that the slaveholder's kitchen is a brothel, and
+a southern village a Sodom. The elaborate defence of slavery by
+Chancellor Harper of South Carolina justifies the heaviest accusations,
+that have been brought against it on the score of licentiousness. How
+could you blame us for deeply abhorring slavery, even were we to view it
+in no other light than that in which the Dews and Harpers and its other
+advocates present it? 3rd. Slavery puts the master in the place of God,
+and the master's law in the place of God's law! "The negro," says Thomas
+S. Clay, "is seldom taught to feel, that he is punished for breaking
+God's law! He only knows his master as law-giver and executioner, and
+the sole object held up to his view is to make him a more obedient and
+profitable slave. He oftener hears that he shall be punished if he
+steals, than if he breaks the Sabbath or swears; and thus he sees the
+very threatenings of God brought to bear on his master's interests. It
+is very manifest to him, that his own good is very far from forming the
+primary reason for his chastisement: his master's interests are to be
+secured at all events;--God's claims are secondary, or enforced merely
+for the purpose of advancing those of his owner. His own benefit is the
+residuum after this double distillation of moral motive--a mere
+accident." 4th. The laws of nearly all the slave-states forbid the
+teaching of the slaves to read. The abundant declarations, that those
+laws are without exception, a consequence of the present agitation of
+the question of slavery are glaringly false. Many of these laws were
+enacted long before this agitation; and some of them long before you and
+I were born. Say the three hundred and fifty-three gentlemen of the
+District of Abbeville and Edgefield in South Carolina, who, the last
+year, broke up a system of oral religious instruction, which the
+Methodist Conference of that State had established amongst their slaves:
+"Intelligence and slavery have no affinity for each other." And when
+those same gentlemen declare, that "verbal and lecturing instruction
+will increase a desire with the black population to learn"--that "the
+progress and diffusion of knowledge will be a consequence"--and that "a
+progressive system of improvement will be introduced, that will
+ultimately revolutionize our civil institutions," they admit, that the
+prohibition of "intelligence" to the slaves is the settled and necessary
+policy of slavery, and not, as you would have us believe, a temporary
+expedient occasioned by the present "agitation of this subject of
+abolition." 5th. Slavery--the system, which forbids marriage and the
+reading of the Bible--does of necessity turn its subjects into heathens.
+A Report of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, made five years
+ago, says: "Who could credit it, that in these years of revival and
+benevolent effort--that, in this Christian Republic, there are over two
+millions of human beings in the condition of heathen, and in some
+respects in a worse condition? They may be justly considered the heathen
+of this Christian country, and will bear comparison with heathen in any
+country in the world." I will finish what I have to say on this point of
+"moral preparation" for freedom, with the remark, that the history of
+slavery in no country warrants your implication, that slaves acquire
+such "moral preparation." The British Parliament substituted an
+apprenticeship for slavery with the express design, that it should
+afford a "moral preparation" for freedom. And yet, if you will read the
+reports of late visitors to the British West Indies, you will find, that
+the planters admit, that they made no use of the advantages of the
+apprenticeship to prepare their servants for liberty. Their own
+gain--not the slaves'--was their ruling motive, during the term of the
+apprenticeship, as well as preceding it.
+
+Another of your charges is, _that the abolitionists "have increased the
+rigors of legislation against slaves in most if not all the
+slave States_."
+
+And suppose, that our principles and measures have occasioned this
+evil--are they therefore wrong?--and are we, therefore, involved in sin?
+The principles and measures of Moses and Aaron were the occasion of a
+similar evil. Does it follow, that those principles and measures were
+wrong, and that Moses and Aaron were responsible for the sin of
+Pharaoh's increased oppressiveness? The truth, which Jesus Christ
+preached on the earth, is emphatically peace: but its power on the
+depravity of the human heart made it the occasion of division and
+violence. That depravity was the guilty cause of the division and
+violence. The truth was but the innocent occasion of them. To make it
+responsible for the effects of that depravity would be as unreasonable,
+as it is to make the holy principles of the anti-slavery cause
+responsible for the wickedness which they occasion: and to make the
+great Preacher Himself responsible for the division and violence, would
+be but to carry out the absurdity, of which the public are guilty, in
+holding abolitionists responsible for the mobs, which are got up against
+them. These mobs, by the way, are called "abolition mobs." A similar
+misnomer would pronounce the mob, that should tear down your house and
+shoot your wife, "Henry Clay's mob." Harriet Martineau, in stating the
+fact, that the mobs of 1834, in the city of New York, were set down to
+the wrong account, says, that the abolitionists were told, that "they
+had no business to scare the city with the sight of their burning
+property and demolished churches!"
+
+No doubt the light of truth, which the abolitionists are pouring into
+the dark den of slavery, greatly excites the monster's wrath: and it may
+be, that he vents a measure of it on the helpless and innocent victims
+within his grasp. Be it so;--it is nevertheless, not the Ithuriel spear
+of truth, that is to be held guilty of the harm:--it is the monster's
+own depravity, which cannot
+
+
+                              "endure
+Touch of celestial temper, but returns
+Of force to its own likeness."[A]
+
+
+[Footnote A: This is a reference to a passage in Milton's Paradise Lost,
+in which Satan in disguise is touched by the spear of the archangel
+Ithuriel and is thereby forced to return to his own form.]
+
+I am, however, far from believing, that the treatment of the slaves is
+rendered any more rigorous and cruel by the agitation of the subject of
+slavery. I am very far from believing, that it is any harsher now than
+it was before the organization of the American Anti-Slavery Society.
+Fugitive slaves tell us, it is not: and, inasmuch as the slaveholders
+are, and, by both words and actions, abundantly show, that they feel
+that they are, arraigned by the abolitionists before the bar of the
+civilized world, to answer to the charges of perpetrating cruelties on
+their slaves, it would, unless indeed, they are of the number of those
+"whose glory is in their shame," be most unphilosophical to conclude,
+that they are multiplying proofs of the truth of those charges, more
+rapidly than at any former stage of their barbarities. That slaveholders
+are not insensible to public opinion and to the value of a good
+character was strikingly exhibited by Mr. Calhoun, in his place in the
+Senate of the United States, when he followed his frank disclaimer of
+all suspicion, that the abolitionists are meditating a war against the
+slaveholder's person, with remarks evincive of his sensitiveness under
+the war, which they are waging against the slaveholder's character.
+
+A fact occurs to me, which goes to show, that the slaveholders feel
+themselves to be put upon their good behavior by the abolitionists.
+Although slaves are murdered every day at the South, yet never, until
+very recently, if at all, has the case occurred, in which a white man
+has been executed at the South for the murder of a slave. A few months
+ago, the Southern newspapers brought us copies of the document,
+containing the refusal of Governor Butler of South Carolina to pardon a
+man, who had been convicted of the murder of a slave. This document
+dwells on the protection due to the slave; and, if I fully recollect its
+character, an abolitionist himself could hardly have prepared a more
+appropriate paper for the occasion. Whence such a document--whence, in
+the editorial captions to this document, the exultation over its
+triumphant refutations of the slanders of the abolitionists against the
+South--but, that Governor Butler feels--but, that the writes of those
+captions feel--that the abolitionists have put the South upon her
+good behavior.
+
+Another of your charges is, _that the abolitionists oppose "the project
+of colonisation."_
+
+Having, under another head, made some remarks on this "project," I will
+only add, that we must oppose the American Colonization Society, because
+it denies the sinfulness of slavery, and the duty of immediate,
+unqualified emancipation. Its avowed doctrine is, that, unless
+emancipation he accompanied by expatriation, perpetual slavery is to be
+preferred to it. Not to oppose that Society, would be the guiltiest
+treachery to our holy religion, which requires immediate and
+unconditional repentance of sin. Not to oppose it, would be to uphold
+slavery. Not to oppose it, would be to abandon the Anti-Slavery Society.
+Do you ask, why, if this be the character of the American Colonization
+Society, many, who are now abolitionists, continued in it so long? I
+answer for myself, that, until near the period of my withdrawal from it,
+I had very inadequate conceptions of the wickedness, both of that
+Society, and of slavery. For having felt the unequalled sin of slavery
+no more deeply--for feeling it now no more deeply, I confess myself to
+be altogether without excuse. The great criminality of my long
+continuance in the Colonization Society is perhaps somewhat palliated by
+the fact, that the strongest proofs of the wicked character and
+tendencies of the Society were not exhibited, until it spread out its
+wing over slavery to shelter the monster from the earnest and effective
+blows of the American Anti-Slavery Society.
+
+Another of your charges is, that the abolitionists, in declaring "that
+their object is not to stimulate the action of the General Government,
+_but to operate upon the States themselves, in which the institution of
+domestic slavery exists," are evidently insincere, since the "abolition
+societies and movements are all confined to the free Slates_."
+
+I readily admit, that our object is the abolition of slavery, as well in
+the slave States, as in other portions of the Nation, where it exists.
+But, does it follow, because only an insignificant share of our
+"abolition societies and movements" is in those States, that we
+therefore depend for the abolition of slavery in them on the General
+Government, rather than on moral influence? I need not repeat, that the
+charge of our looking to the General Government for such abolition is
+refuted by the language of the Constitution of the Anti-Slavery Society.
+You may, however, ask--"why, if you do not look to the General
+Government for it, is not the great proportion of your means of moral
+influence in the slave States, where is the great body of the slaves?" I
+answer that, in the first place, the South does not permit us to have
+them there; and that, in the words of one of your fellow Senators, and
+in the very similar words of another--both uttered on the floor of the
+Senate--"if the abolitionists come to the South, the South will hang
+them." Pardon the remark, that it seems very disingenuous in you to draw
+conclusions unfavorable to the sincerity of the abolitionists from
+premises so notoriously false, as are those which imply, that it is
+entirely at their own option, whether the abolitionists shall have their
+"societies and movements" in the free or slave States. I continue to
+answer your question, by saying, in the second place, that, had the
+abolitionists full liberty to multiply their "societies and movements"
+in the slave States, they would probably think it best to have the great
+proportion of them yet awhile in the free States. To rectify public
+opinion on the subject of slavery is a leading object with
+abolitionists. This object is already realized to the extent of a
+thorough anti-slavery sentiment in Great Britain, as poor Andrew
+Stevenson, for whom you apologise, can testify. Indeed, the great power
+and pressure of that sentiment are the only apology left to this
+disgraced and miserable man for uttering a bald falsehood in vindication
+of Virginia morals. He above all other men, must feel the truth of the
+distinguished Thomas Fowel Buxton's declaration, that "England is turned
+into one great Anti-Slavery Society." Now, Sir, it is such a change, as
+abolitionists have been the instruments of producing in Great Britain,
+that we hope to see produced in the free States. We hope to see public
+sentiment in these States so altered, that such of their laws, as uphold
+and countenance slavery, will be repealed--so altered, that the present
+brutal treatment of the colored population in them will give place to a
+treatment dictated by justice, humanity, and brotherly and Christian
+love;--so altered, that there will be thousands, where now there are not
+hundreds, to class the products of slave labor with other stolen goods,
+and to refuse to eat and to wear that, which is wet with the tears, and
+red with the blood of "the poor innocents," whose bondage is continued,
+because men are more concerned to buy what is cheap, than what is
+honestly acquired;--so altered, that our Missionary and other religious
+Societies will remember, that God says: "I hate robbery for
+burnt-offering," and will forbear to send their agents after that
+plunder, which, as it is obtained at the sacrifice of the body and soul
+of the plundered, is infinitely more unfit, than the products of
+ordinary theft, to come into the Lord's treasury. And, when the warm
+desires of our hearts, on these points, shall be realized, the fifty
+thousand Southerners, who annually visit the North, for purposes of
+business and pleasure, will not all return to their homes,
+self-complacent and exulting, as now, when they carry with them the
+suffrages of the North in favor of slavery: but numbers of them will
+return to pursue the thoughts inspired by their travels amongst the
+enemies of oppression--and, in the sequel, they will let their
+"oppressed go free."
+
+It were almost as easy for the sun to call up vegetation by the side of
+an iceberg, as for the abolitionists to move the South extensively,
+whilst their influence is counteracted by a pro-slavery spirit at the
+North. How vain would be the attempt to reform the drunkards of your
+town of Lexington, whilst the sober in it continue to drink intoxicating
+liquors! The first step in the reformation is to induce the sober to
+change their habits, and create that total abstinence-atmosphere, in the
+breathing of which, the drunkard lives,--and, for the want of which, he
+dies. The first step, in the merciful work of delivering the slaveholder
+from his sin, is similar. It is to bring him under the influence of a
+corrected public opinion--of an anti-slavery sentiment:--and they, who
+are to be depended on to contribute to this public opinion--to make up
+this anti-slavery sentiment--are those, who are not bound up in the iron
+habits, and blinded by the mighty interests of the slaveholder. To
+depend on slaveholders to give the lead to public opinion in the
+anti-slavery enterprise, would be no less absurd, than to begin the
+temperance reformation with drunkards, and to look to them to produce
+the influences, which are indispensable to their own redemption.
+
+You say of the abolitionists, _that "they are in favor of
+amalgamation."_
+
+The Anti-Slavery Society is, as its name imports, a society to oppose
+slavery--not to "make matches." Whether abolitionists are inclined to
+amalgamation more than anti-abolitionists are, I will not here take upon
+myself to decide. So far, as you and I may be regarded as
+representatives of these two parties, and so far as our marriages argue
+our tastes in this matter, the abolitionists and anti-abolitionists may
+be set down, as equally disposed to couple white with white and black
+with black--for our wives, as you are aware, are both white. I will here
+mention, as it may further argue the similarity in the matrimonial
+tastes of abolitionists and anti-abolitionists, the fact so grateful to
+us in the days, when we were "workers together" in promoting the "scheme
+of Colonization," that our wives are natives of the same town.
+
+I have a somewhat extensive acquaintance at the North; and I can truly
+say, that I do not know a white abolitionist, who is the reputed father
+of a colored child. At the South there are several hundred thousand
+persons, whose yellow skins testify, that the white man's blood courses
+through their veins. Whether the honorable portion of their parentage is
+to be ascribed exclusively to the few abolitionists scattered over the
+South--and who, under such supposition, must, indeed, be prodigies of
+industry and prolificness--or whether anti-abolitionists there have,
+notwithstanding all their pious horror of "amalgamation," been
+contributing to it, you can better judge than myself.
+
+That slavery is a great amalgamator, no one acquainted with the blended
+colors of the South will, for a moment, deny. But, that an increasing
+amalgamation would attend the liberation of the slaves, is quite
+improbable, when we reflect, that the extensive occasions of the present
+mixture are the extreme debasement of the blacks and their entire
+subjection to the will of the whites; and that even should the
+debasement continue under a state of freedom, the subjection would not.
+It is true, that the colored population of our country might in a state
+of freedom, attain to an equality with the whites; and that a
+multiplication of instances of matrimonial union between the two races
+might be a consequence of this equality: but, beside, that this would be
+a lawful and sinless union, instead of the adulterous and wicked one,
+which is the fruit of slavery, would not the improved condition of our
+down-trodden brethren be a blessing infinitely overbalancing all the
+violations of our taste, which it might occasion? I say violations of
+_our_ taste;--for we must bear in mind that, offensive as the
+intermixture of different races may be to us, the country or age, which
+practices it, has no sympathy whatever with our feeling on this point.
+
+How strongly and painfully it argues the immorality and irreligion of
+the American people, that they should look so complacently on the
+"amalgamation," which tramples the seventh commandment under foot, and
+yet be so offended at that, which has the sanction of lawful wedlock!
+When the Vice President of this Nation was in nomination for his present
+office, it was objected to him, that he had a family of colored
+children. The defence, set up by his partisans, was, that, although he
+had such a family, he nevertheless was not married to their mother! The
+defence was successful; and the charge lost all its odiousness; and the
+Vice President's popularity was retrieved, when, it turned out, that he
+was only the adulterous, and not the married father of his children!
+
+I am aware, that many take the ground, that we must keep the slaves in
+slavery to prevent the matrimonial "amalgamation," which, they
+apprehend, would be a fruit of freedom. But, however great a good,
+abolitionists might deem the separation of the white and black races,
+and however deeply they might be impressed with the power of slavery to
+promote this separation, they nevertheless, dare not "do evil, that good
+may come:"--they dare not seek to promote this separation, at the
+fearful expense of upholding, or in anywise, countenancing a
+humanity-crushing and God-defying system of oppression.
+
+Another charge against the abolitionists is implied in the inquiry you
+make, _whether since they do not "furnish in their own families or
+persons examples of intermarriage, they intend to contaminate the
+industrious and laborious classes of society of the North by a revolting
+admixture of the black element."_
+
+This inquiry shows how difficult it is for southern minds, accustomed as
+they have ever been to identify labor with slavery, to conceive the true
+character and position of such "classes" at the North; and also how
+ignorant they are of the composition of our Anti-Slavery societies. To
+correct your misapprehensions on these points, I will briefly say, in
+the first place, that the laborers of the North are freemen and not
+slaves;--that they marry whom they please, and are neither paired nor
+unpaired to suit the interests of the breeder, or seller, or buyer, of
+human stock:--and, in the second place, that the abolitionists, instead
+of being a body of persons distinct from "the industrious and laborious
+classes," do, more than nineteen twentieths of them, belong to those
+"classes." You have fallen into great error in supposing, that
+_abolitionists_ generally belong to the wealthy and aristocratic
+classes. This, to a great extent, is true of _anti-abolitionists_. Have
+you never heard the boast, that there have been anti-abolition mobs,
+which consisted of "gentlemen of property and standing?"
+
+You charge upon abolitionists "_the purpose to create a pinching
+competition between black labor and white labor;" and add, that "on the
+supposition of abolition the black class, migrating into the free
+states, would enter into competition with the white class, diminishing
+the wages of their labor_."
+
+In making this charge, as well as in making that which immediately
+precedes it, you have fallen into the error, that abolitionists do not
+belong to "the industrious and laborious classes." In point of fact, the
+abolitionists belong so generally to these classes, that if your charge
+be true, they must have the strange "purpose" of "pinching" themselves.
+
+Whether "the black class" would, or would not migrate, I am much more
+pleased to have you say what you do on this point, though it be at the
+expense of your consistency, than to have you say, as you do in another
+part of your speech, that abolition "would end in the extermination or
+subjugation of the one race or the other."
+
+It appears to me highly improbable, that emancipation would be followed
+by the migration of the emancipated. Emancipation, which has already
+added fifty per cent. to the value of estates in the British West
+Indies, would immediately add as much to the value of the soil of the
+South. Much more of it would be brought into use; and, notwithstanding
+the undoubted truth, that the freedman performs twice as much labor as
+when a slave, the South would require, instead of any diminution, a very
+great increase of the number of her laborers. The laboring population of
+the British West India Islands, is one-third as large as that of the
+southern states; and yet, since these islands have got rid of slavery,
+and have entered on their career of enterprize and industry, they find
+this population, great as it is, insufficient to meet the increased
+demand for labor. As you are aware, they are already inviting laborers
+of this and other countries to supply the deficiency. But what is the
+amount of cultivable land in those islands, compared with that in all
+the southern states? It is not so extensive as the like land in your
+single state.
+
+But you may suppose, that, in the event of the emancipation of her
+slaves, the South would prefer white laborers. I know not why she
+should. Such are, for the most part, unaccustomed to her kinds of labor,
+and they would exact, because they would need, far greater wages than
+those, who had never been indulged beyond the gratification of their
+simplest wants. There is another point of view, in which it is still
+more improbable, that the black laborers of the South would be displaced
+by immigrations of white laborers. The proverbial attachment of the
+slave to his "bornin-ground," (the place of his nativity,) would greatly
+contribute to his contentment with low wages, at the hands of his old
+master. As an evidence of the strong attachment of our southern colored
+brethren to their birth-places, I remark, that, whilst the free colored
+population of the free states increased from 1820 to 1830 but nineteen
+per cent., the like population in the slave states increased, in the
+same period, thirty five per cent;--and this, too, notwithstanding the
+operation of those oppressive and cruel laws, whose enactment was
+dictated by the settled policy of expelling the free blacks from
+the South.
+
+That, in the event of the abolition of southern slavery, the emancipated
+slaves would migrate to the North, rather than elsewhere, is very
+improbable. Whilst our climate would be unfriendly to them, and whilst
+they would be strangers to our modes of agriculture, the sugar and
+cotton fields of Texas, the West Indies, and other portions of the
+earth, would invite them to congenial employments beneath congenial
+skies. That, in case southern slavery is abolished, the colored
+population of the North would be drawn off to unite with their race at
+the South, is, for reasons too obvious to mention, far more probable
+than the reverse.
+
+It will be difficult for you to persuade the North, that she would
+suffer in a pecuniary point of view by the extirpation of slavery. The
+consumption of the laborers at the South would keep pace with the
+improvement and elevation of their condition, and would very soon impart
+a powerful impulse to many branches of Northern industry.
+
+Another of your charges is in the following words: "The subject of
+slavery within the District of Florida," and that "of the right of
+Congress to prohibit the removal of slaves from one state to another,"
+are, with abolitionists, "but so many masked batteries, concealing the
+real and ultimate point of attack. That point of attack is the
+institution of domestic slavery, as it exists in those states."
+
+If you mean by this charge, that abolitionists think that the abolition
+of slavery in the District of Columbia and in Florida, and the
+suppression of the interstate traffic in human beings are, in
+themselves, of but little moment, you mistake. If you mean, that they
+think them of less importance than the abolition of slavery in the slave
+states, you are right; and if you further mean, that they prize those
+objects more highly, and pursue them more zealously, because they think,
+that success in them will set in motion very powerful, if not indeed
+resistless influences against slavery in the slave states, you are right
+in this also. I am aware, that the latter concession brings
+abolitionists under the condemnation of that celebrated book, written by
+a _modern_ limiter of "human responsibility"--not by the _ancient_ one,
+who exclaimed, "Am I my brother's keeper?" In that book, to which, by
+the way, the infamous Atherton Resolutions are indebted for their
+keynote, and grand pervading idea, we find the doctrine, that even if it
+were the duty of Congress to abolish slavery in the District of
+Columbia, the North nevertheless should not seek for such abolition,
+unless the object of it be "ultimate within itself." If it be "for the
+sake of something ulterior" also--if for the sake of inducing the
+slaveholders of the slave states to emancipate their slaves--then we
+should not seek for it. Let us try this doctrine in another
+application--in one, where its distinguished author will not feel so
+much delicacy, and so much fear of giving offence. His reason why we
+should not go for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia,
+unless our object in it be "ultimate within itself," and unaccompanied
+by the object of producing an influence against slavery in the slave
+states, is, that the Federal Constitution has left the matter of slavery
+in the slave states to those states themselves. But will President
+Wayland say, that it has done so to any greater extent, than it has left
+the matter of gambling-houses and brothels in those states to those
+states themselves? He will not, if he consider the subject:--though, I
+doubt not, that when he wrote his bad book, he was under the prevailing
+error, that the Federal Constitution tied up the hands and limited the
+power of the American people in respect to slavery, more than to any
+other vice.
+
+But to the other application. We will suppose, that Great Britain has
+put down the gambling-houses and brothels in her wide dominions--that
+Mexico has done likewise; and that the George Thompsons, and Charles
+Stuarts, and other men of God, have come from England to beseech the
+people of the northern states to do likewise within their respective
+jurisdictions;--and we will further suppose, that those foreign
+missionaries, knowing the obstinate and infatuated attachment of the
+people of the southern states to their gambling-houses and brothels,
+should attempt, and successfully, too, to blend with the motive of the
+people of the northern states to get rid of their own gambling houses
+and brothels, the motive of influencing the people of the southern
+states to get rid of theirs--what, we ask, would this eminent divine
+advise in such a case? Would he have the people of the northern states
+go on in their good work, and rejoice in the prospect, not only that
+these polluting and ruinous establishments would soon cease to exist
+within all their limits, but that the influence of their overthrow would
+be fatal to the like establishments in the southern states? To be
+consistent with himself--with the doctrine in question--he must reply in
+the negative. To be consistent with himself, he must advise the people
+of the northern states to let their own gambling-houses and brothels
+stand, until they can make the object of their abolishment "ultimate
+within itself;"--until they can expel from their hearts the cherished
+hope, that the purification of their own states of these haunts of
+wickedness would exert an influence to induce the people of their sister
+states to enter upon a similar work of purity and righteousness. But I
+trust, that President Wayland would not desire to be consistent with
+himself on this point. I trust that he would have the magnanimity to
+throw away this perhaps most pernicious doctrine of a pernicious book,
+which every reader of it must see was written to flatter and please the
+slaveholder and arrest the progress of the anti-slavery cause. How great
+the sin of seizing on this very time, when special efforts are being
+made to enlist the world's sympathies in behalf of the millions of our
+robbed, outraged, crushed countrymen--how great the sin, of seizing on
+such a time to attempt to neutralize those efforts, by ascribing to the
+oppressors of these millions a characteristic "nobleness"--"enthusiastic
+attachment to personal right"--"disinterestedness which has always
+marked the southern character"--and a superiority to all others "in
+making any sacrifice for the public good!" It is this sin--this heinous
+sin--of which President Wayland has to repent. If he pities the slave,
+it is because he knows, that the qualities, which he ascribes to the
+slaveholder, do not, in fact, belong to him. On the other hand, if he
+believes the slaveholder to be, what he represents him to be, he does
+not--in the very nature of things, he cannot--pity the slave. He must
+rather rejoice, that the slave has fallen into the hands of one, who,
+though he has the name, cannot have the heart, and cannot continue in
+the relation of a slaveholder. If John Hook, for having mingled his
+discordant and selfish cries with the acclamations of victory and then
+general joy, deserved Patrick Henry's memorable rebuke, what does he not
+deserve, who finds it in his heart to arrest the swelling tide of pity
+for the oppressed by praises of the oppressor, and to drown the public
+lament over the slave's subjection to absolute power, in the
+congratulation, that the slaveholder who exercises that power, is a
+being of characteristic "nobleness," "disinterestedness," and
+"sacrifice" of self-interest?
+
+President Wayland may perhaps say, that the moral influence, which he is
+unwilling to have exerted over the slaveholder, is not that, which is
+simply persuasive, but that, which is constraining--not that, which is
+simply inducing, but that, which is compelling. I cheerfully admit, that
+it is infinitely better to induce men to do right from their own
+approbation of the right, than it is to shame them, or in any other wise
+constrain them, to do so; but I can never admit, that I am not at
+liberty to effect the release of my colored brother from the fangs of
+his murderous oppressor, when I can do so by bringing public opinion to
+bear upon that oppressor, and to fill him with uneasiness and shame.
+
+I have not, overlooked the distinction taken by the reverend gentleman;
+though, I confess that, to a mind no less obtuse than my own, it is very
+little better than "a distinction without a difference." Whilst he
+denies, that I can, as an American citizen, rightfully labor for the
+abolition of slavery in the slave states, or even in the District of
+Columbia; he would perhaps, admit that, as a man, I might do so. But am
+I not interested, as an American citizen, to have every part of my
+country cleared of vice, and of whatever perils its free institutions?
+Am I not interested, as such, to promote the overthrow of gambling and
+rum drinking establishments in South Carolina?--but why any more than to
+promote the overthrow of slavery? In fine, am I not interested, as an
+American citizen, to have my country, and my whole country, "right in
+the sight of God?" If not, I had better not be an American citizen.
+
+I say no more on the subject of the sophistries of President Wayland's
+book on, "The limitations of human responsibility;" nor would I have
+said what I have, were it not that it is in reply to the like
+sophistries couched in that objection of yours, which I have now been
+considering.
+
+Another of your charges against the abolitionists is, _that they seek to
+"stimulate the rage of the people of the free states against the people
+of the slave states. Advertisements of fugitive slaves and of slaves to
+be sold are carefully collected and blazoned forth to infuse a spirit of
+detestation and hatred against one entire and the largest section of
+the Union."_
+
+The slaveholders of the South represent slavery as a heaven-born
+institution--themselves as patriarchs and patterns of benevolence--and
+their slaves, as their tenderly treated and happy dependents. The
+abolitionists, on the contrary, think that slavery is from hell--that
+slaveholders are the worst of robbers--and that their slaves are the
+wretched victims of unsurpassed cruelties. Now, how do abolitionists
+propose to settle the points at issue?--by fanciful pictures of the
+abominations of slavery to countervail the like pictures of its
+blessedness?--by mere assertions against slavery, to balance mere
+assertions in its favor? No--but by the perfectly reasonable and fair
+means of examining slavery in the light of its own code--of judging of
+the character of the slaveholder in the light of his own conduct--and of
+arguing the condition of the slave from unequivocal evidences of the
+light in which the slave himself views it. To this end we publish
+extracts from the southern slave code, which go to show that slavery
+subjects its victims to the absolute control of their erring fellow
+men--that it withholds from them marriage and the Bible--that it classes
+them with brutes and things--and annihilates the distinctions between
+mind and matter. To this end we republish in part, or entirely,
+pamphlets and books, in which southern men exhibit, with their own pens,
+some of the horrid features of slavery. To this end we also republish
+such advertisements as you refer to--advertisements in which immortal
+beings, made in the image of God, and redeemed by a Savior's blood, and
+breathed upon by the Holy Spirit, are offered to be sold, at public
+auction, or sheriff's sale, in connection with cows, and horses, and
+ploughs: and, sometimes we call special attention to the common fact,
+that the husband and wife, the parent and infant child, are advertised
+to be sold together or separately, as shall best suit purchasers. It is
+to this end also, that we often republish specimens of the other class
+of advertisements to which you refer. Some of the advertisements of this
+class identify the fugitive slave by the scars, which the whip, or the
+manacles and fetters, or the rifle had made on his person. Some of them
+offer a reward for his head!--and it is to this same end, that we often
+refer to the ten thousands, who have fled from southern slavery, and the
+fifty fold that number, who have unsuccessfully attempted to fly from
+it. How unutterable must be the horrors of the southern prison house,
+and how strong and undying the inherent love of liberty to induce these
+wretched fellow beings to brave the perils which cluster so thickly and
+frightfully around their attempted escape? That love is indeed
+_undying_. The three hundred and fifty-three South Carolina gentlemen,
+to whom I have referred, admit, that even "the old negro man, whose head
+is white with age, raises his thoughts to look through the vista which
+will terminate his bondage."
+
+I put it to your candor--can you object to the reasonableness and
+fairness of these modes, which abolitionists have adopted for
+establishing the truth on the points at issue between themselves and
+slaveholders? But, you may say that our republication of your own
+representations of slavery proceeds from unkind motives, and serves to
+stir up the "hatred," and "rage of the people of the free states against
+the people of the slave states." If such be an effect of the
+republication, although not at all responsible for it, we deeply regret
+it; and, as to our motives, we can only meet the affirmation of their
+unkindness with a simple denial. Were we, however, to admit the
+unkindness of our motives, and that we do not always adhere to the
+apostolic motto, of "speaking the truth in love"--would the admission
+change the features of slavery, or make it any the less a system of
+pollution and blood? Is the accused any the less a murderer, because of
+the improper motives with which his accuser brings forward the
+conclusive proof of his blood-guiltiness?
+
+We often see, in the speeches and writings of the South, that
+slaveholders claim as absolute and as rightful a property in their
+slaves, as in their cattle. Whence then their sensitiveness under our
+republication of the advertisements, is which they offer to sell their
+human stock? If the south will republish the advertisements of our
+property, we will only not be displeased, but will thank her; and any
+rebukes she may see fit to pour upon us, for offering particular kinds
+of property, will be very patiently borne, in view of the benefit we
+shall reap from her copies of our advertisements.
+
+A further charge in your speech is, _that the abolitionists pursue their
+object "reckless of all consequences, however calamitous they may be;"
+that they have no horror of a "civil war," or "a dissolution of the
+Union;" that theirs is "a bloody road," and "their purpose is abolition,
+universal abolition, peaceably if it can, forcibly if it must."_
+
+It is true that, the abolitionists pursue their object, undisturbed by
+apprehensions of consequences; but it is not true, that they pursue it
+"reckless of consequences." We believe that they, who unflinchingly
+press the claims of God's truth, deserve to be considered as far less
+"reckless of consequences," than they, who, suffering themselves to be
+thrown into a panic by apprehensions of some mischievous results, local
+or general, immediate or remote, are guilty of compromising the truth,
+and substituting corrupt expediency for it. We believe that the
+consequences of obeying the truth and following God are good--only
+good--and that too, not only in eternity, but in time also. We believe,
+that had the confidently anticipated deluge of blood followed the
+abolition of slavery in the British West Indies, the calamity would have
+been the consequence, not of abolition, but of resistance to it. The
+insanity, which has been known to follow the exhibition of the claims of
+Christianity, is to be charged on the refusal to fall in with those
+claims, and not on our holy religion.
+
+But, notwithstanding, we deem it our duty and privilege to confine
+ourselves to the word of the Lord, and to make that word suffice to
+prevent all fears of consequences; we, nevertheless, employ additional
+means to dispel the alarms of those, who insist on walking "by sight;"
+and, in thus accommodating ourselves to their want of faith, we are
+justified by the example of Him, who, though he said, "blessed are they
+that have not seen and yet have believed," nevertheless permitted an
+unbelieving disciple, both to see and to touch the prints of the nails
+and the spear. When dealing with such unbelievers, we do not confine
+ourselves to the "thus saith the Lord"--to the Divine command, to "let
+the oppressed go free and break every yoke"--to the fact, that God is an
+abolitionist: but we also show how contrary to all sound philosophy is
+the fear, that the slave, on whom have been heaped all imaginable
+outrages, will, when those outrages are exchanged for justice and mercy,
+turn and rend his penitent master. When dealing with such unbelievers,
+we advert to the fact, that the insurrections at the South have been the
+work of slaves--not one of them of persons discharged from slavery: we
+show how happy were the fruits of emancipation in St. Domingo: and that
+the "horrors of St. Domingo," by the parading of which so many have been
+deterred from espousing our righteous cause, were the result of the
+attempt to re-establish slavery. When dealing with them, we ask
+attention to the present peaceful, prosperous, and happy condition of
+the British West India Islands, which so triumphantly falsifies the
+predictions, that bankruptcy, violence, bloodshed, and utter ruin would
+follow the liberation of their slaves. We point these fearful and
+unbelieving ones to the fact of the very favorable influence of the
+abolition of slavery on the price of real estate in those islands; to
+that of the present rapid multiplication of schools and churches in
+them; to the fact, that since the abolition of slavery, on the first day
+of August 1834, not a white man in all those islands has been struck
+down by the arm of a colored man; and then we ask them whether in view
+of such facts, they are not prepared to believe, that God connects
+safety with obedience, and that it is best to "trust in the Lord with
+all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding."
+
+On the subject of "a dissolution of the Union," I have only to say,
+that, on the one hand, there is nothing in my judgment, which, under
+God, would tend so much to preserve our Republic, as the carrying out
+into all our social, political and religious institutions of its great
+foundation principle, that "all men are created equal;" and that, on the
+other hand, the flagrant violation of that principle in the system of
+slavery, is doing more than all thing, else to hasten the destruction of
+the Republic. I am aware, that one of the doctrines of the South is,
+that "slavery is the corner-stone of the republican edifice." But, if it
+be true, that our political institutions harmonize with, and are
+sustained by slavery, then the sooner we exchange them for others the
+better. I am aware, that it is said, both at the North and at the South,
+that it is essential to the preservation of the Union. But, greatly as I
+love the Union, and much as I would sacrifice for its righteous
+continuance, I cannot hesitate to say, that if slavery be an
+indispensable cement, the sooner it is dissolved the better.
+
+I am not displeased, that you call ours "a bloody road"--for this
+language does not necessarily implicate our motives; but I am greatly
+surprised that you charge upon us the wicked and murderous "purpose" of
+a forcible abolition. In reply to this imputation, I need only refer you
+to the Constitution of the American Anti-Slavery Society--to the
+Declaration of the Convention which framed it--and to our characters,
+for pledges, that we design no force, and are not likely to stain our
+souls with the crime of murder. That Constitution says: "This society
+will never, in any way, countenance the oppressed in vindicating their
+rights by resorting to physical force." The Declaration says "Our
+principles forbid the doing of evil that good may come, and lead us to
+reject, and to entreat the oppressed to reject, the use of all carnal
+weapons for deliverance from bondage. Our measures shall be such only,
+as the opposition of moral purity to moral corruption--the destruction
+of error by the potency of truth--the overthrow of prejudice by the
+power of love--and the abolition of slavery by the spirit of
+repentance." As to our characters they are before the world. You would
+probably look in vain through our ranks for a horse-racer, a gambler, a
+profane person, a rum-drinker, or a duellist. More than nine-tenths of
+us deny the rightfulness of offensive, and a large majority, even that
+of defensive national wars. A still larger majority believe, that deadly
+weapons should not be used in cases of individual strife. And, if you
+should ask, "where in the free States are the increasing numbers of men
+and women, who believe, that the religion of the unresisting 'Lamb of
+God' forbids recourse to such weapons, in all circumstances, either by
+nations or individuals?"--the answer is, "to a man, to a woman, in the
+ranks of the abolitionists." You and others will judge for yourselves,
+how probable it is, that the persons, whom I have described, will prove
+worthy of being held up as murderers.
+
+The last of your charges against the abolitionists, which I shall
+examine, is the following: _Having begun "their operations by professing
+to employ only persuasive means," they "have ceased to employ the
+instruments of reason and persuasion," and "they now propose to
+substitute the powers of the ballot box;" and "the inevitable tendency
+of their proceedings is if these should be found insufficient, to invoke
+finally the more potent powers of the bayonet."_
+
+If the slaveholders would but let us draw on them for the six or eight
+thousand dollars, which we expend monthly to sustain our presses and
+lecturers, they would then know, from an experience too painful to be
+forgotten, how truthless is your declaration, that we "have ceased to
+employ the instruments of reason and persuasion."
+
+You and your friends, at first, employed "persuasive means" against "the
+sub-treasury system." Afterwards, you rallied voters against it. Now, if
+this fail, will you resort to "the more potent powers of the bayonet?"
+You promptly and indignantly answer, "No." But, why will you not? Is it
+because the prominent opposers of that system have more moral
+worth--more religious horror of blood--than Arthur Tappan, William Jay,
+and their prominent abolition friends? Were such to be your answer, the
+public would judge, whether the men of peace and purity, who compose the
+mass of abolitionists, would be more likely than the Clays and Wises and
+the great body of the followers of these Congressional leaders to betake
+themselves from a disappointment at "the ballot-box" to "the more potent
+powers of the bayonet?"
+
+You say, that we "_now_ propose to substitute the powers of the
+ballot-box," as if it were only of late, that we had proposed to do so.
+What then means the following language in our Constitution: "The society
+will also endeavor in a Constitutional way to influence Congress to put
+an end to the domestic slave-trade, and to abolish slavery in all those
+portions of our common country, which come under its control--especially
+in the District of Columbia--and likewise to prevent the extension of it
+to any State, that may be hereafter admitted to the Union?" What then
+means the following language in the "Declaration" of the Convention,
+which framed our Constitution: "We also maintain, that there are at the
+present time the highest obligations resting upon the people of the Free
+States to remove slavery by moral and political action, as prescribed in
+the Constitution of the United States?" If it be for the first time,
+that we "_now_ propose" "political action," what means it, that
+anti-slavery presses have, from year to year, called on abolitionists to
+remember the slave at the polls?
+
+You are deceived on this point; and the rapid growth of our cause has
+been the occasion of your deception. You suppose, because it is only
+within the last few months, that you have heard of abolitionists in this
+country carrying their cause to "the ballot box," that it is only within
+the last few months that they have done so. But, in point of fact, some
+of them have done so for several years. It was not, however, until the
+last year or two, when the number of abolitionists had become
+considerable, and their hope of producing an impression on the Elections
+proportionately strong, that many of them were seen bringing their
+abolition principles to the "ballot-box." Nor was it until the Elections
+of the last Autumn, that abolition action at "the ballot-box" had become
+so extensive, as to apprise the Nation, that it is a principle with
+abolitionists to "remember" in one place as well as in another--at the
+polls as well as in the closet--"them that are in bonds." The fact that,
+at the last State Election, there were three or four hundred abolition
+votes given in the County in which I reside, is no more real because of
+its wide spread interest, than the comparatively unheard of fact, that
+about one hundred such votes were given the year before. By the way,
+when I hear complaints of abolition action at the "ballot-box," I can
+hardly refrain from believing, that they are made ironically. When I
+hear complaints, that the abolitionists of this State rallied, as such,
+at the last State Election, I cannot easily avoid suspecting, that the
+purpose of such complaints is the malicious one of reviving in our
+breasts the truly stinging and shame-filling recollection, that some
+five-sixths of the voters in our ranks, either openly apostatized from
+our principles, or took it into their heads, that the better way to vote
+for the slave and the anti-slavery cause was to vote for their
+respective political parties. You would be less afraid of the
+abolitionists, if I should tell you that more than ten thousand of them
+in this State voted at the last State Election, for candidates for law
+makers, who were openly in favor of the law of this State, which creates
+slavery, and of other laws, which countenance and uphold it. And you
+would owe me for one of your heartiest laughs, were I to tell you, that
+there are abolitionists--professed abolitionists--yes, actual members of
+the Anti-Slavery Society--who, carrying out this delusion of helping the
+slave by helping their "party," say, that they would vote even for a
+slaveholder, if their party should nominate him. Let me remark, however,
+that I am happy to be able to inform you, that this delusion--at least
+in my own State--is fast passing away; and that thousands of the
+abolitionists who, in voting last Autumn for Gov. Marey or Gov. Seward,
+took the first step in the way, that leads to voting for the slaveholder
+himself, are now not only refusing to take another step in that
+inconsistent and wicked way, but are repenting deeply of that, which
+they have already taken in it.
+
+Much as you dislike, not to say _dread_, abolition action at "the
+ballot-box," I presume, that I need not spend any time in explaining to
+you the inconsistency of which an abolitionist is guilty, who votes for
+an upholder of slavery. A wholesome citizen would not vote fur a
+candidate for a law maker, who is in favor of laws, which authorize
+gaming-houses or _groggeries_. But, in the eye of one, who his attempted
+to take the "guage and dimensions" of the hell of slavery, the laws,
+which authorize slaveholding, far transcend in wickedness, those, which
+authorize gaming-houses or _groggeries_. You would not vote for a
+candidate for a law-maker, who is in favor of "the sub-treasury system."
+But compared with the evil of slavery, what is that of the most
+pernicious currency scheme ever devised? It is to be "counted as the
+small dust of the balance." If you would withhold your vote in the case
+supposed--how gross in your eyes must be the inconsistency of the
+abolitionist, who casts his vote on the side of the system of
+fathomless iniquity!
+
+I have already remarked on "the third" of the "impediments" or
+"obstacles" to emancipation, which you bring to view. _"The first
+impediment," you say, "is the utter and absolute want of all power on
+the part of the General Government to effect the purpose."_
+
+But because there is this want on the part of the General Government, it
+does not follow, that it also exists on the part of the States: nor does
+it follow, that it also exists on the part of the slaveholders
+themselves. It is a poor plea of your neighbor for continuing to hold
+his fellow man in slavery, that neither the Federal Government nor the
+State of Kentucky has power to emancipate them. Such a plea is about as
+valid, as that of the girl for not having performed the task, which her
+mistress had assigned to her. "I was tied to the table." "Who tied you
+there?" "I tied myself there."
+
+_"The next obstacle," you say, "in the way of abolition arises out of
+the fact of the presence in the slave states of three millions
+of slaves."_
+
+This is, indeed a formidable "obstacle:" and I admit, that it is as much
+more difficult for the impenitent slaveholder to surmount it, than it
+would be if there were but one million of slaves, as it is for the
+impenitent thief to restore the money he has stolen, than it would be,
+if the sum were one third as great. But, be not discouraged, dear sir,
+with this view of the case. Notwithstanding the magnitude of the
+obstacle, the warmest desires of your heart for the abolition of
+slavery, may yet be realized. Be thankful, that repentance can avail in
+every case of iniquity; that it can loosen the grasp of the man-thief,
+as well as that of the money-thief: of the oppressors of thousands as
+well as of hundreds:--of "three millions," as well as of one million.
+
+But, were I to allow, that the obstacle in question, is as great, as you
+regard it--nevertheless will it not increase with the lapse of years,
+and become less superable the longer the work of abolition is postponed?
+I suppose, however, that it is not to be disguised, that,
+notwithstanding the occasional attempts in the course of your speech to
+create a different impression, you are in favor of perpetual slavery;
+and that all you say about "ultra abolitionists" in distinction from
+"abolitionists," and about "gradual emancipation," in distinction from
+"immediate emancipation," is said, but to please those, who sincerely
+make, and are gulled by, such distinctions. I do not forget, that you
+say, that the abolition of slavery in Pennsylvania was proper. But, most
+obviously, you say it, to win favor with the anti-slavery portion of the
+North, and to sustain the world's opinion of your devotion to the cause
+of universal liberty;--for, having made this small concession to that
+holy cause--small indeed, since Pennsylvania never at any one time, had
+five thousand slaves--you, straightway, renew your claims to the
+confidence of slaveholders, by assuring them, that you are opposed to
+"any scheme whatever of emancipation, gradual or immediate," in States
+where the slave population is extensive;--and, for proof of the
+sincerity of your declaration, you refer them to the fact of your recent
+open and effective opposition to the overthrow of slavery in your
+own State.
+
+The South is opposed to gradual, as well as to immediate emancipation:
+and, were she, indeed, to enter upon a scheme of gradual emancipation,
+she would speedily abandon it. The objections to swelling the number of
+her free colored population, whilst she continued to hold their brethren
+of the same race in bondage, would be found too real and alarming to
+justify her perseverance in the scheme. How strange, that men at the
+North, who think soundly on other subjects, should deduce the
+feasibility of gradual emancipation in the slave states--in some of
+which the slaves outnumber the free--from the fact of the like
+emancipation of the comparative handful of slaves in New York and
+Pennsylvania!
+
+You say, "_It is frequently asked, what will become of the African race
+among us? Are they forever to remain in bondage? That question was asked
+more than half a century ago. It has been answered by fifty years of
+prosperity_."
+
+The wicked man, "spreading himself like the green bay tree," would
+answer this question, as you have. They, who "walk after their own
+lusts, saying, where is the promise of his coming--for since the fathers
+fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the
+creation?" would answer it, as you have. They, whose "heart is fully set
+in them to do evil, because sentence against an evil work is not
+executed speedily," would answer it, as you have. But, however you or
+they may answer it, and although God may delay his "coming" and the
+execution of his "sentence," it, nevertheless, remains true, that "it
+shall be well with them that fear God, but it shall not be well with
+the wicked."
+
+"Fifty years of prosperity!" On whose testimony do we learn, that the
+last "fifty years" have been "years of prosperity" to the South?--on the
+testimony of oppressors or on that of the oppressed?--on that of her two
+hundred and fifty thousand slaveholders--for this is the sum total of
+the tyrants, who rule the South and rule this nation--or on that of her
+two millions and three quarters of bleeding and crushed slaves? It may
+well be, that those of the South, who "have lived in pleasure on the
+earth and been wanton and have nourished their hearts as in a day of
+slaughter," should speak of "prosperity:" but, before we admit, that the
+"prosperity," of which they speak, is that of the South, instead of
+themselves merely, we must turn our weeping eyes to the "laborers, who
+have reaped down" their oppressors' "fields without wages," and the
+"cries" of whom "are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth;" and
+we must also take into the account the tears, and sweat, and groans, and
+blood, of the millions of similar laborers, whom, during the last "fifty
+years," death has mercifully released from Southern bondage. Talks the
+slaveholder of the "prosperity" of the South? It is but his own
+"prosperity"--and a "prosperity," such as the wolf may boast, when
+gorging on the flock.
+
+You say, _that the people of the North would not think it "neighborly
+and friendly" if "the people of the slave states were to form societies,
+subsidize presses, make large pecuniary contributions, &c. to burn the
+beautiful capitals, destroy the productive manufactories, and sink the
+gallant ships of the northern states_."
+
+Indeed, they would not! But, if you were to go to such pains, and
+expense for the purpose of relieving our poor, doubling our wealth, and
+promoting the spiritual interests of both rich and poor--then we should
+bless you for practising a benevolence towards us, so like that, which
+abolitionists practise towards you; and then our children, and
+children's children, would bless your memories, even as your children
+and children's children will, if southern slavery be peacefully
+abolished, bless our memories, and lament that their ancestors had been
+guilty of construing our love into hatred, and our purpose of naught but
+good into a purpose of unmingled evil.
+
+Near the close of your speech is the remark: "_I prefer the liberty of
+my own country to that of any other people_."
+
+Another distinguished American statesman uttered the applauded
+sentiment: "My country--my whole country--and nothing but my
+country;"--and a scarcely less distinguished countryman of ours
+commanded the public praise, by saying: "My country right--but my
+country, right or wrong." Such are the expressions of _patriotism_ of
+that idolized compound of selfish and base affections!
+
+Were I writing for the favor, instead of the welfare of my fellow-men, I
+should praise rather than denounce patriotism. Were I writing in
+accordance with the maxims of a corrupt world, instead of the truth of
+Jesus Christ, I should defend and extol, rather than rebuke the
+doctrine, that we may prefer the interests of one section of the human
+family to those of another. If patriotism, in the ordinary acceptation
+of the word, be right, then the Bible is wrong--for that blessed book
+requires us to love all men, even as we love ourselves. How contrary to
+its spirit and precepts, that,
+
+  "Lands intersected by a narrow frith,
+  Abhor each other, Mountains interposed
+  Make enemies of nations, who had else,
+  Like kindred drops, been mingled into one."
+
+There are many, who consider that the doctrine of loving all our fellow
+men as ourselves, belongs, to use your words, "to a sublime but
+impracticable philosophy." Let them, however, but devoutly ask Him, who
+enjoins it, to warm and expand their selfish and contracted hearts with
+its influences; and they will know, by sweet experience, that under the
+grace of God, the doctrine is no less "practicable" than "sublime." Not
+a few seem to suppose, that he, who has come to regard the whole world
+as his country, and all mankind as his countrymen, will have less love
+of home and country than the patriot has, who makes his own nation, and
+no other, the cherished object of his affections. But did the Saviour,
+when on earth, love any individual the less, because the love of His
+great heart was poured out, in equal tides, over the whole human family?
+And would He not, even in the eyes of the patriot himself, be stamped
+with imperfection, were it, to appear, that one nation shares less than
+another in His "loving-kindness" and that "His tender mercies are (not)
+over all his works?" Blessed be His holy name, that He was cast down the
+"middle wall of partition" between the Jew and Gentile!--that there is
+no respect of persons with Him!--that "Greek" and "Jew, circumcision and
+uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond" and "free," are equal
+before Him!
+
+Having said, "_I prefer the liberty of my own country to that of any
+other people_," you add--"_and the liberty of my own race to that of any
+other race."_
+
+How perfectly natural, that the one sentiment should follow the other!
+How perfectly natural, that he who can limit his love by state or
+national lines, should be also capable of confining it to certain
+varieties of the human complexion! How perfectly natural, that, he who
+is guilty of the insane and wicked prejudice against his fellow men,
+because they happen to be born a dozen, or a hundred, or a thousand
+miles from the place of his nativity, should foster the no less insane
+and wicked prejudice against the "skin not colored like his own!" How
+different is man from God! "He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on
+the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." But were man
+invested with supreme control, he would not distribute blessings
+impartially even amongst the "good" and the "just."
+
+You close your speech with advice and an appeal to abolitionists. Are
+you sure that an appeal, to exert the most winning influence upon our
+hearts, would not have come from some other source better than from one
+who, not content with endeavoring to show the pernicious tendency of our
+principles and measures, freely imputes to us bloody and murderous
+motives? Are you sure, that you, who ascribe to us designs more
+diabolical than those of burning "beautiful capitals," and destroying
+"productive manufactories," and sinking "gallant ships," are our most
+suitable adviser? We have, however, waved all exception on this score to
+your appeal and advice, and exposed our minds and hearts to the whole
+power and influence of your speech. And now we ask, that you, in turn,
+will hear us. Presuming that you are too generous to refuse the
+reciprocation, we proceed to call on you to stay your efforts at
+quenching the world's sympathy for the slave--at arresting the progress
+of liberal, humane, and Christian sentiments--at upholding slavery
+against that Almighty arm, which now, "after so long a time," is
+revealed for its destruction. We urge you to worthier and more hopeful
+employments. Exert your great powers for the repeal of the matchlessly
+wicked laws enacted to crush the Saviour's poor. Set a happy and an
+influential example to your fellow slaveholders, by a righteous
+treatment of those, whom you unrighteously hold in bondage. Set them
+this example, by humbling yourself before God and your assembled slaves,
+in unfeigned penitence for the deep and measureless wrongs you have done
+the guiltless victims of your oppression--by paying those _men_, (speak
+of them, think of them, no longer, as _brutes_ and _things_)--by paying
+these, who are my brother men and your brother men, the "hire" you have
+so long withheld from them, and "which crieth" to Heaven, because it "is
+of you kept back"--by breaking the galling yoke from their necks, and
+letting them "go free."
+
+Do you shrink from our advice--and say, that obedience to its just
+requirements would impoverish you? Infinitely better, that you be
+honestly poor than dishonestly rich. Infinitely better to "do justly,"
+and be a Lazarus; than to become a Croesus, by clinging to and
+accumulating ill-gotten gains. Do you add to the fear of poverty, that
+of losing your honors--those which are anticipated, as well as those,
+which already deck your brow? Allow us to assure you, that it will be
+impossible for you to redeem "Henry Clay, the statesman," and "Henry
+Clay, the orator," or even "Henry Clay, the President of the United
+States," from the contempt of a slavery-loathing posterity, otherwise
+than by coupling with those designations the inexpressibly more
+honorable distinction of "HENRY CLAY, THE EMANCIPATOR."
+
+I remain,
+
+Your friend,
+
+GERRIT SMITH.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Anti-Slavery Examiner, Part 2 of 4
+by American Anti-Slavery Society
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